Starting a new job as an entry level tech... Tool Priority Help

[brandon523]

Back in April I started at a body shop as a helper. Long story short, the company isn’t doing well and I started looking for something new. I have always been more interested in mechanics anyway, and came across an entry level Technician/Mechanic position. I will hopefully start next week. I didn’t even own half of the tools that are listed below when I started with the body shop earlier this year, and realize that I’ve got a lot of investing to do. My question to you guys is, what tools should I be considering as a high priority right now? I’ll be doing pretty much everything eventually, brakes, AC, oil changes, tires, alignments and whatever else I’m forgetting about at the moment.

Here’s roughly what I’m starting out with:

Craftsman 26 in Top & Bottom tool chest
Mac Flex Head Ratcheting Wrenches (8 – 19mm)
Williams Offset SAE Wrench Set
Channellock HD-1 Set
Matco Oil Filter Wrench
Mac Pry Bars
Matco Screwdriver Set
Mac 123 pc ratcheting screwdriver/bit set
Snap On Mini Pick Set
Rubber Mallet, Mac 3 lb. “Engineer” Hammer
Snap On “Clip” removal tools
Craftsman & Stanley chrome 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 sockets (deep & shallow)
Couple of various ¼, 3/8 & 1/2 chrome extensions
Stanley 1/2 breaker bar
Makita Cordless Drill & Impact Set

I know I need to get a pneumatic impact and impact sockets, extensions and a new tire inflator/gauge. Not sure yet, if I’ll need a jack, stands and a jump starter.

 

[Streetbu]

Don't worry about the big tools like jack, jump pack etc, any decent shop will provide those for you. If I could do it all over again, go buy a used box full of tools for a few grand. You'll save yourself about 50% over retail and usually get good name brand tools. I know its a hard pill to swallow blowing that much money at once, but its worth it in the long run. Maybe get a personal loan if you don't have the cash. Should be able to find a nice big box with tools for around $4K or so.

 

[Dmoen]

First advice, is run from the tool trucks, and run from the shop!

 

[Finky198]

For impacts check out IR
For impact sockets look at Sunex or Grey Pneumatic

I would go to horible freight and buy gloves 7 or 9 mil nitrile, dead blow hammers, serpentine belt tool, lug nut sockets black+red ones, maybe a few ratchets

Head to craftsman for ball pien hammers made by Vaughan, Chisels, punches, knipex pliers, channel locks, ect

I think you'll be fine for now see if you like the tech world before you spend any where near 4k on tools especially used ones (I would NOT Recommend this as you really don't know what to look for... ) and dont step on a truck as it highly contagious to you and your financial well being

Do everything in your power not to take out loans or credit to buy tools

 

[brandon523]

Thank you for the advice everyone. I'm looking into Sunex & GP impact sockets on Amazon and came across Tekton. They seem to have really good reviews and prices. Does anyone have experience with that brand? Seems like they'd be a good entry level option assuming the quality is ok.

 

[FMC1959]

Thank you for the advice everyone. I'm looking into Sunex & GP impact sockets on Amazon and came across Tekton. They seem to have really good reviews and prices. Does anyone have experience with that brand? Seems like they'd be a good entry level option assuming the quality is ok.

Tekton is pretty good. They make a few items in the US, but most of their stuff is Asian import. I have a few of their tools and am very satisfied. I believe most of their stuff is lifetime warranty and have not heard of any support issues.

There is a Tekton rep (maybe a product manager) that is on GJ, who often chimes in on any Tekton threads. Seems like a good guy who is looking to help GJ members that have questions or run into issues.

They offer very good bang for the buck, you should do OK with Tekton

 

[mike in tucson]

Dmoen is absolutely correct.....tool trucks are the drug dealers to us tool lovers. They come to your place and seduce you with all the "name brand" stuff, forever warranties, AND easy financing. Pretty soon, you are an addict and the tool truck guy owns your soul. $80 a week sounds easy but that is $$ after taxes so it is maybe 5 hours for a guy making $20 an hour....5 hours x 52 weeks x $20 is $5200 a year.....save the tool truck for when you get established and have zero other bills to pay. Besides, LOTS of folks have made a living spinning Craftsman wrenches.

 

[Keel]

THIS IS RULE #1 IN A SHOP..

A TECH WILL LET YOU BORROW A TOOL ONCE, AFTER THAT YOU BETTER OWN IT.
your list is ok for starting out.. I'd invest in
1) a set of sae and a set of metric gear wrenches,
2)torx bit sockets
3)allen bit sockets
4) a stubbie 1/4 drive ratchet
5) a long handle swivel head 3/8 drive ratchet
6)1/4,3/8,1/2" swivels
7)1/4,3/8,1/2" short extentions, the 1/4&3/8 will be about 1" long the 1/2" 1.5-2"
you'll be shocked how many times you need just an extra inch..
8) ratchets, have spares, even if they are yard sale or harbor freight junk, they are just in case you break the better one you use daily, and you will break them..
9) popular socket sizes, get extras in metric it is a good idea to have a few 10mm,8mm,7mm,13mm,15mm,18mm, short and deep.. 1/4,3/8&1/2 drive other sizes will show themselves as you find what you'll be working on the most..
10) 3/8 and 1/2 drive breaker bars,,
do yourself a favor and get sets of 6 point sockets,
air tools oil them daily.. unless your shop has an oiler system in the lines..
you will learn that you never have enough tools..
also hunt yard sales, and h/f sales for cheap wrenches, as you will be making your own tools at times, by bending a wrench, or cutting it down, it's much better to do this to a junk one than a snap on..

 

[Keel]

OH,i DIDN'T SEE A BFH ON YOUR LIST AND IT IS A MUST

 

[66354dream]

a GOOD flashlight, I recommend the Stinger LED HP-75763. That's the one I have and love it!!!. Good luck and I hope you don't like working on cars too much because if you do you will learn to hate it

 

[lynnbilodeau]

Hope this works out well for you. I love working on cars. I began wrenching professionally in 1972. I had my own shop by 1982. I had to stop on 1987 because of back issues (old sports injuries). My brother bought me out while I was in Law School, and he still owns the business I started. He does very well, and all of his techs make a decent living.

I still work on cars as a hobby. As has been alluded to, it is a tough way to make a living. But, if you are young and healthy, it can be very rewarding.

As for gathering tools, a lot of items can be had fairly cheaply from this seller on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-9766...16-to-1-USA-/331501751055?hash=item4d2f0b4b0f

starting with that particular socket set. Click on "see other items" for that seller, then type in "Kobalt USA" They may not be the world's best tools, but probably best bang for the buck anywhere. They also have a lot of other good name brand tools way cheaper than you can buy used from a pawn shop (most pawn shop sellers must be on crack, as they tend to ask 75% of new price for worn out ****).

Send me a PM with your shipping address, and I will send you a surprise present. I like to help out guys who are just starting out.

OH, and do yourself a favor and purchase this proto screwdriver set. I like it better than my Snap On, and I am a huge fan of Snap On for many tools:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J1208...ystone-8-Pc-/321521777193?hash=item4adc30fa29

Lynn

 

[brandon523]

For ratchets, I've got a Williams 1/4" flex head, a Snap On 3/8" flex head, 3/8" Duralast stubby, 1/2" regular Craftsman. I had one of the regular 1/4" Crafstman ratchets, but someone made off with it a month or so ago. I've also got a little 1/4" bit ratchet from Mac and have a 1/4" adapter that I use when I need a tiny 1/4". Both the Williams and Snap On are a little longer in length than standard.

For a flashlight, I've got a Streamlight Stylus Pro AA. Not the best, but it's been getting the job done since I picked it up. As some of you have mentioned, I definitely need to grow my hammer and extension collection. I really like the Stinger rechargeable and will get one when I have the extra cash. I also really like the Astro rechargeable inspection lights. Plan on getting one of those too eventually.

I have a good collection of allens & torx bits in my Mac screwdriver set and use the adapater that the set came with it if I need to use it with a ratchet. It's been getting me by, but I can definitely see the use for getting actual sockets that are dedicated for those uses.

In just my 5 months in the automotive industry and seeing the tool trucks come by every week, I've already seen what kind of trouble they can be. I've spent a lot of money already with Snap On and Mac, but I have everything paid off. Everytime I've bought something, I buy one or two items, and then pay them off before I even consider getting anything else. I've also looked to Amazon, HD, Craigslist & pawn shops for anything that I can get cheaper.

 

[brandon523]

Hope this works out well for you. I love working on cars. I began wrenching professionally in 1972. I had my own shop by 1982. I had to stop on 1987 because of back issues (old sports injuries). My brother bought me out while I was in Law School, and he still owns the business I started. He does very well, and all of his techs make a decent living.

I still work on cars as a hobby. As has been alluded to, it is a tough way to make a living. But, if you are young and healthy, it can be very rewarding.

As for gathering tools, a lot of items can be had fairly cheaply from this seller on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-9766...16-to-1-USA-/331501751055?hash=item4d2f0b4b0f

starting with that particular socket set. Click on "see other items" for that seller, then type in "Kobalt USA" They may not be the world's best tools, but probably best bang for the buck anywhere. They also have a lot of other good name brand tools way cheaper than you can buy used from a pawn shop (most pawn shop sellers must be on crack, as they tend to ask 75% of new price for worn out ****).

Send me a PM with your shipping address, and I will send you a surprise present. I like to help out guys who are just starting out.

OH, and do yourself a favor and purchase this proto screwdriver set. I like it better than my Snap On, and I am a huge fan of Snap On for many tools:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J1208...ystone-8-Pc-/321521777193?hash=item4adc30fa29

Lynn

Lynn, I will PM you my address. I appreciate the gesture. I know Mac/Proto/Stanley are all essentially the same thing. I've seen that screwdriver set you sent me for $200, but branded Mac. It's crazy how much everything is marked up on those trucks. Certain things I don't mind paying a premium for when I can afford it, but sometimes it's just ridiculous. I found a flashlight on the Mac truck for $15, I said screw it, and bought it, because the one I had been using crapped out on me at the time. Later that day I saw the exact same flashlight at Harbor Freight for like $2.99.

I'm going to be 30 in less than a year. I've bounced through various jobs and started different careers. One thing that I've always been interested in, is working on cars. I just never got my foot in the door anywhere until this year. Now that I'm finally getting in, I'm going to stick with it. I need to settle down and stick with something that I can grow in. Now that I've got a wife and a baby, I have more motivation than ever to stick with something.

 

[KEH]

I guess I'm spoiled, there are a couple of good fleamarkets in my area. 2-3 trips would get enough tools t start wrenching. The tools the OP has are all, or almost all, good quality and a good start. I second the motion to get and armful of cheap wrenches to make speciality tools with. I would also get a handfull of cheap used screwdrivers to use to beat on. Hammers: get an 8 pound sledge, a 3 or 4 pound hammer, a 24 oz ball pein, a 16 of ball pein, an 8 oz ball pein, and maybe a smaller one. Somebody mentioned punches didn't they? If you don't have room in your box for the 8 pound, keep it in your vehicle until you have a bigger box. Lock your box when you aren't around.

To deal with pawn shops, get several items and get a price for the group. It will be too much, so after haggling, put the items back and leave. Don't ever get excited or angry, keep every thing light and casual. After a few purchases he will deal with you. If he won't, there are other pawn shops. Let the pawn shop know you are a professional mechanic but not swimming in money. Sometimes the PS is hard headed and keeps an item forever. There is a good used condition Snap On 26 inch chest and roller for $950 that has been in that PS for at least 2 years. I can't find the model number on it. I don't need it so haven't made offer or ever asked about it. Generally, I have found flea market sellers harder to deal with than the PS, unless the vendor is a regular tool jockey in which case he is there to make sales, not try to hold out for huge prices.

Good luck in your job.

KEH

 

[rdog422]

Back in April I started at a body shop as a helper. Long story short, the company isn’t doing well and I started looking for something new. I have always been more interested in mechanics anyway, and came across an entry level Technician/Mechanic position. I will hopefully start next week. I didn’t even own half of the tools that are listed below when I started with the body shop earlier this year, and realize that I’ve got a lot of investing to do. My question to you guys is, what tools should I be considering as a high priority right now? I’ll be doing pretty much everything eventually, brakes, AC, oil changes, tires, alignments and whatever else I’m forgetting about at the moment.

Here’s roughly what I’m starting out with:

Craftsman 26 in Top & Bottom tool chest
Mac Flex Head Ratcheting Wrenches (8 – 19mm)
Williams Offset SAE Wrench Set
Channellock HD-1 Set
Matco Oil Filter Wrench
Mac Pry Bars
Matco Screwdriver Set
Mac 123 pc ratcheting screwdriver/bit set
Snap On Mini Pick Set
Rubber Mallet, Mac 3 lb. “Engineer” Hammer
Snap On “Clip” removal tools
Craftsman & Stanley chrome 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 sockets (deep & shallow)
Couple of various ¼, 3/8 & 1/2 chrome extensions
Stanley 1/2 breaker bar
Makita Cordless Drill & Impact Set

I know I need to get a pneumatic impact and impact sockets, extensions and a new tire inflator/gauge. Not sure yet, if I’ll need a jack, stands and a jump starter.

Get those impact sockets from Harbor freight. Break one..... then go get a new one for free. Save the leftover money for tools that have moving parts, if it has moving parts, pliers, ratchets, power tools....ect. Your usually better off going with a good brand name. But, seriously I would hold off on buying tools for a month or two (if you get the job). See what you borrow the most and start there. You have a good basic set from the sounds of it. Goood luck to ya bud

 

[rdog422]

Hope this works out well for you. I love working on cars. I began wrenching professionally in 1972. I had my own shop by 1982. I had to stop on 1987 because of back issues (old sports injuries). My brother bought me out while I was in Law School, and he still owns the business I started. He does very well, and all of his techs make a decent living.

I still work on cars as a hobby. As has been alluded to, it is a tough way to make a living. But, if you are young and healthy, it can be very rewarding.

As for gathering tools, a lot of items can be had fairly cheaply from this seller on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-9766...16-to-1-USA-/331501751055?hash=item4d2f0b4b0f

starting with that particular socket set. Click on "see other items" for that seller, then type in "Kobalt USA" They may not be the world's best tools, but probably best bang for the buck anywhere. They also have a lot of other good name brand tools way cheaper than you can buy used from a pawn shop (most pawn shop sellers must be on crack, as they tend to ask 75% of new price for worn out ****).

Send me a PM with your shipping address, and I will send you a surprise present. I like to help out guys who are just starting out.

OH, and do yourself a favor and purchase this proto screwdriver set. I like it better than my Snap On, and I am a huge fan of Snap On for many tools:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J1208...ystone-8-Pc-/321521777193?hash=item4adc30fa29

Lynn

He already has Screwdrivers....good on you for the free gift tho... I just want to reiterate, that this guy needs to work at his new tech job for at least 2 weeks before he sinks some money into new tools. I'd hate for him to sink 200-300 dollars into tool sets he won't use.

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

Work with what you have. What I did even tho I didn't like to borrow other people's stuff. You just need tour basic tools. If you have to borrow something more than 3 times. Buy it or something similar. Now I don't borrow.

 

[brandon523]

I'm determined to work in the auto industry. If it doesn't work out here, I will keep trying until I find somewhere that it will. My goal eventually is to retire some of my tools that I currently use at work to have at home. So far, it's been ok carting stuff back and forth as needed, but it's a pain at times. I don't even have screwdrivers at home right now lol. I have a couple of pairs of pliers and a couple of multi tools. Multi tools work ok for little things like changing out batteries real quick for my daughters toys or something, but it gets old lol.

Again, I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[brandon523]

Work with what you have. What I did even tho I didn't like to borrow other people's stuff. You just need tour basic tools. If you have to borrow something more than 3 times. Buy it or something similar. Now I don't borrow.

That's kind of been my rule of thumb at the body shop. If it was something that I kept needing, I would just buy my own. The only thing I have that I won't need anymore is a Snap On sander. Fortunately I bought it used and refurbished for only $100. Debating on whether to keep it, or see if the Snap On dealer would maybe take it back and give me credit towards something. We'll see. The shop that I'm coming from, most people are ok with borrowing as long as you return it as soon as you're done and in the same condition it was in when you took it. I'm hoping that there will be a tech or two that will be generous enough at the new shop. We had this one guy who didn't have ANY tools, and would always borrow from everyone. It does get old when someone borrows something and doesn't return it when they're done, screws something up, or loses it.

 

[jim whitney]

Not sure of what you mean by clip removal tools but gas line removal tools will come in handy most fuel pumps are in the tank now and require a special tool to disconnect the fuel lines

 

[brandon523]

Not sure of what you mean by clip removal tools but gas line removal tools will come in handy most fuel pumps are in the tank now and require a special tool to disconnect the fuel lines

For removing plastic clips/fasteners on trim panels, bumpers, etc. Seems like everyone calls them something different, I don't know what to call them.

 

[matt_i]

I will say that the Snapon hex bits last the longest and take the most abuse of any that I've tried, and I'd guess their torx bits are around the same. I really like Cornwell ratchets, but that's as far as I'd go down the path of those "pro" tools.

 

[brandon523]

Well guys, I'm about to start my new job in about 30 mins. Wish me luck!

 

[bannerd]

Well guys, I'm about to start my new job in about 30 mins. Wish me luck!

Good luck! Most garages will let you borrow their tools. Just remember to return them or people get upset. I've always stuck with SK tool, take care of the tools and they'll take care of you.

 

[mrrooG8]

As a 100% ASE certified tech and GM master tech, I can tell you you will never have enough tools. AVOID the tool truck at all cost. They are the biggest ripoff. Buy the same stuff online much cheaper. They are a convenience and that is it. Sometimes you need a tool right away and cant avoid using them. Buy a used tool box. Talk with other guys in the shop about what you need to really spend your hard (very hard) earned money on. I have well more than $60K in tools easy. Not including my $15,000 MATCO tool box setup. I did it right though and only bought tools as needed. I was lucky and had a very understanding mentor for a few years and let me borrow what I needed until I could buy that tool. Some stuff is perfectly fine to buy at Harbor Freight and sears type stores. You do get what you pay for most of the time. Take it as it goes. You will get over whelmed with buying stuff at first. I recently got out of the **** hole auto business and am using my brain now in an engineering career. Now all my tools are sitting in my garage/shop. Now i dont have to beat my head on a daily basis on customer cars. I can work on my own stuff for fun!!

 

[grommit]

A good set of drills and a tap and die set.

 

[jeff alton]

Congrats on the job!

If you are worried about what to have in your box, ask the shop owner/supervisor what he would recommend you have to help make you a productive member of the team...

Worry more about functionality than brand name...

Cheers