Starting out Mechanic

Coffepwrd · Oct 12, 2015

Hi all,
I've been lurking for a very long time on these forums and finally decided to make an account! Im starting school here in a few months and I'm going for Diesel/Heavy Machinery at my local community college when I get out of Active duty service. that in mind the CC has a SNAP-on guy come around and for around $5k you get some of the tools you need from class. Im all about USA made and unless I cant find it i'll go to HF and get what I need and hope it work's... (Dont get the snap ring pliers LOL) So I still haven't Emailed the instructor asking for a tool list but im gonna assume 1/4"-1/2" set 6&12pt, flex head ratchet, impact gun/sockets, Snap ring set, Multi-Meter, Torque wrench, flare-nut wrench set, Hammers, Punches, dead blow...etc.. Now I have a little saved up but at the moment I'm not sure I want to drop a lot of money very fast..(I got a 1984 MB 300CD to fix) I was poking around the inter webs and I found the brand Master-force (Re-branded Allen) And they look really good! the price is very persuading too... In my home set I have a 1/4" Allen ratchet and it's my favorite ratchet in my box!
Does anyone have any experience with this brand? I can get most sockets from this brand, and as far as pliers/hammers I'll go to SEARS since most of those are still USA made.
My only concern is the warranty, It may be hard to warranty these Items cause Im in Oregon and the closest store is very far away lol. (Casper,WY)

Anywho thanks in Advance for everyones input! Cheers!! :beer:

bcradio · Oct 12, 2015

My only advice is to evaluate each tool purchase on a case by case basis. Don't blindly go after one or two brands for everything... You will be missing out on a lot of good tools by doing that.

Coffepwrd · Oct 12, 2015

That sound's like sound advice, Shoot for what I can afford now in order to stay financially sound, and get thing's as I need from good reputable companies as I go.

Marcm157 · Oct 12, 2015

First, Thank you for your service! Second, good luck in your newly chosen career and finally, the above advice is very good. You will likey receive a bunch more. Absorb it all and ultimately something will click.

Finky198 · Oct 12, 2015

I would start with the basics like ratchets, sockets, wrenches, pliers, hammers. As they will be your most used hand tools. you might want snap on you might not. I would get on the truck you can get hands on with the above and see what you think before you buy

Most important thing is don't go into debt over tools

There are plenty if not 100s of brands each offer different quality stuff

If you google " .....blank..... Site:www.garagejournal.com "
it will help you scour the site

I would say save your money on things like
dead blow hammers from Harbor Freight
Impacts from Sunex of GP
HF impact extension are cheap and work fine
A lot of specialty tool can be bought from KD or Otc for
much cheaper the truck brands

RedneckWelder · Oct 12, 2015

Hey man I'm a heavy equipment mechanic in the apprentice program for CAT. Shoot me a PM and I will discuss tool needs more with you when I get out of class this afternoon. I'm over a year into it and I've got a lot of resources for you.

I'd hold off buying anything right this second and see what the instructors say about a tool list. I also wouldn't drop the $5k for the Snap On starter set. There are a lot cheaper ways to get the tools you need and they will be of the same quality.

I'll tell you right now get an Amazon Prime account and you can get a LOT of good **** for cheap and delivered in two days.

Coffepwrd · Oct 12, 2015

RedneckWelder sent a PM

Thanks everyone so far for all the input! it really helps!

VoodooCLD · Oct 12, 2015

Finky198 said:
I would start with the basics like ratchets, sockets, wrenches, pliers, hammers. As they will be your most used hand tools. you might want snap on you might not. I would get on the truck you can get hands on with the above and see what you think before you buy

Most important thing is don't go into debt over tools

There are plenty if not 100s of brands each offer different quality stuff

If you google " .....blank..... Site:www.garagejournal.com "
it will help you scour the site

I would say save your money on things like
dead blow hammers from Harbor Freight
Impacts from Sunex of GP
HF impact extension are cheap and work fine
A lot of specialty tool can be bought from KD or Otc for
much cheaper the truck brands

I agree on saving your money where you can, however the harbor freight dead blows are terrible. I bent the heads on 2 of them after minor use. Go with Trusty Cook and don't look back. They have quite a presence on the board here, and constantly offer deals in the hot deals section.

Finky198 · Oct 12, 2015

VoodooCLD said:
I agree on saving your money where you can, however the harbor freight dead blows are terrible. I bent the heads on 2 of them after minor use. Go with Trusty Cook and don't look back. They have quite a presence on the board here, and constantly offer deals in the hot deals section.

I would agree that trusty cool is definitely worth the upgrade. I guess I just don't beat on the harbor freight one's enough to bend them :lol_hitti

and to the OP congratulations I'm meeting someone in your situation he will definitely help you out it awesome to see this forum really working and sharing

just a noob · Oct 12, 2015

I can say that you don't want to buy a Fluke from any of the tool companies, even with the discount you are still paying about $150 over what you can get one anywhere else.

Do buy your prybars from one of the truck brands though. The cheaper ones seem pretty sketchy

creativecars · Oct 12, 2015

VoodooCLD said:
I agree on saving your money where you can, however the harbor freight dead blows are terrible. I bent the heads on 2 of them after minor use. Go with Trusty Cook and don't look back. They have quite a presence on the board here, and constantly offer deals in the hot deals section.

Terrible???What the hell are you doing with the hammers?? I have two also and other than some dings and fading the look and work like new.

BTW if you remove ALL the bolts you won't have to overwork the hammer. :thumbup:

shoggoth80 · Oct 12, 2015

If you are doing big diesel, I would look into 3/4" drive tools as well. I work on semi trailers about 80% of the time, and even there, 3/4" drive stuff gets used. You need that oomph to crack the big stuff loose. I use 1/4" drive for really small stuff like hinges on fibergrlass doors, and 7-way plugs. Rarely for anything else... though a trailer has less to work on than a piece of heavy equipment or a tractor. Torque wrenches in 3/4" are going to be big money.

Lassen Forge · Oct 12, 2015

Just thinking back... Add a set of basic 3/4" sockets - you'll want a 1" bar and appropriate sockets as you need them. Also a torque multiplier - some of the torques on diesel are beyond what most wrenches can pull. GOOD set of long reach feeler gauges. And a set of small wrenches for working on things like governor boxes, etc...

I'd get the list from the instructor... and work from there!

Congrats and good luck!

ssdave · Oct 12, 2015

I'd buy all of my SAE used, you should be able to pick up top brands in mixed sets (Proto, SK, Indestro, Wright, Thorsen, MAC, Williams, old Craftsman, New Britain, Vlcheck, P&C, Fleet, Challenger, Mustang, Giller, Wizard, Duro-Chrome, etc) for about 10% of new Snap-on, and often cheaper. I'm talking about your sockets, extensions, breaker bars, ratchets, and combination wrenches. For sockets, I'd buy a basic 3/4" set (regular depth, impact), a comprehensive 1/2" set (regular and deep, impact and chrome), a good 3/8" set of regular and deep chrome and a chrome 1/4" set. Add to those as you find stuff cheap. If you look, it is readily available used and cheap. A lot of people getting rid of SAE cheap now that most passenger stuff is metric. I'd add open end wrenches, short wrenches, double box, etc as you find them cheap and used.

You may be able to pick up some metric stuff used, but you'll pay 25% or more of retail for good brands typically.

Air stuff (impacts, air ratchet, etc), i would buy new. Buy what you need minimally, if you make it a career you can upgrade and add to it later.

Pliers I'd look out for used ones in good brands, but buy new what you see will benefit you the most when you start working on things and see what's useful.

I'd buy high quality screwdrivers in phillips, flat and torx. My personal preference is Snap-on, I think they're worth it for the drivers. I'd look for the best deals i can get on ebay or other used; with the warranty on them there's no detriment to used.

Hammers and such, you don't need a lot of; I'd buy some used ball peen and larger steel hammers, but buy some quality dead blow hammers. A good set of pry bars is very handy, good quality helps there.

Specialty sockets such as torx and hex, I'd buy quality truck brands or Williams USA or Proto. You need the best you can get for those.

Electronics, I'd use the schools except buy a good Fluke tester or a cheaper clone if you want to save money. For trouble shooting wiring, it's essential. Other electronics age quickly, so don't buy until you're employed and making money off of them.

Those will get you through school along with some of the more current and special items you will need to buy new from the Trucks at school using your discount, or online or at other retailers.

I'd resist buying anything at HF or other cheap importers, if it's a long term use tool. One failure and injury to yourself far outweights the benefits of the cheap price. Likewise having a tool that doesn't work when you need it to is an expensive mistake. So be very judicious in buying non professional grade tools.

It's a balance when you're going to school. Buy what you need to do well in school and learn, but don't go into debt and invest in prestige tools. Once you're employed and know that this is a long term career, invest in prestige tools as you can afford them, and either resell your starter tools to someone else starting out, or use them as backup tools in your box or at home.

I am not a professional mechanic today, I went on to school and got an engineering degree and work in that field. When I was in school for trade stuff, I had a set like I described above; mostly SK, with Wright, Indestro, Proto, Williams and Craftsman intermingled in. I was able to work as an entry level mechanic just fine, although I envied the senior Tech's boxes full of Proto and Snap-on stuff then. Over the years I've replaced and augmented my old stuff with Proto and Snap-on, but really don't have that much more capability than I had then. Just more pride of ownership.

theoldwizard1 · Oct 12, 2015

Coffepwrd said:
I can get most sockets from this brand, and as far as
pliers/hammers I'll go to SEARS since most of those are still USA made.

If "Made in USA" is a priority, then you need to check every individual Craftsman tool. Some are, some aren't these days.

IMHO, 12 point sockets are a waste of money, especially for someone on a limited budget. Buy them when and IF you ever need them.

If you are going into diesel/heavy duty repair, you will need 3/4" sockets and an impact wrench.

Whatever you do, don't go into debt just to have the nicest looking tools. You can buy TONS of used Craftsman tools (Made in the USA) cheap on CL or eBay (be careful on eBay to make sure of the COO). When you start making 6 figures, go back and get Snap-on tools if you must.

sonvolt · Oct 12, 2015

Just for starters:
Ratchets: Armstrong or SK
Sockets: Blackhawk or SK (good selection of semi-deep, deep, etc)
Wrenches: Wright or Proto
Screwdrivers: Williams USA (similar to hard handle snap on)

Look for used too. Good luck

purplezr2 · Oct 12, 2015

I would buy a dead blow with a warranty, I have broken quite a few of them.

purplezr2 · Oct 12, 2015

theoldwizard1 said:
If "Made in USA" is a priority, then you need to check every individual Craftsman tool. Some are, some aren't these days.

IMHO, 12 point sockets are a waste of money, especially for someone on a limited budget. Buy them when and IF you ever need them.

If you are going into diesel/heavy duty repair, you will need 3/4" sockets and an impact wrench.

Whatever you do, don't go into debt just to have the nicest looking tools. You can buy TONS of used Craftsman tools (Made in the USA) cheap on CL or eBay (be careful on eBay to make sure of the COO). When you start making 6 figures, go back and get Snap-on tools if you must.

Well not a bad suggestion(basically the way I did it), I would suggest getting some of the Snap on/matco essentials well you can them at a reduced cost.

Coffepwrd · Oct 12, 2015

Thanks for all the post's guys! and thanks for breaking everything down for me!

I am planning on the big-rig field because bigger is better right?? lol I emailed the teacher and am still waiting a reply from him. I did find a page on the CC website stating each student must pay $1200 each term to use the schools snap-on tools then after the first year (After paying $3600) they have the option to buy the tools... hmm Im gonna see if i can be omitted from that because I looked at what was offered and it didn't look like much for that much $$$

zakmartin · Oct 12, 2015

Coffepwrd said:
I'm going for Diesel/Heavy Machinery at my local community college when I get out of Active duty service.

First and foremost, thanks for your service, bro. Respect and good wishes all around.

My step-son is a diesel/heavy equipment mechanic at a gold mine in Western Australia. He works on trucks that are as big as a house as well as other specialized machinery. Most of the heavy equipment they use is made in the USA and he's been asking me to send him some cheap SAE (Imperial) tools that he can sell to the other guys. None of the techs that work at his mine buy Snap-On tools. In that environment (their shop is a mile underground,) a lot of tools get lost in the mud and muck of the tunnels, which is then quickly buried in concrete. It's a lot cheaper to lose a GearWrench or HF tool than a nice Snap-On piece. Also, consider that if you're a diesel tech, a lot of the tools you'll be using will be supplied by the company you work for, since they hire mechanics to work on-site and don't hand out much work to the private sector, unless they're a small operation (i.e., penny-pinching).

After my step-son got his certifications, I bought him some nice MAC, Wright, Snap-On and Craftsman Professional USA tools. He said he keeps those at his house, since he knows they're going to get lost or stolen if he leaves them in his box at the mine (he does fly-in, fly-out - two weeks on, one week off). They're in short supply of diesel mechanics out there and it's pretty easy to find jobs that pay over $90K USD+ a year.

I think the best advice mentioned in the posts above was to ask your instructor for a list of what you'll need to get your certification. After that, your new employer will let you know what they expect you to own and what they'll provide. Don't go spending a bunch of cash on stuff you don't need - you'll be spending more than enough for the tools you WILL need.

Coffepwrd · Oct 12, 2015

theoldwizard1 said:
If "Made in USA" is a priority, then you need to check every individual Craftsman tool. Some are, some aren't these days.

Exactly, I know the screwdrivers, pliers, hammers are still USA made. At least most of them are. I know the new style screwdrivers are Chinese made. :shoot5:

I've bought a few new Hammers from them and those bad boys are nice. we'll see how long they last.

thegroundpounder99 · Oct 12, 2015

Thanks for your service and good luck on the road ahead. As far as tools, don't go big ballin' on the Snap On wagon just starting out, you'll regret it down the road. As far as Snap On, wrenches and ratchets are where it's at. Extensions and sockets too, impact socket wise you can save some serious money and get Sunex. The sets are complete, hold up well and full warranty and at a good price. Pliers I use Channellocks and screwdrivers (can't remember last time I actually used one) any decent set will do. For torx and hex I use a mix, Blue Point and VIM mostly w/ a couple SO mixed in. You'll want to pay attention to what you use most and go from there. Specialty tools will get expensive and annoying as well in this profession, FYI. Hope this helped or made sense at least, any questions feel free to PM.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

shoggoth80 · Oct 12, 2015

Oh...****...forgot...
You're working on big trucks... spend the money for the Snap On air brake tool. It's basically a forked pry bar. Makes the job easier, and faster, with a lot less headache. That tool is money.

Respect21 · Oct 13, 2015

shoggoth80 said:
Oh...****...forgot...
You're working on big trucks... spend the money for the Snap On air brake tool. It's basically a forked pry bar. Makes the job easier, and faster, with a lot less headache. That tool is money.

You talking about the s-cam fork or whatever? I could never get that ******* to work. I've always used a pry bar and vice grips. I know a lot of guys swear by them, though

John Deere tech · Oct 13, 2015

Having graduated from college a year ago with a degree in Diesel, i feel i have alot to give. Student deals through tool companies are your best friend. Matco website is very generous. offering upwards of 50% off most of there tools, Ingersoll Rand also offers amazing student deals, though it is harder to find on the website. Mac and snapon do the same but i had to go through my school for snapon. and Mac and Cornwell were more on the basis of buying your whole box and setup from them. Matco will let you buy one of everything. PM me if you have any questions.

one9gt · Oct 13, 2015

will you be using your chapter 33 benefits? also, check to see what other tool companies the school has discount through. Our CC had student discounts with Snap-on, Matco, Mac, Cornwell and the local Sears and Orchard hardware stores.

timmyisme22 · Oct 13, 2015

bcradio said:
My only advice is to evaluate each tool purchase on a case by case basis. Don't blindly go after one or two brands for everything... You will be missing out on a lot of good tools by doing that.

...and deals for the same tool re-branded for lower cost. Always find what you want, and then do extra searching to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Wire strippers? Ideal are excellent. That also means you can go to 50+ other brands that are rebadged Ideal strippers.
Thread restore kit? Craftsman unless you use it vigorously and will need replacements in the future. Then truck branded. More expensive, but they will warranty it for you piece by piece as needed.
(Just a couple easy examples to throw out there)

shoggoth80 · Oct 13, 2015

"You talking about the s-cam fork or whatever?"
Yeah. It's actually called a brake shoe tool. I googled it, and bickered with my employer to issue me one when they assigned me to heavies. I work on semi trailers day in day out, and this tool is pretty much invaluable for air brake work. Wins no beauty contests, but worth its weight in gold so to speak. I haven't found anything else to bust the springs and brake shoes apart as easily, or as quickly.

Part # BT518
https://store.snapon.com/Truck-Brak...or-air-brakes-with-S-cam-design--P636136.aspx

Skin · Oct 13, 2015

zakmartin said:
First and foremost, thanks for your service, bro. Respect and good wishes all around.

My step-son is a diesel/heavy equipment mechanic at a gold mine in Western Australia. He works on trucks that are as big as a house as well as other specialized machinery. Most of the heavy equipment they use is made in the USA and he's been asking me to send him some cheap SAE (Imperial) tools that he can sell to the other guys. None of the techs that work at his mine buy Snap-On tools. In that environment (their shop is a mile underground,) a lot of tools get lost in the mud and muck of the tunnels, which is then quickly buried in concrete. It's a lot cheaper to lose a GearWrench or HF tool than a nice Snap-On piece. Also, consider that if you're a diesel tech, a lot of the tools you'll be using will be supplied by the company you work for, since they hire mechanics to work on-site and don't hand out much work to the private sector, unless they're a small operation (i.e., penny-pinching).

After my step-son he got his certifications, I bought him some nice MAC, Wright, Snap-On and Craftsman Professional USA tools. He said he keeps those at his house, since he knows they're going to get lost or stolen if he leaves them in in box at the mine (he does fly-in, fly-out - two weeks on, one week off). They're in short supply of diesel mechanics out there and it's pretty easy to find jobs that pay over $90K USD+ a year.

I think the best advice mentioned in the posts above was to ask your instructor for a list of what you'll need to get your certification. After that, your new employer will let you know what they expect you to own and what they'll provide. Don't go spending a bunch of cash on stuff you don't need - you'll be spending more than enough for the tools you WILL need.

You couldn't pay me enough to work in a mine. Basically an invitation to respiratory problems.

Coffepwrd · Oct 13, 2015

one9gt said:
will you be using your chapter 33 benefits? also, check to see what other tool companies the school has discount through. Our CC had student discounts with Snap-on, Matco, Mac, Cornwell and the local Sears and Orchard hardware stores.

Yep, I have my POST 9/11 Benefits, which will help a lot! :thumbup:

Coffepwrd · Oct 13, 2015

John Deere tech said:
Having graduated from college a year ago with a degree in Diesel, i feel i have alot to give. Student deals through tool companies are your best friend. Matco website is very generous. offering upwards of 50% off most of there tools, Ingersoll Rand also offers amazing student deals, though it is harder to find on the website. Mac and snapon do the same but i had to go through my school for snapon. and Mac and Cornwell were more on the basis of buying your whole box and setup from them. Matco will let you buy one of everything. PM me if you have any questions.

PM Sent

94_C/1500 · Oct 14, 2015

I do not work on big trucks, but I myself went to the local career center during high school and then went to nadc. They pretty much tell you have to buy the $1000 Napa starter set (you could opt out but make it sound like you can't), it's a god deal but it's missing over half of the sockets. The tool rooms at the school didn't cost anything other than just being a student to use the tools. If it was in a snap on catalog, they had it. There was also a snap on dealer on campus with his own office. It's safe to say he sold thousands a day. He tried pushing a tool box that was around $2000, around half off really, and a snap on starter set that was a few thousand. He did have good deals but he was your typical salesman working with basically impressionable kids. Where I live there's jobs but most are filled up. The only shops willing to hire an unexperienced tech are shops paying minimum wage. So I knew buying a truck load of snap on tools was stupid. Sure they were cheaper than usual but I'd never be able to pay for them. Plus although the napa tools didn't have all that many sockets I did just pay $1000 for it all, probably a 1/3rd of the snap on set they push is replacing the napa set. I took the advice from an old mechanic/shop owner and bought craftsman tools. I bought their sets of sockets to fill the void in my napa set. For instance the napa set only had one or two metric 1/2 inch drive socket and no deep well 1/4 inch drive. I know now they aren't all USA made so be careful if you go that route. I ended up working construction for two years and finally landed a job at a Ford dealership. I made $10 hourly. I did mostly just basic work, nothing crazy although I helped the other mechanics do some of that stuff. I worked there four months because it got so slow and I was laid off less than a week before my son was born. So I went back to construction and now I've worked at a parts store for a couple of years. I've had 3 job offers though. One shop I would never work for, I don't care what the wage is. One shop wanted me to work $40 a day for a few weeks under the table and then if he liked me I'd get minimum wage. The other shop just wanted me to work on my day off with my own tools for minimum wage flat rate for 4 or 5 hours. Those last two shops don't even exist anymore. So, I'm starting my own shop. I'm far from a master tech, but I have mostly craftsman and napa tools but if you look in my box I'll have a few imported tools as well but also cornwell, sk, Mac, and snap on tools. I've actually only ever been on a snap on truck once and that was to warranty out a screwdriver. Now that I've been lurking on this sight I've discovered Williams and CPI, so once I get an air compressor if I can't find used sockets somewhere I'm getting USA made Williams impact sockets. When I got my job at the ford dealer all I had for a box was Stanley box that was basically a tote on wheels and I had no air tools not even an air chuck. Don't be afraid to not have every tool you need starting out. I now have a $250 craftsman box and I got a 3/8ths bluepoint impact and a 1/2 Mac impact for $20 each at a pawn shop while I worked in that garage. Don't be afraid to go to pawn shops, be smart and you'll find great deals.

Coffepwrd · Oct 14, 2015

Thanks guys! I'm gonna give that Masterforce brand a try because they're USA made Allen brand tools which if they are the same quality as craftsman from 10-15 years ago I think i'll be just fine. that should get me going for awhile, once I go from there i'll buy what I need just try to make smart purchases as I go so as not to incur debt! And if need be upgrade my ratchets down the road as long as im positive I have job security.

Coffepwrd · Oct 16, 2015

So some of the tools came in and wow!! these look like pretty good quality for not extremely expensive. The breaker bar is Allen brand and everything else is masterforce I am EXTREMELY surprised by how heavy each tools is and the finish of them. The combination wrench seems alright the finish isn't amazing but we'll see how long she last's, quality doesn't seem to be missing. here's a few photo's

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23408300@N07/22238329511/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20151016_161717691"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/729/22238329511_e02473a3b6_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="IMG_20151016_161717691"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23408300@N07/21606937283/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20151016_161712920"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/756/21606937283_2dd933302c_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="IMG_20151016_161712920"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23408300@N07/22201876206/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20151016_161555437"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/622/22201876206_5aacf28eb3_c.jpg" width="450" height="800" alt="IMG_20151016_161555437"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23408300@N07/22238336031/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20151016_161544568"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5658/22238336031_cd6756fe24_c.jpg" width="450" height="800" alt="IMG_20151016_161544568"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23408300@N07/21606944643/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20151016_161522574"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/613/21606944643_69512be94d_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="IMG_20151016_161522574"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23408300@N07/21606947063/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20151016_161508870"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/747/21606947063_d73d374200_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="IMG_20151016_161508870"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Coffepwrd · Oct 16, 2015

RedneckWelder · Oct 16, 2015

Looks like you got some decent stuff and anything you wind up upgrading later can become fodder for the home box.

Coffepwrd · Oct 17, 2015

Yep. should be some pretty good stuff! After a few calls and a email to the advisor/instructor I've still haven't heard back to get a complete tool list.

RedneckWelder · Oct 17, 2015

You may not here back. It can be hard to get in touch with tech instructors. The good news is that with some basic tools you should be good to go. If it's anything like our classes basic tools will cover the needs anyways a lot of what we are doing is component tear down on the bench/stand and I haven't needed much beyond basic tools at school...when I'm in the shop it's a different story of course

Coffepwrd · Oct 17, 2015

Awesome man, thanks for all the advice and help!

flmng42 · Oct 18, 2015

Lots of good advice from everybody here, but I figured I would throw some different stuff at you from another perspective. I'm a former truck dealership and fleet tech, but now I work at a community college that serves a huge veteran population. Have you checked into Vocational Rehabilitation benefits? I'm not sure what the eligibility requirements are to obtain them, but I know from talking with a friend of mine who is a Voc Rehab counselor, and talking with many of my students, that if you get approved for voc rehab they will provide anything you need for school. And I mean anything. Tools, laptops, books, diagnostics, etc. They may not buy you $15k worth of Snap On stuff, but they will hook you up with most or all you need to start a new life and career. Here at my school we have a VA funded program called Vet Success on Campus (VSOC) that could be very helpful to you. You may not have one at your campus, but I would check this website out and see if there is an office anywhere close to you and reach out the VSOC counselor there for help/guidance https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vsoc . I know VSOC helps a ton of students at my campus.

Now, on to the tools. As a tech, the biggest items I used were 3/8" impact wobble (universal) sockets. I used them for almost everything and very rarely used a hand ratchet. I bought all impact sockets, and all from Grey Pneumatic (GP) brand. I have shallow and deep, 1/4"-1/2" drive, regular and universal, standard and metric. They are Taiwanese, but I swear to you I have never used any better sockets. They are impact grade, thin walled, carry a lifetime warranty, and I have only broken like 3 of them in my career. Most tool trucks and almost all truck parts stores carry them, so in your field warranty wouldn't be any issue. And they are reasonably priced. As an alternative, Sunex are pretty much the same design/style/quality/price. Get a good IR or Snap On 3/8" and 1/2" impacts, and a good 3/8" air ratchet and 3/4" impact. You SHOULD use air or cordless tools as much as possible. Just learn to control them and you will be fine. I bought all of my 3/4" and 1" sockets used. You can find them on Ebay, Craigslist, and Flea Markets all day long for cheap money. If you are going to be in the diesel field, you will need a set of four way angle wrenches. I have Snap On and they are awesome. One of the few things I purchased from the school Snap On program because of the 30 and 60 degree offset (most angle wrenches have one end with the same 15 degree offset that all combo wrenches have; Snap On is the only one I have found with 30 and 60 degree ends, which come in super handy in tight spots). And 12 point sockets are pretty useless-borrow then buy the individuals when you run into them. Keep in mind the old adage, though: If you have to borrow a tool three times, you need to buy your own.

The Matco student discount is awesome, and when I was in Diesel College I bought a ton of stuff from them. My Cornwell guy also let me buy stuff off the truck at student discount, so check with the tool guys if possible.

Starting out Mechanic

Member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Member

Well-known member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Member

Active member