Tool list help for my new job

[Corpsie]

So I got a job doing maintenance and I have to buy my own tools. I have some of them and I've bought some of them since my employer gave me the list. I think I have a month from my start date to acquire them all. I feel like the list is a little vague here and there. I was hoping you guys could help explain some tools and direct me where to get some others.

Here is the list:

3/8” drive socket set through 1”
10mm through 22mm sockets
1/8” through 3/8” hex bits
¼” through 1” combination wrench set
4mm through 21mm metric combination wrench set
Assorted pinch bars
Pry bars
Center punches
1/16” through 3/8” long pin punches
Hacksaw
¼” through 3/8” hex wrenches
1.5mm through 10mm hex wrenches
6” adjustable wrench
12” adjustable wrench
Assorted screw drivers (slotted and Phillips)
Vise grips
Wire cutter/stripper
Side cutters
Channel locks
Flashlight
Multimeter
Tape measure
Hammer/dead blow
Utility knife
Putty knife
Nut driver set
Metric “T” handle Allen wrench set
Toolbox

My questions:

-The 1 inch socket wrench seems pretty huge, I'm having trouble finding one. Also, 10 to 22mm sockets. Which sizes for which wrenches? I guess I'll have to ask one of the other mechanics about that.

-Where is a good place to get those combination wrenches?

-Where can I find assorted pinch bars.

-Where can I find 1/16” through 3/8” long pin punches

Those are my main questions. I'm new to the field so cut me some slack

 

[jd_1138]

To round out your basics (like sockets and wrenches), you can get them individually off ebay for like $3-$4 each shipped) -- even the larger ones. Instead of shelling out a lot of money for complete sets because you probably already have a lot of wrenches/sockets. There's a lot of USA Craftsman on ebay which is fine. SK is nice, too and not too pricey on ebay.

Also there are sets that you can buy which will usually have a lot of nice quality stuff. Prices for the sets seem high until you start pricing these things out individually. Craftsman has them. They have "maintenance tech" sets. Also, Zoro Tools has some nice sets -- Proto, SK, etc..

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-325-pc-easy-to-read-mechanics-tool/p-00934325000P?intcmp=ken-pdp-buy-cta

Things like the putty, utility knives, tape measure, etc. can be had at the local Home Depot or mom and pop hardware store where you can inspect it for quality, feel, etc..

 

[General Geoff]

Your socket set requirements can all be met quite neatly with the Grey Pneumatic 81659CRD set. Goes from 7mm up to 22mm in metric, and 5/16" to 1" in SAE. Both shallow and deep wall.

 

[Schurkey]

So I got a job doing maintenance

On WHAT?

I was hoping you guys could help explain some tools ...
...I'm new to the field so cut me some slack

If you don't know what the tools are, I'm not sure how you'll know how to use them. This career choice may not be the best fit for you unless you can be helped by a mentor.

 

[jakemac]

Check out your local Pawn Shops, Flea Markets, and yard sales as well as eBay and Craigslist for deals.
Make a hobby of the search.
If you show up to work with dollar store tools, they'll quickly form a low opinion of your skills.

For wrenches and sockets, the older USA made Craftman will get the job done, but look for better brands like SK, Williams, Proto, or Duro/Indestro if you can find them. SnapOn, MAC, Matco, or Cornwell are good quality brands, but the truck brands are much more expensive for what you get than the industrial brands I listed.

For screwdrivers, I like SK or Enderes for tough screws, but Kline or Stanley will do well for light or repetitive work.

Pin punches - Enderes and Mayhew are about the same.

If you want to buy new, you can find SK, Enderes, Wright, and Wilde sets at Harry Epstien's website (a good friend to Garage Journal) here :
http://www.harryepstein.com

 

[bmwrd0]

You can get everything from either Amazon or Epstein.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002FUFYY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
There is your one inch socket and Proto is the best.

They also have pin punches and pry bars.

Google is your friend...

 

[gdocktor3]

Don't listen to that guy.

I'd buy as many USA Craftsman tools from Sears as you could as they are actually pretty good. The following are USA made and the best bang for your buck in my opinion. I actually have all of these - Screwdrivers, pry bars, wire cutters, pliers, channellocks, adjustable wrenches, hammer, utility knife, putty knife, center and pin punches, tape measure, and multi meter. You can probably score most of that stuff on sale too. These are excellent starter and professional tools. Not to mention you can have everything for around $200 I'd guess. Then get yourself some NOS Craftsman, Proto or new SK sockets and ratchets and you'll be good to go. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have. With that said, we can't do the shopping for you. Do your research and compare the prices. Then decide which is best for you. There are a million threads on each brand of tools ever made.

 

[kctyphoon]

Gearwrench and Tekton are a great option for sockets and wrenches. They sell COMPLETE 3/8" and 1/4" socket sets that don't skip any sizes. Gearwrench has a deal that you get the 1/4" set free if you order the 3/8" set. I have both and got them for like $109. Channellock is pretty decent for other hand tools like pliers that are well respected and budget friendly. eBay is great for these, although you can get most of the popular stuff like you need at Home Depot. Crescent is another option too.

All the other stuff just take a trip to Home Depot and get what you need. I'm assuming this is like general building maintenance and stuff. Don't go broke buying some of the sockets and wrenches other people might mention.

Here's the gearwrench socket deal with pictures of the sets when I bought them -
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931

Tekton 15 piece SAE wrench set to 1" - http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-1-4-1-in-Combination-Wrench-Set-15-Piece-18772/205730838

Tekton 15 piece metric wrench set to 22mm - http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-8-22-mm-Combination-Wrench-Set-15-Piece-18792/205730842

You can get all of the above for about $200 and have every size you'd need

If you have a Sears and Home Depot nearby you should be able to get everything else.. Or just sit down and have an online shopping spree..

The Milwaukee fastback utility knives are the best you can buy.
Stanley tape measures
Channellock had tools (pliers)
Craftsman or crescent adjustable wrenches
Estwing hammer (any decent brand will do)
Any dead blow hammer will be ok, but Harbor Freight gives a lifetime warranty on theirs and are very good for the money
The craftsman pry bars are also good.
The led flasghts they sell in Costco are great, but mag lights are a great choice for basic flashlights too.
I'd just get husky or craftsman nut driver sets and Allen keys too.
The Milwaukee vise grips are good, sold in Home Depot

 

[M6erfan]

My questions:

-The 1 inch socket wrench seems pretty huge, I'm having trouble finding one. Also, 10 to 22mm sockets. Which sizes for which wrenches? I guess I'll have to ask one of the other mechanics about that

Pretty sure that's just the socket only, not a 1" wrench. 3/8" ratchet will handle all of those sizes, you might consider a "long" ratchet for extra leverage on the larger fasteners

-Where is a good place to get those combination wrenches?

I'd look at Tekton through Amazon

-Where can I find assorted pinch bars.

Harbor Frieght

-Where can I find 1/16” through 3/8” long pin punches

Anywhere that sells tools, typically. Amazon

Those are my main questions. I'm new to the field so cut me some slack

Good luck

 

[yamaha0343]

For your pliers and screwdrivers, Klein and Channelock can be had at Home Depot for decent prices and are quality USA made tools. Northern Tool is having a sale this weekend if you're close by, and they carry a good bit of Gearwrench stuff. I'd also check out Sears for some of those things as well, especially the pry bars. No need to consolidate to only one brand.

 

[wmm2]

I'll throw this out assuming you're trying to save some money and have time to do some searching. If you have a Harbor Freight near home or work, pick out 3 or 4 items from your list that you think might be OK from Harbor Freight. Buy one of them each day, and use one of their coupons for the free items (flashlight, multimeter, tape measure, utility knife, and maybe screwdrivers) Others have mentioned Harbor freight for the pinch bars and dead blow hammers. Their rules on the coupons are limit one per day with purchase.

If you have a flea market nearby, used Craftsmen sockets can sometimes be found cheaply, and they will last a long time if you don't abuse them. If you have time to learn a few good brands, you can also find great sockets in the cheap bucket. (One of the vendors at our flea markets sells craftsman sockets for a dollar, and everything else for 25 cents. I've found some nice looking Proto sockets in the 25 cent bucket) Pick a ratchet that you like and check the classifieds here, eBay, and Amazon. With some work and luck you can put together a lot of that list for little money.

 

[DpSyChO]

On WHAT?
.

By his tool list I'll be the first to guess industrial plant type maintenance working on production machinery.

 

[Corpsie]

By his tool list I'll be the first to guess industrial plant type maintenance working on production machinery.

Close, a warehouse. I graduate with a degree in mechatronics in December, and where I work just started piloting a training program which I applied for and got the job. I'll be in training for 6 months to 18 months depending on how fast I catch on. My education is very electrical and PLC heavy. I'm a little weak on the mechanical. I have a power transmission class coming up that should help with that though.

Thanks for the help everyone I'm going to check out those links. I'm going to try to avoid harbor freight tools. The guy that hired me said I can buy whatever I want but the paper with a general overview of the job said I should buy quality tools or the company won't replace them if I break them.

 

[jd_1138]

You got it. I graduate with a degree in mechatronics in December, and where I work just started piloting a training program which I applied for and got the job. I'll be in training for 6 months to 18 months depending on how fast I catch on. My education is very electrical and PLC heavy. I'm a little weak on the mechanical. I have a power transmission class coming up that should help with that though.

Thanks for the help everyone I'm going to check out those links. I'm going to try to avoid harbor freight tools. The guy that hired me said I can buy whatever I want but the paper with a general overview of the job said I should buy quality tools or the company won't replace them if I break them.

Yeah you definitely don't want HF stuff. They're OK for the average suburbanite who might pick up a pair of pliers once every 3 months, but for a pro they ****.

Their impact sockets are pretty good, but you won't need those I assume. Also, their regular 25" breaker bar is decent -- especially at $10.

If the co. is going to replace them if they break, you should probably keep the receipts in case the office manager tries to nickel and dime you.

Oh, the US General tool boxes at HF are nice especially for how cheap they are, but what kind of box will you need? Will they let you have a roller cabinet or expect the tools to be portable?

 

[Corpsie]

Yeah you definitely don't want HF stuff. They're OK for the average suburbanite who might pick up a pair of pliers once every 3 months, but for a pro they ****.

Their impact sockets are pretty good, but you won't need those I assume. Also, their regular 25" breaker bar is decent -- especially at $10.

If the co. is going to replace them if they break, you should probably keep the receipts in case the office manager tries to nickel and dime you.

Oh, the US General tool boxes at HF are nice especially for how cheap they are, but what kind of box will you need? Will they let you have a roller cabinet or expect the tools to be portable?

I'm assigned a roller cabinet but I have to buy the chest to put on top of it.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm assigned a roller cabinet but I have to buy the chest to put on top of it.

Get on Craigslist and start looking for a used truck brand topper. Also, don't forget about placing wanted ads. When I was building my set I put out some wanted ads for different expensive items like 3/4" drive stuff and specialty items. I got sooo many emails and texts from retired mechanics who had garages packed with quality USA made tools that they didn't use any more. Most of the time they would give me extra stuff. I remember one instance I went for a 15" SK ratchet and some flare wrenches. I ended up finding some stubby Snap On box wrenches I liked as well as some 8 point sockets that had his initials in them. I paid him the $30 or whatever for the ratchet and flare wrenches and he gave me the rest for free. I realize now he was probably more excited about bullshitting with me for an hour than he was the $30 I gave him.

 

[wasabiboys]

totally agree with gdocktor3 get on CL and get some good used tools. Also pawn shops yard sales.
Home depot you might be able to get a husky set on sale too. Guarantee goes a long way

 

[organ]

Mechatronics... cool. If I had it to do over again, that's what I'd do. Southern Polytechnic here in Atlanta was one of the first to offer a degree in Mechatronics IIRC.

 

[maintguy]

On WHAT?


If you don't know what the tools are, I'm not sure how you'll know how to use them. This career choice may not be the best fit for you unless you can be helped by a mentor.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[crane_guy]

Buy used proto.

 

[Sloper0204]

I worked on the industrial side rebuilding oilfield equipment, so this is coming from a different perspective.

Buy low tooth count high quality ratchets, such as Wright, old SnapOn, SK, in long handle lengths, as well as long breaker bars. Very rarely in industrial settings will you need high tooth count ratchets made for restricted access.

You could get away with a set of Grey Pneumatic or Sunex impact sockets, thick walls for longevity, or a set of industrial finish affordable sockets. If the company is willing to replace broken tools so long as they aren't low quality, look into Wright, SK, or used Proto.

And as far as the hammer goes, if it is for use with your pin punches a deadblow ballpeen is indispensable.

Things such as the following:
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-dr-ratchet-10-contour-grip.html
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/ratchets-3-8-drive-26881.html
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-drive-29-piece-12-point-standard-deep-socket-set.html
(for industrial use I prefer 6pt, but this set comes with everything you need for fractional)
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-3-8-socket-sets-28673.html
(full 6pt shallow fractional set)
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-3-8-socket-sets-28656.html
(more than you need for metric 6pt set)
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-3-8-socket-sets-28678.html

Combination wrenches:
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/wrenches-combo-stand-full-polish-28995.html
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/wrenches-combo-metric-full-polish-29193.html
You'll have to shop around for 4mm combination wrench. Might want to consider long pattern wrenches as well for the industrial sector.

Search for "pinch bars" on epsteins:
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/12-lb-51-1-1-8-pinch-point-crowbar.html

1/8 through 3/8 long pin punch set:
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/punches-pin-25631.html