Tool Set for a new auto tech

[mopar01]

Don't think its been mentioned but pp3 would be better than a test light. Id go snap on or mac for wrenches, sockets. snap on makes about the best ratchets. Everything else id go elsewhere. Impact sockets gp or sunnex, seriouly for the price they can't be beat. Id look on cl for a tool cart or go to hf. Mac just had a 20 piece screw driver set on sale a little while ago for cheap, while made in tiwian, still great quality. Not sure but if I got to do it again this is what id be doing.

 

[ncautoshop]

I use the power probe hook, power probe 3 , load pro and a test light almost every day. Power probe hook is a great tool if you have the cash.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[abvw]

Good OBD2 scan tool, circuit tester (power probe), multimeter. Must have for modern day cars.

I got by with a set of wrenches, 3/8" drive spline socket set, 1/2" breaker bar (24"), a used 2135TiMax and hand impact driver, a few 1/2" impact sockets, pry bars, a 8oz and 24oz hammer, a few Channellocks, a few visegrips, and a set of truck tire gauge and inflator (the ones with the chucks) on my first year and I was working on both domestic and imports. I think I spent less than $400.

I rarely had to use screwdrivers, when I do, they're used as prybars and alignment tool (those Robertson are great for this) more than driving screws. I'd suggest a good set of 1/4" and 5/16" hex bits in various length over having actual screwdrivers, saves a lot of room. Nothing beats the clearance of a 1/4" bit and a 1/4" wrench.

 

[Brownsfan]

Maybe not right away but a true rms multimeter. You will eventually need one.

 

[TDWendt]

mM

almost the whole engine comes apart with a hand full of sizes in 3/8 drive.

True story, I can take my entire celica apart with a 4,17,10,and an 8mm and a 27mm for the axle nuts

 

[diesel research]

there is a lot of unsolicited financial advice in a tool thread.

Who knows? Perhaps he only wants best tools and cost isnt a big factor? Didnt see him ask "how do I buy as many tools as possible, as cheap as possible"

 

[Nissan_Tech]

I'm guessing he means stay away from Snap On air tools? I know that's what I'm doing. Many of the Matco and Snap On air tools, especially Matco, is just a rebrand or Ingersol Rand. Cut the middle man out and just get IR. Also, Air cat is good, cheap brand. And from what my co-worker told me, Air cat has the same internals as Ingersol.
That most used sockets I use are 8,10,12,14 and 21mm. 8 for tailight bulbs, 10 to get off most bolts to access the filters, and 21 for lug nuts.
What he should be aiming for later on, are impact swivels. I like Matco's pinless design.
Any I'm not sure what battery "tools" you guys mean. Like terminal cleaners? I just use a wire brush to clean the terminals before installing the new battery. Pick set is helpful, but I haven't really come to a point where I couldn't get the job done with out oune. But I did have a few time where it would have been helpful. Theres a set at HF for like 2 bucks.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

really my first day i had to take a door apart the clip removal tools and picks were needed i use them almost every day esp when aligning gaskets pulling trim peices

i could never see doing door wq=switches or some radios without them

 

[NJHandyGuy]

magnet and bendy (forgot teh name retreival tools are a must

 

[epmills]

2 things from reading above posts, take it as you like:
*IMO swivel impact sockets can wait, they are more of a luxury than a necessity especially for a entry level tech that will only be doing the basics at first. Not to mention they are a expensive item that might be better off spent somewhere else for now.
* OBD scan tool may be a waste of money if going into a dealership, most brands have their own specific (and dealer supplied) diagnostic equipment.

Things I can think of, many already said:
- Mulitimeter
- E-Torx sockets (mainly euro cars, but i cant speak for japanese)
- Twist in caliper depressor if the brand uses that type on rear brakes
- Prybar set
- Door clip removal tools (20 bucks for the set at HF, they work pretty good I use them almost daily)
- Ratcheting wrenches
- 1/2 inch impact
- cordless impact (great for belly pans if they need to be dropped for oil changes)
- cordless drill & a GOOD set of drill bits
- Air chuck with built in gauge
- Tread depth tool
- pocket screwdrivers with valve stem tool built in
- Pocket mirror and magnet
- Clip board for filling out inspection sheets/keeping track of paperwork

 

[AmericanPreferred]

I think I am the minority, but to me the "Taiwan means quality" is unacceptable. You will really find this false if you decide to sell some of these imports later on to upgrade. There are USA made bargains out there if you are willing to shop for them. I.E today I bought an 11pc Kobalt branded Williams by Snap On impact socket set for $21. There are a couple of closeout sellers in Idaho with some really good prices on US made tools, and you can buy 1 piece at a time if you wish. I usually think, what will fit a flat rate box and buy enough that shipping is comparable to sales tax. Ebay is another great resource for good and cheap tools. Maybe it just a false sense of pride, but I just feel better when the wrench in my hand say's USA on it. I would add hose pinch off pliers to the list.

 

[diesel research]

I.E today I bought an 11pc Kobalt branded Williams by Snap On impact socket set for $21.

who handles your warranty service on tools that were last made over 10yrs ago?

 

[AmericanPreferred]

If the tool is good enough you don't need warranty. At these prices buy 2 sets and never have to wait on the tool truck. Still I imagine I could take it to Lowes and get a Taiwanese replacment, at least i still have 10 that are worth having.

 

[diesel research]

I imagine I could take it to Lowes and get a Taiwanese replacment.

exactly what i was getting at. if you despise taiwan, there is no point in buying something that's going to be replaced by taiwan anyways.

if you are truly ********* usa, pony up and pay for the real williams set still made here. Support jobs for current production, not 10yrs ago old stock.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...e-Tools-3-8-Inch-Drive-Impact-SAE-Socket-Sets

 

[hefty lefty]

Air tools are always nicer than battery tools except for the noise. A dealership will have a good air system. Use their air instead of your battery cycles.

 

[AmericanPreferred]

Well I did look at Williams branded sets too. $27.** for 10 peices, 9mm being the missing peice, trouble was I could not find USA anywhere in tghe descriprion. My experience has been if it dont say USA it isn't, and if it is USA it will say so.