Tools, tools and entry tech?

[BmwManz]

Hey guys. I am new to the forum and would like to say what's up? I think I may have found this by an accidental google search and the other time was through a youtube Macimizer tool box video (if that is how they spell their box). I would like to start off saying that the instructors in my school do not give even when asked a list of necessary tools. I have googled and looked around, but seem to be mixed reviews. Personally I am not into the brands just yet as Mr. Snap-on visits each semester and I am NOT going to ask him what I need. He will have me set up with a top and bottom tool box, tool cart and every tool they make (typical salesman).

If anyone could help or fill in the holes it would be GREATLY appreciated. To make it simple 1/4'', 3/8'' and 1/2'' ratchets and 6mm-24mm sockets etc. You get my drift eh? What is needed as a entry level tech tool wise? What should I skip out on and get later when I am making more or whatever? What do I not need at all? What MUST you get that is quality and can you skimp on? Skimp part can always be replaced with better once making money and becoming more efficient. Shoot, you can even put brands if you want. I see tooth count and so on too, but treat me as someone that knows nothing and I can figure it out. I do not pay attention to HF tooth count (just know it feels cheap and doesn't feel good to me) and that Snap-on (my dads/feels night and less "play" in it).

I appreciate any advice again and will continue to google search and browse the forums for other help. Thanks again guys. Looking forward to the new forum and expertise you guys have to offer.

Take care all,
Tony

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Mr. Snap-on visits each semester and I am NOT going to ask him what I need. He will have me set up with a top and bottom tool box, tool cart and every tool they make (typical salesman).

I don't see the problem here....

In all seriousness, when I went to aviation tech school, i took advantage of the 51% off, big time...Looking back, I wouldn't have bought the big expensive boxes that I did, but there were less options back in the 80's... I would have spent more money on the hand tools and bought used boxes...All in all I spent about $12,000 in list prices ($6,000 cash)...I did have a successful painting company at the time, so money wasn't a problem...

 

[Deskmechanic]

What are you going to school to work on? Cars? Heavy equipment/diesel? Aircraft?

 

[wafrederick]

A set of good picks is a must and well worth it.Great for removing o rings and many more applications.A good magnet too if you drop something which you can see it,I have two of them and I do drop a tool or fastner once in a while.

 

[BmwManz]

I guess I should've mentioned that in the above post. I would like to work on mainly cars but not limited to diesels (mainly my truck and in the future if needed the dealer fill in diesel tech). Funny thing is my dad was a lube tech and managed a shop when the owner decided he would try a new field to start a business in. He has the top and bottom already and very little tools (like starting from scratch). I cannot recall the box number as I have been out of their house for some time (7 years).

I would like to take advantage of the discount deal (50-60% off), but not go extremely crazy as I have 4 other mouths to feed too. As the saying goes, "to make money you have to spend money." I own my own landscaping business and work part time elsewhere, but I do have a passion for automotive work as I have tried a few different style jobs and keep running back to this.

 

[NHBandit]

Lots of guys will give you great advice for where to start so I'll just add one thing. 40 years ago when I was in your shoes I kept a pad of paper & a pen in my top drawer. Any time I had to borrow a tool from one of the other guys I wrote it down and as soon as I could afford to I bought my own. Lending tools is a sore subject with alot of pros but we do understand that new guys can't possibly have everything so we try to help out. Lending them multiple times to the same guy is ********.

 

[BmwManz]

Lots of guys will give you great advice for where to start so I'll just add one thing. 40 years ago when I was in your shoes I kept a pad of paper & a pen in my top drawer. Any time I had to borrow a tool from one of the other guys I wrote it down and as soon as I could afford to I bought my own. Lending tools is a sore subject with a lot of pros but we do understand that new guys can't possibly have everything so we try to help out. Lending them multiple times to the same guy is ********.

I will have to try this. "If you have to borrow it more than once......" something they like to say the first semester over and over. Great advice and glad some of the veteran techs have somewhat of an understanding. I will be writing down the tools discussed within this forum on a pad of paper too so that I may compose a list come time to purchase them.

 

[Deskmechanic]

I would suggest starting with the basics, preferrably good used truck brand stuff. If you are going to be in a shop don't bother with Craftsman or HF because if it breaks you have to leave your job and go get it warranted at lunch or on the weekend when you really want to be hanging out with your family not running to the Sears store.

GOOD 1/2 air impact wrench & extensions (IR, Snappy, matco), mid-range set of metric impact sockets (GP, Matco Silver Eagle, Blue Point or similar imported).
set of metric shallow & deep 3/8 and 1/4 sockets & extensions. Regular and long flex head ratchet, breaker bar
good big set of screwdrivers
good full set of metric wrenches, long pattern
good set of pliers, 3-5 sets

Get that stuff in a tool cart (the harbor freight 5-drawer one is good and cheap) and you can start making money. Buy the other stuff as you need it (as others have said) and as you can afford it.

 

[BmwManz]

I would suggest starting with the basics, preferrably good used truck brand stuff. If you are going to be in a shop don't bother with Craftsman or HF because if it breaks you have to leave your job and go get it warranted at lunch or on the weekend when you really want to be hanging out with your family not running to the Sears store.

GOOD 1/2 air impact wrench & extensions (IR, Snappy, matco), mid-range set of metric impact sockets (GP, Matco Silver Eagle, Blue Point or similar imported).
set of metric shallow & deep 3/8 and 1/4 sockets & extensions. Regular and long flex head ratchet, breaker bar
good big set of screwdrivers
good full set of metric wrenches, long pattern
good set of pliers, 3-5 sets

Get that stuff in a tool cart (the harbor freight 5-drawer one is good and cheap) and you can start making money. Buy the other stuff as you need it (as others have said) and as you can afford it.

Stupid question: what makes a screwdriver good? Full metric meaning 8mm-24mm on wrenches? Any IR 1/2'' impact will be good?

 

[CWP1616L]

What MUST you get that is quality and can you skimp on? Skimp part can always be replaced with better once making money and becoming more efficient.

That all depends on how much tolerance you have for cheap tools that are uncomfortable to use and don't fit the fastener correctly. These days, you can get great sockets at Harbor Freight, but other tools they have like wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers don't cut it in my opinion. For those other tools you're gonna have to step up to quality unless you have a lot of tolerance for tools that don't work right and are more trouble than they're worth.

 

[brit road garage]

get the snap on starter set its got extensions 3/8 drive ratchet and a set of metric sockets for like 150 bucks and with your discount it will be 75 bucks thats a deal

 

[BmwManz]

That all depends on how much tolerance you have for cheap tools that are uncomfortable to use and don't fit the fastener correctly. These days, you can get great sockets at Harbor Freight, but other tools they have like wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers don't cut it in my opinion. For those other tools you're gonna have to step up to quality unless you have a lot of tolerance for tools that don't work right and are more trouble than they're worth.

I cannot stand slop in the gear or ratchets or wrenches that "fit" and when you put another brand on it fits like a glove and is the same size . I also do not like when I put a snug fitting allen (hex) in and it slips off (soft metal) or strips the hex out. *sigh* so I guess quality is what i want. In the short it will be expensive, but in the long term with the tool truck coming around and warrantying and time not spend going to sears to spend time with family is worth more. Plus, invest now need very little later seems to be the idea I see.

Just don't want useless things or to be buying a $20 magnet when I have three already that serve the purpose. ratchets and sockets for sure, but a magnet? I will skimp on that.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I will have to try this. "If you have to borrow it more than once......" something they like to say the first semester over and over. Great advice and glad some of the veteran techs have somewhat of an understanding. I will be writing down the tools discussed within this forum on a pad of paper too so that I may compose a list come time to purchase them.

Personally, I disagree. My rule is more like "if I have to borrow it more than once a week." I work in a shop that shares a building with 2 others, 10 techs total. We each have a bunch of **** that no one else has, many of the tools are stuff that it would be goofy for everyone to own. Not talking common stuff, more specialized tools... why should more than a couple of us own that $50 socket that's only needed for one vehicle, or that... you get the point. I've got no issues loaning out my expensive seldom used tools, because I know I get to borrow other expensive seldom used tools instead.

If I bought all the tools I'd borrowed more than once, I wouldn't have been able to buy the tools other people have borrowed more than once.

Aside from the obvious sockets and wrenches, my first purchases were flexible Gearwrenches, long-handle and locking flex ratchets, and, well, that's about it. Other than a bunch of pliers, prybars, and extensions, a lot of my acquisitions have been more along the lines of diagnostic stuff. I did pretty well for a good while with my initial purchase.

 

[Deskmechanic]

Stupid question: what makes a screwdriver good? Full metric meaning 8mm-24mm on wrenches? Any IR 1/2'' impact will be good?

Good screwdrivers for automotive use have hardened, ground tips (so no Craftsman). Replaceable blades and easy replacement are nice to have too. That said, when I was working as a tech I used my snap-on ratcheting screwdriver much more than any of the other drivers that I had.

Full means 8-22mm with no skips. The bigger sizes (up to 32mm) you can add as you need them or when you find good deals. SAE sizes are rarely used these days but you might need them once in a while depending on what you work on.

As for impact wrenches, I have not worked as a pro in years so you will have to see what other guys say about that. But I would say stick with truck brands, again, because if it breaks you don't want to be driving around town looking for a replacement or parts.

 

[comedyman809]

a 6 N' 1 should do the trick, should fix just about anything!!!
no need for a tool box either, put it in your back pocket

 

[el_chupo_]

A set of good torx bit sockets. I see your user name, and if that is an indication of what you will be working on, they will be mandatory. Handy in lots of vehicles though.

 

[BmwManz]

Well thanks a lot guys. I will continue to add these on the list as posted. I do indeed want to work on them as I have had a '91, '97 and '98 and did all the repairs, luckily nothing major yet. Everyone has their preference right? I like the GM trucks too as I pull my double axle landscaping trailer with it. Hardened ground tips. Thanks again everyone. You have been very helpful.

 

[kenburkholz]

Even after wrenching for so many years, I still will find something I don't have and I need to finish a job. Ken.

 

[John in OH]

I won't try to offer advice as to what tools you should buy as "basic" to your trade. My only advice is to be responsible with your purchases. No one starting out should be selling their soul to the tool truck man especially if you have other family responsibilities. There is often a tendency on this forum to get sucked into the belief that the only way to get quality tools is to buy the most expensive (read SO here). Keep in mind there are numerous other excellent and high-quality brands of tools out there (Wright, Proto, Armstrong, Williams, SK, for instance) that cost only a fraction of what SO cost. Select and buy responsibly ... your family's well-being is your top priority.

 

[Supe]

Hey guys. I am new to the forum and would like to say what's up? I think I may have found this by an accidental google search and the other time was through a youtube Macimizer tool box video (if that is how they spell their box).

I bet that clip was from a GJ member 'MechanicNamedJohn'. He wasn't afraid to use HF exclusively prior to moving to a Mac Tools set up.

 

[BmwManz]

I bet that clip was from a GJ member 'MechanicNamedJohn'. He wasn't afraid to use HF exclusively prior to moving to a Mac Tools set up.

That sounds abut right. He opened a new shop or something, has OCD like crazy, has tools he says he cleans religiously but uses, and has tools for his son? Cool video. Not to sound rude, but I've used some HF stuff and I just cannot stand their stuff (most anyways). I'd rather buy the Craftsman stuff than the HF. At least it has some appearing to be better feature and feels good in my hand. I'm not going to say there isn't slop in some of their stuff, but I just prefer to stay away from the HF stuff unless it is used infrequently or trying to make a tool. Not bashing just my preference after using them and trying other box store (Kobalt/Craftsman full polished ratcheting wrenches). Thanks again.

 

[mknl]

I started out with a Bluepoint (SO) General service kit, it has nearly every socket you need for most jobs and in a carry box.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=644870&group_ID=682194&store=uk&dir=catalog
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=646101&group_ID=682346&store=uk&dir=catalog

 

[Supe]

What tools do you have?


I'm not a mechanic/tech (so keep that in mind) but from my time at GJ I've observed that:

There are tools that Snap-On, Mac, Matco rebrand as theirs. They can be had much cheaper than tool truck prices. Here's on thread on rebranded tools. There are other threads on rebranding. Search them out.

HF U.S General toolboxes and tool carts are regarded as reasonable quality the price and functionality (A HF win).

There are certain tools that are invoked often in threads/posts as high quality/worth the dollars. Snap-On or Williams ratcheting screwdriver. Snap-On 24" 1/2 breaker bar. Snap-On Heavy Duty gold torx sockets. Matco XL 0 offset flex ratcheting wrenches. Knipex Cobra pliers.

There are other forum favourites to be sure but other members can fill you in.

Check GJ member 'sberry' for comments on frugality (costs). Head checks are good. Unnecessary debt bad.

Check the 'Must have...' threads from the respective tool trucks. They are filters - the popular choices are repeated. The dud ones called out:

• Matco
  
• Snap-On
  
• Mac Tools

Check out the Tool/service cart thread and 'Let's see your toolbox' behemoth thread.

I like GJ member Skin for his thoughts/opinions on tools (he's in the biz). Example: Small engine repair. If you regularly see posts from contributors that resonate with you, check their profile and drill through their comments. Again, a shortcut. Just watch out for confirmation bias. Refer to head check comment. Given that you have four mouths to feed, you'll get that everyday no doubt.

On ideas: Check this guys tool cart overview. A working tech and you observe the tools he's using. He throws in a couple 'pro-tips' as well.

Learn about quality Euro tool offerings courtesy of the monster thread started by Monte: Tools from the Old World

When you're on your way to buying those tools, start posting in the Show your new tool arrivals thread.

 

[BmwManz]

Wow! Those are awesome links and very helpful shares Supe. Thank you very much!! I have a few basic crappy tools, but I also have a few Craftsman stuff. I have a lot of sockets in 1/4'' and 3/8'' but nothing to brag about. I have slowly started trying to get better stuff on my own. I have a few different length pry bars (Pittsburgh, 3/8'' metric and standard Craftsman 12 point shallows socket and ratchet set, 10-18mm ratcheting polished combination wrenches, some Kobalt, Pittsburgh and Craftsman (black and grey) metric and standard of many sizes combination wrenches, Knipex big and smaller set, channels, wire strippers (Klein), not anything special on nut drivers or screwdrivers, 1/2'' Pittsburgh impact sockets, Pittsburgh 1/2'' 2' breaker bar, and some hex bits by Kobalt. My dad has a huge top and bottom snap-on box with IR 1/2'' impact, 1/4'' bluepoint wrench, very little snap-on 1/4'' set and 3/8'' set (both shallow), craftsman sae and metric deeps, mac 3/8'' ratchet (orange handle and head does different angles), snap-on test light, mac tools code reader (not scanner live data or freeze frame), some screw drivers from snap-on (red and black handle), some mac picks, no name ball pein hammers and pry bars, etc. I am not at his house though he said he would give it all to me if I graduate.

 

[abvw]

There are tools that Snap-On, Mac, Matco rebrand as theirs. They can be had much cheaper than tool truck prices. Here's on thread on rebranded tools. There are other threads on rebranding. Search them out.

You pay for the hassle-free and sometimes better warranty. ie Trusty-Cook 2 years warranty vs tool truck's lifetime, plus you've got to mail it in at YOUR own expense. There's also a 0% financing options built into the price, 10 weeks at $20/week goes by very quickly (but it could also stack up very quickly). Makes life a lot easier to budget for.

 

[Supe]

You pay for the hassle-free and sometimes better warranty. ie Trusty-Cook 2 years warranty vs tool truck's lifetime, plus you've got to mail it in at YOUR own expense. There's also a 0% financing options built into the price, 10 weeks at $20/week goes by very quickly (but it could also stack up very quickly). Makes life a lot easier to budget for.

Yup. Those are good points on the flexibility of tool purchases via tool trucks. Convenience of payment options and warranty. We won't get into the 'if the tool truck guy works the area' (availability)- or whether they are good with hassle free swap outs though.

 

[BmwManz]

Guess I will make a list of necessary list then slowly add on when making money and in the field where I can find out what I need more of etc. I like the idea of not paying to get my tool warrantied and limited warranty. I like the lifetime and that a truck comes to you and possibly gives a hat or shirt by buying enough from them. Also, the used deals on the trucks and I am a sucker for bright L.E.D flash lights . I really like the ratcheting combination wrenches. Flank drive plus wrenches too. Can I get buy without the 1/2'' stuff or no? I know for spinning the crank pulley the 1/2'' would be best, but a breaker bar will do also. As silly as it sounds I would rather pay for quality and what I like rather than buying lesser or chasing down stores to warranty their stuff wishing I had the better. I also like my stuff matching. This is why I have all Stihl power tools for my landscaping business.