Tools of the Trade

[road_rascal]

I do a lot of wrenching at the plant I work at. Our garage has tools supplied by the company but since they are common use (everyone has access to them) I got sick of tracking down ratchets, sockets, wrenches, etc and bought my own set from Home Depot (Husky brand). I keep those locked in my locker. They have held up very well and I use them quite a bit.

 

[MathewC]

Originally Posted By: clinebarger

90% of automotive technicians never make it past 5 years in the field & they end up selling off all their tools for 20% of what they paid.

The best advice I can give is......Slow down & use the tools you have!
The BEST tool you have is between you ears....Hone that first, Good tools can be bought later on AFTER you get a few years of real world experience under your belt. I promise you that the courses your taking are NOT preparing you for what's to come.


Honestly, I don't really have time to slow down and I only have about two years to get some good basic tools at least before I start seriously pursuing being a tech. I can't get through the field without metric wrenches either, so I need those at least. I also would not get rid of my tools for cheap even if I left the field because I would still need them for myself. I like doing this stuff, so I would like the tools whether or not it's my job, because it will still be a hobby and money saver.

Also, the instructors are pretty honest on what we will be doing in the field. Example: They said we will probably not going to be measuring every engine component before assembling a brand new one on flat-rate pay.
That being said, I am mostly interested in basics. I am not wanting scan tools, expensive boxes, and all the testing equipment available. I am trying to be as minimalistic as possible at the time while covering the major things.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: MathewC
Also, do most people prefer the ergonomic Snap-On ratchets or chrome-handled ones? I would also like to know if the weaker handle will imply a lesser warranty.


I like the chrome handle except of the turned grooves; they dig into my middle finger when I'm grasping it. The current soft grip handles feel great. Warranty coverage is the same for both handles.

 

[dlundblad]

Originally Posted By: MathewC
Also, do most people prefer the ergonomic Snap-On ratchets or chrome-handled ones? I would also like to know if the weaker handle will imply a lesser warranty.


Can't you feel the stuff before you buy it? What you prefer and what others prefer are 2 different things.

 

[Mr Nice]

MatthewC,

Look on Craigslist for people selling tools. Lots of high quality stuff can be found on CL.

 

[andyd]

plumbing or electric or HVAC, elevators. Something that requires a license. No, not a CDL.

 

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted By: MathewC


Honestly, I don't really have time to slow down and I only have about two years to get some good basic tools at least before I start seriously pursuing being a tech. I can't get through the field without metric wrenches either, so I need those at least. I also would not get rid of my tools for cheap even if I left the field because I would still need them for myself. I like doing this stuff, so I would like the tools whether or not it's my job, because it will still be a hobby and money saver.



Buy a "short set" of metric wrenches.....10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21.....Fill in the blanks with the SAE wrenches you have.
9/32"= 7mm
5/16"= 8mm
7/16"= 11mm
5/8"= 16mm
3/4"= 19mm
7/8"= 22mm
15/16"= 24mm

1", 1 1/16", 1 1/8" 1 3/16, 1 1/4" wrenches will do almost any large A/C fitting you run across.

I only buy Snap-On wrenches because they fit ME the best.