What tools do I need?

Question

I just got a new job as a technician for a company....Since I have basic ASE certifications I am going to be put as an entry level technician....My automotive school provided my tools for me but now I need help on what tools I need to buy...I have my sockets and wrenches already...I know I will need a clamp for doing brake jobs and also an oil filter wrench for oil changes....I want to know what other tools I need....I do know they provide heavy duty equipment but are power tools such as impact wrenches or impact guns provided?....and also should I get a full size tool cart?

Answer 1

Wow...It sure sounds to me as if that "school" you went to didn't prepare you very well for any kind of mechanic job. Don't worry...you'll be finding out what you need very soon! Most mechanic shops have the Snap On, MATCO and MAC tool trucks visit once a week and any of those tool men will offer you financing and give you what you need up front and take weekly payments for the purchases.

Answer 2

Stay away from the Snap-On truck! You'll end up spending your entire pay check on all the shiny toys they have inside. I suggest you wait until you actually HAVE a job that needs a special tool before you buy one. Otherwise, you're going to find yourself sitting there with a box full of expensive tools that you'll never use.

Answer 3

A tool cart is the first thing you need to get. When the snap on guy comes around you need to set up a acct. with him. And yes you will need your own air tools. Keep paper and pen handy to write down tools that you see you will need, then get them when the snap on guy comes around each week. Before its over you will have many thousands of dollars tied up in your tool box, and DONT loan them out or you'll be buying them again.

Answer 4

I feel sorry for the company that hired you if you have to ask here. Sorry.

Answer 5

We don't know what they'll supply so you should either ask them or wait until you get there. Usually a workshop provides airguns, jacks and other "large tools", but socket, wrenches, pliers, wirecutters and similarly small tools are down to the technician. Either way, you'll always find you come across a job which requires something you don't yet have, so you'll probably be asking colleagues to lend it to you for the job while you acquire your own. That's how you build up your toolkit. And keep your tools clean and stored in a good lockable toolbox.

Answer 6

Tools will come. Just lay off the tool trucks as much as possible. If you need to then choose one truck and stick with that one. The only truck I go out to anymore is Matco. Anything else I can find better deals online like Amazon or eBay.

Answer 7

Ask them what minimum they require you to supply. As you gain experience you'll find other stuff you want to add - a lot of personal choice comes into it (+ the type of vehicle you're working on)

Answer 8

Single best set to have in your box is metric gear wrenches. Impact weapons will also be required, a good quality 1/2 inch gun and sockets is a must.

Answer 9

You get a well made set of tools same as the owns used in the Tech School (which I am surprised did not include the set as part of your graduation.)

There are two good sources.

1. Sears.

2. The Tool Trucks (aka: Snap-On, Mac Tools, etc.)