Beginner Diesel Mechanic Tool Buying Guide.
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- This Channel gets a lot of comments about which tools to buy starting out and the reasoning behind it. This is a video giving you my opinion on what to buy and how to save money buying tools for an apprentice or beginner Mechanic.
Absolutely agree with sunex, precision intruments, mayhew, milwaukee, and ingersoll rand. All top quality tools with reasonable prices considering the features you get.
+Dimitrio Blanco Thank you.
Great video. I tell all the mechanics that want to get into it to buy the basics, like you said. Wrenches, standard and metric, sockets, standard and metric, screw drivers, pry bars and the like. One thing that I do add is that you want at least two ratchets in each drive size. I have doubles and triples of each because what happens if you have one and strip it out? Snap on, Mac, Matco, Cornwell trucks come once a week. Have a spare. And I like to have them in multiple length handles. Cordless tools are Milwaukee M18 FUEL. Hands down. I just upgraded to the XC 9.0 batteries and I charge them all once a week. I use my impact driver (1/4 inch with socket adapter) every day, drill every other day and 1/2 inch impact every day. Now they do not have the power of air, but for exhaust work they beat dragging an air hose under a school bus.
+BW8x10 Very good points sir, my electric stuff is Bosch at work, but if I bought a set now it would be Milwaukee. I've got several ratchets as well in each size, but just for starting out I think 1 of each is okay, then upgrade as needed. Thanks for commenting.
Fantastic tool review. Nicely unbiased and the suggestions to get things like plyers, punches, and cordless electric tools at a hardware store will definitely save money!
Only real advantage to the tool truck wrenches is that if you break something- the truck comes by weekly. FUNNY THOUGH how when you turn 60ish and take your toolbox home - the tool truck guys aren't quite as quick to replace your stuff...
Good video and nice to hear good unbiased tool recommendations . I started out In 2000 on trucks at a dealer and have since went away from that in work in garbage business now exclusively on heavy equipment . I started out with about 1700 $ worth of craftsman tools and stayed in pretty heavy debt for about 3 years gathering what I needed. as far as yours but 1 1/2 up pluss size wrenches go tractor supply is the way to go I have never seen anyone break a wrench that size even wailing on them with a hammer which becomes pretty routine working on rusted equipment. I still have all of my old craftsman tools and use those when abuse is called for and I just like the old style wrench compared to any of the expensive ones . but that is my preference. good source for lower cost snap on and Matco tools is there repo box if they keep on on the truck ,that is where all of my branded tools have came from except for a few special speciality tools or one that just makes my life easier. gather as much as you can afford first few years and take care of them and they will take care of you that is my words of wisdom for anyone new. if I spend 500 a year on tools now it was a bad year for me . sorry for the lengthy comment Keep up the good vids
Love your content but I just need to say something in the name of saving up and coming techs money. The brand Mayhew you mentioned is a us manufacturer of prybars and chisels. They make ALL the chisels, bits, prybars, etc for the truck brands. Cornwell, Matco, mac, and even snap on. 5 piece prybar set is $70 from Mayhew vs $200 for a 4 piece set of any of the 4 mentioned trucks.
Matco also is owned by apex tools, who also owns gearwrench. All their wrenches are made in Taiwan and can be had for a fraction the price through gearwrench. That being said though, apex tools also owns fluke and all of Matco higher end multimeters are rebranded fluke meters that tend to go on sale every so often as a cheaper alternative to buying outright for a fluke meter
All the tool trucks excluding snap on use channellock as their supplier for USA made pliers/cutters. The cheaper pliers are made in China and are identical to the pliers found at harbor freight or in the bargain bins at most hardware/parts stores.
Matco rebrands, They do not make any of the tools they sell. Their USA made tools are manufactured by Mayhew, lisle, aj manufacturers, otc, channellock, assenmacher, and a few others.
Mac wrenches are still made In the USA, but can be found slightly cheaper under their industrial brand “Proto”. This holds true for their screwdrivers, ratchets, and ratcheting wrenches.
Pretty good rule of thumb is the tools trucks, again with the exception of Matco, only manufacturer their hardline tools. This includes ratchets, wrenches, and sockets.
Snap on and Mac have a little more reach in the “in-house” manufacturing
Mac, being owned by Stanley black&decker, has dewalt and Proto branded tools, rebranded for a higher premium. With Snap-on having Williams and Bahco. So that’s another way to save all while getting the same quality
Like all your videos they are clear, concise and well thought through. I like the honesty of your opinion on various brands of tools and the practical advice that anyone interested in or working in this field finds hard to get from anywhere else. Keep up the good work and keep making those videos.
Great job, I have Sunex impact sockets I bought in 1989 when I started turning wrenches and haven't broke one yet!!!
+zeke1eod I didn't know they were around that long. That is a good testimonial for them.
Adept Ape yes sir I paid like 29.00 for the 3/8 set that had 7mm-19 shallow and deep bought off tool truck called All Tools South
Love your videos although I'm not in the professional field any longer I'm starting the diesel field because I just purchased a 7.3 f250 and you've helped me a lot to figure my way around the motor I'm also a disabled veteran so I'm on a limit budget so a lot of mine are impact tools but I learn alot from you so thanks bunches
I can say that dead blow hammers are something someone shouldn’t cheap out on. I worked in a big bore rebuild shop and we had a mechanic using one of the orange deadblows from harbor freight. He was beating on a coolant pipe and the hammer came apart and filled the engine with lead shot. Turned a simple in frame into a complete overhaul due to having to tear down and take block to a machine shop
Good stuff man. Also its refreshing to see somebody make a video with alot of talking that doesn't have a jump cut every five seconds.
+Bucketsamson I keep thinking I need to spice up my videos with more stuff, not jump cuts, but more pictures and the like, but I'm glad to hear me talking is okay.
I use Gearwrench 3/8 sockets and ratchets of all kinds almost daily. Yea, I've busted some sockets but the tool truck has no issue replacing them!
Great videos! I wish I had found your channel sooner than a few weeks ago. Regarding tools, some of mine have changed from my first preferences just based on what trucks show up regularly. Started out with mostly Snap-on and Matco (and Klein and Greenlee from a previous line of work) but because the Mac truck shows up the most frequently at my current location, thats what ends up being the most common replacement or new purchase (or Amazon). As far as the electric tools, I'm the stubborn guy that tries to avoid bringing them to the shop. They're incredibly handy and much more powerful vs even 5 years ago, but from my construction days of blowing ~$1000 a year replacing batteries, I figure the shop air is free (to me) and I'll stubbornly stick to that as much as I can and use my cordless electrics at home. You're also the only other person I know of that has a preference for Matco ratchets. I have plenty from other brands, and I wouldn't even say I dislike the others, but I'll habitually reach for my Matco ratchets first every time.
+retreadz I don't know why I like the Matco ratchets better, I just like the handle design and I'm sure it's just some psychological reason from when I bought my first one. Thanks for commenting.
For impacts I like aircat/nitrocat. For die grinders you need to look at how often you use them, a couple of times a month then HF is more than good enough. You can replace an HF a lot of times for the price of a ir or snap on. If you use it all the time then you step up to the high dollar tools
Love my power probe 3. That and my maximus 4.0 scanner are some of the best investments I've ever made
Want to thank you for sharing your advice, tips, rebuilds, etc. Going to start my schooling in January.
I'm not a professional mechanic, but after working on my own vehicles, I have almost all the tools you mention. For screwdrivers, I prefer Wera. Knipex for pliers and love my Mayhew pry bars. For sockets, I have a combo of Sunex, old school craftsmen, Tekton and Capri. Wrenches are Capri, Gearwrench, Stahlwille, and of course old school Craftsman. No air tools here. But I have Milwaukee impacts and ratchets in electric. Drinks are DeWalt cordless. I don't have any die grinders, but they're on my list.
Snap on, craftsman meachanics, matco,mac, blue point, proto & mayhew bars,chisels and punches are all the same they're all made but mayhew forge in PA I used to heat treat them the only differences are certain designs can be proprietary to who sells them (mac or snap on etc) and Sioux tools air tools are snap on as well we used to do parts for them that all came from snap on
If you're enrolled as a student It's always good to check with the companies to see if they offer special student pricing. Snap-On, Fluke, and IR all offer discounts for students. If you don't see a student discount offered on a particular companies website then try sending them an e-mail, they may still have one even if they don't advertise it, or they may direct you to one of their distributors who do.
Love Milwaukee electric tools. I got 1/2" impact wrench as a free add-on to drill/driver kit at Home Depot. Would suggest waiting for one of those specials if you can.
+Ausmus Marburger I just bought a Milwaukee electric ratchet and I'm in love with it.
Adept Ape Nice! 3/8 or 1/4?
+Ausmus Marburger 3/8" because most of my sockets are 3/8"
Adept Ape Makes sense. 1/4" impact driver covers most of the 1/4" stuff anyway, at least taking off. Same here on 3/8. I only have a few 1/2" chromes. Have every Impact shallow and deep in 1/2". 3/8" is so dynamic. Haven't broken a 3/8" socket yet when a 1/2" might have been warranted. Although I've learned the hard way on low torque applications to use my 1/4 ratchet or 3/8 torque wrench!
Don't forget to insure your tools or make sure your workplace has insurance to cover them.I spend $50 per week on tools and buy tools that are on special to make my life easier if you do this over the years you will end up with a really nice toolbox.
I like sunex. great tools. Fluke and Klein are amazing!
+Richard Cowtails They are great for the price.
Hi Buddy, you know that I am a big fan of your videos.Have you ever been or thought about being an instructor? You have a great speaking voice and you seem to be very patient.
+Steven Degli Angeli Most Cat dealers have a trainer position, I wouldn't mind being one. Probably going to wrench until I'm about 40 though first. Gotta keep making CZcams videos about something.
As always great video. The best advise I received was spend your money on the tools themselves and then if you have money left over then buy a name brand tool box.
+Paragod Savior The tools are what make you money, the box just holds them, but it's nice to have a nice box if you can get a deal on one. Great comment.
CDI makes Snap-On Micrometer click type torque wrenches. Great wrenches, much cheaper with CDI label. PI makes the split beam style.
With companies like Mayhew you can't go wrong,their chisels,punches and pry bars are great.
Good video, Can be hard getting good advice on tools when you start. Fluke 101 is a great multimeter for an apprentice. Auto ranging with basic things to selected from. Cheap too!
I had to cut the vid short bc of some time restraints atm so I'm not sure if you touched on it but one of the biggest reasons for Snap-On's higher value is because of the fact that their dealers are everywhere. Unlike Mac, Matco, and Cornwell, they're the most reliable/consistent dealers around. I've had some A-Hole snappy dealers and great dudes selling other stuff, not saying they're the best all around, just that Snap-On from what I've seen is better at keeping dealers and sending in new dealers if they do loose a guy. I've been in a class 8 truck tech for almost 15yrs and Ive went years without having a Mac, Cornwell, or Matco dealer which can get frustrating when you have a pile of tools that need to be warrantied. Could be my area, nut it seems like when CW, MAC, and MCO looses a franchisee, it can be a long while before you see another. The truck dealers all bring a convenience fee with them because they come to you and offer smaller weekly tabs, that being said, you'll save a mountain of cash by shopping with many of the brands Adept Ape brought up elsewhere.
Mike V snap on is totally unreliable in my area. In the last few years I’ve had four different snap on reps in my area. They only last about six months. Then I go six months without a snap on dealer in my area. However the Cornwell guy has been in my area for twenty five years and the Matco guy has been around ten. I love snap on but I avoid them just because they are so unreliable. It sucks to have to send stuff in to snap on for replacement
Check out bit wax for drill bits,it really extends bit life,great for air saw blades too.
I pretty much agree with your recommendations. I like my DeWalt 18v electric tools.
+wysetech2000 I've got Bosch at work and DeWalt 18v at the house. Works good for home stuff.
Your videos inspired me while in school man 👌🏻 now im in the field and trying to learn as much as i can thank you ‼️
We appreciate you
Another good brand for Techs to start out with is SK Tools. I have a 3/8 socket set that is 20 years old and I haven't broken any sockets or ratchets, plus the price is competitive. I also own the xframe ratcheting wrenches, very durable and I love the teeth the wrench has on the open end, basically like the flank drive on a snap on wrench. Plus I'm a Channellock fan myself. All good recommendations for tools by the way, nice job.
+busjockey1 I have some SK stuff, but I thought they went Bankrupt in the great recession, so I just looked it up and they did go bankrupt, but apparently were bought out by an Ideal Industries and are now making tools again.
Yes they are. They are coming out with some new cool stuff also. I bought their new xframe ratcheting wrenches and their awesome. Plus they are coming out with new socket ratchets too and they have new toolboxes now. Go to their site, pretty cool.
Agreed, craftsman screwdrivers are terrible. Love my pro series craftsman wrenches though.
Craftsman pro series is the only way to go for any Craftsman tool.
Really good video. Informative
First time watching this clip and I appreciate the advice even if it is personal preference it was good advice to me I'm going to be starting out can't really get tool trucktools but I really enjoyed this video preciate it!
Thanks for the videos, helping me out a lot since im 19 years old trying to get into the diesel field. Any advice people are willing to give me is well taken; i need all the help i can get
+Joevanny Rivera Everyone was there at one time, just remember that nobody is born with this knowledge.
SNAP ON, MAC but they are pricey, I would recommend Cratg List for good deals or Swap Meets. We had a deal with Snap On dealer for a starter kit when I went to Tech School for $300. Its probably sellng for $1000 now. But remember its an investment and a tax write offs. JSL
The best tools are the ones that get the job done without part or component damage while minimizing knuckle busting. Brand name does not matter in my opinion
I can agree with your statement. The difference is when they brake. Name brand pays off
With drilling lube avoid engine oil because boy o boy did I get myself one big head ache on a 3306 exhaust stud, made some great high Corbon steel it sure squeeled and I sweated
The only thing I'd say is the Snap-on dead blow steel hammer hits harder less impact goes to your hand and never have to worry about the head flying off my 36 Oz Snap-on hammer is one of my favorite tools only problem is if your tight on room to swing u can't turn it sideways due to the plastic that surrounds the side of the head I've had good luck with most Snap-on except for lights only tool I seem to lose and battery never last long I go with millwakie lights now
bigger stream lights have been good to me but the small ones I always have issues with but stream light usually sent me new ones
I agree with everything you said well done.
+09turbodiesel Thank you very much.
You can get a lot of Milwaukee power tools off ebay for really great deals. Most of the time they are just kits someone broke up and can get them atleast 20$ cheaper. Thanks for the video
+Hunter Milner I'll have to check the out because I've been looking for a 3/8 electric ratchet they make for awhile, but just don't want to pay full price.
Cool video. I've preferred snap on when it comes to hand tools and Ingersol Rand in the air tool area.
You are a smart man then, as everyone that agrees with me is!
Good advice all around.
All the guys at my shop just bought the same stupid snap-on hammer. Mine is a 4lb head from a broken Walmart hammer welded to a suspension u-bolt.
I really like your videos I find very interesting by the techno degree of your information ok I work since my new years with diesel mechanics in engines Man and Caterpillar sport line recreation marine line .. hug
+Eduardo Oliveira Thank you.
Love the video should throw in pictures of the tools make it better
I have kolbolt craftsman and dewalt tool sets I have snap on and some matco. From 1\4 3/8 1/2 3/4 and some 1" however I love tools their is no bad tools
I am hadicapped and have worked as a mechanic for 42 years. I will say that ergonomics is important in tools you use often.look for tools that are easy on your hands.a screwdriver might be the best in the world, but if it does not fit the hand using it properly.
#1- it will be uncomfortable and even painfull to use.
#2- you will not achieve peak torque or get the best out of a tool that doesn't fit your hands properly. Ratchets and wrenches are the same. Don't stick yourself with tools that do not fit your hands properly. I have had a Fluke 88 since 1991. It beats everything else. If you buy a Power Probe, make sure it has silicone insulated leads. Much easier to use in cold weather.Mac tools was bought by Stanley tools. If you buy Stanley, Home Depot carries a full line of Stanley .
Have you ever seen a flex head breaker bar/torque wrench fail at the head? I've seen flex heads on the truck and online but always been afraid of getting one since I don't really trust 300 ft/lbs to a roll pin.
Nebo is awesome for flashlights and cheaper than streamlight
Power Probes are the greatest things ever.
Load pros are faster
HF pry bars are pretty darn good, 36 bar beats the daylights out of so, mines 5 years abused and it doesn't bend. A set of through shaft bars you can beat on are good
You forgot 3/4 drive sockets must have start with cheaper and work up, Adapters are handy and inexpensive
Yea, but MY opinion is the right opinion.
One more comment for those air tools. I used to work at Atlas-Copco and 50% our warranty work was rejected due to lack of lubrication. 2 drops of oil a day and air tools will last forever, unless you have wet air.
Klien prybars the type ironworkers use are the best “slever bars”
Btw S K makes a 64 tooth round head ratchet, nearly indescribable
Get some tool organizers and socket organizers. Using the box or sleeve or whatever the tool came in wastes space. A larger box is NOT something you want to but after you bought a tool box already.
I use the crap out of angle wrenches, and the best ones are snap on
Grey Pneumatic duo-sockets.
I have gained a collection of CAT Injector height gauges over the years left on injectors from some else running over heads.. lol
What sought of tool kit should you have in your rig?
Wise men
I had a beat up 11 year old Streamlight with a damaged rubber button, lenses, and grip. I sent it to their factory and they repaired and shipped it right back at absolutely NO CHARGE. Don't hesitate buying their products.
Appreciate all your help. Where can I get 2007 kenwortkw900 diagrams. I'm a auto electric mecanic. But need to trouble shoot this truck. No power. After drive for 30 min
good video bro. from Atlanta Georgia, Justin
Thanks for watching it.
Just a couple of comments. Tekton is making some nice tools, it's formerly Michigan Industrial Tool (MIT). The other question regards Maglites do you know if rechargeable D cells work with them? Thanks for the video. Basically you told me I don't need any more tools and heck I'm an accountant but I do plan on moving into a diesel motor home in the next year and was wondering if I need anything else. I don't.
If you use a tool cart, would it be possible for you do a walk around of what you have in it.
+jamecorts I've got a tool cart and tool box video up already, I think the thumbnail says "tools, tools, tools."
What about thin wall by grey pneumatic
Cornwell is made in Taiwan! Had my socket replacement on the side said (Taiwan)
+S. Flournoy I know their older ones were made in the US, but if their new ones are not, then stick with Snap On or Matco.
Yep the cornwell branded stuff is still USA. Blue power in made by Sunex
Does the ThinkBig program give you an advantage starting out? Or is it just better to start from the bottom? How would you do it if you needed to start out again if you have kids?
not everybody has snap on wrenches.. i have a few snap on things only because the truck was there n i needed it right then.. otherwise its well worth the wait for a 10th of the price online, just dont buy junk.. u dont need overpriced snap on tho theyre "lifetime warranty" only applies to the person that bought it and they have to have the receipt... thats Fn shitty..
Dude!!! I have gotten some sweet deals on tools from "sketchy drug addicts". They are usually in a hurry to sell their tools or shall we say, 'the tools they have acquired.' I cannot tell you some of the sweet Snap-on deals I have made. Mexican trailer parks are a good source tool...although I don't know many Mexican diesel mechanics.
The reason a lot of guys dont buy off of shady people is they dont want to support people stealing another persons hard earnt tooling. No matter the deal, ill only usually buy off of someone in the trades
@@nickwhite6717 Oi, it depends on wot shade they are!
@@aodhmacraynall8932 dont personally delve into that too much, a junky is a nu3nky and a thief is a thief regardless
Good video
What do you think about those infared gadgets that snap on claims are good for electrical diagnosis
Craftsman sockets are great, would not recommend their ratchets though
have you ever ordered tekton from Amazon to me it seems like Harbor Freight or similar but free Prime shipping
+OSO503 I've seen their tools on Amazon and they do have the Harbor Freight quality vibe, but also the price. I do not have any though, so I can't comment on their quality or craftsmanship.
I have the 1/2" impacts since 2 years. Used on cars and marine environment. The 2 I used most lost a bit of their black coating, no rust. Absolutely great.
Sorry. Mistake it is a sunex set.
I've never had an issue with crafstman
Is there a obd software you would recommend that covers all manufacturers without spending $6,000
Pirated software
Mayhew dominator's are great they make Matco's and craftsman professional line. You can find great bogo deals from tool websites.
+Robert Schultz Most of my tool purchases come from Amazon, that 2 day free shipping is addicting and the prices are good.
Here is an example of what i was talking about www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/MAY-61356PB.html
I like streamlight But Surefire and Fenix is better I’m my opinion.
Really you know engines Cat without doubts rsrsrsr
how to buy a snap on tools in calgary canada? i heard they just offer their products for those who had a company? how about for individual entity or students that really like their products?
Snap Ring pliers
When I can make a video of how to regulate the racketing sentting of the 3126 and 3116 engines ... hug
+Eduardo Oliveira I'll try to make one on the next one I do but I don't do them that often.
nice video...any on the cat 3500 series ??
+Bossalinie242 I have worked on them in the past, but don't really anymore because I'm in the truck shop. Maybe in the future if I start working on them I'll make some videos on them.
Thank you brother for not sending the kids to Harbor, young people please save Harbor freight for last ,and the giant wrenches he has I have in sunex crows feet with three foot pry bar you have the capacity to make a giant wrench .
Do you have a recommendations for a 3/4. Impact?
Thanks for the great video, I'm currently going to community college for automotive, my real goal is to get into the field of diesel repair. I watched one of your other videos and you were saying you started in automotive, I cannot really afford diesel school, is there still a good chance of getting an entry level job with a diesel company that will give me their own school/training? thanks
George Wallace you should have checked other community colleges for a diesel program
+George Wallace Call the local dealers such as Caterpillar, Cummins, John Deere, and the like and see if they offer an apprenticeship. They love to have young and smart students willing to learn their equipment. Check out the ThinkBig program as well with Caterpillar.
Adept Ape that's a good idea. Thank you
please I have problems with c15cat generator it doesn't start what can I do
Tooltopia is your friend. Google it. Kudos on all the recommendations too.
what are your thoughts about flarenut wrenches? sizes?
How do you like the blue point socket / ratchet kits?
these vids are good in the background when I'm studying loll also this bit of extra facial hair suits you
why do snap on guys think their the only ppl who have this "special" lifetime warranty on tools.
U realize, u can go to a store like home Depot 6 years later and they'll give u a brand new ratchet too😂😂
srry to burst ur bubbles
good vid tho.
Would you suggest buying both 6 and 12 point sockets for every drive size and for the deep sockets?
+James D I don't really like 12 point sockets, but many internal engine parts are 12 point bolts. My theory is use 6 point on six sided bolts and 12 point on twelve pointed heads. I've never needed a 12 point deep socket, although I'm sure there are engines out there that probably need them.
Can you rebuild a 1991 cat 3406b mechanical Motor ???????????????? Make video please
I'm sorry for my English, not the best, lol.
Is there any tools you would add on to this video?
I’m going to school to be a diesel tech. and they give us a voucher for about $1,500 for Matco tools and we get 50% off. With that said, what should I get off the truck? Any help is greatly appreciated.
+Chus Papi You get the discount on the truck or on their website?
Adept Ape
They’re giving us 50% off on the truck and online.
Any college should have a standard list of tools required per the curriculum.
jay .lemond we aren’t required tools for class, that’s all supplied to us. The instructor I have already made a good list of recommendations.
I was just talking about building my personal inventory.
i change the oil in my 3126 and now have a oil leck behide the compressor did i do something wrong
+Wayne Haigh An oil leak behind the air compressor? I doubt changing the oil caused the leak, but there are several places that can leak around the compressor, especially the HEUI pump and side covers.
It would have been better if you had film this episod in your workshop