Big Mistakes New Mechanics Make

[@joshalvarez298]

My favorite adage is buy cheap. Whatever breaks is what you use most. Upgrade that and spend more on that.

[@mateomorales1653]

unless you break un under 5 uses, then the tool is garbage

[@dantheautoman3821]

Until the broken tool costs more time than the expense of a quality one. Like thread chasers or taps. Same for quality slip joint pliers. The damage they cause can be more costly than a quality tool

[@domingodeejayable]

oh yea favorite tool/cloth etc go faster.

[@vduber03]

Agreed. I try to get the new guys on this mindset

[@joshalvarez298]

@@vduber03 Yeah obviously not so cheap that it puts you or someone else in danger, but you don't need the 1000 dollar snap on wrenches. The Harbor Freight wrench and socket set for a fifth of the price will do just fine. When those break upgrade to the next set etc.

[@kazager11]

I started with Craftsman everything. I bought premium tools when: 1-what I needed wasn't made by anyone but SnapOn/Mac 2-if I had to borrow someone elses twice 3-when the cheap one broke/wore out (not good enough for the task).

[@callen6893]

As an apprentice forgot the word “no.” Ive seen so many apprentices say no to jobs. As an apprentice you are literally getting paid to learn. So you’ve got the time to learn how systems work. To often apprentices want to learn “the shortcut” but not how and why you can shortcut some things.

[@HumbleMechanic]

VERY MUCH! Never saying no early in my career got me a lot of crap, but I learned a ton and made $

[@TheRebuilt1]

that appears to be an issue in all industries outside of Auto Repair. Great observation.

[@olivertaylor4779]

Sometimes those big awkward jobs can be the most rewarding and you learn too, many years ago when I was learning mechanics we took apart gearboxes, diffs etc, now everything seems to be 'replace the whole unit' which does not teach you about that unit imo.

[@kbproductions8387]

Depends, some shops flat out won’t give an apprentice that kind of work. It sucks for the little guy trying to move up, but it can make a hell of a mess that most places don’t want to deal with. Dealers are especially the worst for it

[@chrisrstt]

But be careful! If you don’t say no eventually they will keep giving you the work with no raise

[@TilcTac]

I’m in tech school right now, and I definitely need to work on my attitude. I’ve been at a bad spot in my home life and I’m generally too hard on myself when I make mistakes or don’t know something. Thanks for the tips guys! ✊

[@mandapalque]

Give yourself a chance to make mistakes, they are going to happen, and focus on: what can you do about it to solution the situation.

[@evanm9026]

Own the mistakes but dont be easy in yourself. Unless you want to stay stuck and flag hours for the rest of your life.

[@LoCoRomeo2152]

me too!!!!!

[@sayedmohammadkhatimi6389]

I am thinking to join the tech school need some guide if you can

[@Jacksauto]

Felt that 😅

[@sarunasbriedis]

I started to work on cars, because i couldn't afford to go to the garage. Now 10 years later i love it.

[@yellow_tatoes1473]

Got any advice? That's the boat I just got in

[@38Fanda]

it's a trap lol

[@EllsAutoCare]

I struggled with fear as an apprentice. I was scared of literally everything! I didn't want the other guys to think I was dumb, I didn't want to brake anything or diagnosis anything wrong, even down to not wanting to use the wrong tool. 🤷‍♂️ I know a little lame right? But now it's my biggest blessing, its caused me to be more thorough in my approach! I do things in stages, the least aggressive first. It just really built my confidence! But I still have "cool tools" that I paid stupid money for because they were "cool" thay I haven't used in over 10 years 🤦‍♂️😂🤣

[@krystophm1730]

I recently filled up a box full of the extra tools I've collected over the last 20 years. Then gave it to a friend of mine who is now starting out in a local shop in town.

[@S54VR6]

If everyone was like you, the world would be a better place

[@krystophm1730]

Definitely feels amazing to be able to do things for people who have desires in life.

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Respect. One day, I'll give my cart of Harbor Freight tools to my nephew. 😂

[@midwestapprentice1904]

Are you sure you aren't my neigbbor becuase he did the same thing

[@krystophm1730]

Unless you live in Oklahoma. Could be there are a few of us out there with kindness

[@ethanguinn5441]

I have been blessed to work for an old mechanic. He lets me use his tools for almost 2 years. In that time I’ve been able to buy and fill up a descent sized husky box with (mostly) good quality tools. I am not in debt for any tool I own.

[@lockednloaded1000]

Good to see my buddy noah doing good in the automotive world. I remember when he told me he wanted to work on cars for a living. One of the hardest worker/ learner I know of. Thank you @HumbleMechanic for highlighting this guy. Take care Noah

[@noahkight8023]

DUDE! Randy! Yes! Lol i saw you leave and go to Toyota and followed that path. I had to become a mechanic so i could keep that dang car running lol. You were one of the dudes early that told me money could be made. Years later here i am. Thanks for the kind words man!

[@benjaminfreiman9430]

I work as a nurse and find almost everything you both share to be very relatable - great advice!

[@choppa5300]

Same here ,full time RN part time lawn care and Milwaukee red army junkie.With that being said waiting on the new extended Milwaukee rachet to be back in stock.

[@nicknasser713]

I was one that jumped into the tool payments right away. But I really did step back and think it through. I knew I was at a point in my life where it made the most sense to jump in and get some nicer things. My mentor did advise me against it, but I did ask him for a list of what I should actually get. He also gave me 2 rules to follow, if you borrow it from another tech 3 times in a short period of time then buy it, and then compare how much time it saves you to it's cost. To be clear it did work out for me, I had everything paid off by the time I was ready to go and buy a house.

[@lucascarson6526]

I am so glad you guys are warning new techs about the tool trucks they are horrible traps.

[@twisted2291]

I have been a mechanic for over 30 years now. I agree 100% with what these guys are saying. You don't need top brand tools to start out with. You just need tools that will get the job done. Some of my most favorite tools are either cheap ones or hand me downs. Yes I said hand me downs. I still have and use daily some tools that my grandfather gave me. Every year cars and technology changes. You have to stay up on top of those changes, and most of the time you have to say up on it on your own dime. Sure the dealer or shop might send you to a class or pay for your certs, but you have to do it on your own time and dime (off hours and pay for your own gas to get to the class). Every repair is a new challenge. Even if you have done it a million times before. There is that one car that is going to be difficult. Just be ready and accept it when it happens. You can't work (putt) angry Happy!!!!!! And just like every repair job has a flow chart of operations. Your process needs to be a flow chart as well. If you can't enjoy what you are doing, and enjoy the people around you. Then this type of job isn't for you. You have to be able to laugh at yourself, and your own mistakes to be able to fully enjoy this job.

[@HypnoticSuggestion]

Not a mechanic and no plans to be one but I learn a lot from these videos and especially the group on FB. I've had I think 3 issues fixed nearly instantly since 2016, by asking in the group. Flippin amazing.

[@HumbleMechanic]

That is awesome!

[@billnelson269]

Great basics. Thank you guys. I own a shop and have been learning for 15 years. Attitude and process is so important. And really makes the difference!

[@coltonnahl4125]

As someone looking to get into the field after graduation I’ve been slowly buying tools and while I was planning on buying cheap sockets from harbor freight in the icon line I looked at the Milwaukee pack out socket sets and it’s just pretty much unbeatable. Just under 600 dollars for all the ratchets, sockets, extensions and universals to get you started alongside being built in with storage vs spending 500 on sockets alone at harbor freight and having to buy a toolbox. It seems as though it’s the best course of action if someone was looking to buy new tools. I could be very wrong but this seems like the cheapest way to get a good collection with organization and storage built up is building a small pack out stack

[@300DBenz]

Back when I was in high school, a master tech who visited my auto shop class gave this advice: “Get good, then you’ll get fast” 20 years later, I still feel like I’m working on the getting good part, but I have gotten a little bit faster.

[@nitrorc4life1]

​@mk-yi8ptor a simpler to the point phrase we use in Racing, slower is faster....

[@jeffloy4638]

Worked in automotive for around 5 years before switching to pumps. Nowadays, I don’t have to buy tools for work, but one thing I’d say to a new guy is: Better doesn’t always justify price. If you’re not breaking your Pittsburgh screwdrivers, do you really need the Snap-On set? Sure, if you have your bases covered on heavy use/high stress stuff and your truck bill is paid off, go for it if you want, but don’t let salesmen tell you you “need” something when what you have is working.

[@rickh1634]

Tools are enablers. I’m not a technician, very much a weekend warrior looking after my E36x1/E46x3s which, if I didn’t, would be bankrupting to own. My ethos is that if I do a job, I “pay myself” with a tool and gradually I have developed quite a tool chest. Some not so useful it’s fair to say, tools that came about because after I did a job I found a tool to make it easier next time. Today, I’ve replaced a roof on my shed using a drill & impact driver that I already had; having these enabled me to do the task so adding value to the purchase. I now have quite a saving to put towards a tool so it’s time to think about what to get that will have value and enable the next task which may not be automotive. Another thing is that having the correct tool is not only easier but so much safer - so that can be something like safety gloves.

[@lekonarodrick6821]

We struggle in africa cos of lack people like these to guide us, even in my training center

[@danielalexander3072]

I would change one thing about this. When you brought up checking a circuit. Let say a module is not responding to the scan tool. Don't test at every inline connector, jump directly to the module to see if you have power and ground. Because in order to check every inline connector you more then likely have to gut half the car. If you don't have power or ground that's when you start checking at connectors.

[@kazager11]

When I was teaching new fleet techs electrical diagnosis (for example) I would tell them "you can start at either end, but do it the same every time cuz you'll be wrong every time if you don't". The problem is always "at the other end", so being consistent you get to be right 1/2 the time!

[@MichaelJohnson-mo7ou]

You guys are "right on the money". I started off with a lot of tools from Sears and JC Whitney. I am a high school auto tech teacher. I consistently tell my students that they need to know how things work. It is almost impossible to diagnose and repair properly if you don't know how it works. Employers aren't looking for parts replacers, they need diagnosticians.

[@KobraPun]

Went to school in Maryland with Noah, he is an excellent guy and great technician! I'm at GSO VW, been there two years in April and I've come a long way. I've found what tools to buy for cheap and what tools to not cheap out on. Cheap tools are good to use for custom tools though!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome

[@KobraPun]

@@HumbleMechanic And also, another topic just as important as keeping debt down, is taking time for yourself. Using paid time off days and not burning yourself out, that too makes a huge difference.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I wish I would have done that at the beginning of my career

[@m1mbecker]

Just a couple good points .... I’m a wife /service writer in a small shop Treat everyone like they are family that you car about. My husband has turned away work like a washer pump on a Honda Element. I looked it up on KZbin and I took the job. The customer was thrilled and I was impressed with myself that I took the front end off to do it and it took longer because I was running the convenience store at the same time. And back in the day my husband would do stuff for free and let me tell you that nobody remembers that. Then we would document it and no charge it. Gaining respect!

[@michaelallen2501]

Where was this 5 years ago lol. Now I'm depressed, burned out and broke. Keep up the great content!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Im sorry. Maybe time to move on out of the shop/ or the industry

[@michaelallen2501]

@@HumbleMechanic I'm trying to get into the performance side. Which will mean relocation. All good things I feel. It's pretty stale here in Mid-Michigan.

[@nickwood1062]

He's done several videos years ago about starting out. Advice about Tools and techniques for entry level positions. You just missed the videos...gotta set notification bell. Lol

[@midwestapprentice1904]

@@michaelallen2501 ayyy fellow Michigan der

[@justinconn9343]

great video! as with any mechanical occupation; KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING! I am an aircraft maintenance technician by trade , 30 years in the field , great technicians explore as much info as they can to be able to troubleshoot and fix !

[@HumbleMechanic]

100%!!!

[@mrwashur1991]

Another recommendation from a driveway warrior: don’t buy 1 tool at a time. I have a habit of spending $10 on a large socket so I don’t spend $40-$60 on a decent set when in the end I’m spending probably 200% markup to not have to buy the set. Also yes find a process and stick to it and check the basics first. My buddy brought his truck and asked me to change his oil pressure sending unit because it “was bad” because his oil pressure kept dropping. So I spent like an hour just trying to get a bolt onto that sucker between the firewall (dodge 🤢). Then I was had him take me on a ride. Intermittent drops in oil pressure. I was like “you got oil in it right?” “Yes”. Okay back to the sending unit. Can’t get it. Then I asked him how he’s sure it’s the oil pressure sending unit? Online forums said it was most likely the culprit. I assumed he tested it or brought it somewhere. I said f-ck it and checked the dipstick. Nothing.. I changed his oil (about 1/2qt in system) and it went away. Put simply I could have just checked the oil first which is always part of step one. I think his rear main seal was worse than he thought lol.

[@boystainey]

This is a cool vid I appreciate it. I just got a job at a Hyundai dealership as an apprentice. Never turned a wrench in my life aside from very minor stuff. Was a medic in the military and then an EMT when I got out. 13 years of medicine…total career change lol.

[@NunaBuis]

My husband just started as an apprentice there! How are you doing now?

[@Sir4est]

Also keep in mind not to buy any precision tools for cheap. I bought a harbor freight feeler gauge to set the valve lash on a Honda and had to do the job 3 times with the valve tick still persisting. Went and bought a professional feeler gauge and the valve ticking was gone after the first re-lash. I also never feel like I've gotten great measurements from my Harbor Freight A/C gauges, but it does well enough for me to solve problems and I just refill based on refrigerant weight

[@goodselections]

This made me think. I hope doctors know this advice. Can you imagine as they are looking at your chart, they’re thinking “how am I going to make my payment?” What can I find wrong with this person?

[@mutevibesgaming8616]

still in school for becoming a Mechanic, having an IT-study done before, makes understanding a lot easier. Bought a stanley toolbox recently because my old box was too hard to bring along, and broke. I just get my tools from basic stores, (comparing like walmart i think?) but they work fine for the money. just starting to buy more specialized stuff like a Torx-set and bits, because of european cars. this video helped me a lot tho, fun to watch and learning a lot!

[@colinstu]

Great tips, they apply even outside of mechanics too.

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Thats true, in any proffesion especially attitude and the way to handle situations.

[@michaelnelson9140]

I am retired now. Have a garage full of tools. I use them, but some day my kids will get them. They’re not mechanics. Buying tools is a must, but actually a bad investment. It’s a rock and a hard place! I know a guy who has all snap on! Their worth more than his house! Some day at the auction, somebody’s going to get a hellava deal.

[@canadiantrucker9574]

I repurposed scrap angle iron and 2x4s and made my own rolling tool chest complete with welding and steel cutting storage below. The most expensive part was the all steel casters which I got on Amazon for $30. They are rated over 700 lbs per caster

[@coleyoungren9207]

Thank you for the wisdom, my new motto is slow is smooth and smooth is fast, that is fantastic advice, and so true. I love what you guys do. Keep up the hard work.

[@Nipplator99999999999]

Only advice on what tools to buy I have is, buy extra 10 & 13mm sockets and wrenches. They are little Houdini's and are able to disappear at the drop of a hat and when you need them the most.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Facts

[@tomhejda6450]

You slipped one great advice there for non-techs like me, maybe unintentionally: When you bring your car to the shop, be positive even when it's broken. Your chance of people doing a neat job, being fast a nice will increase tremendously. Because again, attitude is important and you can do this little thing to improve the attitude of the dudes working on your car.

[@nickwood1062]

Research on problems is a must do! In this technology-driven trade, stepping back and seeing common faults and repairs is key with a brain buster

[@photonpilot__]

For someone starting out, I highly recommend Icon and Pittsburgh. They are both of decent quality at a good price and not being a tool truck brand it's easy to warranty them (both have lifetime warranties) since they are brick and mortar you simply just have to go to the store. This is especially nice in case the tool truck you would have bought from doesn't come every day or week, as most cheaper tool truck brands usually only come once a month or every two months in my experience. Also, most tool truck brands are way more expensive for not much of an increase in quality. In fact, it has been proven that many of the store bought brands are made in the same factory as some Snap-On products.

[@christophervanzetta]

But there is a difference in the metals used 😉

[@glynnpowell7864]

@@christophervanzetta no there’s not, don’t kid yourself haha

[@scrapingpennies]

this video has really helped me step back and fix a few things that I had been doing, especially the tool truck part, thank you!!

[@ajuggas]

you guys on on point on a lot of things but a big one even before starting at a place is try to make sure they are professionals. if they are not they will teach you bad habits and poor work ethic. quick story for this is.......before me and my g/f of 4 years moved i worked my way up at the dealership i was at to be shop foreman. after moving the area we moved to has a ton of dealerships and other shops none have shown basic professionalism or respect for customers or employees. thus i work part time at one and do a lot of side work and will most likely end just doing side work. it will be hard for someone new to the industry to see this. thats where good and experienced mechanics/ techs come into play. if you do not mesh well with the place you go to or ask yourself a lot if they are doing customers right on services and or labor. i highly suggest going elsewhere. also if you have progressed on training and learning and are not advancing up in your shop or dealer, go elsewhere also. i have seen over the years jobs and people will take advantage. I have over 20years in the industry and have seen a lot of shady things from both sides, finding a happy place is key.

[@scotttrible6908]

You are so right, The passenger mirror was replaced under my insurance and they payed for aftermarket only so soon after I started having issues with the backup camera staying on and the mirrors trying to fold in after they were already in and other nuisance issues caused by the cheap aftermarket mirror messing with the cambus system. Replaced the mirror with factory one and all the issues went away.

[@drgame0ver]

I'd like to add: Don't surrender to anger and/or stress. It will make you loose your time, do something stupid or break things.

[@ancientapparition1638]

super important it just makes your job worse

[@TheRumbles13]

I let that happen and it ruined my job. Hate it nlw

[@midwestapprentice1904]

Good advice!

[@Ficon]

Great advice gentlemen. I wish there was an easy way to find mechanics like you and the Car Wizard instead of guessing and learning from bad experiences.

[@kamaleialpizar8055]

I’m an electrical apprentice, and I just love learning, so learning how to fix my truck helps so much as well as my family’s cars. I don’t know where to learn to basic stuff I should know and I just landed on this video lol. If you have any recommendations where to watch to learn please let me know

[@rogerw3818]

"Maybe your boss is a jerk". There's the number 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 reason that people have a bad attitude about their job. The common factor in every shop that has a bad reputation is how the boss/owner treats the workers. It has been my experience that the vast majority of mechanics are in the profession because they developed a love for the trade long before they ever considered doing it as a profession. A crappy boss will drain that love of it right out of you.

[@DaBossk]

I'ma be honest harbor freight is the greatest tool store ever. There ratchets, sockets, tool boxes are amazing

[@yardman7973]

Just don't buy their jack stands. Unless you wanna die.

[@yardman7973]

Just don't buy their jack stands.

[@averyalexander2303]

I agree. From my experience their hand tools are generally decent for the price, it's their specialty tools and electric tools that have been problematic for me.

[@thisisthomasjordan]

@@yardman7973 i just buy the midsize or large stands and leave em all the way down. it's the locks that fail, the frames are fine

[@twisted2291]

I got one of their tool boxes 6 years ago. And I have had one of their carts for 8 years. No problems with them one bit. And nobody really care about the box that holds the tools.

[@canadianus]

Completely agree with you guys! Process has been drilled into us at Benz. Love the channel Charles! Hope your staying safe during COVID. Cheers from Canada 🍻

[@jaredpursey3791]

This got me to sub. Have been watching u for a while but nothing really made me want your content more than your attitude to teaching people. Personally it doesn't come off condescending, I can see you genuinely want to teach.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!!!

[@95underscore]

Best advice on tools Buy a stanley 203 piece set to start You don't need a lot as an apprentice and this should have most everything you need This works in Canada Don't know about other places Stanley 203 piece will run you about 200$ But it's done me no wrong and I've been using it every day Bonus It keeps you organized as long as you keep the box close It's super lightweight so you can bounce around as most apprentices do Add to it as you go and you'll be surprised what cheap tools will do

[@ukwan]

Not a mechanic but I spent years working fixing audio electronics, turn tables, cd players, digital to analogue converters, amplifiers, preamplifiers, tone arms, power supplies.. Right down to component level and everything you said here applies to any repair technician in any industry. We've all torn something apart and forgot to check a fuse 😂

[@bobd9868]

I have a white collar job but have a pretty serious home shop setup as a hobby. I have a lift and easily $20k in tools which sounds stupid on the surface but I haven’t had a car repair bill in 25 years (except alignment and tires). Buy stuff at pawn shops, you’ll get some amazing deals.

[@turboflush]

If you want some good info.. Even basics.. Look into an old service manual, they usually explain the theory behind allot of parts and how to test. Where as newer manuals assume you know this stuff. Remember back in the 50'60's it was new technology.

[@shanerogers3869]

I have one about attitude working on the job. Today I had just finished up repairing a production drill underground. I got back to the surface and as I pulled up to the workshop the operator called and said “come back down, it’s happened again”. The drill was only drilling for ~20 minutes. I was broken and was in a bad mood straight away. I get out of the ute, talk to the boss quickly, grab some oil and an assortment of different fittings (not knowing exactly what the damage was) for the drill and head back down, expecting absolute carnage. I get to the drill, notice he has maybe 5 rods in the hole (drilling up holes), notice the bracket holding the dead end of the rear stinger cylinder is broken and then also that the only other damage was a single -8 2.0m hose that was easy to change. Both ends were easily reachable. It ended up being an easy fix for me. All I had to do was change a hose so the operator could pull the rods out of the hole. We weren’t getting the parts to fix the machine until end of shift anyway. As soon as I realised it was just a hose, my whole day improved.

[@darkwires]

as a marine mechanic, most everything I use on the water is cheap. snap-on swims to the bottom just as fast

[@jimwilson9005]

Think you for your unselfish input I have a son who's getting started in a career it's not a mechanic's career to welding career but everything you talked about AI saw the light come on is will be brain and he is often running with thank you

[@wayneparris3439]

Tools... I have 7 full size old school rollaway tool boxes (top and bottom boxes) plus a few bench top boxes full. I am ALSO retired and bought them one at a time AS NEEDED. While I spent my working career in Aerospace tooling and machine work, the principle is the same. My first tool box was a 2 drawer Craftsman bench top box and it lasted a few years until I outgrew it. Today the wrenches and hand tools from H.F. are pretty good, that was not always true. Good deals can be found at pawn shops. Name brand wrenches, sockets etc at a dollar each, bundles can be made too on loose tools (not pre packaged sets)

[@jimbob3281]

My rule has always been if I have barrowed the tool from another technician more then 3 times it's time to buy it my self.

[@HumbleMechanic]

a great rule, and one that gives you time to save up.

[@goinhot9133]

Second hand snapOn is better than first hand HF imo

[@tylerhill6706]

Yes but still double the price of a harbor freight tool lol.

[@goinhot9133]

@@tylerhill6706 not necessarily

[@edlinares1080]

Bought my first a/c delco tool box from wall mart 25 years ago. Now I’m loaded with SnapOn tools and box. But yes don’t go all out in the first years wait make sure this is what you want to do.

[@goodselections]

Awesome episode. My favorite so far...

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Great Discussion Topic Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter. Valuable information that most of us had to learn through HKU. 🍻😎🤙

[@charlesdavid5137]

The first thing you should buy when you can afford it is a quality accurate torque wrench. I recently added the Stahlwille torque wrenches to my collection. They are amazing and I wish I would have had them years ago.

[@richiepecor130]

Spend a bunch of money on tools and make the least amount of money. Most honest shit I've heard ever

[@williamoneal3947]

May I suggest you remember to go to your local pawn shops. You can buy tools pennies on the dollar. Go often. You can always bargain on the price. Also...if a bit short on cash, do a lay-a-way. They will be glad to do that for you.

[@fomocotech]

Dude the process is über critical. Especially if you bounce from brand to brand. What approach works on a VW/Audi won’t always work on a Ford and so on. Going from the dealer to an independent then back to another dealer (different brand) is a pretty humbling experience

[@TheMustangs05]

great video 2 years in and still have lots to learn.

[@Mr_BUSINESS_24_7]

In 1997 when I got started, I couldn't buy my tools from eBay, offer up, fb market, amazon, etc... I did start with a $500 craftsman socket set. But I filled my small craftsman toolbox in less than 2 years. And then I bought the $5500 snap on rollaway. Of course, ikon wasn't a thing in 1999 2000.

[@gregblau8082]

Keeping your attitude positive can really affect the whole shop dynamic. Also a big thing I’ve seen is people who get their starter tools off the truck with the only $50 a week for a year then I’m good mentality. The problem comes when they need something else but their money is going towards that payment. Then they keep throwing things on their tab and it continues indefinitely

[@jerbear7952]

When I owned my shop, i would chase off the tool salesman. Remeber they are just salesman. They are trying to get my techs in debt and wasting my shop time.

[@bbowling4979]

As a customer my biggest challenge at the dealer shop is finding out which technician did the work that I like. Dealers seem to do as much as possible to separate the technicians from the customers. I get that it's time the tech isn't working on the next car but the service ticket rarely conveys the level of detail that I would like to know.

[@juicyfry]

The best way that I can show that I love and support your content is to wait the adds out. not much but this channel and Chris fix. Love you guys, keep it up!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!!!

[@deeeyewhy5949]

Chris fix is kind of a douche canoe for advertising and selling generic taiwanese ratchets for twice the price

[@Mistyfgdf]

Mistakes noted Hopefully I pick up on technology fast when i go into the industry, I still gotta finish Senior year and Community college

[@scottymonochrome3795]

I graduated HS in 2016, and let me tell you: get a lock on electronics/wiring. I'm working for an R&D company, doing lots of manual labor for good pay. But the guys specialized in electronics, where I'm at, work in A/C rooms with chairs, tons of budget for materials and people, and have better uniforms that don't trap heat. And from what I've heard through the grapevine, $70k is around the bottom of the pay scale for them.

[@midwestapprentice1904]

Im startin community collage in the winter and the wiring and computer part is really what I'm trying to focus on learning becuase I feel.like will take longer to get

[@fireoil]

very interesting, from france. i'm hesitate to change carreer from audiovisual cinema technician to actually work with my hands. hesitate since 2 years but every time my heart pumping telling me to at least have a try on it.

[@Nick-ig4wz]

13 years and I’m still using craftsman wrenches and sockets. Wasted 10k on a snap on box back in he day but now they have the larger husky boxes. When I started they only had the 56 inch wide boxes.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Most of my 1/4" drive are still CM today. LOL

[@maineman207]

My biggest advice for any new technician, DO NOT let the other dudes in the shop suade you into debt. A lot of guys will say stuff like, "snap on is the best" or "don't go with that Harbor Freight junk". Guys, there's nothing at all wrong with buying a $25 wrench set that gets the job done just as well as a $700 set on the snap on truck. If you can't afford to buy the tool right then and there, DO NOT BUY IT.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeassa

[@carwerks101]

I can definitely tell from day 1 weather a new kid is going to work out or not or even if they want to learn. Writing a good story is defiantly one of the ways to look very professional to others, especially to the foreman, most newbies I think are afraid to ask and it only gets brought up after the dealer is getting audited. When you buy tools off the truck, just give them a card to charge every week, all the tool truck wants is a payment on time and no worries, they will be more likely to help you out in the long run. I could go on and on, maybe ill make a video soon

[@devinprice9700]

But i really like my 200 ratchets

[@badazz2969]

I was a lube tech for a year and a half it was stupid easy for me then I got a promotion and moved on to suspension work and alignments and thats the day I had to get on the snap on truck because all the Pittsburgh and craftsman tools were rounding shit off and braking left and right there will be a point every tech has to bite the bullet still have my Pittsburgh half inch impact sockets though which I highly recommend over snap on 50 dollars vs 5 to 800 but my wrenches are flank drive in the rust belt craftsman wrenches can wreck rusty cars unlike snap on

[@maingun07]

Attitude is why I got out. I worked in two different shops. At both, more than 90% of my work was due to the customer's lack of maintenance/stupidity. I was starting to get upset with the dumbass that broke his car and then wouldn't listen when I told him how to prevent this in the future. In addition to that, the bosses didn't/couldn't/wouldn't stand up for the techs. We had a box van come back. The owner said he had a wheel come off on the freeway and then he points to me and said, "And that's the son of a b***** that did it." I was sweating bullets. I'd done a lot of box vans. Then I checked the original ticket. He had his work done 13 months ago (over a year since that repair) and that was 8 months before I even started working there. I got written up anyhow even though the repair was outside of the warranty period and it was impossible for me to have done the work regardless. The customer fingered me and that was that. Another time, the shop foreman wanted a truck in one bay that is reserved for compact cars. Full sized pickups won't fit. "Yes it will." he says. So he puts me in the truck and is ground guiding me in. I was a tanker in the service. I know to do exactly what the ground guide tells you to do, no more, no less. The truck hits the bay door rail. Even though I was ordered by the foreman to drive the truck, even though the foreman was the ground guide, I was driving so I got sent to take a piss test and was laid off for a week. Couple all of that with salesmen who made their money pushing parts and were giving away free/discounted labor and I had had enough. I brought my tool box home and never looked back. I had a bit of an attitude problem.

[@carlosvilleda284]

Best bonuse I've ever heard! Thank you

[@bennyang8049]

The quality tools i would recommend not buying cheap are the swivel sockets and swivel wrenches. They will save you so much time compared to taking several parts off just to get to a nut or bolt.

[@HumbleMechanic]

And anything goes inside a fastener like an Allen or torx

[@bennyang8049]

^^^^^

[@jerbear7952]

You can get a cheap brother lazer printer and print off the directions for things you will use infrequently or frequently but have complex instructions. Then you just compile cheat binders. Keep them up to date as bulletins come out. Make your own manuals and save time

[@tevahbuchanan5303]

I feel the the two alternators on the bench, old and new, represents Charles experience vs the other guys experience

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahahha

[@mediumunwell]

Doesn't help when wherever you start and sometimes even higher, getting paid a pittance seems to be the norm.

[@TolandTheShattered]

Just started as a Mercedes Tech a month and a half ago, somehow I already owe the tool truck 700$... STAY OFF THE TRUCK.

[@Sam-NFF]

700 dollars in a month and a half?! What did you buy lmao

[@virtualdent]

I've found understanding the logic is often key

[@SniperReady]

I'm so lucky that in my industry, everything you need is bought for you. It's expected that your new $4000-$5000 computer is there at your new job, with peripherals, monitors, et al. And if you work remote, you get a stipend as well for additional hardware. Definitely don't go into debt to get the best and newest tools. My advice is always buy cheap or not at all until you really do prove to yourself that you need it. If you want to go expensive, get expensive protective and safety equipment! Proper shoes, proper gloves, those things will make your life easier. Then get the nice tools as you go along!

[@GTS-Tuning]

As a tech in the uk, I’m so jealous that you have harbor freight. If I go to the US first store I’m going to is harbor freight

[@jeffreypeterson2696]

I bought a old FILLED Blue Point tool box from a body shop for $400. My best advice is scan FB marketplace daily for a month or two and you will find a gem occasionally. Maybe a widow selling her recently deceased husbands tools or like mine a bodyshop that had an older box in the back.

[@ThatGuyJayDub]

My first dream job was to be a motorcycle mechanic and I tried to go to tech school but stuff always came up now I'm almost 27 can't go to school cause my family needs me and even tho I've been trying hard to get my foot in the door at any shop I can I've gotten 7 rejections in not even 2 months...don't be like me don't let shit get in your way of doing what you love

[@YogisGarage]

Tools have been my biggest expense this year.

[@dalehall2993]

Look at tools as an investment not an expense...remember too make money you have too spend money..

[@YogisGarage]

@@dalehall2993 very good point. It’s an expense necessary to build your business.

[@geekjesse2767]

I've bought what ever tools fit in my budget and I have had great results with brands like tekton Kobalt and craftsman and with my end of senior year quickly approving along with my ship out date I have realized all brads all pros and cons

[@alexanderardelean5001]

I’m a level 1 CDJR tech my advice to everyone Matco or snap on for ratchets and sockets and other basics amazon everything else

[@Werewolfmage]

i only bought off the matco truck once. i bought a demo impact for cheap with full warranty and a digital tire inflator from snap-on. that's it. most my stuff is icon husky and craftsman with some Pittsburg. i cant justify spending assloads on tools or a 6 grand tool box .

[@inmyexpression19]

I think the biggest mistake is running back and forth uselessly through the shop! Computer for all data is way over there, while the oil filler is way over there , then you got to grab some gloves, then change the gloves mid oil change because they’re covered in oil! (I now wear two gloves on top of each other lol) waisting time. And not hustling by picking up your pace! Stop, and think about the steps you need to do in order to complete your task and then proceed. If you have to replace a blend door actuator and you need certain tools and all data figure out what all you might need before you start or you will find yourself walking around…Don’t plan as you go! Nobody ever talks about that. Also as a beginner you are learning as you go. Best to study at home for a while and stick to what you can do. Don’t learn on the job unless you have the time. Your productivity will drop and the manager will complain about you going too slow! Best if you already knew how to test a IAT sensor rather than learning on KZbin or all data as soon as you get the ticket! You will be so stressed about your time you can’t even think clearly about the diag…. I like when you said “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast” it gives you that clarity. I’ve learned to pick up the pace in areas I can control. My walking speed. My wrenching speed as far as loosing tightening (investing in cordless ratchets) but rushing is where I try to calm down or I’ll make mistakes

[@BCautosolutions]

Great advice for the newcomers. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@HumbleMechanic]

Glad you think so!

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

A friend of a friend bought a whole set of cheap Home Depot type tools, to tinker on his car, lawn mower, chain saw etc whatever had a motor and nuts and bolts in it. He wasn't a mechanic, just your average DIY guy. One day, a door hinge in his car needed changing and he just could not do it. So he called my friend to sort it out and as we were working on the car on the driveway, we could see all the shinny red tool chests he had in his garage. We just couldn't help but laugh.

[@Alexander_l322]

I bought pretty much all my tools used from swap meets or boot sales/markets are we call them in the UK and I saved a lot that way and I just buy new what I can’t find or really need now and don’t spend huge amounts. The most expensive tool I own is a Milwaukee M18 impact gun and that’s already paid for itself from time saved and my energy because I’m quite weak to be able undo some bolts. My jack is second but that shouldn’t be skimped on same for jack stands since safety is paramount or else you won’t be working on cars for long!