Diesel Fleet Mechanic Tools You Need 2024

[@ertren6]

Hey man! I just wanna say thanks! I watched a lot of your vids and decided to dive head first into the mechanic world. I'd say I'm roughly 6 to 8 months into my diesel journey, and I've been able to do so much. I started off at pep boys a year ago. Four months later, I'm working at a school district and got my cdl. 6 months later, I got hired onto a city fleet service. I love what I do and it's because of youtubers like you who kept it real that I gave it a shot.

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Thats awesome man glad I could be a positive influence!

[@jamesboone3678]

Proud of you, man. The best part of working for the city is you get a lot of holidays off. The worst part is the pension. My mom was the director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Santa Clarita and a city council member. She made insane money, but her pension sucks. Highly recommend putting 15% of your check into a 401k. Other than that, I'm proud of you, brother.

[@ertren6]

@@jamesboone3678 hey much appreciation chief. Yeah the pay could be better city wise, but the benefits, at least short term are solid. Free ase certs and so much hands on training. I got 2 to 5 in me and see where the road goes

[@sebbykaiser6466]

Instead of a bigger box, I feel like you could probably organize a bit. You could get a lot more room up top if you used magnets for the wrenches

[@jeffchidester855]

Im an aviation mechanic and your vids make me want to diesel/heavy equiptment. Good channel man

[@BeingInTheMessiah]

Hey nick Im 35 and moved from small equipment rental to being a service tech for a municipal transit authority as of 8 months ago. I gotta say its been encouraging to see that someone with a lot more experience than myself has had some of the same questions and thoughts in particular when it comes to putting in the time before you get promoted or trained to do more. I currently do the fluid services change tires perform engine washes, however because there is the interior cosmetics of a transit bus i have to fiddle around with the drivers area and passengers area as well, in addition to our support fleet of 350s and 450s. Your videos on being fleet have been helpful for me and i just wanted to say thanks

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Nice man and thank you! Gotta put in that time to reap the rewards no matter where you came from.

[@ftwbreeze]

Hello Nick, great seeing you sharing the knowledge! Have a great day/night. Take care and keep being awesome my friend.

[@guyconnell2250]

I've enjoyed watching you grow up. Very well done man!

[@timkiser5971]

you shouldn't use gear end of wrenches to brake anything free. that's why the open is there or why they make Dubble box.

[@nneo100]

I am an aspiring mechanic and worked at the Chevy dealership as a lube tech. That flat rate kills your paycheck when you do not get enough customers. I ended up making $15 an hour because there were not enough customers every week. The diesel mechanic route is a lot more attractive. I am going to give that a try. I am an Otaku for life; i saw your sticker.

[@levisbackyard]

I have my cart set up the same, all the go to stuff up top.

[@rockstarfan886]

I upgraded to the US gen 34in 6 drawer has the flip top and is still easy to move around

[@zlucidspams6554]

I love ur videos you should do a upgraded garage and home toolbox tour

[@Yonny316]

My snap on ratcheting wrenches slip once and a while. The first time it happened was the day after i bought them 8 years ago 😂😂

[@paulcarlomagno1673]

The Harbor Freight one is an awesome box I would just suggest upsizing the wheels

[@Captmorgann]

Honestly If you're noticing a lack of power in your m12 3/8's impact it's probably the battery. I use the 6.0amp batteries in all my m12 stuff and they run amazing.

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Hmm you could be right it’s been a while since I’ve replaced my batteries

[@Captmorgann]

@@LetsDriftMedia Yeah if you're using the stock 2.0 try out a 6.0 and it's honestly a game changer. It honestly feels like a different tool when you use the 6.0 amp

[@LetsDriftMedia]

@@Captmorgann Ill have to try out one of our shop batteries and see, I had a 6amp battery I bought 2 years ago but it took a crap wont take a charge anymore, Ive seen videos on people fixing them but might as well replace it at this point.

[@sebastianb5997]

Notification squad 🤝🏼 hell yeah man I been thinking about leaving the auto industry for diesel, haven’t watched the vid yet but excited to see what you have to say now with ur experience

[@Tcorellis-j6d]

Put it this way rotors and calipers on semis are vastly heavier (obviously ) BUT I’m just stating the facts you can pick up a car hub easily the truck and trailer hubs with the rotor on it (if doing just a wheel seal) nah screw that They have a hub holder for a reason it’s freaking heavy

[@christookthis80]

it’s been a journey since the toyota dealership days! especially still seeing some of the same tools

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Yup! Alot of same stuff still getting used

[@tylerhill6706]

I had to upgrade to 34 bank from harbor freight. After going to transit bus fleet needed a lot more tools from sae to metric tools

[@CzechSixTv]

That's the opposite of my experience. In high school I started working at a small independent garage where no two cars or jobs were the same. I never knew which tools I would need so I was always working out of my rolling cabinet/top box. Luckily I had my own bay because that old Craftsman wouldn't have held up being moved around with how badly I had it overloaded. When I got hired as a fleet mechanic at Laidlaw Transit 90% of my work was out of a cart with just the basics. I could do PM's, LOF's, brake jobs and more out of that cart with no problem. It was only when doing significant repairs(transmissions/head gaskets/etc) that I would have to go to my big box for tools that didn't fit in or on the cart.

[@tylerhill6706]

@@CzechSixTv well the 34 bank is cart essentially. It’s not big box that stays still in the shop. Almost everyone in fleet I work with has giant snap on, Matco, or cornwell boxes they role around bigger than my 34 bank. Plus they have bigger box with their other tools

[@CzechSixTv]

@@tylerhill6706 So you're talking about something like the US general 34in full bank with 6 drawers and a lift top? If that's the case it makes sense. When you initially said "34 bank" I understood(or misunderstood) that to be some huge 34 drawer roller.

[@midrangemark1596]

Can you do a day in the life of a diesel fleet mechanic? It would super helpful

[@2Skillz4You]

around how much money did you make as a entry level diesel mechanic compare to now ?

[@warthhoh]

Awesome video

[@zfonzo1680]

Ive been watching you since the toyota days, im currently a toyota tech and man you look like youve been putting up some hours. take care of yourself remember to drink alot of water and get some well needed sleep, those checks can be satisfying but its not worth it down the line

[@Ambidextriouz]

Can you do a tips for working as a diesel fleet mechanic? Thank you 🙏

[@24allix]

Question - where are you putting pipe dope on hydraulics? Most hydraulic fittings seal face to face (JIC etc) & teflon tape/pipe dope doesn't actually do anything to prevent leaks and can lead to contamination. No hate - just curious, totally keep doing what works for you & your customer! :)

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Your good I could be wrong, Only time I use pipe dope if thats even the correct term is on NPT threads, which are tapered threads they are pretty common on the hydraulic quick disconnect fittings. Thats just what I was told when shadowing a fellow co worker and if so its just a small dab on the threads.

[@caliveteranOIF]

Comment above from LDM is correct. Pipe Dope would be used with fitting that are NPT. Would not recommend with O-ring face sealing, JIC, etc.. Yes you are 100% on the Teflon tape. It can be used for temporary repairs to get the vehicle back to a repair yard.

[@joelaceves2725]

Dude Whats up with the 240?

[@TheRealBSi1]

Where was the Yo Yo Yo ?!?

[@charlesbarkley2497]

Am-55 diagram on your tool cart?

[@OleDee75]

I need this keep doing. Vids bro

[@james5274]

Yo yo yoooo thanks nick!!

[@Bigbankkk]

Hopefully you see this comment but I got a 2011 toyata venza my car burning oil and causing misfires but it still runs what you think the probably it is ? I post to be taking it to the Toyata dealership for they can diagnose it.

[@jamesboone3678]

I'm curious why you guys become mechanics. I went into HVAC, and it's basically the same thing as being a mechanic. You diagnose things, tear it apart, and then put it back together fixed. Except I get paid $60 an hour to my job. I'm curious why people want to do the job of a mechanic if it doesn't really pay that much and you guys are so underappreciated.

[@tylerhill6706]

I think it’s just cause we enjoy working on cars but honestly I’m considering taking classes for hvac and leaving automotive. That’s great you make that much not every HVAC tech makes anywhere close to that much. I know bunch around my area make less than$30 even $25.

[@COBRO98]

Young guys get suckered in, automotive mechanic is the worst trade field there is, you're expected to be a jack of all trades while being paid half or less than any other field would pay You spend 15% of your paychecks on tools for life No paid benefits, pension or vacation Everyone treats you like a scam artist or someone that is beneath them because you get dirty There are guys that have been wrenching for 40+ years and still don't make over $30/hour, they often have $300,000+ in tools/boxes I hope the entire industry burns to the ground

[@Charlese46]

Hey man used to like the day in the life videos would you consider doing another one some time soon ?

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Thanks man, Really wish my work would allow it but I can't film videos at this job.

[@WrenchingMafia]

Do you ever miss the Dealership life?

[@mikekotarba5828]

Thanks for the video

[@CristianHernandez-lh9rp]

Yo Nic! I’ve been following you since your days at Toyota, and I honestly am kinda done with automotive at this point, I plan on going diesel like you, any advice and would you recommend the change? Thanks!!

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Find a good paying fleet mechanic job and don't look back, Even if its a paycut at first if the long run pays off its well worth it.

[@AG-ld2qt]

What brand of metric racheting combination wrenches would you buy it price was no issue? I have access to matco and snap-on with student discount. Thank you

[@LetsDriftMedia]

never tried snap on ratcheting wrenches but im sure they are pretty damn good at the price they ask. I have had a 14mm EZ Red brand that has not let me down, had it since my toyota lube tech days.

[@myinfo3406]

Hey bro. I have a question. I have a 2018 chevy silverado 5.3. I can't find a fuel pump for my truck to save my life. Part # ac delco. M100261 from the dealership Autozone. O'reilly . Napa. Car quest. All say the pump has been discontinued . Can't get it or anything similar. I was wondering if you could help in some way

[@LetsDriftMedia]

you check americantrucks? I just did a google search and that was the first one to pop up. A little pricey, Maybe rockauto, or ebay.

[@ArielPerez-rp3if]

Hey just started viewing your channel a couple months ago. Just finished my A1-A8, and now getting interested to jump into your field of work. Did you work on your medium/heavy duty ASE certs before beginning to apply for those positions or did you just go for it ? I find there are a lot of places hiring for diesel techs or heavy duty techs but they have a lot of requirements. Any info is much appreciated. Thank you !

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Thanks for the support man, At my job they just required ASE master status in either autos or medium/heavy vehicles. and master in both categories to promote to line tech (bumper to bumper repair) I was already auto master certified so just went for it, Once I got in I studied the medium/heavy ASEs and got master in that and was able to move up the ranks, Every job is different so I guess it would depend but having more certs is better than having less. When it comes to getting in anywhere.

[@ArielPerez-rp3if]

@@LetsDriftMedia That’s great to hear. I’ve debated just going for it and getting the newfound/heavy certs done now just to get some attention when applying. Now knowing you got them in automotive and medium/heavy, that’s inspiring to me man. I’m going to go for it. Appreciate the content man don’t give it up. Keep going, believe me this is so invaluable for a lot of us techs out there trying to make it.

[@magnumjohnson9628]

​@LetsDriftMedia congrats on the promotion to subforeman. I still encourage you to go the substation electrician route and get out of the garage. Just my .2

[@JJ-xo7zv]

Why did you decide to transition from automotive (Toyota) to deisel tech/mechanic? Do you make better money now?

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Got tired of the flatrate system and yes for better pay.

[@JJ-xo7zv]

@LetsDriftMedia same reason I've always stayed in the deisel trucks & and construction equipment, I never could see myself being able to compete with other tech's/shops in the auto maintenance & repair industry who are ready, willing, & motivated to compromise their moral compass to make a little extra cash on the backs of their customers. Unfortunately, it's always been a field that leans into the shade 🤷‍♂️

[@AG-ld2qt]

Very cool dude.

[@swampdogglawless88]

How you work in a heavy diesel shop and have no sockets

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Shop supplies anything over 28mm thats how.

[@hectorkjv_1611]

I cannot get any work in the auto repair field because of my driving record (collision in 2021, a speeding warning and two speeding tickets in 2023). I completed a one year, five module automotive technician coursefrom 2022-2023 and have been employed at O'Reilly for a little over two years now and desire to get work as a general maintenance technician to then work my way up to ASE Certification. Do you have any advice for me? Is there anything I can do about this driving record of mine, or should I just find another career choice?

[@LetsDriftMedia]

See about going to traffic school to get those points removed from your record, if not you will have to wait 5 years until the points fall of your record, most places will still hire you up to 2 points on your record.

[@JJ-xo7zv]

Slow down & be more responsible on the road. There's barely ever a good justification going 10 miles over the limit. Now, find a shop with a cool manager, be honest about your situation, be friendly, & when you get your foot in the door, then work your ass off for that shop. As long as you don't get more tix then you should be able to earn until your record clears (5 years goes by a lot faster than it seems in a moment). Good luck!

[@Arias_jr17]

@letsdriftmedia are you dot certified and if so where did u get you cert at??

[@apdiwhapmohmet4458]

I wanna ask you, can we use scan tools the trucks or diesel engines

[@LetsDriftMedia]

On the ford diesel trucks you can use any scanner like on cars but on the heavy trucks like international/kenworth you need a different scanner/connector.

[@apdiwhapmohmet4458]

@@LetsDriftMedia thanks man

[@brandonbriones4847]

Have you hear cornwell tools

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Have quite a few cornwell tools.

[@neilmays6744]

What brand 4 way wrenches do you have

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Cornwell.

[@Truuzi]

Hey man what company you working for ?

[@LetsDriftMedia]

County

[@steveramirez1654]

👍👍

[@WC3fanatic997]

I see you just casually glancing over that sticker and I am disappointed *_because I wanted to know more about the purple-haired ugu animu girl who watches over your stuff_* Also what kind of scanners do you typically use as a Diesel tech? Do they use regular OBD2 or do you have specialized systems for them? I've been compiling tools because I like having stuff to help people and it's fun, and while I have a fair idea of what kind of generalized diagnostics tablet I am going to eventually get, a lot of Diesels (apparently?) dont use the same system as standard passenger cars and require specialized tools? For instance, I know a growing number of people who have Skoolies and was wondering what you'd even use for one of those? Obviously depending on the make and model of the individual bus, but I am guessing they'd generally fall under commercial Diesel diagnostics (which are a bit expensive, obviously). There's so little info out there detailing any of this stuff, even less than regular diagnostic equipment; lots of people dont even like going into detail about the individual services each model of tablet can do, let alone anything past gas vehicles.