Tools To Get Started As An Auto Tech 2023 Edition

[@Aussie50InspiredDavidZ]

One last tool. HEARING PROTECTION. Earmuffs or earplugs especially if you're doing tires and using an impact air wrench all day long. I count it as a tool because it is a tool that will save your hearing for the future and keep you making money by being able to hear the strange ass noises in cars when you're doing the diagnostics in the future.

[@chrismannifield3222]

More important than any tool you'll ever buy , invest in your ergonomics. If you want to do this for a long time, you will need to take care if your back, knees, and hands. Get a topside creeper, get nice comfy knee pads, a set of Kevlar heat sleeves, and always keep quality boots on your feet. The tools are no good if it hurts to use them.

[@UnitedWarGamers]

Tekton is a good company to buy tool from too

[@johnmilner5485]

I agree. I bought one of my sons a complete set of tekton tools. They've been very good for him.

[@jontnoneya3404]

SAFETY! It's unfortunate that with many jobs and professions, safety is often ignored completely or it's taken as "obvious". If it's not emphasized, taught and practiced, it's USELESS. Safety requires a mindset as well as knowledge and practice. Starting out I was like most people, I just kind of took safety for granted and never really thought about it nor considered it unless there was an real and eminent danger, like fuel on the ground or something. Then I worked for a guy who actually lost a co-worker to a very preventable accident. This guy had a wife and kids and he was killed right before my friends eyes. Hearing him tell the story of what happened, how it was a totally preventable accident, how it happened right before his eyes and the aftermath of all that was seriously heartbreaking but also a wake up call. We had monthly safety drills. These included a mandatory 1 hour safety meeting each month. At another time we would have a quarterly fire drill that was required also. NO EXCUSES for not participating.....NONE. After all, you might think it's no big deal but when the emergency happens, if you haven't been trained and practiced these things, you may not make it or you may cause others to get hurt. Whenever I start a new job I do the following and it doesn't take long: I locate all safety equipment and inspect it. Have the fire extinguishers been inspected? How long ago? If it's over 5 years, they need to be reinspected. Where are the emergency exits - locate all of them? Are there evacuation maps (more than 1) at different points of the building? Where is the muster point? That's the place where after you exit a building you meet up with your co-workers so management can take roll call to ensure everyone is out of the building and safe. Where is the shelter in case of a tornado? What about first aid kits? Where's the eye wash station? What about breaker panels for the shop?? Is there fire suppression in the shop - if so how does it activate? And for people who don't take safety seriously or roll their eyes and mock the safety person as "The safe police" or some other way - those people need to be named and shamed. They're the cancer that gets people killed in an emergency. What about PPE? Is this supplied by the shop or not? Many people think about eye and hearing protection but they ignore breathing - brakes still have asbestos and the dust surrounding brakes is the most dangerous to human health. The action of stopping a car breaks off small chunks of the brakes and creates brake dust which contains asbestos. Once that's in dust form, it can easily become airborn and inhaled. You also don't necessarily have to walk through a dust cloud either. It's so small you can't see asbestos with the naked eye so you could easily inhale it while working on brakes. Once in the lungs, it doesn't come out and turns into cancer. It's dangerous stuff man and all too often I see people working on brakes without breathing protection acting like "Oh I've done a million of these and I'm fine. You're just paranoid." But this is the stuff that absolutely destroys your life 15 years down the road or more. It's not like other hazards like fire or electrical where you see the effects immediately. NO this stuff is the real slow killer and it happens in small doses. Stay safe out there guys.

[@Conqueef-tadoor]

For Vise-Grips, get "Malco Eagle-Grip" locking pliers. That's the BEST you can get right now. That's who actually makes the Snap-On locking pliers. The Snap-On version is literally made by Malco in the Malco factory alongside the Eagle Grip pliers. They are the same exact pliers, except one in engraved "Snap-On" and one has Malco's name on it.

[@firstlast---]

Malco malco malco

[@johnbalderas1989]

The flat rate master's got that trigger discipline

[@twostroke12v71]

Commenting on the video for the algorithm

[@moosejrcustoms5292]

That 34" cart is actually pretty awesome for 500 bucks. Holds A LOT

[@untitleduser666]

I would add: form-a-funnel for oil filters/drain plugs that spill onto the frame/steering-rack/everywhere ball-point pens and white paint pens magnetic trays for organizing fasteners utility knife/box cutter small picks for o-rings hose-picks 3/8" & 1/2" breaker bars (HF are not bad for the money)

[@smokeybear390]

one tip is to invest in a very large set of channel locks, removes oil filters, compresses calipers, can be used to pull seals, among many other things

[@DavidsonMott]

I'd definitely would vouch for Tekton for a lot of tools.

[@dramalifeny]

Especially if your still in trade school they have a decent student discount program saved me a bunch of money as i work an apprenticeship in the evenings after school

[@timbutler6447]

The ONLY thing, I feel one cannot be cheap on is the Toyota Oil filter wrench. The cheap ones break the plastic on the oil filter cap. There is an aftermarket metal oil filter cap upgrade too. My shop works on almost everything. The neck light from Harbor Freight is pretty cool too. CTA is legit too.

[@sofjanmustopoh7232]

Yes a good Toyota oil filter wrench . So you don’t have to replace customer Toyota oil filter housing 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Troy_Built]

My pocket pry bar probably gets used more than anything else. A couple of multi-meters and test lights. Safety glasses and hearing protection.

[@Jack-yl7cc]

I would add brake caliper tools to the list. Sure there are ways to do the job without them but having something like the Lang Tools 279 makes things so much easier and faster.

[@tanker242]

You'd be surprised how far a c clamp will get you, and a rear brake square cube.

[@Jack-yl7cc]

@@tanker242 I used c clamps until I had to deal with an oddly small aftermarket 6 pot caliper. I'm sure a single large piston would have done the same job but didn't have the marketing spiel of a "6 piston brake calipers". After dealing with that headache I got the Lang tools brake press tool and it's been so much faster and easier than using C clamps.

[@Troy_Built]

@@tanker242 I have better tools and still use those the most.

[@Jack-yl7cc]

@Maria CANCER I don't have any videos. Did you perhaps intend to post messages directly to the Flat Rate Master(aka Michael Berg)?

[@bryanbeane7328]

I’ve had real good luck out of Tekton tools best part when a break those send a picture to them with a part number and get mailed a new one.

[@craigchiddo2794]

Wright for wrenches for the price of a snappy set you can keep a second set of wright in the box while the warranty comes in and eagle grips are available all over at half the price of the snap on truck

[@djucon]

Thank you for a refresher I’m going from motorcycle shop to a independent auto shop. This is great for my re-tooling.

[@grannsnewadventures8450]

Hey, will you do a video for the necessary tools for DIY nonprofessional car repair? The things you need to work on cars in your driveway? Thank you.

[@gizzync1525]

I would add to get the HF oil funnel system, comes with 12 adaptors for 90% of cars. 40 bucks it's really handy & def worth the money.

[@fakenamejones4254]

I'd go for the cordless impact from the start, love em. Especially if your at a tire shop doing lug nuts all day.

[@KeysMobileMarine]

Definitely spot on with this video. A decent set of picks is also a must have. Love the videos. Thank you.

[@bosborn1]

I recommend getting Icon wrenches. I have lots of different Snap On wrenches and in my opinion the Icon’s are almost as good. I only have the S wrenches but the guy who I used to work with has all of them. I was surprised at how good they are. The box ends are slightly bigger than snap on, but much thinner than any other value brand than I’ve seen. People need to stop getting hung up on needing an expensive box. This stuff goes on at my shop. We have a wrecker driver/ lube and tire guy with a $12k snap on box. The same guy is always borrowing tools because that huge box of his is empty.

[@frankstavalo5788]

As far as flashlights, there are great headlamps out there. I know some people are not fans of them, but they work great. To each his own.

[@dobledekersoulwrekr]

Yes sir, I have a couple of the Milwaukee headlamps with the separate charger and I never use a regular light now

[@RobertVivian]

Or if you like to wear hats, I would get a Sofirn SP35 or something like that with a pocket and hat clip. I've had mine for over a year using the crap out of it exploring caves and everyday mechanic use and I've only had to charge it a few times and have had zero issues.

[@TheeAbstractHero]

Quick note on the lug nut sockets - I've broken quite a few over the years, I finally broke down and just purchased the common ones from MAC. Initial sticker shock sucks, but at least he replaces it no questions asked when I give it to him.

[@andrewr6861]

As a Bmw tech I would get a flexible 6mm nut driver, engineering hammer ( triangle style), start with deep 3/8 and 1/4 sockets not shallow, Long snap on 90 degree pick, and flexible magnet.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Doing small engine ect work, a good screwdriver REALLY helps. Every joe and sally has previously stripped every screw head so having a good driver can litteraly have it come out, and throw it back in. New would be best but doesn't always happen.

[@tpax3p]

Thank you for the video. Can you add the link for panel clip tool? Cheers

[@felipebriseno799]

This was the best video ever,after my interview with German auto repair shop

[@bendavis993]

Draper expert are worth the the money any day , can’t go wrong with them

[@notsure7874]

I have gearwrench brand long pattern combo wrenches. They're not Snappys, but they're close - for a LOT less money. I like these, and the stubby non tab flex combo wrenches. Flip it over to reverse, it's flex head. 99% of the time I use oil filter pliers. For chrome sockets I really like the Astros with the UV glow paint in the numbers. I personally have Tekton impacts, I got the printed / laser engraved number only ones on sale for dirt cheap - they now have BOTH that and the stamped numbers for when the other wears out - which is awesome. For ball joint sockets, I have Gearwrench. IF you can afford it, I do recommend the MID torque Milwaukee, particularly if it's got the dual voltage charger. Then you can get the 12v impact driver - which is 100% my favorite driver ever. The 18v kits come with a DUAL voltage charger, so you don't have to buy the 12v kits - but the 12v kits come with a 12v only charger. Always get FUEL though, with a very few notable exceptions you won't need as a mechanic. If you can't afford it, the mid torque ryobi brushless is pretty good - I have one, it does the job. Back when I was pro-mechanicking (in the rust belt!) - the "gold standard" IR 231 air gun was rated the same as the ryobi - 600 rev, 450 forward - and it hardly ever wasn't enough power. Get the big dog high torque later, when you can afford it if you need it. OR you can get that same IR for a lot less now - but its now made in china, idk if it's as good as the older ones.

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

6:45 Infar makes wrenches for SP tools, Carlyle brand for Napa, Milwaukee, as well as Icon for Harbor Freight.

[@gigshare3947]

8:41 malco eagle vice grips 👍👍👍👍

[@redfox_84]

Thanks for the updated video. The one from years ago is one of my favorites.

[@enragedplantera5585]

Astro impacts are amazing and cheap

[@greasee.monkey7224]

That was a very thorough and accurate start up video. Especially the hurting your head part. It didn't take too many whacks on the head before I purchased a hood prop.👍👍

[@FREERIDE270]

Also there is a ton of options out there for tool packages that come with pretty much everything you'll need. When I started my apprenticeship years ago I bought the napa ultra-pro 500 piece master set for around 3k.

[@johnmilner5485]

Sunex 1/4 & 3/8 impact sockets are pretty thin so no need to buy chrome right away unless you have money to blow. Also outfitted my son with tekton and they've performed very well , warranty is a breeze , outstanding customer service and very quick shipping. Edit Tekton pliers are outstanding , cheap price , US made. Their hammers I'm pretty sure are TC US made too. Also tekton if you order from them gives you reward points to spend like cash if you set up a free account .

[@ratchetwise440]

I like Wright impact$$$. But. Most here are Tekton. Real decent. I have Wrights that replaced the few I've broken over the years,... HF, Tekton, Sunex etc. Impacts ? How many used weekly . Three ? Daily ? Two ?

[@johnmilner5485]

@@ratchetwise440 I own snap on / matco . My son uses the metric sunex deep , shallow , and universals daily . Been over a year and hasn't had to warranty any of them yet. The tekton especially metric impacts in 1/2 have had no issues . The chrome metric 3/8 and 1/4 have done fine also and except the 8mm & 10 mm that he's used on a impact / air ratchet have been warrantied . So far all listed above have worked well , are durable , and the two sockets he abused were in his possession in less than a week .

[@WhuchakaV]

I have the 8oz brass hammer and i slam it harder than my 3lb sledge still on the handle. From tekton ofc.

[@dramalifeny]

I got the 3/8 & 1/2 master impact set from tekton and they are amazing for the price with my student discount. Would have cost me a couple thousand from snappys

[@ericjudd3137]

That was a great video for new techs

[@barty2322]

Not in the automotive industry field but have my home shop but tekton is an amazing company with any of these items especially impact sockets they make a full 1/2 master set 8-32 and 5/16 - 1-1/4 for $350 and amazing screw drivers and wrenches also

[@windycityben4850]

Good stuff man. Another place to consider looking are pawn shops. I’ve picked up a really nice Fluke meter, snap-on hand tools, etc… for a fraction of the price. Just my 2 cents.

[@Troy_Built]

I've picked up a lot of my stuff from pawn shops.

[@raider762]

True pawn shops can be a great place to make a wrench set too. Scored an old Proto USA wrench I needed for brake jobs. Also some pawn shops have whole bins of sockets they will gladly get rid of for cheap.

[@djkilleen876]

Great list to get started for sure, with the right attitude and showing that you care about your tools most guys would let younger guys borrow any of the less commonly used stuff at least for a while, my adage was always if I borrow it 3 times while I was a newer tech I should probably have one of my own.

[@Troy_Built]

I was surprised he didn't mention this.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Only problem with that is if you have 7 8 9 ''special'' tools or more case use tools that all cost more than 500. Sure, throw them all on the account...then you're in massive debt. Buy as you can i'd say. All somebodys choice but yeah.

[@chaseallen2440]

My screw driver set came with 5 Phillips heads and 5 pry bar in different sizes, it was the weirdest thing they gave me pry bar with my screw driver set

[@koloy999]

i have the flex head 3/8 and 1/4 120xp gear wrench and they have the locking detent and its actually pretty nice. the 1/4 shit the bed pretty quickly installing lights on fleet trucks and removing bumpers. I also really enjoy a 1/4 electric ratchet for interior stuff but I know thats kinda specific

[@carterthiessen2664]

Recently turned 28, got into the industry right out of high-school so its been a decade. Started off with a Mastercraft box (canadian tire brand) and bought the NAPA brand sockets. Through the school program I slowly upgraded over the 4 years I was in school (apprenticeship program) and by the end of school, my wrenches, ratchets, and 3/8 and 1/4 sockets were all mac and snap on. I found a deal on a very lightly used master series KRL box a couple years later. Now, after a decade of being on the bench, the majority of my tools are snap on and Mac. Ratcheting wrenches are still gear wrench, pliers are half snap on, half knipex. Don't bother will tool truck brand power tools though. All my air tools are IR and all my cordless is Milwaukee. Some stuff like half inch impact sockets aren't worth the money for tool trucks. I like going with the Napa house brand stuff because it gets delivered to the shop instantly and they never ask questions about warranty.

[@waynemenzie]

It's worth considering the Astro Tools 1894 ONYX impact, also known as THOR. It's only $20 more than the Harbor Freight you mentioned and it hits harder than any 1/2" out there.

[@Mac-mu9cs]

At the coast of some of the astro stuff buy 2 and throw the other away when it fails in 2-3 years . I will admit I do like my snap on air hammer long style. Its creeping up on 20 years old. Although I doubt I will replace it with SO this time around. It is acting up

[@tomwinslow5086]

Great advice

[@ivlark1]

Electrical tape on sockets work also.

[@DuckMeTV]

What panel clip tool is that?

[@Nick-im3ym]

This video is perfect, great recommendations sir

[@georgebonney90]

Tekton made in USA screwdrivers are great and cheap

[@buildurtruckurway9118]

huskys 3/8s also used the same ratchet head as matco and icon for a while i bought one to rebuild my matco in a pinch. the exterior is slightly different but same guts.

[@Mac-mu9cs]

I bought the swivel spark plug socket set thinking I would use them a lot, i find myself using the deep straight ones and the snap on double swivel ones

[@zannusx]

I've said this before, but new techs coming into the industry have much better options for economical tools and stool storage. Sadly I've seen too many new techs ignore advice and get roped into the shiny stuff on the tool trucks and get roped into the weekly payments.

[@Shawnxsather]

Been doing heavy equipment for 10 years and have the whole snap on box set up now, still watched just to see and this is some great info. My only advice for mirrors and magnetic retrieval tools, get a good one with a lifetime warranty. Blue point for example sells them for about 40 bucks and the first time you have to warranty it which you will, it pays for itself.

[@ethancole6795]

I love the Milwaukee torque lock locking pliers

[@javiermarcial2650]

Helpful videos for us young techs thank you

[@CLynched]

Wobble plus extensions from snapon, worth every penny. Especially for thermostats on the 4 cylinder chrysler engines.

[@Hunnisloot]

1:45 Harbor Freights ICON split beam is pretty tits. $135 ish

[@jakeledman9097]

I highly recommend getting the gearwrench x beam wrenches in reversible. They are designed to not hurt your hands and are recommended by the American arthritis association. I love mine and I’ve had the snap on, craftman, Homs Depot. The x beams are the best!

[@huasohvac]

For vice grips, if you can find the Malco Eagle Grips they are the same as the snap on. Only thing is they are discontinued, but they are only maybe 40-50 bucks compared towhat snap on charges. I got my pair for $38

[@ratchetwise440]

Buy Grip-On or those slanty Milwaukee. Better than the original crap everyone drools about. Both are super decent. Eagle committed suicide. It's not expensive for the tooling needed to make those things. 50-80 for a tong is just goofy

[@christopherelrod8788]

I like my milwaukee vice grips. They seem to bite well and take abuse pretty good

[@jacobroberge3609]

Snap on puck light is my favorite. $60 off the truck or the icon is $60 but it’s much bigger

[@shepherdsfleetservicesllc8147]

Good video

[@raider762]

Harbor Freight Clip tools have been great for me for 10+ years and never broken one. Bought the six piece set for 15 bucks.

[@leoashrae4199]

Great recommendation. Might want to add a good set of punches to your list... especially tapered punches for hole alignments. Bolting accessories like AC compressors and alternators to the block on some cars is harder than it has to be without an alignment punch or lady-foot bar.

[@tanker242]

Had to buy a triple square when I was rebuilding a 00 Celica head for a family member.

[@tracydiller9378]

Great video and advice Mike.Have a Great Weekend.

[@ShortalayPlays]

Malco is making the original Vise-Grips again, made in the same factory by the same workforce in the USA.

[@jocool562]

I wanted the cobras right off the hop but the kobalt ones I had couldnt break fast enough so I just bought em and gave them cheapy kobalt ones away haha

[@123donmaster]

You nailed it

[@Luke_______]

I've had pretty good luck with Milwaukees vise grips.

[@Anonymous..VQ3.5Lg35]

I also use a pen light and my liteband everyday

[@jasonadams8774]

Great info, blessing from Barbados. I use ridgid impact works well

[@Anonymous..VQ3.5Lg35]

I like my new astro swivel sockets, sunex fuel line crow feet, i want 30/60 angle wrenches, 0 degree box and flex ratchet box wrenches!

[@Davidg368]

Tha k you for the video I always enjoy and appreciate every one ..what was the brand of the panel clip pliers I didn't see them on the links list

[@johnnyramirez9082]

Solid recommendations

[@gregblau8082]

Great list. I've seen a lot of dirt cheap air impacts at pawn shops

[@panchoelquededejaelculoanc3512]

I love my headlamp i and the magnetic ones always seem to fall of “flashlight gravity”

[@danielb-c9100]

I found a good deal for them in milwaukee at home depot 214 Milwaukee M18 high impact I tour. And Is impact wrenches

[@Mac-mu9cs]

I will add , be careful when buying any “sets” Like screw driver sets, plier sets, snap ring sets. Also the socket sets. Ex I like GP brand and sunex brand impact sockets. Being price and use. My GP 1/4” impact swivel set cost much less than snap on BUT I basically use only 4 out of the set 5.5 7 8 and 10 Same with hammers, JFC pick up some used hammers at yardsales. No need for a $500 set from snap on. Mayhew pry bars are a great value , along with lisles tools. I like some snap on tools. I have mostly SO chrome sockets and ratchets. Buy what you need to do the work your doing. I have people see whats in my box and they wonder how I do so much with so little. For one, I clean out my box every few years and eliminate tools especially specialty tools im not making money with, if not you end up with draws full of tools you have not touched in 8-10 years.

[@dramalifeny]

We have a guy at my shop who does the same thing every time he cleans out his tool draw he sells the valuable tools or donates them in the shop tool locker

[@Mac-mu9cs]

@@dramalifeny right, theres just no need to hang onto those 20 plus year old specialty tools in your daily box. Ford ignition model wrench and tester yeah that does not need to be in your daily box Inductive timing light, eh that can go home too. That collection of axle nut sockets that you have not used in 5 plus years and you cant even remember what they fit. Into storage . Its really to bad they change the design on those nuts but it keeps the tool companies going. Oh and dont buy lisle tools off the snap on truck, always 30% higher. Fun stuff

[@shanestrains2849]

I need to get a good set of Torx.. I keep breaking the tips off of mine ( probably improper use on my part 😁 )

[@Jlbm737]

Hey can you make a more detailed list I just got out the army and started taking up the trade the school I’m attending snap on guy has a electronic starter kit recommendation and a basic I don’t want to buy hand tools and electric that dose the same job would appreciate your feedback

[@123donmaster]

Gearwrench is a really good option that's affordable

[@avernvrey7422]

So, what's that panel clip tool, at time index 10:00 ? There's no link.

[@olivercastillo7216]

What do you think about Tekton tools?

[@jonanderson4474]

Those autozone duralast tools. They finish a job or what? Some people want to bless me with a couple tools and they want me to give a couple names not too expensive that work good enough.

[@porkerdapig]

100% great info thnak you

[@MrZimmaframe]

You have some good videos, i think changing your thumbnails could really help, i have to click on your video list and rear the small righting to get the subject of the video, but if the thumbnail had a few big words like a lot of other channels i think it would help.

[@one_mega_ohm9139]

What are the panel clip pliers?

[@andybub45]

Definetly don’t bother starting out with Snap On pliers. I had some extra money to spend so I bought them through the student program. They are beefy but honestly too beefy, I’d much rather have started with channel locks or another brand. Not everything the tool truck brands have will work for you so don’t go crazy buying from them. I do have to say I would strongly suggest going with a full size 6 drawer roll cart instead of one like the harbor freight 5 drawer, if you can afford it. I would have quickly outgrown the 5 drawer but it is a great cart.

[@redneck4528]

The new kids need a work ethic before any tools...

[@montevallomustang]

I gave up on trying to teach new kids the trade. The only things they want to learn is how to squat a truck and how to make tic tok videos

[@crasher88]

Their too busy watching KZbin and tik tok

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Ok Boomer ♿

[@huasohvac]

We only have one of our young guys who is kinda shit. The other young guys and apprentices we have are am driven to learn. Even the kid whos deaf is out there working is butt off trying to lesrn as much as he can.

[@redneck4528]

@@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago Ok, except I'm 27 years of age.

[@cardo1111]

This is always a good topic, helpful vid even for DIYers.

[@waterloo123100]

I’d buy Air cat over a earthquake any day. Great video though

[@antmasc]

Panel clip tool make/model or link? 9:56

[@antmasc]

Is it the Dent Fix DF-625? You referenced that in a previous review awhile back as your favorite panel clip tool. Hadn’t heard of that company before.

[@corbettknowles9942]

I prefer matco ratchet or Mac ratchets I like matco double flex head ratchet wrenche and gear wrench ratchet wrenches

[@k9under]

Would like to see a video of tools used in 1927.

[@uenragedbro]

Electric impact isn't necessarily an upgrade. I use electric when I need it, which is rare. Cases like I need to get the tire off outside the shop, which rarely happens

[@josiahr1375]

Maybe not necessary. But in a high volume shop it is a huge time saver. Every time you have to play around with an airline it wastes time.

[@atiba8518]

One thing forgotten: diagnostic scan tool, nevertheless great helper video.

[@glenn9114]

I wouldn’t recommend buying air impact to get started. Should always by cordless electric.

[@felipebriseno799]

Omg oil filter cups Damm I forgot