Tools to get started as an auto tech

Getting started building your tool collection for your first job!

[@itstroydh]

"Spend the money, get a good gun, keep it oiled and it'll last a long long time" same thing my grandpa would tell me but he wasn't talking impacts. Solid advice FRM!

[@tttarms1970]

And Ingersoll has the grease fittings... give it a squirt...

[@1145theman]

Xdm 9mm 4.5

[@fumanpoo4725]

He was a serial killer...

[@larryborkstrom3580]

It's better to have a harbor freight toolbox filled with snap on matco mac than snap on box filled with harbor freight tools

[@nazigrammar9728]

my Harborfreight toolbox and tools(most of them) last for 3 years in great condition. Idiots pay thousands of dollars just for the SnapOn toolbox. I had 3/8 to 1/4 adapter SnapOn which costs $16 - I broke it on 1st day when I was using for taking off screws from the plastic grill on a truck hood. $3 husky I have been using for my impact wrench for 3 years with no problem. Fuck the fucking snapon.

[@predater5017]

@@nazigrammar9728 i would never by snapoff tools. many good quality tools out there that dont cost stupid money

[@fadedempirecarclub948]

@@predater5017 And with the way harbor freight is going with there tools, the quality is so much better than some of the other cheap tools out there. You make a profit when using cheap tools cause your not paying off a $10K Tool box and all the tools in it

[@cfmechanic]

Its not the tools its the mechanic/tech. I have heard of guys showing up to work with cresent wrench hammer pliers and a screw driver tackling all kinds of different jobs.

[@rolandob4492]

Nazi Grammar imma open up that harbor freight tool box like nothing and steal all your tools :)

[@t-bone6864]

"That tire guy that has a drinking problem" 🤣

[@fuckjewtube69]

Yep one in every shop. They usually think they are the best too.

[@taylorrochford6611]

We all know the guy...

[@michaelwright1602]

@@taylorrochford6611 And he will steel you blind...

[@toddmcafee]

Seen video of union gents drinking & smoking weed at the park then return to the Fiat-Chrysler Plant?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@toddmcafee The stuff that goes on up here... Back in the day you tripped over beer and gin bottles to get to the plant entrances up here in Detroit. Always smell weed burning in the parking lots...There are still problems, heroin is one, and of course the weed. Depends on the plant and location more so today. These younger kids seem to be less likely to involve themselves in any of that. Different breed, which is good.

[@Brady.John87]

A lot of the tools mentioned are great from harbor freight. Screw drivers, pry bars, Pittsburgh ratchet sets, flashlights, magnetic dishes. HF has really updated there tools

[@LegoDork]

My hood-prop is an adjustable cane I found in the dumpster behind the shop.

[@Dcc357]

One of my coworkers had to use the shop broom once because his little hood prop can't keep up a Buick hood.

[@christopherhunt3961]

I use a pry bar..

[@Mordorer]

You could also just remove the hood.

[@kevinvaughn7337]

W

[@Mistyfgdf]

@@Mordorer putting on hoods are ass Never line ups

[@mattwiltfong2626]

A test light and a multimeter would be great for starting mechanics as well.

[@mikemorrow6736]

Except in todays cars that are computerized, a test light can destroy electronic circuits. Have to know where and when you use test light.

[@danielbackos6491]

Great info. Why did I become a mechanic again?... to buy tools of course. Never ending cycle.

[@jamesbatdorf1665]

I’m only 6 minutes in and already the best video for new mechanics I’ve seen. Every other video tells you to buy the biggest box right off the bat. I worked my way up.

[@ericklopez1682]

This is the best video I've seen describing what's needed for Beginning Technicians. Very realistic in that not all everything in your toolbox has to come off the truck.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you glad you enjoyed the Video

[@b0lbi]

Pro tip: don't keep a pocket knife clipped on your pocket. Trying to get in and out or around vehicles on a lift you will scrape it against the paint a d leave a nice scratch. Got the t-shirt for that one

[@prestonmeadows3564]

Kinetic Automotive yep

[@GammaFields]

Worked in a powersport assembly shop, we weren't allowed to wear pants or carhartts with the brass pins at the corners for the same reason.

[@ethansmith8813]

Get a cheap home depot pliers rubber handle to put on the knife pocket clip

[@beardedtoolreviews7185]

Same advise when you deliver furniture and you squeeze by a dresser or a belt buckle. Trust me I know. Lol I was a newbie once

[@ToroMoto]

It took me doing this exact thing 2 times to resize and stop carrying a pocket clip knife on my pants.

[@aaronhill3529]

😍 first time I watch this video I was just get started in the industry with $40 of tools from Harbor Freight. Lol $20,000 dollars later it feels funny watching it now. Thanks for all the help over the years.

[@charlesshankle3178]

I directed a friend of mine to your channel. He has a 17yr old son who is about to start in an auto tech program and in a shop as a low level tech. This is spot on advice I wish I had available at this age.

[@blakewaddell451]

I remember the time my shop hired a new technician he showed up on Snap-on Tuesday and is the first one on the truck and buys a toolbox not a cart a box. Then he couldn't decide what color screwdrivers to get so he was on the truck for 3 hours. He finally decided on dark blue handles then for 2 weeks he asked to borrow everyone's tools because he couldn't afford to buy his own amazingly he still works there 3 years later but with his own tools now.

[@chickenfixn4439]

@uhチュンチュンマル Maybe not so much rich but not knowing what he's doing 😂😂😂

[@kippainter3480]

Fun fact I have a couple magnetic trays that my grandpa had that he modified and put magnets on the bottom.. they were ceramic pill trays from a 1930’s Insane-asylum. 😂😂

[@jw200]

They are haunted 100%

[@andrek5533]

🤣🤣

[@claybirdnone6804]

Are you crazy about them?

[@hiddenspringsfarm2596]

That's pretty cool

[@ridingwiththereids]

I had the same Matco ratchet about 10 years ago. Absolutely loved it 👍

[@Brady.John87]

Get the protective flaps that hang down over the quarter panel to protect the body of the car as your working around the engine. The magnetic ones are the best but either way there important when starting out

[@dkgrace6743]

Thank you. Good selection of tools. To the point. Great job.

[@troytrudo2710]

Thank you! As some one whose worked on his own stuff and decide I love it and want to do it as a career this was very informative of what tools I'll need to upgrade right away!

[@acu112]

Magnetic sticks are my one of my favorite tools, 5lb pull, I keep in my pocket, saves my lower back

[@sterlingvanhayden7997]

This cow's still giving fresh milk over 3 years later. Excellent work... thank you.

[@tedmattingly7564]

I absolutely love that you stress that you buy tools from places other than the tool trucks. I tried to stress that to my young techs so much. A lot of them get stuck in the glamour of the tool trucks and then I march them to my tool box and show the variety of tool brands and some that I've used since the 80s that are still used everyday.

[@billyadams9985]

Man I started with a craftsman 26 inch toolbox... I think everyone started with that box before harbor freight came around.

[@flatratemaster]

+harvey adams lol i started with crappy husky box

[@fromstarlighttosunrise128]

that old red box lol

[@twentysacdiscprest2k]

Still got a few of em too

[@Dcc357]

Yep. I used a 26 inch, 10 drawer red box for my first year. I had it on top of an Apollo cart. That box is surprisingly strong and stored more than I thought it can. I had 2 impact guns in the bottom drawer with a case of 10 oil filter sockets, and the bottom drawer also fit my giant Hitachi driver without the battery on it lol. I just brought it back home today because I finally got a 54 inch Cornwell box to go with my Cornwell cart.

[@CodyDoesIt]

Started 3 years ago with one and still have it. 2 tear box 6 jore

[@arielleon7236]

Thanks for the advice.We truly appreciate it.

[@alkalineph9446]

I love flex head and quick release ratchets in standard and stubby sizes.

[@papi-champoo6033]

Love they tiMax impact gun, with the harbor freight tool cart you can add a top box for the bottom to add drawers.

[@davemurphy3813]

With the amount of ads in this video, it looks like someone still has a lot of tools to pay off.

[@TheRadralph]

🤣🤣😂💀

[@gregblau8082]

Absolutely love my gearwrench sockets. I bought them from a tech that was upgrading my first week on the job. 6 years later they’re still my go to.

[@imbrandon16]

today i bought 4 gear wrench ratcheting combination wrenches, they were going to be 104 otd, but the girl gave me a discount and i got them for 90 because i go there all the time 15/16", 1", 1 1/16," 1 1/8", four fucking wrenches for 100 bucks... geez.... glad we have a company account there XD

[@r2c479]

my gearwrench love stared with the good ol gearwrench its self first sae then metric then a 3/8th full set with ratchets, now i find myself with a full box of gearwrench and a grearwrench box as well! i must admit im a all out gear wrench fan boy now since they are great quality for the price of the tool

[@mrMacferson]

Really Great review ! Professionally and quickly.

[@xbox360rook]

Thank you for your help.

[@wcollins4191]

Great video it encouraged me into adding three new tools to my tool box thanks for some tips.

[@flatratemaster]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@moneymac2864]

if your pocket screwdriver isnt in your pocket is it still a pocket screw driver?

[@Elias_Abrego]

Money Mac so if i put a regular screwdriver in my pocket does it make it a pocket screwdriver?

[@sideshow45]

Mini prybar

[@godshaw187]

I think in prison it's called a shank

[@futurelink5967]

If the captain is not on is ship, is he still the captain?

[@Chevelle-ry2fx]

Been wrenching for 40 years. l don't do tool trucks at all. learned something new watching your video. lang caliper tool. Ordered one today from Amazon . Thanks for the video.

[@flatratemaster]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lsswapeverything2518]

@shiestjoo I've been loving the Tekton products i've bought.

[@mattferns2058]

I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time now and one thing I’ve noticed after watching this video from a year and a half ago.. you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and I wanna congratulate you on that! Keep up the good work in the bay and in the gym!!

[@bildo508]

Wish I found this when I started out! Great video!

[@lilmike2710]

Of all the tool purchases I've made over the years, my ratchet wrenches and dead blow hammer, believe it or not, has saved the day for me more than anything else in my toolbox. The dead blow was something I didn't know I needed until after I got one.

[@MrTravisAl]

That Vessel ph2 spring loaded impact screwdriver is phenomenal. It was my favorite tool for a while. I was so impressed. I’ve been able to bang off so many really thought rotor screws with them. Also the general fit of them is awesome.

[@LuziannaBoy]

For those interested, in my own experience one of the best tire pressure gauges I own is a BluePoint, fairly inexpensive, and very accurate. For oil filter removers I'd say the 3 Jaw universal oil filter remover tool is one of the best I have, it can be used on almost *any* canister style filter. For Cartridge filters I usually use a oil filter cup.

[@martinschaffmeir7729]

Hey great post sir. I love the Astro Pneumatic flip lug sockets I have I use them often and they look better than the snap-on

[@flatratemaster]

Astro makes some really good stuff!

[@wine_country_moto]

Thanks for the video! I’m just a home DIY guy with a four different vehicle brands and started doing all of my own work. So far “prying and praying” has worked but it’s time for me to get more serious.

[@ricardobeltran9487]

Thanks for the guidance bro !!!

[@mikevonkleist6767]

Good video for showing beginners what's needed. Keep it practical and functional until you learn more about our trade.

[@earlchannels8347]

i like that bel air snap-on with the flip top. real nice.

[@BIGWILLSCARCARE]

Great video you kept it simple for flat rate and DIY's.

[@deespasojevic3013]

Just came here to tell you KZbin loves you bro this video is in my feed every day of my life! Cant escape it!! Help

[@kopboy55]

I have the same Matco swivel head 3/8ths. It is my favorite ratchet..

[@inyoudeep1]

BlueFuel 85-912 The best I have found, for flashlights! I love my Gearwrench tools! I haven't broke one in over 6 years.

[@CPozos]

Excellent video sir. Thank you for all the helpful information and advice.

[@adnany2]

Thanks a lot . Very informative video.. you squeezed years of yours experience with tools into this short but yet very helpful video.. excellent content.

[@AS-hp3je]

I'm just starting from the beg beginning thanks. Really did help

[@lockcracker]

Two more very very handy tools to have, a three square smooth file and a thread file. I use the three square file about 97% of the time now.

[@loganjohnson7551]

Harbor freight picks and pry bars realy arent that bad, I use em everyday and dont have trouble with em

[@toro64xxx]

Super video, down to earth professional.

[@davidschwartz3427]

They usually are. Not to mention it's honest opinion. This is meant for professionals (obviously) but it's good advice for an at home parts changer such as myself.

[@normansmith7806]

Good information ! My ratcheting caliper tool is a Blue Point and its the same as the Lang.

[@flatratemaster]

yep lang makes a lot of blue point stuff, and for other companies, Lang used to be call Kastar FYI

[@k_h_nobody]

I purchased the US General 44", because it's a very versatile toolbox that can grow and expand. Add a top chest, sides or lockers available, great expansion.

[@raider762]

Solid advice. Thanks for the video. Don't forget socket rails, start with the cheap metal harbor freight rail and if you break or bend those, upgrade to polymer ones. That way no blow molded socket cases wasting space in the drawers.

[@sleepyancient6655]

Nice video, best one I've seen that would help the potential apprentice. Oh, and you're spot-on with the advice to avoid gaps in tool sizes. "No one uses a 20mm wrench." I said. Yeah? Well I bought one the next day because I actually needed one. In all fairness, that 30 pc wrench set only had that one size gap, and I've only used it that once.

[@christopherelrod8788]

Hf 1/2 impact extensions are so good for the money. I've used them as punches cheater pipes put alot of heat to em and have put alot of torque through them (enough to snap a 5/8ths thick steel stud) and I'm still on my first set

[@natedowd]

Great video. I'm at a tech school rn. Graduating in june. Good info. I got alot but def need to expand my tools. Definitely gonna watch more of ur videos.

[@kevinlamarr1424]

I’ve watched this video at least 10 times and just watched it again because it’s really well done 👍

[@mikemorrow6736]

45 years in the field. Great video👍

[@PollosHiPerformance]

I used to work on Caterpillar heavy machinery and most of the tools i needed were basic, i’d recommend the ratcheting serpentine belt tool almost like yours but it has a ratcheting mechanism, i used it all the time with the tensioners on the cat engines, I work at a diesel shop now, i’m the go to clutch guy for the semi trucks (i’m probably about the same body build as you lol) i get a trans don fairly quickly as long as i get the right parts from the parts runner, i always use a 3/8” drive dewalt cordless impact, a 1/2” drive dewalt cordless impact and a Snap-On 3/8” drive cordless ratchet so i got the best quality and warranty i found, i’ve had my impact wrenches for well over 2 years and they still haven’t quit on me

[@bobbillings]

The only tools I have ever had stolen were never from a customer coming through. They were from other mechanics in my shop.

[@zoethegreat6049]

Thanks for the knowledge

[@ernestamar4730]

Good info, I got majority of the tools mentioned and I start in 2 days at a local dealership. Was a little worried I didn’t have sufficient tools

[@1974kenm]

I would consider myself to be advanced DIY and started off (long ago) with that basic 200-something piece Craftsman "mechanic's tool set." It was really cost effective, but now I outgrew it and the specialty tools have been huge for me. I tend to lean on Harbor Freight until it breaks, and then go from there so your mentioning other brands to look at was really helpful (their picks do suck, but torque wrench has been great).

[@josephlopez8428]

Thank you .great video 👌

[@louisdellanno5801]

Awesome video!

[@angeljuarvez3826]

Dude I wish I could work at your shop and learn your knowledge man huge fan keep it up

[@Mikesmeyer88]

He works in a lube shop calm down. Just because he has 4 rollers boxes around him doesn't mean hes any good

[@Mistyfgdf]

Mike Meyer in his current videos it looks a lot more then oil changes..

[@GARAA111]

He's a Master Mechanic get your facts straight before talking shit.

[@donovanjagroop902]

Impressive advice!

[@EXOVCDS]

That ratcheting caliper piston retractor is pretty cool... never seen one like that before! Real nicely laid out cart!

[@flatratemaster]

Thanks Thomas!

[@project-5724]

Just saw that too - and just bought it. I've been using the quick grip clamps - this will be so much easier!

[@CWR_56]

It's a good tool. I bought the Napa rebranded one (Napa P/N SER 279) for about $30.00 on sale.

[@ethansmith8813]

Best tool I've ever bought for it and it does dual pistons like a champ. I use a smaller autozone twist tool oem brand for the ones to small for it to fit

[@stephencutts8856]

I have the identical matco ratchet I love it as well

[@SteveRobReviews]

Awesome - Thomas mentioned you . Look forward to more.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@virginia7125]

I think I have about everything mentioned here plus more. I have my own diagnostic tester, compression tester, and multimeter capable of doing HVAC. Die grinders and sanders are good to have if you're doing some touch up painting or buffing jobs. Swivel impact sockets are always good to have. Crowsfeet and flexhead line wrenches are good to have too. Don't forget the instrument and door panel removing tools.

[@guridhesi]

Great video!

[@maxwellschmidt235]

I love my gearwrench sets (ratcheting and non-) from Amazon. Great price for great big sets with no skip.

[@maxwellschmidt235]

Tekton is the other brand I had my eye on, but go through Tekton's own website for those. Also looking at them when my socket sets need upgrading

[@donaldpainter628]

I've glued magnets to different size baking pans and have a nice selection of trays from the dollar store

[@northwestmechanic8991]

I have the full pack of the lug nut sockets, they are tough as nails. And yes they do protect the tires from getting all scratched up.

[@jadonharrison8491]

The ICON ratchet is pretty decent. I've been using a standard 3/8" drive with a comfort grip for about a month, and it's still in good shape. By now I would have broken the anvil off several Pittsburgh ratchets.

[@danmorgoshi7598]

...Very good video...Thanks ! 👍

[@feildcar4578]

I have a set of texton screwdrivers and they have been really good I've had them almost 5 years now used everyday.

[@sideshow45]

I like mayhew dominator pry bars, 58inch bar is $78 shipped on ebay. Great for those stubborn wheels. Or those days where you dont care what breaks. Lol

[@douglaswilliams184]

I have that same little orange cornwell tool cart.

[@user-py6ve6fs5s]

this guy is awesome!

[@0401xavier]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. I've found that Stanley tools at Walmart are pretty good and have good prices, in fact I saw the same 3/8 ratchet you like for $19,99....which I plan to get. Plus at Facebook Market Place, I found a 3 piece Craftsman Tool box matching set on wheels for $139.oo. I cleaned and repainted them. And they look like new....beats paying $400 to $1000

[@fakiirification]

get a serpentine belt tool with the 1/2 square drive for sockets. double duty as a nice breaker bar.

[@ZERONEINNOVATIONS]

I'm a mechanic in US, originally from Japan. Vessel screw drivers are the BEST. I've used snapon craftsman harbor freight screw drivers at work, school, everywhere but my vessel screw driver that I brought from Japan has the best quality, and never stripped any screw with it. My father bought vessel screwdriver set at Japanese Home Depot and gave it to me when I was like 5 yrs old. I'm using it for more than 20 years.

[@rniejx4219]

The HF cart is an amazing quality peice. Very heavy duty, and a complete bargain, if you are starting out it is a very worthwhile investment, once you have a big box you will appreciate a lightweight cart with essentials later on.

[@henrymarocchi7844]

Haha no shot you'll reply to this but i just got that harbor freight cart on sale for like $200 with the extended warranty.

[@markquinlan6406]

Great video Mike

[@joehyundaitech7961]

my air chuck is the astro 3018 with the braded hose

[@flatratemaster]

Nice, I really like the clip on air hose:)

[@wallyg.2409]

I'm hearing good things about Carlyle and Tekton. They look pretty good and won't break the bank. So many more options out there now.

[@williamwatkins1996]

I use my harbor freight 5 drawer box as a roll cart and keep all my big stuff and stuff that’s not normally used in my big box. Snap on wrenches are the best in my opinion. Can’t stand snap on sockets get a lot moneys worth a with a good set of GP impact sockets. And have expert brand sockets for my chrome never had a issue. Also harbor freight screwdrivers with the metal caps on the back are great for smacking them with hammer instead beating on my good screwdrivers

[@76Fordblue]

Thanks man!!

[@rstar88105]

Nice video a lot of good points brought out. For me I bought a Snap-On KR1000 that was 5k 20 years ago for a grand. Used boxes can go pretty cheap, usually it's a situation where the previous owner is moving up to a better box or moving out to a different kind of job and want to let go of full sized 20 year old box's very reasonably. Sometimes I have even found where guys want out of wrenching all together.. right now.. and wants to get rid of a whole, nice tool set included with a full sized box for 5k or less.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you! I will have a tools box purchase video coming out soon where I go more in depth about tool boxes. Thanks for watching

[@christianmatson5170]

When I started parts pulling for lkq cornwell tools were the way to go exactly the same thing if not better then snap on at half the price

[@kmweek]

Good video, refreshing to see a professional mechanic not pushing Snap-On tools all the time. I am not a mechanic but am trying to keep my daughter's car on the road for her without costing her much money because she don't have any! Learning lots from you tubers making videos and Thomas EXO is one of my favourites (very humble guy). He actually suggested to check out your video channel. I listen to your pet peeve video and liked your frankness and believe you were spot on with all your points, so I subscribed and clicked on the notification option for your channel. I can usually smell BS pretty quickly and did not see this in this video. I like that you keep it real, for us poor dudes that cant afford real tools because we got to buy diapers every week (I think you know what I mean). Looking forward to seeing more videos. What kind of cars do you work on.

[@flatratemaster]

1000km/week Glad you enjoy my videos! Most beginning techs also have no money too,so thats why i suggest other options.

[@zippy1981dotnet]

Why don't you teach your daughter to work on her own car?

[@angelf9800]

I am a backyard mechanic, I been working on cars for 22 years and some of my tools are from Harbor freight since I am not a full time mechanic they seem to work fine.

[@WrecklessEnterainment]

Pittsburg has a 3/8’s flex head long handle comfort grip and it’s been awesome lol for $20 you can’t beat it. They’re tough as hell too.

[@chicagotruckerlifeforlife5570]

Great Video, Thank You....

[@bertmollar]

You mentioned VIM tools. Another great company that makes good quality affordable tools is Grey Pneumatic. Sunex also makes great stuff in my opinion.