What Tools I use for Appliance Repair

[@brianbanks3044]

great job....i am an auto/truck mechanic and i have 1 drawer with as many tools as you need for most of your work...i am jealous but also glad I have all the stuff I need to finish a job 99% of the time...there's always that special tool that you only need once in 10 yrs but if you don't have it, you can't finish the job easily or correctly...i tried taking a tub out of a 12 yr old Maytag and finally gave up after not being able to get it out...either it was rusted solid or a ten ton press installed it originally.....all the tools in my box couldn't get it out but maybe that one special tool that you have could have done the trick...everyone needs their tools and thanks for sharing

[@Carlos-qo6zm]

I just dealt with the same thing an old Maytag washer wouldn’t budge it finally took us 2 hours to get the basket out

[@TheOtherBill]

Three things I've learned over the years (I'm retired now): The most important part of a multi-bit screwdriver is the tips, don't cheap out on those since you will break one at the worst possible time. The second meter you buy will be the Fluke you didn't buy the first time because it was too expensive. When the first one dies you'll be more willing to spend the extra money and unless you lose it you won't need a third. The T5-600 will probably do all you need. Knipex Cobra Pliers are top-of-the-line, once you use those you won't want any others. They're pricey so ask for them for Christmas or your birthday or something.

[@zgames9400]

It's been my experience that bits are treated as disposable. Even the so-called high quality bits can break on you (the kind that actually come with good warranties) and I'm talking about when being used for the job they were literally designed for, not that time you used a flat bit to pry something open. I have a few sets of bits to cover pretty much every bit in existence and then I have a couple spare sets of basic bits. Some of my basic sets are cheap/sacrificial and some are nicer ones with lifetime warranties. I also have a set of regular screw drivers because sometimes a bit driver will be too thick or short for the job. Fluke is a good brand but it's way over priced. If you truly want a good multi-meter without burning cash, you're better off getting a Brymen or the US version of the brand, Greenlee. Otherwise, you're just going to have to do your best picking a cheap one that has the features you want and hope it lasts long enough to pay for itself. Signs of a better multi-meter are things like an easy access battery compartment with the fuses right there too. I don't use pliers very often and the Kobalt pliers I bought have been good enough for my occasional use. That said, people do say a lot of nice things about the pliers you recommended.

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

That's true! I don't get the multi function drivers. I'd rather have a set of screwdriving bits that I can use in a ratcheting screwdriver, bit ratchet (normal 1/4" drive socket wrench, but it holds hex bits and is super low profile), and a drill/impact driver. That one set works in 3 or more tools, and I can choose what quality I want. Multi drivers are frustrating to me, because none of them have the bits in a configuration I like, because all the bits are double ended I'd rather just have a bin with the bits set out and I choose what I want from there. Appliances may be different though, you likely only have 5 screw types in any model you're working on. Meters, I agree. Still not going to spend the money on the Fluke I want though. I don't make money with it, so it's not worth it (it's a luxury in my trade, not a necessity).

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

And anything Knipex I've used is worth the money. Their Cobra and Plierswrench lines are amazing. Great quality, and they do their jobs VERY well.

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

@zgames9400 I think he was referring to the multi-bit drivers. The ones woth the 2 sided bits woth the detent ball in the middle.

[@mrallan8063]

You are right... a good stripper is hard to find. It took me so many dollar bills to find a good one. But when I did, it was a happy ending.

[@MichaelCater]

15 year Appliance Repair business owner - we use HouseCall Pro and ServiceBench for our BMS - FieldPulse looks like a great BMS. Everything you list is great and I concur - the only thing I see missing is if you're going to do Sealed Systems (specialty I know).

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Thats an entirely different wish list, but a good one to do as well. But I don't do sealed systems... Yet. Well, not legitimately at least

[@southsidetom]

Yep. I use my cordless leaf blower from the front of the refrigerator (at the bottom) to blow all the dust and dirt to the rear. I have a shop vac running behind it with a 2-1/2" hose (Craftsman) and it is sucking the dirt as it is blowing out. I have to do this twice a year or else the side by side KitchenAid fridge "Over-Temp" alarm comes on. I also use the cordless leaf blower to blow out my dryer vent twice a year - takes five minutes to keep that clean and helps the cycle run the least amount of time. --- Great vid Ben !!!

[@philliphall5198]

Cool, I’m going to clean my dryer hose tomorrow and I have a gas blower so I will duck tape it to inlet and fire it up 😊😊😊😊

[@depstech]

Glad to hear our endoscope helps.

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

Square drive 2 is used on most modern Frigidaire and Electrolux units you can use a ph2 but if it’s stuck it will strip.

[@theapplianceengineer]

It's always nice to hear personal stories from other engineers in the same trade, I tip my hat to you sir! Was looking to create a podcast which basically shines a light on professionals in the appliance repair trade and find out how they got into the trade, what caused them towards this area of trade and also some of the many interesting stories they have experienced during there time in the profession. If you are interested in possibly having a chat on getting this put together I would love to hear back from you! If not that is also not a problem, keep up the good work and really enjoying your content!

[@southsidetom]

Instead of a cordless drill I suggest your first cordless for appliance work be a cordless impact driver. Don't go fancy just get one. Will remove screws and can drill holes as needed. Most importantly when you need to remove rusted on screws or bolts let's say to remove the cover on something you will thank the impact feature! I have Dewalt DCF840 which is simple and just trigger control. For the multimeter I picked up a Kaiweets HT206D which also measures DC amperage. Great value on Amazon. Cheers!

[@zgames9400]

That's legitimately a terrible recommendation. My first recommendation for a rusted screw would be Kano Kroil (or WD-40, if you don't have it) and a little effort with your favorite manual driver. However, if that doesn't work, I'd use either a corded drill or an actually good cordless drill to drill it out. The thing is, finding a decent cordless drill is hard to do. This is probably why you resorted to buying a cordless impact driver in the first place. Cordless drills are mostly pathetic. The ones that actually stand up to their corded counterparts cost twice as much, easily. A basic corded Kobalt drill (Lowe's brand, which is considered the lowest bar of barely acceptable on a construction site) should be more than powerful enough to rip the head off of most screws/bolts, much less drill through them. Generally speaking, I'd consider power tools overkill for taking apart or putting together any appliance. I mostly use manual drivers when working on appliances to avoid stuff like cross threading, over tightening and stripping screws/bolts. I can't tell you how many times I had to work hard to extract a screw without stripping it because some jack-wagon over-tightened it with a powered tool. However, a hammer drill (these things are powerful enough to drill through concrete but are still less powerful than an impact driver) would be severe overkill for working in an appliance. I'd hate to think how badly you can destroy an appliance trying to take screws in and out with an impact driver. As for the Kaiweets, it's hard to get detailed info on it and I've never used it myself but it seems okay. For basic appliance and electrical troubleshooting, it should get the job done. You'll probably want to get an actually good meter like a Brymen/Greenlee later on for improved accuracy, features and construction.

[@philliphall5198]

Drible tool is handy also

[@AndrewWestaway]

You pulled out that resistor tester and I immediately got Game Boy flashbacks 🤣 I didn't know those were an item, learned something new! This also reminds me that I probably should stop giving passing glances at the Current clamps at my local Canadian Tire and just get one.

[@portable_wall9222]

one thing I use daily is a right angle drill attachment, that thing has probably saved me hours. Samsung washers also tend to need a 1/2in impact gun for the 36mm hub nuts and the 19mm rotor nut on front loaders.

[@kamalabbady6778]

Angle tool 90 degree is a must for tight places

[@mauricelinton5867]

Dude, that junk store! Amazing idea holy crap!!

[@failuremaster1302]

Here's a tip for the pesky screws that is not rusty or really stripped badly is a small ratchet with a quarter inch socket and whatever bit you need even if the screw (example) Phillip is a little stripped you can use a bigger Phillip bit with it apply pressure and turn to unscrew and for those that confuse left and right just remember this instead clockwise and counterclockwise and it eventually makes sense

[@richardc.8214]

Ben I really apriciate your onesty. One of the reasons I subscribed to your channel. People like you make me have fafe on some ripar man. I'm always like to add an external buzzer or chime to my washer and dryer. I want to be able to hear it on the main level of the house. Thanks for your your introductions .

[@RandyOnTheRadio]

I laughed several times. Beating the employees with the hammer. I was thinking "headache customers", but okay. That was funny. I think I may have worked for you at some point in time. LOL

[@spinnymathingy3149]

Nice video, but a couple of omissions that I use on a daily basis (in the appliance repair industry) would firstly be bent nose terminal removal pliers, safely disconnects terminal plugs and spade terminals, then there’s a non contact volt stick, an absolute gem for fault finding and all round safety. Then a set of small hooks 🪝 (from an automotive store) great for dismantling plastic parts. Then my favourite pliers the “screw-remover “ they extract small screws that are rusted in or the Philips head is burred over Hope these suggestions help

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Somehow, I don't have issues where I have a pair of vampliers or another brand, but I agree that its probably the #1 tool I omitted.

[@Shaunw2]

‘Bent nose terminal removal pliers’ sound like a godsend, but googling doesn’t show any results that look like they’d help safely remove some of the acu connections. Could you provide a link or example? Thank you in advance!

[@kurdtpatton5039]

So many great lines in this video

[@ChengHorn9]

Love the video and the book in the background next to the play button.

[@joechristian4918]

Remember the Maytag tool roll sets back in the day ? They were built a little to lite but were very handy...

[@MReeceW]

The absolute best door boot seal tool is the TSE1 Tension Spring tool, you can dismount and mount a door boot spring ONE HANDED with it.

[@RandyOnTheRadio]

Hey Ben, was wondering where to get that capacitor device you showed? That would sure make life easier to have one of those.

[@Chemnitzsurfer]

What is it like for you in the USA when you repair household appliances commercially? Here in Germany you have to do an electrical safety check with special test equipment afterwards and document it. (among other things, measurement of low resistance of the protective conductor connections with at least 200mA test current, insulation resistance with at least 250V DC test voltage, (equivalent) leakage current measurement

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Milwaukee searchlight for full illumination, M18 vacuum, drill/ driver all battery compatible and a small Rubbermaid Brute trash can to clean up the mess

[@philliphall5198]

Drill gun : nut drivers Cheap screwdriver set Cheap 1/2 drive socket set, std & metric

[@CroneLife1]

I've heard the square bit referred to as a Robertson. I'm in Canada, so maybe it's a Canadian thing. As always, another great video. :) Thank you for what you do.

[@TheOtherBill]

Robertson are tapered, square drive are not. Robertson screws are rare outside of Canada because Robertson wouldn't sell the rights to Henry Ford, so Ford went with Phillips.

[@CroneLife1]

I have a number of Robertson screw drivers, plus some Robertson-head bits that can be switched out of the ratcheting screw drivers I own. Some are tapered, some are not; but they're all Robertson. Thanks for the info re Henry Ford. I didn't know that. :)

[@kiyoshi3414]

I highly reccommend gettiing a little flat head and a magnetic flashlight. I use both those tools on nearly every call.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Had both, forgot to have them in the video. There's probably 4-5 items I forgot at least

[@philliphall5198]

Cap brim light led

[@mrfuzzy2954]

I really need that gasket stretching tool

[@stevenlauzon7031]

Pinning it with my Elbow or knee while I stretch it and watching it pop out of the groove is my jam

[@grandpastime]

​@@stevenlauzon7031 haha I feel this

[@MUSEMENT]

This was a very good video to watch, and learn about the tools used in your trade. I use a desoldering bulb, that when you use the iron you squeeze the blub and draw in the liquid solder as you let go of the bulb . That Hakko Desoldering tool is interesting (I am not knocking it) but it you are not using this tool all the time and a DIY person then I would suggest learning how to use the bulb, since they cost from 4 to 10 dollars depending where you get them, compared to the cost of the Hakko Desoldering Tool at around 235 dollars. I can see the usefulness and cost effectiveness of the Hakko if you are in business or using it frequently. If you are not interested in using the bulb the GEZICHTA seem to be reasonably priced for a DIY person, at 37 dollars.

[@southsidetom]

I vote for using a cheap soldering bulb too!

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

You said the capacitor tester was expensive. It's really not. I mean, compared to the other tools, yes, but if you were able to fix one $300 board for $5 because of it, it paid for itself. Yes, you need soldering tools and experience with using them, but outside of that, that tool on its own is something I'd be interested in owning. I don't even do appliance repair, but it would be good for probably most of the capacitors I'd see in tools I restore as well.

[@dianeleone1634]

Thank you Ben, your videos have been very helpful. Happy you're in my state too.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Neat!

[@kimberlyaccurso1921]

I just found your video on refrigerator’s love it & I was very happy to see my refrigerator with the water button inside you seemed to rate well… I love it … But, can you please review dishwasher’s I really need to replace mine & I would love to hear your opinion … oh one more thing I was in shock seeing the dirty washing machines 😳 I will be cleaning mine out soon! Thank you!

[@lorinpatton3075]

Inuse to have what was a fender cover to protect the finish from scratches caused by tools or parts being laid on top of the appliance or the customer's cabinets.

[@hehe42069-k]

thanks for sharing. i'm further branching out of game console repair into appliances/other tech and this helps me to know better what i may need.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

the irony is I got appliance guys that wanna go into game repair. Its all identical.

[@iscokinawa]

you're awesome, thanks man

[@maryerb6062]

Thanks, that was really interesting!

[@aleciacope3503]

This was great. Thank you!

[@BRWfilms]

You should make a play list for essential videos for people who want to start an appliance repair company

[@jovanirodriguez7357]

good stuff man i like your videos

[@mt2766]

Many thanks! ❤

[@jamesamante7843]

You forgot the trusty turkey baster for clogged refrigerator drains

[@seanothepop4638]

My Kingdom for a screwdriver with strong magnets to keep the bits in. Any suggestions?

[@manuelvalenzuela5729]

I'm surprised you didn't show any tamper proof torx or star bits. Most screwdriver bit sets you buy don't have them. My Maytag washing machine has a lot of those tamper proof screws.

[@philliphall5198]

It didn’t stop my twin grandsons from removing the back panel My wife wrore there butts out and it’s my fault I let them watch me fix stuff It’s all ways my fault lolol

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Harbor Freight sells an excellent set

[@johnjingleheimersmith9259]

Do you have any videos on how to maintenance one of those apartment-style twin-stack washer-dryer units? The kind that is basically one whole piece with both washer and dryer integrated? I own a 4plex that uses these and am thinking about doing some work on them myself and was wondering if you've already done a guide I can look at.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Respectfully there are many types and you'd have to be more specific on brand. I don't have any videos yet but do plan on making some for some brands

[@whitesheatingairappliancer7101]

So you guys are desoldering boards and replacing components?

[@donclark8438]

Great videos! I am trying to find a way to adjust the water level pressure switch on my whirlpool front load washer. How is that possible if there is no adjustment screw on the switch? Thanks!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Generally there isn't an easy way to do it on modern ones

[@larkhill2119]

You have soap build-up in the pressure chamber 99.9 % of the time or a leak wear the hose is rubbing. The pressure switch is a work or fail device.

[@SteelersCardinals1]

How come my boss will buy two or three 6 in 1 screwdrivers every year, but they always end up lost? Over the years, we've had to have bought at least ten of them and now they're all gone.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Gremlins get them!

[@philliphall5198]

Every glove box has one , lolo

[@susanlarmoyeux5889]

Hi, I need advice for my KitchenAid dishwasher. This machine was purchased refurbished and hasn't given me a problem. However, now am noticing several cycles ( normal/small) are freezing up minutes after the water fill. I use the tough cycle for now. What component do I need to replace? Thank you

[@robsapplianceplus6071]

Giving a model number would be helpful. My best guess is the case brake needs replaced. It's on the left hand side, outer shell (if your model came with one). The new machines are switching to those instead of the reliable float switch. It could also be a control board. Try turning off your breaker for a few minutes and turning it back on to reboot the board.

[@rafaelroa2458]

Hi bro, the Hakko gun that you recommend it is not the right not that’s for 100 volt is Japanese can you verified that info please thank you

[@MAGAMAN]

Don't go cheap on the drill gun. Those walmart and no-name amazon brands are junk. Even if the tool works, the batteries will not last and eventually will stop holding a charge. I bought a cheap Craftsman set many, many years ago, right when sears started shutting down all their stores. It was a great deal and I bought two more batteries to go with it and the fancy, bigger charger. The set had a saw, drill, and a flashlight. The flashlight broke the first time the light got knocked over. Not off a table or dropped, it was on the floor, got bumped and fell over. Dead! After about a month of very light use, the batteries all stopped holding a charge. I would charge them all to full and in about 5 minutes, they would be dead. Luckily they were so cheap I didn't mind throwing them all in the trash. I spent $500 for a dewalt set that had the drill, impact driver, sawzall, circular saw, flashlight and two 5AH batteries and charger. I Have used and abused these tools (including dropping my drill onto a concrete floor while working from a ladder) over probably 7 years now, including a massive home reno and they still work great and batteries still hold their charge like new. $60 for less than a month or $500 for several more tools and lasting well over 7 years of use and abuse. Which is the better choice?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

I've been using the same $50 drill for 4 years so I've had a much different experience than you

[@rrck6610]

Same here, been using my dewalt impact every day for 5 years. Thousands of drywall screws and still going, well worth the $200

[@cookingwithbojana]

Thank you!!! :)

[@samfish6938]

you need a wire stretch tool

[@marthasmadman]

How much can you make a year doing appliance repair?

[@MichaelCater]

That is dependent on your area of coverage. The more people you can service the more money you can make. But it isn't difficult to make well into the high 5 figures to low 6 figures - again location dependent. It would also help if you worked on refrigerators and their sealed systems - but that is a speciality position requiring licensing by the EPA.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

There's no one answer, but any decent tech should be making $80k+ a year and can live wherever he wishes. Everyones fighting for techs nationwide.

[@MichaelCater]

@@bensappliancesandjunk I so wish this were true in the area that I live. If you don't own your own business you're making $15/hr to $25/hr max.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

@MichaelCater somethings wrong then. Either your staff isn't screening out bad calls or dispatch isn't efficient. Any decent tech should be turning 6+ calls a day at a 50% diag split. So $250-300 a day in pretty much any area.

[@MichaelCater]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Oh you misunderstand - that's what people are getting paid by most companies hiring today. Our business is a company of 2 (my wife and I) and we're doing just fine. Its the industry around this neck of the woods that pays dismally. You can make a LOT more money going solo here than you can working for someone else.

[@philliphall5198]

But I’m a life time diesel mechanic retired working on small engines but learning appliances now, seems the junk will need a lot of service staff just like junk small engine lawn equipment

[@flyonbyya]

My 35 year old Maytag A12 washer requires none of the tools shown. ( :

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

It requires the spanner nut wrench for tub replacement I believe

[@danielsaeger7303]

why does an amount of water always stay trapped in a basket/tub?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Inefficient hose design

[@Beemgod]

17:14 bro what 😮😂

[@geraldfobb]

Samsung front load washer please.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

I have a few videos already

[@geraldfobb]

@@bensappliancesandjunk make a full cycle with 3 shirts on the quick wash with the 3Hs please.

[@robsapplianceplus6071]

Why would you spend the time soldering?? The cost in labor to the customer is going to approach the cost of a new part, plus you're stuck having to give them a warranty whereas a new part is under "their" warranty and takes minutes to replace. Same issue with your fancy capacitor testor. You're better off just replacing the part. I approach appliance repair as if I was doing a warranty call for the most part, with a few exceptions. I use the fancy wire stripper you can use with one hand. It's extremely helpful when you're dealing with reach issues or space issues (defrost thermostat in a side by side, or the back burner receptacle on a range). Infrared temp guns are handy but they can reflect and give incorrect temps, plus the accuracy is plus or minus 5 degrees. Handy for general temps, but not accurate enough. For pulling out wash plates, get yourself a set of air bags locksmiths use to pry doors open instead of your Wolverine claws. I'm not picking on your tool choices. Just a fellow appliance repair business owner offering my take or alternate choices.

[@BlainsTube]

Great video, but I wouldn't want to work for you. That orange hammer looks like a gavel of justice.

[@somewhatfast]

BENS APPLIANCE!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Yep!

[@Leonardokite]

AND the most important tool......the one between your ears!!!

[@natepeterson7145]

Why do appliance repair guys have cheap tools lol

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Because they aren't getting used so frequently that they get destroyed in short order

[@Portergetmybag]

I admire you wanting to make your own screwdriver: please watch Linus Tech tips channel. He felt the same way and embarked on a journey to make the worlds best ratcheting screwdriver for working on computer. I believe you can make a better one focused on appliances, but you guys see what he went through. Super interesting process.