ATOT auto mechanics

[speed01]

So, I'm starting a new job Monday morning at a garage. I was asked if I had my own tools which I do, but I'm now wondering what tools to take in. I don't want to empty my garage and tote several tool boxes back and forth so I ask, what tools should I take in on my first day? Of course I know to take the socket sets, impact gun, pneumatic ratchet ect. I'm wondering more about the other tools such as a timing light, tie rod seperator, gear puller ect.. Any ideas? Thanks

Speed

 

[tasmanian]

Bring the basics. The shop should have everything special. Then the next day bring what you need or what they have but sucks.

 

[alkemyst]

May god have mercy on your soul.

 

[speed01]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
May god have mercy on your soul.

Now that's encouraging...

Speed

 

[Nohr]

Why would you need to bring in your own tools? I'd think the garage should supply everything you need to do your job.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Nohr
Why would you need to bring in your own tools? I'd think the garage should supply everything you need to do your job.

I have never known a mechanic/die setter/tooling person that didn't have their own tools.

 

[Xyclone]

Originally posted by: Nohr
Why would you need to bring in your own tools? I'd think the garage should supply everything you need to do your job.

Maybe they were asking if he preferred or felt more comfortable using his own tools?

 

[speed01]

Originally posted by: Nohr
Why would you need to bring in your own tools? I'd think the garage should supply everything you need to do your job.

I sure wouldn't want to be the shop owner who has to replace all the tools that get "misplaced" or "lost".. some of them can cost a pretty penny..

Speed

 

[GuitarDaddy]

I'd imagine you will eventually be expected to have a full setup in a locking rolling tool cabinet that stays at the shop. Hauling handheld tool boxes back and forth won't cut it.

If you've hired in at an apprentice level, you can probably get away with borrowing tools from the more senior guys for a while. Depends on the shop and the level at which you were hired.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: Nohr
Why would you need to bring in your own tools? I'd think the garage should supply everything you need to do your job.

You've never worked as an auto tech before have you? You always supply your own tools. Specialty tools like a the Mercury Sable rear caliper piston compressor will be provided, but you will always have to provide the basics. Sockets, ratchets, wrenches, impact gun, screwdrivers, pry bar, torx bits, torque wrench, torque sticks, oil filter wrenches/sockets a battery tester and some nitrite gloves are nice to have.

I'm actually probably missing something else since I haven't worked in a while but If I think of anything else, I'll add to the list. The list above is very general and preliminary and really more catered towards jiffy lube, light work rather than say specialist work, in other words, all the tools listed are the very basics.

In general, be ready to invest in some tools and a locking, rolling cabinet. I find Craftsman is pretty good. Matco and Snap-on is good too but the cost difference is just way too much.

 

[Nohr]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I have never known a mechanic/die setter/tooling person that didn't have their own tools.

At both home and work? That seems like it could get a bit expensive.

I can't help but make the comparison to an office worker who has to purchase their work computer. It doesn't make sense to me.

Is that a standard practice for mechanics? I'm genuinely curious.

 

[Nohr]

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Originally posted by: Nohr
Why would you need to bring in your own tools? I'd think the garage should supply everything you need to do your job.

You've never worked as an auto tech before have you? You always supply your own tools. Specialty tools like a the Mercury Sable rear caliper piston compressor will be provided, but you will always have to provide the basics. Sockets, ratchets, wrenches, impact gun, screwdriver, pry bar, torx bits, torque wrench, torque sticks, a battery tester and some nitrite gloves are nice to have.

No, can't say I have. It's something I just assumed I guess. Learn something new every day!

 

[speed01]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
I'd imagine you will eventually be expected to have a full setup in a locking rolling tool cabinet that stays at the shop. Hauling handheld tool boxes back and forth won't cut it.

If you've hired in at an apprentice level, you can probably get away with borrowing tools from the more senior guys for a while. Depends on the shop and the level at which you were hired.

Having never been employed as a mechanic but knowing a few things about auto mechanics, I was hired at entry level until I show that I know how to change headlight fluid and such.. I fully intend to get a rollaway as soon as possible but in the mean time I don't want to be lugging a couple hundred pounds of tools every day.

Speed

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: Nohr

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Originally posted by: Nohr
Why would you need to bring in your own tools? I'd think the garage should supply everything you need to do your job.

You've never worked as an auto tech before have you? You always supply your own tools. Specialty tools like a the Mercury Sable rear caliper piston compressor will be provided, but you will always have to provide the basics. Sockets, ratchets, wrenches, impact gun, screwdriver, pry bar, torx bits, torque wrench, torque sticks, a battery tester and some nitrite gloves are nice to have.

No, can't say I have. It's something I just assumed I guess. Learn something new every day!

Its a giant pita. The pay for starting out is not too good and spending a couple months paying for tools is never fun.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: Nohr
Why would you need to bring in your own tools? I'd think the garage should supply everything you need to do your job.

It's expected and usually required in the mechanical trades that you supply your own tools. The experienced guys that have been in the trade for some time often have multiple rolling cabinets with tens of thousands invested. New guys generally spend a significant amount in the first couple of years building up their collections.

 

[BabaBooey]

Usually a person that is a mechanic for a living has their own box and bring it with.

But if not just bring the obvious...metric / standard wrenches..sockets...screwdrivers..pry bars....files....clamps...hex / star wrenches - sockets...electrical tools...and if your doing specialty stuff then thats another list but good luck and have fun..

 

[Umberger]

Originally posted by: Nohr

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I have never known a mechanic/die setter/tooling person that didn't have their own tools.

At both home and work? That seems like it could get a bit expensive.

I can't help but make the comparison to an office worker who has to purchase their work computer. It doesn't make sense to me.

Is that a standard practice for mechanics? I'm genuinely curious.

Yes. It is. My father has been a mechanic for over 30 years now. He has full sets of tools in a rolling toolbox both at home and work.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: Nohr

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I have never known a mechanic/die setter/tooling person that didn't have their own tools.

At both home and work? That seems like it could get a bit expensive.

I can't help but make the comparison to an office worker who has to purchase their work computer. It doesn't make sense to me.

Is that a standard practice for mechanics? I'm genuinely curious.

I've never heard of a shop providing basic tools for mechanics. As pointed out, speciality tools SHOULD be provided by the shop, but the average auto mechanic tech probably has well over $10,000 invested in his tools and tool box.
I turned wrenches as an apprentice 30 years ago, and had about 1/2 that much invested back then; end-wrenches to 2", socket sets up to 1" drive, with sockets to 3", a bazillion screw drivers, pliers, pry-bars, air tools, (impact wrenches, air-screwdrivers, drill motors and drills, (drill bits to most of you) PLUS, 2 large tool chests. (not roll-aways, mine had to fit in a service truck) Made in China tools don't cut it for this kind of work...(back then, junk tools said; Made in Japan, or Taiwan, followed by Made in India...cheap tools are ok for occasional home use, but not when you're income depends on them.

 

[speed01]

So right now I shouldn't be concerned with the timing light, compression tester, harmonic balancer puller, ect... correct?

Speed

 

[iamwiz82]

IMHO, those aren't specialized tools, so you will probably want them eventually.

 

[speed01]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
IMHO, those aren't specialized tools, so you will probably want them eventually.

Hmmm, crap! I guess I have to load up another box just in case..

Speed

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: speed01
So right now I shouldn't be concerned with the timing light, compression tester, harmonic balancer puller, ect... correct?

Speed

You'll be doing oil changes/routine matainence for the first month or so so no you don't need it but a timing light and compression tester should be in your tool chest anyway.