I'm an apprentice. New to the trade and i'm looking to buy tools here in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. I would like to buy tools that are good quality, and light. What would you suggest in terms of bands and what i need to start with. Could you also maybe specify the once that are reasonable for the price and durability and explain. I might be working at a dealership. Do i really need sockets, rachets, hammers, etc the whole chebang.
Best answer: Yes you need at least metric and standard sockets , 1 each in impact shallow and deep as well as regular shallow and deep sockets, in 3/8 and 1/4 inch. So 8 sets plus any specialty sockets for O2 sensors , plugs, axle nuts and so on. Then you need short and long wrenches . 4 sets, screw drivers hammers pry bars, and countless specialty tools you buy as you need. Plus your air tools. You can deal with Mac or Snap on and arrange credit to make your first major purchase. Just a top and bottom box can cost several thousand dollars. I paid over $1800 back in the 80`s for my first 2 boxes and dropped almost $6000 in tools. Now that would cost me almost double, not including several grand in specialty tools. The dealer does not provide all the special tools.Remember that most hand tools have a lifetime warranty, but snap on and mac will come to you when you call. Can tire and Craftsman need you to return it yourself. Flea market tools will round out the first time you use them. Cheap tools can get you by for a short while but when they round out a bolt on you and it takes 3 times as long to fix you will realize you got what you paid for.
All answer: Answer 1 You will definitely need a good selection of basic tools, such as sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pry bars, etc. You will also end up buying tools as you go, depending on what type of cars you're working on. Some manufacturers make it so you have to have special tools to remove a fuel pump or access an engine component. Usually ,the manufacturer is the only one that makes it, and it's pricey! In the US, there are several different tool delivery companies that cater to mechanics, such as Matco, Snapon, and others. Be careful what you buy from those folks, as they're usually guaranteed for life, but they can get VERY expensive -- such as you can pay up to $10,000 for an automotive scanner when you really only need a $2,000 scanner to get started. My suggestion would be to ask other mechanics in the area who they buy their tools from and why. Ask them if they've ever had trouble getting tools that broke replaced, as it does happen. Also keep in mind that simply things like wire brushes for cleaning battery terminals can easily be ordered from harbor freight for pennies compared to what SnapOn might charge, so you can do some smart-shopping to save yourself money. Good Luck! 2011-01-30 08:44:12
Answer 2 i prefer mac you only have to buy them once but expensive had a cheap wrench break and off to the clinic to get 45 stitches cheap ones ok for your garage at home but if your doing for a career dont go cheap yes sockets both sae and metric screwdrivers half inch rachet 3/8 inch rachet impacts and air rachet 3 different size hammer punches pry bars open end and box end wrenchs look at the sales paper for home depot lowes quaility foarm and fleet or canadien tiire should have good starter sets not a cheap career to get into my box consists of about 75000.00 dollars worth of tools but ive been in the business for 30 years 2011-01-30 08:46:16
Answer 3 Yes you need at least metric and standard sockets , 1 each in impact shallow and deep as well as regular shallow and deep sockets, in 3/8 and 1/4 inch. So 8 sets plus any specialty sockets for O2 sensors , plugs, axle nuts and so on. Then you need short and long wrenches . 4 sets, screw drivers hammers pry bars, and countless specialty tools you buy as you need. Plus your air tools. You can deal with Mac or Snap on and arrange credit to make your first major purchase. Just a top and bottom box can cost several thousand dollars. I paid over $1800 back in the 80`s for my first 2 boxes and dropped almost $6000 in tools. Now that would cost me almost double, not including several grand in specialty tools. The dealer does not provide all the special tools.Remember that most hand tools have a lifetime warranty, but snap on and mac will come to you when you call. Can tire and Craftsman need you to return it yourself. Flea market tools will round out the first time you use them. Cheap tools can get you by for a short while but when they round out a bolt on you and it takes 3 times as long to fix you will realize you got what you paid for. 2011-01-30 08:56:27