Student Tool Kits
Student Tool Kits
Any job in the automotive field will require you to own your own set of tools. This list is only a suggestion of a well rounded basic tool kit. Most shops have larger or specialty tools on hand for the entire shop to share. It is not uncommon for a technician over the years to end up with over $30,00 in tools! Realistically expect to spend somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500 to start out with a decent tool set. Sears and Snap-On often have sales on sets of tools, along with credit to buy them with. Avoid 100 piece (etc..) sets - almost 1/2 of the tools if they are standard will never get used!
Use quality tools with a lifetime guarantee, make sure that you can easily exchange the tool in event of breakage. Some tool companies require you to send the tool back, this only creates downtime for you. Quality tools may cost more but are well worth the money in the long run. Poor quality tools can break, and damage the item you are working on, or worse hurt you.
Craftsman (available at Sears) are decent tools to start out with. Other brands like Snap-On, Mac, or Matco can usually only be purchased through a tool distributor. Most tool distributors come once a week to your place of work, and at that point you can buy, trade in, or exchange tools. Tool distributors often allow you to run a tab, and you pay it off in part each week. This makes it easier to build up your tool set.
Try not to “impulse” buy tools, carefully think about it. Ask yourself “How does this feel? Can this be used on more than one job? Do I really need this? Is it made well? Can I get it cheaper somewhere else? Can I replace it easily?”. Ask other people if they have the tool what they think of it. A good rule is if you had to borrow a tool from someone twice in the week, plan on buying that tool.
Do not skimp on the quality of tools. If you break a tool you may not be able to work or complete a job with ease. Time is money, tools save time, thus you can make money with tools. IT COSTS MONEY TO MAKE MONEY! DON'T BUY CHEAP TOOLS THAT MAY BREAK AND DAMAGE WHAT YOU ARE WORKING ON! WORSE YET YOU MAY GET HURT! YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!
Basic tool care-
Take time to put tools back in your box.
Wipe down all tools before putting them back in your box.
Keep them dry, if they get wet wipe them down with an oily rag.
Inspect all tools for damage. Using a damaged tool is dangerous!
Use the right tool for the job, if you do not have the right tool, ask to borrow one.
Always wear safety glasses.
Following those suggestions will let your tools last a lifetime!
Here is a basic student tool set to give you a good idea of what is needed. These tools are what an employer more or less expects you to own. This list is by no means complete and if you work in say a transmission shop vs. a brake shop you may find yourself buying slightly different tools for your job.
Tool Box
Must have a lock. Most people start with the bottom. Craftsman boxes are decent but if you can afford it get a box with “roller bearings” for the drawer slides. The bearings allow you to put a heavier load in the drawer and still open it. Snap-On boxes cost much more but tend to last longer. Remember this is where you keep your tools. Make sure you have easy access to them.
Screwdrivers
Flat head/Phillips one of the “sets” from Craftsman Pro-Series is a nice start.
Long flat blade (24”)
Wrenches
Metric Combination set. Metric is a must for all modern day cars 8mm to 22mm. If you work in a Domestic or European (British) shop you may want to get a full set of standard wrenches from ¼” to 1-1/8”. Long wrenches with a 12pt “box” end are ideal.
Snap-On’s Flank Drive are very nice.
Sockets/Ratchets (1/4”, 3/8”, and ½” drive)
Full line of sockets ¼”, 3/8” and ½” drive. Metric and Standard. Deep and Shallow.
Most technicians prefer 6 point sockets some prefer 12 point. 6 pt. sockets tend to “round” off nuts and bolts less.
¼”, 3/8” and ½” extensions (4”,6”, and 10”)
¼”, 3/8” and ½” U-joints.
Pliers
Needle Nose
Adjustable Joint 9”
Adjustable Wrench 6”
Wire Cutters
“Water Pump Pliers”
Again a “set” from Craftsman Pro-Series is a good place to start.
Electrical Tools
12v test light
DVOM
Jumper Wire
Soldering Iron
Wire Strippers
Crimping Tool
Electrical Tape/Solder
Files
Rat-Tail
Flat
Bastard
(Handle) (all files for use with metal, do not use files made for wood)
Punches
A “set” from Craftsman. A good assortment of round punches and drift punches.
A brass punch is a good idea for applications where you cannot have a spark present
Chisels
A “set” from Craftsman. A good assortment of chisels
Hacksaw
Go for a quality one with a full metal handle and blade set-up
Feeler Gauge
Blade type
Flashlight
Mag-Light or Mini Mag-Lights will hold up well in severe shop conditions.
Allen Wrenches
Metric and Standard sets are a must.
Scrapers
Metal scrapers and gasket remover.
Prybars
12” and 36” or a set.
Creeper
Wooden with metal wheels, or metal with hard nylon wheels. Avoid "all plastic" models they tend to not hold up.
Safety Glasses
Hard Clear Lexan (Uvex)
(Set a good example and WEAR them, remember you only get one set of eyes!)
Impact Gun
½” drive. A must for tire/brake shops.
Wheel Lug Sockets
To fit ½” drive again, a must for tire/brake shops.
Battery Kit
Terminal Brush
Terminal Spreader
Terminal Remover
Tape Measure
12’
“Magnet on a stick”
Mirror
Small “on a stick” Round or Square
Ruler
12” metal
Hammers
16 oz
36 oz
Rubber Mallet
Dead Blow 36 oz
Blow-Gun
Rubber tipped
Tire Pressure Gauge (10-50 psi) and a Tire Chuck
Brake Tools
Brake Spoons
Retainer Spring Remover
Bleeder wrenches
Spring tools
Disk Brake Pad Spreader
Torq Drive Tools
Sockets ¼”-3/8” drive T-5 – T-55
Drivers T-10 – T-35
(These were originally for GM only, but now all manufactures use them)
Oil Filter Wrenches
Small (Swivel)
Large (Swivel)
Door Upholstery/Panel Remover
A/C, Fuel Line disconnect tool set
Additional tools that you may want to add:
Timing Light
Fuel Pressure Gauge Kit
Spark Gap Tester
Torque Wrenches
Micrometer (for brake rotors)
Micrometer 0”-1”
Dial Caliper
Impact Sockets (for ½” impact gun)
Air Ratchet (3/8” drive)
Air Conditioning Tools (Gauges, leak detector, “o-ring” tools)
Anti-Freeze Tester
Drain Pan
(Air) Drill
Drill Bits
Compression Tester
Vacuum Pump
Grease Gun
Electric Screw Driver
Rolling Cart - End of list
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