Help first Mechanic Tech. job!

[kickinindian]

so i put in an application at a local tranny/car repair shop, as kind of a shot in the dark not expecting a call back, since i had no previous experience, and no schooling at all for the field. I get a call today saying to come in and that i got the job!;D

its a smaller shop two lifts and the lead mechanic has been there for 20yrs so im a total noob as far as commerical car work is concerned he told me to keep my other job just incase it dosnet work out which is messing with me a little, but he seems liek a cool guy.

the problem is i have shit for tools! i have a Kobalt 1/4" socket set SAE and Metric, some screwdrivers, a hodgepodge of 3/8" sockets (missing a few sizes), and a shit load of wrenches (spanners) ive collected from yard sales and the like, a cheapy multimeter, and a few socket adapters and extensions.

sooo should i go and continue on and get one of the 200 piece or whatever Kobalt sets. and some pick tools im looking to keep it under $200 to start out . (NO SNAP-ON)

[rcsoundn1]

I started the same way, hand me downs yard sale items etc. it was hear before I had anything that resembled a "tool set" that's how it works. My first tool box was a broken down "machinist box" I wish I never gave away. I passed it on to a friend who prob tossed it. Buy some 1/2 stuff and look for sales.

[15Michaeljoseph]

I've had great experiences with kobalt stuff.... I'd go buy one of those big sets... even if the job didnt work out right, which i feel like it would anyway, you'll have a bomb set to wrench on the 30 with


--Mike

[F34R]

I know Kobalt has the same coverage as Craftsman....but I have broken 3 sockets(10mm,13mm,17mm) one 3/8 and 1/2 ratchet. I would get a nice set from Craftsman, even if the job does not work out your time there will still have paid for the tool set(bonus in the long run).

[kickinindian]

Buy some 1/2 stuff and look for sales.

why 1/2" over 3/8" less easy to break? 1/2 seems like it would be hard to get to smaller to reach places like tops of trannys

[jalopi]

buy a set of metric sunex sockets from tooltopia.com. about $100ish bucks for a 1/2 or 3/8" set, either will cover 90% of jobs out there with a set of good extensions and a decent floppy head ratchet. best of all, they don't break. i've had a set for seven years (used daily while i was a mechanic for almost five) and mine never broke, one of my coworkers had a set he bought 10-15 years ago and he hasn't had to replace one yet either.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-2669.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-3329.aspx

(looks like the 1/2" set got a bit more expensive since i bought mine, lol)

but realistically dude, i hate to be rude but your tool set needs some serious help. starting cost should be more in the ballpark of $1k - you'll be expected to have your own airgun pretty soon (IR is the best brand for air stuff, don't get lulled into matco/snapon shit), an axle nut socket set (pulling lots of axles to remove transes at a trans shop), good torx/hex set for axle flange bolts... you'd be surprised at how quick it adds up.

regardless, best of luck bro, nothing quite like being able to yell across the room about the slampiece you wrecked the other night while you're at work

[kickinindian]

i would order stuff online but i need something by friday.

i plan on getting an air impact, if it looks like ill be staying and i have a couple axle nuts from previous projects ive done.

thanks guys for all the feedback my first job tommorow is dropping and reinstalling a tranny into a early 90's f-150 4x4 so we shall se how this goes!

[justin_l_]

I suggest a set of craftsman tools, and pick up a Snap on rachet wether you like snap on or not. Busted knuckles get old working on stuff because the rachet slips, breaks or reverses direction when breaking stuff loose. If you need a box, harbor freight has some really good stuff for the money, above craftsman but not quite snap on.

[Steveb68]

Craigs List and pawn shops have plenty of tools available all the time. No need to buy new. Learn which brands are decent, check some prices, then make some purchases. I'd go for very good ratchets and screwdrivers, and mid-grade other stuff. Ask the 20yr guy in the shop what stuff you should buy first.

[Mr. Burns]

another vote for Kobalt here too in terms or durability and function.
my only gripe is that their newer sockets have "lazer etched" readings which in my experience tend to fade over time and use. (and i'm just a backyard hacker)

Mastercraft Maximum is also very good.(not sure if available in USA)

over time, if you're successful in this gig, start picking up MAC and SnapOn. especially wratchets for reasons mentioned above.

[berlow94]

You could always talk to the friendly guy on the snap on/Mac truck about financing.
The approve just about everyone.


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[kickinindian]

You could always talk to the friendly guy on the snap on/Mac truck about financing.
The approve just about everyone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol I would rather not go for that I would go buy jh Williams stuff if I had the money to do so.

[Mr. Tasty]

You could always talk to the friendly guy on the snap on/Mac truck about financing.
The approve just about everyone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Excellent financial advice.







Please don't listen to this advice.

[jalopi]

FYI tooltopia usually gets stuff to my door within 2 days

[DREWHALL]

DO spend money on ratchets. I have Snapon ratchets and screwdrivers, most of my sockets are craftsman. You're never going to get rid of this stuff so buy once cry once. You're going to need pry bars, hammers, pliers of all sorts, tons of thongs you don't think of until you've been in it. I'd stock up on as much as you can now even if its cheap then upgrade from there. If you want that job at all its going to help to have as much as you can. Be ready to be that guys bitch!