Stop in at any shop and look in each mechanics' tool box and you will see no two of them have the same tools. Tools shown in videos may not even be available any more. For small projects like prying pistons back into brake calipers to make room for new, thicker pads, I use a flat-blade screwdriver, even though that is not politically correct. When it comes to the bigger jobs, to get you started, check out a Harbor Freight Tools store. They will have complete sets of pry bars in various sizes. Considering the very low cost of their hand tools, they are a real good value, and not only for beginners. The drawback to their tools with a lifetime warranty is you have to wait until after work, then run back to the store to get it exchanged.
The high-end of hand tools can be found on the tool trucks that visit each repair shop once a week. Any mechanic can tell you when each driver stops in at their location, usually for an hour, but be aware the mechanics are cutting into their productivity when they run out to the truck, so the driver will be in a hurry to serve them first. You may have to wait until he has a free few minutes, then he will be quite happy to show you what he has and what is most popular. I bought mostly MAC tools, but Matco and Cornwell are other good brands. Snapon is popular too, but their products are very expensive. All of these companies' wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and pry bars have lifetime warranties and are of equal quality, so it does not make sense to pay more for the same thing. The drawback to the tool trucks is if you break a tool, you know it will be replaced for free, but you will have to wait until they show up again, and that can be up to a week. Coworkers are usually not happy to share the tools they make their living with, but when they know it is because yours is broken, you will have no trouble borrowing that tool until you get your replacement.
In the middle, for quality, are companies like Craftsman that you will find at Sears and some hardware stores. Here again you will have to run to the store for anything under warranty. The tools found at auto parts stores are usually mid-grade too, and are fine for mechanics. I would not waste money on the dime store or department store stuff. Those are okay for occasional use around the house, but not when your paycheck depends on how much you get done in an hour.
Most pry bars are generic tools, and you just grab what feels most comfortable for the job at hand, just like you grab your favorite screwdriver. There are specialty wrench sets for moving spring-loaded belt tension-er pulleys. Those sets include a long handle, and now some two-piece handles, and a variety of hex-head and square-drive inserts. These are only required in a few applications. For most jobs, they just make them go a lot faster than trying to struggle with regular wrenches and ratchets. When you work on "flat rate", meaning you get paid by the job, regardless how long it takes you, investing in quality tools is the best way to increase your productivity and earn more dollars per day. If you plan on making this a career, too many beginners start with cheap junk, thinking they'll buy better stuff later. Why buy two sets of tools? You are better off buying quality tools, and adding more as you can afford them or need them.
As a side note, a lot of employers ask to look in your tool box when they are interviewing you for a job. They do not want to see adjustable wrenches or cheap tools. They know what it takes to do the best job for their customers, but they only expect to see a basic set when you are starting out. All of the tool truck drivers have credit plans that let you get what you need right now, and pay a small amount each week. That way you can put the tools to use before you save up the dollars. Just do not go wild or you will end up giving them your entire paycheck.
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Thursday, December 14th, 2017 AT 1:55 PM
