Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it. I developed an interest in mechanics after our car broke down and we had no way to get it fixed. I was told the head gasket had blown, so I bought a jack, a small set of Kobalt tools, three Harbor Freight torque wrenches, break over handles, and a Haynes manual... and just dove in. Along the way, I also picked up a spring compressor and a ring compressor. (I borrowed a 1.25 socket from a guy down the street.) I ended up rebuilding the entire engine: valve job, new rings, bearings, timing chain, waterpump, radiator, and more. Before that, the only thing I had done was change oil and sparkplugs. Since then thou..., I've helped friends with various repairs like replacing a fuel pump, starter, inner and outer tie rods, rear struts, brake pads, and even a window regulator... all within the last year. I absolutely love it! All with cheap tools i know, but I care for them and wipe them down with a oiled rag after each use.
You’re super welcome man!! That’s legitimately so cool and awesome to hear man! Props to you especially for diving into it and just going for it! That’s a huge accomplishment man hell yeah! Congrats and nice job
@@Gearhead_bryan I'll admit it, I'm super proud. I wish I could share pictures, lol. What I didn’t mention before is that when I had the timing cover off, I accidentally dropped a socket into the oil pan! (Definitely learned my lesson on that one!) I had to remove the oil pan and thought, ‘Well, the head and oil pan are already off, why not go ahead and replace the rings too?’ So I did. Seriously, thanks again!
Keep offering the advice. Been a mechanic for years and have various brand tools and you’re spot on. The tools don’t have to be expensive if you know how to properly do the work. I’ve made a lot of $ on mid level tools. The mechanic is more valuable than the tool.
Here's the most important thing you need to do. Test drive you cars before and after. No exceptions. If your boss tells you not to do it, tell him OK and do it anyway. If you make a mistake like forgetting to tighten a wheel or forgetting to put oil in the motor, 99% of the time, if you catch the mistake yourself, you'll do no damage. If the customer takes it, its going to be a long day.
Finding and trying new ways to do things is good for the brain too. Always doing things like you're on autopilot numbs the brain. Even driving home a different way even if it's not the shortest route, is good to do.
My husband has worked on cars most of his life… now retired and he has around £5000 worth of tools he has bought over the years.. some of them are totally useless on modern cars… being a motor mechanic is probably the most expensive trade to be in because you’re expected to supply all the tools yourself… such a shame… oh and don’t forget about how many 10mm sockets and wrenches have been taken by the phantom that goes around collecting them 😂
@@Vibeoasis777 Didn't realize I got a response to this so sorry for the late answer. So why you ask, because whether you work at a dealership a franchise or a independent shop you will never be paid enough or appreciated enough no matter the effort you give. If you hurt yourself at work either be prepared for your boss to either talk you out of using workmans compensation or raise hell if you do use it. Very few places offer retirement but I'll admit some do. There are more reasons but those to me are the most important and I'm just stuck now since it's the only thing i really know how to do. I seriously would advise anyone interested in being a mechanic for a career to steer away from it. At least until wages compare to the work we do, 35 years in and I make 24 dollars a hour. I really don't slack i'm pretty knowledgeable with most cars and even I still don't make enough to live on my own if I needed to. Don't take me wrong there is a small amount of shops with owners who pay mechanics well but they are hard to find.If you're set on being a mechanic get your ASE certifications, while in reality they mean very little to how capable you are shops love saying they have ASE certified techs.
Here's a way to save some money when you're new. Some times you need 12 point sockets, but not that often. Buy them first in a cheaper brand, then replace them with better 6 points. This way you can keep your old tools, and they still have a purpose. I see most techs buy cheap 6 points, then replace them with better ones. Then they sell their old ones for next to nothing and still don't have 12 points.
This is good advice, i brought cheaper tools to start with and gradually upgraded to Snap-on tools as and when I could afford them and that way when I needed to "modify" a tool i.e. cut or grind part of it fora particular job I could modify the cheaper tool. Also just remember a toolbox is just a metal box you keep your tools in , a box costing a couple of hundred pounds does the exact same job as one costing thousands and you will have saved alot of money!!!
Thanks man!! And yes thats very very true! Ive modified plenty of cheap tools to help me! And yes exactly! Well put!! They have great deals of facebook market place for used good tool boxes!
I’m not in the field but I do a lot of work for myself and friends. I’ve had very good luck with Tekton tools. Broke a few and they replaced them without question with just an email and some pics. They never actually completely failed but I’ve bent some long pattern ratcheting wrenches and still use them but they sent me new ones
Good advice on tools. I look at it like a JRPG. I buy what I need from Amazon or HF, then get good stuff on things I use a lot. For example, 1/2” corded Milwaukee impact is a lifesaver when nothing else will take that nut or bolt off.
Whats your opinion on diehard tools? Im new to working on cars and learning by doing stuff on my personal vehicle-stuff that im sure i can do myself that is. I wont attempt anything that i can totally screw up and have to get towed to a garage and pay big $$$ to a pro. My intention is to save money by doing things myself. Oil change, ignition coils, spark plugs, swaybar links/bushings stuff like that. But my funds are limited as im sure most peoples are these days and can only afford stuff from the closest store which is advanced auto. Luckily its walking distance so if i need something last minute its a quick trip on foot. Been following your channel for a few weeks now absorbing as much as i can.
Tool trucks can be your worst enemy when starting out. When I retired I sold my big Snap On tool box. I bought it new in 1997??, regardleas, I kept it in really good condition over the years but it was tool small. The amount of money I sold it for I was able to buy 2 of the cheap 72 inch Chinese boxes they sell at Home Depot. For home use they are perfectly fine. I don't think they would hold up too well in a shop atmosphere. But for someone just starting out, they would be fine. Get something like that, use it for a few years and then upgrade to a good name brand. Even the ones at Harbour Freight are really good. I would of bought one of those myself but I'm Canadian, we dont have Harbour Freight here.
15yr in. As far as tools and which to get. Snap on ratchets, and screwdrivers are the necessary. Best quality out there and your knuckles will thank you. Sockets, whatever you prefer, air impacts, I bought my Mac 1/2” and 3/8” and best power back 12yr ago still great. Tools that you will use a lot, and don’t want downtime, invest in quality? And even getting from the truck may be more expensive, there is warranty and being able to buy over time.
Caterpillar brand tools are mostly made by Snap-On but are at 1/3 - 1/5 the tool truck price. I am fortunate to have a Cat dealer just 15 minutes away. On-hand stock is limited though, they have to order it for you - that is their downside. For warranty, Icon is available at 1500+ HF stores that are open 7 days/week lifetime warranty 😅no questions asked, no hassle they just hand you a new one. Both are good cost-effective alternatives for beginning pros or DIYers to $$$$$ tool truck prices while you figure out what you really need. And don’t overlook internet brands like Tekton, Sunex, Gearwrench Capri, Astro, etc. for your initial set. There are many very good quality alternatives now, it’s not like the old days. No need to start off in massive debt with tool trucks just to handle peer pressure, sales pressure, someone else’s idea of what you must have.
@@robhughes8516 Totally. The old days are gone, if they ever really were. Thanks to global steel of excellent quality, and affordable precision milling machines, there are many great tool brands that deliver the quality and robustness pros need at a fraction of tool truck prices. Tekton’s “send us a pic and we’ll send you a new one”, and HF’s “no questions here you go” lifetime warranties remove another argument for tool trucks.
Dont let anybody borrow your tools, they will return it broken, dirty, or never even return it and you have to go get it back. IF you do, take a picture of them holding the tool so you dont forget. Get a good prybar set, i got the super cheap one with the bright orange handle and it suck. Engrave your tools. Learn how to type so you can write your story fast on the work order. I am no longer a technician I quit my last job, ford and honda dealership. I want to be a painter, autobody refinishing.
Yess!! Perfect advice man thank you for this thats perfectly well put!! Nice job man! I hope you do well in the autobody field! My dad was a car painter and i used to prep cars with him when we from dealership to dealership
You can make a lot of money at Ford. There's an endless supply of work and I rarely have to bother with customer pay jobs. You can just do warranty and recall work. Dashboards, motors, headliners and transmissions all day long. If you know how to diagnose you can also make money with drivability concerns.
Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it. I developed an interest in mechanics after our car broke down and we had no way to get it fixed. I was told the head gasket had blown, so I bought a jack, a small set of Kobalt tools, three Harbor Freight torque wrenches, break over handles, and a Haynes manual... and just dove in. Along the way, I also picked up a spring compressor and a ring compressor. (I borrowed a 1.25 socket from a guy down the street.) I ended up rebuilding the entire engine: valve job, new rings, bearings, timing chain, waterpump, radiator, and more. Before that, the only thing I had done was change oil and sparkplugs. Since then thou..., I've helped friends with various repairs like replacing a fuel pump, starter, inner and outer tie rods, rear struts, brake pads, and even a window regulator... all within the last year. I absolutely love it! All with cheap tools i know, but I care for them and wipe them down with a oiled rag after each use.
You’re super welcome man!! That’s legitimately so cool and awesome to hear man! Props to you especially for diving into it and just going for it! That’s a huge accomplishment man hell yeah! Congrats and nice job
@@Gearhead_bryan I'll admit it, I'm super proud. I wish I could share pictures, lol. What I didn’t mention before is that when I had the timing cover off, I accidentally dropped a socket into the oil pan! (Definitely learned my lesson on that one!) I had to remove the oil pan and thought, ‘Well, the head and oil pan are already off, why not go ahead and replace the rings too?’ So I did. Seriously, thanks again!
Keep offering the advice. Been a mechanic for years and have various brand tools and you’re spot on. The tools don’t have to be expensive if you know how to properly do the work. I’ve made a lot of $ on mid level tools. The mechanic is more valuable than the tool.
Love your quick tips. I’ve learned a ton and watch every one. Been wrenching 15 years and tips and tricks are everything.
Thanks alot man!! Thats really awesome to hear! So glad youve learned alot! Tips and tricks really are everything!🙌💯 thanks for watching bro
As a new Auto Tech, Im so glad I found this channel. I subscribed after just a few shorts. Keep em coming.
Thanks man!! Glad you joined!
Here's the most important thing you need to do. Test drive you cars before and after. No exceptions. If your boss tells you not to do it, tell him OK and do it anyway. If you make a mistake like forgetting to tighten a wheel or forgetting to put oil in the motor, 99% of the time, if you catch the mistake yourself, you'll do no damage. If the customer takes it, its going to be a long day.
Finding and trying new ways to do things is good for the brain too.
Always doing things like you're on autopilot numbs the brain.
Even driving home a different way even if it's not the shortest route, is good to do.
Yesss I completely agree with ya!!
My husband has worked on cars most of his life… now retired and he has around £5000 worth of tools he has bought over the years.. some of them are totally useless on modern cars… being a motor mechanic is probably the most expensive trade to be in because you’re expected to supply all the tools yourself… such a shame… oh and don’t forget about how many 10mm sockets and wrenches have been taken by the phantom that goes around collecting them 😂
You are spot on, I'm 63 and I can overhaul an engine when I was 17, which is basic tools. 🌞😨💡👍🤔
35 year mechanic here and I'll give one good tip to new mechanics. Find a different career.
Why
Beat me to it!
Yep. It's fine for hobby and self independence but not a career to enjoy these days
@@Vibeoasis777 Didn't realize I got a response to this so sorry for the late answer. So why you ask, because whether you work at a dealership a franchise or a independent shop you will never be paid enough or appreciated enough no matter the effort you give. If you hurt yourself at work either be prepared for your boss to either talk you out of using workmans compensation or raise hell if you do use it. Very few places offer retirement but I'll admit some do. There are more reasons but those to me are the most important and I'm just stuck now since it's the only thing i really know how to do. I seriously would advise anyone interested in being a mechanic for a career to steer away from it. At least until wages compare to the work we do, 35 years in and I make 24 dollars a hour. I really don't slack i'm pretty knowledgeable with most cars and even I still don't make enough to live on my own if I needed to. Don't take me wrong there is a small amount of shops with owners who pay mechanics well but they are hard to find.If you're set on being a mechanic get your ASE certifications, while in reality they mean very little to how capable you are shops love saying they have ASE certified techs.
@@robbiexiong3508
That's my goal, so far.
Here's a way to save some money when you're new. Some times you need 12 point sockets, but not that often. Buy them first in a cheaper brand, then replace them with better 6 points. This way you can keep your old tools, and they still have a purpose. I see most techs buy cheap 6 points, then replace them with better ones. Then they sell their old ones for next to nothing and still don't have 12 points.
Get cheap tools that get the job done. When some tool break then replace with more expensive, better quality one because you use this tool the most.
This is good advice, i brought cheaper tools to start with and gradually upgraded to Snap-on tools as and when I could afford them and that way when I needed to "modify" a tool i.e. cut or grind part of it fora particular job I could modify the cheaper tool. Also just remember a toolbox is just a metal box you keep your tools in , a box costing a couple of hundred pounds does the exact same job as one costing thousands and you will have saved alot of money!!!
Thanks man!! And yes thats very very true! Ive modified plenty of cheap tools to help me! And yes exactly! Well put!! They have great deals of facebook market place for used good tool boxes!
I'v been working under cars for 40+ years , and , . . . i approve this message.
Now am 72 ! ❤❤
I like hitting up outdoor swap meets where people have a bed of tools laid out for cheap prices and get only what I need
That’s smart!!
Watched your shorts you are a good mechanic thank you for your tips
I’m not in the field but I do a lot of work for myself and friends. I’ve had very good luck with Tekton tools. Broke a few and they replaced them without question with just an email and some pics. They never actually completely failed but I’ve bent some long pattern ratcheting wrenches and still use them but they sent me new ones
Oh no way! Thats pretty awesome man!! Love to hear it ill have to check em out
@@Gearhead_bryan just saw your video on long handle 3/8 ratchets. I have one from tekton without quick release and the head is very small and thin.
Thats really cool!
I started out buying Craftsman tools and my power tools came from Harbor Freight. This was in the 80s, long before they had local stores.
Oh wow!!
Good advice on tools. I look at it like a JRPG. I buy what I need from Amazon or HF, then get good stuff on things I use a lot. For example, 1/2” corded Milwaukee impact is a lifesaver when nothing else will take that nut or bolt off.
Would you consider doing a video on tricks And hacks to remove rusted bolts
Yes yes i would!
first starting is quantity over quality
YESS!
Whats your opinion on diehard tools? Im new to working on cars and learning by doing stuff on my personal vehicle-stuff that im sure i can do myself that is. I wont attempt anything that i can totally screw up and have to get towed to a garage and pay big $$$ to a pro. My intention is to save money by doing things myself. Oil change, ignition coils, spark plugs, swaybar links/bushings stuff like that. But my funds are limited as im sure most peoples are these days and can only afford stuff from the closest store which is advanced auto. Luckily its walking distance so if i need something last minute its a quick trip on foot. Been following your channel for a few weeks now absorbing as much as i can.
You are spot on, I'm 63 and I could overhaul an engine when I was 17 with basic tools. 🤔👍💡🌞😨
Haha thanks man!!
Tool trucks can be your worst enemy when starting out. When I retired I sold my big Snap On tool box. I bought it new in 1997??, regardleas, I kept it in really good condition over the years but it was tool small. The amount of money I sold it for I was able to buy 2 of the cheap 72 inch Chinese boxes they sell at Home Depot. For home use they are perfectly fine. I don't think they would hold up too well in a shop atmosphere. But for someone just starting out, they would be fine. Get something like that, use it for a few years and then upgrade to a good name brand. Even the ones at Harbour Freight are really good. I would of bought one of those myself but I'm Canadian, we dont have Harbour Freight here.
15yr in. As far as tools and which to get. Snap on ratchets, and screwdrivers are the necessary. Best quality out there and your knuckles will thank you. Sockets, whatever you prefer, air impacts, I bought my Mac 1/2” and 3/8” and best power back 12yr ago still great.
Tools that you will use a lot, and don’t want downtime, invest in quality? And even getting from the truck may be more expensive, there is warranty and being able to buy over time.
Right on💗👌
Caterpillar brand tools are mostly made by Snap-On but are at 1/3 - 1/5 the tool truck price. I am fortunate to have a Cat dealer just 15 minutes away. On-hand stock is limited though, they have to order it for you - that is their downside. For warranty, Icon is available at 1500+ HF stores that are open 7 days/week lifetime warranty 😅no questions asked, no hassle they just hand you a new one. Both are good cost-effective alternatives for beginning pros or DIYers to $$$$$ tool truck prices while you figure out what you really need. And don’t overlook internet brands like Tekton, Sunex, Gearwrench Capri, Astro, etc. for your initial set. There are many very good quality alternatives now, it’s not like the old days. No need to start off in massive debt with tool trucks just to handle peer pressure, sales pressure, someone else’s idea of what you must have.
Snap on anything isn’t “necessary”, you can get the job done with other brands, people/mechanics do it all day, every day, that’s just nonsense.
@@robhughes8516 Totally. The old days are gone, if they ever really were. Thanks to global steel of excellent quality, and affordable precision milling machines, there are many great tool brands that deliver the quality and robustness pros need at a fraction of tool truck prices. Tekton’s “send us a pic and we’ll send you a new one”, and HF’s “no questions here you go” lifetime warranties remove another argument for tool trucks.
Great video.
Keep up the good videos
Thanks so much man! That means alot!
Dont let anybody borrow your tools, they will return it broken, dirty, or never even return it and you have to go get it back. IF you do, take a picture of them holding the tool so you dont forget. Get a good prybar set, i got the super cheap one with the bright orange handle and it suck. Engrave your tools. Learn how to type so you can write your story fast on the work order. I am no longer a technician I quit my last job, ford and honda dealership. I want to be a painter, autobody refinishing.
Yess!! Perfect advice man thank you for this thats perfectly well put!! Nice job man! I hope you do well in the autobody field! My dad was a car painter and i used to prep cars with him when we from dealership to dealership
You can make a lot of money at Ford. There's an endless supply of work and I rarely have to bother with customer pay jobs. You can just do warranty and recall work. Dashboards, motors, headliners and transmissions all day long. If you know how to diagnose you can also make money with drivability concerns.
Cant diagnose!😂
Be nice to get a job wrenching tho...🎉
You ar right mate very good fiter nice to now in it 😂😢😅😊
My word of advice is to buy tool truck brands used when you can!!!
Thanx
Any time!!
I subscribed. 🌞💡👍🤔
Thanks💗💕
What about Walmart tools
Depends on which ones, some of them are pretty good
Hey I don't know where u at but. I'm looking to start my own shop. And would be willing to take any tip tricks. And if ubwilling more knowledge . lol
DONT
Lmao