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.
Why so much people tellling new mechanics not to become mechanics it cant be just money. It seem like they tryna scare new people cause they wanna save their career.@Gearhead_bryan
I worked as an auto tech for 40 years. Started out in independent repair garages. Worked my skill level up and got hired at a GM dealership. This changed my life. I took as much training as i could and did all the big jobs. Engines, transmissiin both manual and auto, differencials and transfer case repairs. Worked chevy gmc cadillac buick. Made lots of money. Could leave a job and walk into a better pay level at a different dealership because i could allow them access to my training records. Made over 100k a year. As far as tools buy high quality don't worry about the brand. Always look for USED name brand tools. Half my snap on tools were either repo used or trade in used. Saved tons of money. Same life time warranty. Auto repair is a good career. Youll never run out of work or be worried about not finding a job.
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.
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.
I am a new subscriber. I'm a 56 year old woman with a 2001 Ford Ranger. My "skill set" has expanded with each task.😅 Appreciate all tips and tricks you might have for the future.
For 55 years I worked on bicycles, then cars, then aircraft, and now back to cars. I watch all your shorts. It's good to see a young guy like you that understands the business. I bought just about every brand of tool, but never bought anything I couldn't pay off in one month. I never had accounts with the tool trucks but I did have a Snap-on company account that had to be paid completely every month. I know some of your mechanic hacks but I still learn from you. Thanks for the great videos!
Hi Mr. GearHeadBryan, you are a good mechanic instructor. Not everyone in your field can show same mannerism as you, in fact some are grunts who are annoyed at questions. Thank you for sharing knowledge and techniques. I hope you reach new level of success bro, cheers.
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!
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 metric combination wrenches are JC Penney Penncraft, lifetime warranty, I bought them in 1971 as Snap-On and Craftsman were considerable more expensive. I used them professionally a few years, and they're still great. Not sure how JC Penney these days would handle a warranty claim if I needed that....
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 😂
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
35 year tech here. I never went in debt for tool truck tools. Don’t fall into the tool addiction problem where every time you see a new tool and you think it’s a little more powerful. You just have to have it. Remember if the damn impact won’t take it off use a breaker bar. I keep one on my tool cart. I never run back-and-forth to my toolbox. I have a small cheap $39 harbor freight tool cart. I throw the tools on it. I need and wheel it to where I’m working. No running back-and-forth to the toolbox as often which will save you time. If a namebrand is make a stencil and spray painted on the darn $39 cart.. I paid cash for tools and I bought off of eBay and Facebook. I’m not a snap on fan but I love my snap on flank Drive plus wrenches but I bought them on eBay for $239 not 600. Over a period time this really adds up you’re gonna need things like cars and other things being in debt to the truck is crippling literally,
Also as a new learning tech you don’t need 17 options to take off a bolt. If have ratcheting wrenches do you need a set of stubby sockets? If you have impact stubbys do you need chrome stubbys Watch tool box tours and listen how many times they say “I rarely or never use these” and they cost 350 dollars
I'm a tire guy but I do other work on cars so a lot of my tools are secondhand and have come from friends and I buy cheap tools I spent 60 dollars on a impact gun from temu and it's been doing the job for the last 8 months
If I was a new tech knipex pliers are worth their weight and gold. Harbor freight version is not too bad. I love the harbor freight icon, needle nose, and their whole line pretty much. You need a good set of swivel sockets. I like to have 3/8 and half inch. Capri sockets work great however, if you need to pound one, it’s not gonna be strong enough to take the beating. Even some cheap Chinese sockets fair better than the Capri sockets when beating them on a nut. I called Capri and they said send them the socket they would replace it. But the whole set is soft it must be the heat process. If you’re just gonna put the socket on there and use it on a high power impact, I’ve used it on an 1850 pound impact and it seems to work fine except for where you insert the anvil of your impact, it does get out of round. I actually had to file it for it to fit back on, the edges around it had to be reshaped for it to fit on a ratchet. Teckton and sockets are great and they’re not much more expensive totally worth having in my mind just as good as the tool truck. I put the teckton thru hell. Another great socket is Sunnex. I have Matco swivel sockets ADV quarter drive I love them. I have gear swivel sockets. I love them. I also have.Sunnex swivel and regular sockets they’re great too. Good luck. I love gear wrench 120 tooth design ratchet. I use gear wrench and husky ratchets more than I use my snap on and Matco ratchets.
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.
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.
I often joke about oxy acetylene torch or something. My young son wants to be a mechanic. I encourage him to learn all he can before trade school. I went with the high end discount set up at harbor freight for him. He knows when he can be economical and when to invest heavily
@@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.
I'm starting as a lube tech in a week at a local dealer. I'm sure I'm overthinking it, but I'm a bit nervous because of my age. I'm 55 and have always wanted to work on cars, but finally have the opportunity to change careers and got my foot in the door. I guess I'm nervous about being t judged about my age being a bit older. Any sort of advice would be great!!
Don't overthink it, you got this! A lot of people are quick to judge themselves and say they’re too young or old for this! Change you mindset and be willing learn new things and better yourself! You got this man congrats
I have a nice Matco impact I bought off of a young kid who got out of the business. He probably paid five or $600 from Matco. I bought it for $200. It works great 1600 foot pounds so not the newest one but darn close. I use pneumatic impact when it’s rainy and wet and snowy under cars. I don’t like to use my electric under there.
How do you truly know if automotive is right for you as a long term career? I’ve worked as a lube tech in the past and did some other jobs in between and now I’m currently a lube tech at a private shop that does light repair work. I have always enjoyed working on my own cars in terms of maintenance, but I never feel like I take home my work from automotive. I don’t know if my body can work on cars forever, but currently I enjoy it a lot and want to go back to school for it. I’ve only taken an introductory automotive college class. Any advice would be helpful.
If you get into the trade on cars and find you don’t like the work, try fixing other stuff first before you give up. Heavy equipment, trucks, big diesels etc. You’ll probably have bought lots of tools so might as well use them! (Retired Boomer here. 😊)
What'd really be great is if you had the time and material to forge your own hand tools, with high quality steel like carbide. That would be a long lasting tool (if you built it correctly)
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.
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.
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.
Supply and demand , a lot of trades people are treated poorly …educational institutes need students ..they will not tell you that you will be underpaid, shortage of work, ….auto mechanic would be the last trade to get into …heavy duty maybe ….the truth hurts kids
Snap on sockets, wrenches, especially line wrenches are worth the money but just look for deals. Not even a mechanic. I just like making rusty shit box cars really fast.
This is not just good mechanic advice, it's golden BUSINESS advice!
Thanks man!!
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!
You da man! Good for you!
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
Why so much people tellling new mechanics not to become mechanics it cant be just money. It seem like they tryna scare new people cause they wanna save their career.@Gearhead_bryan
I worked as an auto tech for 40 years. Started out in independent repair garages. Worked my skill level up and got hired at a GM dealership. This changed my life. I took as much training as i could and did all the big jobs. Engines, transmissiin both manual and auto, differencials and transfer case repairs. Worked chevy gmc cadillac buick. Made lots of money. Could leave a job and walk into a better pay level at a different dealership because i could allow them access to my training records.
Made over 100k a year.
As far as tools buy high quality don't worry about the brand. Always look for USED name brand tools. Half my snap on tools were either repo used or trade in used. Saved tons of money. Same life time warranty.
Auto repair is a good career. Youll never run out of work or be worried about not finding a job.
Horrible career, so many people I know went into a licensed trade and wish I did
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.
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.
I am a new subscriber. I'm a 56 year old woman with a 2001 Ford Ranger. My "skill set" has expanded with each task.😅 Appreciate all tips and tricks you might have for the future.
That’s legit so cool to hear! Thanks for the follow and can’t wait to teach ya more
For 55 years I worked on bicycles, then cars, then aircraft, and now back to cars. I watch all your shorts. It's good to see a young guy like you that understands the business. I bought just about every brand of tool, but never bought anything I couldn't pay off in one month. I never had accounts with the tool trucks but I did have a Snap-on company account that had to be paid completely every month. I know some of your mechanic hacks but I still learn from you. Thanks for the great videos!
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.
Hi Mr. GearHeadBryan, you are a good mechanic instructor. Not everyone in your field can show same mannerism as you, in fact some are grunts who are annoyed at questions. Thank you for sharing knowledge and techniques. I hope you reach new level of success bro, cheers.
Thanks man! That’s so true! I’m happy to share as much knowledge and techniques as I can!
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 ! ❤❤
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 metric combination wrenches are JC Penney Penncraft, lifetime warranty, I bought them in 1971 as Snap-On and Craftsman were considerable more expensive. I used them professionally a few years, and they're still great. Not sure how JC Penney these days would handle a warranty claim if I needed that....
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!!
I like your style of explaining things. Great advice in all aspects of life.
Thanks a lot man!❤️💯 I’m glad ya 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 😂
You are spot on, I'm 63 and I can overhaul an engine when I was 17, which is basic tools. 🌞😨💡👍🤔
5,000 is NOTHING I promise you that
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!
Man, you got a great channel and I’m subscribing right now
Thank you man!🥹🙏
35 year tech here. I never went in debt for tool truck tools. Don’t fall into the tool addiction problem where every time you see a new tool and you think it’s a little more powerful. You just have to have it. Remember if the damn impact won’t take it off use a breaker bar. I keep one on my tool cart. I never run back-and-forth to my toolbox. I have a small cheap $39 harbor freight tool cart. I throw the tools on it. I need and wheel it to where I’m working. No running back-and-forth to the toolbox as often which will save you time. If a namebrand is make a stencil and spray painted on the darn $39 cart.. I paid cash for tools and I bought off of eBay and Facebook. I’m not a snap on fan but I love my snap on flank Drive plus wrenches but I bought them on eBay for $239 not 600. Over a period time this really adds up you’re gonna need things like cars and other things being in debt to the truck is crippling literally,
Also as a new learning tech you don’t need 17 options to take off a bolt.
If have ratcheting wrenches do you need a set of stubby sockets?
If you have impact stubbys do you need chrome stubbys
Watch tool box tours and listen how many times they say “I rarely or never use these” and they cost 350 dollars
I'm a tire guy but I do other work on cars so a lot of my tools are secondhand and have come from friends and I buy cheap tools I spent 60 dollars on a impact gun from temu and it's been doing the job for the last 8 months
If I was a new tech knipex pliers are worth their weight and gold. Harbor freight version is not too bad. I love the harbor freight icon, needle nose, and their whole line pretty much. You need a good set of swivel sockets. I like to have 3/8 and half inch. Capri sockets work great however, if you need to pound one, it’s not gonna be strong enough to take the beating. Even some cheap Chinese sockets fair better than the Capri sockets when beating them on a nut. I called Capri and they said send them the socket they would replace it. But the whole set is soft it must be the heat process. If you’re just gonna put the socket on there and use it on a high power impact, I’ve used it on an 1850 pound impact and it seems to work fine except for where you insert the anvil of your impact, it does get out of round. I actually had to file it for it to fit back on, the edges around it had to be reshaped for it to fit on a ratchet. Teckton and sockets are great and they’re not much more expensive totally worth having in my mind just as good as the tool truck. I put the teckton thru hell. Another great socket is Sunnex. I have Matco swivel sockets ADV quarter drive I love them. I have gear swivel sockets. I love them. I also have.Sunnex swivel and regular sockets they’re great too. Good luck. I love gear wrench 120 tooth design ratchet. I use gear wrench and husky ratchets more than I use my snap on and Matco ratchets.
Great advice, it also applies to all trades.
Thanks man and agreed
first starting is quantity over quality
YESS!
42 year truck tech here. Spend money on good tools for tough jobs
Regular tools are good for general work.
Agreed
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.
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.
I often joke about oxy acetylene torch or something. My young son wants to be a mechanic. I encourage him to learn all he can before trade school. I went with the high end discount set up at harbor freight for him. He knows when he can be economical and when to invest heavily
No worries. We like and appreciate your tips.
Thanks man❤️
Watched your shorts you are a good mechanic thank you for your tips
Would you consider doing a video on tricks And hacks to remove rusted bolts
Yes yes i would!
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.
Thank u so much bro bro. This is saving my life.
No problem man! Really glad to help
Thank god for the problems it makes u a master
Good advice I mostly buy cheep you loose more than break
You are spot on, I'm 63 and I could overhaul an engine when I was 17 with basic tools. 🤔👍💡🌞😨
Haha thanks man!!
I'm starting as a lube tech in a week at a local dealer. I'm sure I'm overthinking it, but I'm a bit nervous because of my age. I'm 55 and have always wanted to work on cars, but finally have the opportunity to change careers and got my foot in the door. I guess I'm nervous about being t judged about my age being a bit older. Any sort of advice would be great!!
Don't overthink it, you got this! A lot of people are quick to judge themselves and say they’re too young or old for this! Change you mindset and be willing learn new things and better yourself! You got this man congrats
I have a nice Matco impact I bought off of a young kid who got out of the business. He probably paid five or $600 from Matco. I bought it for $200. It works great 1600 foot pounds so not the newest one but darn close. I use pneumatic impact when it’s rainy and wet and snowy under cars. I don’t like to use my electric under there.
Wisdom is the best teacher
Yess for sure
How do you truly know if automotive is right for you as a long term career? I’ve worked as a lube tech in the past and did some other jobs in between and now I’m currently a lube tech at a private shop that does light repair work. I have always enjoyed working on my own cars in terms of maintenance, but I never feel like I take home my work from automotive.
I don’t know if my body can work on cars forever, but currently I enjoy it a lot and want to go back to school for it. I’ve only taken an introductory automotive college class. Any advice would be helpful.
If you get into the trade on cars and find you don’t like the work, try fixing other stuff first before you give up. Heavy equipment, trucks, big diesels etc. You’ll probably have bought lots of tools so might as well use them! (Retired Boomer here. 😊)
Impact swivel sockets . You need the good ones
Honestly man
What'd really be great is if you had the time and material to forge your own hand tools, with high quality steel like carbide. That would be a long lasting tool (if you built it correctly)
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.
My word of advice is to buy tool truck brands used when you can!!!
Ebay!
Keep up the good videos
Thanks so much man! That means alot!
I have a question.....can adding an extra battery to my 1/2ton gas truck will it do any type of damage to the trucks electrical parts of my truck
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.
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...🎉
THANK YOU, SIR!
You're welcome!
Great video.
Big up Harbor Freight
Big thanks
You're welcome!!
Nothing wrong with getting tools from a auto parts store like CSK or Kragen Auto Parts. Their tools are lifetime warranty
Also buy stuff with lifetime warranty
Yes for sure!!
You ar right mate very good fiter nice to now in it 😂😢😅😊
If you work for yourself desent tool is an investment. But the right tool for the right job . Dont abuse you tool.
I have heard shops require brand name tools. With what you said I'm going to assume that it is a myth.
With the Internet and harbor freight, there is no reason to finance tools anymore
True that
57 year old mechanic ,buy yourself a Tesla when you retire! My hands are spotless 😊I’m soooooo happy 😊😊
That’s awesome
What your saying is very yes learn from mistake true we all have different ways and ideas but in this trade only stupid or not
Thanx
Any time!!
Hope it helps! I like that,thanks
Don’t get behind on your tool payment, the tool truck guy will hunt you down.
Sheesh
There has never been a better time for tool choices in the "mid grade" line up.
I subscribed. 🌞💡👍🤔
Thanks💗💕
Supply and demand , a lot of trades people are treated poorly …educational institutes need students ..they will not tell you that you will be underpaid, shortage of work, ….auto mechanic would be the last trade to get into …heavy duty maybe ….the truth hurts kids
What about Walmart tools
Depends on which ones, some of them are pretty good
Dont foget to tell the people to read automechanic fundemental Stokel book oldskool book
Definitely!!
Snap on sockets, wrenches, especially line wrenches are worth the money but just look for deals.
Not even a mechanic. I just like making rusty shit box cars really fast.
What makes you think we would take advice from you??? Who are you????
And Who are you
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
Capri ratchets are great.