Some technical schools have tool representatives that offer good discounts. When I attended UTI, there was a Snap-on representative on campus that offered students 50% off. At this discounted rate it would be best to spend your money either on a small toolbox similar to the KRA5311 series or roll cart similar to the KRSC46, KRSC33, or KRSC43. While Snap-on maybe the crème de la crème of tools, they are also expensive as *bleep*. Craftsman may be the best choice for the beginner technician they are considerably affordable, reliable and if it breaks, you can exchange it at any Sears or Ace Hardware. In my opinion, the most underrated tool brand out there is GearWrench, and they are the primary manufacturer of Matco ratchets and wrenches. Although I have a few Harbor Freight tools, they are mostly used to create my own specialty tool. For example I modified a screwdriver to do nothing except remove airbags and a torx bit to remove intake flap motors. If you're needing a tool that will require a high amount of torque and leverage such as a breaker bar or pry bar I'd stay away from Harbor Freight items.
Snap-on KRA5311 Series

Snap-on Roll Carts
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Snap-on KRSC46 |
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Snap-on KRSC43 |
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Snap-on KRSC33 |
When selecting a toolbox you might want to start off with a roll cart, a workbench or a tool chest from Harbor Freight, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes or Costco. As you progress in your career, there will be plenty of opportunities to upgrade. The tool trucks will always have deals on toolboxes with decent finance options. Don't get too carried away; nobody cares about your damn toolbox. You might think it brings along some prestige, but it won't impress anyone except maybe a few customers. I started off with a Craftsman stainless steel tool chest that I keep at the house. If I had to start over again, I would have bought a workbench (with a steel top) instead, and it would have allowed me to have a work platform. I also have a Snap-on roll cart that I purchased while at UTI that I still have today and this enables me to have all my everyday tools close at hand. I use my main Snap-on toolbox for my specialty tools and snacks... lots of snacks.
Since 1996 automotive manufacturers have gone metric with their bolts and fasteners making SAE tools almost obsolete. That big ass tool set you see in all the ads and tool catalogs usually come with both metric and SAE sockets and wrenches. Very rarely these days will you need to break out the SAE tools. The only time I use them is for repairing various pieces of shop equipment. It's also difficult to find a good deal on a tool set without those SAE tools in them. Get a basic set of chrome sockets. Here is a good beginner set with ratchets and wrenches included.
Specialty sockets are always needed as well. Be careful when using ball hex sockets, there is a chance if the bolt it too tight it's likely to round out the head of the bolt. Always use a solid straight hex bit when possible.
These GearWrench ratchets are a must-have addition to your toolbox, not everything you work on will be at a perfect 90-degree angle with sufficient room to maneuver.
Screwdrivers are a basic necessity, no need to complicate this item. You may find yourself needing an extended reach screwdriver, but until you know how often you'll be using them, I would hold off on them.
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Hose Clamp Pliers |
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I just bought these push pin pliers because engineers love to complicate everything. |
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I use these at least once a day. |
If you intend on working at an independent shop then I would recommend an oil filter socket set as well. If you're going to work at a dealership, I'd wait to find which sockets you'll need. You'll always need oil filter pliers.
Pry bars and hammers, especially needed if you work in environments where rust is prevalent. For the love of your eyes wear eye protection. There was a tech working next to me that was prying on something and debris got into his eyes. After a visit to the eyewash station, I told him there were safety glasses in the tool room. He grab the glasses and laid them on his toolbox and continued about his task, once again getting debris in his eyes. Don't be that guy.
Get a high quality and bright flashlight. A rechargeable Streamlight Stinger is the industry standard.
Using a headlamp light is useful, most shops have poor lighting.
Don't ever use chrome sockets with and impact! You may see some techs do so on a daily basis and what they are doing is playing with a hand grenade. I've had them split on me and I had one explode, taking a small chunk of finger and leaving a good gouge in my safety glasses. I also had to get another technician bandaged up while a ride was getting prepared to send him to the hospital. I didn't think it was that bad, but he ended up passing out on the way there.
Most entry level techs will be tasked with performing brake repairs, mostly replacing brake pads and shoes.
This pneumatic model is what I personally use and have used it for years.
Miscellaneous items you'll need.
You can usually find pocket screw drivers from the tool truck or school. Collect as many as you can because they get lost fast. Probably the most used tool aside from your 1/2" impact.
I think this completes the list of must have beginner tools. As you progress in your career you'll start to accumulate more specialized tools to match your skill set. If you have all these tools already, great! If not, start building.
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