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Table 1
Level
Tool
Model #
Brand
Price
Where
Why
1
1/4" Socket Set 6pt - Dual
80300P
Gear Wrench
106
Amazon
Just as good as Snap On, Good Quality, this set replaced my $800 Snap
On Set, comes with 2 extensions and a ujoint as well.
1
1/4" Ratchet
THLF72
Snap On
152
Truck
I use my 1/4" ratchets almost as much as my 3/8", Snap Ons are very fi ne
toothed and very smooth, thin profi le head and reverse lever make it good
in tight spots, not a must right away. Set comes with ratchet.
1
3/8 Impact Set 6pt - Dual
3342
Sunex
115
Amazon
Impacts are the most used with impact drivers, I have yet to break any of
mine 3/8" in 6 years
or
3/8" Master Set - Dual
3580
Sunex
288
Amazon
Probably best bang for your buck with this set to start, comes with large
variety metric & SAE
4
3/8" Flank Drive Sockets - Shallow/
Deep 6pt
224SFFSM
Snap On
610.75
Truck
Ive tried multiple brands, Snap On 3/8" chrome are by far the best. Size,
fi t and function. Good to have, not a need, but defi nitely a luxury.
4
3/8" Flank Drive Xtra - Shallow 6 pt
212YFSMY
Snap On
264.50
Truck
Now these are very impressive. The Snap On Dealer had a completely
rounded off bolt on a rail with this socket, flank drive socket, mac, matco
and other brands, I think there was 8-9 other types of specialty sockets..
Not one grabbed like these do. Very impressed
3
3/8" 12 pt Shallow
80560
SXM142TR
212FMY
Gear Wrench
MAC
Snap On
76.00 CDN
243.99 USD
244.00 CDN
Amazon
I have MAC and Gearwrench, started with gear wrench and got a deal on
the MAC ones as our dealer was retiring. So I use the GW at home now.
The difference between the MAC 14 pc and Snap On 12pc is a 6 & 7 mm
socket... Why its worth looking around and not assuming Snap On is more
expensive... You'll probably never use the 6 & 7.... but 76.00 is a pretty
good deal as well for a good brand.
1
3/8" Extensions
206AFXW
Snap On
242.50
Truck
Cheap extensions to start, but the snap on wobble plus are very handy.
Can be used as a wobbles and standard extension. 2 for 1
1
3/8" Ratchet - Lock/Flex
FHX80A
Snap On
201.5
Truck
Again Spend the money on a Snap On ratchet, it will be one of your most
used tools and they arent much more than MAC or Matco, but far superior
quality and reliability in my experience. Plus Made In The USA.
1
1/2" Impact 6pt 9-30mm S/D
84948N
Gear Wrench
178
Amazon
Covers all metric impacts you need to start and very close to the SAE
sizes you will need. eg 24mm = 15/16" 26mm = 1", For 1/2"etc, you will
probably use 15mm to 30mm, the rest are there for show in 1/2" drive
2
1/2" Ratchet Long Locking Flex Head
SHLX80A
Snap On
$322.00
Truck
With using great torque, come great responsibility. You
DO NOT
want
your ratchet to fail. This is expensive, but can defi nitely come later on with
in your fi rst 6-12 months, Like any Snap On Ratchet, Built In USA &
Reliable. As far as ratchets go,
don't
spend your money on anything else.
1
SAE Wrenches 5/16"- 7/8"
SOEX710
Snap On
474
Truck
A cheap set of wrenches is the best to get started, the Snap On Flank
Drive Plus, are a great wrench defi nitely worth the money as they bite in to
the fasteners, they do tend to dig into brass fi ttings a bit too much, thats
where there cheaper smooth wrenches come in handy.
1
Metric Wrenches 10 - 19mm
SOEXM710
Snap On
485
Truck
Same as above, Would buy metric of Flank Drive Plus set over SAE to
start.
SAE & Metric Stubby Wrench Sets
SUN-9930M / SUN-9930
Sunex
39.64 - 48.71
G2S
No clue why stubby's are as much as a normal wrench set, but the
amount of torque your putting on the stubby, is probably less than you put
on your own stubby. Sunex ones fi t the bill Metric is 10-19mm and SAE is
3/8" - 1" no skips for less than $100 CAD
1
SAE Wrench 15/16" - 1 1/8"
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
15/16" in Flank Drive Plus is nice to have, but after 1" a wrench is a
wrench in my mind. Buy something with warranty in the event you actually
manage to break one. Even harbor fright will do.
2
SAE Wrench 1 3/16" - 1 1/2"
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Any brand will do. Most shops have large wrenches, so you should not
need your own, I know heavy equipment guys have their own up to 2", but
for auto or diesel tech 1 1/2" is plenty for personal tools
1
Metric Wrenches 21,22,24,30mm
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Same with metric, after 21mm, its just steel...
2
3/4" Drive 33mm Deep
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
For torquing wheels, because the shops is probably damaged and
rounded out and you dont want to slip putting your weight into torquing
500 ft/lbs. As an apprentice you will be doing the wheel torquing.
2
3/4" x 12" Extension
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Same as for the socket, dont use either on impact to prolong the life of
both
1
1/4" & 3/8" Torx Bits T10 - T55
209EFTXBY
Snap On
333.75
Truck
These gold ones are the best.I have not broken a single one, they will
wear out the points, but..
WARRANTY,
the
cast
style break or twist all the
time, avoid spending
alot
of money on cast torx bits
3
3/8" E- Torx - Impact
26280
Lisle
$43.21
Amazon
Used a lot Mercedes, Detroit Diesels and Frieghtliners. Lisle makes a
good tool, again impact is more versatile than the chromes.
2
1/4" 3/8" 1/2" X Drive Universal
AUP2BB,BU2BB,CUP28B
Matco
$45.20, $53.70
Truck
They have much better range than pin style u-joints. very good tool, pin
detent would be better considering its going on impact, but still works
great.
2
Allen Key Sockets 4,5,6,12mm
PFAM4E,PFAM5E,PFAM6E,
SAM12E
Snap On
Truck
A cheap set of allen key sockets is good to have for odd ball stuff, but
majority ive come across is 4,5,6 mm for harness plugs, vband clamps
and 12mm for drain plugs, fuel tank straps, I have had to use 14mm for
detroit transmission drain plugs & 7/8" for removing fi lter screens on the
same transmission.
1
Allen Keys Metric/SAE
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Both sets are good to have. Bondhaus are a good brand. But I haven't
broke a Pittsburg either
1*
Screw Driver Set
SGDX60BR
Snap On
166.5
Truck
The 6 piece set is more than enough, don't bother buying the 8 piece set
is $60 more for two stubby's.. that you'll rarely if ever use. Get stubby's
from Harbor Freight or Princess Auto (Canada), you can start with a cheap
set, but again they are a good screw driver. I personally am a fan of
instinct grips.
3
Mini Torx Set
SGTX40BR
Snap On
77.75
Truck
Again instinct grips; good for small interior work or electronics.
1*
Mini Pick Set
SGASA204CR
Snap On
61.4
Truck
Again instinct grips... I have the Harbor Freight ones for home.. not a fan,
but $2.... Million different uses, you'll probably use them everyday. so
worth the $40
3
Mini Long Pick Set
SGLASA204CR
Snap On
68.20
Truck
Two Words - Instinct Grips - good for deep holes or hard to reach spots,
especially trying to unlock a plug close to a hot engine.
1
Pry Bars
SPBS704AR
Snap On
265.75
Truck
DONT BUY CHEAP PRY BARS OVER 16" FOR SAFETY! The larger pry
bars from cheaper manufacturers are not as strong and if your reefi ng on
something and it lets go... your probably going to get hurt. I have the big
Harbor Freight one for putting on and removing tires instead of a tire bar.
1
Ball Peen Hammer 16 oz & 32 oz
HBBD16/HBBD32
Snap On
$101.50/142
Truck
The Snap On Dead Blow Ball Peens are nice because they absorb alot of
the shock when striking, again... Any brand will do, but these are very nice
to have.
1
Plier Set
PL307ACF
Snap On
$185.75
Truck -SO/
MAC
Any Pliers will work, MAC usually has a good deal on plier sets with a bag
for like $130 for 10-15 pliers. Snap On Talon Grip works really well. Make
sure you have channel locks medium/large, side cutters, needle nose and
slip joint pliers
1
Vise Grips
1078TRT
Vise Grip Irwin
$159.00
Amazon
Get any brand made by Irwin. Mac has a good deal on them from time to
time, I picked up two sets in the summer for $300 with 10-12 pieces and a
bag each set. Can never have enough.
3
Hose Gripper Pliers
3703V
Sunex
$68.04
Amazon
Very good at removing small hoses in hard to reach spots, not a need, but
a luxury. cheap one at that.
3
Automatic Wire Strippers
WSC665
SG-18950
MAC
G2S
83.99
25.28
Truck
G2S
You can get cheaper ones from different manufacturers, but warranty.. Ive
had a pair out of the G2S catalog and they've been great, paid about $30
for them. Had them for 4 years, starting to get loose. Great for stripping
casing off 2 wire and stripping the ends.
1
Wire Strippers
PWCS9ACF
Snap On
68.00
Truck
There is another set that has the stripper at the back, but these are up
front, I prefer these over the other smaller style
3
Terminal Crimper Set
SG-18960
S & G Tool Aid
142.91
G2S
Has interchangeable dies for crimper, for different style terminal pins and
for heat shrink butt connectors
3
Snap Ring Pliers
927
Channel Lock
37.00
Amazon
This is one plier that has different tips does inside and out,some times
they are a pain, but I've managed all but once I needed to borrow a pair of
90 deg, will be buying a set, but great for starting.
3
Lady Slippers
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Handy for lining up bolt holes, prying up. you'll fi nd a use for them.
2
Slack Tools - Both Styles
46510470
/
75780470
MAC
59.99 - 99.99
Truck
For adjusting slack adjusters on air brakes
2
PEX tube cutters
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Cutting Rubber hose/synflex line (airlines) you want a straight cut when
installing push lock fi ttings
3
Hose Pinch Pliers
HPP901- MAC
PBT70713 - PBT
Any Brand
Depends
Various
I know Mac has vice grip style ones that look like they would be great, I
have plastic ones ( Private Brand Tools ) I bought through the G2S catalog
(Canada) they work awesome, also tried ones from amazon, and they
were junk and flexed and allowed fluid to pass.
1
Magnetic Pick Up Tool
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Tool truck brand, then you can warranty when they break, they always do.
1
Extendable Mirror
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
They are cheap anywhere
3
Tap Sockets
LI70500
Lisle
36.02
Amazon
Wont use them much probably starting out, but good to get later into your
career when you start having to extract bolts
3
Rad Hose Picks
SGA173BR / SGA175BR
Snap ON
34 each
Truck
You Know Why - Instinct Grips - A good rad hose pick comes in handy for
a lot not just rad hoses, but pretty much any type of hose, after being on
for 300,000 miles sometimes hoses need some fi nessing.
3
Torque Wrench 3/8" Split Beam
PRC-C2FR100F
Precision
Instruments
220
181
G2S catalog
Amazon
Split beams are the best I think, they are quick and simple to use, and you
dont need to 0 it which is good for a beginner tech.
4
Digital Torque Wrench 1/2"
ATECH3FR300B
Snap On
760
Truck
The tech angle is a great torque wrench, especially for angle torquing. Its
very pricey, so save up and with tool truck brands they have discounts for
apprentices (35-50
%
) They sometimes come on sale for around $600
1
Tire Pressure Gauge
S986
Milton Industries
26.000
Amazon
Milton is another great tool company, Highly recommend, Made In USA.
1
Tire Air Chuck
S-693-12
Milton Industries
17.00
Amazon
Milton is another great tool company, Highly recommend, Made In USA.
3
Stud Remover/Installers
SR4FA / SR4MA
AST201 / AST202
MAC
Snap On
112 each
66.00 / 102
Truck
Good for removing and install new studs, would recommend running
thread chaser over after installing, Snap On,Mac and Matco sell the same
ones.
111
Tread Depth Gauge
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Tool truck, warranty and they are around every week. Plus they are cheap
regardless
1
Trailer Cord Tester
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
good for checking trailer cords and truck side plugs.
1
Plastic Creeper
MCR3 / CR921 / 92102
Matco / Mac /
Lisle
113 - 154 - 103
Truck/Truck
Amazon
Mac / Matco Warranties these for life. Good creepers and comfortable. On
the open frame ones somehow Id always pinch my arms. Hurts.... a lot.
1
Foam Knee Pad
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Defi nitely a must. Save your body, its a long time til you retire.
1
Creeper Seat
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
I got a Big Red/Torin brand from Princess Auto (Canada) they have life
time warranty, Ive replaced 3 already. but it cost like $24 CDN
1
Scrapper Blade
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Every tool truck has them with replaceable blades for a few bucks, good
to have a couple, life time warranty.
POWER TOOLS
2
3/8" Cordless Impact
2554-20
Milwaukee
Depends
Various
Ive had the Snap On 14.4 and Dewalt 20V Brushless, This thing is a beast,
tested the tightening torque on an F350 wheels. 185 ft/lbs. incredible,
Snap On is gutless compared, but the trigger on the Snap On is
wonderful.
1
1/2" Drill Cordless
2607-20
Milwaukee
Depends
Various
Milwaukee has the best warranty, the M12 & M18 line up are unbeatable. I
dont think there is a brand that come close.
4
3/8" Ratchet
2457-20
Milwaukee
Depends
Various
Its handy to have, the fuel has more power, but its meant more for the
hard to reach or spots with a tight swing to make a job a bit easier or
faster, its a luxury not a need.
2
1/4" Screw Gun
2401-22
Milwaukee
Depends
Various
Great for interior work, can set torque limit to prevent from breaking
plastic panels or stripping hardware. pairs well with bit driver sets from
MAC, Matco, Blue Point. MAC set - QCAS16
3
1/2" Cordless Impact
2767-20
Milwaukee
Depends
Various
Its a Beast, almost no need for air anymore. I still use air, as I dont like to
rattle the shit out of my electrics, If it wont free up in the fi rst 6-10 uga
chuggas, then get the air.
2
1/2" Air Impact
MG725A
Snap On
665
Truck
Ive had mine for 6 years and use it alot, oil it up every month or so, I can
still pull lug nuts off a semi no problem and it has yet to be rebuilt.
Ingersol Rand makes great air tools as well, Ive never personally owned
any but Ive used them, but still prefer the MG725A
2
Die Grinders - Straight & 90 deg
AG325AH90 / AG325S /
AG14AH / AG25
MAC
130 - 230
Truck
MAC has deals all the ti
me
on die grinder sets for like $150 for a straight
and 90, I've got two sets, Id like to get the new style with rubber grips as
the steel ones get cold after prolonged use in the colder months
-
DO
NOT BUY SNAP ON -
You will go broke! Air Cat also makes a good tool
as well.
3
Air Hammer
PH3050BR
Snap On
520
Truck
Another Beast of a tool, have a matco and it is junk, works, but matco
(MT1724) and mac the body where the collar threads in cracks and splits.
This is only $150 more and has 2 year warranty compare to 1 year. Buy it
when you start borrowing it a lot
OTHER
1
Blow Gun/ Rubber Tip Blow Gun
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Milton is a good brand for air tools, but even a cheap non rubber tip is
handy, but buy a good rubber tip or it will go shooting across the shop.
2
Die Grinder Bur Bits / Roloc Holder
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
For bur bits mac has good deals on them, and they are life time warranty
2
Left Hand Drill Bit/Extractor
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Irwin makes them for all 3 companies, roughly same price, get through
truck for warranty
4
Tap & Die Sets
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Again Irwin makes all tap & die sets for the big three as well as a Irwin
brand, again, your pay for warranty. Id go either Mac or Snap On
personally.
3
Thread Chaser
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Lang makes them for all 3 companies, roughly same price, get through
truck for warranty
1
Flash Light Pocket
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Streamlight makes a great light, also have rechargeable ones, but they
are pricey, when a AAA is $25, you can buy 3 and 100 batteries from
amazon ( which are great batteries) for the price of a rechargeable one
2
Magnetic Lights X 2-3
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
I have two of these (MHHFL600) from matco, they last a few hours each,
usually enough for a shift at about 70-80
%
power. Always good to have
enough for a shift, nothing worse than trying to hold a light in your mouth
and work in a shitty position. I see quite a few techs with the small Snap
On ones, I dont own one, so I can say how good they are, but must be
considering how popular they are.
2
DVOM ( Muliti Meter )
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
Tons of good brands, does not need to truck brand or a fluke, bosch
makes a good one, I have a power probe dvom and it works great, never
let me down yet and was $113 CDN
3
Power Probe 3 or better
PP3CSBLK
Power Probe
103.99
Amazon
Once you learn how to use these, you'll be glad you got one, such a
handy tool, the PP4 and the hook look to be great as well, but cant justify
the purchase til mine kicks the bucket.
4
Circut Tracer 3000
PPECT3000B
Power Probe
132.99
Amazon
This is another great tool by Power Probe, its saved me a lot of head
aches for tracing broken wires, with this I found 3 breaks in 1 one on a
chassis harness which would have cost a few grand for part/labour. Or
you can do it like they do on the farm, I mean frieghtliner and just cut out
the wire and run a new one from the fi rewall back.
Test Light - Non LED
* * * * *
Any Brand
Amazon
Various
Any brand beside some $5 junk, something with a good cable and ground
clamp. I say non LED because LEDs only need a few volts and can lead
you down the rabbit hole. With non-led you can see how bright the light
is, and can give some clues to have your looking at.
1
Oil Filter Strap Wrench
MAC/MATCO/
SNAP ON
Amazon
Various
Fits almost any fi lter, can get leverage when using 1/2" ratchet cause you
put your fi lters on too tight and have to fi ght to get them off.
1
Oil Filter Wrenches
Blue Point
Blue Point makes a really good kit, come with 4 can do most fi lters the
strap cant. And lifetime warranty
3
Dial Indication w/ Magnetic Base
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
For checking end play, out of round etc, you wont need one right away
some shops have them. Usually most.
2
Feeler Gauges
* * * * *
Any Brand
Depends
Various
For checking valve adjustments etc, probably wont need til year 2-3.