Advice to my 18 year old Self (On Tool Buying)
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- A video I've been wanting to make for a while. I hope this video will help some of you out there who are starting your tool collections. It's only my opinion, and I'm not always right. I hope others will leave comments on tools they would recommend starting out with so that others can learn from them as well.
Here are some Amazon Affiliate Links for some of the tools in the video. As always, prices fluctuate, so prices posted in the video are from during filming.
Gearwrench 4pc 120XP Ratchet Set - amzn.to/3KxmpBv
VEVOR ½” Metric Deep Impact Socket Set - amzn.to/3XdfGEm
Tekton ⅜” Deep and Shallow Chrome Socket Sets - amzn.to/4bMlkBX
Tekton ¼” Deep and Shallow Chrome Socket Sets - amzn.to/45fGG8e
Streamlight Sylus Pro Flashlight (AAA Battery Version) - amzn.to/4c6vX28
Streamlight MicroStream - amzn.to/4ecQofv
Streamlight Stylus Pro USB (Rechargeable Version) - amzn.to/45fVHqo
Lisle Oil Filter Claw (Small) - amzn.to/4c9VkQx
Lisle Oil Filter Claw (Big) - amzn.to/3VvjiA9
AST Toyota Oil Filter Tool - amzn.to/45bXsoA
OTC Magnetic Drain Plug Tool - amzn.to/3yTp1XR
Lisle Oil Filter Wrench - amzn.to/3RfRIoa
Lisle Oil Filter Wrench 2 - amzn.to/3yML96i
Lisle Oil Filter Wrench 3 - amzn.to/3VdBAF1
Gearwrench Serpentine Belt Tool - amzn.to/3yJLbeY
Lisle Hand Pump Caliper Compression Tool - amzn.to/3XeOcyk
Gearwrench 44pc Combination Wrench Set - amzn.to/45bkvQD
Craftsman 3pc Prybar Set - amzn.to/3z1wmo4
Steelman Battery Brush Cleaner - amzn.to/4e5uuep
Innova Multimeter - amzn.to/4aXuM3T - Розваги
When someone is starting out, I think some of the worst advice people seem to give is "buy once, cry once", at 16-18 starting out you should not be going thousands or tens of thousands in debt with the god awful tool truck finance, you don't need a several thousand dollar snap on tool box or wrenches that cost 40+ dollars each.
The first thing you should be doing as a newbie is speaking to the people you work and train with to see what you actually need and buying a middle ground brand.
Also look after the tools you have instead of being a Neanderthal and hammering screwdrivers like a chisel and wondering how the tip snapped, or putting a bar on your ratchet instead of loosening it with a breaker bar they'll last longer.
My Views To a "T"
Buy what You can afford.
All of the Trucks have Good Tools. But some of Us can't afford to go into Debt.
Heres Me 69" Set up.
All Harbor Freight
ua-cam.com/video/KvpZr3rOPOA/v-deo.htmlsi=kDt9cBoCujVmvwZk
I absolutely love this. Going in to debt is never a good idea, and a terrible idea for tools. Especially when you’re just getting started in the field. I’ve seen far too many younger guys buy tons of tools and a big box to try and “fit in” with the more seasoned techs. Then they realize the job is not what they thought it was. So they end up leaving the wrenching field and still have a ton of debt and tools they no longer use. Also the advice about speaking with people you work with about the tools you’ll need is very valuable advice. Thanks!
I still to this day have the husky/ homedepot sockets i started with as an apprentice. Almost 20 years later, I still beat the crap out of those sockets. Never had to replace a single one.
@@AKChryslertechyup husky doesn’t make bad tools not top tier on the tool stage but not bad
I have their 100 tooth 1/4 ratchet had it for 5 years and I have no reason to get rid of it, most people would just because of the name ! Which is stupid
Treat the tools well and they’ll do the same in return. The job will be way easier with the right tool in getting the job done right, also it’ll help mentally, physically and sometimes even emotionally. AND sometimes all three at once. ha
I started at a dealer right out of technical high school at 17 in '87. My first tools were Craftsman. The Snap-on dealer set a $300 limit due to my young age. He said that too many "kids" got in over their heads in tool debt and then stiffed him when they left the trade. Since my duties were limited to oil changes, PDI's and simple services I only bought the tools that I needed. My first impact gun was a well used CP with an extended anvil I bought at a farm auction. It still had plenty of power for my needs at the time. I bought a Craftsman top and bottom box on sale. I later traded that setup in on a used Matco top and bottom. As my experience and duties grew I bought the tools I needed. I kept my weekly payments low and didn't buy more until I had paid the bill off. Not every tool needs to be Snap-on. I had Craftsman, Mac and Matco. Having all Snap-on isn't going to make one a master tech when starting out. The tool doesn't make the repair. The mind that directs the tool makes the repair.
Very well said. Thanks mileser!
@@ToolBoxTour yea but a good tool will last a long time and something that is indeed made here in the red white and blue helps our hard working people, some companies old as the hey day of industry in the usa and helped build it, but its getting harder and harder to find so it would be good if possible to keep the industry alive, and not neccessaryl snap on, klein is a very good brand too and channellock, as an example for something that is good and not quite as expensive, which matco and snap on can very much bee and exorbantly so
Man your channel deserves so many more subs. I pray your channel blows up and I’m sure it will.
Thanks Ronnie! I’m happy either way 🙂
Things I wish I had when 18, cordless ratchet, real code scanner that shows realtime data, and more advanced sensor troubleshooting like an Xtool bluetooth, would have saved me millions of hours troubleshooting things.
See now that scan tool makes A LOT of sense. It would lay for itself in short order.
I've been pushing the Tekton hand tools.
I like the company, people, and warranty.
Everything is very affordable.
I’ve heard such good things about Tekton and their customer service. Thanks for watching!!
I have a small number of their tools and have been impressed so far.
Best toolbox channel on YT.
Hey thanks Ken!!
Get yourself a nice set of gear wrench ratchet and socket set, tekton is also good. Channel locks pliers set. Grey pneumatic are great impact sockets as well as tekton. Every thing else just get it at harbor freight. If your a student at an auto/diesel school I know snap on has a 50% of tools. I enrolled into a community college for a class to take advantage of that deal later on. Once you start working on more complicated jobs I’ll recommend a 3/8 Milwaukee ratchet, it’ll help you be more efficient especially when your flat rate.
I haven’t heard much about Milwaukee ratchets. How do they compare to gearwrench or snapon? Thanks for the recommendations Adrian!
When I started out a dwell meter was a high tech tool. tools were basic, no soft handles or even vinyl dip.
Craftsman tools were readily available and priced and easy to replace, all US made (30 -40 years ago when I started) but now tools are always evolving so you will always want something better. I look for life time warranty and ease of replacement.
Good topic here.
Ah the days of Sears. I used to love shopping around buying from there. I tried to warranty a craftsman tool recently and after about 3hrs on the phone with someone overseas, they said they were sending a replacement. Never showed up. That put a bad taste in my mouth after that.
Capri, sunex, icon, GP, lisle, husky and milwaukee all great for starting been doing it for 5 years now I still use tools from those brands
Awesome. Thanks for the recommendations!
I’ve been in the business for 6 years now best thing I have found is start cheap when those cheap tools break buy quality ones and just improve over time don’t go into debt not everything has to be snap on. Just go at your affordable pace.
Affordable pace is an amazing way to say it. Thanks Seth!
I had the same thought process and found for most of my tools I don’t need tool truck brand and mid tier tools are fine and i never actually replace with higher end stuff
It also makes you realise which tools you use a lot - so your most used tools are top quality just do not cheap out on a set of cordless drills….
I think this is very good advice. I still regularly use a set of spanners and sockets that I've had for >30y. I've added to these but most sets do most things.
Get a good harbor freight roll cart to start. Don’t get some Uber cheap(quality) tool castle that you will regret. Remember the tools are the essentials. How you store them is optional. Just keep them safe.
Great recommendations Mr. Tool Box Tours (aka My Hero).
Haha thanks john. I’m here to serve!! 🦸🏻♂️
The m12 impact driver, in my opinion, is one of the most useful tools to own whether you are automotive technician or just a homeowner/weekend warrior. Well worth it for the majority of people who do any work for themselves
I always tell the young guys starting out it’s better to have a lot of cheap tools than a few expensive ones in a big empty box. Stay away from cordless air lasts way longer and is cheaper. Upgrade to snap on or Mac when it breaks or is on sale. Take your old tools home to use there. Oh and if you borrow it more than once buy it. I don’t mind loaning out a seldom used specialty tool to someone starting out but if your trying to borrow a 1/2” impact and a 19mm deep every day we are going to have a problem.
“better to have a lot of cheap tools than a few expensive ones.” That’s amazing.
I worked with a young dude that only buys snap on. He was constantly borrowing tools from me. Him and the other guys bought snap on socket sets "on sale". It was a basic socket for $1,000. I think 19mm was the biggest one in the set. $1,000 in sockets and still borrowing sockets constantly. There's way too many quality sockets out there now to be spending that kind of money. I absolutely love gearwrench tools.
@@aaadamt964 I’ve been pulling wrench’s over 30 years. I have the big macsimizer box and cart. Most of my tools are Mac/snap on and other higher end brands. But I have all the old craftsman I started out with along with the cheap tools from princess auto(Canadian version of harbour freight) at home or in my truck. My nephew listened to me 3 years in he has most everything in a husky box. Starting to upgrade and buy cordless tools now. No tool debt other than a bit on truck account.
For pros 100% agree on air tools. I tried them back to back once and a $25 McGraw (harbor freight) cutoff tool was harder to stall than a $300 Milwaukee angle grinder. Way smaller and lighter too.
At home electric is better until you get the big compressor though. Fun fact: a typical 110v electric outlet can only output enough electricity for 2 horsepower continuous, and a 2 HP compressor can't keep up with a die grinder. So it's actually a law of physics that using air tools is gonna suck until your garage is wired for 240 power.
As a 20 year old who has been at a dealership for just over a year, I don't see the need to spend more than I have to. I will admit I have my fair share mac tools that I used my student discount, and a snap on ratchet that I also used my discount on before I graduated this past spring. And I love all of my Milwaukee battery tools. All of my sockets are Tekton or Sunex, and extension and bit sets are ICON, which I also love ICON brand. My box is the $600 US General 7 drawer which you can get on sale for less. It's a perfect box for me, which I have organized very well to fit as much tools as possible, with room to grow. For someone who is just starting in this industry, realistically, you need about 3k minimum starting out, but most people that I know my age agree that 5k puts you in the best spot. This big thing is staying out of debt, and buying as you go.
That US General full bank cart is an AMAZING value. I've come across a few used ones and you can find them for around $400 used. Unbeatable value! Good to hear ICON is treating you well.
Top notch comment 👍
7:24.. These are the best.. My Lisle has never let me down
Ahh the age old question. If I could do it all over again. Thanks for continuing the debacle with more solid advice from a veteran. Glad to see your little one is by your side as well. Keep up the great work brotha.
Thanks for watching Andy!
Im 30 a father of 2 girls. Im a steel plant foreman at nights i do a LOT of maintenance at work and do a ton of home makeover and vehicle repairs. I have a serious problem with wanting to deck out my garage. This channel is great. I love seeing what to set goals for as i age up and my kids move out in 15 years. But now the thought of spending 200 dollars on a set of pliers is unfathomable to me. Even at work we run Milwaukee but im always watching your channel and torque test to see what we actually need at the shop so im not throwing our company's money away. I cant wait to see how many subs you have in a year. Great job man.
Thanks so much. The snap-on pliers are honestly one of those things that comes down to preference. I used them everyday and I loved them. The Knipex stuff is awesome too.
@@ToolBoxTour however if I had a home project or a vehicle project that those pliers would save me even an hour to play with my kids I would go buy them right now. I just don't use them frequently enough or ever even been in a situation where the pliers I was using was the limiting factor. When I saw your little guy walk out I just thought about how even with girls tools are great to bond with your kids over. My girls love "helping" me fix/build things around the property. What's funny is I never went to school for maintenance my entire mechanical aptitude comes from thousands of hours holding a flashlight for my dad and a general curiosity and drive to figure things out. 150k subs by year end. Let's go!
Those snap on pliers are amazing though, only snap on tool I've ever been tempted by. You can buy just the ln46acf for around 70$
That toolbox roll out was funny. Had the same one that I gave away a few years ago, after I bought some much larger/nicer boxes. It worked well for me, just limited on space.
Yeah you can find some great tool storage solutions and not break the bank.
Very good advice given wish I had advice like that 35 years ago thanks for looking out for the future techs love the channel
Thanks for that! Hope it helps some younger guys out there.
When buying tools, consider two things: does the company sell replacement parts for that tool and/or set, and what is their warranty? I bought a set of Gearwrench adjustable pry bars. Broke one removing an axle seal. Sent them a picture of the casting flaw which caused the break, and they sent me a new one, no issues. Bought a Sunex screwdriver set and my son lost one of them. Was able to order a new one (i.e. didn't have to buy the whole set, just to replace the one that was lost).
Very good points! I didn’t even think about that.
talking about 6 point vs 12 point for impact sockets, i would recommend getting everything 6 point except for 1 size, get a 12 point 30mm socket for toyota axle nuts because im not sure ive ever seen a 6 point 30mm on a car.
i recently bought an axle nut socket set from gearwrench and it came with a 6 point 30mm socket that i had to trade in on the truck for a 12 point because i kept having to borrow from somebody else
GW wrenches sockets and ratchets. Snap-on Knipex for pliers. Vessel for screwdrivers. Another great video
Thanks for the recommendations! I might have to try out those ERNST wrench organizers you were showing on your channel. They look really nice.
@@ToolBoxTour thank you, they are awesome best bang for your buck IMO
Hey I started in the 70s and you had some pretty good quality tools
Snapon, Mac, SK , Craftsman, Williams, Bonny, and others. All American made. You needed Snapon for specialty tools. Craftsman at the time was very good and popular. They also had great warranty. You could buy a master set with tools or purchase a box and keep adding. Most tool trucks had simply red boxes Craftsman added a black box. I had small Craftsman box but upgraded to MAC combo unit I still had up to several months ago when I sold it. I should’ve kept it.
Knipex for plyers for myself
I love Knipex!
The NEBO Slim Work Light is about $24 like new on amazon and around $35 new. It's adjustable, super bright. I've dropped it countless times, both in coolant buckets, rain gutters during road calls, and its still kicking lol. Ultimate light for a new guy imo. Keep it up!
Awesome! Good to know about the NEBO!
I think your advice is spot on. Some people can swing the best from day one, but most can’t. Starting with tools that can get the job done is priority Learn the job, then you will understand the tools and how good they need to be. Used or cheap FF tool box. No need to have a box that is twice the cost of your car, starting out.
Thanks Tom! Learning the job first is definitely some good advice.
Great video brother but you forgot to mention Sunex Tools.... As an auto mechanic + Aircraft A&P this brand saved me major$$$$$$$ and 15yrs later those tools still look and work amazing!!!
I started out with a craftsman pro set in 1987. Top & bottom box.
Over the years, I replace them little by little with snap on and Mac. Started with ratchets, then basic 3/8 sockets, then screwdrivers.
Upgraded to a bigger craftsman bottom box in ‘97. Then snap on 9 years later, and again in 2012. Never new Snap on boxes. Good used boxes. ( KRL 1023)
Nowadays, the Carlyle line at Napa is decent. I would buy them.
Many brands of sockets are good too. Capri, ect.
We didn’t have the plethora of options then, like now.
I had a IR 231 for years. Still have it, but don’t use it. It has sentimental value. First tool I got after trade school in 1987. My late uncle bought it for me. Replaced it 15 years ago with the light weight IR composite.
Spend money on a good torque wrench though.
The only Hobo Freight I can get behind, is the big roll cart. I bought one 2 years ago. It’s decent.
Side note : the used KRL 1023 I bought off a Cornwell truck.
When the Cornwell (Frank) guy sold his route, to go run the family concrete business in Granby Colorado. I teased him about the killdozer guy. Turns out, Franks dad was who the killdozer guy was after. 😮
Man, thanks so much for sharing. A good torque wrench is definitely worth spending good money on. Also, sentimental tools are something that I really appreciate. Holding something in your hand that’s been through hell.
12:07 I was considering those craftsman pry bars because I had an Amazon gift card, but I read the reviews, and people said they were very thin and would bend. So, I ended up getting the Hyper Tough made in USA ones at Walmart, and I would say those are the way to go for cost-effective pry bars.
Good call! Your the second person to recommend the Walmart prybars
I am just a dude that likes tools as well. Not a mechanic.
I really enjoyed this basic video, thanks for all the tips, especially the battery ones. I’ve replaced batteries but never scrubbed a new terminal.
I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks for watching Jason!
Bought cheap to start, and when something broke from use, I replaced it with a quality tool. Still have alot of cheap stuff that lasted, and now a bunch of nice stuff that still works great.
As someone who is doing it as just a hobby fixing 9 cars in the household. My advice is to go for the low profile impact socket sets by Astro
1/4, 3/8, & 1/2
Having low profile sockets have been game changer for me.
Rubber Hammer
That's almost $2000 in tools that he recommended.
Also, I really like Grey's Pneumatic sockets. They seem reasonably priced and have no skips.
This is an extremely expensive career to be in but it always pays off later when you gain experience and move into more specialized shops. I did a rough calculation one day and I could buy a new Prius for how much I’ve invested within my first 2 years wrenching.
Hopefully you won’t have to buy all of these tools at once. Just like your entire career, your tool collection will just keep growing as you progress.
Also thanks for the recommendation on the GP sockets!
+1 on grey pneumatic. They make some excellent sockets. Better than gear wrench, a little more expensive though.
@@michaelbolton1090 I wish I had all GP sockets. Some of my impacts are wearing out that I bought used and they round off shallow fasteners because they only bite the edge if you get what I mean.
Vaughan Manufacturing makes very good hammers and pry bars. Much of their product line is still made in the US. Top tip, you can buy their seconds (stuff that didn't make it by QA) much cheaper. I have a full set of Vaughan ball peen hammers that I bought as seconds for about half of full price, and you would be hard pressed to notice what's wrong with any of them.
Thanks for the info! Where would one buy the defect hammers?
@@ToolBoxTourharry j epstein is a good site for the grayvik. the only thing you gotta do is file your claws and sand the tit left on the face. Never had trouble with the grayviks, theyre half price or less and hold up. I'm a big vaughan fan as well, they made all of craftsman's branded hammers and pry bars as well, which are cheap second hand.
This is a great video. A lot of great advice too. We need a full tour box tour of your box too. 👍👍👍
Someday 😊 thanks Ryan!
Excellent advice. One of the best ways to appreciate a great tool is to start with something more modest. Also, your 120XP ratchet set is the older version (Part # ends in KD). The newer ones (Part # ends in P) have a different logo and way more backdrag. I cut the pawl springs down 2-3mm which helped a lot, but still not as good as the KD ones.
Oh wow. That’s good to know! I wonder how the rest of the quality of the ratchet is.
@@ToolBoxTour The rest is exactly like the old one. A lot of sellers show pics of the older KD ones but ship the P ones. The older ones are actually more expensive online.
Cool, thanks for the info!
I found my stream light stinger on a fan shroud of a tractor that came into the shop. Love the light
Oh man. Love that!
I wish someone would make a video like this for body work, grate video!
2 things. #1 I second the Gearwrench ratchets and wrench's both are fantastic and have yet to break any of them. #2 get the m-12 fuel drill and driver combo kit it comes with 2 batteries and a charger (and a bag useful for road calls) and its $200 at home depot right now and I have seen it cheaper occasionally it really is the best starter kit for a new tech.
Oh man there’s some fantastic Father’s Day deals going on right now at Home Depot. I can’t go in that store or I’d be broke.
Nowadays we very rarely replace a serpentine belt, I wouldn’t buy a belt tool until you start doing water pumps and anything that requires you to take the belt off.
I used to do belts all the time 🤔. Belts crack and wear out just like any other component. Thats an interesting take William! Thanks for the recommendation!
They aren’t the cheapest but I think the value is there in the gray pneumatic duo socket set basically you could buy one set and be done because of how thin they are you can do 90% of anything you would need a chrome for
I’ve heard great things about about GP 👍
Worked as a truck mechanic for 12 years. Out the trade now. I never understood the guys with the huge boxes, jam packed with every socket, bit set and unique tool that never or very rarely got used. I spent my career working with a standard size top and bottom box, it was almost full. If I had to borrow a tool 2/3 times, I bought it.
I worked with a guy who managed to work out of a top box of half broken tools. It's amazing what this guy could do with just a 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 socket set, spanners, screw drivers and pliers.
What’s a big box to you though ? Just curious like a lot of people work out of 52-55” boxes nice and fine i have a 68” epiq how ever I didn’t just jump into it right at the start of my career. I was at it for 5 years before getting that box.
I HAVE to have both SAE and metric (freighltiner and trailer work it’s all a mix)
@@user-rr4hr7bz7n 27/28" box. To me that size is a standard lol, however a lot of mechanics had 50"+ snap on boxes.
Yess!!! What an amazing video. So informative and the camera angles are compelling
Thanks Cody!!
Honestly, been waiting for this video from you. Always wondered what your opinions were.
Also take it for what it’s worth. You’re the guy with the successful UA-cam channel. I’d love to see you your opinion when guys show you tools. Tell them capabilities that they didn’t know about that you heard from previous videos. I’ve learned stuff from the guys that you interview and would like to be reminded of those tips they gave you and just stuff that you know. You might be able to pass that onto the guy interviewing at the time.
Had no idea that those new snap pliers were so good at taking out fuses. I’ve had those for months now and use them all the time.
That’s a fantastic idea!! Thanks Mike.
Check out the Tekton pry bars. They are great.
Tekton hammers are rebranded trusty cook. I love them. The chance of me buying another truck brand hammer is approximately zero unless I find them used and cheap.
Tekton! Do the prybars have striking caps?
I own that Gearwrench serpentine belt tool….it’s still new in the box, because it’s too thick to fit anywhere.
I’ve since tried the Gearwrench extra long double box ratcheting wrench. It’s the bomb.
Fits in tight places, and makes turning tensioners a breeze.
You’ve got to try one.
Buy a thread chaser kit, being new. You’re bound to mess threads up. I got the Lang which is pretty much tool truck rebrands. It’s a life saver to this day. Chaser is to fix threads, tap is to create new threads remember that.
Awesome recommendation with the thread chaser kit!
For screwdrivers I have swapped to all vessel I work on just about all stainless and they been the only ones thus far that hold up. Not super pricey and have options to suit your need
I love Vessel! Some of the best.
Great job. I think every once and awhile I think this is needed
I hope it helps some people out 👍
gearwrenches notches are exactly why (minus my 2 snap on ratchets and 1 titan) every ratchet is gearwrench in my box. the detents make me moist. especially the other set that has optional lock. so good
Moist lol 😅
Damn s2k in the background didn’t know bro was chill like that.
🤙 going on 15 years
Hyper tough prybars at Walmart are super cheap and great quality
Good to know!
Camera game is insane! Love your videos thank you for the amazing informative entertaining content.
Hey thanks! I wish I could take credit for DJI's amazing camera, but I just paid for it haha. Thanks for watching Arnold!
Start with basics, buy what you need when you find out you need it. Upgrade the most common tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, ratchets, prybars, hammers, drills) when you can afford it. The best mechanics I know still use the same old craftsman tools they started with. Dont get sucked into spending thousands of dollars on tools, it can easily become an addiction just like anything else.
The tool addiction is REAL. Trying to keep up with the Jone's in the next bay can get out of hand really quick.
@@ToolBoxTour I could see working in a shop that being a problem. Master mechanic has a huge snap on box full of snap on tools. Probably cost over $30,000. I work out of a service van with limited room. We don’t really get to compare tools with each other. Most of our tools are all whatever the local wholesaler sells (Klein, Bahco, Ridgid, Milwaukee.) I’m not automotive so nobody I know uses Snap-On. Lots of Home Depot / Lowes tools. Whatever we fit in a veto tool bag is what we use 99% of the time. All the big money tools are in refrigeration specific tools which are always company supplied and paid for.
I like the way you structure your videos.
Thanks!
As someone who just started my line tech position while I was training all I did was look at everyone’s tools and seen what I need the only thing I really splurged on was my snap on ratchet since it helps break all the bolts on old Hondas for alignments and shi
Looking at what everyone else is actually using is super underrated. When you see all the tools collecting dust in a box, you know not to buy those.
I’m in the aviation world so my recommendation to new techs is the following.
1. The toolbox is just that a place to store your tools. Get something affordable and focus on buying tools to fill the box. Buy a box with room to grow.
2. There are a few tools that some premium brands knock out of the water if your going to buy snap on or similar get the tools that those brands do well. For example Snap on pliers as mentioned.
3. Buy cheap stuff to fill your box then as you figure out what you use most slowly replace tools with premium.
4. Snap on is everywhere most of the time. the convenience of having the tool warranties done weekly at your place of work is awesome. Buy from the truck that serves you for the convenience factor.
Yeah you really have to look at convenience vs cost when you buy off a truck. Easy warranty, but much higher cost.
Please more vids like this! I love the toolbox tours but upload some of these types of vids to every now and then. Great vid👌🏼
More to come! Thanks!
I bought a large pry bar I believe 48 inch from harbor freight it bent on first use seemed really soft.
😬 good to know. Thanks Josh
Harbor freight pry bars are terrible. I'd go with Mayhew but I've heard the hyper tough at Walmart are USA made, good quality and cheap.
After watching so many videos of guys with Snap-On EVERYTHING, watching this video is a relief seeing that someone agrees with me on many tool choices.
I'm not keen on Craftsman, which is really overpriced for the (lack of) quality it offers.
I have one of the newer GW 120xp ratchets with the slimmer head, and I love it despite the locking head not really locking.
I got a vevor 1/2" socket set and they have a real complete range of sizes and the price is phenomenal!
Awesome video!! You actually inspired me to look for a few tools I didn’t already have. And that camera is super cool! 😎
Haha thanks. I’m glad this video had a few tools for you to look up 👍
Check local swap meets and flea markets too. You can often find quality used tools for pennies on the dollar.
I'm doing this with my grandson, so far we've gotten a nice rolling chest and all the basic stuff for less than $300, all good name brand stuff. He's excited about these finds, plus we often come across specialty stuff, also very inexpensive.
I do agree sockets snap on are not required however that didnt stock me from buying them. For anything that moves swivels, pliers most ratchets. Usa or german
USA or German 🤘
Good stuff. PLEASE MAKE A VID FOR MECHANICS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING, BUT CANT STOP BUYING TOOLS!
Good idea!
There is no help for us 😂
Most of them!
@@michaelbolton1090 recomend a tool I need, that hasnt been shown on any of the tours.
I agree gear wrench over craftsman all day made the exact same mistake myself when I first had to get the tools for my job
Honestly the old stuff wasn’t bad. New stuff isn’t the best. But Gearwrench has always treated me right.
Great video with a lot of good points and tips for younger techs. I wish I could go back an tell my 18 year old self ALOT of things. LOL
You and me both! Thanks for watching!
Good option for starter pry bars are the hyper tough ones from walmart, made in the USA, believe its made by Wilde.
Awesome!! I never would have thought to look at Walmart.
I have been enjoying your channel and am impressed at the percentage of views to subscribers. As a home mech. I enjoy seeing what pro's use. Some tools I really like that I have not seen on your channel are the Milwaukee socket set and Koken extensions. My Advise for young starting out would be the same as many have stated. I have been around long enough to see the quality of the cheap stuff improve considerably. The ability to research the best or best value of a particular tool has never been better. Take care of your tools. If you need an extension you also need a breaker bar. To me There are some tools you want snap on or equivalent out the gate like flare wrenches, but do some research. Avoid impulse purchases. You can only spend money once.
Impulse purchases are terrible!! I completely agree. I think that’s why the tool trucks are terrible for the newer guys. Like a candy store.
The Milwaukee best M12 Fuel 1/4 driver, Fuel Drill, 4amp and 2 amp batteries, charger and bag.
199 at HD.
Perfect combo! Many deals for Father’s Day at HD too!
Started as a heavy duty diesel tech and I’ve been using gearwrench and Sunex and they are completely fine and strong
Good to know they hold up in the heavy duty world. Thanks Rudy
Love the S2K in the background on RPF01’s. You have good taste 👍🏻
Thank you! I’ve had her for a very long time.
I'm a buy once cry once person. But that doesn't mean I buy all expensive tool truck stuff. For instance, I would skip the Harbor Freight prybars and go straight to Mayhew because I know they would fit my needs and are better quality. Or, I have the Tekton chrome sockets in deeps and shorts and I highly recommend them. But I use mids most often so I bought a Koken set. I also recommend buying used. Many good deals out there.
Koken is awesome. How do you like their sockets? I have heard a lot about their ratchets but not much on their sockets.
@@ToolBoxTour I really like the Koken sockets. They are more of a matte than shiny chrome, which I like because it’s a bit of grip when greasy and they don’t show scratches as much.
I retired from wrenching at 19, moved on to different things, but at 50+ I somehow find myself wrenching again!
I've built up a personal full service shop (auto & motorcycle, lifts, tire machines, etc the whole deal), over the last few years, on a crazy tight budget.
Luckily I still have all of my "Craftsman 188 Piece Set" shit that I bought back when i was a kid, and every used mac, snap-on, craftsman double-stack box I bought back then...
Now-a -days i love how much "cheap tool" quality has improved, and when I need something new (or just want it!), I do most of my shopping on Amazon.
I don't need snap-on lifetime quality (? is that even real anymore?), and I enjoy and use a set of Duralast or Tekton wrenches at a level that they will probably outlive Me.
I might do a Toolbox tour (or hey, come on out to my shop and put it on YOUR Chanel!) with the 7 or 8 full boxes I'm running, much of the drawer content is vintage stuff, some going back to Great Grandfathers ....
Anyhow, love your channel. Good Stuff.
When I feel like geeking on tools, you are my first stop.
I really appreciate this comment!! Amazon is such an amazing source for quality tools. Thanks for watching!
i watch your vids over and over
thanks!
Spot on ! That Inova multimeter is the same one I have been using for around 15 years. I’m not doing deep drive electrical for the most part, and that cheap little multimeter has served me very well. The Gearwrench recommendations are spot on as well. I started out as a Snap On junkie, but in the past 10 or so years I’ve been buying a lot of Gearwrench stuff. When I started out back in the early 90’s the choices were a lot more limited then today. If I was starting out today, it would be a lot more Gearwrench/Capri/Icon/Tekton in my box then snap on.
The innova meter has treated me right for a long time. Glad I’m not the only one. Thanks for watching!
When I first started working on stuff regularly, I was like 13 years old. My grandparentsbought me the 500 piece craftsman tool set (Mid 2000s) when most of the stuff was still usa made i still have and use a decent amount of the stuff but alot is just a backup. Over the last 20 years iv worked on basically everything (submarines, tractors, semis, old and new cars and trucks, industrial maintenance) and always insisted having atleast some of my own tools, even when things where supposed to be supplied. My absolutely favorite 3/8" impact sockets are a set from O'Reilly's that come in a molded rubber sleeve. Iv probably bought 6 sets of them. Also impact sockets from harbor freight. Buy good ratchets, they don't have to be tool truck brand. Milwaukee battery powerd stuff will save you hours.
I got the same craftsman tool set when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing Allen! I’ll have to check out those socket sets from O’reillys.
I managed to get a pretty full starter toolbox sent from an estate sale for 200 bucks. Full set of quarter, 3/8 and half inch drive ratchets and sockets. Metric and imperial wrench set etc. I’ve definitely had to add to it, but for everything that I’m doing, which is mostly suspension work and basic bolt ons it supported me pretty darn well I must say.
Wouldn’t buy things like compressors or tanks things like that used but I don’t often hear people talking about trying to get stuff used.
I wanna edit this to say that I am not a professional mechanic or body tech or anything like that. Im thinking for the 16 year-old kid wanting to get into being able to work on his first car. If I did this stuff every day, I would want the ability to have warrantees and relationships with the people that I was buying my tools from 100%.
yeah its tricky buying some tools used like pneumatic or cordless tools. You never know how badly they've been abused or the current condition they are in on the inside. Thanks for the perspective Hunter!
I definitely agree on the HF 1/2 Impacts Pittsburgh pro sets. I had shallows and deeps until my buddy felt like he needed them more than me. I replaced them with the Icon sets. I had the Pittsburgh sets from 16-28 and never had one fail. They are a great value for the money and are absolutely solid. Same for the Icons. No issues with either. For prybars. The older craftsmans if I remember right we're made by Mayhew. They have done great for me! But I love your videos man. Keep it up!
If i know i wont use a tool very often i tend to buy the cheapest i find. For Pliers i buy knipex. The are awesome and dont cost that much here in germany. I Started with a cheap vigour tool case and still use it. They have plastic ratchets, so when you drop it on a car it doesnt even scratch anything unless you hit it with the socket. for a upgrade i bought a ks tools extending ratchet. thats awesome. Wera flexible lock 8796 is awesome for spark plugs with the rubber ring spark plug sockets.
also i can recomment a small cordless impact driver. its perfect for all screws. even big screws after you´ve broken them loose.
Knipex ftw!
The tool i love the most right now that is not a need but super helpfull is the milwaukee screw driver super low torque and you can set it so low so that you can put screws in plastic without stripping the plastic out i see it everyday where someone strips out the plastic air box lid so noe when i pull it to put a new trans in it it wont seal all the way kinda drives me nuts lol but i use it everyday for pan bolts with cork gaskets to get them run down faster then i go over them by hand to get them tight
Oh man is it the 4v screwdriver?
my philosophy is get it fairly cheap and if you end up using it enough to break it, that's when you get the good one.
also important is that you will know what features to look for since you now have experience with that style of tool.
Great advice Evan!
that s2000 is crazy 😆
i’ve had my stream light usb pro for about a year now and i love it
Nice!
I love your content.
I resell and broker heavy equipment. I keep 2 old cars alive. 2006 diesel Mercedes and a Volvo.
I would tell myself today to buy used tool truck tools; ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers and everyday chrome sockets. You could buy used Snapon 3/8 and 1/4 ratchets one at a time then replace your most used hand tools slowly. Try to buy a thin wall set of 3/8 Chrome Moly impact rated Grey Pneumatic set. Then you don't need chrome sockets.😢
Fill the rest of your box with prosumer grade products.
I put my selections by tiers
Tier 1 Carlyle, Sunex, Gear wrench, Icon, Milwaukee
Tier 2 Sata, Jaeger, Husky, Doyle and Quinn
Tier 3, NO warranty but excellent value Neiko, Titan, Workpro and Horusdy
Love it! Thanks for sharing! Titan makes some cool stuff.
I had that harbor freight pen light and it was probably brighter than the streamlights and (maybe) coasts I used before it. Plus you save a ton of money on batteries
Good to hear you had a good experience with the hf pen light. Only $7! Thanks Greg
Hi from Romania 🇷🇴 Like always very good videos 👍👍👍Thank you very much for your kind comment on tools👌👌👌Very helpful ✅✅✅
Glad you like them!!
When I was about 15 i brought some King Dick spanners and was delighted with them,but on starting in a garage when 16 maybe sort of pier pressure that if it's not snap on it's rubbish....anyway roll on 30 odd years,I've still got some of the King Dick spanners,have left the UK and have ended up at a garage in Catalunya,Spain.
2 of my coworkers here just function quite ok with a cheap Jbm brand box that comes with tools for about 400 euros😂😂....however they are very much in love with my Snap on pry bars,Facom oil filte wrench and. 3/8 stuff is very alien here ...😊
Thanks for sharing Marc!
im not a mechanic i am a hvac tech but i swear by knipex, wera, milwaukee and dewalt they work well and never break so thats personally what i would recomend to anyone
Awesome. Thanks for sharing Jason!
G'day mate, The advice I will give is, Toolbox holds tools, Fancy expensive boxs are just that.
With sockets I would buy mostly impact not chrome. Ratchets, one longer and one short. I still only have two 3/8 ratchets and one 1/4 drive. Four 1/2 ( one worn out but cant through it out) and two 3/4. Wrenches, buy a set of combos and add any missing or larger sizes as you need them. cheers and thanks for all your vidios.
Good advice to buy mostly impact sockets. I tend to reach for impact sockets over chrome sometimes.
That harbor freight pen light was nice when I was doing low voltage work. They were easy to carry to pop into a drop ceiling and take a look around. I didn’t pay for batteries though lol
Good to hear it works well.
Dude nice s2k!!! I have a silverstone ap1! Cool too see we share some of the same passions haha
I was scrolling for this comment 😄
Yes!!! I’ve had mine for about 15 years now. I’ll be buried with it lol.
That harbor freight pen lights is pretty good for the price. Mine just went out after a year, but i used it has a hammer a few times still works just flickers sometimes lol.
Lol nice
I think it’d be good if you did some tool truck tours too. Koon trucking UA-cam channel used to do some cool ones
I may hop on a truck some time. 👍
I bought a Sunex 3/8” impact socket set that has 7mm-22mm in short/deep/swivel in a carrying case. I’ve used it with Milwaukees 3/8”, 1/2” impact, and breaker bar.
Part #3351
I have a few Sunex tools and they’re awesome! Thanks for the recommendations.
I have that set and I've used the crap out of them for 2 years with no issues? Good stuff!
@@coreymartin-wk1fi yes sir it is! I’ve removed some pretty rusted out bolts with those sockets and haven’t cracked one yet.
Good video, with some good advice, i used to hate seeing young kids feeling almost pressured by some people into buying from snap on vans. I generally tried to talk em out of going down that route, even helped some by passing on some of my older stuff . Most kids dont need a box that cost thousands. Ever
Yeah. I really think the younger guys shouldn’t even go on the trucks. If there’s something they absolutely need, just tell the dealer what you need when he comes into the shop.
It really depends on risk and needs. I have some harbor freight stuff and I have a lot of starrett measurement tools. It’s ok to save where you can and get the best when the need exists.
Tekton is the best pry bar set to start with
Good to know. Do they have a striking cap?
@ToolBoxTour Yes, they do, I have the three pc set and use them professionally every day. They hold up great. Also, where was the video last week? I went to enjoy my weekly Dr. Pepper and chips after work and watch your video and it wasn't there
@@ToolBoxTour they sure do! They are the made in USA one the same as Walmart and wilde. I loved mine just like the dominator handles better so I eventually upgraded still have them to this day 8”-45”
A little side note. I noticed you have refrigerant gauges. It’s really good practice to leave a few psi of nitrogen in the hoses. They’re porous hoses and will “fill up” with moisture after a while. You can also be sure the seals and valves are still good whenever the next time you have to use one.
Wow. That’s a fantastic tip. Thanks mark!
@@ToolBoxTour you’re welcome. I handle refrigerant all the time.
I tell my apprentice to buy affordable quality. Affordable is subjective obviously. Regular sockets or impact sockets it is hard to beat gear wrench, or grey pneumatic (if you want to spend a little more). Wobble sockets... don't cheap out on wobble sockets. No one makes a wobble that can get as much angle and still stay strong like a snap on. Wrenches, get that huge gear wrench set. It has every size and goes on promo on amazon. Ratchets, god im a sucker for a snap on ratchet. Pliers, don't cheap out. Sliding off clamps is so freaking annoying. I like the cornwell ones, or if you want the best snap on or knipex. Keep in mind every tool you buy doesnt need to be your work tool forever. Most of the stuff i started with is now in my home box. The main thing you dont want to start with (something i started with) is massive tool debt. Being young and stupid led me to be over 10k in debt to the tool truck at insane interest rates. All thats paid off now, but i do my best to make sure the young people dont fall for the "snap on will give you 5k! And a low interest rate of 23%"
I also have told my apprentices not to buy torque wrenches and to just use mine. I don't want them hitting critical torque with a 10 dollar torque wrench. I typically let them use mine for 6 months or so then end up buying them one.
The tool debt is debilitating to younger guys. Having tool trucks come to your shop is some serious peer pressure and it’s tough to avoid trying to keep up with the other techs. Just gotta keep off the trucks all together until you know exactly what you’re going on to buyz
@@ToolBoxTour I absolutely agree. That's where a good mentor steps up! I'd say these "fill out a credit app and get a free mug" promos are straight predatory.
I always recommend grey pneumatic sockets cause they have most drives and most sets come In blow molded cases