Hi everybody. I am currently at MMI Orlando. I graduate in 2 months and I am currently building my tool set. I have all basic mechanic tools, but was looking for a little advice on what xtra tools I should invest in. Besides basic tools and torque wrenches, I purchased my own belt deflection gauge, oil filter wrench, vacula, and test probes for the breakout boxes. Any suggestions on what else I should pick up?

The main thing i learned at MMI:

:icon_ rtfm:

 

A good set of calipers.

 

When I was working as a Machinist, I would buy tools as needed.

There is no point spending 1000- on a tool that will never be used.

 

What tools do you find yourself using at the school?

 

^^^This = great advice^^^

If you already have the basics + some specialty, wait and add from there (good foundation). My big bro's a Diesel Shop Svs Mgr, but started in small engines back in th early 80's. He's still adding to his toolset, after 35+ yrs in wrench'n. Focus on building your skills and add to your tool inventory, as needed. Also, pretty much guarantee a few major tool vendors will be stopping by the shop(s) wanting your money...you'll have no problems adding tools later down the road.

Good luck and enjoy that new skill!

 

If-when you have a need for specialized tools, like wheel bearing pullers or Harley clutch spring compressors, Amazon and eBay are your friends. Do a search (like putting "wheel bearing puller" in the search box) on this forum for tools you find a need for, can find good sources and which types and brands are preferred by the people using them. Harbor Freight really gets put down a lot on the forum, but I actually like their latest Chinese made wrenches better than sears' Chinese made wrenches. Comes in handy sometimes to have an extra set of combination wrenches and sockets, get them there on sale or with coupons for $20 or less for sets that would cost 4 or 5 times that at most stores. Northern Tool is similar to HF, too. I bought a 3/4 drive breaker bar and set of large impact sockets from HF, real handy on some of the larger Harley nuts that can break 1/2" drive . HF doesn't sell individual sockets, but Northern Tool does, good for the occasional missing size in socket sets. I'd recommend not starting out with a $5000 to 10,000 SnapOn toolbox, you don't actually need such pretty tools, but do need money to buy the tools you'll be needing on a regular basis for the first few years, several of which SnapOn won't have anyway. I've always stayed away from buying big, "complete" tools sets, always have a bunch of tools you'll never use. Tools to avoid - anything made in India, poorest quality tools I've ever seen.

 

I have a half mil shop and over $100k in hand tools and I still buy as I need. If you go to work for a dealer, they will have several special tools and you can acquire your own as needed. I have a car shop but I also have cam brg. tool set , tensioner tool, sprocket holder etc. because I don't pay others to do my wrenching for me. Buy your own as necessary. Have inside and outside mics, dial indicators, dial calipers, so you can in fact do the more precision stuff. Don't forget a precision straight edge and feeler gauges. Now that you're broke , go to work--- lol

 

Vice Grips and Hammers ... ( when all else fails )

 

If you are going to work for a dealership they should already have the special tools that you will need.
Every car dealership I've worked for were required by the factory to stock all the necessary special service tools to do the job properly, I don't think motorcycle companies would be much different.
What I've been required to supply was all the basic hand/air tools that go with the trade.

 

Snap on tools are cool and getting that student discount is awesome, but save your money and wait to see what you need. Focus on finishing your phds and contacting dealers where your moving to or back to to see if they are hiring. Don't be discouraged it is the end of riding season and don't be surprised if you don't get a job until March.

Keep your head up kid! The game is hard work and honest pay but the fun is priceless.

Hey is that cop still there once you turn off obt next to the Wendy's busting rice burners as they lift up their visors for no protective lenses?