Building the Ultimate Beginner Mechanic Tool Box For UNDER $2500
Buying tools as a new mechanic is scary and mechanic tools are expensive. In the US most shops require new mechanics to provide their own tools. I wanted to see if I could build an Apprentice Mechanic tool box for under $2500. This is enough tools to get someone started working on cars. The best part, the dealer will be giving this to the next apprentice they hire!
HUGE thank you to @ScannerDanner for his contribution to this project! ~ https://www.youtube.com/@ScannerDanner
Full Tool List HERE ~https://bit.ly/4fp4co2
~~~~ Love the Show? ~~~~
Become A CrewMember ~ https://goo.gl/D7eROI
Patreon ~ https://www.patreon.com/user?u=4243029
Shop Amazon ~ https://amzn.to/2FQErAm
Audio ONLY Podcasts ~ https://goo.gl/5XcZxB
~~~~ Recommended Tools ~~~~
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Impact driver ~ http://amzn.to/2HsxS2H
Small Impact driver ~ https://amzn.to/2DZdsMN
Electric ratchet ~ http://amzn.to/2FydxMS
Magnetic tray ~ http://amzn.to/2FEpQ6g
Basic hand tools ~ http://amzn.to/2GnjF7K
Box wrench set ~ http://amzn.to/2FzoJch
ScrewDriver set ~ http://amzn.to/2FEjcgd
Shop towels ~ http://amzn.to/2FC7UgM
Allen Sockets ~ https://amzn.to/2GlcnAz
Torx Sockets ~ https://amzn.to/2pL0SfL
~~~~ Playlists ~~~~
Humble Mechanic Podcasts ~ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwfzU5uvU-lKLEvGiyabJxxazND2S7lC-
Project White Wookie ~ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwfzU5uvU-lJpDFuyOTudNRrlTdTRihqk
Failed VW parts videos ~ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwfzU5uvU-lIxxNMAO-nNe4c3Liohrrr-
Tool and Product Reviews ~ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwfzU5uvU-lKA_oaxAkY0KKTvS4cxuPA7
How To videos ~ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwfzU5uvU-lKM-_ShLfG-IrNqklIp0_To
MK1 VR6 Swap Videos ~ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwfzU5uvU-lKJ09uR9evf987LmSuijY-p
~~~~ Be sure to follow me at ~~~~
INSTAGRAM ~ http://instagram.com/humblemechanic/
FACEBOOK ~ https://www.facebook.com/HumbleMechanic
TWITTER ~ https://twitter.com/HumbleMechanic
Amazon Store ~ https://www.amazon.com/shop/humblemechanic
disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.
I’ve showed this video to several new techs 18-24. Some have been working the same job for years now and have not gotten any tools. Im severely worried about the new generation of techs and this job. No one can afford or buy tools so they have to borrow mine. 70% of dealers are in the negative for tech work (repair/service etc). It makes no money for the dealer or techs. No one in the industry cares anymore and No one wants to do this job anymore so don’t be surprised when your shit gets fucked up. The average age of techs at my current dealer is 24.2 years old. We can’t hire experience so we hire people out of high school and pay them a flat rate of 18. When they don’t make money they leave. Rinse repeat. We are a Porsche dealer. I’ve worked 3 dealers in the past 5 years and they are all this way. At least in my state. It’s still a 100k a year job if you can flag 180%. But shit just ain’t worth it anymore. I’m about to drop out of the industry 5 years in. I make 100k and it ain’t worth dealing with the inexperience across the board. Advisors, parts, management, apprentices. I have a 22 yr old apprentice who refuses to bend down to lift a car. I’ve been ignoring him for weeks since I’ve got 2 of them. Wtf is wrong with the generation. Generation of economic collapse because they can’t independently think or work. I can’t believe I grew up in the same world as these people. Shits insane. And I’m only 24. Believe me when I say these people are impossible to work with. The only thing you can do is do it for them then they undo your work and still fuck it up. I have a feeling this industry will go down the gutter in the next 10 years or so. We just started hiring hourly at $22 and stopped making the young guys flat rate and shit only got worse. Needless to say my tools are mine and they no longer get handed out. Are the hourly techs just stand around doing nothing now since they don’t have tools.
Pneumatic tools are the way to go if you have an air source. They are cheap, simple, and last forever. Corded electric is next. Cordless should be your last choice unless you have $$$ to burn. Batteries will eventually stop holding a charge, and good luck finding replacements on a seven year old tool. My corded power tools are all over 20 years old and going strong.
PPE and disposables? There was that one pair of gloves. But eye & ear protection is always good. Also for disposables there are lots of universal ones, like wipes and cleaning solutions. Also, didn’t see many brushes or anything to scrape oily dirt & rust.
I have just a craftsman 150 piece set I got from Christmas and so I would need a video for a newbie DIY that is just starting
Im a diy farm kid and I use a husky brand h194mts mechanic tool set for most jobs and a Pittsburgh 32pc wrench set and the mid size tekton combination wrench set, along with the 74pc complete set of 3/8 Dr sae and metric shallow and deep socket set included with the breaker bar in the lid
I would buy Tekton sockets kit everyday over anything ! Just try to do a starter kit with them you would love them
Inflation is so bad this video would have to be made again
I got a free standard m12 ratchet with a purchase of a m12 fuel drill and impact gun kit from ace. Thought that was a good buy and I use it all the time just for home garage use. I don’t know if I would need the power of the fuel ratchet but I’ve never used the fuel ratchet
I have been lucky in my career, married into a mechanic family and learned how to do things the right way. (And the wrong way so I know what is right lol) Left my office position for a mechanic position, never been happier and j got all the tools second hand, but I’m finally going to upgrade to a US General box from harbor freight, with the work hutch, I just fell in love with it
I have mostly Huskey tools and make over $130,000 a year, I still get more Huskey tools. The Huskey speed wrenches are crap though, unless you like stiches.
Not giving your apprentice / new guy a mini pocket pry bar is shooting him in the foot. Everyone needs a mini pocket pry bar.
Bro the price of this shit is crazy a drill and impact set for like 250 bucks in New Zealand a Milwaukee drill and driver set is atleast a grand
Bits are consumables anyway. Just get decent ones (ie not the cheapy bottom basement Harbor Freight pieces)
Never had an oil change wrench fit where I needed it lol
I bought that oil filter you got from Amazon a while ago piece of shit ever. I tried taking off a Toyota filter and it just broke instantly.
That was so cool that you build these boxes and then give them to someone who needs it. I wish I would of found your channel last year, maybe I could of had a chance to win a tool box. You are right, the prices of EVERYTHING has gone up and someone just starting out trying to build out a tool box it is very hard. I just buy a little here and there when I can but more often the things I need or want sit in my cart. Thanks for sharing this video. I am glad you showed that you do not need to spend $4,000-$5,000+ when you are trying to put together a tool set for someone just starting out.
The ball joint tool is unecessary, you already has a sledge hammer..
I think rigid would have been a better choice that lifetime warranty being why
you say buy air powered if u cant afford the electrics ect, air compressors in UK can be £300 up for a 20L. USED.
Considering this was a year ago I highly doubt you will see this, but i’m typing anyways. I am a newly started Lube Tech at Ford and I will be moving up soon and this video actually helps so much. So thank you for sharing this.
Do you not do any of these videos anymore ? And if so can you do one for home
Omg exhaust hanger pliers are so good. Ive spent so long with freakin wd40 and a pry bar on hangers🤦🏻♂️. Got a 20$ plier hangers from amazon and they were good on small ones but not for diesel trucks.
Then got a nice pair and 😍😍
The only guy i trust with a Vice Grip is Derek Bieri
WoW
Outstanding!!!
…..
Good for you Brother, im 44 years old. Cool to see what you are doing. If i had to add anything.
It would be Hawaiian Tropic Pin up girl…..hahahahahahaha yep, im 44
No Brasil fica caro demais , ô tristeza 😢
I follow you from Mauritania, how about you send me some tools as a gift for me to start with cars, the mecanic here in my f…k me so many time, and a start learn everything about cars but sill don’t have any tools.
If you are interested in bringing some joy to the life of one of you’r followers cross the border, just contact me . 0:25 0:29 0:30
Same th9ng in canada is 5k + cant wait to get out of this dump
I really recommend a good line wrench. Proto makes a very great line wrench set for $60 (made in USA). It’s very important that you don’t get a cheap line wrench from harbor freight.
Icon flex head ratchets much better than the husky and a lot closer to snap on highly highly recommended from everyone at my shop
Thank you guys for all the great ideas on this video! I hope it helps you buy tools SMART!!! What else do we need in the collection? Also here is the full list of tools from this video ~ https://bit.ly/4fp4co2
Man … Can this man talk. Wow
How would one nominate someone for consideration to receive a cart set up like this? I believe I have someone that would be perfect. The man that mows my lawn is 17 now but 15 when he started. Damn hard worker, currently in automotive technology trade school and graduates next year. I plan on employing him at the shop that I work at due to him having one of the strongest work ethics I’ve ever seen.
You could go with kivolt. At lowes. For. Impacts and other tools. For. Others tools .. and may be later Milwaukee.
I been collecting tools for a while but i would love a nice tool box and power tools
The Hercules power tools from Harbor Freight are, essentially, Milwaukee with a different battery plug and lower quality control. You also usually get to get an extra power tool for free when you buy the battery. So cheaper and not sacrificing quality much. I had to buy all new tools because mine got stolen so I (unwillingly) went from Dewalt to Hercules. I’ve been pretty happy with the Hercules, surprisingly.
22:08 my European mind thought “ huh? Metric and standard? Metric is standard!”😂
A bearing press needs to be added
For the ratchet I would go for a hyper tough electric ratchet and hyper tough impact it’s good for new mechanics
My father is a lube tech at a ford dealership and I have an impact driver with the 3/8 and 1/2 attachment which I’ve used previously around the house that I started with at that said ford dealership and then just learn what you need and buy as you go honestly
A good punch set is surprisingly helpful.
You need to add a power probe lol
I wish I could help put one of these together
One of, if not the biggest mistakes I made over the course of a 35+ year career was not getting out sooner. In fact, even though I made an excellent living as a mechanic, if I had to do it all over again I 100% would have chosen another career path.
It’s not about just keeping the newer techs off of the tool truck, it’s the toxic culture among the old hands who treat someone like they are worthless and will never amount to anything as a technician if they don’t have tool truck brand tools. I have a pal who literally basis his opinion of fellow mechanics directly on whether they use Snap-On or not.
Yo wsp
Lets do a retiree veterans tech box for $100,000 next 😂
Facebook marketplace is your best friend
Please do one for motorcycle mechanic q
I’m but a very inexperienced DIYer, doing mostly at home brake pad replacements, but the one time I ventured outside of that was to replace the fender well cover on my vehicle, and the thing I found invaluable in helping with that (beyond a set of sockets which you have, and a jack which I assume is dealer-provided), was a $15 Energizer-brand elastic headband headlamp. Sometimes you just need both hands and a light on the problem in a weird spot and a headlamp gets light almost exactly where you’re looking, and for $15 it’s a pretty reasonable price.
The tool I have used the most on completely rounded fasteners is the Channel lock 410 and possibly it’s big brother the 414
Why does VW use the awful triple square bolts!? In the rust belt rust causes a high stripped failure!
Great things that you do 👍