[old fords]

Today me and dad went and bought the tools for my diesel mechanics program. They ended up costing $1225. Here is what I got
Cougar 1/4 inch socket set sae
Cougar 1/4 inch socket set metric
cougar 3/8 socket set sae
cougar 3/8 socket set metric
cougar 1/2 socket set sae
cougar 1/2 socket set metric
wright tool 6 piece screwdriver set
wright tools hack saw
otc 18inch jimmy bar
4 sets of elkind hex keys
3 piece channellock pliers set
wright metric and standard nutdriver sets
ball peen hammer
wright metric and standard combination wrenches
3 piece wright adjustable wrench set
mayhew punch set
new tape measure
irwin 5 piece vise grips set
robin air ac gauges
es automotive multitester
It took all my savings plus $300 to get. I have been saving and am glad to finally get them so I can start college next week

[dmc12mk3]

Nice list.


I don't see a diesel timing meter or diesel compression gauge though, is that supplied for your classes?

//I only point them out because when I started fooling around with the 6.2's these were the first things I had to have in order to see what was going on with the motor.

[old fords]

the school will supply the specialty tools

[oldschoolrods]

Looks like a good start i was in your position a couple of years ago. Another thing to check into is most of the "pro" tools (mac snap on matco) offer a vo-tech discount. I'm not suggesting going overboard with that but what I did if I needed a particular tool, I tried to buy it from one of the above 3.

A couple of suggested additions.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

These don't look like much but are great for lining up the holes in covers

This set of prybars or atleast one of this type.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

You will find so many uses for these, from yanking electronic injectors to pulling out seals.


Good luck to you. You won't regret it. And don't limit yourself to just trucks work on anything you can get your hands on at school. I started in diesel, ended up in stand by generators. But one thing is for sure my toolbox collection has grown considerably since school.

[old fords]

I will get more specalized tools as things go along and money allows. Right now I am out of cash. I might have $10 in change lol.

[oldred]

Originally Posted by oldschoolrods

A couple of suggested additions.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

These don't look like much but are great for lining up the holes in covers

This set of prybars or atleast one of this type.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog


Good luck to you. You won't regret it. And don't limit yourself to just trucks work on anything you can get your hands on at school. I started in diesel, ended up in stand by generators. But one thing is for sure my toolbox collection has grown considerably since school.

I second both of those suggestions especially the pry bars, some guys might tend to choke up at the Snap-On price for that set but they ARE worth every penny when the going gets tough! I know you said you are spent out now but in the future when you need to increase your set things like those pry bars are a good example of an item that it pays to spend the extra money on to get the best. Also that awl and hook set is unbelievably handy and should be in everyone's box.

[NEW INTERIORS]

Originally Posted by old fords

Today me and dad went and bought the tools for my diesel mechanics program. They ended up costing $1225.
It took all my savings plus $300 to get. I have been saving and am glad to finally get them so I can start college next week

They will pay for them self later..Remember...If your not spending money,Your not making money..When I first open my fitness club,I had to spend so much money every month to make it grow.. I saw a lot gone out, But there was even more coming in.. So always remember,You have to spend some to make some..Good luck with your college.It will all pay off in the long run..You will see,And you will look back at what you said here in laugh..

[dmc12mk3]

Originally Posted by old fords

the school will supply the specialty tools

Good deal. Sounds like you are on a pretty good path and even if you end up in another line of work entirely, knowing how to turn some wrenches like you're planning will always prove to be handy.

[oldred]

Originally Posted by dmc12mk3

even if you end up in another line of work entirely, knowing how to turn some wrenches like you're planning will always prove to be handy.

Plus he will have a VERY nice set of "hobby" tools!

[bobjob]

once you get into the business ,, you never are done buying tools.. they get addicting ..you buy more every 2-3 weeks....even if you don't need them..... ...

[Kevin45]

Originally Posted by old fords

Today me and dad went and bought the tools for my diesel mechanics program. They ended up costing $1225. Here is what I got
Cougar 1/4 inch socket set sae
Cougar 1/4 inch socket set metric
cougar 3/8 socket set sae
cougar 3/8 socket set metric
cougar 1/2 socket set sae
cougar 1/2 socket set metric
wright tool 6 piece screwdriver set
wright tools hack saw
otc 18inch jimmy bar
4 sets of elkind hex keys
3 piece channellock pliers set
wright metric and standard nutdriver sets
ball peen hammer
wright metric and standard combination wrenches
3 piece wright adjustable wrench set
mayhew punch set
new tape measure
irwin 5 piece vise grips set
robin air ac gauges
es automotive multitester
It took all my savings plus $300 to get. I have been saving and am glad to finally get them so I can start college next week

Great start on tools, but just figure that if you are seriously going to pursue diesel repair on a fulltime basis, that $1200+ is going to seem like pocket change over the years. Both of my nephews are diesel mechanics and started with their dad when they were little. They have been aquiring tools ever since and now are into it for close to six figures. Between both nephews and their dad, you'd probably be looking at close to $400,000+ in equipment if not more Then again, all three are John Deere specialist along with working on heavy equipment and Big Rigs. They pretty much don't have to buy anything else to get anything done.

So as you go along in life, buy what you can, when you can, because you will need it on down the road. Now all you have to do is start shopping for that 96" Snap-On tool box.