In the world of mechanics, you have to have tools to succeed. I see new lube technicians come in all the time and I’ll let them use my tools for a while but I always tell them they should invest in their own tools eventually because you can’t be a mechanic without tools. On the other hand, I have also seen new lube technicians come in and spend all of their paycheck on different tools, some of which they don’t even need. So, let’s look at the essentials that every new lube technician should have:
Ratchet & Socket Sets:
Old school mechanics will tell you that most of what you’ll need are a few good sets of different size ratchets and sockets to get jobs done, and they would be right. Of course, new age mechanics would rather use impacts more than ratchets when possible, but technically a good pair of different size ratchets and socket sets will do just fine to start off with.
A 3/8″ ratchet and 3/8 socket set will be the best to start off with. 1/4″ and 1/2″ sets will definitely be needed in the future but for now 3/8″ sets will be your friend. As far as sockets go, most of today’s nuts and bolts are used in the metric system (started roughly in 1978). I have one set of standard sockets just in case but for the most part all my sockets are metric. You’ll be needing anywhere from 6mm upwards of 21mm for drain plugs and different nuts and bolts. Make sure the set doesn’t skip in between sizes and all the sizes are there. You’ll also want to find sockets that are shallow and deep well. Here’s a list of a few good ratchet and socket sets:
Oil Filter Wrench:
As a lube technician you are going to be changing a lot of oil and you will definitely need an oil filter wrench for taking oil filters off. They come in different sizes and here are a few good ones:
If you are going to be working on a lot of different vehicles, you’ll also need oil filter cups for taking off canister filters. You can simply connect the cups to a socket. Here are a few selections of oil filter cups:
Other Essential Tools:
For the most part, a racket and socket set with a good oil filter wrench and some cups will be perfect for starting out. Let’s go over a few more things you will need as essentials:
- Small Flashlight – You’ll be using this daily.
- Tire Tread Depth Tool – You’ll be checking tire tread depth a lot.
- Magnet – You’re going to be dropping a lot of stuff and a magnet will save you.
- Brake Measuring Tool: You will need this until you get used to brake pad sizes.
- Pick Set – you will want a pick set for getting clips and getting in small areas.
- 3/8 electric impact – good for quickly changing batteries and taking panels off.
- 1/2 air impact – your job should have one for you to start with for tire lug nuts.
Conclusion:
We have covered the essentials that you’ll definitely need to start your new career as a lube technician. Of course, you may need other things like an oil drain bucket and stuff like that but I would hope that whatever dealership or shop you are working at would provide that stuff like my dealership did. Try to avoid spending thousands on tools from the tool trucks at first, these tools listed on amazon work perfect for the beginner.
