Building the ULTIMATE $3500 Mechanic Tool Box - Perfect for Beginners and DIYers

Buying tools as a new mechanic or a DIYer can be scary. Car Repair tools are VERY 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 or a DIYER tool box for under $3500. This is enough tools to get someone started working on cars. Then im going to give it away to one lucky tech school student!

Thank you to @WD-40Brand and @TechForceFoundation for partnering with us on this video

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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.

[HumbleMechanic]

If you want to see some other tool videos with lower budgets, see below :

[markm]

This just reminds me how much I have invested in tools. What a time to be alive.

[thedumbapple]

Mobile mechanic truck box?

Great vid, almost nothing better than a whole video of tool unboxing lol

[SeanBZA]

The tool bag is very good though for the car tools, which are very often the thing that gets you out of a bind. Also useful when you are at home or out doing DIY, as it can hold a lot of tools for small jobs. Well worth using, saving you from either not having a screwdriver or pliers on the road, or to carry stuff when at home.

[stevejohnson]

I've had my Klein cutters for nearly 20 years, still perfect. I cut nails screws just about anything with em and they still work perfectly. Spend the money once, for life.

[aroarlan]

I absolutely love these videos, i am a mechanic myself but have been stuck with a husky tool set, I don't make enough money to load up a cart like this because of how expensive things are, but I love seeing you build them!

I think it would be pretty cool to see a motorcycle mechanic setup.

[klevenayers]

I'm starting my automotive career this month, and these videos have been super helpful for me to get an idea of what I should be buying to fill out my box. Thank you!

[Saw_Squatch]

For the cheap shop multimeter I highly recommend the fluke 101. $40-50 for a fluke that you can fit in your shirt pocket, auto ranging and super clean UI and display makes doing basic continuity/resistance testing a breeze.

[redgts]

The $200 HF Tool Carts are a great value for lots of things. I have a red one that lives on my back patio. It sits next to my BBQ Smoker and it holds all my gloves, temp probes, aluminum foil, and all my other BBQ tools & stuff.

I’m using another one to build an auto detail cart. Electric pressure washer mounted to the lower shelf, and all my detail crap in the drawers. When it’s time to wash a car, just roll the whole cart outside, hook up water & electric and I’m ready to go

[jacoblittle]

For a flashlight I have liked what NEBO has been putting out. Very bright, rechargeable, high quality

[aringrace]

I've been playing both of your other videos on repeat while planning out my set up, this is a huge help thank you.

[jacksonkillilea]

A race style pit box would be a cool build. More niche but could be cool to see a box set up with the essentials to survive a weekend at the track.

[rustywater]

For cheap stuff:
Flexible magnet / grabber, fuel line separator tool, spark plug gap tool
Spring pilot hole tools come in handy when you can't get a hammer in there

[jameshaulenbeek]

When I started (locomotive/railroad mechanic), I was working out of an old, handheld Kennedy box. I had one of the cheaper Crafstman box setups on layaway. That was back in 2010.

I *just* bought a much nicer, larger Craftsman lower box. It was a LONG time coming.

[johnm]

Manual vacuum pump. For the DIYer without access to a power brake bleeder. Handy for testing something that's supposed to move when there's vacuum.

[Fedwrench]

Gearwrench refers to the long nose pliers with two pivot points as "Double X". I would consider a set of oil filter cartridge sockets since many late model cars have internal cartridge oil filters. Coast makes some very bright, very durable rechargeable flashlights that won't break the bank. I would also add some Astro impact swivel sockets as they are a bargain and increase productivity.
What I like most about these videos, is you keep the new tech off of the tool truck starting out. Great job!!!!

[Xerthedragon]

I have a Milwaukee 2010R pen light! More expensive then the one you showed, but it is rechargable, battery life has been good too. Has a rubber end so you can bite down on it to hold in your mouth and free up your hands when needed, and it has a laser pointer so you can use it to point out problem areas to customers or service advisors

[vinnyboombatz]

Your next video should be a tool box tour compilation. It'd be pretty cool to see how people organize their tools

[turbro]

Been changing oil for almost 2 years this has been the most expensive job I’ve ever had I get underpaid for the amount of oil changes I got to do and every paycheck I be buying tools from harbor freight it never ends I’ve spend thousands already I haven’t been able to save up any money I don’t have nice car or a nice gaming setup or even nice quality tools when I use to work at a fast food place I was able to save $10k