Tool Quantity over Tool Quality!

Sharing my thought's and opinions to my first year mechanics and why I recommend Quantity over Quality Mechanic Tool's your first year as an Automotive Technician.

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GEARWRENCH 243 Pc. 12 Pt. Mechanics Tool Set in 3 Drawer Storage Box - 80972:
GEARWRENCH 34 Pc. 12 Pt. Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set, Standard & Stubby, SAE/Metric - 85034:
GEARWRENCH 20 Pc. Phillips/Slotted/Torx Screwdriver Set, Dual Material Handles - 80066:
GEARWRENCH Adjustable Height Mobile Work Table 35 To 48" - 83166:
GEARWRENCH 17 Pc. Gear Box 12 Pt. XL Double Box Ratcheting Wrench Set, Metric - 85989:
GEARWRENCH Professional Ultra-Thin Flex-Head Work Light, 500 Lumen, 12-1/2" - 83135:
GEARWRENCH 7 Pc. Hook & Pick Set - 84000D:
GEARWRENCH 4 Pc. Door Panel Remover Set - 84060:
GEARWRENCH 3 Pc. Push Button Tongue and Groove Plier Set - 82118:
GEARWRENCH 12 Pc. Punch and Chisel Set - 82305:
GEARWRENCH "1/2" Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle 25-250 ft/lbs. - 85079:
GEARWRENCH Portable Jobsite Bluetooth Speaker and Radio - 86997:
GEARWRENCH 14 Pc. 3/8" Drive 6 Point Mid-Length Socket Set, Metric - 80554S:
GEARWRENCH 3 Pc. Double-X Hose Grip Plier Set - 82107:
GEARWRENCH Men's Full-Zip Heated Hoodie with Battery (Black, S):
GEARWRENCH 6 Pc. Oil Canister Socket Set Service Kit - 41890:
GEARWRENCH 5 Pc. 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket Set, 80601:
GEARWRENCH 3 Pc. 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Drive 90 Tooth Dual Material Locking Flex Head Ratchet Set - 81298T, Multi, One Size:
Lang 972 40 Piece Fractional and Metric Thread Restorer Kit:

[KoonTrucking]

Very good points in this video. We have all been there with all of these decisions

[uncannyswag]

Cannot go wrong with gearwrench great selection and prices

[bryanfuentez]

When I used to work as a flat rate lube tech for a Chevrolet dealer. All I had was my basic craftsman set, Pittsburg impact sockets, black and decker mid-size 1/4in impact bit set from target, Milwaukee brush first gen 1/4in impact driver & first gen 3/8 ratchet, instead of buying an oil filter socket set, I went down to oreilly’s and bought the two GM specific shallow socket sizes 27mm/32mm (sold by the oil), and my small craftsman stand up tool box that my brother gave me to put it all in (had the smallest box at dealership) but made just as many hours as the senior lube techs. The only two major things I bought off the trucks were a cornwell 1/2 impact (re-branded Ingersoll Rand), and blue point digital tire inflator. Those two tools were important for speed and accuracy. Never be to proud to buy the cheaper stuff. It’s all about what your bank accounts says at the end of the day.

[georgeferlazzo]

Hello again Justin

Thank you, Thank you. It's almost like you've ease dropped on me having this very conversation with New Aircraft Mechanic's. I think you may have said it better!! Again thank you for a little common sense.

[michealrobinson]

Totally agree! I started out with a $300 3 piece craftsman box a 150pcs craftsman tool kit and a few other odds and ends. Half my drawers were empty lol but it worked till I could upgrade to better ratchets, then wrenches, and a new box. So on and so on. Ain't gotta go broke right off the bat

[realrandom]

I learned to weld when I was 13 years old with scrap rusty 1/8 plate .On a Oxy acetylene torch in high skewl that I cut with a 1990s disc grinder... with a questionable blade. Most likely the one used for grindin". not cuttin". Nevr the less .. My teacher threw a piece of cloth hanger in my hand as said weld this The next 4 years where spend torch cutting and stick welding on a 50s Miller buzz box, that had the dial amp setting .. which was the best.

[juanolivera]

My first set was a Stanley and I broke that ratchet the first week, had my snap on ratchet now for about 2 years everyday use best ratchet ever, harbor freight ratchet lasted about a year for me

[mpb]

As far as 1/4 inch sockets are concerned, I’m still using Pittsburgh’s. I find no use in getting expensive ones because you aren’t really impacting them for the most part. For 3/8, I use blue power sockets, which is cornwells off brand, and for 1/2, I’ve got all matco sockets, all are impact sockets. I’ve been in the auto trade professionally for 5 years now, and have never broken a single socket. I remember growing up with cheap stuff and breaking them all the time. Nothing sucks worse than using a cheap ratchet, putting all your strength into it, and having the teeth break, and punching your hand into something in the engine bay.

[thebackwoodsmechanic]

I had Snap On, Mac, SK, Proto, and was forced into making a hard personal decision where I found myself selling them all but replacing them with cheaper tools too make my money. Having 5 times more for the same cost with dozens of warranty options worked out fine. Certain things I would prefer having top quality tools for but that depends on the jobs.
1 good set of ratchets, 1 good set of wrenches are essential but I've continued making money without issues for years on Gearwrench, older Craftsman, Tekton but I did leave the independent shop for different trades

[wethenorth]

bro i did quantity over quality and it helped me see the difference when i started over 10 years ago as a tech.

[DaleLucid]

I've always liked your approach to the subject JD. I also like your presentation of the subject matter. It's really difficult to verbalize effectively without involving arguments. Nicely done.

[josephduncan]

I made the mistake of getting balls deep in snap on when I first got into the industry 5yrs ago and I am regretting it now.

[bryansenulis]

When I started 18 years ago I bought a huge kit at Sears for like 1200.00. I still use or have half of it today...yes 12 point chrome socket blew up with impact yes broke breaker bar bc put 6 foot cheater pipe ...but broke just as many snap on tools

[tastyculls]

Thanks for pumping out the useful knowledge consistently. Hope you're feeling better Justin

[davidscott]

Got some Olsa, Sunex, Tekton, Capri, Proto, S-K, Gearwrench, Power Torque, Harbor Freight Pittsburg but most complete set (wrenches & sockets) is mid 80’s Craftsman. I misplaced my 1/2 Craftsman ratchet working on control arm bushings so bought a HF Pittsburg ratchet and the selector switch kept slipping -a POS. Later found the Craftsman stuck inside my cheater bar pipe.

[zgel]

I believe that you should buy quality tools for what your specialty is. For example if your specialty is electrical then buy a good Fluke meter. If you are a engine guy quality sockets and ratchets quality. Because those tools will be high use for you and you want a decent warranty without the hassle.

[RenegadesGarage]

Justin Dow... I agree with you bro.. Love all the videos it gives me something to do in between working on bikes.

[chefshadetree]

I kinda disagree with upgrading. But then I didn't start out with the cheap of the cheap only because I had a dad that had a mix mash of all brands of tools. Snap-on, Mac, Craftsman, S&K, whatever. But when I first got my first set of tools it was Craftsman. A gift from my dad, still have half the set. My dad has his original 1/4 set that he bought in the 50's, Craftsman. I used that same set other than having a newer ratchet it's still great. Then when I actually started buying my own tools I went out and bought the complete Craftsman set. Never really up graded to more expensive tools and still make money with them and zero payments. I did actually buy a couple Snap-on ratchets only because I like their length over what most brands have to offer. If you initially buy a good decent set of tools you will never have to "upgrade", really just add to your collection.

[baron]

I agree to a point, I wouldn't want to start with the cheapest of the cheap. I had a lot of those garbage socket sets you used to get for $10 at auto parts stores, rounded off so many bolts, broke so many sockets. Make sure your tools are good enough to where the manufacture will put their name on each piece. I threw out every unnamed tool I had, went to swap meets to fill in socket set/wrench set gaps with decent tools. When I break or wear out a tool I upgrade to the best I can afford.

I'm only a home mechanic but I have almost everything now without spending a lot of money.

Definitely do research on specialty tools, a lot of cheap versions of those have been frustrating wastes of money.

[bobbygarrett]

Thanks Justin, Great Video and stellar advice for the younger tech’s.