Building a Beginner Mechanic Tool Cart UNDER $1500

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 cart for under $1500. 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!

~~~~ Love the Show? ~~~~

~~~~ Recommended Tools ~~~~
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

~~~~ Playlists ~~~~

~~~~ Be sure to follow me at ~~~~

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]

Here are links to some of the stuff I use

[not-a-raccoon]

Best advice I ever received when I was starting out was "Buy cheap tools at first. When one breaks, replace it with a high quality tool. That shows that you use it enough to spend money on a replacement."

[vrswp]

Pro Tip: Ask the harbor freight manager if they have any scratch / dent carts. I got one exactly like the one shown in this video for $165. It was a customer return due to a pretty big scratch (on the back, where it won’t show

[Tacticaldogcatcher]

The only other thing I would suggest for a fresh off the street tech would be a tire inflator with a gauge. As a new tech 1/3 of the initial jobs will be tire related. Mostly tire repairs and rotations. A good inflation tool is often overlooked but essential.

[daytonobearle]

I’m a sophomore in high school going into my junior year and I really couldn’t decide what I wanted to do, I have had tons of experience working on trucks and this video just boosted me to become a mechanic even more.

[OmnieStar]

I don't think most people realize just how much a life can be changed by someone who knows what they are doing, spending a somewhat small amount of money compared to how much they will spend, on tools / paints / computer parts, whatever it is they are helping with. Getting them started in the craft. Love this. Im looking around trying to get my head around what tools i should get as I can only buy like 1-2 things a month that are around $30 a piece "or one thats $60ish" and videos like this are amazing. Ty for your effort.

[jacobormsby]

As for the torque wrenches, Project Farm did some pretty extensive testing on those and they ended up towards the top so to get started they are perfect.

[mikemuzzell]

It’s exciting to see a dealer build a starter kit to get a apprentice going. Good on you guys.

[ForfeMac]

When I went to school for diesel tech a little over 10 years ago, I bought an 800-something piece husky set for $600, a 32 inch craftsman toolbox off craigslist for $100, and an IR 2135 for $200. Fill in some odds and ends and I spent about $1k on my shit, versus everyone else in my class who spent multiple thousands on tool truck stuff, at least a quarter of who either flunked out or quit within the first year. A few of my classmates would give me shit about my store brand tools, but I got just as much work done as they did, and had the luxury of being able to walk away from it all with only $1k in the hole vs $10k.
Once I settled in and new I liked what I did, I splurged on better ratchets and wrenches, and a fancy tool box, because those husky wrenches suck and the box was too small.

[michaelandcolinspop]

Awesome video. I was a maintenance officer at an air logistics center for my first active duty assignment where we did periodic inspections, teardowns, and repairs of planes. One of the coolest things with the job was talking to the union mechanics about their tools and watching how they used them. I learned a ton. The center provided each guy a complete set of Snap On with a roll-away that they moved from plane to plane and, because of tool accountability rules (for obvious reasons), they couldn’t customize anything. I always marveled at seeing a new guy get his tools for the first time. It was like Christmas for those young mechanics.

[aidan-]

For sockets and wrenches, the tekton sets are probably the best combo of quality, price, warranty, and quality.

[LMacNeill]

When my son decided to go to school to learn to be an Automotive Technician, I told him I'd contribute $1K to his first toolbox after he graduates. This looks like a superb way to spend that money. I know he already has some of these tools -- part of the tuition for the school covers some basic tools that the students get to keep when they graduate. But still -- this is a great example of what to buy for a beginner, and we can add to it from there. I love it!!

Definitely bookmarking this video for future reference (he's got another 6 months or so left before graduation). Thanks!

[randombuilds]

Tekton sockets, ratchets and wrenches are pretty good for the price. I really like the no skip 1/2" set. 10mm-38mm with no skips for under $100. I used them daily for 3 months in a dealership and still use them at home. It's not a long test, but the warranty is easy, send a pic of the broken tool and they mail a new one.

[vrmmpsshhh]

You hit the nail on the head. I do this same thing when I hired a new tech who is fresh in the field. I remember being green and no tools in the express lube. Had to rack up a bill quick. I said nope I won’t let a new tech go thru that. I buy most of the stuff from HF unless it’s a euro specific tool and after a year of being with us then I give it to him. Worse case scenario is I keep the tools for the next guy or for me. You know we never say no to more tools hahaha

[hankbizzle]

I've actually just started as a vehicle tech, I used to be an Aircraft technician in the RAF and all tools were supplied. Had to buy everything for my new job. Buying tools is quite addictive 😄

[mully]

I would add the $40 side table for the HF cart, it is super useful. They also sell bumpers and a glove box holder that are magnetic. I think some lights would be useful as well.

[Rickie-]

knipex pliers are by FAR my favourite tool. For well under $100, it'll be worth every penny for a beginner

[keltecshooter]

This is an excellent kit for a young tech . The ICON split beam is actually quite a nice torque wrench that I got for myself a while ago and has held up well.

[garyzykowski]

I would recommend getting "magnetic tool holders/strips" or whatever they are called. You could get all the wrenches organized on the inside of the lid saving space.

[diablalexfull]

Love the idea of building this set for the new guy.
1. encourage the people to start
2. saves them money and headache
3. they already have the minimum and is somewhat reliable so theres no excuses or bothering people around of common tools