Building the Ultimate Beginner Mechanic Tool Box For UNDER $2500

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 box for under $2500. 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!

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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.

[kidken]

I remember when i first started wrenching at a motorcycle dealership i walked in with one small briefcase looking tool set and 1 breaker bar. Now 3 years later I have a good tool box with about x5 the tools i started with and no snap on debt LOL

[damienc]

As a young man who doesn't have a dad or guidance this Really helps point me in the right direction.
Thank you for your time & Knowledge Humble Mechanic. Keep it up

[Wipsplash]

Bought 200 dollars worth of tools and tool box brand new and worked at a motorcycle dealership for years and did very well. I also worked at a car dealership from the same toolbox for years. Point is you definitely don't need expensive stuff to pursue your career. Work on your craft and talent, don't worry about expensive tools.

[dylanlatimer]

A couple really good tips I found in buying tools:

- Japanese tools from Koken, Engineer, Nepros, Vessel, etc are as good and often times even better than their snap on equivalents and priced fairly. Typically a Japanese tool is a third to a tenth of the price of its Snap On equivalent. Warranty claims can be hit or miss, but Koken does have a facility in Massachusetts and they handle replacements. That said, I haven't needed any replacements for any of my Japanese tools.

- Gearwrench punches way above their price range in terms of quality. Their ratcheting tools are top notch and Home Depot will typically replace the tool under lifetime warranty even if you didn't buy it from them.

- Pawn shops are full of old American made tools and they'll typically negotiate way below their listed prices since they take in such a high volume of old tools. I put together an old Craftsman socket set and paid 5 bucks for a 12 socket set that I use almost daily.

[gjrewwwowow]

The only thing I would recommend adding is a gasket scrapper and a punch and chiesel set.

[drivingacrossamerica]

I lost all my tools in a house fire 2-18-2022. I will say that it’s no fun buying all the tool’s again. Remembering when I first bought them and how excited I was doesn’t happen twice. It warms my heart to see someone who is helping other out. Sure it’s not the same, but it is in many ways. I know whoever ends up with this will definitely be stoked! Thanks for helping out the future, and keep up the great work. New subscriber here and love the channel

[BobbyLide]

I'm a DIYer and am still learning. Since I didn't really have someone to ask how to do things, I tended to break stuff... like bolts, or round off nuts trying to get them off. Maybe this isn't an issue for young technician but I would think the set would need a set of extractors. Also, I have a small propane torch I use all the time. Again, maybe shops provide real torches so it's not needed but I certainly benefited a lot once I got it. I actually wish I had seen something like this video 5 years ago when I started my adventures.

[neiljohnston]

I've worked as a mechanic for close to 10 years. Great video! A couple things I'd recommend for newer technicians is to look at used tools when starting out to save money. Something I think that is very important is using 6 point sockets. I work in an area where rust is prone and 12 point sockets/ wrenches can easily round fasteners.

[ScannerDanner]

Thanks Charles for doing this! Helping others is what it's about! Merry Christmas

[fiji]

Thanks Charles, I’m only 15 years old but have started wrenching on cars. I’m a little underage of course but I do most of it at home. Cars and off-roading. I have been taking you videos into recommendation. Building my setup at home next to my mothers. Keep up the great work.

[TechScottBrown]

This is so cool, we have just hired a second apprentice and although we’ve already begun assembling a tool kit, this video will be a great reference. I’ve been eyeing these boxes every time I walk through Home Depot. Thanks for this Charles!

[Dunwelll]

From a guy on the autobody side (I won't hold poking fun at us against you 😉) thanks for all you!

[spsupra]

We used to own 2 collision shops, I came up with the same idea a few years for new techs in training. We would front the cost and if the tech stayed with us for a certain amount of time it was theirs to keep. It ended up working out great!

[byronnlangley]

I’m an electrician, this is a good set for a young mechanic. It’s good to see some of the seniors helping out the younger guys. I have used the General roller box before and loved it. I’m a DIY mechanic for my own vehicles and like some of the things your showing especially the scan tool I have never used anything but a basic OBDII scan tool.

[red.dawggg]

Keep an eye out on the 308 piece craftsman set. It goes on sale at ace hardware/lowes for 199-249 and it all comes in plastic trays meant for a toolbox. The sockets come with some of the bigger sizes (up to 24mm and 22m in 3/8) its one of the best starter sets in my opinion for the pricepoint if you can snag it on sale

[sonorangaming]

The only thing I can think of to add right now is snap ring pliers. They aren't needed often, but when they are, they are great! Oh, and a spark plug gapper, and feeler gauge set.

Everything else is awesome. I'm not an apprentice, but i do tend to do a lot of work on my own vehicles, be it 2 wheels or 4. My buddy, however, has been a diesel mechanic for going on 20 years, and he has helped me out a lot. There were things I was going to suggest, like the $15 light, then you happen to mention it. It's be a great drop light, and got a ton of use when rebuilding my front end.

You are also correct about having the right tool, vs something that will work.
I had to modify a 4 pin spindle nut socket into a 2 pin because no one in town had the one I needed, and ordering it would take too long. Also, no one had the correct size socket to take of the nut for my bottom ball joint. I had to buy the biggest channellock type pliers I could to get the best grip on that nut. It was a PITA, but worked. Having the right socket would have saved alot of time.

[BarlyHmn]

Just started building my kit got hired as a diesel tech for GSE maintenance at an airport this video has really helped me out to see what I need and price points although I made a goof my first week and bought a SNAPON air impact for $650 off the truck but this video has helped me learn my lesson

[terrydavis]

a tool i think is a must have for a new tech is hose pliars, the $15, 3 piece set from Harbor Freight are great, (Long Reach Hose Grip Pliers), they help out a ton, there are nicer ones on the market, but for $15 they cant be beat for a beginner. mine get used almost daily.

[packrcch]

a professional mechanic must have their own tools and some garages give a tool purchase sign-up bonus that is more than $2500, but you may be restricted to buying expensive brands like snap-on and matco.
i used to sit down with the big sears catalog when i was a kid and go from one end to the other and make a big list of everything that i wanted to buy. it was fun to dream about buying stuff even if i might never use it. the women's underwear pages were fun too...

[adamv]

That's a very nice beginner set and whoever ends up with it will be off to a great start. One thing I'd recommend (I'm sure everyone watching this video will have an opinion on 'just one more thing') would be the Gearwrench 3680 serpentine belt tool set. It's a great value at $60 and has applications far beyond just serp belts.

Also 100% agree on the Allen wrenches. Nearly always prefer a bit socket.
Also don't need a fancy multimeter, just something basic or even just a 12v test light at first.