tools

[Rotax Robert]

From what you are saying, you should get a dull chain file and a large hammer...use the dull file to sharpen chain and the large hammer to hit yourself in the head with for posting such a idiotic post.

I will add however that these Diesel lawnmowers you are talking about usually require a rather large wrench, (of which you never own) as for the lawnmowers you are refering to they have been re-named to Bunchers and Processers.

 

[Bill G]

If you are going to be a diesel equipment mechanic you can forget most of the tools you have mentioned. The smallest you will be using on a regular basis is 1/2 drive tools. Start working on a quality 3/4 drive set. You will noy use impacts below 3.4 drive much. You will need to buy a very high quality 3/4 drive impact wrench. Most employers supply 1 inch drive and larger. This is primarily because the last time I checked some of the sockets I need for a dozer Snap-on wanted over $1000. As for tools for working on OPE you have a good start but you will need specialty tools such as a digital tach and a good pressure gauge.

Just my random thoughts that are open for arguement by all

Bill

 

[oakman]

beginner,
if i started to tell you now all the tools i have gathered in 30 years that ''you need'' to work on small engines up through automotive tools, not even getting into diesel/heavy equipment tools, i might finish before this site runs out of server space, but i doubt it................

 

[NevadaWalrus]

Beginner you've got to understand there is a certain degree of lack of confidence in any vo-tech grad. Personally I've never seen one who was worth a darn and I'm sure thats common. That's not to say there is the occasional grad that comes through that works out but the vo-tech mentality of teaching is the root problem.

But to give you the benifit of doubt, yes there are a number specialty tools you'll need. Some gernaral automotive versions willl work, others you need to buy from the manufacture or someone who makes tools for the small engine industry. Some you can make.

If your fingers are nimble but strong, you can get by without a ring compressor for many engines. A standard compressor will not work on 2 cycles because you don't remove it from the top but the bottom. The manufactures have them, they're open on one side so you can get it off past the rod.

Torx drivers are a must. Sthil uses them almost exclusively and they're becoming more common on other brands. A small size set is needed. You need both a compression guage and leak down tester. Make sure to get a compression guage with a small short hose and small guage. The small relative displacement of 2 cycles require a lot of extra cranks to fill an automotive guage and increase the error chance. I'll bet your vo-tech teacher doesn't even know what a leak down tester is but you need it as well. Automotive can be used with care but a lower pressure version will work better and safer on small engines.

There are clutch tools that make removing clutchs easier. You can also make these with old discarded sockets.

The list could go on and on. There will be things you buy or make to use on a specific job just to make it easier when another way is available. Just depends how often you need to do the job that a special tool is needed. You never stop, there's always something else you find you want or need.

 

[cam76034]

I'm sure that R.R. did not intend that post to come across the way it sounded.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly."

Prov. 15:1

 

[Gypo Logger]

You must forgive R&R, his problem is, is that he has absolutely no finesse. He is very hammerfisted and his favourite tools are as follows:
1: 36" Lefthanded Monkey Wrench.
2: Hodad
3: Godevil
4: Shock Peener
5: Cant Hook c/w 16' handle
6: 14" Eager Beaver Chainsaw (Craftsman).
All Roberts tools are made by J.A. Pan.
Gypo

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Beginner

What is your budget?

 

[treeclimber165]

I think what Rotax Robert was trying to point out is the fact that any person capable of fixing small equipment needs to be able to look at something (like a dead chainsaw) and be able to FIGURE OUT what is wrong with it. This type of person would then be able to figure out what to do in order to make this dead saw come back to life. It would also stand to reason that this type person would instinctively know what tools to use in order to do this.

By asking this question, I would assume you needed instruction on how to turn on a light switch and do not believe you would EVER be the type person to be a successful mechanic. Most good mechanics start out by disassembling and reassembling every small engine in their dad's garage, NOT by posting stupid questions about what tools to buy.

 

[Tzed250]

price

If you are going to make a living working on things you better start to get a good idea about what the tools for your proffesion cost. Tools to work on diesels are going to be very high, I remember the first time I looked through the Snap-on Catalog and found the 725IM impact socket set (2 1/2 drive, 25 pieces) for $23,900! Talk to as many people as you can in the field that you want to pursue to find out what they have invested in. Don't hesitate to buy used tools (hand tools only) that are in good condition, they will still have there manufacturers lifetime waranty. I will probably get a huge debate started with this next statement, but it is my opinion. Craftsman tools are good tools, and they are what I started out with. I look at Craftsman tools like I look at "homeowner" saws. Great for ocasional use, and a great value if you keep there intended purpose in mind. But if you are going to make a living with tools you need proffesional grade. Snap-on has a slogan, "there is a difference...". If you use pro grade tools you will see it. Good tools are a lifetime investment. Something that can be passed down to your kids and grandchildren. Choose wisely, and good luck!

 

[Crofter]

Beginners Identity

More than a few of us here feel "Beginner" is not a genuine beginner and is jerking us around. I"d say this is behind the tone of Rotax's reply. For someone coming across the forum casually and not knowing of the existence of multiple personalities here, things would seem a bit weird. Maybe this doesn"t matter. What do y'alls think?

Frank

 

[Fish]

Since you are young, I would strongly recommend going to
college and getting a degree, any degree, first. That opens your
future options in life a hundredfold.
Graduating from a Vocational School gives very little advantage
benefit from the amount of time you have invested.

 

[Tony Snyder]

beginner, If you have never worked on a saw as you stated, and may never, why bother us.

Surely you can find some diesel forum to screw up.

 

[daveb]

It scares me to think he would one day be working on my $16,000 Cat 550, and pay him for it.

 

[dbabcock]

When I was a teenager, I used to buy "homeowner" tools like Craftsman and Black and Decker. These served me OK and I was proud of having my own tools, but I also remember quickly finding out how much time and effort I had to spend keeping them "tuned up" and working as opposed to my dad's tools that seemed to need much less. Dad's tools also lasted longer even though they were older and were used more frequently.

I guess having lower grade tools was better than having no tools at all, but as I grew older, wiser and made more money, I found myself gradually replacing the homeowner tools with pro tools. I don't use my tools to make a living, but not having them break or go out of alignment frequently is certainly a plus. You get what you pay for and if you're going to use your tools to make a living, then you'll quickly find out that time equals money as well.

Get the best stuff you can afford. You'll be glad you did.

Oh yeah, I did notice the time of my good friend Robert's post. That would explain half of it. The other half is that he might just be correct. Here's a link to the very first reply he made to one of my threads:

http://207.44.158.62/~admin4/showthread.php?threadid=2627


And one more thing, Beginner. Don't end up being some kind of hosehead here. If you want to know something legitimate, then ask, but don't play stupid in one post, then an expert in the next.
People get tired of that crap real quick.

 

[NevadaWalrus]

Beginner, there's an old adage. Those who can, do, those who can't, teach. A good diesel mechanic makes far more then any vo-tech teacher. If he was any good he'd still be doing it.

 

[earache]

beginner, to start I am flabergasted with the way you have been treated. I must apologize for all of us that do not want to turn someone away for asking a very legitimate question. I have been working on diesel semis, log loaders, hydraulics, and processors for 10 years now. I also work on chainsaws, weed trimmers, outboards, lawnmowers, and whatever else runs on gas or diesel, but I am a diesel technician by trade. You will definitely need a good selection of allen wrenches, t-handles, and sockets, standard and metric. Same goes for Torx, t-handles, and sockets. Get a good 1/4 drive swivel, and good 1/4 drive ratchet. I started with craftsman screwdriver, and have since switched to snap-on, although I personally feel that Matco makes the best screwdrivers. Craftsman screwdrivers are not good enough in my environment. Socket sets I have are almost exclusively Craftsman. Price, warranty. Period. Some I must get from a tool dealer, since Sears does not make all I need. You will also need a good pick set. Buy a good punch and chisel set. Snap-on, Matco, Mac. If you buy cheap, you will only upgrade later on the punches and chisels. As far as wrenches and ratchets, Craftsmans professional line has proved very durable, comfortable, and reliable in the ratchets and wrenches. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me if you have any other questions regarding tools, or any other questions, since it seems you can not do it on here.
daveb, I work on 100,000 to 400,000 processors, and have never been to school for them, yet when they leave they are ready to go back to work, in a reasonable time. Isn't that something.
We were all beginners once!!!!!!

 

[NevadaWalrus]

Beginner, here's a suggestion. Try your hardest to find a local shop who is willing to take you in as a trainee. Part time, low pay, whatever. In shop experience under the guidence of an experienced repair person is by far the best education you can get. There is no substitution for real world experience. Listen, learn from your mistakes and keep a high level of enthusiasm.

 

[eyolf]

Beginner's use of english almost sounds like someone who grew up speaking another language. Granted, that is possible coming from Louisiana, with a small number of people down there still speaking a creole patois.

I've been to Vo-tech school. It didn't hurt me any, but then I must also admit that I'm not using my certificates for anything, either. Be that as it may, I feel that vocational ed has a place. The kid with a burning desire to learn some skills his parents can't introduce him to must start somewhere.

The trouble is that a lot of the kids coming out of vo-tech schools have no burning desire for anything except a chance to party and meet other kids. I know about that, too, as I was there...

Our friend hasn't specifically said he's going to a Vo-tech, but even if at a high school or ag school level, he should be learning about the tools of the trade at the same time as he learns about the trade. For that reason, I side with those who think we're being jacked here. Rotax has it about right this time.

One last thing: I have some craftsman stuff in my toolboxes, along with many other names. I feel it is about as strong and sturdy as anybody else makes, but I also feel that it is less "handy". Snap-on is about the sexiest I've got, but I like the feel of one old Indestro socket set I have too.

 

[shoot501]

$4000. wont even buy a quality set of boxes, expect to pay at least $20,000 for a pro set of mechanic tools. Been there, done that, didn't like it.

 

[Bill G]

Nevada,

You sure seem to have a real dislike for teachers and vocational education. Where does this come from ? We have all heard the saying you mentioned and in some cases it may be true but that is not fair to those who know what the hell they are doing and enjoy working with others. The local community college hired a local mechanic to teach in their auto program. He was one of the most intelligent and knowledable meachanics around. When he retired the program closed. As for the pay difference I can tell you from first hand experience that most are paid moderately. The auto instructors at another college start out at $45,000 for a 170 day contract. There are very few mechanics making that here. You can bash education and teachers but if we lose technical and career education the country will slip even lower than it is now. I have fought this fight for years and I will still. I just hope you never are elected to a school board with your tunnel vision and one sided views.

Bill