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I'm new, starting as a lube tech, what should my first tools be? (self.askmechanics)

submitted 7 months ago by focusforte to c/[email protected]

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I recently started a job as a lube tech, I'm using shop loaner tools for now but it doesn't have quite everything I need, and I'm going to need to get my own eventually.

What specific things do you recommend a lube tech at a GM dealership making 12.50 an hour full time gets as their first tools? Specific links for specific brand/models would be greatly appreciated!

My first priority is shoes, (Currently rocking some old tennis shoes) My second priority is a power drill, (Currently the other lube tech is sharing his with me) My 3rd priority is a air-chuck, (Currently the other lube tech is sharing his with me, ) My 4th priority is an impact wrench (being affordable is important, but I'm currently borrowing one that is good enough, and I'd rather not go deaf so if I have to spend a little bit more to get something quieter I will)

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[–] over_clox 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

Rule #1 when I was a lube tech, is absolutely no electric tools! All power tools were powered by an air compressor and air tank in the break room.

Yes annoying, but too much risk of fire using electric tools, especially in the pit when changing oil and other fluids.

[–] SendMePhotos 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Wild. I was going to say buy an electric drill. I used a black and decker from menards for a few years as a lube tech to remove all the screws from the skid plates. The tool truck drills were garbage. My black and decker is still going strong on the original batteries and it's been over a decade at least.

[–] over_clox 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Battery powered tools weren't as much of a thing in 2005, but still any and all electric tools pose a potential additional risk of fire, especially near potentially combustible fluids like oil.

I learned this as one of my first jobs working a Texaco oil change shop.