g/apprentice • Posted by u/grease_monkey_jr • 1 days ago

What tools should a first-year buy vs wait to buy?

Starting a diesel tech apprenticeship next month. Shop will provide some tools but I'm supposed to buy my own basic hand tools. My budget is about $800.

What should I prioritize buying vs. waiting to see if I actually need it? I don't want to blow my budget on things that sit in a drawer.

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u/wrench_monkey • 1 days ago

For diesel tech basics: combo wrench set (metric and SAE, get Gearwrench — don't cheap out on wrenches), ratchet set (3/8" drive minimum, add 1/2" drive later), screwdrivers (quality flat and Phillips, a set of 8 is fine), pliers (regular, needle nose, channel locks), hammer, and a good prybar set. That's $600-700 of your $800. Save the rest for the specialized tool you need on your second or third job.

u/diesel_dan • 1 days ago

Don't buy impact sockets yet — your shop should have impact tools and sockets. Don't buy a torque wrench until you know what range you need (3/8" vs 1/2" vs 3/4" drive covers very different ranges). Don't buy diagnostic tools until you know what scanner your shop uses and whether they'll train you on it. Those are expensive and job-specific.

u/scan_tool_sam • 1 days ago

Invest in a good flashlight (Streamlight, not a $10 one — you'll regret it). Buy nitrile gloves by the case — your hands will thank you. And get a good pair of safety boots before day 1, not after. That's not glamorous advice but boots matter more than any tool you'll carry.