Tools for a student

[CornFed2.4]

Also true didn't really think about the wait time since snap on ect come once a week at the most.

Again not a mechanic but yeah sounds like returning my tools were less of a headache. Lol

[1QUICK4]

I guess to sum up my opinion. Go Craftsman or equivalent small roller and hand tools, and I. R. for the few air tools you'll need while at school. (they make the exact impact's etc. that the B3 sell)
If you still want to make a career out of it, buy some Big 3 tools at your school discount right before you graduate. The school will have all the specialty tools you'll need while there anyways.

That's the way I did it. Besides, you'll want those cheap tools as backups when your good shit breaks. Remember, one is none and two is one when you really need to depend on something.

[carltalon]

I guess to sum up my opinion. Go Craftsman or equivalent small roller and hand tools, and I. R. for the few air tools you'll need while at school. (they make the exact impact's etc. that the B3 sell)
If you still want to make a career out of it, buy some Big 3 tools at your school discount right before you graduate. The school will have all the specialty tools you'll need while there anyways.

That's the way I did it. Besides, you'll want those cheap tools as backups when your good shit breaks. Remember, one is none and two is one when you really need to depend on something.

This is my opinion exactly. I use Snap on tools at work (provided by my employer) The only thing that it nicer then my craftsman tools at home are the ratchets. Definitly not worth the price in my opinion. A friend of mine who wrenches 40+ hr a week says he prefers craftsman wrenches over Snap on because the snap on wrenches are so thin they hurt his hand.

I'd try to minimize your debt and buy tools as needed or when you have the extra cash. I know way to many people what owe big to tool companies.

[Halon]

Not that I have first hand experience, but my perspective is similar to most that I feel like working on other peoples crap all day may kill your motivation to work on your own stuff, which may run it as a hobby. Things I love as a hobby I like to leave as just that, a hobby.

For a profession, I think it's important to do something you enjoy, but also balance it out as something that is in a good market. If you like to do hands on stuff, find a profession where you can still do hands on stuff, but maybe think outside the box a little other than just focusing on cars. Instead of an auto technician, what about say a robotics technician? Excellent in demand field, still hands on, you're working on stuff not covered in slush and salt, and making good money to support your hobby at home.

Not trying to tell you what to do, just throwing some thoughts out there to chew on. Good luck with whatever you choose!

[mark4g63t]

Appreciate all of this so far. Keep it coming! I'm learning a bunch.

[Halon]

http://www.dunwoody.edu/manufacturing/asro.html

Very good program if you are at all interested in robotics. Everything is automated or going automated now a days, food for thought.

[mark4g63t]

That doesn't sound bad either.

[x-pride]

I would agree with what everyone is saying about being an auto tech. Most of my friends who were professional mechanics are now in IT. They said after they hit the 30's their back was beginning to bother them. I to wanted to be a mechanic but my dad would not go for it so I went into IT. When I was at school I met a mechanic who was changing careers. I ask him why the switch. He said a mechanic is only as good as his hands. If he injured his hands he would be out of a job and career for life. If you are looking at money than here is a food for thought. When I was a part time service writer I made more money than most of the full time mechanics. As for tools I use craftsman at home and never had issues. Once you have a career that is not changing oil or busting tires than step up to the more expensive tools. Not worth putting yourself into more debt before starting your career.

[b00sted_spyder]

Make sure you pick up a set of tap and die kit. It is a must and will make your life easier. Another way to save money is to wait until black friday.