Tool Advice: Post STEP, What do I need to get started in a dealership?

[jhurless]

Hey everyone, I'm kinda new here. I have been reading through the STEP faq for months now and am in the process of interviewing for the program. This question is for all you techs out there in the field that might be able to help get me started off on the right track when its time to work in the dealership.

I've been looking around online at tools a lot lately and I think I have a pretty good set put together. I worked at an independent shop for a couple of years which involved mostly e46 and e39 repair work. However, I have very little experience with pretty much 2005 and new models.

I am going to be purchasing the bulk of my startup set this winter, and I am looking for some advice on what I have put together so far. This list is based mostly off what I used most often at the indie shop, but I don't know what to expect from these newer models.

Here's what I'm planning to purchase so far...

First, I'm getting a couple things from Snap On because they give me a voucher:
1/4 drive metric sockets deep and shallow
3/8 drive metric sockets deep and shallow
4 pc Vise Grip Set
Wire Stripper/Crimper
6 pc Screwdriver Set
7 pc Mini Screwdriver Set
6 pc Large Pick and Hook Set
18" Pry bar
24" Pry bar
1/2" Drive Torque Wrench
Mirror
Extendo Magnet

For the rest I'm planning on going mainly with Matco - 50% discount makes these tools super affordable:
55"x41"x22" Two Bay Box
4 pc Plier Set
5 pc Punch and Chisle Set
14 pc Combo Metric Wrench Set
3 pc 88 Tooth Ratchets 1/4, 3/8, 1/2
8 pc Mini Pliers
14 pc 1/2 Drive Impact Sockets Deep
7 pc 3/8 Swivel Sockets (10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18)
Stretch Fit Belt Tool Kit
48 pc Socket Bit Drive Set (Torx, E-Torx, TP-Torx, Hex)
36mm Impact Socket
6 pc 1/4 Extensions
12 pc Metric Ratcheting Wrenches
O2 Sensor Socket
1/2" Impact Wrench
3/8" Air Ratchet
1/4" Air Ratchet
Fan Clutch Holder and Wrench
4lb Sledge
1/4" Micro Ratchet
Blow Gun
Inflator Gauge
20 inch Tongue and Groove Pliers
CV Boot Clamp Pliers
Test Light

I already have in my box a good Ball Peen Hammer, 3/8 Extensions, Oil Filter tool (fits e90), some specialtly sockets like 6mm and 7mm wobbles, and a set of door panel tools.

I overlooked diagnostic stuff like pressure testers and things like that because I thought the dealership would already have those. Or was that a mistake?

What else should I look at getting here? Is there anything I am looking at getting that I will not need?

Thanks for taking the time to look this over and offer your opinions.

Joe

[White94RX]

Just start working. You'll figure out what you need as you go along.

[jhurless]

Just start working. You'll figure out what you need as you go along.

That's not how I like to do things, I would rather be prepared in advance.

[Aamir bt]

That's not how I like to do things, I would rather be prepared in advance.

it's actually relatively good advice. just cover your basics, don't buy any standard sizes period, and don't buy extensive sets of things that you aren't sure you will use. if you have the basics covered you will be able to do 95% of stuff with no problem, and anything you don't have techs will be glad to let you borrow once or twice. then you can buy as you need. every tech that buys alot of tools before they start ends up with stuff they never use, which is just wasted money.

[jhurless]

it's actually relatively good advice. just cover your basics, don't buy any standard sizes period, and don't buy extensive sets of things that you aren't sure you will use. if you have the basics covered you will be able to do 95% of stuff with no problem, and anything you don't have techs will be glad to let you borrow once or twice. then you can buy as you need. every tech that buys alot of tools before they start ends up with stuff they never use, which is just wasted money.

Ok, I gotcha. Thats really what I am trying to accomplish with this tool set in the first place. Since I won't have a really handy, 50% discount from these big tool companies for long, I want to make sure all the bases are covered when it comes to the basics.

Thats mostly why I have avoided getting into code scanners, pressure gauges, slide hammers, tap and dye sets and that kind of stuff. I mostly want to make sure I have all the necessary hand tools and "BMW common" tools to tide me over. I would hate to find out there is something I am going to need every day that I could have picked up for half the price early on. Like any other student, I am on a pretty tight budget.

[Aamir bt]

Ok, I gotcha. Thats really what I am trying to accomplish with this tool set in the first place. Since I won't have a really handy, 50% discount from these big tool companies for long, I want to make sure all the bases are covered when it comes to the basics.

Thats mostly why I have avoided getting into code scanners, pressure gauges, slide hammers, tap and dye sets and that kind of stuff. I mostly want to make sure I have all the necessary hand tools and "BMW common" tools to tide me over. I would hate to find out there is something I am going to need every day that I could have picked up for half the price early on. Like any other student, I am on a pretty tight budget.

yeah looking over your list it seems pretty good. you're gonna want some hog ring pliers, those come in real handy for seat work.

Also, as far as tool discount, you will find there is alot of other companies that make great tools for much less than the big three (snaop-on, MAC, and Matco). once you get in the feild you will see that there is alot of stuff from brands like craftsman that get the job done just as well and feel just as good to use, for less than half the price and still has a lifetime warranty. this isn't always the case, but you will see what does and doesn't work. some people still like to spend money at places like snap-on just because they have to have the absolute best (or what they think is the best), which is fine. if a person wants to spend the extra money on tools, it doesn't affect me. but me personally, i'm all about buying what works and gets the job done as good as any other tool, has a lifetime warranty, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

but taking advantage of the 50% discount is smart, just do keep in mind, alot of snap-on truck will not honor some warranties on tools that you purchased at half-off price or from a school distributor. i've seen it happen several times, which is retarded if you ask me, but you still have to keep it in mind, and maybe ask the snap on guy what he knows about that.

[Ryosuke37859]

I actually did exactly what you're doing when I graduated from STEP. I had a mentor who sent me a list of everything he had and then I picked the priority items and ordered those. I hardly had to borrow anything because of it, and I saved a ton of money. I'm actually selling my set now, but if you need to finance your tools because you don't have the cash you should look through the pics and see if there is anything you don't have.

My snap on rep always warrantied and serviced my tools, I think that you could legitimately complain as a consumer if they refuse to. I guess it all comes down to how badly they want your business. I rarely broke my expensive stuff anyway, just the torx bits and such.

One huge savings is already having a box or getting a quality, inexpensive box. The box itself is where half of most techs' tool money goes.

EDIT:
Well I can't post links or pics yet because all I did on here was lurk when I was a tech. I never posted. :p
I have ads on craigslist, E30tech and R3vlimited.

[jhurless]

I actually did exactly what you're doing when I graduated from STEP. I had a mentor who sent me a list of everything he had and then I picked the priority items and ordered those. I hardly had to borrow anything because of it, and I saved a ton of money. I'm actually selling my set now, but if you need to finance your tools because you don't have the cash you should look through the pics and see if there is anything you don't have.

My snap on rep always warrantied and serviced my tools, I think that you could legitimately complain as a consumer if they refuse to. I guess it all comes down to how badly they want your business. I rarely broke my expensive stuff anyway, just the torx bits and such.

One huge savings is already having a box or getting a quality, inexpensive box. The box itself is where half of most techs' tool money goes.

EDIT:
Well I can't post links or pics yet because all I did on here was lurk when I was a tech. I never posted. :p
I have ads on craigslist, E30tech and R3vlimited.

Hey thanks for posting man. I went to the E30tech forums and checked out your tool box. It made me feel pretty good about what I have put together so far. Aside from some specialty pliers, long screwdrivers, tap and die, and extractors I am looking pretty good to go. I gotta get some of those super long extensions. I remember the block drain on e46 being a pain in the butt without them.

But I gotta say, with all my discounts I'm just around $4000 for "most" of the stuff you appear to have been using everyday. Can't wait to get them here and get started.

Thanks again,
Joe


yeah looking over your list it seems pretty good. you're gonna want some hog ring pliers, those come in real handy for seat work.

Also, as far as tool discount, you will find there is alot of other companies that make great tools for much less than the big three (snaop-on, MAC, and Matco). once you get in the feild you will see that there is alot of stuff from brands like craftsman that get the job done just as well and feel just as good to use, for less than half the price and still has a lifetime warranty. this isn't always the case, but you will see what does and doesn't work. some people still like to spend money at places like snap-on just because they have to have the absolute best (or what they think is the best), which is fine. if a person wants to spend the extra money on tools, it doesn't affect me. but me personally, i'm all about buying what works and gets the job done as good as any other tool, has a lifetime warranty, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

but taking advantage of the 50% discount is smart, just do keep in mind, alot of snap-on truck will not honor some warranties on tools that you purchased at half-off price or from a school distributor. i've seen it happen several times, which is retarded if you ask me, but you still have to keep it in mind, and maybe ask the snap on guy what he knows about that.

This is also good advice. My plan is to get as much as I can out of the big tool truck discounts while I can. I have been doing a lot of research to maximize my dollar to benefit gain so I get the most out of each company.

As far as I'm thinking, now that I have a good set of basics, I can fill the rest in with SK, Cman, and HF. I have never been a tool snob by any means. As long as it works well, and fast, I'm good with it. The point of this post was mainly to make sure that the every day use items were covered and would be warrantied by the trucks coming by. Hopefully I don't run into any problems when the time comes for repairs... But overall, I feel that this is a pretty solid initial investment and I thank you for your input.

Joe

[Ryosuke37859]

Dude, if all you need are $4000 worth then you're doing great. From what I've read it seems like you already have a box and some tools to start with, so you're in better shape than most guys leaving STEP. You may want to still invest in some of the tools you won't use that often but still need. Some guys are pissy about loaning out their nice stuff. They typically feel that since they ponied up for it that you should too. I had a few more items in my kit when I started, particularly that superbad Snap On air hammer (I removed a lot of axles with that thing). It's nice getting that for 1/2 off. I sold it after I quit.

I will also say that I never used a 3/8 drive air ratchet. Some guys use them alot for brakes, but that's about it. Typically you don't have enough room to use them anywhere else.

Streamlight Stinger LED flashlight for 3 reasons:
Rechargeable, Super bright with adjustable brightness (brighter than anything I've used), and far more tough than any other flashlight I've seen used in a shop. Oh yeah, the lifetime warranty is a bonus. Can't get these on discount though.

Oh yes, TORQUE WRENCHES.
They are pretty pricey and it's very nice to have click type wrenches in 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" drive and all reading newton meters. Or you could just get the nice digital one. The digital one is a bit more fragile though. Getting these 1/2 off could easily save you $500. I used them quite frequently. You'd be surprised at how many screw ups could be prevented by using a torque wrench. Some jobs require them (Bearing ledges on NG6 engines anyone?). Once again, I'd recommend 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4". You also don't want to borrow people's torque wrenches because not everyone takes care of theirs and you don't want to be responsible for ruining a $10,000- $40,000 engine due to miscalibrated torque wrenches.

Getting a good, digital tire pressure/ inflator gauge is nice. The blue point one is lifetime warranty and stays very accurate. The analog gauges (even from snap on) are known to deviate 10psi. I know a guy's gauge that was off by over 20 psi. The only thing to be sure of with the digital gauge is to turn it on and let it zero before connecting it to the tire or putting any pressure though it.

I'd say that a test light is not necessary, even dangerous. I use a meter for everything (even checking fuse voltages) because when dealing with BMW warranty they want exact voltages for everything. You cannot sate "voltage ok" in any document. The ISID will ask for exact voltages as well (as you probably know from your classes).

A long 1/2" drive ratchet works wonders when turning the engine over (leakdown checks, fitting the crankpin, etc.) and busting loose overtight/ rusted lug bolts.

You'll need some of the larger sockets in impact grades. Suspension and axle removal will be easier with these.

Brass hammer or large deadblow for striking aluminum suspension components without damaging them. The deadblow is also good for removing brake rotors that will have to be refitted. Sometimes you'll need to remove the rotor without damaging it for certain jobs (damaged steering knuckle or bad wheel bearing for example). I didn't have a brass hammer in my set, you could probably get away with borrowing this one.

Suction cups for holding up the window glass while you're working inside the door (E.G. replacing regulators without removing the glass, door lock actuators)

Finally, get the full ratchet sets (long, med, short) in 3/8 and 1/4. I will definitely say that it is a lot more efficient to get not have to constantly switch sockets but to instead grab a different ratchet with the socket already fitted. You will lose fewer sockets this way and work faster. Magnetic bolt trays will help you a ton in the engine bay. You may also need your own drain buckets, depending on where you're going.

As far as using non Snap On stuff, I'd use Cornwell and Mac as well. I'd stay away from SK stuff. It's what the students use at the school I'm teaching at now and I'm planning to have the SK sets replaced with Bluepoint sets.

Like you, I also don't like spending a ton of money on tools. But I also like getting jobs done efficiently and not getting hurt. There's hardly a tool in my box that hasn't paid for itself in dividends.... maybe my Hazet drain plug sockets (four large hex sockets for Differentials and Transmissions), but heck they even came in hand because no one else in our shop had the darn things when a coworker needed them for an E90 M3 diff service.

[Aradaiel]

I've been doing this for a while, got damn near 20k in tools. These are all my tools, every single thing I use. I haven't had to buy tools in 2 years.

The rule at my shop is "3 strikes and you're out." The 4th time you need it you have to buy it.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v91/aradaiel/tools/

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[jhurless]

Wow! Thanks for the posts and pictures! This is some seriously helpful information. I just barely made my Matco purchase. I added some more impact sockets, a few good dead blow hammers, upgraded to a digital inflator gauge (california = strict on that I hear), a couple suction cups, and some of those long needle nose and cutter pliers.

I also threw some money at HF for a bunch of random size extensions (saw you had a TON Arad). Still debating on those digital torque wrenches and long screwdrivers.

In any case, you guys have been a huge help. Thank you for your advice.

One more thing, for anyone viewing this in the future. I found another good tool list while randomly searching. Its a DIY guy that does BMW work. Most of his stuff is already in this thread, but take a look if you like: .dvatp.com/bmw/diy/tools/

Joe

[eurokid9]

If you can get on centernet there is a SIB on basic hand tools you'll need it's pretty helpful

[Cunsuelo]

Swap out the snap on vise grips for the snap on swivel E10, E12 and E14. You'll be glad you did when you remove your first transmission. You can get vise grips at Home Depot for half the price anyway. While you're at the Depot buy a Bernzomatic MAPP torch.

Get the gearwrench brand double sided E10, E12 ratcheting wrench.

Get the SK tools double sided super long 16MM/18MM ratcheting wrench for alignments.

The dealership will have a pressure tester but you'll get tired of walking to the tool room or tracking down the tech that put it in his tool box. Get your own and get the attachments for the tank and cap for both types.

Get yourself one of those $50 OBD scanners from the zone if you will be doing state inspections so you can check OBD readiness without wasting time with a short test.