build a box, fill er with tools need advice.

[A_G]

alright, the company i used to work for i bought my tools through them, they were rebadged snap on tools (said cat tool). when i was laid off they took th ebox and tools back, and never refunded my cash (damn contracts).

Im a diesel tech, and now i gotta buy my own tools. i was working on offroad equipment, cat 793c and d trucks. So now im looking for a job back in my home state. Probably going to be working on over-the-road.

Just curious from other over-the-raod techs. WHat is a must have for the job, tool wise.


Thanks,

Anthony

what i used to work on
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/anthonytheokie/work/williamand279.jpg

my old box.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/anthonytheokie/cell%20phone%20pics/0204091953.jpg

[jperecko]

Don't mean to come off as a jerk but shouldnt you know what you need better than anybody else? I do some road work but none on large equipment like you. I know what tools I need for what jobs and I imagine you should know what you need.

[LBHSBZ]

Don't mean to come off as a jerk but shouldnt you know what you need better than anybody else? I do some road work but none on large equipment like you. I know what tools I need for what jobs and I imagine you should know what you need.


I imagine he's asking because it would be like going from working on real cars to R/C cars. Smallest bolt head on that big ass dump truck was probably 2 inches across. He probably doesn't know what to expect with those "little" 18wheelers

[jperecko]

gotcha... thought he was still gonna be working on the big stuff

[A_G]

yep im going from a 1inch gun a 3/4 inch gun being your best friend to something much much smaller.

on a haul truck, i carried a 3/4inch gun a 1inch gun. sockets, breaker bars in those sizes, 3/4 inch ratchet. 16 inch cresent 24 inch cresent. wobbles in 16-18 mm (wiring tie downs), and a 1/2 inch gun for those wobbles. rolled out to the truck. if i needed anything smaller it stayed in my box and i run an get them. smallest i used ever was a 16mm. most common was a 1 1/2.

I just wanted some input. as been stated im going from top of the food chain in trucks, to a semi truck. just wanted to know what some of yall over the road guys use the most?

Whats the most common unit of measure on semis, SAE or metric?

Haul trucks were 99% metric.

[dopeassjackson]

depends on the make of the truck but some thing can be metric and some SAE. some will have metric engines and some wont. so you need both of them.

[jymmiek]

I dont know if you plan on buying your tools off of the tool truck, but you can find some killer deals on boxes filled with tools on craigslist or ebay. I found my Snap On box filled with mostly Snap On and SK tools on ebay and called the guy and got a much better deal. I frequently see boxes for sale on craigslist that are from retiring diesel mechanics. IMO buying a box with tools is a great way to start, then you can buy the other stuff you need off the truck.

[BumpyDodge]

Same tools as an Automotive Tech, minus a lot of the little specialty tools + some HD tools. Metric and SAE are both equally common, you'll need both to survive. Most engines have gone to all metric, but you'll still find a mix everywhere else.
Class 8 specific stuff that comes to mind (some of this will be shop supplied):

- Set of truck lugnut sockets & "dogbone" tool for budd wheels
- A plastic wheel protector (flat piece of plastic that has 10 holes punched in it. Keeps lug nut impact sockets from tearing up $Alcoa$ wheels)
- HD Clutch adjusting tools (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=767169&highlight=hd+truck+clutch)
- HD truck pilot bearing puller, dummy input shaft
- Tiger Tool for HD truck U-joints
- The ballsiest 1/2" impact gun money can buy (3/4" won't always fit)
- The ballsiest air hammer money can buy (you'll need it for suspension work on class 8's)
- Wrenches up to at least 1 1/2"
- Snap-On 3/4" drive ratchet head
- Engine barring sockets
- "Step" type feeler gages for adjusting top ends
- HD truck wheel seal puller
- HD oil/fuel filter wrenches (3 sizes fit most)
- OTC wheel bearing locknut sockets (usually shop supplied)
- 600 lb/ft torque wrench for wheel bearing service and engine bottom end work.
- BFH and a 48"+ prybar

Are you Cat factory trained in anything?

[A_G]

Are you Cat factory trained in anything?

No, i was about to start my training class, but i got layed off. low man on the totem pole.

The ony certifications i have is epa 609, my MSHA paperwork at the mine. (msha is osha but way more strict)

I was about to take a electrical class for cat, because they were giong to do R&D a new diesel electric truck.
I dont know if you plan on buying your tools off of the tool truck, but you can find some killer deals on boxes filled with tools on craigslist or ebay. I found my Snap On box filled with mostly Snap On and SK tools on ebay and called the guy and got a much better deal. I frequently see boxes for sale on craigslist that are from retiring diesel mechanics. IMO buying a box with tools is a great way to start, then you can buy the other stuff you need off the truck.


I was planning on buying a box off the truck, because i have almost zero cash, trying to stay up in wyoming and trying to find another job, but peabody had cut production at all mines for the upcoming year to raise prices, so nobody was hiring. My buddy got layed off during his onsite portion of the msha class. so i cant really budy anything off of craigslist/ebay. So im stuck with getting fianancing through snap on. I was giong to go with cornwell but they never called me back with the paper work.

[zlathim]

How did your former employer get away with taking tools from you that you had paid for? Am I reading that right?

Sounds like a case for small claims court to me.

[A_G]

when i signed on with the company. I signed a contract agreeing to pay a total of 6800 dollars over 2 years. in the fine print it stated. if i was terminated, layed off or quit. I had to give the tools back, or pay the rest of the note on the spot in full.

i had 3500 left on the note in april, i started on jan 5th. got layed off april 9th. i was trying to get it paid up while i had the extra cash so i could order more tools. have larger credit account with the company. everything was rebadged snap-on and blue point and IR. said caterpillar on it all. but it was definately snap on hand tools, a blue point meter, and IR air tools.

When i went in to fill out my final paper work. i tried getting my tools, and i had to pay the 3500 on the spot or give up the tools. Since the tools where already checked in with them, and the tools i had bought on the side where in my pickup. I signed the paperwork saying i couldnt pay the note on the spot. yatta yatta, gave em my keys to the box and my uniforms.

Although i could have payed them there mininum payments of 112 a week. they wouldnt do it.

i was on a 120 day no strings attached contract, basically the could get rid of me for any reason what-so-ever.

I filed for unemployment and because of the contract, i was denied.

I had just paid my rent of 1700 dollars out of my 2200 check, i had a 700 dollar check coming from days worked. i stayed in gillette as long as i could and when i hit the limit where i had just enough money to get home. I left. now im back at my parents (its kinda degrading) in oklahoma.

Made my parents proud, had an associates degree at 18 out of the house shortly there after. had to move back just after my 19 birthday. pretty degrading.

ive been working odd and end jobs under the table. but its dwindling down. ive been applying to companys every day, and i keep getting the your to young. Insurance purposes, or im overqualified. i just want a job doing what i got my education for, so i can pay my bills, get back out on my own, and pay my damn student loans off.

I got a sit down interview, tour of a shop, on tuesday so i gotta get the ball rolling on tools, i explained to them my situation and they are willing to work with me on it.

But a pro to the whole situation, if i ever haft to work outside again, i did in wyoming i had no shop, it will never get to -54 degree windchill in oklahoma. Or i wont get 20 foot drifts over my driveway. I enjoyed it while it lasted, id like to visit again. but i probably wouldnt live there again.

[zlathim]

Ok, I understand now. That stinks that you had to lose all the money you had paid for the tools.

Did you go to WyoTech in Laramie? I'm asking because I chose Arizona Automotive Institute, and regretted it. I got an associates degree and worked as a diesel mechanic for 10 years, but have since changed careers. I only wrench on sidework jobs in my garage anymore. I can't say that I miss it much.

Good luck on getting the job you interviewed for.

[jymmiek]

Personally I would probably just buy some cheap ass tools from Harbor Freight to get you started. Buy some good air tools, and a big cheap box, or a few small boxes. You can alway upgrade later. From the sounds of it you don't have much cash on hand, but it may be worth looking into taking out a loan to buy the shit you need, and then maybe you can find something on craigslist.

[A_G]

Ok, I understand now. That stinks that you had to lose all the money you had paid for the tools.

Did you go to WyoTech in Laramie? I'm asking because I chose Arizona Automotive Institute, and regretted it. I got an associates degree and worked as a diesel mechanic for 10 years, but have since changed careers. I only wrench on sidework jobs in my garage anymore. I can't say that I miss it much.

Good luck on getting the job you interviewed for.

Yes i did graduated in december.

as for the harbor freight idea, thats what i do. if i had the cash up front.

Cant get ajob without tools, cant get tools without a job....lose-lose

[Wyoming9]

Don`t feel bad about moving back home my goodness your only 19. i know I ended up moving back home to Pa from Wyoming and I was just Shy of 21.Pretty much in the same boat you are in.

I really hate to say it but I had to go back to breaking horses to just pay some bills A far cry from being a welder Although that lead to putting on no end of trailer Hitches and repairing horse trailers . Meeting all sorts of Horse women who if I was smart I should have ran from.

I will bet there are more on here that moved home also weather they will admit it is another story.

I know it is hard right now to find a decent job. Are you parents in any shape to help you out with tools ??? If you were closer I would be glad to give you some of my extras till you could afford to buy your own,

There is just something not right with the feel of cheap tools that I can feel when I pick one up.

I do wish you good luck.

[dad5]

Have you tried the local Cat dealership?
Some Cat dealers will supply a basic box and tools to get you going.

[Will24]

Wyoming... I know a few horse girls from New Tripoli... One of my good friends is married to one, LOL.

[A_G]

Have you tried the local Cat dealership?
Some Cat dealers will supply a basic box and tools to get you going.

I had that starter box from cat, mentioned aboved.

And the local cat dealership. warner cat to be exact.

I tired getting on with fabick cat (missouri), but they were having a strike at the moment and wanted me to be scab, with possiblity of being hired on after the strike was over. I never heard back from them. i have family in St louis so i could have done it, but never heard anything.

I also tried empire cat out of AZ and never heard anything from them either.