I wasn't sure where to post this but I have a few questions for those of you that are Techs. I'm in the field of finding an automotive job. Somewhere that isn't that big of a deal I guess. Something I can do to get my 2 years hands on experience to be ASE certified. Anyways places like Sears automotive, Firestone Tires, Tire Barn, and like Walmart automotive. Can you bring your own tools and tool box there? Bigger box of course. I'd rather have my own tools there with me since I feel more comfortable using my own tools.

 

yeah for sure, theres no way they are gonna provide you with tools...most places if not all, you have to have your own tools to work period...

more than likely you'll be changeing oil and doing tire rotaions to start.....

everyone has to start there..

 

Anyone recommend a tool box possibly? I'm in the market for one. Changing oil and tire rotations!! yay!! haha.

 

i like my snap-on, nice roller drawers good finsh and best of all it holds its value when you wanna upgrade to get a bigger box...you will always need a bigger box with more experience....

matco has some nice boxes too, they seem to be cheaper in price when compared to snap-on and the quality is just as good..

 

Try to get by with a minimal amount of tools at first. If you're flat-rate, you're not going to make much on the little jobs. It'll also keep your tool storage investment to a minimum as well.

If you can find a Honda that is doing Express services, the dealership might have bought all of the tools that go with the program, which will help keep your initial tool investment simple.

Also, working with just one make will help to minimize the variety of tools you need to work efficiently.

I don't know anything about working at a Firestone or Sears. A couple of our mechanics started there and they can change tires and patch tires faster than I can. I'm guessing that they have lots of practice under their belts.

 

i think it would be best if you could work somewhere where they do all kinds of work tires to suspension, to diagnostics. thats the kind of place i work an now and ive gained so much experience on cars just helping someone with an xtensive repair helps out a lot let alone doing it yourself. i started out doing oil changes and tires and it took me less then 6 months to start doing brakes,suspension, and a little bit of diag work not to much because i dont like it much. if you can accel quickly and catch on to things fast like me then you can pass up many people with more experience then you, i have.

a bit of advice having the right tools helps a lot and makes you be able to do things quicker espicially if you work on commission you will bank.

 

Great info. I'm not so that concerned about pay really just looking to keep gaining experience in the field. When I went to school I came out with a lot but I feel not enough yet.