Essential tools needed for a heavy-duty workshop
Starting a diesel repair shop means having the right heavy-duty tools. After all, you can't get the job done without the right tools!
The best advice we can give you is not to buy everything you think you might need. real. We know: it's tempting. But one of the keys to heavy-duty success is to take your time, start with the essentials, and keep building your toolbox over time.
Build your own toolbox
Many technicians are trained through school courses, so let's start there. Most diesel technology programs have a list of heavy-duty tools that students need, and the list gets longer and longer as you progress through the program. The good news is, you'll leave your degree with a useful toolbox.
A sample list of equipment that a new diesel technology student must have includes:
1/4-inch square drive socket set, includes 6-point socket, deep and shallow sockets, reversible ratchet and extension
3/8" Square Drive Socket Kit, includes the same accessories listed above plus universal joint
1/2-inch square drive socket kit, includes accessories listed above plus a flexible handle
Brake and suspension tools such as torque wrenches, spring tools, flaring kits, tire pressure gauges and narrow brake scoops
Welding and preventive maintenance tools such as files, welding kits, lighters, and torch tip cleaners
Fuel and electrical system tools, including spark plug sockets (when you're not running diesel), round feeler gauges, jumper wires, electrical tape, and resin solder
Additionally, you'll be asked to fill out a detailed list of nearly 40 miscellaneous tools, including:
- Combination wrenches and hexagonal wrenches
- Punch and chisel set
- Vise clamp
- Diagonal pliers
- drill
- tape measure
- Airsoft gun (with rubber tip)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Slide lock pliers
- toolbox
- shop uniform
You still need to have everything from the freshman class, but you'll need nearly 30 more items, including (but not limited to):
- screw extractor
- Flexible air hose
- Hand wire brush
- Bearing race punch
- Drive circuit breaker lever
- Grease gun
- long pick group
- Creeper
- pump oil tank
- Dead hammer and ball peen hammer
Also on the premium gear list are ear protective gear like earmuffs or ear plugs, as well as some non-tool items like calculators, flashlights, and Wite-Outs.
Once you're certified and ready to work in the shop, your school's collection of truck tools can serve as a helpful starter kit. Even better, you can build on an existing kit rather than buying a brand new "complete" kit. Even if you buy a kit, you'll most likely need to add to it.
10 tools worth owning
Every diesel technician has his or her favorite truck tools, and if you compare 20 tool boxes, you'll see a huge difference between them. Still, they always have some tools in common.
If you ask some experienced technicians what they have in their toolbox, they might recommend getting some of the following:
High quality sockets: short wall, deep wall, 12 and 6 point, impact, metric and standard, internal and hexagonal.
Ratchets and Accessories: Ratchets (natural), extensions, swivels, torque wrenches
Gasket Scrapers: Various Shapes and Sizes and Scrapers That Can Insert Blades
- Hammers: Brass hammer, lightweight (5 pound) steel sledgehammer, and anything else you find useful
- Tool Pullers and Presses: Pitman arm pullers, all models and sizes, but be sure to have 2-arm and 3-arm and steering wheel types available
- Pickaxe: Heavy as well as smaller dental
- Pick wire wheel and brush: Inexpensive disposable brushes can be used for initial cleaning, but specialized brushes can also be purchased to complete the cleaning
- Impact gun (battery powered): You can also consider a corded impact gun when you don’t have access to a compressor
- Scan tools: Tools like the Power Probe III are user-friendly and can help you inspect electrical components and locate shorts
- Special tools: disconnect device, spindle nut socket, pipe wrench
