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YouTube's Humble Mechanic (Charles Sanville) Shares Business Tips
The Humble Mechanic, is a YouTube influencer and entrepreneur. He's also known as Charles Sanville, a graduate of Universal Technical Institute.
Good diesel mechanic work requires high-quality diesel mechanic tools. If you're studying Universal Technical Institute's (UTI) diesel technician training program, you may be wondering what diesel mechanic tool set you'll need to succeed in the field once you graduate.1
We've created this diesel mechanic tools list, informed by some of the biggest diesel brands in the world. You can start adding to your tool list for diesel mechanics while you're still in school, so once you start applying for jobs, you're better prepped for what's to come.
Diesel Mechanic Tools List
Schneider provides truckload, logistics, and intermodal services. Below is a list of tools for diesel mechanics that the company recommends, along with some other diesel mechanic tools and variations of what Schneider recommends. We've added those in italics so you have an idea of what various heavy equipment machinery and diesel engine manufacturers might be looking for.
You'll want a cart or rolling toolbox that efficiently separates your tools so they're easy to locate and use.
Adapters
- ¼-inch to ⅜-inch
- ¼-inch to ½-inch
- ⅜-inch to ¼-inch
- ⅜-inch to ½-inch
- ½-inch to ⅜-inch
- ½ to ¼-inch
- ½-inch to ¾-inch
- ¾-inch to ½-inch
Allen Drivers
- Standard 3/32-inch to ⅜-inch and metric 3-millimeter to 17-millimeter
- Standard Allen wrench set .05-inch to ⅜-inch
- Metric Allen wrench set 2-millimeter to 12-millimeter
¼-Inch Drive Socket Set
- Standard (shallow and deep, SAE) 3/16-inch to ⅝-inch
- Metric (shallow and deep) 5-millimeter to 15-millimeter
- Standard depth 3/16-inch to ½-inch
- Deep 3/16-inch to ½-inch
- Standard depth 4-millimeter to 13-millimeter
- Deep 4-millimeter to 13-millimeter
- Short, medium, long extensions
- Ratchet handle
- Universal joint
⅜-Inch Drive Sockets
- Standard (SAE, deep, shallow and impact) 5/16-inch to 1-inch
- Metric (deep, shallow and impact) 7-millimeter to 20-millimeter
- Standard depth 12 Point ⅜-inch to ¾-inch
- Deep 6 point ⅜-inch to ¾-inch
- Standard depth 10-millimeter to 19-millimeter
- Deep 10-millimeter to 19-millimeter
- Short, medium, long extensions
- Ratchet handle
- Universal joint
- ⅜-inch to ¾-inch Sq Dr flexible socket
- 0-250-inch-lb. torque wrench
½-Inch Drive Sockets
- Standard (SAE, deep, shallow and impact) ⅜-inch to 1 ¼-inch
- Metric (deep, shallow and impact) 10-millimeter to 27-millimeter
- Shallow ½-inch to 1⅛-inch
- Deep ½-inch to 1⅛-inch
- Shallow 13-millimeter to 32-millimeter
- Deep 13-millimeter to 32-millimeter
- Sq Dr stud remover tool
- Breaker bar
- Short, medium, long extensions
- Ratchet handle
- Universal joint
- 0-250-foot-lb. torque wrench
Extensions
- 2-inch
- 6-inch
- 12-inch
- 24-inch (optional for reaching transmission bellhousing bolts)
Feeler Gauge Set
- Red handle for exhaust
- Blue handle for intake
Hammers
- Dead blow
- Ball-peen (16 ounce and 24 ounce)
- 4 to 5 lb. sledgehammer
- Plastic 2.5-lb. h. d.
Impacts
- ½-inch
- ⅜-inch
- ¼-inch (battery- or air-powered)
Multimeter
- Auto-ranging
- Digital read-out
Pliers
- Standard
- Adjustable
- Needle nose
- Vise-grip set
- Adjustable joint
- Locking
- Side cutters
- Slip-joint
- Snap ring
- Small reversible
- Large reversible
- Flat with 1¾-inch minimum opening
- Brake spring
- Battery nut
Pry Bar Set
- Small 1-foot
- Medium 2-foot
- Large 3-foot
Ratchets
- ½-inch standard ratchet
- ⅜-inch standard ratchet
- ¼-inch standard ratchet
- Breaker bar
Screwdrivers
- Philips (short, medium, long)
- Flatheads
- 1-inch #2
- 6-inch #1
- 6-inch #2
- 1-foot #3
- Blade type: 1-inch, 6-inch, 9-inch, 1-foot, offset
Torque Bit Drivers
- T10
- T15
- T20
- T25
- T27
- T40
- T45 (medium and long shaft drivers)
Wiring Equipment
- Crimping tool
- Wire stripping tool
- Wire cutters
- Handheld torch
Wrenches
- Standard (SAE), 5/16-inch to 1¼-inch
- Metric, 8-millimeter to 22-millimeter
- Combination standard ⅜-inch to 1¼-inch
- Combination metric 6-millimeter to 26-millimeter
- Flare nut standard ⅜-inch to ¾-inch
- Flare nut metric 7-millimeter to 19-millimeter
- Adjustable 1-inch to 8-inch
- Adjustable 1-inch to 1-foot
- Torx wrench set T-15 to T-55
- Pipe wrench 10-inch or 14-inch
- 20-inch reversing chain wrench
- Filter wrench
Files
- 12-inch fine
- 12-inch coarse
- Round
- Half-round
- 6-inch triangle
Punches
- Pin 3/16-inch to ⅜-inch
- Center 5-inch
- Cold chisel
- ⅜-inch blade to 5-inch length
- ⅝-inch blade to 6-inch length
- ⅞-inch blade to 7-inch length
- Starter 3/16-inch to ⅜-inch
- Brass punch
Feeler Gauges
- .005-inch to .05-inch
- .005-millimeter to .07-millimeter
Other Items for a Diesel Mechanic Tool Set
More items you might want to add to a tool list for diesel mechanics include:
- 12-foot measuring tape
- 15-inch aligning bar
- Adjustable all-angle inspection mirror
- Battery post cleaner
- Battery terminal clamp puller
- Cotter key extractor
- Crimp/stripper tool
- Dial caliper
- Drill bits 1/16-inch to ½-inch
- Extractor set (broken bolt)
- Flashlight
- Flexible retrieving and holding tool
- Gasket scraper 1-inch wide
- Hacksaw
- Hearing protection
- Knife
- Magnetic pickup tool (telescoping)
- O-ring pick set
- Rolling head pry bar
- Safety glasses
- Set starter – jumper wires with clips
- Tire air chuck
- Tire gauge (truck-type)
- Valve core replacement tool
- Wire brush
- Work gloves
Start Building Your Diesel Tool Set
This is a long list, but you may not need all the tools on this list for your future employer. Some employers may even provide certain tools. It can help to contact employers you're interested in to see what they require.
Also, take advantage of employer visits on your UTI campus. You can talk directly with employers about what they recommend you start with. Our Diesel instructors are great resources, too.
As diesel mechanics retire, many offer to sell their tools to the next generation. Ask around in your networks and look online for lower-cost tools that are still high-quality.
When you study Diesel Technology at UTI, you don't have to worry about purchasing tools while you're in school. We provide everything you need with equipment you'd use in the field.
Ready to Train for a Diesel Career?
UTI’s Diesel Technology program starts every three to six weeks at our campus locations nationwide. We also have a variety of specialized training programs, like the 12-week Peterbilt Technician Institute (PTI), where eligible students can earn manufacturer-specific certifications that prepare them to pursue employment at one of the 350+ Peterbilt dealerships across North America.9,15
To learn more and to get in touch with an Admissions Representative, request information today.
UTI Campuses That Offer Diesel Mechanic Training
YOU COULD START YOUR EXCITING NEW CAREER AS A MECHANIC OR TECHNICIAN TODAY.
With classes starting every 3-6 weeks, no need to wait to start your career.
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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
9 ) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 45-week Diesel Technology program.
15 ) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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