For background, I was a Heavy Equipment mech in the Navy (Seabee) and then turned wrenches for a few years on big iron when I got out.
Tech schools (Wyotech, UTI, etc) are a waste of money. There is no certification that you receive from attending, just �he knowledge needed to achieve those certifications ? Except you spent $20k-$30k to get that knowledge. Instead, you could致e gone to work at a mechanic shop, made some money even if it痴 not full scale, gained valuable on the job experience and saved a brand new car worth of money!
Unsolicited advice from someone who has æ¾±een there done that?
- Toolboxes do not make money, only the tools inside it do. Do not waste $10k on a toolbox from the tool truck. Go down to Harbor Freight and spend $800 on a totally adequate box.
- Get GOOD boots and socks. Youæ±*e gonna spend a LOT of time on your feet. Good footwear (Redwing, Wesco, Danner, etc) will save your feet.
- Tool trucks (Snap-On, MAC, Matco, etc) are essentially predatory lenders. Some tool truck owners let people carry a tab and make smaller weekly payments to them. What you need to watch out for is if they want you to finance through the corporate lending. The interest rates are unbelievable and are designed for new techs just getting into the field.
- Personally, I like Matco ratchets, Wright combination wrenches, Snap-On angle wrenches, SK ratchet wrenches, Grey Pneumatic sockets, Knipex pliers, Wiha screwdrivers, Mayhew punches and off brand most other things. No reason to spend insane amounts of money all Snap-On tools.
- Keep your driving record clean. It matters for a heavy equipment mechanic as driving a service truck is a very realistic possibility.