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When you are starting your career as a diesel technician, you will need to stock your toolbox. Even if you have worked on diesel engines as a hobby and have accumulated some diesel tools, it's important to be sure you are now purchasing professional grade tools as hobby grade tools are not satisfactory for your new occupation.

As you move along in your career, you will keep adding to your set of tools. Some of these additions will be necessary due to changing technology and other times it will occur as you desire to increase your ability to do a job better or faster.

Here's a list of some basic tools to start:

General:

Rolling toolbox (5-12 drawers)

Tape measure

Circuit tester

250 psi tire tester

Flashlight

Mechanic's creeper

Steel wire brush

O-ring pick set

Gasket scraper

Rolling head pry bar

Blow gun (look for OSHA approved)

Safety glasses (OSHA approved)

Telescope magnet (4€-9€)

Hacksaw

Electrical:

Multi-meter

Battery terminal cleaner

Test light 12V

Terminal back probes

Digital caliper (6€ range)

Pliers:

Standard

Needlenose

Wire stripper

Crimper

Diagonal cutter

Retaining ring

Vise grip (7€ curved jaw & 10€ curved jaw)

14€ lock ring

Sockets sets:

¼ with ratchet and extensions

3/16” – ½” (including metric) shallow 12 pt

3/8 – 3/4” shallow 12 pt; deep with ratchet & extensions

12 pt – metric ½ dr

12 pt – standard deep pocket ½ dr, ¾ - 1 ¼

Socket adaptor set

Wrenches:

Combination ¼” – 1 ¼”)

Flare nut (3/8” – ¾”)

Metric combo 12 pt (10-19mm)

Adjustable 12”

Screwdrivers:

Phillips head set (#1, #2, #3)

Regular slotted set (1/4” x 6”; 5/16” x 9”; 3/8” x 12”; stubby)

Hex key sets

Files:

6”

10” (double cut)

10” (course; round, bastard cut)

hacksaw

Hammers:

Dead blow (24 oz or 2 lb)

Ball peen (12 or 16 oz)

Cross peen (32 oz)

Punches & Chisels:

Pin punch (1/8” and ¼”)

Center punch (3/8”)

Chisel (1/4” and ½”)

Starter punch (3/8”)

Brass drift