Diesel Mechanic Tools: A List of Tools You Need as a Technician

Mechanics in most industries are required to get a set of tools to use on the job. If you’ve been in this trade for a while now, you know — and if you’re new, you’ll soon find out — this can be a major expense. 

Having a good tool set is important to your success as a mechanic. You certainly don’t want to be in the shop (or out in the field) without the proper tools to perform the repairs in front of you. 

However, there are hundreds of tools, from wrenches and impact drills to socket sets and drive ratchets. What do you really need to do your job effectively, though?

Here at RDO Equipment Co., while our service shops (and trucks) are outfitted with specialty tooling, each technician is responsible for supplying a standard set of tools to work with — this is standard practice within the diesel technology space.

To help you make sure you’re prepared for success, we’ve listed many of the tools you should consider including in your diesel mechanic toolset.

How Much Do Diesel Mechanic Tools Cost? 

As a diesel mechanic, your set of tools will range in price depending on how large it is, where you buy it, what brand they are and whether you work for a company that assists with tool purchase. A good set of technician tools can cost $4,000-$15,000+ in 2024.

Wrenches and Wrench Sets

Wrenches are an essential part of every mechanic’s tool set. Standard, metric, nut impact, adjustable and combo wrenches help diesel mechanics tighten/loosen bolts and other fasteners on machinery. Here are some of the wrenches and wrench sets you’ll definitely want in your toolbox:

• 12-point combo wrench
• 12” adjustable wrench
• 1” combo wrench
• 2” combo wrench
• 20 mm combo wrench
• 21 mm combo wrench
• 3/8” impact wrench
• 9/16”x5/8” half-moon wrench
• 3/8” drive fixed 5-100 ft. lbs. torque wrench 
• 1/2” drive torque wrench 12.5-250 ft-lbs
• 10-piece metric midget wrench set
• 4-piece flare nut wrench set
• 15-piece standard allen wrench set
• 15 piece metric allen wrench set
• 7-piece open angle wrench set
• 3/8” composite air impact wrench

Sign Up: Service Technician Monthly Newsletter

Become a more profitable, successful mechanic with insights and resources sent to your inbox every month.

Get the Newsletter

---

Sockets and Socket Sets

Sockets, sockets and more sockets. As a diesel mechanic, you’ll encounter all kinds of fasteners throughout your day. Having a full set of sockets to adjust fasteners of all sizes is important. Here’s a starter list of sockets (types and sizes) to consider acquiring:

• 1/4” drive standard chrome socket 
• 1/4” drive 12-point metric socket set (9 piece)
• 1/4” drive 12-point SAE socket set (10 piece)
• 3/8” drive standard chrome socket
• 3/8” 12 drive SAE chrome socket set (9 piece)
• 3/8”x1/4” 12-point chrome socket
• 3/8”x5/16” 12-point chrome socket
• 3/8”x1/4” 12-point chrome socket
• 3/8” 6-point impact socket set (7 piece)
• 3/8” drive SAE 12 point socket set (12  piece)
• 3/8” 6-point impact drive socket set (12 piece)
• 1/2”x5/8” STD impact 12 point socket
• 1/2”x1/2” STD impact 12 point socket
• 1/2” drive standard impact socket
• 3/8”x7/16” STD impact 12 point drive socket
• 3/8” to 1/2” drive socket adapter
• 1/2” metric impact socket set (13 piece)

Keep in mind, it’s good to have both chrome (high hardness, while remaining thin) and impact sockets (specially built for impact tools) to ensure you’re outfitted for every job. You grow and build a better world. We're there every step of the way.

Ratchets

Ratchets are another category of tools you’ll want to have a good mix of. Although we’ve listed only a couple below, it’s nice to have an extra ratchet or two. The size of ratchet you get should (of course) match the sockets you’ll be using on it. Here are our recommendations for starting your ratchet set:

• 3/8” drive ratchet
• 1/2” drive 18-5 /8” locking flex ratchet

Miscellaneous Tools

With a good set of wrenches, ratchets and sockets in your toolbox, there are still a lot of miscellaneous tools you’ll want to get. Once again, this will vary depending on the kind of equipment you’ll be working on. Of course, if you have questions, consult your employer to ensure you have a complete toolset for your job. Many companies may provide you with a list of things you need.

Here are some of the other tools most diesel technician roles require:

• 16oz hammer
• 3-piece universal plier set
• 6-piece punch and chisel set
• 7” snap ring plier
• Crimping tool
• 8-piece screwdriver set
• Swivel oil filter wrench
• Heavy-duty oil filter strap
• Four-way pick set
• 2-1/ 4” round inspection mirror
• 1/2” impact tool
• Red plastic creeper
• Toolbox (44” x 22” rollaway)
• True RMS multimeter
• Right-angle die grinder

With these tools in hand, you’ll be well on your way to building a great mechanic career!

It’s important to note, however, that this is not a full list of the tools you’ll need.

As you progress in your career, you’ll continue to add new tools to your set to meet the growing/changing demands of your job. Field service technicians (a more senior position), for example, often carry a larger set of tools that they’ve acquired over time. 

There’s no reason why your first set of tools needs to cost $10,000 or more. Instead, if you’re building your first set, look for ways to save some money (getting them secondhand or at a discount online). 

Join RDO Equipment. Co. as a Service Technician

A great way to save money on your next (or first) set of tools is to join a company that will provide some financial assistance. RDO offers a tool incentive for interns in our Access Your Future Service Program. On average, this incentive is $9,000. Check out the other benefits of this program and find out how to apply here.

RDO also has a tool reimbursement program designed to help you cover a portion of the cost of purchasing tools.

If you’re looking to join RDO as a full-time service technician and work on equipment from manufacturers like John Deere, Wirtgen Group and Vermeer (to name a few), learn more about our service technician careers.