Is it worth is to become a diesel mechanic still?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Jbrow327, Jul 5, 2020.

  1. Jbrow327

    Jbrow327 Light Load Member

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    Is it still worth it given the cost of tools? Would a community college program be the best way to get trained? Is it an extremely hard job? I'm about 80 pounds overweight.
    Thanks.
     
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  3. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    If you're really interested you should do it. Good mechanics are harder to find and keep than good drivers and most companies realize that.
    Once a company realizes that they have a good mechanic they'll throw a lot of money and benefits at you.
    If your local CC has a diesel program visit them and talk to a guidance councilor. They can tell you how to apply.
    Tools are an investment in your future. You'll never regret the money you spend on them. Get good tools.
    Lose some weight. Shop floors are hard on ankles, knees, and hips. Why make it worse by packing extra pounds?
     
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  4. Rubber duck kw

    Rubber duck kw Road Train Member

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    Look at how long diesels have been around, they ain't going anywhere. They might change a bit and become more complicated but they'll still be around.
     
  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    If you have a brain and can do the grunt work you'll make some good coin.

    Tools aren't all that expensive if you don't waste it on Snap On or Mac. My Craftsman stuff does the job just as well for 1/4 of the cost.
     
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  6. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I think Diesel Mechanics are in demand. Lots of Truckstop grease/ tire Jockeys. But a good Mechanic, with the smarts to keep up with evolving technologies, is pure Job Security. Be the best! Don’t fall into the T/A, Petro, Loves, pit.
     
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  7. Rubber duck kw

    Rubber duck kw Road Train Member

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    If you're wrenching for a living and get justify or afford the cost of the nice good tools like Snap-on you need to charge more or find a better place to work. If i did any more work on my own stuff than I currently do I'd have all Snap-on tools.
     
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  8. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Well I've been turning wrenches a dozen years now and quite frankly, you probably won't believe the kind of money I've made doing this. Tools are tools. An idiot with $50k in Snap On tools is still an idiot.
     
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  9. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I agree. I have a little of everything in my tool box but the Snap-On stuff fits my hand the best. Some of them I inherited from my Dad and some of the special wrenchs, like for aircraft cylinder heads, aren't made any more.
    Besides, they have the best calendars.
     
  10. born&raisedintheusa

    born&raisedintheusa Road Train Member

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    @REO6205
    Are you a diesel mechanic?

    God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!
     
  11. pushbroom

    pushbroom Road Train Member

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    Its a good career to get into. There is alot of different ways to go about it as well. You can stick to doing more physical work such as suspension/ diffs and component replacement or repair. You could also go for less physically demanding check engine lights, diagnosing and electrical work but it requires a good understanding and critical thinking. Both types will always be in demand. If you are any good as a mechanic you should always be able to find a job.

    Dont listen to the naysayers like @AModelCat . He who has the most snapon tools wins. :):)
     
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