Top 10 Tools: Brian Noel, Cosumnes River College

May 13, 2016
This automotive mechanics technology professor explains why these tools are worth having in the shop.

Technician: Brian Noel

Shop: Cosumnes River College

Location: Sacramento, Calif.

Brian Noel is a professor of automotive mechanics technology, offering instruction on the Ford ASSET program at the community college level, in addition to a variety of traditional automotive courses. He has 14 years of experience repairing vehicles, previously working as a technician with a specialty in automatic transmission diagnosis and repair, as well as light duty diesel engine diagnosis and repair. Though he no longer works in a dealership, he has maintained several certifications, including Ford Senior Master Technician, ASE Master Technician and Advanced Level Engine Performance Specialist. Additionally, he is a California SMOG Inspector and Repair technician.

1. Snap-on 18V Cordless Driver/Drill Kit, No. CDR6850

Although this tool has been discontinued and replaced with the 18V MonsterLithium Compact 1/2” Cordless Drill (No. CDR8815), Noel likes the right extensions and swivels that come with this kit. Noel says he uses this tool for just about any job that might require a 1/4" drive air ratchet because it has a similar amount of torque, but is a lot faster. "The tool maintains great power until the battery is nearly dead, and the batteries recharge quickly," he says, noting the drill has plenty of power, speed and battery life.

2. GearWrench 16-pc Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set - Metric, No. 9416

"This set has all of the essential metric sizes, combined with GearWrench's great ratcheting mechanisms and a hand rack," Noel says. "The GearWrench wrenches are so convenient and strong, that I rarely reach for a traditional combination wrench."

3. Snap-on 3/8" Drive Impact Wrench, No. MG325

Noel says this impact wrench is lightweight, offers plenty of torque and can take lots of abuse. "Its small size and high power make it ideal for all types of repairs, and it will fit into spaces where a 1/2" drive impact gun simply cannot go," he adds.

4. Matco Tools Heavy Duty Service Cart, MSC4

According to Noel, a nice service cart is a must have. "This cart is big enough to fit plenty of your most commonly used hand tools, power tools and accessories, putting them within easy reach of whatever job is in front of you," Noel says. "There's also room for parts and chemicals underneath, and it's easily set up to suit your own personal preferences. All of the extra room that this cart created in my main toolbox was just an added bonus."

5. Yukon Gear and Axle Differential Bearing Puller Set, No. YT P20

This bearing puller makes it "amazingly quick and easy" to remove differential carrier and pinion bearings, Noel states. "By using the bearing race as part of the pulling process, it becomes possible to remove bearings that would otherwise come off in pieces," he continues. ""This really speeds the process of setting up new ring and pinion gears where the carrier or pinion bearings might need to be removed and installed multiple times to get things dialed in."

6. Lisle Pneumatic Fan Clutch Wrench Set, No. 43300

"If you deal with threaded-on fan clutches, at all, this tool is the only way to go," observes Noel. Utilizing the power of an air hammer makes even stubborn fan clutches a breeze, he adds. Plus, its long reach is perfect for diesel fan clutches where access is often an issue.

7. Matco Tools 42" Pry Bar - Angled Tip, No. PBG42B

Noel says he can use this pry bar to persuade just about anything into moving. "Its also strong enough that it doesn't flex under pressure like some other pry bars. This is my tool of choice whenever I need to pop out a CV acle, pry down a control arm or shift a subframe."

8. Ingersoll Rand 1/2" Drive Impact Wrench, No. 2135Ti

"This composite and titanium impact wrench that packs tons of power into a very comfortable and lightweight package," Noel notes. When he uses an impact wrench all day long, he grows to appreciate the weight savings and smaller footprint compared to other models. Ingersoll Rand has made a number of updates to the 2135Ti and currently offers the 2235TiMAX.

9. Snap-on Universal, 6-point, Deep Socket Set - Metric, No. 206SFSUM

Noel calls this set of sockets a "lifesaver" when working with exhaust systems. "These are slim enough to squeeze past subframes, oxygen sensors, driveshafts and whatever other obstacles might stand between you and an exhaust manifold flange or collector."

10. Streamlight Stinger

This is an ideal flashlight for an automotive tech, Noel attests, adding it puts out great light with an adjustable beam and it lasts all day. "I've dropped mine way more times than I'd care to admit, and it still holds up," he says. "Fortunately the bulbs can withstand a pretty good shock as well, so I haven't had to replace the bulb with every drop like some other flashlights I've owned."

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