Technician: Greg Jones
Shop: Luscious Garage
Location: San Francisco, California
Greg Jones is a hybrid technician at Luscious Garage in San Francisco, California. He’s been a technician for 15 years. Jones began learning the trade at Watt’s Automotive in Campbell, California while working under an old school mechanic with 40 years in the business. “I’ve always been interested in mechanical and hands-on work, especially understanding how things [operate] and why they are designed the way they are,” Jones says. In 2010, Jones moved to Luscious Garage, which is where he has learned everything he knows about hybrid vehicles.
1. Snap-on Short Soft Grip Contoured Seal Removal Tool, No. SGSR3A
This tool features a rounded top with a blended radius edge designed to easily remove seals and O-rings. “The shape and size makes it an ideal pry tool for small things on a car,” Jones says. “I won’t be caught without it; it beats my pocket screwdriver.”
2. Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver, No. XDT11R
The XDT11R features a 4-pole motor with variable speed (0 to 2,900 rpm) that offers 1,460 lb-in of max torque. Jones uses an older version of this tool, the XDT04. He says this is his go-to tool for removing small bolts and screws.
3. Snap-on 14.4V 1/4" Hex MicroLithium Cordless Screwdriver, No. CTS761A
Jones uses an older version of this tool, the CTS596. “I use this a lot for assembling Hybrid battery packs prior to torqueing the fasteners,” Jones says. “It has a torque limiting adjustable clutch that makes reassembly quick.”
4. Streamlight Stinger LED
“I love my Stinger flashlights—I have four,” Jones says. “[This is a good] flashlight that has a long-lasting battery and bright light.”
5. Thor 14” Copper Hammer, No. TH314
The TH314 features a malleable iron head fitted with cylindrical copper faces designed to prevent damage to components. Jones says this is his favorite hammer, and he finds it is heavy enough for most hammering needs. He likes that it won’t mark or ding most metal parts.
6. Snap-on 3/8” Drive Dual 80 Technology Flex-Head Ratchet, No. FHF80
This ratchet has seven teeth in contact with the gear to help provide strength and durability. Jones appreciates that this tool fits well in the hand, and is versatile in both drive and length. He notes that he modified his tool with a replacement screwdriver handle available from his Snap-on representative.
7. Snap-on Heavy Duty Striking 54" Pry Bar
Jones uses an older version of this tool, the SPBH52. “This is my go-to for heavy prying,” Jones says. “[There is] no need for a jack handle on the end of this bar; it’s plenty big. This pry bar will easily pop axles and shafts from transmissions, or move a subframe over for access.”
8. AESwave Electronics Acupuncture Probe Kit, No. 05-762
These probes are designed for probing small, fragile connectors or multiple connections at a single connector. Jones appreciates that these pins allow easy, non-obtrusive testing of electrical connectors.
9. Aircraft Spruce Skin Wedge
“This little pry tool is strong and thin,” Jones says. “I use it for most light duty prying or interior plastic panels. The pry tip is smooth with no sharp edges, making it a perfect interior pry tool. It doesn’t damage a thing.”
10. Snap-on ½” Impact Wrench, No. CT4850HO
This tool features a heavy duty motor with heat-treated alloy gears, and offers a torque output of 400 lb-ft. Jones uses an older version of this tool, the CT685. He finds that having a cordless impact wrench is more convenient than pneumatic for everyday use, and appreciates that it lasts a long time, usually a couple of days on a single charge.
