In addition to the regular college expenses, students entering the automotive trades programs must possess hand tools and uniforms. The cost of tools for the freshman year is approximately $1,800 - $2,800 depending on brand and place of purchase. For the second year, the costs are considerably less. In addition, the total cost for textbooks, safety shoes, and uniforms is about $675 for the two-year period. It is recommended that all tools and equipment be insured under the parents' or the student's homeowner's insurance.
Some instruction cannot be given on live vehicles, thus students who have been accepted into the automotive service technician program will be required to furnish bench units. These units such as carburetors, alternators, starters, distributors, air conditioning compressors, power steering pumps, manual and power steering gear boxes, and tandem master cylinders may be purchased at an approximate cost of $20-$120*. Students will receive information about the identification and purchase/attainment of bench units from individual course instructors after arriving on campus.
Some of the required supply items that students accepted into the automotive service technician program need to furnish are not on the equipment lists. These items, such as welding rods, brake fluid, oils, etc., must be of a particular type and should not be purchased prior to arrival on campus. Again, after arriving on campus, students will receive information about the identification and purchase/attainment from individual course instructors at an approximate cost of $150* for the school year.
Automotive students are highly encouraged to have a valid driver's license and a vehicle on campus. It is desirable to have this vehicle to perform required occupational practices in labs and to exchange vehicles with other students when different years, makes, and models are necessary to complete these practices. It is not necessary that the vehicle be licensed or insured and there is parking provided for these vehicles. If a student is unable to provide such a vehicle, he/she should contact his/her academic adviser upon arrival to campus.
Ample parking is allowed on campus for registered student vehicles. Parking lots are maintained and patrolled by University Police staff. Student dead lots are not maintained or patrolled by University Police. Student parking permits are available through the University Police at registration or in the Student Services Office on the Wellsville Campus after registration.
If you have any questions, please contact Cyril E. Merrick, Chair - Automotive Trades Department, at (607) 587-3118 or the Student Services Office at (607) 587-3111.
*All costs calculated from a poll of current students.
Automotive Service Technician Freshman Equipment List
The following items are to be furnished by each freshman. Please bring them with you when you begin classes. Tools are NOT available at the Campus Store unless otherwise noted.
1/4" Square Drive Socket Set
- 9 six-point sockets (3/16 - 1/2")
- 4 - 14mm shallow and deep well socket set
- Reversible ratchet
- 3" extension
- 6" extension
3/8" Square Drive Socket Set
- 7 sockets (3/8 - 3/4")
- 7 six-point deep well sockets (3/8 - 3/4")
- 8mm - 19mm shallow and deep well socket set
- 3" extension
- 6" extension
- 10" extension
- Reversible ratchet
- Universal joint
1/2" Square Drive Socket Set
- 10mm - 24mm deep impact sockets
- 3" extension
- 6" extension
- 10" extension
- 24" flex handle
- Reversible ratchet
- Universal joint
- Impact universal joint
- Axle nut socket set (29mm - 38mm six point)
Brakes & Suspension
- Narrow brake spoon
- Tire gauge
- Tire valve core remover
- 6" brass or aluminum punch
- 3/8" torx socket set T15 - T60
- ½" drive torque wrench (max. 250 lb.)*
- 3/8" drive torque wrench (flex head, min. 5 lb.)
- Return and hold down spring tools
- Brake line double flare kit (and ISO/bubble flare kit)
Welding & Preventive Maintenance
- Tip cleaner (torch)
- Welding goggles (shade 5)
- Spark lighter
- Tire tread depth gauge (1/32")
- Files: 1 round and 3 square files
- High cuff welding gloves
- Welder's helmet (shade 10 lens)
- Welding kit***
Electrical & Fuel Systems
- Set round feeler gauges
- 13/16" & 5/8 - 3/8" spark plug sockets
- 12-18" jumper wire (16 gauge minimum)
- Roll of black electrical tape***
- Small tube resin solder***
- 12v test light
- Sparkplug gaper
- Fuel injection test kit
- DVOM capable of measuring amperage
- Combination stripper/crimper pliers
Miscellaneous Tools
- Allen wrench sets (standard and metric)
- 10 long combination wrenches (3/8 - 1")
- 5-piece punch and chisel set
- 8mm - 22mm combination wrench set
- 3 flat screwdrivers - 4", 6", 8"
- 4 Phillips screwdrivers - #2 stubby, #2 regular, #1 regular, #3 regular
- 1 1/2 lb. or heavier ball peen hammer
- Fluorescent drop light with 25' cord - 3 prong plug
- Blow gun with rubber tip and male coupler (NAPA 90-618, or equivalent)
- Tire chuck with male coupler (NAPA 90-618, or equivalent)
- 1 fender cover
- Slip lock-type pliers (5-6 positions)
- Needle nose pliers
- 10" vise grips
- 10' measuring tape
- Set drill bits by 1/64 increments to ½"
- Diagonal pliers (side cutters)
- Telescoping inspection mirror
- Safety shoes (steel toes - no sneakers)
- Safety glasses (mirror items not allowed)***
- Dial indicator and holding fixture
- 3-piece pry bar set (max 36")***
- Roll of shop towels
- Magnet with extendable rod
- ½" Impact gun
- 400 watt soldering gun
- 1 box of Nitrile disposable gloves
- Gasket scraper
- Razor scraper
- Hack saw and blades
- Small swivel oil filter wrench
- Large swivel oil filter wrench
*Preferred for Brakes & Suspension Course
***These items are available at our Campus Store.
All tools must meet O.S.H.A. standards. Prescription glasses are o.k. if confirmed by a statement from your optometrist. Bring this statement at the start of school.
Tool Box(es) - Bottom roll cab must have a lock. You may add a lockable top cabinet to the roll cab.
Shop Uniforms - Uniform shirts MUST BE ordered from the Campus Store. You may e-mail your order to mcdonos [at] alfredstate [dot] edu or call 607-587-4323 to place your order. Uniform work pants are to be blue in color (example - Dickie brand) and three (3) pairs are recommended.
Books: $350 plus tax per semester
Automotive Service Technician Senior Equipment List
Items on the following list are to be furnished by each senior (in addition to the freshman list of required tools). Please bring them with you when you begin classes. Tools are NOT available at the Campus Book Store.
- 90 degree die grinder kit (2" roloc arbor)
- Infrared temp gun
- 32 oz. dead blow hammer
- Quick disconnects tools (A/C, Fuel, Trans., Engine oil cooler lines)
- 3/8" drive twist design nut/bolt remover set
- Compression tester kit
- Pickle fork style, suspension component separator
- Vacuum gauge
- Constant tension clamp pliers (hose clamp pliers)
- Mini pick set (4 pc.)
- Serpentine belt removal tool
- 3/8" drive crow's feet wrenches 6 pt. (metric sizes 9 - 18 mm)
- Power steering pulley remover set
All tools must meet O.S.H.A. standards where applicable.
We urge the purchase of good quality tools for durability and better quality work.