2 answers
genevieve
Student
Waipahu, Hawaii
3
Questions
Updated
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Whats being a mechanic like?
Interested in mechanics. #mechanical-engineer
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2 answers
Douglas Lemmo, P.E.
Consultant, Owner at Power Generation Consulting Services
132
Answers
Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
Hi,
I notice in your question that there is also a mechanical-engineer interest as well as the mechanic question. I think I can shed some light on both of them for you since they are somewhat related in that they both deal with mechanical things. first the basics, a mechanical engineer (ME) will have obtained a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree (BSME) while a mechanic will have probably attended a trade school or other technical training e.g. (craft trade union training program) or performed On the Job Training (OJT) to acquire the necessary skills to be a mechanic.
First, most people, when they mention a mechanic will thing of an automotive mechanic as they are probably the most numerous, but mechanics work on a variety of mechanical objects in industries that have nothing to do with automobiles or trucks. But, regardless of the "type" of mechanic you would like to become, they all have several traits in common which differentiate them from Mechanical Engineers. Mechanics work with their hands and are very skilled in the use of tools. Both generalized hand tools as well as highly specialized tools unique to the particular industry they are working in. Mechanics might also be skilled in rigging equipment used to lift heavy objects or in welding equipment. They might also be skilled in the use of precision measuring equipment such as might be used in the assembly of large mechanical machines . In short, mechanics use tools to accomplish a task: repair automobiles, install conveyor systems, erect power plants, assemble mining equipment, build ships, etc. Being a mechanic can be very rewarding in that you get to work on equipment and get aa sense of accomplishment at the end of the day because you can actually "see" the changes you have made and the problems you have solved.
A Mechanical Engineer also works with mechanical objects but on a higher level in that the ME would be a designer of the equipment that the mechanic works on. Mechanical Engineering is probably the broadest branch of all of the different types of engineering. Broadly speaking, "If it Moves" it is most likely designed, operated and maintained by a mechanical engineer: automobiles, airplanes, electrical turbine-generators, earth moving equipment, robots, ships, pumps, manufacturing machines, etc. For example, a design mechanical engineer might design a large conveyor system which would be installed by a construction mechanical engineer who would direct and supervise a group of mechanics who would physically install the conveyor equipment. At the end of the project the Design Mechanical Engineer, the Construction Mechanical Engineer and the Mechanics would all get the satisfaction and pride of accomplishment that comes with the operation of what ever the mechanical device that they have been working on runs.
Hope this helps,
Doug
I notice in your question that there is also a mechanical-engineer interest as well as the mechanic question. I think I can shed some light on both of them for you since they are somewhat related in that they both deal with mechanical things. first the basics, a mechanical engineer (ME) will have obtained a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree (BSME) while a mechanic will have probably attended a trade school or other technical training e.g. (craft trade union training program) or performed On the Job Training (OJT) to acquire the necessary skills to be a mechanic.
First, most people, when they mention a mechanic will thing of an automotive mechanic as they are probably the most numerous, but mechanics work on a variety of mechanical objects in industries that have nothing to do with automobiles or trucks. But, regardless of the "type" of mechanic you would like to become, they all have several traits in common which differentiate them from Mechanical Engineers. Mechanics work with their hands and are very skilled in the use of tools. Both generalized hand tools as well as highly specialized tools unique to the particular industry they are working in. Mechanics might also be skilled in rigging equipment used to lift heavy objects or in welding equipment. They might also be skilled in the use of precision measuring equipment such as might be used in the assembly of large mechanical machines . In short, mechanics use tools to accomplish a task: repair automobiles, install conveyor systems, erect power plants, assemble mining equipment, build ships, etc. Being a mechanic can be very rewarding in that you get to work on equipment and get aa sense of accomplishment at the end of the day because you can actually "see" the changes you have made and the problems you have solved.
A Mechanical Engineer also works with mechanical objects but on a higher level in that the ME would be a designer of the equipment that the mechanic works on. Mechanical Engineering is probably the broadest branch of all of the different types of engineering. Broadly speaking, "If it Moves" it is most likely designed, operated and maintained by a mechanical engineer: automobiles, airplanes, electrical turbine-generators, earth moving equipment, robots, ships, pumps, manufacturing machines, etc. For example, a design mechanical engineer might design a large conveyor system which would be installed by a construction mechanical engineer who would direct and supervise a group of mechanics who would physically install the conveyor equipment. At the end of the project the Design Mechanical Engineer, the Construction Mechanical Engineer and the Mechanics would all get the satisfaction and pride of accomplishment that comes with the operation of what ever the mechanical device that they have been working on runs.
Hope this helps,
Doug
irrfan saleem
Mechanical engineer
1
Answer
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
irrfan’s Answer
In general an auto mechanic changes rotates, repairs tires, fixes brake pads or wheel bearings changes oil, gives tuneups and completes inspection. They normally work full-time and often times work weekends plus overtime. They are mostly employed by private businesses or are selfemployed.