REDUCING TOOL DEBT, TOOL TRUCK LOYALTY, HOW TO AVOID MY MISTAKES...
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- Опубликовано: 14 май 2021
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My background; I started working on cars at 14 years old, then became a professional mechanic in 1981. My first ASE certification was in 1990 and I became master certified in 1997, becoming Advanced Level or L1 certified in 1999. I have about 40 years experience, even building a few vehicles myself from the ground up. Welding, fabrication, minor engineering, electrical, programming and more. 
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Future generations will look back on this time as the golden age of tools.
Retired mechanic here (40 years). I learned to buy a used box from guys getting out, moving, for cash was the only way to go. The tool truck dealer time is over. Buy whatever works and save your money, 40 years later it wont matter what box you had.
Amen brother. Buy used when possible. Like you said, when you retire, it doesn’t matter.
I can't complain I'm not a professional mechanic but my tool box is a late 1988 Kennedy mechanic tool chest 10 drawer top a riser and the big door on the front of the bottom 3 big drawer rolling tool cabinet powder coated orange.i really like my box so what if it is not craftsman older USA made or the tool truck brands or us general tool boxes... honestly I say the fact that it's 1988 Kennedy USA made tool boxes speaks for itself..
Exactly. I bought my MB1700 series box when I was in school over 35 years ago. I got it from a guy who wanted to upgrade from it to the new snap on that was out at the time. Paid 1500 for it then. It's old now...but still works great and it's usually the old guys like me who want to talk about it when they see it. I would love to find 3 more and add them to mine and make my own huge box, but they are hard to find and when you do.. they ain't exactly cheap.
Yeah when you have the cash sure...
My tools have more experience than I do.
Iv been gifted many expensive and cheap tools that hold memories of things Iv been taught by the men who mentored me as young man. If my tools were a band it would the highway men with all the story’s they could tell.
This video was awesome! I love these sort of discussions. I’m new to the industry, but I was an electronics technician for 10 years. I cannot understand how mechanics can ignore the price gouging of tool trucks and make so many excuses for not shopping more wisely. I am a best bang for your buck type person, so brand names mean nothing to me. My husky tools are phenomenal for the price I paid, and I get paid the same hourly rate no matter what tool brand I use. Thanks for looking out for the community!
Thank you very much! I'll always do what I can and be honest about what I find. I've been doing a bit of experimenting with most good results.
It's a tax deductible they don't ignore it maybe and just maybe they know something that we don't.
@@abbsgarage.9676The average mechanic making tool truck payments while making 50-60k a year isn’t writing anything off lol. They’re taking the standard deduction. Single guy filing head of household that was $19,400 this past tax season. Unless they’re spending 1/3 or more of their income on tools it would make no sense to claim the deductions. Say they make 60k and spend 20k on tools to take advantage of this huge tax savings. That’s 20k they won’t have to pay income tax on. For federal they’d be in the 12% tax bracket. Say state tax rate is 5% like mine is. 17% total. So they spend $20k on tools to keep from sending the government $3400 in income taxes? That scheme will make you rich. A net loss to your household of $16,600 to save paying some taxes 😂
I jest a little but that’s some serious mental gymnastics. If you want to buy expensive tools you do not have to justify it or defend it to strangers. Maybe to your loved ones but not to us. Yes they’re nice. I’m not a mechanic but my brother actually owns a shop and has all of the good stuff. So do his mechanics. I have 24/7 365 access to his shop and all of their tools when I need to repair something. I’m into the Jeep and fast car hobby and currently putting together my own tool set so I don’t have to use theirs all the time. No way in the world will I spend the level of money on these tools that they have. I’d bet my brother has easily spent over $200k on the trucks. $300k+ is probably more realistic with shop equipment. Even he will tell you it’s stupid and it’s an addiction. Like drugs, fast cars, watches, or anything else. I’ve built an impressive little collection of mid grade tools. Few select high end tools the guys recommended I not cut corners on. Are they as nice as all snap ones heck no but they will work for me like they would anyone else. He commented the other day that my 72” US General box loaded with tools, my 56” US general box loaded with my engine and powerglide building tools, my 2 US general 5 drawer carts full of tools, my cherry picker, floor jack, and the supercharger sitting on top of my 56” box probably cost cost less than his giant snap on toolbox setup empty. Super cool setup he has but he was right lol.
Gearwrench, Lisle, VIM, Sunex, OTC, Astro and many more all make awesome tools that are usually every bit as good as the the tool truck brands, heck they are all sold (marked up and or re-branded of course 😒) on the tool truck! as far as boxes i have had a husky for a couple years now its the one that’s similar to the Milwaukee its slightly bigger and for sure its a decent tool box! But i dont know that’s it was the best choice! The locks never functioned correctly and are all so flimsy that they just snapped off in the actual tumbler. Also looking at it I thought it was a decent sized box and looked like it was gonna hold alot of tools but my wrenches, sockets and all the other basic necessity tools quickly over loaded it and several of the slides have broken and the drawers don’t function properly anymore and the last things are drawer sizing! I believe this box is ment to be a homeowner box as alot of my blow molded boxes (balljoint press, hub set, ect ct ect) either just barley fit or wont fit at all! Im currently in the process of getting a new box! Im not gonna go with a tool truck box ! Im probably going with the US general 72 from what ive seen they appear to be a decent box starting in the 1100$ price range! Sorry for the novel of the comment i really enjoyed this video and the channel keep up the good work sir
This video is so true on the points mentioned. But there is a way to get really nice tool truck tools without paying ridiculous prices. If your willing to put the time in looking for the people that buy these tools at crazy high prices and realize they can't afford it or dont even end up using all of it. So they will sell it on market place among other places. I know this is possible because i do it myself and have 10s of thousands of dollars of tools and boxes and have spent an 1/8th of that amount, maybe even less. There is a RUclips channel called midwesttool, and he has done the same. Snap on is alot better than almost all other brands but not so much better that it would justify paying 10x the price. Buy what you want but being in dept over tools isn't the way. It does take time but taking the time to look around and make deals with people to get great tools at HF prices. It's just like buying a car from the dealership or from a private owner, yes serching for that car from a private seller takes much longer but you will save so much money that it is well worth it.
As someone who isn’t a mechanic and just watches these channels to learn how to maintain my own vehicles…the tool truck thing is just mind boggling. It would be unthinkable in any other industry for some vendor to just regularly drop by your job and push 500% marked up implements on credit. In any other field the proprietor would say get the hell off my property and stop exploiting my employees. I don’t care how good the tools are or if they’re US made, for what they charge they ought to be gold plated and made by Abraham Lincoln himself.
Very true, it’s been the “norm” in our industry for so long, people just accept it and some even brag about the quality because expensive means better to them. Peer pressure.
Ive been in the process of trying to become a matco tool truck driver in my lical area but i want to be successful and to do that i want to try and help every customer i can save money but also make myself money at the same time. I want to be the tool dealer that the mechanics are happy to see because they know i will bend over backwards to help them out how ever i can so they dont mind spending the money with me because they know i will get their back if there is a problem or if they are short on cash when pay day comes around. Tool trucks are great for mechanics as long as the driver is a good one that doesnt just see dollar signs. I personally just love tools for some reason so i want to spread that love not just make a dollar.
Very true, a good dealer is rare and a fantastic way to do business for sure!
Jimmy, I've been watching your channel for some time now. Very good content. This show is a great one. I've learned a long time ago that the tool truck isn't the only place to get tools. I do admit I do spend a lot on tools but it has to meet a lot of requirements first.
But the one thing that I agree with is tool debt. Every month I set aside 400 dollars for tools. I figure that's a hundred a week. If I don't use the money this month I roll it over to next. That way I can buy expensive tools with out the huge debt. When I say expensive I don't mean the top of the line snap on stuff that I can do just as well with a Craftsman. I mean specialty tools that naturally cost more.
What I've found is that Snap-On tools you know it's going to be right, so for things that you use all of the time or in critical situations it's the way to ho, buy once, cry once, but for everything else there are alrernatives, except cheap tools (lowest cost) you get what you pay for there. It's all about weighing value for your situation and what's best for you. Great video.
Very true! Thank you.
"Savages" lol! All true.
@32:57 The shop foreman of our small industrial repair shop will buy anything and everything he can with the shop's "new equipment funds" on Snap-on tools. Despite cheaper alternatives that would equally suit our needs. Find out it's all to keep the Snap-on guy around in order to service the tools of our more senior mechanics tools. Mac stopped showing up more than 20 years ago, guys still have broken stuff that needs servicing from Mac, and now they don't want the same to happen with old Snappy. Personally, I've been buying primarily from Tekton and Sunex, Mayhew. Koken, Knipex, Milwaukee, Astro, Gearwrench, Lisle, Vessel, etc. Whatever is the best ratio quality/price. Boomers seem to think you either buy the bottom of the barrel, Harbor Freight or buy the "best of the best"(LOL) from a tool truck.
You don't need a truck for warranty. Just send it in and get it replaced. I just warrantied some Snap On pliers and it only took about 10 days. Prepaid shipping label, and free return shipping. All you have to do is email customer service. Not as simple as having a truck, but still pretty easy.
I know a shop owner who doesn't allow tool trucks to come by. He said that he did not see an appreciable difference in productivity. The guys got paid on a Thursday and he said most were broke by Monday after making the payments. This leads to problems at home, which also doesn't help productivity. Thought this was interesting.
A few years ago I was looking for cheap digital calipers that would read fractional. Found the exact same calipers selling for $17-$60. Exact same tool, different brands, different prices. Lisle was mentioned in the video. They're similar to Lang in a sense that their tools are often rebranded on the trucks. As was also shown, the difference in cost is not insignificant. Folks who know this choose to buy from a truck for any number of reasons. Their money, their choice. If one is on a budget, or simply doesn't want to sink that much cash into the tools, knowing the OEM can be very helpful. Same tool, different brand, different price.
Thanks Felix, appreciate your input!
Sounds like an owner looking out for his employees. And yes his reasoning makes a lot of sense to me.
I got to this point my self I hate buying tools now I usually see what guys are using to make the job easier then I go from there either in the pawn shop while I looking for silver or Amazon, Home Deoot and finally the truck if I have no other choice. Anyways a guy like me ain't gonna put these guys kids through college been doing it too long tool set is built up and i warrentied alot of the stuff I bought from else where. I agree on the tool box purchase I wish I would stayed away myself.
And one more tip, if you are returning a tool, ask the dealer if he has such and such tool. He will have it to sell you. That’s when you show him the broken tool you are returning. If you show the broken tool first, he will have to order your replacement..
Ahhh, gotta have a plan!
Very good advice, Jimmy. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I agree with your points but most snap on hand tools are made by snap on in the USA by employees making good wages. I do agree that some prices you do a double take. Now my dealer always does a deal as do most so you never pay retail prices. The steel in their tool is better quality for sure. That puller set your shop mate bought I got for around $310. So more but not even close to retail. Oh and if I break it my guy shows up on Friday every week. He also lives not far from me and has dropped stuff to me during the week.
Also if buying from Amazon be careful. Many tool companies (Milwaukee etc) will say that’s not an authorized distributor and not warranty the tools. So you need to be careful. That said I’ve been lucky to pay mostly cash for everything and never had a balance over 3 weeks. Also when I started Snap On was the only one that would come to my shop. The Mac guy stopped in and way overcharged on some stuff. We never called him again. My Matco guy took almost a year to come and is a jerk. So who you work with matters also.
My husky sockets were great until they kept rounding stuff over. Then that 20 minute job turned into 2 hrs and you paid for a snap on set with time lost.
I say to new guys buy what you can, but buy smart. I tell guys to only buy impacts first. Then get chrome if you want. That said my sockets are almost all snap on (except 3/4” I got Sunex but rarely need it). As you say the steel is better and I have always gotten at least a 20% price break but 40% has been normal for sockets for me. Wrenches they do lots of deals.
All that said I never bought Lisle stuff rebranded. Always cheaper on Amazon or at Napa. However my Snap On guy has warranty some Lisle stuff for me. And I’m very grateful for that.
Electrics are all Milwaukee but I am breaking down later this year and getting the Snap On long necks in the 14.4 (hoping brushless will be out then) the Milwaukee is great but the heads are to big many times and I don’t like that paddle.
I have some of all the brands but wrenches and sockets I prefer snap on. I also like that I’m supporting American workers. That said I had a harbor freight box (and still do) loaded down with American Tools. I’d say that’s the biggest spend the money, especially in the beginning, where you make your money. The box can come later if you like. And most do. It’s no different then guys in construction eventually getting a nice truck. You don’t start that way.
Last comment I’ll add here is keep all your receipts. And have a good account. Everything is a write off. So eventually there will come a day if you do it right where your account is telling you to upgrade and spend a little extra. I would make a new guy a good deal on my old tools, or take home whatever, then get the ones I’d been holding out for, sometimes years for. That said sometimes the more expensive tool is the better tool hands down. I.E. Snap on torque wrenches are the standard for a reason. Aviation guys it’s not an option they buy Snap On. New guys just borrow cause I don’t trust the Harbor Freight one on cold days.
Love the video.
I’m glad I came across this channel. You are the man!!
Well, thank you very much!
In the mid 2000s a great uncle passed away who was a retired aircraft mechanic for one of the major airlines in the 70s and 80s. In his toolbox we found receipts for what he was paying for snapon to work on aircraft in the late 80s to early 1980s. Adjusted for inflation it is pretty much all the same no matter which decade it is....each set or case of hand tools or each individual specialty tool was and always will be equivalent to the weekly paycheck for an avg unskilled manual labor/ with no college education.
Snap On's profits at setting all time records, with 2020 being the single largest increase in profits in their history, over 20% increase that year alone. But it's usually a 3% to 7% increase in Profits annually.
I hope the young guys are paying attention. Each level of tools has a place, as you described. Eschewing unnecessary debt is a fundamental key to long-term financial success.
Exactly! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Amen my man 100% right I shop around and check and see if the tool I'm looking is on the truck and if so is it rebranded I'll buy the rebrand any day of the week for half or less the money cash and no debt ... good video and just subscribed 👍👍👍
Damn it! I wish I saw this before I went on the tool truck today. You're absolutely right! ...oh and I'm only in debt about 1k...lol.
Thanks for the video!
Good for you!
Thanks!
Thank you, great video.
One interesting point-- As a beginner mechanic in 1986, I started buying Snap-On and Mac tools (at 1986 prices) for all the reasons you might imagine. I could have, and maybe should have bought Craftsman or SK more often. I tried to keep my tool truck balance as low as possible. I'm 57 now and wrenching in a classic car restoration shop. If I were to buy the same tools today, with inflation and cost of living they would cost MUCH, MUCH more. So the question I have: Is it worth it to bite the bullet on some core tools (ratchets, wrenches, etc.) from the premium brands when you're YOUNG, TODAY, because they would be an investment considering inflation and natural rise in cost of living, goods, services? TODAY, when I buy tools, I mostly buy ICON, TEKTON, GearWrench, etc. because their PRICE-TO-VALUE is a far better than Snap-On, MAC, Matco, BUT... I definitely feel the in most cases the tool truck wrenches and sockets are better. Bottom line-- Is it really better to Buy ONCE, Cry Once?? I think it's a tool-by- tool, case-by-case basis. I think the smarter man would buy the good off-shore brands, and INVEST the difference he would have spent on Snap-On in mutual funds, etc.. Then his money is making money while he sleeps.
Agree 100%! Have to choose with every purchase!
This video is great. Videos like these really made me think hard and put a limit to what I buy on the tool truck when I first started it was really tempting going into debt because of the payments but videos like yours helped
Glad I could help, it's very important to choose wisely and only when really needed to spend the big money.
If you're a veteran you get 10% of at HomeDepot, Lowes and a lot of other stores as well,, always worth it to ask.
Really great video. I have had guys ask me for gas money to get to work 2 days after payday because of tool debt. It's sad because they have nothing to show for. I started out with 400pc craftsman tool set and a harbor freight tool box. I started out at a dealership. I got picked on and laughed at. One guy had a nice Matco box with all the bells and whistles but he would need to borrow a spark plug socket at least once a week.
Well said, thanks for watching and leaving a comment about your experiences too!
Borrow once-OK, borrow twice-you need to buy one!
Great info Jim. I agree with most of what you said. Especially now day with so many tool websites one really can shop around. When I started it was only tool trucks and sears lol. I own a lot of truck brand stuff but for the last few years I've bought more from online then the trucks. The only thing I would like to add is sometimes with the cheap stuff you do get what you pay for. Sometimes buying online when that tool breaks you have to take extra time out of your life to get it warrantied and time is money. On the snap on puller set I believe it's money well spent I don't think the puller you compared it
to was a good comparison but if it's shopping by price then yes, but in a professional environment will that puller performed?
Toolbox wise I own a 3 bay Matco with hutch and lockers if I had to do it over again I wouldn't.
As much as I like my box I have ran out of room and have a giant cabinet and 2 tool carts and a single bay snap on.
IF I had to do it again I would buy those bigger carts and specialize them It's Way cheaper that way. And like you
mentioned truck brand boxes can be had @ 1/2 the price used sometimes almost new. best option if you want a Snappy or Mac Matco box.
We appreciate the content and Thank you for the time you're putting in.
I wish the kids fresh out of high school, going into tech school, would watch this video before spending thousands on snap on. I'm a 21 year old guy who is just finishing up a course in automotive and has gone through auto body as well. I was lucky enough to have someone close to me tell me that snap on doesn't make you a good tech. I am in no way loyal to any one brand. It's really sad to see 17 and 18 year olds get brainwashed by the school tool dealer. A kid who does only detailing as a part time job just bought a 40k toolbox 🙄 Yes we do get nearly half off a wide selection of snap on tools, but that is still a big debt to pile up while paying for education. Thanks for making a great video like this, perhaps I should convince my teachers to show kids this video before the snap on rep makes his rounds to the newbies 😂
Excellent comment! Thanks for watching Mike! Share it as often as you’d like! ;)
The carpentry teacher always told starting out students to buy from harbor freight. My cabinet and mill work teacher said cheap tools ain't worth crap. Glad I ignored him and went to harbor freight. I was starting out why get Makita or DeWalt. When we moved we had a construction guy install some things. He said he was impressed. He confided in me he wished he bought cheaper tools. Because he's getting older and he has a lot of tool debt.
I only purchased what I couldn’t get elsewhere. I owned sk craftsman Napa tool brands. I’m talking 40 years ago. We only had a snap on and Mac truck. I bought a blue point 3/8 butterfly impact. That was the only tool that failed30 year’s later. I paid 200 for it I think. I was able to get parts for it. That same tool at harbor freight was under 30 bucks. I do have a few Snap-on things. I in my career saw tool warranty denied by snap on more than once. Back in the day we had no internet to buy tools. I just couldn’t see the high cost like what you are saying here. Great video
Awesome advice! Thank you for caring for the people who are starting out in the field! I have been a plant maintenance technician for two years, and I enjoy supporting my local trucks as much as I can (which isn't much!), but when I'm looking for a 24", 1/2" drive ratchet ... Tekton has it for $60 (lifetime warranty BTW) and the tool trucks have it for $380 ... I'm mean that's not even close!
Glad to help! That is exactly where we need to choose the less expensive option. When you can buy 6 of them vs 1, wow.
Worked on aircraft for 40 years and have a few Snap- On and Mac. But never, never paid too much for tools. It didn’t make me less of a mechanic by not having a box as big as a car or the most redicillusly overpriced tools!
Exactly!
I absolutely love the Snap-on nut swingers and sit back and laugh. They are all about "Quality", you get what you paid for. I ask, where are your priorities. Spend thousands of dollars for tools or buy a house. I chose the latter. I bought a house and vehicles instead of those over priced "Quality" tools. I get made fun of on live streams because I say I can't afford tool truck tools. Thing is I don't want to spend the money on those tools. I much rather have toys, vehicles and other things than a bunch of expensive tools. Can't live in a Snap-on tool box, just sayin. Great video Jimmy, I sure would like to talk to you. Do you have IG or messenger?
Exactly Scott! We should all be buying the tools needed to get the job done! ...not defaulting to the most expensive brand on the planet to prove our worth. Unless it is actually required.
@@JimmyMakingitwork I do have a few Snap-on tools. Because at the time there was a certain ratchet I wanted and Snap-on was the only company that had what I wanted. Now everybody has it. But my Snappy has held up and use it regularly. For the most part my tools are cheaper brands because I wanted other things in life other than just tools. Can't have both, sometimes you have to make a choice of what you really want.
@@JimmyMakingitwork i have only a few snapons, like most im not a pro but cant afford a full chest of them.... but i WILL say if i were a pro and still young?.. i would try to obtain the best !...( snapon, matcos,macs, etc) i did recently go low bid and bought "ICON" from harbor freight and still spent 8k on a nice set up ( 73' box side locker, side box, and hutch) ... o think the quality is there and spent a fraction... ill live with the shame and pay it off as quick as i can!... im impressed with the icon ratchet wrenches, ratchets, and other wrenches.
I used to work with a guy who had nothing but chrome ATD sockets(made in Tiawan). He had been using these sockets on hand tools and impact for 7 years plus while he was in school. I was surprised to see he was using cheap stuff. He told me he had broke 4 sockets since he bought them. I have Craftsman USA sockets I have been using almost 20 years. Got some of those sockets when I was 13 years old working on my bmx bike. I've never broke one. I'm convinced some people just don't care about affordable options. I think it really comes down to ego and pride. Which is sad.
Being a retired mechanic I look at what I started with in 1983. I bought cash for my tools from Grainger. Since I was leaving active duty Air Force I sold back my leave and then bought a full set of tools. I also never went on the trucks. I already knew what goes on and I avoided it. After the Air Force I was heavy line at a dealership for a couple years before I got a job in aircraft structural work. I needed tools there so I cleaned up my tools between jobs and then went to work for the next 30 years on aircraft. Being that I was always a cash and carry mechanic I never had a tool debt.
I never thought much about it until i saw a guy at work having his tools reprocessed when he was on a vacation. I knew I never go on a truck after that incident.
Thanks for the comment and Your service!
Some of the tool trucks will run you up in debt, with no responsibility for wether or not you can pay. Then take it all back, hurt your credit and give you all the blame. Best to pay cash, or find better deals, you did it right!
@@JimmyMakingitwork It was hard sometimes being a cash and carry mechanic in the concern of having tools. I did have to improvise over the years. When I was a heavy line mechanic I needed to have a couple engine bars on front wheel drive cars. I could have got the shops bars but they were always in use or broken. I finally just made my up with pulleys chains and angle iron. I go on reserve training for 2 weeks and I had my bars chained and padlocked to the side of my toolbox and I get back and my bright pink painted braces with my initials engraved on them were on other cars with the padlock cut off from toolbox. I already had my job offer for a new job in aviation. I grab the service manager demand my braces back as they were mine. I then drove my pickup truck into the shop got my engine bars and loaded everything up. The service manager was beside himself about me loading up. I looked at him and said I am firing this company from life and got in the truck and left. I held later that the service manager had fired a mechanic and the service writer for stealing my engine bars. It did not matter to me as I was going to find a excuse to say so long anyway.
It's so true thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Great video going to be changing some spending habits now and shop wiser
Glad to hear that Timothy, thanks for watching!
After 20:years in the mobile tool business I have to say the content here is outstanding.
Thanks very much Craig!
You sir.....nailed it..! After 51 years in the biz...I agree with you 100%.
Thanks very much Hugh!
I Hate owing
I usually pay everything on the spot
So tool wise, I am debt freeee
Great video Jimmy! I agree with 95% of what you said in this video … especially the part about buying the tools first and grow out of the current box your in, no better advice could be given. I will say however, the Amazon puller vs. the Snap On puller I can’t agree with. I’ve been down that road, went through 3 cheaply made bearing press tools, then broke down and paid for the Snappy set. It was like night and day. The cheap sets left me stranded unable to complete the job, while the Snap On set was expensive, it didn’t disappoint when it came down to it. Maybe that “better metal” actually makes a difference on some things 😂.. Great video , great channel, keep it up!!
Thanks Drew! I also bought a Snap On ball joint press recently, in another video...So yes there are times when you have to spend the money wisely, but not always on the less expensive versions! :)
If you're starting out, set a budget. You know you need to eat, get to work, live somewhere, take a girl out, have a hobby, save for the future and you know you need tools. If you really need a good set of something, say I'll save $50 a week. At the end of the month go on the truck, haggle for 10-15% off and pay cash. You've saved 20% if you count interest right off the bat. Treat the truck like a hands on catalogue. You don't need to have it there and then. You've lived without it for your whole life.
ALL great points George, thanks for watching!
This video is MUCH needed. I own Snap On, Gearwrench, and Icon. I even own Husky and Craftsman. Although Snap On is better, Icon and Gearwrench are not far behind. Especially Icon. Even Craftsman and Husky aren't too bad. My opinion is that Gearwrench and Icon are a far better value than Snap On.
Thank you, agree 100% Jason. I think those who over spent on Snap On have to justify by degrading other brands. The way a Ferrari owner wears the jackets and hats and looks down his nose at Corvettes. lol
One thing to keep in mind, with the truck brands you are also paying for a service. You're paying to have that tool rep come out weekly and give you one on one service. And research the "lifetime warranty". Some only offer the warranty on defects, so watch out for that. And know where to warranty them, just because you bought it at Home depot doesn't mean you warranty it at Home depot. If you have to warranty a ratchet it could be weeks or months before you get that ratchet back. I'm not saying you have to buy Snap on, I'm saying do your research first, it will save you a lot of headaches.
Exactly, very good points! Thanks
Excellent points, all around.
Thank you very much for watching!
Better metal 🤣🤣🤣 I've still got a set of wrenches, 8mm to 19mm from Bench top, bought from Kmart over 35 years ago...yes...KMart. They have performed as good as any Snap On wrench I've bought in my box 🤷
Great video BTW, you're preaching what I realized years ago when I started wrenching professionally. I buy what works and works for me...
Good stuff, thanks for the input!
Good video Jimmy years ago I bought the biggest snap on box they made craftsmanship high end box's are all a guy needs . Snap on is a big snow job I worked all my life in a dealership made dam good money .still all of them tools and box's are way to much you told it right great video. Sam
Thanks very much for your input Sam!
This was a very good video. I’ve been in the automotive repair industry on and off since 1993 and was fortunate enough to build off of my dad’s Snap On toolset that be purchased back in the 70s. One major take-away from my tenure is that there are many tool makers out there. I’ve seen many vendors come and go but I’ve always had consistent warranty accessibility, dependable reps, and reliability from Snap On chrome hand tools and impact power tools. With that being said, I also use other brands such as Fluke, OTC, Lisle, Mac, Milwaukee electric tools, etc… Bottom line is, if you find something that works for you, then stick with it as long as you can work safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively without drastically impacting your quality of life. Thanks! 👍🏻
Awesome points Mike, very well said! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing 👍🏽
Thank you Adrian!
21k for a tool box. I spent 25k total for my 2018 Honda Civic Sport turbo hatch. My ‘18 Civic gets me to my $61/hr security job. I’ll keep my Husky roll around box.
That is a good plan!
If you think you just have to have a tool truck brand box buy one off market place. I bought a Matco 5s double bay 28” deep in great shape for 1200$. You can put a lot of tools in a 28” deep box.
Nice find! Deals are out there for anyone willing to put in the effort to search!
I absolutely love your channel and just subscribed. I am in the lawncare industry and everyone thinks you have to buy the most expensive mower to make money, same story here. You can make a living off less expensive brands and put that money in your pocket to have a better life.
Awesome! I definitely think adds condition us to overspend, by A LOT!
Thank you for the sub!
Over 20 years ago, tool access and choices was limited. Now it's easier to go online and buy tools. It's even cheaper to buy snap on from exiting older techs and because of that snap on dealers are questioning and even refusing warranty.
Even directly thru Snap On they can ask for a receipt. Very few mechanics have their receipts.
Really expensive to warranty really expensive tools I suppose.
Debt is a tool, no different than any other tool we use. Use it wisely.
While these other companies make decent tools. My snap on tools are borrowed more than any others.
Thanks for watching!
My experience was needing a steering wheel puller fast in 2009, UT. Got one for under 40 bucks at Harbor Frt. The 4 prong deal is fine but the threaded bolts to apply the force were made of a cheap alloy that quicky stripped all the threads. I could not continue the job with it but improvised with an engine puller and odd bracing. The metal quality may make a difference. In some cases.
That is true. I have a box of bolts beside my puller, 3 of each size and length. So far my Pittsburg puller has last over 15 years.
Great advice!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video that should be shown in every high school shop class, trade school, and community college.
I've turned wrenches in Army for 20 years and have seen enough broken snap-on, armstrong, old school SK, proto, and several other "high end" tools to know that in the right hands pitsburg tools are worth more than snap-on tools in the wrong hands.
What I'm definitely not a fan of is a mechanic making $30/hr, going into debt to work for a dealership that charges $140/hour for a service call. If you're willing to go in debt to buy tools and equipment then make it worth it and start your own shop/mobile repair gig. Just can't wrap my head around going in debt to work for someone else.
Appreciate that very much Clint! Thank you!
I love this video..
alot of good points in this video, ill spend good money on a tool that i use daily or that i need max performance out of, but for most stuff, HF, lowes, home depot, parts store brands will work just fine. my toolboxes are filled with a mix of all brands and price points.
Exactly! Good plan Terry!
Still using Snap On tools I bought decades ago. Some other stuff held up; some did not. If I use it all the time, I like Snap On but I have always budgeted for tools, so a lot of my stuff I bought used or shopped retail for best price.
Right on, that is a good way to do it. Just be aware that some dealers are asking for receipts if you don’t buy enough from them.
Not harsh at all, Jimmy. It's TRUTH.
Thanks Wolley!
Great video Jimmy! I recently paid down my truck debt and have been paying cash for the tools I need, from whoever has the best quality to price ratio. I save so much money, that I can buy the quality tools when I need them.
That is awesome David! Have to have a plan!
I am a BIG believing buying quality tools. "Buy One, Cry Once." However, my definition of "quality" is not limited ro Snap On/tool-truck brands. I love Snap On, but my Gear Wrench and Icons are easily 90-95% as good for a fraction of the cost.
Very good info!
Matco has a lot of rebranded ASTRO also
Tekton makes a really good box also
Thank You! Haven’t seen the Tekton box yet, have to check it out.
I’ve got the Milwaukee. Only wish I got the bigger one! Which is 1600$ish. But I just got a locker on order. So there’s that. Loved the vid!
They make some great tools and tool boxes. Nice!
Hey, just watched and subscribed, agree with what ya said,as in the collision industry for over 40yrs, I started in 1988,bought a set of craftsman, still have most,I have all brands in my boxes, worked my way up ,I have mostly snap-on, Mac, then about 10yrs ago cornwell shows up,never heard of cornwell, but I the shop did buy a lot of cornwell, our 3rd dealer got butthurt when a couple of guys bought snap-on carts, he stopped with the virus hit,but snap-on didn't, I think he changed to gearwrench ,but any way,Mac quit,matco just couldn't make it in our area, so snap-on is all we have, sadly in june I had a heart attack ,and had to retire from body work, still have my tools at home,thanks enjoyed your videos.
Sounds like a common thing with tool trucks all over. Thanks for sharing and I hope you're doing better now, maybe taking it a little easier.
Thanks for the sub... we'll learn, have some fun and maybe help the younger guys shorten their learning curve!!! :)
I’ve bin a body guy for 31 yrs. And I’m at 47 yrs old coming to my senses about this subject. And you are absolutely 💯 spot on. I agree with you a million percent!!!!!
Thanks very much Mike!!!
Great advice great video
Thanks very much James!!!
Jimmy is so correct. Good tools could be found in tekot, gear wrench, sunex, Grey pneumatic, and etc.
Thanks Andrew!
Great video Jimmy fanboys will always be the way they are some great tools being made by other brands I am glad I built up some snap on collection early days.
Thanks for watching John!
The gearwrench 90 tooth ratchet was impressive. The fit and finish feels about 90 percent as nice as my matco ratchet. Being that they’re very similar in design, style, and functionality, that’s the best comparison to the truck brands for that particular tool. The 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 3 piece set of long, flex head comfort grip ratchets was less than 150 bucks. Been my go to ratchets since I got the set, and I own a dozen snap on ratchets and a few matco. Highly recommend the gearwrench set to anyone getting started, they’re amazing tools for the money.
I agree, very good in the shop for me too and much less expensive!
Thanks
Thanks Jimmy!
You’re welcome and Thank you Sean!
The Value of the truck brands is the time saved not going to the store. Most of the tools meet at least Federal Standards for fit and performance. The big difference is in looks, high polish, smooth surface, and the assortment available.
And another one good thing to show would be the chrome mid length sockets and I have the gearwrench set of 1/4; and 3/8 sae and metric gearwrench mid length sockets $210 for All of them.
Good sets.
I am a heavy equipment mechanic. I don't ever get on the tool trucks and just get stuff online or in store and just take care of them. Most of my sockets are Neiko and Pittsburgh and they work fine and have lasted as long as you don't toss em around. My tool box I got from a mechanic who retired. Its a Waterloo bottom half and top box roughly the same size as the Milwaukee one you showed. Thing is 46 years old but made in the US and is still in immaculate shape, got it for $250. All my ratchets are Kobalt, sure they don't feel or sound as good but they get what I need done. I occasionally take em apart and clean and grease the internals of the mechanism and keep em going. Duratech and Cal-Hawk wrenches are perfectly fine as well. Just take care of your stuff.
Very true, thanks for leaving the comment!
You also can shop Proto, SK, Wright and also new old stock Armstrong, you support American jobs and companies but don't break the bank with Snap on.. and most people aren't concerned about what the companies they are buying from stand for or support but we are in a place in history where it does matter
All true.
Every company is pretty diverse, from executives to staff with their own opinions about almost any topic.
Also, every company is doing what they can to compete.
We are all the same as far as trying to make good decisions with lots of variables to consider each time.
One of the greatest things about living in a free country is the ability to make our own decisions and reward those we choose for what ever reasons we may have, with our hard earned money.
Hopefully we’ll always have that ability. But i’m not as sure of it as I used to be.
Good advice. I wish i knew better 30 years ago.
Haha, yeah we all could have saves some money.
Funny, I've been wrenching on one thing or another since I can remember, I'm now 65 and can't get around machinery like I used to.
Tools: I've probably had them all (brand and non brand names) over the years, and here's my two cents !
Don't worry about brand names, find tools that don't stretch, or are too brittle and break, there is nothing worse than a wrench that fails while you're under a rig, or having to run for a wrench to finish a job.
Craftsman: used to be a great tool, anymore I have issues with them, but most all manufacturers make cheap and premium tools.
The only time I've bought a Snap-On tool is when I couldn't find that same type of tool somewhere else.
Yeah, sounds very familiar! Craftsmen are apparently bringing some manufacturing back to the states. We will see.
In the 1980s or any time pre internet the tool truck was the way to go. Sears probably wasn't good enough for professional work and S-K or Proto might have only been available to the military or big industry. Now with the internet one can buy good tools at better prices. Another tip would be to save money on ratchets, wrenches and sockets and buy good locking pliers.
Very true, thanks Dave!
It would be nice if everyone stopped spending those crazy tool truck tools and see if they lower the prices to what they should actually cost
Not a mechanic but I am a people and I know one thing about people. People buy what they can where they can. I think snap on offers a buy now pay later and if your a non elite American who works for living you know we all (most) need to pay later and so ensues the never ending chaseing of debt. But the tools are nice and that’s just a plus of being poor 😂
That is about right! But the debt is not a requirement. Snap On is between 18 and 30% interest on already VERY expensive tools.
Thank you!
Started my collection decades ago. I stuck with one tool dealer and budgeted $50 a week for tools. Payment went to one dealer every week. Tool account went to 12k one year. No different, same $50 payment.
Have to have a plan and budget.
Thanks for the video
Thanks Donald!
I've been a tech for 18 years and I use to drink the kool-aid. Only truck brands. But about 11 years ago I bought a set non ratcheting gearwrench wrenches. 6-24mm non skip and skip up to 32mm and match and sae stubby for 150. I am still using them . Only replaced the ones I lost. Because of that I have started trying other brands and I love tekton.
Good stuff, that is a very familiar experience for a lot who tried "other" brands. There is good value in many brands other than the Big 3 Tool Trucks. :)
You should try
Capri, Halfords Advanced, Franklin, Tekton, Astro pneumatic & Milwaukee
Most of them have lifetime warranty and will get you a new tool quicker than snap on
I'm glad that I work for a CAT dealer now with hand tools, we sell cat hand tools, stock them in the warehouse and I get a discount, then when you break them you just warranty it through proto or snappy and get lifetime coverage
Nice, sounds like a great set up!
You are a fountain of wisdom due to your years of experience and the young new techs really need to listen to you. I decided years ago that I would never put the tool truck guys kids through college by buying their hyper inflation priced tools and boxes. I do own some Snap-on and other tool truck tools but very few of them. On occasion I buy new Snap-on tools, usually pliers, cutters etc. because they really are the best and I'll buy tool truck tools sometimes if I can find them used online and in pawn shops reasonably priced. That's a rarity. Ebay sellers for example seem to think they can charge you retail for their used stuff because of the coveted Snap-on name being on it. I'm not tool brand loyal and have plenty of Craftsman, Gearwrench, Icon, Crescent, Husky, Kobalt and lots of stuff from auto parts stores and Harbor Freight. My boxes are US General and I have a US General service cart. They are doing the job just fine. I went into Home Depot today and looked at the Milwaukee and Husky boxes with hutches that you showed..great stuff. I'll probably buy one of them next week. We need to be careful about being overly critical of other techs tools and boxes because when we do we are the best salesmen living for the tool trucks. I've noticed that even good natured joking around and ribbing sometimes equals peer pressure and sales Hella lot of Snap-on tools! Anyway, awesome video, new sub.
Awesome, appreciate the input and sub very much Kayla! :)
@@JimmyMakingitwork Youre absolutely welcome Sir. You have an incredible channel! Great content. 🙂👍
Love your content... husky also has a hutch and side locker tool box for about 1500 and a higher end version of it thats similar to the icon line... I an on buying the 1500 version to me it seems like the best bang for your buck
They do make some nice tools and boxes that are a good value. Thank you for watching!
I believe that snapon is a great company I have about 20% snapon 35% other usa brands SK ,proto, Wright,and old craftsman etc. The rest overseas Taiwan, Japan ,Germany and others.. I do what I can with what I got ..I think if snapon alongside other big USA Brands would lower their prices by at least 30 to 40% they would sell more and get more of a market.. but what do I know .. I would love to have all snapon and support more USA based companies but my wallet just cant, your video is spot on ! Me and my dad had a use car lot for 16 years we did all our engine repairs and some minor transmissions..if we brought all our tools from the tool trucks, that would had eaten the profits ...up fast.. I think there is a safe balance. But your video I know will help a lot of young or old mechanics. If they listen to a seasoned mechanic like your self ...great video. 👍
Thanks very much for sharing your experiences Rico and for watching!
Excellent
Thank you so much 😀
Good advice. I don't like getting tools from Amazon due companies don't like warranty so I use dealer or store or their website. I really like see blue icon box since put together. I love color blue
Great point! We are thinking a tool box tour of Joes Blue ICON box will happen soon.
@@JimmyMakingitwork sounds good
One also has to factor in time/driving to get replacements, even for cheaper tools w/ warranty (Husky, Craftsman, etc). For me, Tekton is generally in the cheaper category, and I can snap a picture with my phone, email it, and get a new one in the mail in two days (which is often quicker than the weekly tool truck). They will warranty w/o receipt, no questions asked, and do not care where you bought it. Literally takes 2 minutes to warranty (I always do it the instant I break the tool), which rarely happens as for the price it's pretty good Taiwan quality, and nice features like no skip sets. Really, Tekton is the 'new' Craftsman for the digital age.
Very true Clint, Tekton is doing a good job and gaining support among people looking for good options.
@@JimmyMakingitwork i decided to buy all new sockets and settled on tekton... full set of 1/4 shallow deep 12 point impact, etc same for 3/8 and 1/2. ... the deal fell through because of ( imo!) an A hole phone salesman that was flat out rude n condescending to me.... so i havent settled on a new brand yet 😂 ( i want all the same brand top to bottom sorry !)
Yes, the country of Taiwan has decent quality. They are NOT dirty China
With TIME WE LEARN, unfortunately with time we learn. Thank you for your time and sharing your perspective. You are right on and helping your community understand the importance of investment. Saving the incoming generation and the ongoing with their future growth and economic sense. If they are listening they will
Buy commercial property instead of what they don’t need. We can apply your video to so many different platforms where people over spend and loose money hard earned money!!
You are a good man who has seen the fruits of your labor and you call other to do the right thing in heart ❤️ and consciousness. Stay blessed, and thank you for your service to the industry.
Thank you very much for the positive response!
This should be mandatory for anyone in highschool looking to make this a career
Appreciate that Thomas!
Lol, they should also talk to veteran techs who are bailing left & right. Esp flate rate & warranty pay scam policies. Working for yourself is the only way to get really ahead in this "trade". Other union trades are more desireable/profitable.
The extra long 3/8 flex head from Pittsburg at harbor freight is great it’s long enough to get enough leverage I’ve broken a few and have had them warrantied out but for the price starting out you can’t beat them
Yeah, some of the Pittsburg line is decent, Pro version especially. But have to choose wisely and make sure it will be up to the task. Sometimes the only way to know is to try it! :)
And I have to mention that the bigger sets of tekton chrome 1/2 inch SAE and metric shallow or deep sockets without the rails and they have them with the rails but I have both of them and I think they are just as good as the craftsman tools I had.
Yeah, all my Tekton tools have preformed well for me. They are getting expensive though.
That's bs koon trucking's snap on guy Hamilton was helping his customers sell their boxes left and right. He sold Clays snap on box so he could buy a matco box. Your dealer just doesn't want to. Love the videos.
Right on Kevin. That is exactly right! :)
I had a great snapon guy for awhile and we talked about this. he said the snap on tools like wrenches arent any better than a good off brand for the most part. the flank drive has benefits, and he believes the metallurgy is better, but his point was that they are USA made by well paid Union workers not sweatshop labor with high quality control and he offers service with financing and replacements on the spot. he also made a point that snap on tools tend to hold value where as other brands arent going to bring you near what you paid if you sell it. i felt that was a reasonable point of view its not like he sets the pricing.... I love my snap on and Cornwell ratchets over the cheaper ones I have but I bought them over15 years ago before you could just jump online and watch youtube and shop so things have really changed. cheap tools were cheap, Craftsman was good enough and you had a sears in damn near every town, and pros just bought off the truck. I will say I just bought a 3/8 flex head Pittsburgh pro from Harbor freight for $20 72 tooth and its better than any cheap ratchet I have used its got a comfort grip nice action and no slop in the flex head i was shocked how decent it was for the price
Thanks for sharing and for watching also!
Great video! I believe Snap On is like most auto manufacturers, they make more on financing their products than selling them outright. Tool trucks have inflated prices because most are buying on the never never and don’t care what the actual cost is, just what they will owe each week. Their prices make no sense to someone outside the mechanic world who doesn’t have an account and credit with a tool truck.
Yeah, that’s definitely the mind set on tool trucks, they build in the interest and sell over priced because it’s only $25-50 a week. Kind of how people use credit cards so much, you don’t feel like your spending so much money without stopping to total it up with interest.
It just makes you live in indentured servitude. I work part time at 36 with no debt.
never used a snap on or the big brand tools. because we dont have it in our country, most common brand here is signet, its a local brand who make his tools in taiwan... work with these tools daily, never have problem with them even after 10 years, the cons of them, they make a basic tools like wrenches, box wrenches, sockets, nothing special. but they work very good for a years.
i bought 3 sets of AOBEN socket sets from amazon, not a bad quality at all, and cost 50$+- for a set.
Awesome, thank you Andrei!
Great video! One thing that has changed in history is selling tools online. I know when I got into the industry 16 years ago and spent my hard earned money at Sears there were some things to be learned. I would purchase the "Craftsman Professional" line when available and some products were good and others would break or damage the fasteners. I knew that Mac tools were a rebrand but most of the time the original manufacturer was not easy to find in retail. I bought Snap On due to being the best in the industry and I could get my hands on them. Today is a much different world with multiple tool reviews and the ability to purchase anything you want at your fingertips. I truly believe that at the beginning of your career Snap On was top dog. These days the prices on the tool trucks leave a door wide open for other companies to slide right in. I love my tool dealers but it is very difficult to support them when I am paying them in full with cash and easily paying 3 times the amount from the parent company. It is also nice that alot of companies will ship a warranty item to your doorstep without the attitude of a grouchy tool dealer.
I started buying snap on when I was 20 over the years I bought snap on mac Matco cornwell craftsman and many more l have snap on tool box and I have a couple Kennedy boxes and craftsman a waterloo and a us general box and a blue point tool cart I am 63 yearold now my biggest problem with snap on is I haven't bought snap on tools since 2006 now if I want to get a tool replaced and I find a tool truck they don't want to warranty the tools because I don't buy them from them and they want to see a receipt for the tool well since I been buying tools from snap on since 1980 I am not going to have a receipt and I don't remember the snap on tool truck guys ever giving a receipt and as far as tools holding there value not in this lifetime.
Very true! The high price is based on service, which is out the window once those relationships change. Had it happen myself. Their lack of Loyalty deserves the same in return. Imo
Menards Masterforce boxes are good. I'm pretty sure that Montezuma builds them.
Cool. I haven't seen either in person, but I've heard the Montezuma boxes are good. I'll have to check some out.
I’ve found that the snap on epiq is what I want. Not what I need but what I want. I can also afford the payments on it. Is it flashy? Yup. Did I look at other boxes ? Sure did. But the epiq is just what I want. It has the layout and the size that fits my needs best. Im also getting the color I really want. Wish I could find one used near me but I just can’t find any that don’t look sketchy or aren’t a few hours away. I’m also not buying it as an investment: I’m buying it because it’ll be the last box I need and will last me at least 20 years.
That’s the way to do it, when you can afford it, because you want it…not because it’s necessary.