How can mechanics afford Snap On?

[ibedayank]

Damn I must be lucky to have the boss i have.
I work for a bikeshop that does pre 1975 british bikes.
If i need tools my boss will get whats needed for me.
If i sell parts by what ever means i can do i get a percentage of the cost of the part plus what ever i make by my regular work.
Boss says if i can get side work by all means do it just use him for what ever parts i can.

 

[Skin]

Most of the people who don't understand the reasoning behind having top of the line tools, and paying a premium for them all start their post with " I'm not a tech", or " I wrench for a hobby", " I'm a DIYer". Although there are many on this forum that do buy the truck brands for home use, the typical shadetree guy seems to always say "my C-man does the job just as good as SO" What you don't read often is the techs who do buy the proffesional lines and regret buying from SO, MAC, Cornwell, Matco, and others.

I'd say most of the regret comes when their body is shot, health is waining, or when a loved one is in dire need of expensive care, and their collection that they've blown a large portion of their paycheck is worth 25-30 cents on the dollar. When your body is falling apart and you want to retire believe me the last thing you're worried about is where your tools were made. If you make really great money, have controlled spending, and have planned for retirement, then i say more power to you. Unfortunetly as the OP pointed out most guys make a low wage and have no business pandering to any truck brand for the majority of their tools. This is not 15 or even 25 years ago when pay was better and prices were more reasonable and options not as plentiful. If its a specialty tool to help you access a component faster then that makes you money then great. However blowing tens of thousands on basic hand tools you cant really afford is a bit sad. Contrary to what some may think a lot of guys out there can make a concession and shop around and do not buy the most expensive thing that goes up for sale in their shop. The guys i know who run independents dont even get a truck visit.

I chose to INVEST

This is self delusion at work. There are so many option out there now that you're "investment" is actually terrible. You could spend far less for quality imports and do the same task. Unfortunetly for people who like to spend 10x as much there are many many quality imports these days. The far east knows how to chrome, they know how to forge, and they know metallurgy. Anyone who thinks otherwise is in denial.

Cheaper isn't always better.

More expensive/most expensive isnt always better either.

 

[Toolhorder]

My dad told me tools are investments. You guys do what you want but I'm "investing"
I use my tools to feed my family and so far it's working pretty good. I buy less and less every year of SO tools because I don't really need anything after 14 years in this business. I think if I work another 30 years and my kids have my tools when I'm done with them then it's a good investment. Do you really think that all those "retirement, IRA's, 401K's" are going to pay out a million dollars for you and your friends someday? Remember the housing bubble? Get the vasoline out for the retirement bubble coming.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

It is all relevant to the question. You have real life techs explaining how and why. That involves perspectives from each side. Remember any thread over 3 pages turns into a ******* contest. Stop reading by page 3 and you should be OK

 

[Scuderia-F1]

It seems to me there is a common problem with chrome-envy here...

I buy Snap-On, I´m only buying cash, yes there is a lot of cheaper brands & no I don´t want them in my box....

Regarding doing side-jobs, I´m with mrholeshot, if it was not for those there would´nt by many new shops....

 

[shampoop]

Most of the people who don't understand the reasoning behind having top of the line tools, and paying a premium for them all start their post with " I'm not a tech", or " I wrench for a hobby", " I'm a DIYer". Although there are many on this forum that do buy the truck brands for home use, the typical shadetree guy seems to always say "my C-man does the job just as good as SO" What you don't read often is the techs who do buy the proffesional lines and regret buying from SO, MAC, Cornwell, Matco, and others.

This seems to be the most common theme i've noticed as well. Before i got into wrenching I would have thought a person to be insane to buy snapon ratchets. But now it's a no brainer.

I'm starting out as a tech, and from what i've seen there are people who buy nothing but the truck brands, but then there are also a lot of people like me who buy maybe 1/4 to 1/2 of their stuff from the trucks, the tools where the quality counts the most and/or gets used most often. I don't think I will ever regret buying the Snapon tools I have, even if I end up in a completely different field a few years from now. Classic cars don't need nice tools, it's all the new cars that do. You could probably get by for a very very long time using only the tools found in one blow molded craftsman case if you only worked on cars 25+ years old.

 

[Boiler]

I'm not a pro mechanic, mainly just do fabrication work out of my garage and out of the guy that I work withs garage. I still prefer to have the best tools I can. If I was a pro wrench I would buy all snap on because while there may be cheaper alternatives for screwdrivers from one place, wrenches from another, sockets from somewhere else...I can buy snap on and know that whatever I get will be a high quality product. And I won't have to search all over and do a crapton of research to find a deal (time IS money).

I think Snap On is great because in most cases you can count on them to be high quality, its a 1 stop shop for your tool needs, great customer service & warranty, etc. Spending even a few hours online for a better deal on a set of comparable quality screwdrivers would pay for the snap on screwdrivers had you spent those few hours actually working.

I do find myself doing this, over researching every little thing I buy on the web. I've spent 2-3 evenings searching for the best buffer, what people say about them on forums, reviews, etc. Had I spent those hours making money and just bought what I knew was high quality I would have probably come out ahead. A lot of these guys don't want to spend all of their off hours investigating tool options either. They buy what is good and move on.


As for owing your employer and it being wrong to do side work, give me a break. Yes doing side work at work or on their time is wrong. Having your own clients / friends that pay you to do work on a Saturday is your own business.

Way too many employers act like they deserve one-way loyalty. Sorry but paying someone a crappy wage doesn't mean they owe you their lives. It seems many businesses think the best way to make a profit is to send guys home every time there is even the mildest slowdown of paying work to keep up efficiency, and then turn around and demand 110% effort and perfect attendance. It is a 2 way street. If you pay people fairly, treat them like human beings that have needs and families, and at least fake gratitude for doing a good job, those people will do better / more work for you.

If you have a guy that can diagnose any problem, is willing to help the other workers when they have trouble, is willing to do what you need him to do at any time, then it is probably a good idea to pay him well and NOT nitpick him for small percieved problems such as taking 32 minute lunches or going to the bathroom "too much", or him asking to come in early so he can leave early to attend some function of his kid's.

 

[BajaBound]

Some of snap on's stuff is expensive just because people will cough up the money for the name! They should offer it as the name brand that actually makes it and back it up exactly the same with a warranty!

I love my snap on dual80's I did not pay retail for them nor would I ever unless I had to have something.

I do totally agree that the snap on stuff has held it's value.

I say buy what you can afford and what you need. If you need something that nobody else makes well then buy it but there is a ton of great tools out there that do not say snap on that will last a lifetime!

I want my techs skills to be on display not his tools!!!!

Great thread!

 

[TruckTech]

Theres people who get it, and people who dont. End of story.

My brother spends large amounts of money on his work suits and fixes things with Chinese tools he got in high school. I spend large amounts of money on my work tools and wear pants I got in high school.

 

[472scout]

Wow this thread exploded.

Here's my take:

If you're saving enough for retirement, kids education, rainy day, etc. (minimum $500 month), are paying down your home, and have health insurance then by all means buy what you like.

On the other hand, if you're living basically pay check to pay check, have any non-mortgage debt whatsoever, or are renting your home, then don't fall into the tool truck propaganda.

I'm not saying not to buy Snap On or Matco all at. Far from it. Just be very circumspect in your purchases. There's plenty of info on GJ on what what holds up ok and what doesn't. Don't listen to those that say only the truck tools are good enough and don't listen to the guy working out of his garage with all HF.

Personally, if I was just starting out I would buy 2-3 high quality ratchets, 2 high quality air guns, and value shop for everything else until I could afford better.

 

[ngk22r]

My dad told me tools are investments. You guys do what you want but I'm "investing"
I use my tools to feed my family and so far it's working pretty good. I buy less and less every year of SO tools because I don't really need anything after 14 years in this business. I think if I work another 30 years and my kids have my tools when I'm done with them then it's a good investment. Do you really think that all those "retirement, IRA's, 401K's" are going to pay out a million dollars for you and your friends someday? Remember the housing bubble? Get the vasoline out for the retirement bubble coming.

and the people that think that social security will still be there for them...
THE BEST THING TO INVEST IN IS YOURSELF AND CHILDREN!!

Theres people who get it, and people who dont. End of story.

My brother spends large amounts of money on his work suits and fixes things with Chinese tools he got in high school. I spend large amounts of money on my work tools and wear pants I got in high school.

That sounds like me, though my high school clothing is long gone. I invest in what make me money, and my tools make thing fasters.

 

[camarotoolman]

I;ve been selling used tools for 15 years. You have to look at the resale value too. Someday you or your family will want to sell your tools. Snap On stuff brings much more than the others including Matco Mac Cornwell. See you all at Englishtown and Carlisle. John

 

[472scout]

Do you really think that all those "retirement, IRA's, 401K's" are going to pay out a million dollars for you and your friends someday? Remember the housing bubble? Get the vasoline out for the retirement bubble coming.

OK, what's your retirement plan then? Social Security?

 

[t100]

you see those on CL almost every day:

Paid over $30,000 only asking $8,000.

 

[Lt CHEG]

I like Snap On and Matco even if I don't need them. I started picking up a few items of Snap On, then I tried some Matco and now I think I will continue buying tools from those companies. I feel the difference in quality of tools and I'm not a professional. Perhaps more importantly for me I do get a lot of pride in owning a top of the line tool. I think that pride in what you own says a lot. I've got a great job and so does my wife. I put away the maximum amount of money that I can put away tax deferred into my TSP (401K) every year which is about $16,000 now and the government matches a nice chunk too. My wife puts money in a 401K like program too, and we both get pensions. We could have used a little more money in savings so that we'd be breaking ground on our new house faster, but it wouldn't have made that much difference and building our dream house at 32 and 30 years old isn't bad. I make a lot of purchases that people question, but they make me happy. If one can appreciate quality and can afford to buy whatever tool they want, then so be it. If they feel it's worth the price to them and they buy a more expensive tool instead of spending their discretionary money on drinking or smoking, or fancy clothes, fancy cars, etc. etc then good for them if it makes them happy. I'm thankful we have so many choices.

As for impressing fellow techs with a fancy box, I'm sure that people who buy all high end tools and tool storage do factor that in to their purchasing decisions. By the same token, I don't think it's all ego. If I'm searching for an independent shop and I see shiny new Snap On, Mac and Matco tools, I'm much more inclined to pay a higher price than if I see nothing but old grubby tools and Craftsman and Harbor Freight boxes. I figure someone using lower cost tools has lower overhead and if they're charging labor rates more in line with a dealership then they're putting more money in their pocket in profit instead of investing it in their business. This may seem irrational, but often times opinions are just that. I just feel better taking my stuff to a shop that has nice, new, clean tools, tool storage and work space than I do taking it somewhere that doesn't if I don't know the people wrenching on my stuff.

 

[mofo62]

i'm not a pro mechanic, mainly just do fabrication work out of my garage and out of the guy that i work withs garage. I still prefer to have the best tools i can. If i was a pro wrench i would buy all snap on because while there may be cheaper alternatives for screwdrivers from one place, wrenches from another, sockets from somewhere else...i can buy snap on and know that whatever i get will be a high quality product. And i won't have to search all over and do a crapton of research to find a deal (time is money).

I think snap on is great because in most cases you can count on them to be high quality, its a 1 stop shop for your tool needs, great customer service & warranty, etc. Spending even a few hours online for a better deal on a set of comparable quality screwdrivers would pay for the snap on screwdrivers had you spent those few hours actually working.

I do find myself doing this, over researching every little thing i buy on the web. I've spent 2-3 evenings searching for the best buffer, what people say about them on forums, reviews, etc. Had i spent those hours making money and just bought what i knew was high quality i would have probably come out ahead. A lot of these guys don't want to spend all of their off hours investigating tool options either. They buy what is good and move on.


As for owing your employer and it being wrong to do side work, give me a break. Yes doing side work at work or on their time is wrong. Having your own clients / friends that pay you to do work on a saturday is your own business.

Way too many employers act like they deserve one-way loyalty. Sorry but paying someone a crappy wage doesn't mean they owe you their lives. It seems many businesses think the best way to make a profit is to send guys home every time there is even the mildest slowdown of paying work to keep up efficiency, and then turn around and demand 110% effort and perfect attendance. It is a 2 way street. if you pay people fairly, treat them like human beings that have needs and families, and at least fake gratitude for doing a good job, those people will do better / more work for you.

if you have a guy that can diagnose any problem, is willing to help the other workers when they have trouble, is willing to do what you need him to do at any time, then it is probably a good idea to pay him well and not nitpick him for small percieved problems such as taking 32 minute lunches or going to the bathroom "too much", or him asking to come in early so he can leave early to attend some function of his kid's.

+1

v!

 

[Skyline]

you see those on CL almost every day:

Paid over $30,000 only asking $8,000.

The way I look at it is that if I only paid $8,000 to begin with, and keep my tools in great shape, my heirs or I will get most of what I paid if they ever need to be sold. And as long as I have them, they save me money every time I do a repair that would have otherwise cost me money. And I do plenty of big jobs at home....currently in the midst of swapping a performance ****** into my off road Jeep, ($800 labor saved?).

As a home hobbyist I never realy caught the Snap-on bug until I discovered that I could buy these very nice tools on eBay for 60-70% off, and have them delivered to my door. Later on, the sickness advanced to buying entire collections of tools on CL, and selling what I didn't need. At this point, there's almost nothing left to add; I have more tools than most A techs; mostly S-O. Selling tools has financed the growth of my collection.

 

[Boiler]

I've seen a few talk about how they hold their value and I agree to some point. But there are lots of guys who buy straight off the truck and then expect to sell a huge collection as a complete sale for 40-60% of the new price. Dream on!

The minute they come off the truck, most tools lose 30% of their value on the free market. After being used even carefully, most lose another 20-30%. Thats if you're going by ebay. If you have another avenue for selling that gets higher prices, then great, but most of us do not.

Finally, if you can get 40-50% of new cost on ebay for a set of wrenches, how much do you think you'll get from craigslist for a whole collection? IMO you're lucky to get 20%.

If you really want them to hold value, your best bet is to buy off of ebay, and then break them down into sets and sell them on ebay if and when you want to sell. The only problem with this is you don't get tool truck credit, and you don't build any love with your driver. If there is something I need for my personal collection that I can't find at auction or CL, and ebay has it for 70% of new price, I'll pay full retail to foster that relationship with my driver. Plus I don't have to deal with the BS you sometimes find on ebay.

 

[BJ42LX]

you see those on CL almost every day:

Paid over $30,000 only asking $8,000.

Why does everyone always have to tell you how much they paid for something? It doesn't matter! Your cost is sunk. The only thing that matters is what someone is willing to pay for it right here, right now.

 

[mrholeshot]

you see those on CL almost every day:

Paid over $30,000 only asking $8,000.

But how much money was made with them in between purchace and sale? Carpenters buy powertools and in a few years they are worn out. At least there is a good % of recoup if you sell them right.

 

[Simplespeed]

But how much money was made with them in between purchace and sale? Carpenters buy powertools and in a few years they are worn out. At least there is a good % of recoup if you sell them right.

Exactly.When techs retire their tools are paid for. They paid for themselves and they paid for every penny made on the clock and off. They have more than paid for themselves. When theyre sold after retirement theyre bringing in that much more even after being used and abused for years. If my son decides to go into automotive he will be saving alot of money by having my tools allowing him to bring home more money to his family. Or if he doesnt go into automotive, he can sell em off cheap and BAM down payment on a new truck. I buy good tools because they are good and dont expect to ever make money reselling them. If they do, great.


Bottom line is that most non techs dont and wont get it. Most techs get it and the ones that dont are in denial because they dont want to cough up the dough. Alof of cheap tools work(HF screwdrivers), but most dont.

 

[route246]

Recently, with a big remodel at the house, I've been doing a lot of "projects" that involved installing this or that, adjusting this or that, hanging this or that, etc. All of these jobs require a level, tape measure and in some cases a chalk line.

After realizing that I never had the appropriate level with me (like hanging a shelf inside of a deep cabinet with very little light inside I bought a DeWalt DW087K Self-Leveling Line Laser for about $150 on Amazon.

Talk about a time-saver, knuckle-saver (jamming in tape measures or inappropriate sized levels), cleanup-saver (chalk lines) and overall work-saver, this thing is absolutely amazing. Doing something simple like hanging two towel racks on opposite walls next to a 12' long double vanity was absolutely trivial with this device. Putting in shelf clip thingies into all of the cabinets for my wife at exactly the correct level without having to use a tape measure or level is absolutely priceless.

My tile guy and my general both saw this thing and were amazed. They both use the old style dot laser levels and they both immediately went out and bought one of these after I let them borrow mine. Talk about the perfect tool, this thing is close to it for anyone in the construction crafts.

My point is, this thing costs $150 and looks extravagant for a DIY like me. How could I afford this? I ask myself, how could I not afford this? Next project is some serious landscaping. No more stake and string leveling for me. Stakes, yes but all leveling is going to be done with this thing and I couldn't be happier.

 

[Simplespeed]

Recently, with a big remodel at the house, I've been doing a lot of "projects" that involved installing this or that, adjusting this or that, hanging this or that, etc. All of these jobs require a level, tape measure and in some cases a chalk line.

After realizing that I never had the appropriate level with me (like hanging a shelf inside of a deep cabinet with very little light inside I bought a DeWalt DW087K Self-Leveling Line Laser for about $150 on Amazon.

Talk about a time-saver, knuckle-saver (jamming in tape measures or inappropriate sized levels), cleanup-saver (chalk lines) and overall work-saver, this thing is absolutely amazing. Doing something simple like hanging two towel racks on opposite walls next to a 12' long double vanity was absolutely trivial with this device. Putting in shelf clip thingies into all of the cabinets for my wife at exactly the correct level without having to use a tape measure or level is absolutely priceless.

My tile guy and my general both saw this thing and were amazed. They both use the old style dot laser levels and they both immediately went out and bought one of these after I let them borrow mine. Talk about the perfect tool, this thing is close to it for anyone in the construction crafts.

My point is, this thing costs $150 and looks extravagant for a DIY like me. How could I afford this? I ask myself, how could I not afford this? Next project is some serious landscaping. No more stake and string leveling for me. Stakes, yes but all leveling is going to be done with this thing and I couldn't be happier.

Wifes eye> level

 

[Toolhorder]

OK, what's your retirement plan then? Social Security?

I won't need such things. Instead of buying toys you invest extra income in ways to make your money make more money like a side business. I used to make quite a bit of "extra" money when I was at the dealer. I invested that money into a vending business. Now I have 42 machines I service on my off time and I do well for myself that way. I'm planning on getting into another business after that.

 

[HandyManny]

I guess in the end people can buy what they want, buy what gives them peace of mind,a nd spend as much as they want. I've stated my experience on the matter, though I really am reluctant to give advice. I know what works for me and have time in the past trades to back it up. What worked for me worked for me, but it may not be the answer for anyone else. Buy what you want and be done with it.

 

[richfinn]

I dont get the obsession with money and what everything is worth??

If a tool is good you buy it regardless of price. I bought a Snap-On 3/8 ratchet in 1988 for about £25 and I still use it nearly every day, I bought a Snap On ratchet screwdriver in 1990 (its an anniversary edition, but I just bought it as it was on a deal) I use it everyday and apart from them looking very used (the chrome is more or less gone on the 3/8 and the hard handle is battered but works fine).

To me these tools are priceless along with other stuff I use from other manufacturers. I have a 5/8 + 3/4 Stahlwille spanner (my only non metric in my kit) which I use as a 16/19mm (odd how some sizes come back into fashion).

I once tried a few 3/8 drive breaker bars to try and save the cash Snap On wanted to charge me (I liked the one I borrowed it was perfectly proportioned for the tasks I wanted it for). I bought a cheaper version which looks like the Snappy but is horrible to use and everytime I have to use it it makes me cringe that I didnt just spend the money and get the right tool for the job.

For those of you who really care about money, I earned approx 72000 dollars last year according to the currency converter. The £50 I spent as a young man in 88/90 in my opinion was a good investment

 

[Boiler]

But how much money was made with them in between purchace and sale?

Yeah, the value of the tool is in its use, not the resale. I was eluding to the fact that while they do hold a certain amount of value over time, some people think they are going to buy a new truck with the sale of their tools. I've seen quite a few guys looking for 25-60k for their tool collections. I don't care what is in the collection, it ain't gonna happen.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

It's a difficult situation to be at odds with a boss. I was always taught that when I take money from an employer to give them a fair day's work for a fair day's wage. If your skills are in short supply then you probably should seek another employer. If your skills are in surplus then you have to take what you can get. That's how a marketplace works. But, I am a firm believer that a happy workplace with satisfied employees is a necessity to a healthy business. Dissatisfied employees are really a cancer to any business and it takes two sides to create dissatisfaction.

You're right, but i don't get a fair wage, i get peanuts. The only upside being that i have some level of job security (although not much) and it's a regular income. It's not a happy workplace with satisfied employees, (for me) it's a **** workplace with three satisfied employees and me. I'll use it for now, do what i've got to do, give in my notice and leave.

There's two sides to it, if you want your employees to look after you then look after them. A disgruntled employee can do a hell of a lot more damage to the business than the boss can do to the employee. If i could afford to find another job i would leave tomorrow, but like everyone else i have bills to pay.

Jeff summed it up pretty well here:

Another thing that these so-called "businessmen" fail to grasp is that if you FAIL to take CARE of your PEOPLE:THEYWILL****YOU!!!

 

[t100]

But how much money was made with them in between purchace and sale?

my point is, buying tools is NOT a good way of investment.

as a non-pro, I believe paying retail is just plain dumb. only because I have the luxury of "time". I waited 2 years to find a deal on Snap On cooling system tester at $50.

sad part of the deal is as a tech, you don't have the TIME, the customer is waiting and it has to be done, now. you can't tell them hey I'm getting this off ebay and would you come back in 5 days?

 

[mrholeshot]

sad part of the deal is as a tech, you don't have the TIME, the customer is waiting and it has to be done, now. you can't tell them hey I'm getting this off ebay and would you come back in 5 days?

Correct, I've been in the position that I had to buy a 90 dollars socket to do a 75 dollar job. If you want that customer you don't make them wait an unreasonable amount of time and you don't send them down the street because you don't have the tool to get it done. You send them down the street and thats where they will go the next time as well. John Q Public has no idea what it cost to get the job done on their vehicle.

 

[richfinn]

my point is,

buying tools is NOT a good way of investment.

as a non-pro, I believe paying retail is just plain dumb. only because I have the luxury of "time". I waited 2 years to find a deal on Snap On cooling system tester at $50.

sad part of the deal is as a tech, you don't have the TIME, the customer is waiting and it has to be done, now. you can't tell them hey I'm getting this off ebay and would you come back in 5 days?

It is a good investment for vehicle technicians if they start early enough they will build a kit that will last them an entire career and pay for itself many times over. If you spend $100,000 over 40 years its a no brainer not to buy good quality tools the only person you kid is yourself if you buy cheap junk.

I know I will probably get banned for this, but Im going to say it anyway.
Why cruise a forum about quality tools when you have already made up your mind that supermarket tools fit you skill set.

I dont buy exclusively Snap On or anything and I dont confuse quality with which country a product was made but I buy the best I can find (quite often its Snap On but not always, over here at least they do sell some ****).

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Correct, I've been in the position that I had to buy a 90 dollars socket to do a 75 dollar job. If you want that customer you don't make them wait an unreasonable amount of time and you don't send them down the street because you don't have the tool to get it done. You send them down the street and thats where they will go the next time as well. John Q Public has no idea what it cost to get the job done on their vehicle.

Same here.. £125 in-situ valve stem seal kit for a £100 seal job. £280 transmission jack for a £200 clutch job, etc..

Gotta love the investment/return ratio.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

It is a good investment for vehicle technicians if they start early enough they will build a kit that will last them an entire career and pay for itself many times over. If you spend $100,000 over 40 years its a no brainer not to buy good quality tools the only person you kid is yourself if you buy cheap junk.

I know I will probably get banned for this, but Im going to say it anyway.
Why cruise a forum about quality tools when you have already made up your mind that supermarket tools fit you skill set.

I dont buy exclusively Snap On or anything and I dont confuse quality with which country a product was made but I buy the best I can find (quite often its Snap On but not always, over here at least they do sell some ****).

Good points.

I bought as much as i could when i had no overheads, about £20,000 in 3 years. Got almost everything i need except high-end diag gear, including equipment at home. (Just need a compressor and hydraulic press now.) I've bought all stuff that will last, all good quality that i won't have to replace due to wear or breakage under normal use.

Like you i go for what does the job best within my price range, regardless of origin. Works for me.

On an unrelated note, where in Leeds are you? My sister lives in Headingley and i'm up there quite often. I love Leeds, so much nicer and friendlier than London. (Yep, that's coming from a born & raised southerner..)

 

[Shipfittin]

An Auto Tech affords a Snap On ratchet the same way that I afford a Starrett Combination Set. If your going to use a tool constantly, you want something that's reliable and going to last you a lifetime.

And just because some of these guys have quite a few Snap On tools does not mean their entire tool chest is nothing but Snap On. I'm sure there are a few guys out there that have the money to blow and are so loyal to a certain brand that they will buy nothing else. The rest of us buy our tools according to how we are going to use them.

I will say though, the average home owner needs a Snap On Dual 80 just as much as they need a Starrett Combination Square. That just comes down to wants versus needs and how much your willing to spend.

 

[mrholeshot]

While I love finding tools that are real bang for the buck I enjoy using my Snap-On tools more. If you are going to be turning wrenches for 8-14 hours a day you may as well love what you are working with. It makes you more productive and less fatique. That in itself will pay for the tools. In the long run tools pay for themselves many times over. It wasn't until I retired form being a full time tech did I deliberatly buy tools for resale. When I was a tech I thought nothing of buying Snap-On tools. I would dread the thought of having to use a Craftsman Raised panel ratchet all day everyday even when they were great tools. I actually enjoyed using my 7-8-900 series Snap-On ratchets. Some may think thats crazy but it's just the way it is. Buying quality Snap-On tools made a lot more sence than smoking up or snorting up my money in drugs. Using my tools made me feel good and it was legal. If anyone has anything agaist quality tools I wonder what the hell they are on this forum. This is the place for Tool Junkies, lol

 

[larry_g]

Just as an aside this thread confirms why I don't like to respond to posters with less than 100 posts. Anyone notice this thread is started by a first post poster and they are gone? Just an observation, carry on

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Shipfittin]

Larry, you make an excellent point.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Just as an aside this thread confirms why I don't like to respond to posters with less than 100 posts. Anyone notice this thread is started by a first post poster and they are gone? Just an observation, carry on

lg
no neat sig line

*sings*

Maybe?

 

[richfinn]

Good points.

I bought as much as i could when i had no overheads, about £20,000 in 3 years. Got almost everything i need except high-end diag gear, including equipment at home. (Just need a compressor and hydraulic press now.) I've bought all stuff that will last, all good quality that i won't have to replace due to wear or breakage under normal use.

Like you i go for what does the job best within my price range, regardless of origin. Works for me.

On an unrelated note, where in Leeds are you? My sister lives in Headingley and i'm up there quite often. I love Leeds, so much nicer and friendlier than London. (Yep, that's coming from a born & raised southerner..)

I live a few miles up the road near Leeds/Bradford Airport

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I live a few miles up the road near Leeds/Bradford Airport

Ah, cool. I take it you work in the trade? One of our members and a very good friend of mine is an independant tool dealer sort of around your area. (Maybe a little further south)