New tech w/ tax return

[UhOh_Gecko]

My position: General services tech. 2yr experience. Sitting on a hefty tax return. With a family.

Goals: To buy a house withing the next 2-3yr. Pursue a career as an automotive tech.

Question: What tools do I have to spend top dollar on for top quality (and recommended brands). And with what tools can I get away with being a stingy *******?

I'm already looking at an IR 1/2" 2132G impact @ $180 - $200.

Also a milwaukee 3/8" cordless ratchet.

I have craftsman and Pittsburgh sockets but was really wanting to upgrade to flank drive type sockets.

Thoughts on ratcheting flex head wrenches?

Any and all advice would be much appreciated.



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[Heavy tech]

If you've worked with a lot of the same tools for 2 years, just look in your box for what has the most wear. If it is something you use a lot, go big. Or if you find yourself using tools improperly sometimes to get buy, (something we all do sometimes) invest in the right tool.

As far as FD sockets, I have some 3/8" impacts, as well as some cheap Sunnex ones. I never remember running into something the SO's would do that the Sunnex wouldn't.


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[kams1973]

Put that money in the bank and start saving for a new shop.

 

[devoncoolman]

Your hardline tools should be quality tools especcially if you plan on doing it for the rest of your life. Your sockets, wrench's, screwdrivers etc. you can be your only judge of what u want to spend big bucks on and what you dont.

 

[Ruger_556]

Buy good ratchets, good swivel sockets, combo wrenches, and a few good screwdrivers. Cheap impact sockets are fine.

 

[regguy1]

Spend the money on quality tools, not a $5000.00+ toolbox. For Sockets and wrenches you can't beat Snap-On ....yeah they're expensive, but I still have and use my Snap-On stuff I bought in the 1960's. Over time you'll appreciate the quality and forget the price. I think Knipex pliers are very good

 

[Nanashi]

Wrenches, snap on. Sockets, any decent brand in shallow and deep. Ratchets, snap on. Flex head ratchet wrenches gearwrench all the way great price better then awesome value. Pliers i like snap on other prefer knipix. Things you use the most get the best you can afford. If you work in a shop that only has one truck brand come by that brand may be your best choice if he's a decent guy.

Even smarter. Save for a down payment on a house. The more you pay upfront the cheaper your mortgage will be every month.

If your working and getting by right note and doing good on time with jobs maybe what you have is good enough. I've seen guys with cheap wrenches piss and cry all day long because they round of nuts i think wrenches may be the first big purchase aside from a decent decent 3/8 ratchet.

 

[dankicksass]

Last tax return thread I saw got closed pretty quick. Invest how you want, buy what you want, do what you want. It's your life. Take a vacation. Make a memory. We don't live forever.

 

[Outlawmws]

Put that money in the bank and start saving for a new shop.

Or that home...

 

[DieselRiver]

Go Snap On crazy!

 

[ctjohnson]

I'd put it in the bank.

 

[Givl Reggin]

Sitting on a hefty tax return... Any and all advice would be much appreciated.

If you typically get a 'hefty tax return' then it means you're having too much taken out of your paycheck - there's no reason for you to give the government an interest-free loan. When I worked I always preferred to owe the government taxes at the end of the year than the other way around.

 

[turdferguson13]

If you typically get a 'hefty tax return' then it means you're having too much taken out of your paycheck - there's no reason for you to give the government an interest-free loan. When I worked I always preferred to owe the government taxes at the end of the year than the other way around.

This is exactly why the other thread got closed. We don't need this here.


To the OP: I would recommend cheaper sockets but maybe upgrading from your Pittsburg. I've used craftsman USA sockets professionally for the last 3 years with no issues and spent my money on other Snap-On items like wrenches, swivel sockets, and a techangle.

 

[Seiler]

Put that money in the bank and start saving for a new shop.

I'd put it in the bank.

Save it. If you want to buy a house it's always nice to have some money in the bank.

 

[Danglerb]

I'm already looking at an IR 1/2" 2132G impact @ $180 - $200.

Also a milwaukee 3/8" cordless ratchet.

I have craftsman and Pittsburgh sockets but was really wanting to upgrade to flank drive type sockets.

Thoughts on ratcheting flex head wrenches?

What is the point of flank drive sockets vs normal 6 or 12 pt?

I like my EZred double box end flex ratcheting extended spline wrenches a LOT.

Everybody wants a Milwaukee 3/8 cordless. Want should get more toward need before you buy one though. Do you do a lot of work where it would earn you money?

You don't have a 1/2 impact after working as a tech 2 years?

 

[UhOh_Gecko]

The point of flank drive is to not round off fasteners. I can't tell you how many oil drain plugs I've tried to baby off the pan, only to round em off and have to replace. Wasted time.

I actually decided on a sweet AC Delco cordless ratchet with about twice the torque for around the same price.

And I do have an impact. Picked it up at a pawn shop for $20. It works okay. Just looking for an upgrade.

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[Syntax_Error]

Sounds like you already made up your mind before you came here so spend away. People are saying a lot of good things about the write grip and Carlyle wrenches. I have a Milwaukee m12 ratchet and I use it as a regular ratchet for braking bolts loose only because I don't use it everyday, that said I don't think it's a tool that will hold up in the professional world. The ac delco is much more of a automotive tool than the m12. For sockets sound like you need a drain plug socket set. For pliers if you've never invested in a good pair you have no idea what your missing knipex alligators and cobras are the cats meow, same goes for screwdrivers. Sure you can do everything with the cheapest tool but man can it save time and money when your tools do the work for you and your not constantly fighting to work the tool.

 

[firebox40dash5]

The point of flank drive is to not round off fasteners. I can't tell you how many oil drain plugs I've tried to baby off the pan, only to round em off and have to replace. Wasted time.

I actually decided on a sweet AC Delco cordless ratchet with about twice the torque for around the same price.

And I do have an impact. Picked it up at a pawn shop for $20. It works okay. Just looking for an upgrade.

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You do know that Snap On (etc.) doesn't have a patent on "off corner engagement" sockets, right? I'd say most sockets of any decent quality has that feature. Whether Pittsburg does or not I couldn't tell you, I've never really looked at them since they skip sizes and I generally can't buy singles if I lose one. If you really wanna blow $$$, I'd ebay some S-O or Matco sockets. Just watch out, Snap On can go well over retail, and lots of sellers list Matco ADV (Taiwan) without mentioning that last part... you gotta look at part numbers, appearance, and packaging to tell. Personally, I just upgraded my metric 3/8 & 1/2 impacts to Matco, but kept my US Craftsman chromes & SAE impacts so far, they don't see enough use. Likewise, I'm looking to blow $$$ on some US-made full polish combos that go larger than 22mm since I didn't before RPs went to China, but SAEs I'm likely to go for Gearwrench brand.

Look used for a good impact. I've swiped up a pair of 2135Ti's for $100, one from a tool sale and one from a buddy who got his box repo'd and decided to get out of the biz. Look for the Matco MT1869 (IIRC) as they tend to actually go for less than the IR for some strange reason.

Oh, and I've been beating on and abusing my Gearwrench flex combos for about 2 years now. I broke one, once, popped the gear out of the body, but got it warrantied through Matco no problem. The Matco super-long-flex double boxes are pretty **** too, but spendy and size-limited... both their length, and only 10-19mm.

 

[rsanter]

Bank the money and wait for deals on used snap on to,come your way

Bob

 

[finn]

Another vote for putting it in the bank or opening an investment account. Blowing it on tools just because you can doesn't seem too smart, and if you have to ask what tool you should buy, it doesn't sound like you really need that tool now,

 

[sberry]

If you have a stripped out worn socket it needs replacement, singles under 4$ at Menards and same for Sears. A truck brand socket doesn't turn itself, learn to observe, should be obvious if something isnt working. Invest in a couple classes. Use the tools you have but a couple new things here and there as it comes up.
If I had to start today would invest no more than I had to, use it till it broke, replace as needed and half the torx set you never use or use once can just as well sit in a tool box for 40 yrs for 15.95 as it can for 159.95

Keep just a little cash, need a set run to Walmart of score a sears sale. Buy a single piece when you need one. I must own 20 Sears socket sets and have used a 11MM once.
If I found myself really grinding would pick off a few nice pieces where I used them, 7/16 1/2, 9/16, maybe 8. 10, 13 and 15, again brand might not be as important as having them in 6 pt.

You got a family, there is no gain in filling a 10K box with 60K **** you use about 10% of in the long run. Ebay is full of like new whole collections for 30% on the dollar.

 

[joedodge]

While that's a great idea sberry and you've voiced it many times. But when your working on several different models and car lines professionally........you'll use them eventually it's an investment. We all aren't working on tractors and machines and such on our farm

 

[Adam.C]

Define "hefty".

Here are my thoughts:

1) as a pro tech, you will inevitably buy Snap On stuff and you will inevitably have a relationship with the Snap On man. Inevitably he will some day be willing to warranty anything from Snap On you have in your box, regardless of where it came from. That means, green light to buy used Snap on now. First, get yourself a decent set of shallow 3/8" drive sockets in mm first, then SAE. Buy on ebay or GJ. Pay no more than $100 per set.

2) How often do you use your combination wrenches? You could probably buy scratched up FDP (SOEX) fairly cheap. I'd foot drag tho. Pay no more than $100 for 10-19. Consider industrial finish models. Same wrench, same steel, less money. If you PM me, I'll tell you how I restored them to beautiful black luster. I know some race car guys that only bring gear wrenches to the track- no sockets. I'd think long and hard about Bluepoint or E-Z red long ratcheting double box wrenches.

3) You'll need good quality bit sockets and screwdrivers. When you ****** a screw, they can be a pain to remove. Buy SO hvy removal (gold/cad plated) torx ($100) and hex/allen (I like the stubbies) sockets ($100). You can get these almost new on ebay for 30-50% off retail.

4) I think buying new impact guns/ratchets is a mistake. I'd bottom feed air tools. They are cheap, have crazy grunt, and will do just fine. Ditto for SO ratchets. They are a luxury. If you have extra cash, opt for a 3/8" flex head dual 80. ($125?)

What I'm suggesting is spending $500-$700. No more. I believe the tools I've suggested will give you the most bang for your buck. And $500 won't hurt your future. My advice is to work hard, get a good job, get as much education as you can, delay babies as long as you can, and you will find happiness and success. So many marriages/families struggle due to financial problems. A good job makes everything easier. Get good at your job and ENJOY IT and you will do well.

 

[Adam.C]

If I had to start today would invest no more than I had to, use it till it broke, replace as needed and half the torx set you never use or use once can just as well sit in a tool box for 40 yrs for 15.95 as it can for 159.95

Keep just a little cash, need a set run to Walmart of score a sears sale. Buy a single piece when you need one. I must own 20 Sears socket sets and have used a 11MM once.
If I found myself really grinding would pick off a few nice pieces where I used them, 7/16 1/2, 9/16, maybe 8. 10, 13 and 15, again brand might not be as important as having them in 6 pt.

I get your point and I'll bet the OP does too. But I can't disagree more with what you've written. This is terrible advice for a pro tech. Cheap sockets are weak, unreliable, and not dimensionally accurate. They fail pro mechanics in several ways:

Broken sockets leave a job stranded, which pisses off the customer and boss when the customer complains.

Co-workers get pissed when you borrow their Snappies because you were too "smart" (i.e. cheap) to buy professional tools

Wrecked fasteners may not be easily replaced make reassembly difficult.

It simply isn't a fact that all sockets (or wrenches or screwdrivers) do the same job. Not a fact.

BTW, I got by with Craftsman for 30 years. Now that I have Snap On, I realize some of the many jobs I did, didn't need to be that difficult.

 

[bcradio]

If you typically get a 'hefty tax return' then it means you're having too much taken out of your paycheck - there's no reason for you to give the government an interest-free loan. When I worked I always preferred to owe the government taxes at the end of the year than the other way around.

This is exactly why the other thread got closed. We don't need this here.....

It's good sound advice whether you like it or not.

 

[firebox40dash5]

It's good sound advice whether you like it or not.

Not really. You know what a tax credit is? Have a spouse and/or kids and make a relatively small amount of money. For some reason the IRS gives me thousands back... out of the $0 I have withheld. So... yeah. Getting thousands back may mean you were overwithheld and gave the government a free loan, but not always. Hell, get a bonus. Both my military bonuses were withheld at HUGE rates, and I got every bit of it back.

 

[bcradio]

Not really. You know what a tax credit is? Have a spouse and/or kids and make a relatively small amount of money. For some reason the IRS gives me thousands back... out of the $0 I have withheld. So... yeah. Getting thousands back may mean you were overwithheld and gave the government a free loan, but not always. Hell, get a bonus. Both my military bonuses were withheld at HUGE rates, and I got every bit of it back.

Yeah really!

There are special exceptions of course, but yes it is good sound advice.

 

[KEH]

Don't forget to deduct your tool expense on your income taxes.

Brak a socket or other tool and the jobs comes to a halt? It never hurts to have extra tools. I would buy good tools and search for used tools for extras. Quite often tool truck tools are found used. Some times they are cheap. Sometimes the asking price is high, like the 1/2 drive flex SO ratchet I saw for $100. It was WELL used.

KEH

 

[bobemmerich]

Save it. If you want to buy a house it's always nice to have some money in the bank.

DITTO!
Been-there-done-that. Best I can say is use your judgement. You use them everyday, so you know what you need. Remember, NEED and WANT are 2 different things.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Yeah really!

There are special exceptions of course, but yes it is good sound advice.

So you're assuming this is his case, when I just gave you 2 cases (really a whole bunch, considering how many refundable credits there are) why it might not be?

Now, if you're single, making $30k, having $200 a month withheld and then getting a fat refund.... then yes, you just loaned Uncle Sam $200 a month that you could have been spending or earning a return on. For a lot of people getting a big refund, that's just not the case. If you're getting back more than you're paying in, you can't ask the IRS to pay it to you monthly. You CAN fill out a new W-4 and have 0 withheld... but if something changes, that can also eff you in the ehhhh if you don't know/don't plan for it.

/taxadvice

 

[bcradio]

So you're assuming this is his case, when I just gave you 2 cases (really a whole bunch, considering how many refundable credits there are) why it might not be?

I'm not assuming anything. I am simply agreeing with the poster above. It is good sound advice no matter how you look at it. Obviously if you get back more than you pay in, then you wouldn't fall into that category.

You are certainly welcome to predict what the OPs situation might be or not be, but I do not wish to do so. I simply want to call someone out when they are spot on with their advice.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Pick out one or two items you really could use a better one of, and get them, and bank the remainder of the money. You will have saved most of it, and feel good about having a better or new tool. Possibly something you have borrowed several times.

And change your deductions to get the taxes taken out closer to neutral, and bank the money you would have been paying in taxes. It took me several years to adjust my deductions, even down to having a specific amount ($75) extra taken out of each check. Now, with pay raises and such, everything is out of kilter again and I need to make deduction adjustments again.

Charles

 

[abvw]

I get your point and I'll bet the OP does too. But I can't disagree more with what you've written. This is terrible advice for a pro tech. Cheap sockets are weak, unreliable, and not dimensionally accurate. They fail pro mechanics in several ways:

Broken sockets leave a job stranded, which pisses off the customer and boss when the customer complains.

Co-workers get pissed when you borrow their Snappies because you were too "smart" (i.e. cheap) to buy professional tools

Wrecked fasteners may not be easily replaced make reassembly difficult.

It simply isn't a fact that all sockets (or wrenches or screwdrivers) do the same job. Not a fact.

BTW, I got by with Craftsman for 30 years. Now that I have Snap On, I realize some of the many jobs I did, didn't need to be that difficult.

Agreed. Not investing in yourself (good tools, education, trainings) is a stupid idea. You can be cheap, but not on things that make you money.

Also, sberry, just because you work with tools, doesn't mean your work is like that of an auto tech's. Today while doing a clutch on 98 VW Cabrio I needed every size from 8-19mm (except for 14mm), XZN, swivels and 12pts. You just can't get by these days with cheap garbage sets from Walmart.

I have more 1/4" and 3/8" drive tools than six of the diesels techs next door combined. They all thought I was stupid

 

[Caleb T]

As a young guy with a family and a house who work an a professional wrench, here is my input. Let's say as an example you got $1000 back. I would bank 800, and out of the $200 left I would get the most needed things to expand your set. Say- you always break __ Ratchet. I would invest in a better ratchet. You said your sockets aren't up to par, so my advice would be to buy a nice used set off of GJ ( or a swap shop) to get the the most bang for your buck. I'm 22, have a 1.5 year old, and a 4 week old. My wife and I own a house, thanks to help from my parents. It's a lot of work on a single income, but its definately worth it. I would recommend saving the most for a house/ family, and putting some toward quality tools needed for your profession. We live in an old fixer upper build in the 1890's. It's a HUGE project, but my wife and I are thankful every day to have a place of our own.

 

[UhOh_Gecko]

Thanks to everybody for their input.

As far as education goes: I'm fortunate enough to work for a company that pays my way into classes (I'm taking an A/C class next week)! Also they're footing the bill for my MACS cert as well ASE testing. I know. I'm lucky.

Also I have to say that I generally disagree with the practice of buying cheap as-needed. Let it be known that I am aware SO no longer holds the patent on flank-drive type sockets. As a result I went with a Gearwrench 3/8 drive set that included SAE and metric, standard and deep wall sockets, 84 tooth ratchet, a stubby ratchet, 3" + 5" extensions, a universal AND 10-19 racheting wrenches for just under $130 (The price of a standard depth metric SO set). Delivered to my shop. Bonus is our neighbor is auto parts store that carries GW. Which makes the warranty process even more convenient than the weekly SO visit. I'd say I made a wise purchase.

For those interested I did purchase the ACdelco cordless ratchet and it's ah-*******-mazing. Did make my first SO purchase: a set of striking pry bars that were on sale. Oh. I also spoiled my self and sprang for the ACdelco cordless angle grinder. I justify this to my self because I really do use it every day. What else. . . Some specialty tools for tire and oil change services.

All in all I INVESTED right about 12% of that tax return in quality every day use tools that I can depend on.

P.S. Anyone have first hand experience with Tekton sockets? Or should I kill that thought now?


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[gsingh]

I used tekton 1/4 inch drive sockets daily at work. Bought them a year ago from my indy guy. No complains about them. My # 8, 10, 11 have gone missing though. Cant complain because I bought for 10 dollars.

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[Zeroek]

I ended up starting back again working on cars. Sold all my tools. To get started I bought a bunch of Gearwrench stuff. Sockets, Screwdrivers, wrenches. I may not even replace them with better to be honest. I did buy a few good ratchets. Snap ons. Got some air tools off craigslist. I'm just now starting to buy specialty stuff after about a year. I like buying tools anyways so I try to buy stuff on sale and keep a reasonable tool bill.

 

[UhOh_Gecko]

I used tekton 1/4 inch drive sockets daily at work. Bought them a year ago from my indy guy. No complains about them. My # 8, 10, 11 have gone missing though. Cant complain because I bought for 10 dollars.

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My only apprehension about Tekton is the mail-in warranty.

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[Jrsixx]

In my opinion,

Things to not go "cheap" on---sockets, wrenches, line wrenches, air tools.
Things you can go "cheap" on--- screwdrivers ( not sure why people but a $200 set of SO screwdrivers, I have a few Craftsman, and a SO ratcheting with bits..RARELY use a flat blade screwdriver for anything other than a pry bar), pliers (not super cheap, but my channel locks and Craftsmans do fine), impact sockets ( again my opinion, but most larger bolts/nuts are more forgiving to an imperfect socket).

My box has plenty of SO, Matco, Craftsman, Gearwrench and some Harbor Freight. I've seen guys with over $100K in a $25K box that couldn't wrench their way out of a paper bag and some guys with $20K in a $1K Craftsman box that could fix damn near anything. My point? Don't get caught up in buying everything from a tool truck or big piles of stuff right away. Also nothing wrong with garage or estate sales, craigslist or eBay for used SO Matco or Mac...just make sure you're not the guy who only warranties broken stuff and never buys anything from the tool guys. These guys make a living off of sales, not warranties.

 

[comedyman809]

buy tools within your means. you can do anything with just about any brand. so use your head. don't be a knuckle head with a mortgage on tools.