tool trouble at work

[brit road garage]

iv got a bit of a problem at work, iv been working at the same place for 4 years now since i was 14 and iv only just started building my own tool set iv made a makeshift cart out of a 3 tier trolley and a top box, and my tool collection is growing rapidly. so all of my expensive tools like my snap on and cornwell stuff is locked in the top box where as my cheaper stuff is slung on the shelves of the trolley, well when im not there people have been using my stuff from the shelves and stuff has gone missing and its ******* me off, i keep really good care of my tool everything gets cleaned and put back in its place. i have no problem with people using my stuff but at least put it back. for example i bought a new cornwell screwdriver set and everytime i used one i would clean the handles with wd 40 and put them back, i went into my box the other day and there all dirty and have chunks of rubber missing out of them. but over the years i have used other co workers tools becuase i was like 15 and didnt have the money to buy new tools, they really dont give two shitrs anout there tools they smack wrenches with hammers and i even saw one guy with a new instinct snap on screwdriver hammering it 10 minutes after buying it, basically i need some advice on what to do in my situtation?

 

[Matt_C]

Buy a fully lockable cart/roll cab? Seems the obvious solution......

 

[brit road garage]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=228887

 

[brit road garage]

thats my current situation
the only problme is finding a cheap one im 18 so don't have lots of money

 

[Matt_C]

So you already know the answer - what was the purpose of this thread?

 

[brit road garage]

the people i work with i have known for years so if i started my tool box they might get a bit hostile plus i have to use there tools sometimes so i dont want to be that guy who doesn't let anyone use my tools

 

[Matt_C]

Then tell them not to abuse them?

 

[Fedwrench]

Locks keep people honest and fences make good neighbors.

You could have a meeting with the other guys and tell them you're pissed about your tools being abused, lost, misplaced, etc. when you're not around and things need to change or everything will get locked up.

You can be the popular guy that gives everyone free tools or you can lock everything up and have better tool control.

 

[Matt_C]

And if it was me, I'd just buy a new box, and keep it locked...

 

[dsimatt]

There's a big difference between you asking to borrow tools and just using them with no respect, time for you to get a box to lock all your tools in.

 

[brit road garage]

looks that way don't it, its just annoying to have to buy a new box to stop people from using my tools

 

[brit road garage]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tool-Cabinet-Hea...prg=20140107092241&rk=2&rkt=4&sd=331119034277

found this, will probably do the job

 

[redwrench60]

From what you're saying it sounds like the trouble happens when you're not there. I've always found that tools are most likely to be lost, stolen, abused or borrowed and not returned when the owner is not present. When I'm not at work ALL my tools are locked up. If your tools become community tools it's easy to take them for granted. You need a box that will hold all your tools and lock it when you're not there.

 

[devoncoolman]

Just buy a cheap tool box for now. Seems like these guys use ur stuff out of convenience not need. So they probably will not be upset about it. The guys i work with are the same. Will look on anyones cart for a screwdriver because its closer. But if its locked they just keep movin.

 

[brit road garage]

Yeah cheers for the advice I'll pick up the box I posted it's cheap enough


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bcradio]

Harboure Freight time.... 99 Euro black tool cart.

 

[espyking83]

Start locking your **** up. People do not value your tools as much as you do. If they lose or break something of yours, they just go on about their day. Lock them up.

 

[espyking83]

Also, people will not buy their own tools if you keep letting them borrow yours. Trust me.

 

[ZRX61]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tool-Cabinet-Heavy-Duty-11-Drawer-Steel-Tool-Chest-with-Drawers-Top-Box-11drw/400708838365?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107092241%26meid%3D8448232093286250958%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D20140107092241%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D331119034277

found this, will probably do the job

Did you look at the actual size of that? It's not much bigger than a shoebox.

 

[zkling]

a.) Tell them to leave your stuff alone. May require aggression either physical or verbal, sadly.
b.) Get a locking tool box or wrap a chain around your setup if possible. That should give them the hint to leave your stuff alone.

Locks keep people honest and fences make good neighbors.

That saying always makes me chuckle. If said folks were truly honest in the first place, locks would not be needed, no?

 

[Local]

thats my current situation
the only problme is finding a cheap one im 18 so don't have lots of money

It sounds like you need a new toolbox. Save up, are you part time? Is this job what you want to do the rest do the rest of your life?

 

[Monte]

the only problme is finding a cheap one im 18 so don't have lots of money

Sent from my iPhone

 

[IFMJohn]

If you can't afford a toolbox and these guys won't respect your property after telling them to, I'd be filling out job applications.

That reminds me, time for me to write my 2 week notice.

 

[zkling]

Gets me every time. I've had people on Craigslist do the same thing, argue over ~$10 yet the bottom says "sent from xxyy" fancy phone. Priorities.

 

[brit road garage]

The phone was a free upgrade from a Nokia brick and I don't plan to do this forever, i do this 4 days a week and will keep doing it for another year or so, that tool box is small but I can't really afford a bigger box upfront


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[zkling]

The phone was a free upgrade from a Nokia brick and I don't plan to do this forever, i do this 4 days a week and will keep doing it for another year or so, that tool box is small but I can't really afford a bigger box upfront


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, but how much is the data plan that goes along with it?

Either which way, I'd try to modify your current box or keep an eye out for a used box that you can lock.

 

[SantaAna12]

Brit,

It's an easy issue for some......not for others.

That you are asking it--in my book--shows promise.

With all due respect: try to find a middle ground, but do not donate.

Your shop will benefit from a team approach!

Good luck.

 

[brit road garage]

Yeah what I might even do is pick up a couple of those tactix three draws and stick them on the shelves thanks for all the advice fellas


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Thegratenate]

Don't think twice about it, get a box that is big enough for you to grow into, and lock your tools up when you are out of the shop. I was in a slightly similar situation at the last place I worked at, there was only three of us in the shop and it was the boss that would abuse and lose tools, once I got my tools locked up he never asked for the key, I guess being responsible for my tools would have been to much for him. Bottom line is, lock up your tools when you are not around.

 

[Ruffgeezer]

I'd recommend a halfords pro set they have a couple of bundle offers on at the moment, and you could recoup some of that by selling your old box/ trolley set.

Check out anything with the bundle offer tag on it, some cracking deals there.

I have one of the industrial finish ones at home, when I got it, it had had 7 shades of heck beaten out of it, but it's still in working order, except for a missing lock mechanism.

 

[brit road garage]

I do sometimes wish they did finance deals on cheaper boxes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Matt_C]

LOL, people make me laugh all the time with the whole iPhone thing. They were expensive - when they first came out. They aren't expensive now - you can get them for free from most network carriers! As for plans, my iPhone plan is £12.50 a month ($21 USD), 30 day contract (so not tied in) and unlimited data, inc upgrade from 3G to 4G for free.

What phone you have means nothing to what you can or can't afford in other aspects of life.

With that being said, buying a crappy, cheap, toolbox IMO isn't the thing to do here, regardless of if you do it 4 days a week and don't intend doing it for long, or not. Buy a quality box, that will stand the test of time, and then if you do move on, you still have the resale value to sell it on.

My little Snap On box is probably 30 years old, and cost me about £200 ten years ago. IT's probably still worth close to that now. Just proves you don't need to buy brand new, or take out a mortgage for a tool box.

 

[brit road garage]

Iv grown attached to the top box because it was the first I ever bought so that's staying don't mind getting rid of the trolley might free up some
Cash


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bigplum]

Just have look round eBay ,plenty of boxes on there at the mo, older snap on top boxes. Etc ,
I know a chap with a few Facom roll cabs if you are interested , nice boxes

 

[Ruffgeezer]

Thing is mate, finance never works out cheaper.

I'd be happy to sell you my Halfords box, but the lock is buggered on it, so it'd leave you no better off than you are now, I do get other ones in from time to time, so perhaps if you give me an idea of budget, I can let you know if anything suitable becomes available?

 

[carcajou]

If you are not there don't assume it was fellow techs that used your tools, Could be anyone esp if it happens on weekends. ( Bosses kids?) Easy to lose friends that way. Be tactful.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Yep, time to get a locking box. Doesn't have to be expensive (someone mentioned a chain above somewhere). Heck, my first "real" box - right after I got my shot at moving from parts girl to apprentice wrench turner - was an old beat up Craftsman slider drawer, and it had an ingenious locking method - a set of lock hasps and a ring top and bottom, a piece of flat bar stock that went through all of them, and padlocks on both ends of the bar. One of the guys in the shop old it to me for $25 bucks, less the padlocks (I had to supply my own, which was OK). As my time and money was worth too much to spend on replacing tools others had broken or lost (or, honestly, stolen) it was money well spent.

And don't worry about "******* the others off".... after all, they don't seem to mind losing your stuff and ******* you off, right? Unless you like being the free tool doormat for people who you think are your friend (but ain't) then lock em up. The moochers may be pissed, but if you're in this for the money, and the work, the last thing you need as friends are moochers and freeloaders. Sounds hardnosed, but business is business, and they'll either steal off someone else or maybe grow up and get their own. Or at least ask to borrow your stuff.

Just remember - you don't NEED to spend 5 or 6 large on the coolest latest Snap-on box to keep your tool investment safe. When you staret realizing you have a few grand in basics, and another few in Add-ons, and another few in specialty stuff... that Cheapy box, some Home Despot lock hasps and rings, a hunk of flatstock and a couple padlocks will pay for themselves, until you CAN get that cool Matco Diamond Plate special!

 

[MagnumForce]

Iphone, Snappy and Cornwell tools but can't afford a toolbox? Not sure what offerings there are in the UK but here in the States you can pick up something pretty good for under $200 which is only around 120 of your pounds sterling.

 

[KamiCrit]

As said before, the biggest issue with quality tools is not so much breaking them but other people stealing/using and losing em.

 

[bwringer]

Lock 'em up.

You could also buy a few sets of the cheapest, nastiest screwdrivers and crappy rattling adjustable wrenches you can find, and watch the fun when they take the bait...



Another approach I've seen before if locks aren't practical might be to paint all your tools bright pink. I remember a tale a while back from a guy who wasn't allowed to lock up his tools for some reason. He painted everything bright pink, and suddenly people mostly stopped stealing his tools...