He never said you need to buy tools twice:
"Once you get established, then start replacing the non-truck tools with truck tools, if you think it's necessary (you may find the original non-truck tools are perfectly fine for your work)."
Whats worth it on the tool trucks?
- Thread starter charlie.schroeder
- Start date
He never said you need to buy tools twice:
"Once you get established, then start replacing the non-truck tools with truck tools, if you think it's necessary (you may find the original non-truck tools are perfectly fine for your work)."
Ben Secor
Well-known member
I bought a used craftsman pro box from the Matco guy that was the best deal I ever got
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Here's a snapon warranty job for ya. Took 2 months to get this:
Now, it's been a few years since I bought on a truck. But, I did spend a few thousand on one (Snapon) when I did. Never warrantied a whole lot when I was turning them for a living. I had this driver that the handle turned to mush and snapped off. Old? yes, abused? No. So, I took it to one of the guys in the fleet garage at work to see if he could have the snapon guy get the handle replaced at least. I wasn't expecting a new driver (but for the kind of money that **** costs ,that's what should have happened). This is what I got back after a couple months.
Been using your paint can opener for digging rocks??
That screwdriver is disgusting..BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
mudflap
Well-known member
Thats how it goes...You see that SO service/warranty is very hit and miss. Factors that usually come into play....
1. Do you work in a big shop, where getting a bad rep would be a big deal to the driver
2. Do you owe him money/ or carry a balance
3. Was Carter President the last time you bought something from HIM..
4. Is the driver in financial trouble
5. Are you a good **** kisser
Any 1, or all of these could effect your experience with SO....Who needs the drama....? Well...i know there are some people that do..But with the availability / quality / and price of tools like Gearwrench, Carlyle, Getting harder every day to see how the tool trucks are going to survive.
sberry
Banned
It would be different if you had to buy expensive tools twice, how much loss is a Cman wrench if some years up the road you got to replace it? if it was 50$ then it would be an issue but when they can be had for as low as a dollar,,, wtf,,, is the fact you MAY have to replace a real deal breaker?
I really see a sense of value distorted with all this. The "convenience" which its not, the warranty which would be 10X better to self insure, the purchase price, insurance and you can buy a Cman for less than the sales tax on a premium one where outright ownership is complete and less than the first payment on some of the others.
To each his own but I am not so pretentious to think I got a golden arm nothing else will work with. Been using the Sears stuff hard for decades, even have a couple old "thin" ones floating in the pool. Never had to warrant a Sears wrench.
I really see a sense of value distorted with all this. The "convenience" which its not, the warranty which would be 10X better to self insure, the purchase price, insurance and you can buy a Cman for less than the sales tax on a premium one where outright ownership is complete and less than the first payment on some of the others.
To each his own but I am not so pretentious to think I got a golden arm nothing else will work with. Been using the Sears stuff hard for decades, even have a couple old "thin" ones floating in the pool. Never had to warrant a Sears wrench.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
Read the front of a Haynes auto manual.
Basically, buy what is cheap and reasonable in quality if you will use it in an ongoing basis.
If it fails, breaks, hurts your hand, or otherwise warrants replacement, then upgrade.
This affords you a balance of productivit and budget.
Also, learn what is not good quality in the first place. A sloppy or flexible set of pliers may not be worth bothering with buying. But from a budgetary perspective., if they last you 5 yrs before needing replacement, you did well.
Those who automatically buy a brand without shopping a particular tool across brands may not be fiscally savvy. And at the other end of the spectrum, those who won 't pay good money for good tools may be devaluing their time.
Basically, buy what is cheap and reasonable in quality if you will use it in an ongoing basis.
If it fails, breaks, hurts your hand, or otherwise warrants replacement, then upgrade.
This affords you a balance of productivit and budget.
Also, learn what is not good quality in the first place. A sloppy or flexible set of pliers may not be worth bothering with buying. But from a budgetary perspective., if they last you 5 yrs before needing replacement, you did well.
Those who automatically buy a brand without shopping a particular tool across brands may not be fiscally savvy. And at the other end of the spectrum, those who won 't pay good money for good tools may be devaluing their time.
mudflap
Well-known member
There are some Specialty tools that i will say you should buy from the tool trucks. NAPA has any tool they do, delivered to you in a matter of hours, But the quality on some things not on par with the truck brands. The other thing is....I you give up wrenching, or decide to run away from home, or whatever. The truck brand tools are worth something...you maybe could sell them for a road stake......LOL.
sberry
Banned
There seems to be some kind of line that the emotional input of the operator has a lot to do with the quality of the tool. Full time mechanics spend a lot more time with their tools but not many really use all day and each intermitantly now assisted by battery power.
Some of the test results I see say that all but the wroll up flea wrtench set,,, and only about one company worldwide even makes it and for 15$ it has saved many a day and still have a few floating around.
I see some good legit testimony about tools here and the pieces there is some consensus about. The 3/4 china ratchet doesn't last while the sockets are superb and I think HF has finished selling a few poor impact sockets they have but we can agree a 25 $ set can be had with a little effort.
I see over my own career where the cheap has gone up and the price down. My auto parts will deliver a new warranty socket I paid 4 for years ago as a single an hour after I call him. Bring a new house brand socket to my door for free. A 9/16 or 3/4
Some of the test results I see say that all but the wroll up flea wrtench set,,, and only about one company worldwide even makes it and for 15$ it has saved many a day and still have a few floating around.
I see some good legit testimony about tools here and the pieces there is some consensus about. The 3/4 china ratchet doesn't last while the sockets are superb and I think HF has finished selling a few poor impact sockets they have but we can agree a 25 $ set can be had with a little effort.
I see over my own career where the cheap has gone up and the price down. My auto parts will deliver a new warranty socket I paid 4 for years ago as a single an hour after I call him. Bring a new house brand socket to my door for free. A 9/16 or 3/4
supersteve
Well-known member
As far as buying lower cost tools first and higher cost tools later, it may serve some folks well to upgrade to pro quality at work if they need it and take the home owner grade tools home to work on the lawn mower. I spent years without tools readily available at home because I kept trading stuff in, wish I had kept it.
sberry
Banned
I have actually tried most of this. A 3$ Vise Grip will not do what a 10R will. If its a clamp it may work but you cant grab it up and know what you have or depend on it. Lots of pliers are like this. For giggles I bought a little 5$ set of side cutters from Ace that would have been 3 at a flea and at 5 should have went toward a 33$ set of Kliens. We found some dykes and 9 imitation at a junk/retool store several years ago for 8 and sometimes at Tractor for that too that were not bad and they were intended for a season or 2 and lived on for years, the 5 year bench mark is great. They made that, back to China in the scrap.
The Channelock has never been imitated real well, they are consistant.
sberry
Banned
I find with hand tools often enough is as important as outright top quality and its often more efficient to be redundant in high use items. That's what makes cheap a bargain even for a pro, a Sears set to get started or fill hi demand spots and if its being upgraded the value makes it worth more kept than sold.
I see a few Sears at a flea. I bet the guy bought the 309 or similar on sale and parted it out.
I see a few Sears at a flea. I bet the guy bought the 309 or similar on sale and parted it out.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I use a logic probe when called for, but a crack auto electrician can find 80% of issues with a test lamp, and adding a Harbor Freight *free with coupon* multimeter to that would bring the percentage up to above 90%
And deploy air bags and burn up bcms and ipdms and whatever else ms are out there. I dont even own one of those anymore. I guess they have their place but they are just not for me
crewchief888
Well-known member
as i replaced my non truck branded tools, they found their way home for garage use, or started being used as backups for commonly used tools.
98% of my "working" tools came brand new off a tool truck, as well as several new toolboxes, and several used boxes.
i cant say i regret buying any of my tools, either for home or work use, they've all been worth it....
nomonkeybus
Well-known member
I use my tools every day to make my living, so i stick to a tools that i can ge fixed with a phone call or a short drive to the seller/dealer. Snap-on is what i mostly have in my box.
whitedogone
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2014
- Messages
- 230
Been using your paint can opener for digging rocks??
The driver has never done anything except turn screws for the last 30 years. The picture is a little deceiving as the end is covered with some grease.
ibedayank
Well-known member
You asked about Cornwell, one of my favorite Cornwell tools that is a good value is their very beefy test lamp, number TE27
www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products.php?product=TE27-%252d-Heavy-Duty-6-%26-12V-Circuit-Tester
available at autozone for $20
whitedogone
Well-known member
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- Jan 20, 2014
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Been using your paint can opener for digging rocks??
There, I cleaned it up for ya sweety....let me know if you need help with the dishes. WDO
WhiffySpark
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- Oct 22, 2009
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i just paid $90 for one. I bet it was avaible cheaper somewhere else?
Skrutinizr
Member
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- Nov 2, 2014
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- 8
I see so many noob techs going into huge debt to have a tool box that will take years to pay off and all it will do is hold up their tools. When they wash out of the industry (about half do), they are screwed. Their stuff is worth less than they owe.
A Craftsman Pro box will hold up my tools. I probably wouldn't stand on the drawers to prove how awesome it is like I could with my SnapOn 722- but all it has to do is hold up my tools.
Damn near everything on the trucks can be found cheaper elsewhere. Ratchets are worth paying top $ for and swivel sockets. Those are the only things I have ever broken. Screwdrivers? Get a set that is comfy to use and cheap- then get new ones annually as they get chewed up. Can do that for a career before costing as much as half the set from the trucks.
A Craftsman Pro box will hold up my tools. I probably wouldn't stand on the drawers to prove how awesome it is like I could with my SnapOn 722- but all it has to do is hold up my tools.
Damn near everything on the trucks can be found cheaper elsewhere. Ratchets are worth paying top $ for and swivel sockets. Those are the only things I have ever broken. Screwdrivers? Get a set that is comfy to use and cheap- then get new ones annually as they get chewed up. Can do that for a career before costing as much as half the set from the trucks.
SASORacing
Well-known member
One of the most valuable things about a tool truck?
The man inside. How convientient he makes warranties for you, and if hes nice.
Quality 3/8 ratchets.
Good set of nice ratcheting reversible wrenches.
Good chrome and impact socket sets in 3/8ths.
For 1/4 chrome only, and 1/2 impact only. This is a personal thing for me, you may have other needs.
Allen/ hex bits/ torx. They are warrantied on most tool trucks, Matco and Snapon i know. These are nice to spend more money on lifetime warranty brands, because they are a wear item.
The man inside. How convientient he makes warranties for you, and if hes nice.
Quality 3/8 ratchets.
Good set of nice ratcheting reversible wrenches.
Good chrome and impact socket sets in 3/8ths.
For 1/4 chrome only, and 1/2 impact only. This is a personal thing for me, you may have other needs.
Allen/ hex bits/ torx. They are warrantied on most tool trucks, Matco and Snapon i know. These are nice to spend more money on lifetime warranty brands, because they are a wear item.
toddoky
Well-known member
None, the only tools worth owning are made using communal labor in China. These folks are experts in tool design even though they can't afford to buy the tools they make themselves. They are also fine stewards of the environment and follow strict emission and hazardous waste disposal procedures while making these fine instruments of industry.
sberry
Banned
This has pretty much been my experience. When I look in the rack there are survivors of all types and not all of them were expensive including a couple from the dollar bin I would pay 2 for if they were there again.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
There, I cleaned it up for ya sweety....let me know if you need help with the dishes. WDO
time to clamp it in a brass jawed vise and dress up the tip.... it is looking better,, but that handle is still horrible... What are the neighbors going to think??
From a shop owner/tech stand point... here is my quick list that I would tell an employee new in the trade asking the same. I usually only recommend they buy Snap-On here if they are going to buy anything because it is the only tool truck that comes by every week. We have no Mac driver, the Matco driver went belly up, and Cornwell driver is flaky (and quite rude these days).
Ratchets - SnapOn. I liked them due to the high tooth count, length, and flex head. Now with the new Harbor Freight ratchets that opinion my change. My techs (and myself as well) have broken every size Snap-On ratchet. They get fixed, but you have to wait until Friday.
Swivel Adapters - Swivel Sockets
Small Turbo Sockets - a lot of selection for up to 10mm headed bolts. So fine in size they are almost "indexing".
Torque Sticks - Buy a 80, 100, and 120ft-lbs set of torque sticks for wheels. Lots of guys use them for axle nuts (alot of GM axle nuts are 100-120ft-lbs). If its a high torque axle nut like a 200ft-lbs, they zip them on with a 120 and finish up with a torque wrench.
Snap-On here has a great deal on Streamlight Flashlights, and he warranties them.
Scan-Tools - if you are going to buy your own, the SnapOn ones have the best converage and the least amount of glitches. Sure the Autel/Launch are good for the price, but glitchy and lack on domestic coverage. Note; ScanTool prices are very negoitable, never pay truck price for one if you can.
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Other then that, I wouldn't buy much off them. In my personal box I have long and short GearWrench standard wrenches, work great and very inexpensive. Never had to warranty one yet.
Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches (its in the name, can't be to bad huh?)
I have a SnapOn box, but also a 44in HF and HF 5 drawer cart. Both are absolutely fine.
HF- Pro screw drivers. HF Prybars with the larger ones being Mayhew.
I still have mostly craftsman sockets from years ago with a few Duralast sockets filling in the missing ones (lost over the years).
I do have SnapOn extensions, but at $140 for 4 extensions in a set, not worth it. My GW and Duralast extensions are perfectly fine and used daily.
Just a short list of the common stuff. We have a lot of Snap-On diagnostic equipment. But the shop (me) buys it, not the Techs.
Ratchets - SnapOn. I liked them due to the high tooth count, length, and flex head. Now with the new Harbor Freight ratchets that opinion my change. My techs (and myself as well) have broken every size Snap-On ratchet. They get fixed, but you have to wait until Friday.
Swivel Adapters - Swivel Sockets
Small Turbo Sockets - a lot of selection for up to 10mm headed bolts. So fine in size they are almost "indexing".
Torque Sticks - Buy a 80, 100, and 120ft-lbs set of torque sticks for wheels. Lots of guys use them for axle nuts (alot of GM axle nuts are 100-120ft-lbs). If its a high torque axle nut like a 200ft-lbs, they zip them on with a 120 and finish up with a torque wrench.
Snap-On here has a great deal on Streamlight Flashlights, and he warranties them.
Scan-Tools - if you are going to buy your own, the SnapOn ones have the best converage and the least amount of glitches. Sure the Autel/Launch are good for the price, but glitchy and lack on domestic coverage. Note; ScanTool prices are very negoitable, never pay truck price for one if you can.
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Other then that, I wouldn't buy much off them. In my personal box I have long and short GearWrench standard wrenches, work great and very inexpensive. Never had to warranty one yet.
Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches (its in the name, can't be to bad huh?)
I have a SnapOn box, but also a 44in HF and HF 5 drawer cart. Both are absolutely fine.
HF- Pro screw drivers. HF Prybars with the larger ones being Mayhew.
I still have mostly craftsman sockets from years ago with a few Duralast sockets filling in the missing ones (lost over the years).
I do have SnapOn extensions, but at $140 for 4 extensions in a set, not worth it. My GW and Duralast extensions are perfectly fine and used daily.
Just a short list of the common stuff. We have a lot of Snap-On diagnostic equipment. But the shop (me) buys it, not the Techs.
whitedogone
Well-known member
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- Jan 20, 2014
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- 230
time to clamp it in a brass jawed vise and dress up the tip.... it is looking better,, but that handle is still horrible... What are the neighbors going to think??
The handle is just like it came back from "warranty"
WhiffySpark
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2009
- Messages
- 6,252
I think someone screwed you. Either someone swapped your handle or that one simply isn't seated
I never had to send a driver out for warranty though? That's a new one. My guy swaps them on truck
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Ya,, that is horrible service on SnapOn's part.... Like they don't have a handle to fit a screwdriver??
I would send them a link to this thread.. That screwdriver would be fantastic advertising for their warranty program..
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WhiffySpark
Well-known member
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- Oct 22, 2009
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Driving an hour to exchange one socket isn't logical. Considering most professionals work 40-60 hours a week, our time off is valuable.
If somebody gave me their Gold Card and access to tool trucks, I would get:
SO: BJP1; a couple of 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets; the 36" 1/2" breaker bar; 1/4" and 3/8" chrome swivel sockets, and midlength sockets, 6 point in 1/4" and 3/8" and 12 point 1/2"; and a couple of KRLs and a KRSC.
Matco: every set of their pinless swivel impact sockets
I don't know enough about Mac or Cornwell to say.
SO: BJP1; a couple of 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets; the 36" 1/2" breaker bar; 1/4" and 3/8" chrome swivel sockets, and midlength sockets, 6 point in 1/4" and 3/8" and 12 point 1/2"; and a couple of KRLs and a KRSC.
Matco: every set of their pinless swivel impact sockets
I don't know enough about Mac or Cornwell to say.
bob15
Well-known member
Even cheaper than twenty.......
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1289652
http://www.amazon.com/OTC-3636-Heavy-Duty-Circuit-Tester/dp/B002YKFA0O/ref=pd_sbs_auto_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0VZV0VGTCR7V8X2Q0HDB
http://www.amazon.com/ATD-5513-Heavy-Duty-Circuit-Tester/dp/B000M5ZWBA/ref=pd_sim_auto_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RSFAVQD446GCN693MMX
T_Roze
Well-known member
I use a logic probe when called for, but a crack auto electrician can find 80% of issues with a test lamp, and adding a Harbor Freight *free with coupon* multimeter to that would bring the percentage up to above 90%
This. Completely agree.
WhiffySpark
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2009
- Messages
- 6,252
Not even close to the Cornwell one
This is my newest one
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675534&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
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shockwave
Well-known member
Most items can be had off the truck elsewhere but no one brand has best of everything but my reason for keep on buying from tool trucks is to support local guy and if I need anything they know me
bob15
Well-known member
The ATD I listed is the same as the Cornwell or my old American made Snap On. The other two I listed are no different in function, being both are 6 & 12 vdc, just slightly different designs.
Here is the cornwell our NASA Engineer loves, a plain old 6-12vdc light tester:
http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-27000-Circuit-Tester/dp/B0002SQV3A/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1419042763&sr=1-1&keywords=27000+tester
My old (15-18 year old) USA Mac is the same as your new Korean made Snap On, less the cig lighter adapter:
http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Diagnostics-and-Testing/Circuit-Fuse-Testers/ET112X/6-12-24V-Circuit-Tester
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Some of the Dealers take trade ins... Keep an eye on the used stuff he has on board... If you are looking for something used in particular; tell your Dealer,, He may be able to assist you,, regardless of brand...