maintguy
Well-known member
Any of you guys have a gig like this? If so how do u rate the company supplied tools?
Did\ do you have any of your own stuff there?
Did\ do you have any of your own stuff there?
industrial maintenance techs not required tp supply own tools
- Thread starter maintguy
- Start date
Before I retired I spent 25 years with a hi-tech company who supplied all the tools. Most were Snap-on for wrenches but many other name brand tools for specific machines or machine shop work. It was never a problem to justify what I needed and just had the tool room guy order it. My boss got a bill and if I thought there might be a discussion then I would chat with him before ordering.
lg
no neat sig line
lg
no neat sig line
djjsr
Well-known member
We tried that at one of our plants that had about 70 mechanics. Brought in SnapOn to set up rolling toolboards. Spent a TON of money on the project and everybody liked the idea. Within a few months, most of the tools were stolen. End of project.
It might work in a smaller operation with people that aren't jackasses.
It might work in a smaller operation with people that aren't jackasses.
unisawone
Active member
We do this where i work, seems to work good. Waterloo boxes mostly S-K tools with some Gearwrench and Snap On, Channelock and Klien. They are good about it no questions just order it if need it. Everyone seems to respect it.
Ohmthis
Well-known member
I worked for Brown-Forman (they own and make jack Daniels, woodford reserve, other booze). Them supplying tools was part of the pay/benefits. On my first day I sat down with the boss and he wrote down what I needed/wanted and ordered it. About a week later there was my new roller (Waterloo) and my tools. We got to take them with us when we left and/or retired. The thought was that if the company bought us the tools, we would have better quality and therefor wouldn't have downtime because of a tool that didn't fit, work, was broken, or was wrong. We also got $200 a year to buy new tools. When I left I gave the roller back, but kept the hand tools. It did work as designed I suppose.
Our plant has a list of tools guys need to provide depending on position. If a maintenance guy breaks a tool it's replaced by the company, and with a quality unit at that. Armstrong, proto, williams. Most guys like to fill their lists at big box stores and sometimes harbor freight.
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
Tools are a big bone of contention with us. Every year we have a Gallop poll, and every year "I have the tool I need to do my job" is one of the top problems within our department. The other thing that always scores really low is "There is an element of trust within our department."
I don't think it is a coincidence that those two things are at the top of our list of concerns, and we have a thief that management refuses to acknowledge. He works weekends when no one else is around, and steals whatever isn't locked up. They don't want to do anything about it because finding an electrician that will accept weekends as his regular schedule is next to impossible.
We have submitted an employee tool allowance program as part of our collective bargaining agreement. If it were to go through, employees would get $50 every 2 weeks in tool allowance, as well as a bonus every month that goes by without having a time loss injury. It will be interesting to see if it goes through or not.
I don't think it is a coincidence that those two things are at the top of our list of concerns, and we have a thief that management refuses to acknowledge. He works weekends when no one else is around, and steals whatever isn't locked up. They don't want to do anything about it because finding an electrician that will accept weekends as his regular schedule is next to impossible.
We have submitted an employee tool allowance program as part of our collective bargaining agreement. If it were to go through, employees would get $50 every 2 weeks in tool allowance, as well as a bonus every month that goes by without having a time loss injury. It will be interesting to see if it goes through or not.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
We need to supply the most basic of tools. Large amount of shop supplied tools. Also hammers, files, drill bits, tap and dies and a few other things are in the stock room to grab. We get a $300 a year tool allowance. If we break something, generally they will replace it with a quailty industrial tool brand.
We do this at work. Everything we need is there, usually the brand is whatever I personally decide to purchase and then I expense it to the company. If its a particularly big expense or something, I'll mention it to my boss first. Never been a big deal.
When I started I was issued a toolbox full of tools. Toolbox is an old Craftsman on a homemade frame with good casters. Most of the tools are Craftsman with a smattering of Channellock and other brands. I did bring in a set of Mac wrenches and a SO dual 80 ratchet. If we need something we can request it out of McMaster or grainger catalogs. I think I'm the only one that has brought in tools from home.
TheMadMech
Well-known member
I've worked at two different places. First one we had to supply everything, no fool allowance, if something was stolen you were on your own to replace it but if something broke they would replace it (after bitching at you and fighting you).
Second place (where I am now) has $300yr allowance, usually won't replace broken or lost and says that that is what the allowance is for but the supervisor is cool and handles it when he can.
This is my clever signature.
Second place (where I am now) has $300yr allowance, usually won't replace broken or lost and says that that is what the allowance is for but the supervisor is cool and handles it when he can.
This is my clever signature.
Roobaix
Well-known member
Kinda sorta. The hospital I'm at supplies some of the tools. A full suite of Hilti and DeWalt drills, Klein screwdrivers, Ideal pliers, and a Gearwrench ratchet set. They also supplied me with a "tool cart" which is a repurposed medical cart that has no business storing tools whatsoever.
I brought in a bunch of my own tools, purchased a ton more, and I just grabbed a Snap On KRSC326 to replace the other hunk of junk.
I brought in a bunch of my own tools, purchased a ton more, and I just grabbed a Snap On KRSC326 to replace the other hunk of junk.
honcho
Well-known member
My only experience with employer supplied tools has been in the military (Army). Tool kits were issued to soldiers and they were expected to take care of the tools and when tools were broken or lost the supply system would issue replacements. Lots of problems with pilferage and theft. Good tools would disappear and harbor freight tools would magically appear in the tool boxes. You would have thought we were buying stuff straight from the Red Army!
However, some soldiers and maintenance sections did a great job, had tremendous discipline and pride in their tools, their work and the equipment they maintained. I was always trying to figure out what the "secret sauce" of those really good soldiers and their units. They weren't always the smartest or the the most dedicated but they seemed to work smarter and often got more quality work done with less effort under crappy conditions.
Although I'm not a professional wrench, I think the model where basic tools are provided by and the property of the employee, with a reasonable tool maintenance and replacement cash allowance provided by the employer is a good balance. Employees have an incentive to take care of their tools and employers contribute beyond salary to the cost of those tools. Expensive specialty tools should be the domain of the employer.
However, some soldiers and maintenance sections did a great job, had tremendous discipline and pride in their tools, their work and the equipment they maintained. I was always trying to figure out what the "secret sauce" of those really good soldiers and their units. They weren't always the smartest or the the most dedicated but they seemed to work smarter and often got more quality work done with less effort under crappy conditions.
Although I'm not a professional wrench, I think the model where basic tools are provided by and the property of the employee, with a reasonable tool maintenance and replacement cash allowance provided by the employer is a good balance. Employees have an incentive to take care of their tools and employers contribute beyond salary to the cost of those tools. Expensive specialty tools should be the domain of the employer.
Al Borland
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2016
- Messages
- 1,599
Where I work, the company supplies most of the tools. And they are ****. Of course, our employees abuse them and will "lose" any decent tools they don't break. I keep some cheap tools for the jobs where the company tools won't do the job, and it's a chore getting them back at the end of a task, (unless the tool broke).
I have seen guys cut the cord off a circular saw on the first cut of a brand new saw...
Sawzalls used like bayonets to start cuts in ductwork.
After a while, it becomes the norm, and you don't even notice anymore.
I have seen guys cut the cord off a circular saw on the first cut of a brand new saw...
Sawzalls used like bayonets to start cuts in ductwork.
After a while, it becomes the norm, and you don't even notice anymore.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
I have always supplied my own tools, even if there was a company set. I want my screwdriver or whatever to be there when I want it, and not bent or filthy or a cheesy cheap one. I just work better this way. I have gone as far as supplying machine tools and welders. Granted, I'm the only one using those.
Katodog
Well-known member
We have whatever we dig out of the DIF bins in the Returns area. They purchase some random stuff here and there, like the lawn equipment, snow equipment, etc., but most of our hand tools came from the scrap bins. I can't complain, we sell some decent stuff and if it works it works, but sometimes you want better than "good enough".
As for people using or abusing...I have two lock-up areas and a tool bag...when I leave for the day all of my stuff gets locked. I've taken a few of my personal things to work, like an impact, some drill bit and driver bit kits, etc., but that's it. Random stuff that I either don't use at home or I bought specifically for work.
And for a similar story to the circular saw cord...we had one imbecile cut the cord on the brand new bandsaw the day we bought it.
As for people using or abusing...I have two lock-up areas and a tool bag...when I leave for the day all of my stuff gets locked. I've taken a few of my personal things to work, like an impact, some drill bit and driver bit kits, etc., but that's it. Random stuff that I either don't use at home or I bought specifically for work.
And for a similar story to the circular saw cord...we had one imbecile cut the cord on the brand new bandsaw the day we bought it.
wish my shop would do this. they provide a lot of things but only if it's ordered. i could order a set of wrenches, or battery, or any replacement tool for one broken, but they provide bare minimum and you are expected to do the job with the provided tool. which are a **** brand.
the issue comes from the people in charge of the system who thing the old 18v dewalt are where its at for shop work (broken drills get sent in every damn month from busted chucks to rubber falling off, burned up brushes, etc). and then every single screwdriver went from being klein to stanley (i assume to save money). pliers are farmboy pliers and not channellock or knipex.
it's sad, but unfortunately they haven't had anyone in charge worth a damn because they treat their supervisors like their lowest employee, very replaceable and they do replace them with people who have no experience in the industry, so they lean towards homeowner type tool instead of industrial.
currently our system is a half and half, the half they provide is mostly junk **** except that they provide fluke meters (although they aren't awesome, fluke 114 for EVERYTHING.... yes it's annoying, you have to bring in your own if you want to do any real troubleshooting past continuity and voltage...) and they have problems with keeping tools on their fancy new tool wall because they allow production to just walk through the area, no enclosed shop space so people freely walk past. i've even had some knipex and channellock stuff disappear off my desk, they were replaced by the company, but it's still a big problem, and entirely the companies lack of knowledge causing it (like allowing production to take drills and such without checking them out. means batteries end up running off all the time).
the issue comes from the people in charge of the system who thing the old 18v dewalt are where its at for shop work (broken drills get sent in every damn month from busted chucks to rubber falling off, burned up brushes, etc). and then every single screwdriver went from being klein to stanley (i assume to save money). pliers are farmboy pliers and not channellock or knipex.
it's sad, but unfortunately they haven't had anyone in charge worth a damn because they treat their supervisors like their lowest employee, very replaceable and they do replace them with people who have no experience in the industry, so they lean towards homeowner type tool instead of industrial.
currently our system is a half and half, the half they provide is mostly junk **** except that they provide fluke meters (although they aren't awesome, fluke 114 for EVERYTHING.... yes it's annoying, you have to bring in your own if you want to do any real troubleshooting past continuity and voltage...) and they have problems with keeping tools on their fancy new tool wall because they allow production to just walk through the area, no enclosed shop space so people freely walk past. i've even had some knipex and channellock stuff disappear off my desk, they were replaced by the company, but it's still a big problem, and entirely the companies lack of knowledge causing it (like allowing production to take drills and such without checking them out. means batteries end up running off all the time).
TigerDude
Well-known member
Worked in a paper mill in the 90s and we gave mechanics (& electricians) the tools they needed. The most common were stored in the storeroom. Craftsman. Paper machines need specialty large tools, but converting lines are mostly 9/16. Large pumps/motors used 3/4" ratchet sets. Don't think I ever saw a torque wrench.
Have also heard of single-issue toolsets that the mechanic had to replace on their own dime if lost.
Have also heard of single-issue toolsets that the mechanic had to replace on their own dime if lost.
WhiskeyRanger
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2015
- Messages
- 398
Sort of. We got a set of basic tools and a waterloo stack when we started our apprenticeship (electrician in my case, but it was the same for all trades), and get reimbursed for lost stolen or damaged tools. The stuff we got was decent, all US made like Proto, Klein, Channel lock... We also get some stuff bought for us by the plant and for the most part its good stuff. Greenlee hydraulic knock outs, Irwin or Hilti unibits, and we have a couple sets of 18v Hiltis in the shop to supplement our own drills and stuff. My old plant had a community tool box in each dept which of course was missing everything within weeks. We do have a soft policy of buying american, so generally everything is good quality. For reimbursement, its a per tool limit, sowe tend to buy top of the line stuff to replace any broken or damaged tools. This is encouraged since if you're breaking or wearing out the stuff, its better to buy once/cry once from the company's perspective.
rslaback
Well-known member
Each of our techs gets issued a tool bag with a good collection of the stuff we need on a given day. The maintenance shop also has a keycard accessed KRL with more rarely used stuff that can be used in the shop or taken out to the production floor.
There are a few things here and there that I've added to my bag but the company set it good quality stuff and covers everything I need most days. We are allowed to supplement our bags if we want but since we are a medical assembly plant we can't take tools bag and forth from home to work even if we own them.
There are a few things here and there that I've added to my bag but the company set it good quality stuff and covers everything I need most days. We are allowed to supplement our bags if we want but since we are a medical assembly plant we can't take tools bag and forth from home to work even if we own them.
Backpack Hunter
Well-known member
We are a small force, but we supply all of our techs with the tools they need. Our most pressing concern is not having the right tool, it is finding it within a reasonable amount of time.
Our techs rotate service trucks, and one of the guys is constantly messing up the order of things for everyone else. Hopefully we have that nipped in the bud, but time will tell.
Our techs rotate service trucks, and one of the guys is constantly messing up the order of things for everyone else. Hopefully we have that nipped in the bud, but time will tell.
jolyroger7
Member
I'm a field engineer for a CNC machine tool company. We're all issued tools when we start, Hazet and some other euro brands. Some of our guys still have all their original tools 10 years in, while some seem to only have a few screwdrivers and some zip ties left.
My box was used and missing some stuff when I started, so I've filled it out over the years on the company dime. I keep a few tools that are mine in it. Stuff I bought for myself and liked so much I couldn't live without.
My box was used and missing some stuff when I started, so I've filled it out over the years on the company dime. I keep a few tools that are mine in it. Stuff I bought for myself and liked so much I couldn't live without.
AV tinker er
Well-known member
I have several friends that work for Anheuser Bush at the Budweiser plant. They supply all the tools. Maybe a growing perc/benefit?
one9gt
Well-known member
A harbor freight 44" and a husky top box were here when I started my current job filled with all harbor freight tools. The basics were all there but the basics made my job more difficult because it was all ****. I use my taco wagon filled with a mix of all top brands and nothing but Milwaukee for power tools. All my personal tools have been paid for by the company I work for. If I don't max my monthly budget I get the extra for my tool allowance.
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ZRX61
Well-known member
Blanket party.....
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
I'm curious, how do you get your tool allowance? This is something we haven't figured out yet. Do you use a truck, or Grainger, or ???
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
That's a nice upgrade if he breaks a Harbor Freight wrench and it gets replaced by a Williams
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
You have no idea how I have fantasized about breaking every bone in his body, starting with his grubby little dickskinners
IUEC Medic
Well-known member
I have to supply SAE hand tools up to 1-1/4", wrenches, ratchets, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers.
Company has to provide anything/everything that's larger than 1-1/4", anything metric, all power tools, all electrical cords, welding/torch equipment, most guys have a few gang boxes that get trucked from job - to - job.
Company also provides or reimburses all consumables like drill bits, saw blades, impact driver bits, welding rod, etc.. They'll also replace a broken personal tool if you broke it at work and turn in the new tool receipt.
Company has to provide anything/everything that's larger than 1-1/4", anything metric, all power tools, all electrical cords, welding/torch equipment, most guys have a few gang boxes that get trucked from job - to - job.
Company also provides or reimburses all consumables like drill bits, saw blades, impact driver bits, welding rod, etc.. They'll also replace a broken personal tool if you broke it at work and turn in the new tool receipt.
hautpot
Well-known member
My manufacturing company issues all the tools. Luckily they buy industrial grade or high grade stuff. My boss's mentality is that you don't see a doctor buying all the scalpels or oil worker buying that 100mm socket with their own personal money. Administration emphasizes that abusing tools will lead to a write-up because it is dangerous and destruction of property.
For automotive, I guess most employers want an employee that supplies most of their own tools so they don't have to buy tools
.
For automotive, I guess most employers want an employee that supplies most of their own tools so they don't have to buy tools
.Mstrfxit12
Well-known member
As a Facilities Director I/the company supply essentially all the tools required by my techs. The tools are splotched with the corresponding techs paint color to cur down on permanent sharing. I buy mostly typical name brand equipment (Klein, Fluke, Proto, Blackhawk Makita, etc). My entire crew really treats everything pretty well and I have had minimal lost and/or broken. I think this works for a small to midsize crew but Im not sure how well it would work for a really large operation.
nutsnbolts
Well-known member
Not sure what your job expectations are, so it is hard to say. I can tell you what I use most.
SAE wrenches and sockets
Pliers
Screwdrivers with every bit imaginable. Include a security set with those funky little bits for things like bathroom partition hardware, etc.
A wide array of bit holders, extensions, etc for your cordless drill.
Right angle drill accessory
A good flashlight
Adjustable wrench (I carry a little 4" with me everywhere)
Tape measure/level
Drill bit set
Allen wrenches
Torx
I'm sure there are other things, but this would be a good start if you came to work on my crew at the hospital.
Roobaix
Well-known member
What type of work are you going to be doing?
You may or may not be doing all that much on your first day.
I was handed the keys to my tool cart and was told to go set it up to my liking. I figured out what I needed to bring or ask for right then and there.
You may or may not be doing all that much on your first day.
I was handed the keys to my tool cart and was told to go set it up to my liking. I figured out what I needed to bring or ask for right then and there.
Jay H 237
Well-known member
Is this the actual building or are you also getting into the automation? Robots, conveyors, bowl feeders, injection molding machines, temperature units, dryers, loaders and even the guarding work cells?
Some factories have a mix match of equipment from multiple suppliers and I can say a lot of that is metric.
JDon99
Well-known member
My first job supplied everything. My current job (union shop), we had a very basic list of tools we had to supply and the company is supposed to supply everything else. Our management is pretty damn terrible at ordering parts and tools, so if we need something, we used to have our shop laborer run to home depot and get it. Now this is a different story if you are one of the "good Ole boys". In that case they won't hesitate to order you whatever you want. One example is some guys have company supplied m12 and m18 fuel impacts while others are required to do the same job with hand tools.
My manufacturing company issues all the tools. Luckily they buy industrial grade or high grade stuff. My boss's mentality is that you don't see a doctor buying all the scalpels or oil worker buying that 100mm socket with their own personal money. Administration emphasizes that abusing tools will lead to a write-up because it is dangerous and destruction of property.
For automotive, I guess most employers want an employee that supplies most of their own tools so they don't have to buy tools
automotive work can get you into the 10s of thousands for tools. building and industrial maintenance can get by with a few grand in tools in a lot of cases.