Advice and random thoughts for those starting out.

[plinker]

Here's some of my experience in buying tools and advise I've gotten and given over the last few years. Kinda long, but I was bored and thought it may be helpful to someone.



I started buying tools (more seriously) at around 15-16, mainly as I had projects I wanted to get done and didnt want to have to find or borrow someone else's stuff to make do with. Plans and goals changed to some extent as well.

I would buy what I could afford and save up as needed. Shopping around, buying new/used tools on ebay and store sales/clearance shelves were my main sources for a while, Christmas gifts also accounted for a portion of my tools.

As I started doing more (and making more money) I was able to buy new stuff at retail rather then used or something on sale, simply because I could afford it. I never went to tech school, so the magical 50% off whatever brand was an opportunity I never had. If it would have been possible, I defiantly would have saved up some money to buy what I could at that price. Plainly put it would have been foolish not to given what I want to buy. I discovered this site and was able to figure out what was the "good stuff" and what brands were the best for what I wanted. I tend to research stuff to death & be an informed buyer so I am seldom dissapointed with what I buy. Some impulse buy's were not the best ever, but I can live with that (no one else has to).

I've spent a lot of money on tools in general, some to "upgrade" from what I had, some stuff being junk, but mostly due to changing needs and expanding skills. Advances in battery tools (and air tools) contribute to what I have spent money on, simply because a particular item(s) was not previously available.

Going into debt buying tools in particular is not a good thing, I've put myself into a tight spot at times due to various circumstances. Being smart about spending is the best thing you can do, making money work for you and getting the stuff you want is possible, you just have to pay attention & give it time. It is easy to get lured into tool truck credit, but it's no different then getting into credit card debt. Know what you can afford and plan accordingly. As time goes on you can always "upgrade" to something better.

Seeking financial advise from someone who knows what they're talking about is not a bad idea either. The internet population does not know what everyone's situation is and just like this post it's only advise from their point of view.

The tool markets have defiantly changed with more internet stores and even B&M stores are carrying many different products then they did in '05-'06. Tool brands have changed just as much, the overall quality of imports (mainly aisan) has dramatically changed. Some brands arent here anymore for various reasons. Others have expanded their lines and changed how they market their product.

Now more then ever, IMO, you can buy better tools for less money. It doesnt mean there isnt a better quality tool available, or that the lower price point tools are junk. If you find you like a particular tool there is nothing wrong with that. Everyone has preferences. Seeing what others use is a good way of forming an opinion on what is "best" for the money, it pays to be open minded though.

Regarding what brand tools to buy; Some will say avoid brand "X" because it's overpriced/not worth it/too expensive. Others will say avoid brand "Y" because it's cheap/junk/not worth it. Most will say by this from brand X, this from brand Y and this from brand Z (middle of the road brand). None are necessarily right or wrong, they are stating their experience and/or opinion.

Some will have had a bad experience with, say a socket set for instance, others will have had a good experience with the same socket set. Mostly it's a difference of opinion and how the tools failed or didnt fail with the task they were used for.

If you research by reading reviews, old posts, getting opinions on stuff along with knowing what you are going to be doing, you will be farther ahead then most. You just have to sort the usable information from the drama.

Dont forget, this is the internet. Everyone's an expert about something. I dont play one on tv.


If you have some thoughts to add, please share the who/what/how details.

 

[bobcatdan]

My 2 cents on the subject. Starting out buy what you need when you need it from a lower cost point, in my day that was Sears. From there as you make money and see where a step up in quality or wider offer in range of sizes, buy better. Take the old tools home because we all need tools at home. From there this divides off in two directions. When you need something, compare all options to see which is the best. Also when you need something for home, buy something better for work and bring the old tools home. You got better at work, and good tools you know for home.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Tool truck equivalent threads.......read em.

And you're gonna be a broke joke doing oil changes and rotating tires for a while starting out, start with the basics that work in your budget and expand as needed as you get more work and experience under your belt.

Keeping up with the Joneses is never a good idea as a beginner tech

 

[d.mcfarland]

Now more then ever, IMO, you can buy better tools for less money.

This is very true. Many people don't think so, but even the cheapest stuff available at say, Harbor Freight or Walmart, is halfway decent. And, for most homeowners, more than adequate.

I believe some of it would hold up decent in a full time workers toolbox, I can't say with certainty that I would really trust it.

 

[plinker]

This is very true. Many people don't think so, but even the cheapest stuff available at say, Harbor Freight or Walmart, is halfway decent. And, for most homeowners, more than adequate.

I believe some of it would hold up decent in a full time workers toolbox, I can't say with certainty that I would really trust it.

From what I've seen some guys have, if it's made in Taiwan, it usually works & holds up pretty good (or better) doing pro work. It just depends on what it is and how it's used.




One thing that annoys a little bit me in general, mainly where I worked last, is they would hire some new guys & inexperienced kids and they'd have adequate to nothing at all for tools, So they'd have to borrow tools all the time. Not a huge problem, but it can be.

I gave the one advice to buy stuff from a couple different online stores so he'd have tools to work with now instead of constantly borrowing very basic stuff like wrenches, pliers, ete...

He decided he was going to buy tools from Matco (we have a very good dealer) since he could pay as he goes or something like that. He had a good reason for it, since he was there every week, warranty not an issue, etee.

But he more or less missed my point. Showing him alternatives was a way for him to get the basic tools he needed right away as (for example) 500$ goes farther online then on the tool truck.

Another guy had gone to HF and bought a lot of stuff, didnt have to borrow much that I know of (not 100% sure,wasnt on my shift). Talking to co-workers and getting advise from them is recommended.

 

[Aaron_W]

This is coming from the point of view of a DIYr, but it seems to me that I could buy a decent selection of the staple automotive tools for about $500 without going below a mid grade level of quality.

A basic Matco 1/2" drive ratchet retails for $154, for another $45 ($199) I could buy a 280 piece Husky socket and wrench set and have a good selection of SAE and metric 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive ratchets and sockets, a selection of Allen and combination wrenches, and some various screw bits with driver.

That set alone would cover a lot of the basic jobs and still leave $300 for pliers, a multi meter, screw drivers etc.

Now I'm not saying that Husky kit is the end all be all and truck tools are pointless, but I'm sure that kit could get you through a few months on the job working on cars, until you could afford to start adding better quality tools.


Some guys are going to gripe no matter what but I think co-workers would be a lot more open to sharing some specialty tools occasionally or covering for a broken tool with someone who came prepared to be self sufficient on the more common jobs, rather than the guy who showed up with a couple of tool truck brand tools who was unable to do an oil change without borrowing a tool.

I'd also think about other appearances as well. I wouldn't have a lot of sympathy for a new guy who said he had no money for tools, but was driving to work in a $50,000 truck with $20,000 of additional bling.

 

[rsanter]

Starting out, most my tools were free.
I was asking for them as gifts for birthday and Christmas

 

[JulianMorrow]

A basic Matco 1/2" drive ratchet retails for $154, for another $45 ($199) I could buy a 280 piece Husky socket and wrench set and have a good selection of SAE and metric

Given a lean $500 budget, let's replace the Matco 1/2" ratchet with the Tool Truck equivalent Armstrong 1/2" 12-992, which you can get online for $55. For a budget socket set, I'd go with a Tekton set. For combination wrenches, eBay has a used Craftsman Professional (USA) metric set 7mm-19mm for $150 (that's like 10 bucks per wrench). You'll also need an impact wrench, torque wrench, breaker bar, and a test light. Hopefully, a young mechanic will have some of these items already. As you noted, you can upgrade your tools when you start making money.

 

[jproaster]

Lazy (won't take time to research), non-wise (think they always know the answer), impatient are just some of the negative virtues that I've exhibited in my life. And I've usually seen the foolishness in hindsight. This applies to much more than tools of course.

Fast forward many years...I'm 56 now. I know that I'll never own the dream property with acres of land to ride my motos, build a wonderfully large workshop nor the best motos. I know that I could do those things- I'm debt free, kids are in college (should graduate with no debt), and my wife and I are both employed. But wisdom will not allow me to satisfy my momentary cravings for the "best."

I'm thankful for garagejournal, advrider, thumpertalk, youtube, etc. for you all sharing wisdom. I have invested a good chunk of change over the last 14 months to build and fill a 12x20' shop in my suburban backyard. My desire to become a weekend warrior (and weeknights) moto guy came later in life; and fortunately I can acquire monthly if I plan well- again, thanks all for your wisdom.

If I were a young person again with tool needs and a limited budget, I would think it wise to buy used, HF, Taiwan, Amazon, etc on a dedicated credit card for tools that you allow only so much expenditure. If you cannot control yourself, forget the cc; you will regret it.

But above all, there is no greater resource than folks sharing their insights online, in a shop or over a beer so that a person can act wisely in dispensing hard earned cash.

As we all know though- people are gonna do, what they wanna do. Wisdom can be learned the hard way too.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I got my first set of 1/4 and 3/8 sockets for Christmas when I was 15. At 18 I started working at Sears, so I caught all the sales and built up my collection. I also asked for specific Craftsman items for birthdays and Christmas.

It took me probably 10 or 15 years before I had SAE and metric 1/4, 3.8 and 1/2 sockets, SAE and metric combination wrenches, a pneumatic impact, air hammer, electric drill, etc, etc.

Best advice for a DIYer, shop Craiglist, garage and estate sales. Older Craftsman tool marked Made in USA are still good value. You will almost NEVER use 1/2 sockets and ratchets. If you need something right away, don't turn your nose up at HF except on their electric tools.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Good advise in this thread. I work as a consultant in shops and see what the lube techs are buying tool wise. The smarter ones are starting with HF and Husky, but others are lured onto the tool truck where the tool pimp makes them his ***** with a payment plan on a $5K credit line. I recently saw a lube tech assembling a blue point cart that looked very similar to a US General cart. I asked him what it cost, his reply “only a thousand, I got a deal”.

One of my Toyota stores has a deal where they buy a basic set of Mac tools up front for the new lube techs and have them pay for them over 14 months at $90 per month, so $1260. The choice of tools is dictated by a Toyota program, but it’s comprehensive enough to get them going with good tools capable of doing things from lube to brakes. This particular store is very aggressively trying to develop the next generation of techs, so they have 10-12 very green lube techs working under master techs in a shop of 25.

 

[Yarpo]

Given a lean $500 budget, let's replace the Matco 1/2" ratchet with the Tool Truck equivalent Armstrong 1/2" 12-992, which you can get online for $55. For a budget socket set, I'd go with a Tekton set. For combination wrenches, eBay has a used Craftsman Professional (USA) metric set 7mm-19mm for $150 (that's like 10 bucks per wrench). You'll also need an impact wrench, torque wrench, breaker bar, and a test light. Hopefully, a young mechanic will have some of these items already. As you noted, you can upgrade your tools when you start making money.

See this is why gathering information and doing research is good because I'd absolutely avoid a craftsman professional set if that's the price point. Its used and no longer warrantyable without getting **** replacements, no ASD open ends, and you can buy this more complete set with a really solid open end design, still guaranteed for life, brand new for....the same price!

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIxtnVsOD83wIVA9bACh1v3wJ6EAQYAiABEgIlG_D_BwE

The one thing I really did is read lots of forums and reviews and buy things on sale. As others stated theres a mountain of information here and on other forums, if you're not needing the tools in the next 12 hours, do some basic research and reading and you can certainly save yourself tons of money.

 

[logical]

Buying off the trucks is like getting bottle service at a club. Its convenient, makes you feel special and impresses some people I suppose. It's also a really really expensive way to have a few drinks.

My advice is to look at every purchase with fresh eyes. Every company out there does a few things really well at a good price but no company does everything well at a good price. SO does ratchets well and they aren't too overpriced, but are there better ways to get good sockets, screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches?...I think there are.

I don't wrench for a living and don't need a loan to buy tools so I have everything from Wright to Proto to SK to Craftsnan (USA) to Sunex to Wera & Wiha and a dozen others including a few truck brands.

 

[Lucky13driver]

I try to cater my tools purchases based on amount of use and cost. If I'm using it one time a year I'll by a cheaper tool. If I'm using several times a day or it's a saftey concern I'll by the top of the line.

Also if you have buddies that share the same interest and take care of things well, start a buddy tool share. For example I'm the metal worker of the group so guys will barrow a metal saw from me for there project. And I may barrow a rotary hammer from one of them for my project. I've had excellent success with this.

 

[rsanter]

I try to cater my tools purchases based on amount of use and cost. If I'm using it one time a year I'll by a cheaper tool. If I'm using several times a day or it's a saftey concern I'll by the top of the line.

Also if you have buddies that share the same interest and take care of things well, start a buddy tool share. For example I'm the metal worker of the group so guys will barrow a metal saw from me for there project. And I may barrow a rotary hammer from one of them for my project. I've had excellent success with this.

I used to own a repair shop. We were limited budget so I had a mix of snap on, craftsman, and China in the shop.
If I needed a special tool for a job and I could get it at HF that’s where I got it. If I used that tool at least three times a year, when it broke I would buy a good quality/ better quality one.
If not then when it broke I bought another HF one

 

[redwrench60]

My 2 cents on the subject. Starting out buy what you need when you need it from a lower cost point, in my day that was Sears. From there as you make money and see where a step up in quality or wider offer in range of sizes, buy better. Take the old tools home because we all need tools at home. From there this divides off in two directions. When you need something, compare all options to see which is the best. Also when you need something for home, buy something better for work and bring the old tools home. You got better at work, and good tools you know for home.

Bullseye. 2nd post in hit the mark in every way. I always wondered if I was the only one who did this.

 

[JulianMorrow]

I'd absolutely avoid a craftsman professional set if that's the price point...and you can buy this more complete set with a really solid open end design, still guaranteed for life, brand new for....the same price!

Yarpo, those are really short combination wrenches--which (for me) makes them practically worthless. For a short reach, you'd normally use a ratchet. A *long* combo wrench provides two critical things: (1) reaching a fastener that's not accessible with a ratchet and (2) extra length to provide the leverage to break the fastener loose.

It's ok to recommend *new*, and ok to recommend another *brand*. But I don't agree with your specific recommendation here.

 

[Yarpo]

Yarpo, those are really short combination wrenches--which (for me) makes them practically worthless. For a short reach, you'd normally use a ratchet. A *long* combo wrench provides two critical things: (1) reaching a fastener that's not accessible with a ratchet and (2) extra length to provide the leverage to break the fastener loose.

It's ok to recommend *new*, and ok to recommend another *brand*. But I don't agree with your specific recommendation here.

They're not really short, in fact someone did a comparison here and they're on the longer (middle of the pack) side of wrenches that are not quite long pattern. They also have thicker beams which some people prefer. It's all a **** shoot and comes down to preference and use. These are stellar wrenches, but yes not quite long pattern. If you can't get your long pattern wrench in somewhere, it also becomes useless. Theres to many specific cases where a specific tool may be needed, so in a sense you'll wanna own multiple sets. Obviously not an issue for someone just starting out they could get by with a single set, but this goes back to research being important. Find out your needs and what tools will meet your goals, this will vary based on what you're working on and what other tools you already own.

 

[Hiball]

When starting out, the most important thing I can think of is that at Min you cover the Base requirements. If that's consists of Brand A or Brand B or a mixture of brands you really need to be able complete the tasks your faced with, Let your OCD kick in later.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Here’s my two cents. If you need it today go and buy it from any store. If you need it for a project a couple weeks away hold off and watch craigslist etc it might pop up. As you notice what you use most watch for sales on nicer ones if that’s what you want. Don’t go and spend a ton of money all at once on stuff you might need. Evaluate your needs. If you’ve got a 10 year old civic you work on don’t go and buy a 1/2 drive set off a snap on truck. Alternatively if you have a 20 or 40 year old diesel or large truck that may need suspension work watch craigslist for long breaker bars or large socket sets. If you’re looking for something to keep in your car a basic 100 or so piece set will suffice. Start with basics and learn what you need as you go. And don’t pass up a good deal if you can afford it but don’t buy more than you can afford. Specialty sizes such as 36mm for some axle nuts an auto parts store brand is all you need if it’s for your car. If it’s for work and you use it often maybe you’d like a nicer one. Most of my mid and small size sockets I picked up for .25-50 cents a piece or are Chinese.


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[sberry]

I bought THE big Sears super set in 80, didn't want to fart around.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Here’s my two cents. If you need it today go and buy it from any store. If you need it for a project a couple weeks away hold off and watch craigslist etc it might pop up.

I may be wrong here, but I *thought* Plinker was giving general advice to someone just "starting out" as a mechanic--not someone just doing DIY auto repair on their own vehicles. Those two things are quite different. For DIY weekenders, then the advice above is fine.

 

[PugetDude]

If you feel the need to buy your tools off a truck remember the brown truck will deliver whatever quality level and price point you want.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Here’s my two cents. If you need it today go and buy it from any store. If you need it for a project a couple weeks away hold off and watch craigslist etc it might pop up. As you notice what you use most watch for sales on nicer ones if that’s what you want. Don’t go and spend a ton of money all at once on stuff you might need. Evaluate your needs. If you’ve got a 10 year old civic you work on don’t go and buy a 1/2 drive set off a snap on truck. Alternatively if you have a 20 or 40 year old diesel or large truck that may need suspension work watch craigslist for long breaker bars or large socket sets. If you’re looking for something to keep in your car a basic 100 or so piece set will suffice. Start with basics and learn what you need as you go. And don’t pass up a good deal if you can afford it but don’t buy more than you can afford. Specialty sizes such as 36mm for some axle nuts an auto parts store brand is all you need if it’s for your car. If it’s for work and you use it often maybe you’d like a nicer one. Most of my mid and small size sockets I picked up for .25-50 cents a piece or are Chinese.
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Don’t forget that some auto tools can be “rented” for free from Autozone or other auto parts chains. Specialty tools may collect dust for years between uses, so if DIY borrow instead of buy where possible.

 

[jdlong]

How did we get from working in the trade to DIY????

 

[Crazyjake8493]

When you need a tool for a job, buy the best version of that tool you can afford, and don't worry about brand or color.

 

[greg13]

If you are SERIOUS about getting into the field, you do not want to cheap out on tools you use all the time. That said, don't be afraid to buy used tools off of the truck. Remember that tools are a poor investment if you are only thinking about resale value, the way you have justify price is how much money you make with them.

Also use TRUCK credit rather than company credit. Your limit will be lower (less chance of getting in over your head) and no interest.

 

[wiens80]

Seems like most guys are talking Automotive. My first trade was electrical. My advice would be to “have some self respect” and buy the Klein starter kit. Probably $350-400 and you can look the part of a professional. Never understood the guys that started with/continued to use some cheap Mastercraft (Canada) pliers and screwdrivers. It showed a lack of commitment, perhaps?

Or worse yet, cheap out on a meter. So the very thing that could keep you from getting killed on the job, your going to trust to some no name brand? $200-300 would get you a fine Fluke meter, that would serve you well for a long time.

As far as mechanic goes, especially if the money isn’t real good, I definitely wouldn’t be lining up to get credit and pile on a bunch of debt.


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[JulianMorrow]

How did we get from working in the trade to DIY????

Exactly--that's when this thread went sideways. There's a world of difference between a young mechanic and a DIY weekender. That's two different threads.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Nice post, very refreshing. I've thought to write down in detail my "tool story" for advice to new guys as well. I've only ever had one person take any tool advice from me. I went to HF with him and he spent $600 or something similar, to supplement his 200 piece craftsman set. Got a 5 drawer cart, hand tools, impacts, lights, etc. Like most, he didn't make a career out of the job, but he had a solid collection of tools to work with, and keep for the rest of his life. He wasn't much of a mechanic, so those tools could last decades in a home environment. He didn't have to borrow, could do his job with what he had. In those 24 months of 40+ hour weeks, I think he broke a 19mm impact and a torx bit. Of course, he was just a lube tech, so it's not like he was seriously working his tools to death either.


I too am a believer in the young guys (I'm 28) starting off with cheaper options and upgrading and growing as needed. I've got a lot of brands in my box, they all have their place. And not spending 2 grand on basic hand tools, meant I could spend 2 grand on a nice assortment of cheaper brands. I had more specialty stuff, which made life easier, and made me more money.

 

[ngk22r]

How did we get from working in the trade to DIY????

Isn’t that how it always ends up going?

Someone who is looking for advice feom the pros end up getting suggestions from the DIYers.

 

[ngk22r]

If you are SERIOUS about getting into the field, you do not want to cheap out on tools you use all the time. That said, don't be afraid to buy used tools off of the truck. Remember that tools are a poor investment if you are only thinking about resale value, the way you have justify price is how much money you make with them.

Also use TRUCK credit rather than company credit. Your limit will be lower (less chance of getting in over your head) and no interest.

This is a very smart way to do it!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Isn’t that how it always ends up going?

Someone who is looking for advice feom the pros end up getting suggestions from the DIYers.

Apples to oranges IMO. Even techs can have wildly varying views on how/what to buy. That said, what works for an active DIY guy who is regularly messing with stuff, will usually also pass the requirements of a lube tech. Most of the "tech advice" threads I see are for newbies. Statistically speaking, they're going to be starting out dumping oil like everyone else.

 

[PugetDude]

Someone who is looking for advice feom the pros end up getting suggestions from the DIYers.

The reverse is true more often. A DIY'er asks a basic tool question, someone recommends HF or Craftsman and the SO fanboys are immediately compelled to chime in with elitist, condescending commentary.

 

[ngk22r]

The reverse is true more often. A DIY'er asks a basic tool question, someone recommends HF or Craftsman and the SO fanboys are immediately compelled to chime in with elitist, condescending commentary.

I would say it is about the same, but to say elitist and condescendin is a stretch.

 

[redwrench60]

It's one thing to be thrifty and look for deals on affordable quality tools starting out but it's another thing to buy some of the **** I see some young guys trying to use. I say trying because many of them have tools that are only 3 or 4 years old and completely worn the **** out or broken and they need to borrow mine to get the job done. Sometimes I point out that the tool I'm handing them to finish their work is almost as old as they are.


For all us full time mechanics and tradesmen that every dollar they've ever made was from building or fixing something, good tools will make the job easier, be a pleasure to use, will earn you a life time of paychecks and then you can hand them down to your kids when you get too old and broken to use them anymore.

 

[Magnum440d100]

Apples to oranges IMO. Even techs can have wildly varying views on how/what to buy. That said, what works for an active DIY guy who is regularly messing with stuff, will usually also pass the requirements of a lube tech. Most of the "tech advice" threads I see are for newbies. Statistically speaking, they're going to be starting out dumping oil like everyone else.

I agree.

While I don’t work in a shop, I do wrench all day every day. If I don’t, I don’t get to eat! Haha. I’m not as active as a shop mechanic, but I’m not a passive DIYer. I only can recommend what works for me.

Best advice I have been given (and it applies to anyone that is new to something) is: You don’t have to buy the best. Just buy the best you can afford”. If you HAVE to have a tool immediately and money is THIN, then yeah, harbor freight, Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc... Otherwise, shop online.

I started with Craftsman. Still buy Chinese Craftsman. I have Pittsburgh, I have Kobalt, Husky, snap on, proto, SK, etc....

What I have done, and still do, is buy lower level tools, to get the job done. Then, if I’m in a pawn shop, or thrift store, and find a higher end tool, I will buy that higher end tool, then relegate the old tool to my spare box if it’s older American or I’ll throw it in the loaner/giveaway box if it’s low level foreign.

This gives you a few advantages: You get a box of spares for when a tool breaks and you need another one right away; It gives you a box of extras for if you have to modify a tool “on the fly” and don’t want to mess up your snap on or Mac. A certain combo wrench of mine comes to mind where the box end had to be turned 90* in order to loosen a distributor clamp bolt on a hotrod where the distributor was just about on the firewall (and I know people are going to mention it... no. A distributor wrench would not work due to other modifications and lack of space. A socket on a u joint would not work either. The motor was set in the chassis and the body dropped on. I’d hate to be the person to have to do a motor swap on THAT thing...) ... and it gives you a small box of “loaner” tools for when someone “JUST HAS” to borrow one... I don’t loan tools if I don’t have one in my loaner box. Period.


But I digress....

TL;DR

Buy what you can afford now. Upgrade over time. Keep old tools for spares and loaners.

 

[Gmonkee]

I am the lube guy and sous chef on all other jobs.

I made a tote of an old car hood and filled it with mostly older tools and mid range imports. It doesn't weigh all that much but does a lot of common jobs.
About 1/3 of the shop tools were once mine and are always available for use on any job. In a two man shop this works.

There isn't much of high end brands and we both use mix and match **** sets tuned to the cars we see most.

I would have a cart with a locking top lid at best in a tech position in the states. More is just dragging useless luggage most of the week.

Peer pressure and visiting salesmen make impulse buys easy. 10% of the tools do 90% of the work in my world so I sold off a lot of stuff.

Ten years in and storing full SAE wrench sets awaiting any need for them ended.

Advice for a new guy to the art? Buy whatever you need to do your job from any available source. New and used. Buy what you have borrowed.

Stay away from duplicate sets of basically the same stuff so you have money banked to get the being where it really matters. In my case line wrenches and a decent ratchet.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Aaron_W's post (early in this thread) had to do with a $500 budget for a new automotive tech. i replied to that post. In that scenario, the tech will need to buy a core set of tools for $500. Waiting to find a nice tool at a garage sale or under the Christmas tree really wasn't an option. Of course, that's always an option for a DIY weekender.

 

[jeepnatv4life]

If you HAVE to buy big name tools from a truck do so while in school for the given discounts for students. Purchase them on a CREDIT CARD with a better interest rate that the Incredibly high Tool Brands Credit System.

I bought my 1st box and Tools from Snap On with a Visa @ 16 while working at my local Dodge Dealer as an entry level tech.. Snap On @ 52% off while a student. Put $3,900 on a $4,000 limit card

IF you cant get a credit card buy only on an alotted truck account balance from the dealer.

I learned the Hard Way about Snap On Credit from my purchase 3 years ago paying the weekly payment of $30 a week. I was basically only paying interest on my Ethos scanner purchase. I dont have a truck stopping at my shop so it was set up at direct withdrawal from my checking Got a update info from Snap On and 3 years in had only paid 1,100 on principal of a 2,900 bill WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN.