Student in need of help: Snap on tools worth it?

Hi, i just joined this forum, and i have to say I love it! Great advice, and great deals.

Anyway, currently I am finishing up my senior year in High School, and I am enrolled to start at UTI at Arizona in March. As part of being a student there, I am gifted with a 50% off discount on most Snap On tools, as well as a 55% discount off a full box/top box. The tools are limited to $9000 and the box is limited to 1 top/bottom. I know Snap On creates great tools, I have used some, but my question is; is it worth it? My teachers and mentors all say 'drop as much money as you can with the discount', should I take full advantage of this? Or should I buy sparingly?

Currently I have a fairly full set; SAE deep/shallow, metric deep/shallow, 1/4'', 3/8'', 1/2'', torque wrenches, torx bits, allen bits, breaker bars, extensions, etc.
All of which are Stanley, Craftsman, or NAPA Specialty.

I am also planning to purchase some NWS tools and Ingersoll Rand impact tools soon.

Should I buy tools because of the Snap On brand, even if it overlaps some of what I currently own?

Thanks in advance!

Two tips here, yes SO is worth it, in the automotive field you will see the difference between tools and truck brand tools. Two, UTI is a waste of money.

Buy as many tools with that 50% discount as you can afford. You only get one chance. Don't waste the discount on a box though; use it all for tools.

Live within your means, buy within your means! Do not accumalate debt now! The deal is good, make sure that you can pay for it, and still have a life!

you'll be allowed to enroll in student programs from everyone, not just SO although you may have access to an actual rep, keep that in mind. I think common items are worth it (bit sockets, wrenches, sockets etc.), others not so much. Impact sockets you can skip, impact wrenches/air ratchets you can likewise avoid. Basically concentrate on the common wear items. Double check pricing too, even at 50% off SO isnt doing too many favors. The impacts, for example, will still cost more than twice as much as those from a quality manufacturer like Sunex or Grey Pneumatic.

You may seriously want to reconsider UTI. Its a premium priced technical school. If you're set to go into the trades, be it automotive or otherwise, i strongly urge you to check your options through local community colleges. There are two very good reasons for doing this, the first is you'll learn essentially the same things at a far cheaper cost and have the same doors open for you. The second is if you dont like it you will have taken other courses and your degree wont be as useless as a pile of toilet paper if you want to switch to another major or get a job in another field.

Skin said:

you'll be allowed to enroll in student programs from everyone, not just SO although you may have access to an actual rep, keep that in mind. I think common items are worth it (bit sockets, wrenches, sockets etc.), others not so much. Impact sockets you can skip, impact wrenches/air ratchets you can likewise avoid.

You may seriously want to reconsider UTI. Its a very expensive technical school. If you're set to go into the trades, be it automotive or otherwise, i strongly urge you to check your options through local community collages. There are two very good reasons for doing this, the first is you'll learn essentially the same things at a far cheaper cost and have the same doors open for you. The second is if you dont like it you will have taken other courses and your degree wont be a pile of toilet paper if you want to switch to something like business.

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This, but there is something else you need to know, UTI students, in my 7 years in the industry, are a running joke. I am sure some good people have gone and come out of the program, but it wasn't because they went to UTI, it was because they were mechanically inclined. It doesn't matter where you to go to school, you will learn mostly theory and some variation on how to do a job in the ideal setting, with the ideal tools, with someone holding your hand all the way. The real learning for a tech starts on day one on the job and the wage a local school graduate and a UTI graduate are going to get will be identical, because you are an unproven liability.

I know of a few shops that won't even hire UTI graduates anymore, because of their past experiences with these so-called top of the line candidates. In my current shop, we had a UTI graduate who didn't even last a day. He was given a thermostat job, said he wasn't ready for that and after the usual round of light jabs you will live with daily in a shop, he called his mom at lunch, packed his box and left.

I am not saying that will be you, but that is the experiences people have with UTI graduates that leave a bitter taste. Plus the SO "gift" of 50% off isn't a gift at all, all automotive schools get that, I got it at my local school and on top of that they actually provided me with a box and starter tools at no cost. So that's not something exclusive to UTI.

In the end I went to a local school, started with another new tech, UTI graduate and it counted for nothing. In the end my ability and outside the box thinking is what impressed them, bringing engineering level solutions to problems, and ability to learn quickly on that spot that counted. That is why I still work for the dealership and why I was sent to factory training classes and he was not. The difference? I paid 14,000.00 for my education and he paid 35,000.00.

CWP1616L said:

Buy as many tools with that 50% discount as you can afford. You only get one chance. Don't waste the discount on a box though; use it all for tools.

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From my knowledge, they offer a $9000 allowance for tools, and on top of that, you can get a box. You can't really trade off the box for anything.

Skin said:

you'll be allowed to enroll in student programs from everyone, not just SO although you may have access to an actual rep, keep that in mind. I think common items are worth it (bit sockets, wrenches, sockets etc.), others not so much. Impact sockets you can skip, impact wrenches/air ratchets you can likewise avoid.

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Thank you for the good advice! UTI offers the Snap On discount directly through their program, what other tool companies offer student discounts? Can you provide links?

As for the whole UTI topic, for various reasons I have chosen to go there, but it is set in stone and I am confident in my decision, thank you for the concern.

And thanks everyone else for replying so soon!

http://www.matcotools.com/TechEd/

http://www.mactools.com/AboutMacTools/StudentTechProgram/tabid/8487/Default.aspx

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/tools/student-program

Since its UTI i suspect it will already be listed but even if it isnt all you need is proof of enrollment.

I would only recommned their hardline tools, ie wrenches, sockets. I would avoid buying your full discount worth. The toolbox, buy a used one. Plenty of them on craigslist. I only have a small amount of SO sockets, most of mine are Craftsman, Grey Phenmatic. Do research on student discounts from the different manufactures. Buy the best that you can afford.
As far as UTI. I have mixed feelings about it as a graduate of the Ford Fact program. Local colledges have good programs also. Do alot of research.

SpawnedX said:

This, but there is something else you need to know, UTI students, in my 7 years in the industry, are a running joke. I am sure some good people have gone and come out of the program, but it wasn't because they went to UTI, it was because they were mechanically inclined. It doesn't matter where you to go to school, you will learn mostly theory and some variation on how to do a job in the ideal setting, with the ideal tools, with someone holding your hand all the way. The real learning for a tech starts on day one on the job and the wage a local school graduate and a UTI graduate are going to get will be identical, because you are an unproven liability.

I know of a few shops that won't even hire UTI graduates anymore, because of their past experiences with these so-called top of the line candidates. In my current shop, we had a UTI graduate who didn't even last a day. He was given a thermostat job, said he wasn't ready for that and after the usual round of light jabs you will live with daily in a shop, he called his mom at lunch, packed his box and left.

I am not saying that will be you, but that is the experiences people have with UTI graduates that leave a bitter taste. Plus the SO "gift" of 50% off isn't a gift at all, all automotive schools get that, I got it at my local school and on top of that they actually provided me with a box and starter tools at no cost. So that's not something exclusive to UTI.

In the end I went to a local school, started with another new tech, UTI graduate and it counted for nothing. In the end my ability and outside the box thinking is what impressed them, bringing engineering level solutions to problems, and ability to learn quickly on that spot that counted. That is why I still work for the dealership and why I was sent to factory training classes and he was not. The difference? I paid 14,000.00 for my education and he paid 35,000.00.

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I have heard this concern many times before. The admissions department attested to me that it really does matter what type of mindset you have when you go into school. If you are doing it to do it, or if you do not think creatively, or are not mechanically inclined, you will not succeed (which applies to any school). If you have a good mindset, are dedicated, and committed to your career, you will succeed (again for any school). With all this known, the only concern is the price, which indeed is hefty compared to other schools.

With that being said, I heard great many success and failure stories about UTI students, from UTI and other people.

Thank you for the info and concern, i appreciate it, but this decision is set in stone for many reasons.

for student discounts.... i made this thread, you might find it useful

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143377&highlight=student+discounts

get all you can .... afford

Skin said:

http://www.matcotools.com/TechEd/

http://www.mactools.com/AboutMacTools/StudentTechProgram/tabid/8487/Default.aspx

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/tools/student-program

Since its UTI i suspect it will already be listed but even if it isnt all you need is proof of enrollment.

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I like the look of the Ingersoll Rand discount. I am planning on purchasing a W7150 Cordless Impact Gun soon, I may end up waiting until I have a discount.

Thank you very much, it is nice to know there are other discounts out there....Tools ARE expensive!

lennoxlennox said:

for student discounts.... i made this thread, you might find it useful

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143377&highlight=student+discounts

get all you can .... afford

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Excellent! Everyone has been of such great help, in such little time

I like the look of the Gearwrench sets, how is the quality?

Just a few quick searches;


My wife went there.. its pretty decent, but they move you along really fast.. So if your not into cars and have a basic/good understanding of them already it may be too quick.. If your just testing the waters, go to a local community college and start there, then move to UTI if its your thing.

UTI is VERY EXPENSIVE by the way, and the job placement is total BS.. they will find you a job, at jiffy lube, if you lucky.. If your top notch, all A+'s on everything you'll get hook up's from the teachers there. My wife was a A student and ended up getting a fantastic job at GM testing grounds thanks to an instructor there.

Again, it's a trade school so they will push you in and out fast.. Personally, if I were you, and you know cars already, I'd go to a community college and get your AA degree first to see if its what you want. If so, then hit up UTI.

Good luck, and its nice to see/hear about other girl motor heads these days!

First, I am not, nor have I ever been, a professional mechanic.

I did work my way through a 4 year engineering college (only took me 5 years) and graduated with ZERO debt. I also managed to buy a new car and have it paid off in that same 5 years. I worked 2 or 3 jobs simultaneously and still had time and money to date girls and occasionally go to the bar (forget movies, concerts, professional sporting events or any hobby that cost money).

There are thousands of college grads who have millions of dollars worth of debt that will take them most of their lives to pay off.

Buy what you can afford, but be careful about going into debt.


I have done a fair amount of shade tree wrench twisting with a box full of Craftsmen wrenches, sockets, pliers and screwdrivers. Most of them are probably older than you are !

YES!!!!!!! 50% off from SO, matco, mac as a student. take advantage of them all. i'm doing so right now while enrolled in 2 year program at a community college.

i see the full price of all the stuff on trucks & websites and know im making a great investment, and i cant imagine that i'll be paying full price next summer after graduation. these are tools u will have for ur ENTIRE career, with no worries.

i see other students that aren't buying everything possible at 50% off, and try to explain to them that they will be paying 100% full price on the truck to build up their box once they graduate, instead HALF now. they just don't get it.
i'd rather be broke now, while in school, buying up tools, instead of being broke while working, paying rent, bills and having to spend YEARS to build up my box/tools, & having a huge tab on the tool truck, living paycheck to check, just to pay off tools. this way you can get out of school and spend (or save!!) your money on LIFE, not sockets.

also, buy the biggest box you can afford at your discount. i purchased; S.O.
top = kra2055fpc bottom = KRA2007FPC, last year, and i've got them MAXED out to the gills right now (with just basic automotive tools), wishing i bought something larger to grow into.

I agree with everything posted. I want to add that you dont get a degree from UTI. Find an automotive course at a college or technical school. If you decide that the industry isnt for you, your credits can transfer to another major. The degree itself can help you get in the door for other industries that require one.

Don't go to uti. I made that mistake. Its useless. No degree and they teach you stuff you could learn in a year in a shop. Don't waste your money!

Sent from my SGH-I927 using Tapatalk 2

930dreamer said:

Just a few quick searches;
Good luck, and its nice to see/hear about other girl motor heads these days!

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Thanks for the luck, but I am not a girl haha.

dragonballz said:

I agree with everything posted. I want to add that you dont get a degree from UTI. Find an automotive course at a college or technical school. If you decide that the industry isnt for you, your credits can transfer to another major. The degree itself can help you get in the door for other industries that require one.

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The UTI in Arizona, for whatever reason does offer degrees. No other one does, but the one in AZ. So i will be graduating with an Associates Degree.

kunkernator said:

Thanks for the luck, but I am not a girl haha.



The UTI in Arizona, for whatever reason does offer degrees. No other one does, but the one in AZ. So i will be graduating with an Associates Degree.

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just a little FYI, im in auto tech school with a former UTI student... the "associates degree" credits/degree from there don't transfer to any other ASE/NATEF accredited degree granting institution. after "transferring" from UTI to current school, he had to retake electrical 1, chassis 1, engines 1, etc etc. anyways, good luck with school. STUDY!!!!

I know you said that it's set in stone, but if you can at all change that I would encourage you to do so. You will be so much better off in the end.

In any shop I’ve been in the caliber of the grads from UTI is sad, in fact they common saying it “Un Tranied Idiots”


Many of those here that went to UTI are quite frank about how overpriced and questionable the quality of education is and if given the choice to do it over again would have gone through a Community College



I was fortunate to win a full ride scholarship to every major automotive school in the country, UTI, OTC, Lincloln, Wyotech, ATC, UNOH (University of Northwestern Ohio) and a 50% scholarship to SAM (School of Automotive Machinists)

I toured them all and having already taken many classes at CC knew what to look for and what types of questions to ask. (and having scholarships to all of them... i went with an open unbiased mindset)

Out of all the schools, it wasn't even close which school was the best UNOH, it is the Harvard of Automotive Programs. (SAM would have been good as well if I wanted to focus just on engine building).

So I'm currently in UNOH doing a dual major Automotive/High Performance, and like all schools it has idiots that attend who could care less and it has it's own set of issues, but it is clearly the best. Just a side note, the number of instructional hours here vs the other programs is more than triple - it will take a total of 3 years to complete the program.

Saying all of that, if I didn't have the $35,000.00 scholarships to attend UNOH, as good as UNOH is, I would not have come here. It's just not worth spending that type of money when a good quality NATEF Community College will you give a strong automotive education will get you into your career - IF YOU APPLY YOURSELF.

At UTI, you will not work on complete cars, you will work on “half cars” stripped down with the particular “system” you are studying, with 30 other guys crawling all over the training station. The stations are usually in a sad state and the tools need an overhaul. Not only that they tend to be a magnet for a larger than normal share of idiots.

If you have to spend $30-40k PLUS living expenses, books etc... go local to your CC, save that money.... you'll need it to buy tools - oh yeah... you need to remember that... you can get by on $10k but most likely will end up spending $30-50k plus on tools, boxes etc.


You will have a REAL associates degree when you are complete the CC - not the one that is only recognized by UTI only. So when you get a little older, you will be able to roll those credits into a bachelors... so keep an open mind on the associates requirements and pick classes that will work for you


When an associates degree isn't an associates degree... from the UTI disclosure webpage (do your homework!)

http://www.uti.edu/disclosure

"The credits earned at UTI, MMI and NTI are not college-level credits and do not automatically transfer to another school unless that school states explicit willingness to accept credits from a transferring student."


So while places like OTC, Wyotech and UTI dole out "associates degrees" they are not associates degrees by which the whole country would call them associates degrees, i.e. COLLEGE LEVEL CREDITS.

So what are they? Who knows? But IN MY OPINION, to call something that it really isn't, is, well, fraudulent.

You think this is not true, here is another link, from Weber State University which offers a LEGITIMATE BACHELORS (and associates) in Automotive.

http://www.weber.edu/automotive/degrees/bs.html

"Credits from Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Wyotech, and similar institutions are not college level courses and will not transfer to Weber State University" (you'll find this paragraph a few paragraphs under the "pact" symbol)


Moral of the story, these certificates and "degrees" aren't worth the paper they are printed on. These places, promise you the world, put the pressure on you to take out humongous student loans that you will payoff for a very long time - before you sign the bottom line and spend ALL THAT MONEY - Do your homework and see if you are getting what you paid for.

The smart money goes to a high quality NATEF Community College.

I am not going to quote lenoxlenox, because it is quite lengthy, but you need to listen to him. You NEED to.

What I am trying to tell you, and others are trying to say as well, is that the UTI degree, certificate, whatever you want to call it, is not prestigious, UTI wants you to believe that it is respected in the industry with all the claims of the factories that support them. The truth is, it's not, you could actually be hurting your career more than you are helping it by listing that on your resume. Many, many dealerships will no longer take UTI graduates.

I agree snap on is woth the money and so is mac and matco in my eyes. But take it from me do not go to uti. I left aft 6 months it a joke. I was working on cars wya before I went and most of thos so called teachers are **** . Our brakes teacher didn't know the diffirence bewteen a meetering valve and a perportioning valve. I went to a community collage and learing a lot more and had ten times the hands on experence. But if your set in your ways to go then go cuz I was too and I regret it.

Listen to the advice about not going into debt.

If you can't afford the school or tools, think two or three times before you sign the note.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are bankrupcy terms that you will become familar with if you go too much into tool, credit card and other types of debt.

Student loans are non discharageable in bankrupcy. They stay with you for life.

I've know many folks who couldn't buy a new car, truck or house because they'd wrecked their credit with massive student loans and tool loans.

Just my two cents. I don't know about the school but I'd listen to what folks on this board are saying if they've been through the program.

I had a UTI once. Drink plenty of water and take penicillin, the burning should subside in 1-3 days

I went to NTI in Mooresville. Same core program but you could do NASCAR classes. I chose to take Ford F.A.C.T instead. Graduated in October 2006.
As far as the Snap-On discount, I made that discount my *****. I took it for eveything I could get with a $5000 living expense loan. Including a Classic 78 toolbox that was offered with a rebate at the time.

kunkernator said:

Hi, i just joined this forum, and i have to say I love it! Great advice, and great deals.

Anyway, currently I am finishing up my senior year in High School, and I am enrolled to start at UTI at Arizona in March. As part of being a student there, I am gifted with a 50% off discount on most Snap On tools, as well as a 55% discount off a full box/top box. The tools are limited to $9000 and the box is limited to 1 top/bottom. I know Snap On creates great tools, I have used some, but my question is; is it worth it? My teachers and mentors all say 'drop as much money as you can with the discount', should I take full advantage of this? Or should I buy sparingly?

Currently I have a fairly full set; SAE deep/shallow, metric deep/shallow, 1/4'', 3/8'', 1/2'', torque wrenches, torx bits, allen bits, breaker bars, extensions, etc.
All of which are Stanley, Craftsman, or NAPA Specialty.

I am also planning to purchase some NWS tools and Ingersoll Rand impact tools soon.

Should I buy tools because of the Snap On brand, even if it overlaps some of what I currently own?

Thanks in advance!

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Short answer, yes, some snapon tools are worth it, especially at half off. The ones that come to mind for me were the Dual 80 ratchets, especially my locking flex 3/8" one, locking impact extensions and 3/8" swivel impact sockets, ratcheting serp belt tool, and hand impact driver like for brake rotor screws.

I also bought quite a bit of their stuff that is made by another company and just resold by them that for most people is just a waste of money, but with the 50% discount becomes cheaper than actually buying it from the source.

Long answer / disclaimer: recently got out of the mechanics profession and cannot honestly recommend it as a career to anyone. Excellent hobby, terrible career. Getting out was probably the best life choice I've ever made.

shampoop said:

Short answer, yes, some snapon tools are worth it, especially at half off. The ones that come to mind for me were the Dual 80 ratchets, especially my locking flex 3/8" one, locking impact extensions and 3/8" swivel impact sockets, ratcheting serp belt tool, and hand impact driver like for brake rotor screws.

I also bought quite a bit of their stuff that is made by another company and just resold by them that for most people is just a waste of money, but with the 50% discount becomes cheaper than actually buying it from the source.

Long answer / disclaimer: recently got out of the mechanics profession and cannot honestly recommend it as a career to anyone. Excellent hobby, terrible career. Getting out was probably the best life choice I've ever made.

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I am going to second this. It's not so bad when you get an hourly gig, but the moment they move you to flat rate, you will see just how broken the industry is.

Is it any cheaper to pick up a box full of SO from some kid who washed out of his mechanics school, and is now in massive debt? I see those all the time in the want ads. 30-40K is about what I spent on my computer science BS at an in state college (hmmm I guess it's the same price as a degree in Interpretive Dance )

Just make sure you want to be busting your knuckles on other people's cars for years to come. Do you have plans on specializing in a certain brand (like Mercedes or Porsche?) or did you want to get into custom fabrication? What's the next step after becoming a mechanic?

Buy whatever tools you can to cover the basics. Borrowing specialty testers and jazz won't make you feel/look stupid if you have enough wrenches and sockets to bust out a brake job. I still strongly recommend the CC course, I've seen too many walking retards walking out of UTI into a shop and having to teach them everything from how torque/clamp force works up to proper sealing prep (cleaning, grinding, etc.) Fundamental **** that you pick up your first week in a shop.
Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of classes in my life, but never paid for one - a good employer like a dealership will send you all over hell's creation to get you educated to be able to rely on you to pound out quality work, day in, day in.
Never attended school here, my only plans to are for Aircraft wrenchin' licenses - wherein you're pretty much mandated to attend about a year of classes before they let you touch anything.

Aircraft wrenchin' licenses - wherein you're pretty much mandated to attend about a year of classes before they let you touch anything.[/QUOTE]

Get ready for a pay cut. The work is easier though

I agree it is easy to buy tools 50% off anytime, they depreciate from list fast, ebay and cl full of that stuff.

Snap-on is worth the money if you are going to wrench in a professional shop. I wrenched for 10 years and my best advice to someone new to the industry is save your money now! I considered the UTI marine program that was based in Florida. Went to all the seminars, watched the propaganda videos, ect, ect, ect. Then I talked to actual UTI graduates and people that worked with UTI graduates. They convinced me to get a job at a boat dealer, prove that I was capable of learning and handling the job. That turned out great for me because THE DEALER paid for me to be trained at the engine factory. At no cost to me at all! That leaves lots of money to put away and to buy tools. Anyway, good luck and make sure you go out of your way to put your best effort forward at school! Get in good with your instructors since they are the ones that'll be your hookup for a job after school! (Hopefully) Once again, Good luck!

FlatHeads_Suck said:

I had a UTI once. Drink plenty of water and take penicillin, the burning should subside in 1-3 days

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I work at a community college, so I'll give you a little advice (which is not specific to UTI but true throughout the education system): Ask them if they're regionally accredited. Most likely, they'll tell you that they're "nationally" accredited.

Now, I don't want to generalize, but suffice to say that most "national accreditation" is a sham. Almost all "for-profit" private colleges subscribe to "national" accreditation services, which really do very little accreditation. As a result, the credits that are earned at those "colleges" won't transfer anywhere and don't really mean anything. Some employers (such as mine) won't even factor earned degrees from "nationally accredited" colleges into hiring and salary decisions (I have some people in my department that paid a lot of money to go to private, for-profit art colleges that are on the bottom of the wage scale because their degree "doesn't count").

Regionally accredited programs, by contrast, are generally far more stringent. Their credits will likely transfer to almost any well-respected institution. That is to say that your local community college has to be accredited by the same level of organization that would accredit an Ohio State or Michigan, for example. If you decide to do something else with your life, your community college credits will transfer to most local public and private colleges and universities. Or if you like the field and just want to further your education, you can take your AA or AS and move on to a bachelor's program in engineering, for example.

If you go to what we call "private, for-profit" colleges, your credits are essentially worthless (there's also a chance that your degree will be, too).

In my state, earning an associate's degree from a community college guarantees entrance to a public, state university of your choice (provided you meet the school's admission requirements). So, if you consider a community college, ask them about their Articulation Agreements. Any university they have an articulation agreement with will accept their credits with very little or no fuss at all.

If a community college in your area offers a suitable program, I strongly suggest you consider it. You'll pay less and you'll have better options as you move through life. You don't want to put thousands of dollars into your "education" only to have to start over if you decide UTI or the field wasn't for you.

It almost breaks my heart whenever I see someone paying a ton of money to go to some nursing school, when I know we have a nursing program at my college that costs a third of what the career colleges charge, has better placement rates, and has an articulation agreement with every university in the state.

On tools, remember that Blue Point stuff is also covered by the trucks and is more affordable than full-on Snap-on. If it's covered by your discount, Blue Point might be a good way to save a few bucks on tools you need, but don't need as often. Avoid debt if you can.

The UTI in Arizona, for whatever reason does offer degrees. No other one does, but the one in AZ. So i will be graduating with an Associates Degree.

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To get a degree, i believe youll need to take english and math courses. Maybe even an elective and science class.

dragonballz said:

To get a degree, i believe youll need to take english and math courses. Maybe even an elective and science class.

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I'm also thinking the same thing. The "scout" for uti that came to my house told me after I finished I should get an online degree in somthing so it would look better on resumes.

dragonballz said:

To get a degree, i believe youll need to take english and math courses. Maybe even an elective and science class.

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mopar01 said:

I'm also thinking the same thing. The "scout" for uti that came to my house told me after I finished I should get an online degree in somthing so it would look better on resumes.

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Every place that offers a legitimate associates degree has very specific requirements for the "arts & sciences" requirements portion of the degree. Usually it's a minimum of 24 credits spanning the major educational disciplines and including a diversity course.

As an example, at UNOH, my required courses I've take are:


AM-128 E Cust Relations Automated Mgmt
PS-274 E The American Political Scene
PY-177 E1 Introduction to Psychology
SC-112 E1 Physical Science
UN-220 E1 Intro to Diversity Issues
EN-200 E English Composition II
DP-152 E Applications of Word and Excel
EN-180 E English Composition I
CO-179 E Introduction To Human Communi
MH-170 E Technical Math

In addition, I had to test my english and math proficiency skills and was required to take and pass a "basic" math and "basic" english class to ensure I was at the college level before being permitted to take the comp I and tech math class.

If an "associates degree" only has a couple of non automotive credits, that should make you suspect of the "associates degree" and it's ability to transfer any of the credits... pay attention to what "Notwerk" wrote

To the OP's original question-
There is a big difference between truck brand tools and big box store tools when you are using them to earn your living.Whatever truck brand tool you choose,you'll find it to be engineered to work better for longer than non-pro tools-and the warranty and the to your door service that you'll get from a truck dealer will make up in convenience what you'll spend to get premium tools.Use that 50% discount wisely-get what you can afford to pay cash for-don't get in over your head and owe your soul to the tool guy.Buy a used box that will allow you room to expand-either from a local truck tool rep or through local classified ads-remember-the box doesn't help you to do the job itself,it just keeps you organized so you can do it faster. Buying used makes alot more sense,even with a 50% discount right now-clean used boxes are going for about 25-30 % of new boxes around here.I just bought a like new KRA SO box for $2000 that goes for over $6000 new-even with the discount,I came out $1000 ahead-and that was from a SO dealer.
Put your $$$ in basic tools first-pick the tools you like best in each truck brand-leave the lesser used and more specialized tools for later.