$2800 from Snap On vs $2800 from Amazon

[Jim greengo]

Like anything else it depends on what you're using them for every day.
I prefer excavators and back hoes over shovels for most situations,but I used them every day for a lot of years.
And they made me lots of money,so it was worth the money for me.

 

[spinellib]

Not too many people would spend thousands on tools to fix up their low value vehicle.

That me. Maybe I like taking care of my things and keeping them for a long time...

or...maybe I use my old stuff to justify buying more tools.

/nods

 

[NUTTSGT]

Probably not the video for a flat rate guy with 15-20 years under his belt. I'd guess it's more directed at the new mechanic, DIYer or home mechanic

If you want to put it in perspective, think of a dad talking to his son ( or daughter) getting into the trades. Spread your initial cash on stuff you need, what you can buy to make you more money and upgrade as you go.

 

[Odd-job]

I ordered Snap On wrenches while sitting on the toilet because they also have a website.

What you couldn't fondle them in person before you bought?!? This must be like the online dating thing vs meeting at the bar/school/work/house of worship thing coming from a guy who is jealous he missed out on the online dating thing.

 

[dchawk81]

What you couldn't fondle them in person before you bought?!? This must be like the online dating thing vs meeting at the bar/school/work/house of worship thing coming from a guy who is jealous he missed out on the online dating thing.

Why would I need to do that?

 

[Kurt4440]

What you couldn't fondle them in person before you bought?!?

This must be like the online dating thing vs meeting at the bar/school/work/house of worship thing coming from a guy who is jealous he missed out on the online dating thing.

Has dating changed that dramatically in the last 40 years?
Are we now allowed to fondle women at; bars, school, and work when we first meet them?

I do enjoy trying out tools before purchasing them, unlike wives, Amazon has a pretty easy, no cost return policy on tools.

 

[mreisner]

Does Milwaukee warranty tools bought on Amazon?

 

[Odd-job]

Why would I need to do that?

its a personal choice thing.

Are we now allowed to fondle women at; bars, school, and work when we first meet them?

it depends who you ask

Amazon has a pretty easy, no cost return policy on tools.

I need to be better about letting that free return period lapse. The tool hoard grows.


sorry OP for the thread derail. I keep on getting reminded this is a free country.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I think the video went over a lot of heads. The dude is talking about prioritizing tool purchases. His premise was that if you need wrenches and they are your workhorse then by all means that $2800 set is absolutely worth it. But if you can get by with any other wrench set, here is a good look to what you can add to your setup for a similar price. This isn’t a Snap-on bad video or an ad for Amazon. I don’t know where so many of you guys got that from.

Personally I really like his channel. Between him, the Bearded Mechanic, and a few others, you really get a feel for what tools techs are finding work and what doesn’t. If you did watch his videos, you’d also know that all the people claiming Snappy is dying or not worth it are wrong. It’s the #1 brand by a mile featured in all his tours. Milwaukee is the only other manufacturer featured so heavily in everyone’s box. It’s crazy how dominant those two brands are.

 

[olsenmotorsports]

I feel like that dude is running out of content, and thus grasping at straws to keep his channel going. Having said that, I also feel like this “comparison” that he did is total BS. Comparing amazon tool availability to Snap-On dollar for dollar is like comparing Rolex to Timex. Yes both tell time and both get the job done. But it isn’t Rolex, and never will be.

I feel like he picked a non scaleable (for his area in Utah) niche market for his YouTube, ran out of content, now has to pivot, and is making poor choices. I used to be a subscriber but lately the content is terrible. Media is all about consistency to keep the fans around, and it is a very fragile recipe to stay relevant.

 

[mike93lx]

I feel like that dude is running out of content, and thus grasping at straws to keep his channel going. Having said that, I also feel like this “comparison” that he did is total BS. Comparing amazon tool availability to Snap-On dollar for dollar is like comparing Rolex to Timex. Yes both tell time and both get the job done. But it isn’t Rolex, and never will be.

I feel like he picked a non scaleable (for his area in Utah) niche market for his YouTube, ran out of content, now has to pivot, and is making poor choices. I used to be a subscriber but lately the content is terrible. Media is all about consistency to keep the fans around, and it is a very fragile recipe to stay relevant.

Its not a Rolex vs timex thing. He doesn't talk about how the tools compare, it's all about what you can build for a collection at the same price.

Using the watch analogy, you could maybe argue is like looking at a single high end piece as your only watch vs having a bunch of mid to lower end pieces for individual uses (beater, daily, dress, diving, different straps/bracelets, etc). One is not objectively better than the other

 

[dnschmidt]

I liked the video. Seemed fair and unbiased to me. What I liked about it is he didn't bash Snap-On he simply stated the obvious that they are not the only option to get the job done. He's a professional mechanic and what he bought years ago and still uses daily shows that what he bought from Amazon or wherever wasn't junk. I'm actually surprised that such a tame video has sparked such controversy. Does anybody in the world today doubt that more companies other than Snap-On know how to bend metal?

 

[mike93lx]

I liked the video. Seemed fair and unbiased to me. What I liked about it is he didn't bash Snap-On he simply stated the obvious that they are not the only option to get the job done. He's a professional mechanic and what he bought years ago and still uses daily shows that what he bought from Amazon or wherever wasn't junk. I'm actually surprised that such a tame video has sparked such controversy. Does anybody in the world today doubt that more companies other than Snap-On know how to bend metal?

Its an excuse for people to argue for their own biases and justify how they choose to spend their own money, as if that defense is necessary.

Having preferences is normal but arguing about brands is wild, as is insulting someone for the content they make as part of their profession. It's so easy to ignore it if you don't like it, yet people come out of the woodwork just to say they think it's dumb

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Its an excuse for people to argue for their own biases and justify how they choose to spend their own money, as if that defense is necessary.

Having preferences is normal but arguing about brands is wild, as is insulting someone for the content they make as part of their profession. It's so easy to ignore it if you don't like it, yet people come out of the woodwork just to say they think it's dumb

I don’t know where this absolute loyalty to brands came from in the tool community. It is disheartening when so many are just immediately going into their corners gearing up for a fight without even understanding what is being discussed. The dude literally talks all about speciality tools. He only suggests a wrench set cause it has worked for him but he straight-up says that Snappy is the best (I’d disagree but that is neither here nor there). But everything else is about here is some tools you can add to your kit if you decided not to prioritize owning a fantastic wrench set. Some YouTube channels deserve the criticism, but his channel isn’t one of them. It’s genuinely a fun concept and wish him nothing but positive vibes and continued growth.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I liked the video. Seemed fair and unbiased to me. What I liked about it is he didn't bash Snap-On he simply stated the obvious that they are not the only option to get the job done. He's a professional mechanic and what he bought years ago and still uses daily shows that what he bought from Amazon or wherever wasn't junk. I'm actually surprised that such a tame video has sparked such controversy. Does anybody in the world today doubt that more companies other than Snap-On know how to bend metal?

Do we have a lot of controversy here? This seems like pretty deep GJ consensus here - 2k+ buys a lot of tools, especially on the internet.


Personally, if I'm going to complain about his perspective, I think apples to apples it makes more sense to amass a giant hand and power tool collection to compare versus all the extra specialty tools in the context of the video. I have most/all of those specialty tools, But someone could go their whole career without a balancer puller because they work at Honda, or without a fan clutch tool because they only work on things with electric fans. Being extremely pedantic, I feel that if one is shopping for the giant snap on wrench set, that's within the hand or driven tool category. Although I will admit that's much less engaging content, as any of us can build a cart on tekton, then grab some impacts and electric ratchets.

 

[dchawk81]

I think we all have dementia because this same thread keeps getting repeated over and over, with a slightly different title and OP.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I think we all have dementia because this same thread keeps getting repeated over and over, with a slightly different title and OP.

That's forums, in a nutshell.

 

[dchawk81]

This is how I have approached tool purchases over the last 50 years. I didn't have a great deal of money as a kid who started mowing lawns at 10 years old. I needed tools to fix up equipment, then; trucks, cars, other peoples equipment and vehicles....

It seems like the only logical progression especially for non professionals.

Not too many people would spend thousands on tools to fix up their low value vehicles. They would take the easy route and buy a "better" vehicle in order to defer repairs or maintenance. Or they try to cojole capable people into "teaching" them how to fix their vehicle.

Fixed for accuracy. Because you need a low value vehicle to drive while the other 6 are "being worked on."

 

[dchawk81]

That's forums, in a nutshell.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think we all have dementia because this same thread keeps getting repeated over and over, with a slightly different title and OP.

My assumption is because the easiest content to make via YouTube is to pick the biggest names you can. In this case SnapOn and Amazon are very easy to recognize. Amazon is used because people can talk about the tools and "sell" them because of affiliate links in the description. It's money via monetized videos on YouTube and money from Amazon links.

We live in a time when people don't want actual jobs, they want passive income for physically not doing much.

Isn't that the whole idea of websites such s Onlyfans? A girl can spend $10,000 on breast implants and have that investment paid off very quickly I would imagine. The short term is probably great for those people, but the long term career is non existent. A tool investment (for new tech mostly in this case) needs to be wise. Wise investments aren't always cheap, so the goal should lean towards the greatest value. IF that value is the expensive wrench set, and someone can justify that purchase, go for it. I would just make sure both the long and short term goal align.

My professional training is in business. An auto tech should treat themselves like a business for all intents and purposes, as they are filling the role of most departments a normal company would have individuals fulfilling.


For wrenches, I have (some metric sets and some SAE sets):

- Harbor Freight India made cheap ones (not bad if you keep their limits in mind)

- Craftsman USA raised panel (late 90s set and never had an issue)

- Dewalt (slightly longer than normal - works fine and they were $25 - impressive all things considered)

- Gearwrench ratchet and flex heads (I've abused these when needed and never had one fail)

- Snap On normal and long flank drive plus (most comfortable and probably the best overall)


I do not use them professionally, but everything I own has paid for itself just in money saved. I actually began tools and fixing my own stuff because of growing up poor. Necessity in a lot of ways. What I learned was that at first having something versus nothing was a big deal. Could have meant being able to perform a task compared to unable at all. Time and aggravation saved by having options like the ratcheting wrenches made things more enjoyable and faster. Last, by shopping places like the classifieds, eBay, flea markets, facebook marketplace, etc, lot of good deals could be found. However, that itself was time consuming and took years to build what would have been a comprehensive set. Having a truck come by a shop would have been worth it to a new tech in a lot of ways.

If I were to pass away, I just need my wife to sell everything for double what I told her I paid for it.

 

[Kurt4440]

Personally, if I'm going to complain about his perspective, I think apples to apples it makes more sense to amass a giant hand and power tool collection to compare versus all the extra specialty tools in the context of the video.

I thought the same thing.
Most of the guys I know who actually work on their vehicles, don't have any specialty tools. They borrow them from other people, or from the auto parts store. Frequently, they farm out the job. Fear and laziness are powerful deterrents for most of our population.

$2800 in wrenches, sockets, ratchets, impact gun(s), cordless ratchet(s), batteries, screwdrivers.... Would have been a better comparison for most. Professionals already know what tools are available and how much they cost.

 

[Madjik Man]

What you couldn't fondle them in person before you bought?!? This must be like the online dating thing vs meeting at the bar/school/work/house of worship thing coming from a guy who is jealous he missed out on the online dating thing.

You fondled your dates in public establishments?

 

[IndyGarage]

Its not a Rolex vs timex thing. He doesn't talk about how the tools compare, it's all about what you can build for a collection at the same price.

Using the watch analogy, you could maybe argue is like looking at a single high end piece as your only watch vs having a bunch of mid to lower end pieces for individual uses (beater, daily, dress, diving, different straps/bracelets, etc). One is not objectively better than the other

In the price comparison Rolex/Timex works, because you can do the same function with both for a fraction of the cost - maybe 50 or 100X the cost differential.

However Snap On/Amazon is different because he clearly states that the Snap on wrenches are superior in every way. They work better, they last longer and they have better customer service. The question he is posing is whether those better qualities are worth the 10X price differential from the Gearwrench set. If you need that extra 1% of capability and reliability that the Snap on gives. If you need the better customer service the Snap on Truck gives - then he says maybe it is.

In the case of Rolex/Timex, the Rolex does not work better at keeping time, in fact, it might be worse. However, where it is vastly superior and the reason people own them is it destroys the Timex as a piece of Jewelry and indicating status. Rolex is literally infinitely better on that scale. If you value those things, then Rolex wins every single time. And in some circles Snap on gives credibility and status also.

I only own a few pieces of Snap on tools. A few pairs of pliers and a couple ratchets. I paid the premium price because I wanted the superior performance. They haven't disappointed.

 

[scooby074]

A lot of you guys missed the point of the video.

When I was starting, I had almost this exact conversation with my mentor (obviously not in YT form ). The point was, you could go out on the truck and blow a wad on a single tool, or you can take that same $500 (or whatever) and spend it on 5 cheaper but not junk tools to further your career instead. It was a good point to drive home to a young guy with a truck credit!

This guy also had about $50k in SO tools, so its not like he was against the brand, as he said, they'll come in time. Of course, one of my fellow apprentices didnt really heed this message and bought a 1/2" torque wrench first day the truck came ... the guys gave him major **** for that , if he was going to piss so much away, why not buy something youd use daily, like sockets.

 

[Andres26tnt]

No one missed the point of the video. Its clear as day with the title of the Video, who he was targeting and why. If he wasn't targeting that crowd the vid wouldn't have The title it has. The vid is ok, but its made to cash in on the current Icon(insert other brand) vs Snap-On craze.

​

 

[Odd-job]

You fondled your dates in public establishments?

I hate to admit it, but only in my dreams when I could find a tool truck As for real dates, alas Odd-job was not good looking enough to pull such moves and there was usually a father/older brother of such date in the picture that Odd-job was afraid of.

On another note, I do find the evolution of tool buying of the more established techs vs the less experienced techs in the videos interesting. More diversity the younger the tech. Every now and then I see some Koken or Vessel sprinkled in, but a lot of these techs don't know what they are missing from Japan and the old world which is the real crime.

 

[scooby074]

No one missed the point of the video. Its clear as day with the title of the Video, who he was targeting and why. If he wasn't targeting that crowd the vid wouldn't have The title it has. The vid is ok, but its made to cash in on the current Icon(insert other brand) vs Snap-On craze.

​

Icon (HF) v Snapon isnt a new craze, its been going on a decade now. HF themselves make no bones about it in their advertising directly calling out SO in the ads. Snapon is the big dog and as such they got the target on their back.

If anything Id say the video is meant to be educational more than advertising,

Recommending OTC, Astro, Milwaulkee, Lisle and Gearwrench as "Good enough" works for me and is basically the mirror of my own tool buying experience.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

My assumption is because the easiest content to make via YouTube is to pick the biggest names you can. In this case SnapOn and Amazon are very easy to recognize. Amazon is used because people can talk about the tools and "sell" them because of affiliate links in the description. It's money via monetized videos on YouTube and money from Amazon links.

We live in a time when people don't want actual jobs, they want passive income for physically not doing much.

Isn't that the whole idea of websites such s Onlyfans? A girl can spend $10,000 on breast implants and have that investment paid off very quickly I would imagine. The short term is probably great for those people, but the long term career is non existent. A tool investment (for new tech mostly in this case) needs to be wise. Wise investments aren't always cheap, so the goal should lean towards the greatest value. IF that value is the expensive wrench set, and someone can justify that purchase, go for it. I would just make sure both the long and short term goal align.

My professional training is in business. An auto tech should treat themselves like a business for all intents and purposes, as they are filling the role of most departments a normal company would have individuals fulfilling.


For wrenches, I have (some metric sets and some SAE sets):

- Harbor Freight India made cheap ones (not bad if you keep their limits in mind)

- Craftsman USA raised panel (late 90s set and never had an issue)

- Dewalt (slightly longer than normal - works fine and they were $25 - impressive all things considered)

- Gearwrench ratchet and flex heads (I've abused these when needed and never had one fail)

- Snap On normal and long flank drive plus (most comfortable and probably the best overall)


I do not use them professionally, but everything I own has paid for itself just in money saved. I actually began tools and fixing my own stuff because of growing up poor. Necessity in a lot of ways. What I learned was that at first having something versus nothing was a big deal. Could have meant being able to perform a task compared to unable at all. Time and aggravation saved by having options like the ratcheting wrenches made things more enjoyable and faster. Last, by shopping places like the classifieds, eBay, flea markets, facebook marketplace, etc, lot of good deals could be found. However, that itself was time consuming and took years to build what would have been a comprehensive set. Having a truck come by a shop would have been worth it to a new tech in a lot of ways.

If I were to pass away, I just need my wife to sell everything for double what I told her I paid for it.

I think the comparison to a business entity is pretty spot on. It's ROI, available capital, and people usually throw a few bucks of disposable in there based on color, handle design,etc.

 

[dnschmidt]

Now what I do think is stupid is buying Snap-On cordless tools. This isn't Snap-On's expertise; they unquestionably get theirs from the same China factory that Milwaukee, Makita and DeWalt do. Milwaukee, Makita and DeWalt know more about cordless tools than Snap-On will ever learn. Mac uses DeWalt as they are part of SBD and that's smart. Others use Milwaukee. Just because it has Snap-On's logo on it doesn't make every tool they produce the best.

 

[richfinn]

I feel like that dude is running out of content, and thus grasping at straws to keep his channel going. Having said that, I also feel like this “comparison” that he did is total BS. Comparing amazon tool availability to Snap-On dollar for dollar is like comparing Rolex to Timex. Yes both tell time and both get the job done. But it isn’t Rolex, and never will be.

I feel like he picked a non scaleable (for his area in Utah) niche market for his YouTube, ran out of content, now has to pivot, and is making poor choices. I used to be a subscriber but lately the content is terrible. Media is all about consistency to keep the fans around, and it is a very fragile recipe to stay relevant.

I agree with that to a certain extent, I do like his high end shop and toolbox tours better.

Maybe you could reach out and invite him down to shoot a video in your place?

I would love to see more GJ members shops/tools/projects and cars

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think the comparison to a business entity is pretty spot on. It's ROI, available capital, and people usually throw a few bucks of disposable in there based on color, handle design,etc.

Exactly and entity would be a good word to sum it up. They are the purchasing department, production department, accounting department, board of directors, etc.

The point of the video (in my opinion) is about the cost of the investment. He's saying you can buy these great tools (wrench set) but they cost x amount of dollars. For the same cost (x), you could buy a much larger amount of good tools. Good vs great is a determination that the viewer would make based on their individual circumstance.

There are only a few core business model types, but ones that sell based on high volume and low prices are very numerous because the vast majority of people will make that choice. The majority of techs probably SHOULD make that choice but it doesn't mean that a tech spending big on a truck can't also be successful. They could choose a different business model and still find their niche market.

 

[zendriver]

Sound's like he thinks the Snap On set is a waste of money, unless you want "the best"

His 1/10 the cost ($280) Wrenches, have worked fine for him professionally, for years

 

[Andres26tnt]

Icon (HF) v Snapon isnt a new craze, its been going on a decade now. HF themselves make no bones about it in their advertising directly calling out SO in the ads. Snapon is the big dog and as such they got the target on their back.

If anything Id say the video is meant to be educational more than advertising,

Recommending OTC, Astro, Milwaulkee, Lisle and Gearwrench as "Good enough" works for me and is basically the mirror of my own tool buying experience.

Not saying it new as it never happened before. Just saying it's a cash in on the renewed debate. What does the title 2800 snap-on Vs 2800 Amazon imply? It sure isn't as educational as you say. This topic has been talked to death. We know you can be smart with your money. We know Snap-on is crazy expensive, but does it matter how someone spends their money? . Do I have to explain why I choose snap-on to a stranger? Or icon? . The vid could be done with out mentioning Snap-on, you know for "educational purposes". But that will never ever get him the views desired.

 

[scooby074]

Not saying it new as it never happened before. Just saying it's a cash in on the renewed debate. What does the title 2800 snap-on Vs 2800 Amazon imply? It sure isn't as educational as you say. This topic has been talked to death. We know you can be smart with your money. We know Snap-on is crazy expensive, but does it matter how someone spends their money? . Do I have to explain why I choose snap-on to a stranger? Or icon? . The vid could be done with out mentioning Snap-on, you know for "educational purposes". But that will never ever get him the views desired.

I think were saying the same thing. HF wouldnt be HF if they didnt have SO to compare to.

If HF's ads compared to Mac, it wouldnt have the same impact as comparing to SO. Heck, Id bet half the HF customers wouldnt even know who Mac is.

Same goes for YT. Of course folks are going to compare to SO, its the big dog everybody knows. Like a sports car comparing to Ferrari over Gumpert, nobody knows who or what a Gumpert is, but everybody knows Ferrari.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Now what I do think is stupid is buying Snap-On cordless tools. This isn't Snap-On's expertise; they unquestionably get theirs from the same China factory that Milwaukee, Makita and DeWalt do. Milwaukee, Makita and DeWalt know more about cordless tools than Snap-On will ever learn. Mac uses DeWalt as they are part of SBD and that's smart. Others use Milwaukee. Just because it has Snap-On's logo on it doesn't make every tool they produce the best.

Milwaukee needs to cut the high speed stuff out then, and make some power. I don't buy much of any power tools from SO, but the 3/8 ratchets kick *** for powering through locktite, rust, and BS.

You're 100% right, no brand has cornered the market on the best tools, and no brand is immune from offering poor value or just a bad tool.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Exactly and entity would be a good word to sum it up. They are the purchasing department, production department, accounting department, board of directors, etc.

The point of the video (in my opinion) is about the cost of the investment. He's saying you can buy these great tools (wrench set) but they cost x amount of dollars. For the same cost (x), you could buy a much larger amount of good tools. Good vs great is a determination that the viewer would make based on their individual circumstance.

There are only a few core business model types, but ones that sell based on high volume and low prices are very numerous because the vast majority of people will make that choice. The majority of techs probably SHOULD make that choice but it doesn't mean that a tech spending big on a truck can't also be successful. They could choose a different business model and still find their niche market.

The tech on the truck needs to weigh the increase in time required to complete a "full" set of tools (no such thing), versus the increased productivity, lower downtime, whatever else from a more expensive option. Additionally the guy buying 2 types of gearwrench wrenches, will have more options than the guy with one set of Snap On, Proto, Wright, whoever. So that's a factor a lot of people don't consider starting out, largely IMO because they don't entirely understand the tool ecosystem and their options, or the scope of the work and what may be required.

I've posted many times, starting out for the 1st few years, the trucks don't make all that much sense. Especially now that you can buy a nice and complete metric sockets set anywhere that have good metal and a nice high tooth ratchet that will last. Even back in the 2010s when I started getting a wrench set complete to 24mm, local, no skips, wasn't that easy. Maybe you could go to Grainger or similar, but you couldn't afford Proto starting out any more than Snap on. Now the internet has them everywhere and more retailers have these larger tools or at least single wrenches.

IMO the new tech needs to maximize volume of "decent" stuff to take on more work and secure their career. As money is earned and an attrition of tools begins, we evaluate other options. I must have bought every specialty tool, most of my sockets, wrenches, hammers - everything from Harbor Freight related to my work that I could get. It's all I could afford, I didn't much beyond 30k a year slinging tires and dumping oil, hoping to advance with no training and little help. And as things failed, or weren't that good, I at least had money previously earned to reinvest. Without the money from the jobs already done, there is no money for the replacement tool or the upgraded tool or the next tool. It's nice to just buy the best right off the bat. Many cannot afford that. I also throttle expectations of new people - the drop out rate in mechanics is massive. Within 10 years? You probably lose at least 75% who enter. So while throwing down a quick 50k will buy you nice tools which will last for years, if they leave the industry it's a loser as an investment. Spend a little, make some money, make sure you're in it and double down.


Something I don't think got mentioned yet - some of those amazon tools ARE the premium top of the line option. Like the Lisle fan clutch tool, who else even makes one? It's the defacto on the market, every tool truck has a set in stock. So just because it came from amazon doesn't mean it's not a great tool with a great profit potential, or even the best on the market.

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Its not a Rolex vs timex thing. He doesn't talk about how the tools compare, it's all about what you can build for a collection at the same price.

Using the watch analogy, you could maybe argue is like looking at a single high end piece as your only watch vs having a bunch of mid to lower end pieces for individual uses (beater, daily, dress, diving, different straps/bracelets, etc). One is not objectively better than the other

You know what I agree with you and you are right. I stand corrected. I think for me it is his pivot to his home garage tool thing as a content creator just isn’t in my attention span, I will just leave it at that.

I agree with that to a certain extent, I do like his high end shop and toolbox tours better.

Maybe you could reach out and invite him down to shoot a video in your place?

I would love to see more GJ members shops/tools/projects and cars

He reached out to our marketing department on Instagram about it (we have north of 70k followers so I think we popped up on his algorithm) . We extended a warm welcome. Heard crickets back.

I debated starting something on this platform. I would love to, it is just my available bandwidth to do a consistent thread is my only drawback. We are so busy with our media division on instagram that has to stay my main focus (most of our revenue as a company is generated on there)

 

[richfinn]

You know what I agree with you and you are right. I stand corrected. I think for me it is his pivot to his home garage tool thing as a content creator just isn’t in my attention span, I will just leave it at that.



He reached out to our marketing department on Instagram about it (we have north of 70k followers so I think we popped up on his algorithm) . We extended a warm welcome. Heard crickets back.

I debated starting something on this platform. I would love to, it is just my available bandwidth to do a consistent thread is my only drawback. We are so busy with our media division on instagram that has to stay my main focus (most of our revenue as a company is generated on there)

That's a shame, his loss.

Family/Business always comes first

There's no pressure from the GJ crowd at all, just share the odd nice pic when you get chance and we will be more than happy, we like Porsches and cool stuff BTW.

 

[richfinn]

Sound's like he thinks the Snap On set is a waste of money, unless you want "the best"

His 1/10 the cost ($280) Wrenches, have worked fine for him professionally, for years

I like Snap-On as much as the next guy but I would want at least a grand off that $2800 RRP

 

[shoggoth80]

The tech on the truck needs to weigh the increase in time required to complete a "full" set of tools (no such thing), versus the increased productivity, lower downtime, whatever else from a more expensive option. Additionally the guy buying 2 types of gearwrench wrenches, will have more options than the guy with one set of Snap On, Proto, Wright, whoever. So that's a factor a lot of people don't consider starting out, largely IMO because they don't entirely understand the tool ecosystem and their options, or the scope of the work and what may be required.

I've posted many times, starting out for the 1st few years, the trucks don't make all that much sense. Especially now that you can buy a nice and complete metric sockets set anywhere that have good metal and a nice high tooth ratchet that will last. Even back in the 2010s when I started getting a wrench set complete to 24mm, local, no skips, wasn't that easy. Maybe you could go to Grainger or similar, but you couldn't afford Proto starting out any more than Snap on. Now the internet has them everywhere and more retailers have these larger tools or at least single wrenches.

IMO the new tech needs to maximize volume of "decent" stuff to take on more work and secure their career. As money is earned and an attrition of tools begins, we evaluate other options. I must have bought every specialty tool, most of my sockets, wrenches, hammers - everything from Harbor Freight related to my work that I could get. It's all I could afford, I didn't much beyond 30k a year slinging tires and dumping oil, hoping to advance with no training and little help. And as things failed, or weren't that good, I at least had money previously earned to reinvest. Without the money from the jobs already done, there is no money for the replacement tool or the upgraded tool or the next tool. It's nice to just buy the best right off the bat. Many cannot afford that. I also throttle expectations of new people - the drop out rate in mechanics is massive. Within 10 years? You probably lose at least 75% who enter. So while throwing down a quick 50k will buy you nice tools which will last for years, if they leave the industry it's a loser as an investment. Spend a little, make some money, make sure you're in it and double down.


Something I don't think got mentioned yet - some of those amazon tools ARE the premium top of the line option. Like the Lisle fan clutch tool, who else even makes one? It's the defacto on the market, every tool truck has a set in stock. So just because it came from amazon doesn't mean it's not a great tool with a great profit potential, or even the best on the market.

This is incredibly well said. The best advice for new folks wanting to do this kind of work is volume of ok-to-good tools. You need MORE types of tools to take on more kinds of work to keep churning out the pay. Some exceptionally good items aren't the most expensive option, and some expensive options are exceptionally good tools... But starting out, you gotta have them first.

I've seen young techs in the independent world with a $10k box, and hardly anything in it. I've also seen dudes with truck brand boxes with lots of Pittsburgh because they dumped the money on the box. I've also seen old hands that had predominantly truck brand kit. I'll take capability over bling 9 times out of 10. Get what you can reasonably afford that works if you want to start pulling ahead. Get well established, and then if you see the value/want to treat yourself... Go for it. People get sucked into "oh man gotta buy the best!" with neither the capability or skills to really leverage it (folks just starting out). Seen it for the brief period I spent in tech school too.

While nobody should dog on someone for how they spend their cash... When it comes to folks getting into it... While it may seem like unsolicited advice, this content probably wouldn't exist if people weren't looking for it. I get there's click bait, and monetized stuff, but would it be wrong to assume that all the views come from "haters?"

Sorry, bit of a ramble there.