Am I doing something wrong????

[Rezeppa]

You first need to stop feeding your family **** them a ratchet is more important. Then after you neglect everyone around you. You will have really nice tools so that people hundreds of miles away will think your cool. I joined this forum thinking it would be more informative and I could learn about the differences in tools (not that I haven't learned anything). Most of the questions asked I get the same answers "buy snapon, no buy Matco, no buy proto or MAC" because money is no object. I'm not trying to ***** and I'm sure there is some validity to some arguments. I am a professional tech and I have been able to get by with a mix of tools and don't get me wrong i own alot of tool truck tools but on occasion I have issues but a Snapon vs Mac argument isn't what I want to hear. I have had many many different feelings about what people have said about the tools on this forum and it makes me wounder if certain individuals even know how to use tools. I have worked with techs out of UTI with heavy equipment certs and full toolboxes that can't change a starter on a D6 Dozer. As my boss tells me I can fix more with my Gerber pliers than you can with your whole box is how I feel sometimes. I agree with the OPs post and wounded the same thing. I tend to agree a lot with Sperry on his posts around the forum. Sorry thanks for letting me get that off my chest. I'm sure some of it is jealousy.

 

[TerryH]

I started working in the body shop when I was 18. It was 1979. I've been accumulating tools ever since. My Snap On boxes that I have now were bought in 1988. I don't use my tools professionally any more and I've got more money now than then for sure so buying tools is much easier now and every tool I have is paid for.

What many others have said is correct in my oipinion. It takes a long time to get a nice set of tools and especially to have a nice shop to put them in if your a hobbist. I built my shop 20 years ago and have been working in it and working on it ever since. Just do what you can when you can and keep at it.

Someday you'll be old and have cool stuff to show for it.

 

[mech-tech]

I agree with what everyone said. Here's my problem, I am 27 years old and work at a forklift dealership. I was stuck on the road, and often get sent to kinda big jobs that the customers don't want to spend the money on to take thier equipment to the shop, so I often have to make due, so as a result I dump a lot of money into large tools in order to do a job out in the field. I spent 2 1/2 years in a technical college learning the trade and enjoy it very much, but for me I see I am spending so much on odd ball tools that I can't see myself spending the extra for the nice stuff, though I would love to have them. Maybe I am just working for the wrong place. I agree with buying little by little and replacing the craftsman stuff, but it seems every week I am spending money buying random things for fighting projects out in the field such as bigger pipe wrenches or bigger prybars or chain falls.

Not to be nosey, but what is the average tech pay around your area for any diesel related equipment? I just very well be underpaid after all.

 

[ScubaSteve]

If everyone had the same priorities as you do...maybe our beloved country wouldn't be in this mess.

The dirty work in the field will make the "clean" work in the shop 10 times easier....those tools and experience will come in handy later on down the road and you will be able to take jobs others can't.

Keep your eyes and ears open for other opportunities...IF you are underpaid for the kind of work you do (sounds more like recovery than repair) I'm sure the guys here can help.

 

[cburnscrx]

I am not married and have no kids, so that saves a lot of money for me to spend on tools and other hobbies. Between tools, guns, and offroading I cant afford to have kids, lol.

I know you meant it as a joke, but I wish more people thought that way. Not that having kids isn't great, but I think a lot of people rush into these things without thinking about the cost.

 

[sic ls1]

Im 23, figured buy it while I still can.. I spent 10k on tools last year but my only other bills are rent and a few credit cards.. now I know why I dont have money for my project car lol.. oh and im a diesel mechanic making mid 20s so no I dont make alot, I just hate borrowing tools and only carry a 3 to 400 dollar acount at a time ( I have 3 tool trucks)

 

[Steevo]

I have a fair collection of tools of all kinds. Mechanic tools, power tools, woodworking, cement tools, tile setting tools, etc. I have accumulated them over at least 44 years, starting when I was about 12 years old. I was only in debt for tools for a couple of years when I was about 20 or 21 and buying too much off the trucks that preyed on the mechanics where I worked. I think "truck brands" probably make up 10% of what is in my tool boxes.

fflinstone makes a good point about where the paycheck goes these days. I was working as a mechanic for nearly 15 years before VCR's were invented. There was no such thing as cable TV. Cell phones, CD's and DVD's hadn't been invented. No Nintendo, or Atari, and Microsoft wasn't even a gleam in Bill Gates' eye yet. There wasn't a lot of things that a guy threw money away on besides a $10 bag of weed or a $3 six-pack of beer, so $7/hr was a lot of money. Nowadays, everyone THINKS they have to have all of those toys that cost a lot of money, and the result is that half of their income goes for "operating costs" associated with all the iPhones, iPad data fees, Netflix accounts, Internet service, HD cable or satellite service, etc. etc.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have a fair collection of tools of all kinds. Mechanic tools, power tools, woodworking, cement tools, tile setting tools, etc. I have accumulated them over at least 44 years, starting when I was about 12 years old. I was only in debt for tools for a couple of years when I was about 20 or 21 and buying too much off the trucks that preyed on the mechanics where I worked. I think "truck brands" probably make up 10% of what is in my tool boxes.

fflinstone makes a good point about where the paycheck goes these days. I was working as a mechanic for nearly 15 years before VCR's were invented. There was no such thing as cable TV. Cell phones, CD's and DVD's hadn't been invented. No Nintendo, or Atari, and Microsoft wasn't even a gleam in Bill Gates' eye yet. There wasn't a lot of things that a guy threw money away on besides a $10 bag of weed or a $3 six-pack of beer, so $7/hr was a lot of money. Nowadays, everyone THINKS they have to have all of those toys that cost a lot of money, and the result is that half of their income goes for "operating costs" associated with all the iPhones, iPad data fees, Netflix accounts, Internet service, HD cable or satellite service, etc. etc.

You may be on to something here. I am 35 and I dont have an I pod but have an iphone but with no music on it. I dont have netflix or an Ipad. Now my wife and 2 kids have them. I have a net book but I use it for working in the shop(diagrams alldata etc) and programming remote start interfaces. I dont play video games except for the occasional game of MADDEN with my son. I do not drink or smoke and we have basic hd service for TV(no movie channells or sports packages). My thing is tools so I buy the best I can afford. I save the family money by being able to fix things whens stuff happens. When our cars go out of warranty I fix them. I do all the maint. ekcept oil changes. So all brakes bulbs(even if it requires bumper cover removals). So I guess what I am saying is tools are my only "vice" and I buy the best I can afford when I need them or when a "deal" pops up. OP do you smoke, drink or any video game addictons? Anything like that?

 

[ChevyEFI]

Having the right tools with less downtime makes you money if you're flat-rate.

Having 10 guys working for you will always make you more than you working 10 times as hard.

Buy what you actually need and ignore the brand name. Buy the ratchet that you can handle most comfortably that suits your budget. Consider the actual operating features of the tool. Yes, there are times when spending more to get a nicer handle is worth it but there are also a lot of nice, affordable tools. If it breaks, then you should consider replacing it with something different and better and spending more. (a summary of this basic idea is at the front of every Haynes repair book at the parts store.)

Literally anyone who says "Buy the best!!!1!!1!!!" who is really saying "buy one particular brand and nothing else because that's what I've heard for 50 years; must be true" has a lot of falsehoods regarding economics.

It's human nature to have little tendencies to want every wrench to match and **** like that. It's also human nature to splurge. Don't be a complete tight-***, but don't be a fool either.

/thoughts

 

[cburnscrx]

I've put together a pretty nice tool collection and a fairly well equipped wood/metal shop over the course of about 3 years. All in all, I have well under $2500 invested.

What I do have invested is a *lot* of time. Just about everything I've got, I bought at auctions, estate sales, etc. I keep the cost low by buying extra when the prices are good and flipping those things to offset the cost of the stuff I want to keep.

You need time and a good sense of what you can get for the items you plan to sell to avoid overpaying, but it's a great way to build up a nice set of tools for not a lot of cash.

First, don't try to keep up with the Jones, it doesn't work, there's always somebody who's got more and trying to out do the next guy.

Secondly, he hit the nail on the head...time. I have spent a lot of time looking for deals, searching and reading reviews of tools. I don't have much in the way of truck brands, but I have more than enough to get the jobs done I want done. I also save and buy tools when they're on sale, not necessarily when I need a tool. That said, only buy tools you'll use, not just because they're on sale.

Pawn shops are your friend for power tools, especially DeWalt, at least in my area. Never pay the sticker says either.

Keep your eyes open for sales. After Thanksgiving is a great time at Sears. So is Presidents Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, ect. Save your money for those days.

Don't buy things from Lowe's when you can get a similar quality item at HF, but at the same time don't buy junk at HF that is much better quality at Lowes. Some stuff you're going to have to get better quality truck type tools, but those can be found on craigslist/ebay.

Not everybody has Snap On, and we still manage to get stuff done in our homes and our garages...wonder how that happens?

 

[Sloasszx3]

No kids. I'm sure that's a good way to save money. I usually only buy tools on sale unless I really need them. And no I don't make a lot of money but since I've slowed down on the drinking I can afford to spend a little more on tools. Especially since they help me be more productive by having the right tool when o need it.

Also I try not to keep a huge balance on the truck account.

 

[mech-tech]

I don't have kids, don't drink or smoke, Now that I think about it, it's probably the place I work at cuz its a small shop. I don't know what average pay is, but it's bound to be more than I make.

 

[Mike14k]

I'm almost 60....

had lots of time to accumulate stuff. Tools, cars, house, land. Inheritated tools from Dad, Granddad (x2), wife's father (rancher), wife's uncle (mechanic).

Oh, very understanding wife and no kids.

 

[Sloasszx3]

Oh, I forgot to mention I scope out eBay all the time. Some really good deals pop up all the time.

 

[mayhemman]

i have some truck tools, but ive also got alot of craftsman and others. ive bought alot off ebay and been very careful with prices.
then you get a snap on man, next thing you know you bought a thousand dollars of tools and go whoa!

but it helps to be single lol. im quite picky about what i buy though, and if i can't find it used i will buy new when i have enough money set aside for it.

watch the classifieds here,ebay,craigslist,local sales,garage sales. know people with tools and they will tip you off on things too.

not many people bought it all once. its taken me till now to get where i am toolwise. as it is with everyone.

family,kids,wife,home ect. always take priorty to things we all would want though. in the end if your not using them daily they are just a want and not a need.

 

[Dustin Echoes]

I buy one tool at a time, when and if I have the cash. Must also be on some kind of sale, or deal. I don't ever pay retail. Once these conditions are met, it's mine.

 

[pipsters]

Before this web site I had no idea what it was like to be a tech/mechanic. The most expensive thing I've ever had to buy for my profession was a head set and I spent $400, $300 of which was refunded by the company so it cost me $100 out of pocket. I did have to buy a case that was $180. However I did pay a lot more for my government certs. Anyway.

When you start out in life it's really tough. I made almost no money ($12k first year) when starting out so I know what it's like to not have a lot (ok, any) money. Here's the ticket - DON'T LIVE ANY DIFFERENTLY as your income grows.

I've been at both sides and with a flip of a switch could easily be back there. So I just don't live my life differently. The key however is to increase your income and not spend it.

I did a demographic survey on here not too long ago. From what I remember, about half the web site is made up of mechanics, and half are guys like me who just enjoy it on their time off. I sold a set of wrenches on here, looked up the guys address on Google (I was curious) and I swear to God it was a $2 mil home if not more, probably 5000 sq ft near the Jersey shore. Guy was probably a doctor. Someone like that can drop $5k on a box and not even feel it...

 

[lilscorpion]

All my tools are paid for but, to be fair, I've been "collecting" for 20-something years. You could call it a life long hobby. Over time it'll start to build up. Can't avoid it unless you sell. I choose not to.

 

[Drew_flux]

It took me about 6 years to fill out my collection. you have to remember most of the people here have been toolaholics for a long time.

 

[06 DIESEL]

When I come into extra money either from tax returns, bonuses, odd jobs, etc. is when I buy tools. If I do not have the cash for them I am not going to buy them. I have a small tool collection compared to most members here, but they get me by perfectly. I do have my wish list, and am slowly picking away at it.

 

[Skin]

Considering so many people buy spend thousands a year on Apple Icrap products and services, which become obsolete every year or two making people get insecure until they upgrade, I don't really feel as bad spending a few hundred for some wrenches.

that said if you want to see real debt get yourself an education at a 4+yr state college. Truck tools will seem like peanuts then.

 

[jeeper93436]

get a second job,side jobs, i buy cars from people that dont want to fix them and i fix them myself and resell. when i first started i only bought snap on for the stuff i was using the most.

 

[ironmutt]

first off yes i'm way in debt but just for my box . every thing else is payed for. it took me a long time to get to the point of buying my box. then after i made the discision to buy it took me 6 months of brow beating the three trucks before i got a deal i could live with. the best advice i can give is make a list of what you need a list of what you want . both with prices and what you would be willing to reasonable be willing to pay . keep it with you on your phone or in your wallet. then if you see something used or new check it against your list . plus have cash saved back for it so if a deal pops up you can act quick. alot of times the truck guys will get a deal on like ten of some thing at 50%-60% off but when they sell those they are back up to the full price and check the used bin on the truck i got a 24" long 1/2" snap-on flex head rachet of the matco truck for 50 bucks . you just have to be patient

 

[ZRX61]

Like most of you, I have a house and vehicle and other enxpenses in life, most of which are paid for, but I just have one question... HOW DO YOU GUYS AFFORD THIS STUFF??????????

Haven't had a vacation in 25 years...

 

[Unmarked Bill]

I'm not a professional mechanic, I expect to lose money on projects and tools, but to me it's worth buying extravagant tools because it turns a chore into playing with toys. Ergo... I end up doing stuff that I would have put off (chores.) Inspiration.

I also suspect that having a spouse or significant other provides enough inspiration to pay for itself. I don't know if that's true of kids. I don't have kids.

Also, I think it's really interesting that this thread gets so much love. From the original post it didn't seem to be on any topic, really, but here we all are sounding off.

 

[Unmarked Bill]

Another thing that's interesting is that truck tools don't seem to be any more expensive than they were way back when. If anything, they have probably come down. Look at this link:

http://www.collectingsnapon.com/catalogs/catalogs.php?loggedin=0&catalogPage=1291

How many working mechanics (I don't think they were tech's yet in '53) could afford that stuff even in the salad days?

 

[redline380]

I'm 18 and have all the typical bills, they are just substantially cheaper, and I pay rent instead of a mortgage. I don't have tv (waste of time) or Internet because I can just use my phone that I pay for anyway or go to someone's house with it if I need to. I very rarely drink and i try to eat healthy and do all my own cooking. frozen food is overly expensive. My biggest extra expense is going out with my girlfriend.

yeah and you also have no life. believe me, im all for saving money. but if it means wiping my *** with the sunday times instead of proper asswipe, i'll pay the the extra dollar for asswipe.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

When I want that badass $9 meal with the large coke, fries, and angus burger...well, I'll just eat at home or get a couple $0.99 sandwiches to hold me over. The rest goes to tools. Any money I budget for the week, I spend. It's up to me how I spend it.

 

[Mugen AP1]

I'm 18 and have all the typical bills, they are just substantially cheaper, and I pay rent instead of a mortgage. I don't have tv (waste of time) or Internet because I can just use my phone that I pay for anyway or go to someone's house with it if I need to. I very rarely drink and i try to eat healthy and do all my own cooking. frozen food is overly expensive. My biggest extra expense is going out with my girlfriend.

I'm 28 and this is exactly how I live my life (but I still use a flip phone ) with my low maintenance girlfriend. I have a mortgage and a car payment and came from a blue collar family.

If you focus on buying quality over quantity, your collection will grow slowly and it'll become what you see on this thread,

 

[lilscorpion]

One other thing...I do all of my own work - house, auto, yard, you name it. People around me spend thousands of dollars hiring Roto-Rooter, getting a bathroom remodeled, finishing a basement, replacing a head gasket, getting a new hot water heater, etc. I buy the tools and do it these things myself and always it's still cheaper. As your collection develops, projects become even less expensive because the tools were already purchased for a previous project...thus increasing your return on investment over time. Sometimes you'll use a tool only once but if the expense of the tool saves you money overall, it doesn't matter. After proving it on paper time after time, my wife is fully on board with my tool addiction. Once you can show value in something, it becomes appealing even to those who would otherwise not have an interest. Making more money as I have gotten older hasn't hurt either.

 

[fred d]

Get a 2nd job at Sears-home depot-Lowes
Watch the nonstock stuff drop in price. Then ask a manager, can I get a deal on this.

At lowes I get 60-90% off of most of my tool purchases
I have also shared my good fortune with some close friends helping them build their tool collections selling to them at what I pay
All about being in the right place at the right time

 

[Jim C.]

I've been buying tools for thirty years. Unless you're independently wealthy, it can take decades to assemble a complete set of tools. Be patient, buy the best quality you can afford, don't be afraid to buy good used tools, and when you see a deal, jump on it.

Jim C.

 

[pfctblu]

Interesting stuff in this thread. First off, its been 20 yrs I've been adding tools to my arsenal. While I'm not a pro tech, I do all maintenance and repairs possible on my three cars. Usually, any money saved in labor on those repairs is used to buy tools and the wife is totally supporting of this. I usually try to keep it at 50% of labor saved but occasionally splurge and buy toys. This same rule is generally applied to any repairs: appliances, plumbing, electrical, you name it.

Gifts are another great way to obtain decent tools. Every year, I am asked to give a "list" for gifts. This year I listed a new replacement random orbital sander, some Jorgensen Pony clamps, and a 8# sledge from family members. They were HAPPY to give them as they know I use them and am grateful for the gift (win-win). The wife bought me a Lie Nielsen plane and also a one of their progressive pitch dovetail saws. The point is, I would have got junk, instead I built up the arsenal.

A great deal of money is spent on these kinds of things (repairs/replacement, gifts), I just try to optimize my return and it usually is in the form of tools.

Lastly, if you buy moderately decent stuff along the way, you can usually avoid huge losses when you sell to upgrade. I generally would buy Craftsman tools and have been able to sell them both easily and for reasonable money when I upgraded.

I think the OP asks a fair question, hopefully this helps.

 

[BMcC]

If there is home improvement or automotive work that you can do on your own, don't pay someone to do it for you. All of my landscaping on my house was done by me alone, and I've saved thousands over what I would have paid someone else to do.

I look at tool purchases this way. Say its going to cost $1000 for some automotive work. Now figure half of that cost is labor. If you do it yourself, you save $500 which you can use to buy the tools needed to complete the job if you don't have them. Then when you have the work done, you get to keep the tools. Over time, you'll amass the collection of tools to do just about whatever you want. You can probably even buy truck brands.

I know a lot of people say time is money, and for some people it is more cost effective for them to hire out the work. I'm not one of those people. I don't get paid on my days off, so if its between me doing work on my house or my cars, or sitting on my *** watching TV it doesn't change my income. Except I get a certain sense of satisfaction and pride by doing the work myself, and I usually have more of my income left over.

 

[Murphy4570]

This stuff takes YEARS to accumulate. Your not doing anything wrong, it just takes forever. A LOT of the stuff I've bought has been used at WAY less than MSRP price.

 

[BMcC]

Ducksface has a really good point too. Save what you can, where your can, and save for your future. My wife didn't work for the last 4 months of 2012. That loss of income was offset using our savings account.

 

[KPSquared]

Seriously. . . I make really good money and I still could never buy a snappy box. Priorites though. I just fix my own cars and my friends and family. Can't justify the Snap-on addiction for that.

You do realize you live in America though right? I thought "If you ain't livin' on credit, you ain't livin'! " was a national motto. . .

 

[RCStocker]

Pick up some Craftsman used ratchet and be happy. They will do everything you need until the day you die. Mechanic really need many different types. A home owner does not.
You are not doing one thing wrong. Your priorities are in the right place and you will end up with a nice retirement plan. Those who spend thier nmoney on tools will need to sell them to live for a year then they will be on the public dole.
It is very simple. I have all the tool truck brands. I have thousands of tools and I am her to tell you my Craftsman toold that I purshcased 50 years ago are still doing the job well. I like using the better ratchets and sometimes I need one that is fine tooth but I am an architect and general contractor. I own a faerm and do a lot of repairs on machinery. I do my own renching.

What is right for one is not right for the next person
I know the Craftsman is moving towards Chnese made but they still have the same life time warranty. What is the problem For the home owner they are perfect and you don't need anything better. If you do more with your tools they will let you know if you need better ones.

My guess is that you are under paid but what do I know. I don't know your leveal of education. Don't get cought up in all the tool world. Just get what you need and move on. The more education people have the more they move away form material thigs. They have intrest that take them in different directons.

 

[lilscorpion]

Seriously. . . I make really good money and I still could never buy a snappy box. Priorites though. I just fix my own cars and my friends and family. Can't justify the Snap-on addiction for that.

You do realize you live in America though right? I thought "If you ain't livin' on credit, you ain't livin'! " was a national motto. . .

Yes, priorities. Some boxes cost as much as a new car...I'll never get one into the need or want category, it hovers solidly in the "certainly never" category. Now CNC lathe? Different story.

 

[mech-tech]

Dang! Thanks fellas for all the advice. It sounds like a little more pay and a lot more time for me will get me where I would like to be. Thanks again!