I’ve heard that and they look nice. The Japanese makers don’t interest me much, due mostly to their limited SAE offerings.
Are tool truck sockets “worth it” for the professional?
- Thread starter Hakeem
- Start date
tyyost
Well-known member
I was reading through the thread, and eating my popcorn as the Snap-on against the world discussion popped off. I have had the pleasure of using some really crappy Craftsman and import sockets over time. Depending on the job sometimes they work sometimes they don’t. Very rarely have I ever broken a socket, however, I have stripped out 12 point quarter inch drive more than once. Being in the rust belt, dealing with rusty offs size fasteners is normal. Six point off corner engagement sockets have been a godsend and are available almost everywhere now.
That said, I probably only have about three or four Snapon sockets in my toolbox. Import sockets have gotten so good, it’s very hard to tell the difference in 99% of applications. I definitely would think that super quality sockets in quarter inch drive, which tends to be the new 3/8 in modern cars would be essential to a modern mechanic. I think we’ve talked about this at length in the past, but we really are living in the golden age of mechanics tools. It’s really hard to go wrong with midline Taiwanese tools, and they are often an exceptional value. Often when I read these threads, I think that when you need better tools to do the job, it becomes glaringly obvious right in the middle of this project. Many of us on this forum are enlightened enough to know when it’s time to buy something else even if that means something better to get the job done well. That is something the 20 year old me had no idea about, nor could I afford to do at the time. If you’re one of those few people who need the $600 snap on socket set, I would imagine that becomes readily apparent in your work on a daily basis.
The rest of us will probably do just fine with whatever we pick up along the way.
That said, I probably only have about three or four Snapon sockets in my toolbox. Import sockets have gotten so good, it’s very hard to tell the difference in 99% of applications. I definitely would think that super quality sockets in quarter inch drive, which tends to be the new 3/8 in modern cars would be essential to a modern mechanic. I think we’ve talked about this at length in the past, but we really are living in the golden age of mechanics tools. It’s really hard to go wrong with midline Taiwanese tools, and they are often an exceptional value. Often when I read these threads, I think that when you need better tools to do the job, it becomes glaringly obvious right in the middle of this project. Many of us on this forum are enlightened enough to know when it’s time to buy something else even if that means something better to get the job done well. That is something the 20 year old me had no idea about, nor could I afford to do at the time. If you’re one of those few people who need the $600 snap on socket set, I would imagine that becomes readily apparent in your work on a daily basis.
The rest of us will probably do just fine with whatever we pick up along the way.
I think you might be surprised. They are probably the most precisely made sockets on the market. Check out lone star mopars on YouTube. He's a SAE junkie.
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General Geoff
Well-known member
Koken has a truly vast array of SAE tools, and they even make Whitworth sockets!
I have a very complete 1/2" shallow chrome socket set from them, comes in a lovely metal box even.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
You do not like using Snap-On and WIlliams more.
This is intriguing and counter to what I’ve been led to believe. Good to know, thanks.Koken has a truly vast array of SAE tools, and they even make Whitworth sockets!
I have a very complete 1/2" shallow chrome socket set from them, comes in a lovely metal box even.
I’ve been caught.
Aaron_W
Well-known member
Thanks to this dumb site I've gone from el cheepo sets of 1/4" drive to three nice sets (1 very complete set of Tekton and the two small Icon sets). I always thought of 1/4" drive as a compact set to keep in the car, just a something is better than nothing tool.
I did not appreciate just how useful the size was for general use.
It is crazy…I was the same way u til I started getting truly decent tools. I always thought 1/4” stuff was cute, and useful for lawnmowers and such.
I’m at a point now where my 3/8 drive tools are my least used.
I'm seeing symptoms Hakeem got the Snap-on bug after buying that 24" 1/2 flex ratchet. It's terribly contagious.
Don't always need something to want it!
They don't call this the most expensive free forum for no reason!
Haha you’re not too far off
I have about 6 months of my student discount left and I don’t want to go into debt so I have to make some tough choices. I’m thinking I’ll go for chrome 1/4” swivels, impact 1/2” swivels, and if finances allow, shallow chrome 1/4” sockets.Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If we're talking a plain jane 1/4, 3/8. or 1/2 drive sockets, i don't think a truck brand is worth the price of admission. Now most of your made in Taiwan sockets in 1/4 drive use an inch as their overall length whereas, most US made versions use 7/8 of an inch as an overall length so, that eighth of an inch might make a difference in a certain situation but most times, it won't.
The socket area I feel a truck brand will shine & outperform in would 1/4 drive swivels and some bit sockets. The student discount is definitely worth the price of admission there in my opinion. 1/4 inch drive impact swivels would be something else worthy of a truck brand. No fat collars, shorter overall height, better articulation, lower profile, etc. Ko-Ken 1/4 nut grip swivels would also be an excellent choice.
The quality gap between truck brand and non truck brand tools has narrowed to the point that many professional techs are using non truck brand tools day in and day out these days. Features like off corner engagement that was once tool truck only are now commonplace across most brands. Capri and Tekton offer a full range of affordable sockets and drive tools that won't break the bank, provide you years of service, and offer you great customer service. I mentioned Ko-Ken earlier. That's where many of my new socket purchases tend to go to lately. Warranty is iffy and you're not going to find a 1/4 drive 15 mm in any version but, the build quality and satin finish offsets that. Tekton runs their 1/4 drive impact sockets out to 17mm for comparison which in these days of long fine toothed ratchets, powerful subcompact impacts and cordless ratchets maybe just the ticket in today's cramped engine compartments. Continue your education after completing your current program. Change is constant as technology evolves. It's not the brand name on the tool that makes it magical but, the skills of the tech that makes a tool do magical things.
The socket area I feel a truck brand will shine & outperform in would 1/4 drive swivels and some bit sockets. The student discount is definitely worth the price of admission there in my opinion. 1/4 inch drive impact swivels would be something else worthy of a truck brand. No fat collars, shorter overall height, better articulation, lower profile, etc. Ko-Ken 1/4 nut grip swivels would also be an excellent choice.
The quality gap between truck brand and non truck brand tools has narrowed to the point that many professional techs are using non truck brand tools day in and day out these days. Features like off corner engagement that was once tool truck only are now commonplace across most brands. Capri and Tekton offer a full range of affordable sockets and drive tools that won't break the bank, provide you years of service, and offer you great customer service. I mentioned Ko-Ken earlier. That's where many of my new socket purchases tend to go to lately. Warranty is iffy and you're not going to find a 1/4 drive 15 mm in any version but, the build quality and satin finish offsets that. Tekton runs their 1/4 drive impact sockets out to 17mm for comparison which in these days of long fine toothed ratchets, powerful subcompact impacts and cordless ratchets maybe just the ticket in today's cramped engine compartments. Continue your education after completing your current program. Change is constant as technology evolves. It's not the brand name on the tool that makes it magical but, the skills of the tech that makes a tool do magical things.
The Bean
Well-known member
450 piece sets available online for under $150.
It's a tough choice.
It's a tough choice.
Try a bigger hammer.
drokihazan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2018
- Messages
- 292
It used to be that Snap-On swivels were so good you wouldn't even consider anyone else for them. These days, there's no reason to buy any socket from a truck unless it's specialty, or it's something you break a lot (I'm a big fan of Snap-On's gold hex/torx bit sockets)
In general, you'll get exactly as much value for 10% of the price from Tekton, Capri, Astro Pneumatic, Gearwrench, and Icon and to a lesser extent (still expensive) Ko-Ken when it comes to sockets.
I have a mix of Snap-On in my sockets, but honestly, if I had to go back and buy them again today, the only ones I'd buy off the truck are the bit sockets (and maybe only commonly used sizes as singles) and some specialty sockets. I think Capri makes the best swivels on the market, and wouldn't miss my Snap-Ons for an instant if I had all Capri swivels.
I WILL say, Snap-On still makes some really amazing stuff that it's hard to find anywhere else. I have the E12 and E14 "flextension" sockets for driveshafts, and they are absolutely perfect every time. And I can't find e-torx long driveline sockets from anyone else, though I imagine Ko-ken may have made some by now.
I have sockets from nearly every brand, and I really think it's hard to beat Astro, Capri, and Tekton especially when they're so affordable.
Oh, I'd also recommend Snap-On for 1/2 mid-length impact and 3/8 shallow impact. Hard to find good 1/2 mids out there, and I've not used any socket as much as my IMFM 3/8 shallow impact set, but they still fit bolts like they're new.
In general, you'll get exactly as much value for 10% of the price from Tekton, Capri, Astro Pneumatic, Gearwrench, and Icon and to a lesser extent (still expensive) Ko-Ken when it comes to sockets.
I have a mix of Snap-On in my sockets, but honestly, if I had to go back and buy them again today, the only ones I'd buy off the truck are the bit sockets (and maybe only commonly used sizes as singles) and some specialty sockets. I think Capri makes the best swivels on the market, and wouldn't miss my Snap-Ons for an instant if I had all Capri swivels.
I WILL say, Snap-On still makes some really amazing stuff that it's hard to find anywhere else. I have the E12 and E14 "flextension" sockets for driveshafts, and they are absolutely perfect every time. And I can't find e-torx long driveline sockets from anyone else, though I imagine Ko-ken may have made some by now.
I have sockets from nearly every brand, and I really think it's hard to beat Astro, Capri, and Tekton especially when they're so affordable.
Oh, I'd also recommend Snap-On for 1/2 mid-length impact and 3/8 shallow impact. Hard to find good 1/2 mids out there, and I've not used any socket as much as my IMFM 3/8 shallow impact set, but they still fit bolts like they're new.
When I don’t want to pay snap on’s price, I check MAC and Cornwell. If their price is more than I can justify spending as well, I buy Proto.
Proto from Zoro is my go-to when the truck is too expensive. If Proto does not offer what I seek AND the trucks are asking more than what I want to pay, then time to raise the budget.
The Taiwan and China tools…..not happening. I do have a few VIM and truck brand tools that are Taiwan, but that’s odd ball specialty stuff. For basic chrome sockets, no reason to look at Asian tools.
Proto with Zoro’s 20% off coupon is pretty cheap.
Proto from Zoro is my go-to when the truck is too expensive. If Proto does not offer what I seek AND the trucks are asking more than what I want to pay, then time to raise the budget.
The Taiwan and China tools…..not happening. I do have a few VIM and truck brand tools that are Taiwan, but that’s odd ball specialty stuff. For basic chrome sockets, no reason to look at Asian tools.
Proto with Zoro’s 20% off coupon is pretty cheap.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
My Secret Santa last year put me on to certain Proto stuff. Love Proto!
dr_clyde
Well-known member
Buy what makes you happy and that makes sense for you financially. We don’t know your financial situation or your work demands, so we can’t really help with determining where the point of diminishing returns is for you.
Me personally, I have sockets from most common brands. They all work, but some are definitely nicer than others.
I do like and prefer Snap-on for my sockets, but it’s not like others aren’t worth buying. I have some very nice sockets from Proto, Mac, Matco and Tekton. I also have Williams USA but that’s basically the same as SO. Blue-point is usually very reliably good if you want the truck warranty and service for a bit less money.
For automotive type work, I prefer the clearances, broach depth, length and shape of Snap-on. Mac and SK this weird neck down on some of their bigger sockets. SK’s deep sockets are similar to snap on’s mid length. Matco is hard to get USA any more, so I’d pass on those. Proto is great, but similar to Mac as they’re both SBD brands.
I’ve broken sockets from only two brands. USA Craftsman and USA S&K. I generally try to size my sockets to the work and have a generally good feel for when I need to upgrade in drive size. The Craftsman sockets are by far the worst of the “good” sockets I’ve ever had. The chrome was horrible, the broaching sucked and they’d crack pretty easily. The S&K one surprised me, they’re normally pretty decent. That was a fluke I think. Haven’t had any other issues with them.
For general use chrome sockets, for the money, it’s hard to beat Tekton. I have a full set of 3/8 and 1/4 in my work toolbox and I have very few complaints. Granted, I don’t work on cars with them, I do industrial fabrication work. My only real problem is they’re really snug on the ratchet which makes them somewhat difficult to get off with dirty or oily hands.
For bit sockets I have all Snap-on. They’re the best by a large margin. I’ve had horrible luck with Mac and Matco bit sockets breaking where the Snap-on just keeps working. I use an impact wrench to remove the serrated soft jaws on my CNC lathe chuck. Hundreds and hundreds of times on the same bit sockets of various sizes and they just don’t break.
I would avoid Mac for impact sockets. They wear out fast. I have Williams USA, Williams Taiwan and Snapon for impact sockets and they’ve been great. I have a set of Mac 3/8 that are sloppy already and aren’t that old.
Me personally, I have sockets from most common brands. They all work, but some are definitely nicer than others.
I do like and prefer Snap-on for my sockets, but it’s not like others aren’t worth buying. I have some very nice sockets from Proto, Mac, Matco and Tekton. I also have Williams USA but that’s basically the same as SO. Blue-point is usually very reliably good if you want the truck warranty and service for a bit less money.
For automotive type work, I prefer the clearances, broach depth, length and shape of Snap-on. Mac and SK this weird neck down on some of their bigger sockets. SK’s deep sockets are similar to snap on’s mid length. Matco is hard to get USA any more, so I’d pass on those. Proto is great, but similar to Mac as they’re both SBD brands.
I’ve broken sockets from only two brands. USA Craftsman and USA S&K. I generally try to size my sockets to the work and have a generally good feel for when I need to upgrade in drive size. The Craftsman sockets are by far the worst of the “good” sockets I’ve ever had. The chrome was horrible, the broaching sucked and they’d crack pretty easily. The S&K one surprised me, they’re normally pretty decent. That was a fluke I think. Haven’t had any other issues with them.
For general use chrome sockets, for the money, it’s hard to beat Tekton. I have a full set of 3/8 and 1/4 in my work toolbox and I have very few complaints. Granted, I don’t work on cars with them, I do industrial fabrication work. My only real problem is they’re really snug on the ratchet which makes them somewhat difficult to get off with dirty or oily hands.
For bit sockets I have all Snap-on. They’re the best by a large margin. I’ve had horrible luck with Mac and Matco bit sockets breaking where the Snap-on just keeps working. I use an impact wrench to remove the serrated soft jaws on my CNC lathe chuck. Hundreds and hundreds of times on the same bit sockets of various sizes and they just don’t break.
I would avoid Mac for impact sockets. They wear out fast. I have Williams USA, Williams Taiwan and Snapon for impact sockets and they’ve been great. I have a set of Mac 3/8 that are sloppy already and aren’t that old.
I replaced my Tekton sockets with CAT (SO) . I don't think I can tell a difference as a weekend warrior, then again, I won't miss the extra $30. The Tekton ratchet was great, not quite as good as Koken however.
My Tekton set was paseed to my oldest at college.
My Tekton set was paseed to my oldest at college.
For the Professional?
Yes....
Viable substitutes for truck tools include Proto, CAT, Wright, SK....
The entire Cat tool line is Williams with some specialty items that are pulled off the snap on line. If you don't specifically see the similarities to Snap On its Williams.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
The CAT Torx bit sockets come with the basic Snap-on torx insert bits. The mention of TorxAlign is a typo as they actually are not. They may have been at one time, but not currently.
Snap-on also has heavy duty removal bit sockets that are gold, but those are not available from CAT. The secret sauce in these actually IS the TorxAlign bits, but they don’t specifically say that, instead they just refer to it as a tapered profile.
Chrome shallow 1/4” sockets are like $50 for a set, Proto, on Zoro. Just saying. I just bought the metric 12 point.Haha you’re not too far off
I don’t see how you could get by WITHOUT 1/4” shallow chrome sockets.
zimman
Well-known member
I've been a mid level tech for Ford, Kia and several others. Every manager has been very acceptable to the 30 minute tool truck break. Some more than others. This is the real reason. The hell with the tools. LMAOIve been accumulating some tool truck stuff as I can afford it, and in some cases it makes sense as their products are clearly superior than the alternatives and/or likely to be warrantied over time. Flare nut wrenches and ratchets are two such examples. The sockets are just so freaking expensive though and I’m not really sure what they offer that other sockets don’t. I’ve been happily using Taiwanese stuff without an issue, never had one fail to get a bolt loose. Sure they’re likely to break at some point but HF/Tekton/Capri will happily warranty them. And if not, I can just spend $5-15 for a replacement. So what does spending 4-6x as much get me?
Here’s one such example:
What does spending $600+ on a socket set do for me that a $50 Taiwanese set won’t? Even with my student discount, the prices are exorbitant. Any insight?
Zim
redwrench60
Well-known member
No, they are really not anymore.
When I started wrenching professionally, there were really only 4 choices. China/India/Japan garbage tools that crumbled like croutons, USA made Craftsman, USA made industrial brands and truck brands. Back then a Craftsman ratchet was about $25. A Snap-on ratchet was about $50. Roughly double but it was 5 times better and well worth the extra cost. Now that the Snap-on is 5 times more expensive than about a dozen other quality choices it’s just not worth it anymore. I’m not getting rid of all my Snap-on stuff bought over the years but I damn sure wouldn’t buy it again today.
When I started wrenching professionally, there were really only 4 choices. China/India/Japan garbage tools that crumbled like croutons, USA made Craftsman, USA made industrial brands and truck brands. Back then a Craftsman ratchet was about $25. A Snap-on ratchet was about $50. Roughly double but it was 5 times better and well worth the extra cost. Now that the Snap-on is 5 times more expensive than about a dozen other quality choices it’s just not worth it anymore. I’m not getting rid of all my Snap-on stuff bought over the years but I damn sure wouldn’t buy it again today.
Forget the 6X the price thing. The cost of a set of sockets you will use every day professionally, for the rest of your working life, is very very low. You’ll spend more on TV streaming services this year than on a set of sockets, carefully made in the US, that will last your lifetime.
I may never need to warranty a socket. As a pro you will. In 10yrs time will any of your Taiwan tools‘ distributors or manufacturers still be in business? HF probably will be. But will their suppliers be the same?
For automotive, I’d focus on:
1/4” drive metric shallow and semi deeps
3/8” drive metric shallow and semi deeps
Swivels
Now the elephant in the room is, I think you are a heavy equipment diesel guy. I’m assuming hardware is bigger? Assuming the diesel engines are Japanese or at least metric, but the rest of the vehicles aren’t?
If you are dealing with bigger hardware, I believe you will perceive less
performance advantage switching to snap on sockets. If you are working on Hondas or Volkswagens, I’d feel more comfortable heartily recommending Snap on 1/4” drive sockets as “game changers”. You might be better off buying FD+ wrenches.
I may never need to warranty a socket. As a pro you will. In 10yrs time will any of your Taiwan tools‘ distributors or manufacturers still be in business? HF probably will be. But will their suppliers be the same?
For automotive, I’d focus on:
1/4” drive metric shallow and semi deeps
3/8” drive metric shallow and semi deeps
Swivels
Now the elephant in the room is, I think you are a heavy equipment diesel guy. I’m assuming hardware is bigger? Assuming the diesel engines are Japanese or at least metric, but the rest of the vehicles aren’t?
If you are dealing with bigger hardware, I believe you will perceive less
performance advantage switching to snap on sockets. If you are working on Hondas or Volkswagens, I’d feel more comfortable heartily recommending Snap on 1/4” drive sockets as “game changers”. You might be better off buying FD+ wrenches.
That's a great quote!It's not the brand name on the tool that makes it magical but, the skills of the tech that makes a tool do magical things.
zimman
Well-known member
Are you a WG10?If we're talking a plain jane 1/4, 3/8. or 1/2 drive sockets, i don't think a truck brand is worth the price of admission. Now most of your made in Taiwan sockets in 1/4 drive use an inch as their overall length whereas, most US made versions use 7/8 of an inch as an overall length so, that eighth of an inch might make a difference in a certain situation but most times, it won't.
The socket area I feel a truck brand will shine & outperform in would 1/4 drive swivels and some bit sockets. The student discount is definitely worth the price of admission there in my opinion. 1/4 inch drive impact swivels would be something else worthy of a truck brand. No fat collars, shorter overall height, better articulation, lower profile, etc. Ko-Ken 1/4 nut grip swivels would also be an excellent choice.
The quality gap between truck brand and non truck brand tools has narrowed to the point that many professional techs are using non truck brand tools day in and day out these days. Features like off corner engagement that was once tool truck only are now commonplace across most brands. Capri and Tekton offer a full range of affordable sockets and drive tools that won't break the bank, provide you years of service, and offer you great customer service. I mentioned Ko-Ken earlier. That's where many of my new socket purchases tend to go to lately. Warranty is iffy and you're not going to find a 1/4 drive 15 mm in any version but, the build quality and satin finish offsets that. Tekton runs their 1/4 drive impact sockets out to 17mm for comparison which in these days of long fine toothed ratchets, powerful subcompact impacts and cordless ratchets maybe just the ticket in today's cramped engine compartments. Continue your education after completing your current program. Change is constant as technology evolves. It's not the brand name on the tool that makes it magical but, the skills of the tech that makes a tool do magical things.
Zim
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I've called my friend and neighbor Harry (Fedwrench) many thing but never a WG10. What the hell is that? If it's an insult I might use it sometime when we get together.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
The deeps may be worth it. Snappy sockets have the shallow shoulder and the tapered neck so they can get a lot of places and start nuts better than most. A lot of sockets usually have a mid-depth shoulder and a shorter taper on the outside diameter. My Proto sockets look like Sasquatch next to my Williams ones.
Overall, I just prefer other brands like Proto. Heads up though, the German and Taiwanese sockets are taller than the US and Japanese ones and that can make a big difference if you’re working in confined spaces.
Overall, I just prefer other brands like Proto. Heads up though, the German and Taiwanese sockets are taller than the US and Japanese ones and that can make a big difference if you’re working in confined spaces.
1Bad55Chevy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2025
- Messages
- 623
You sound like one of those politicians who don't know what a gallon of milk costs. We pay around $20/month for Netflix, $20 for amazon prime, then Hulu and Britbox, then if we want to watch football or, God forbid, local TV... TV costs us around $100/month X 12 months/yr. Then there's the Apple News subscription, people pay for additional iCloud storage (like my wife). This doesn't include internet access or cell phones.
What are you streaming for almost $700 a year?? OnlyFans?
The background noise of stuff I pay for each month is staggering. But like many of you, I wring my hands on whether I should buy Pittsburgh impact sockets or if I should splash out for Icon (need big SAE sockets for my lawn equipment).
Phil still has access to the Snap on's Student Excellence Program (SEP), that offers him roughly 50% off. So the world's best sockets cost about 3-6 months of TV. We easily spend what he will pay for sockets on coffee & McDonalds in 6 months.
Just trying to provide some perspective. But read my response above more carefully (or all the way to the end).
Edit: One of my favorite Snap On tools is my F50CSA. They don't make this anymore. Its basically an extension with a screwdriver handle on it.
I probably paid an obscene amount for this 30yrs ago. I use it almost every time I work on anything. Was probably $30 when it was new. Was it worth it? It was to me.
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What?! 50% off ... why did we just waste 115 posts on this for?!
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Enrolling mechanic School for one semester. Get the discount. Don't even go to class but buy enough tools that you come out aheadWhat?! 50% off ... why did we just waste 115 posts on this for?!
1Bad55Chevy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2025
- Messages
- 623
What are you streaming for almost $700 a year?? OnlyFans?
Was just making a joke.You sound like one of those politicians who don't know what a gallon of milk costs. We pay around $20/month for Netflix, $20 for amazon prime, then Hulu and Britbox, then if we want to watch football or, God forbid, local TV... TV costs us around $100/month X 12 months/yr. Then there's the Apple News subscription, people pay for additional iCloud storage (like my wife). This doesn't include internet access or cell phones.
The background noise of stuff I pay for each month is staggering. But like many of you, I wring my hands on whether I should buy Pittsburgh impact sockets or if I should splash out for Icon (need big SAE sockets for my lawn equipment).
Phil still has access to the Snap on's Student Excellence Program (SEP), that offers him roughly 50% off. So the world's best sockets cost about 3-6 months of TV. We easily spend what he will pay for sockets on coffee & McDonalds in 6 months.
Just trying to provide some perspective. But read my response above more carefully (or all the way to the end).
Edit: One of my favorite Snap On tools is my F50CSA. They don't make this anymore. Its basically an extension with a screwdriver handle on it.
I probably paid an obscene amount for this 30yrs ago. I use it almost every time I work on anything. Was probably $30 when it was new. Was it worth it? It was to me.
As a pro you will lose more tools a year then you will warranty. You accidentally drop things your co worker accidentally kicks it under a box 3 bays down never to be seen again.
You are an Aeronautical Engineer so you make a lot of money and you probably have a pension. These kids coming out of tech schools are not starting at $65 an hour with a tool allowance, free health care, and a pension. I tell all these kids to buy the cheapest thing you can that will get the job done that way you can invest your tool truck payment money into your 401k.
You can fight me on this all you want but $250k+ in a 84" epiq box with lockers, tool grids, and everything matching colors looks nice but when you die how does your family get the money out? I have met a lot of older mechanics talking all this nonsense about they can sell all their SO tools and get all the money back out of it but in reality no one getting into the industry has the cash to buy the tools upfront...
I can promise you SO is still making money on the 50% off discount. These tool truck brands are good quality but your truly paying for the fact that these tools are financed and a good chunk of them disappear and never get paid for. Those losses get passed on to the customers that pay...
It is a journeyman in your trade for the federal government. Wage grade for blue collar and general schedule for white collar.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Used to be, GS11 for the last 15 years or so.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It's a pay grade. Stands for Wage Grade 10. Common for peeps that turn wrenches and have toolboxes that work for the government. It's only insulting when you get your first couple of pay checks but, then you realize you get like 11 paid holidays a year, you don't have to sell or upsell anything, straight time rules, and no weekends unless it's an emergency/major event. We won't talk about tools because, i don't want you peeps to start crying.