Buying tools on the internet vs buying from tool rep

[Givl Reggin]

While that is true... I don't know anyone that wishes they bought less on their student discount

I would go though their catalog and buy everything I thought I would ever use... now I've seen some post that there are some tools you cannot buy as part of the student program and that there is an upper spending limit, I think someone said it was around $20,000 - aside from those limitations I would load up until they cut me off.

 

[Bruce57]

I buy most of my Snap-On stuff online, mostly on Ebay, some off the web site, a few things on Craigslist. We don't have a truck that stops at our shop, but I also wouldn't pay the high price on many of their tools. I do like the quality. I had one warranty issue and called Snap-On. It was a tap wrench and they warrantied it even though I was not the original purchaser, without having to send it back. I haven't had any other issues with Snap On tools, which I first started buying back in 1977.

 

[rudy88]

I don't think i'll be spending 20k anytime soon, but I have been browsing the sets they have as a starting point to filling the gaps in my current toolset.

 

[bareass172]

Obviously there are almost as many opinions as there are dealers out there, and that should tell you a lot. I've moved a bit and had a few different dealers and have been turned off by the entire system since day one. Perhaps I've always had bad dealers, but the need to foster a relationship with ANYONE just so I can have the privilege of buying insanely marked up tools and then get hassled over warranty is not for me. Before I get flamed, I won't argue the quality of SO stuff, but this system of business just never sat right with me. I don't have a problem with the prices or the trucks, it's anyone's prerogative to spend their money how they wish. My problem is this idea that every driver is different and if you don't stroke them just right then your warranty is voided.

I've never done anything but be nice to my current driver. I pay cash in full when I need something. Hell if it's a really small/cheap item I even overpay a few bucks for his time. If I have a warranty problem I call SO directly so as to not bother him with it. In turn he's never offered me anything but full-blown retail (or higher) pricing when I ask, and his general demeanor is that I'm a bother to him. He answers me a lot with "yeah, whatever".

I know he's only one driver, but it's indicative of my general experience with them.

 

[Skyline]

Knowing what I have learned from selling thousands of used Snap-on tools on eBay, if I was starting out as a new tech, there's only one way to go:

Save up about $6-8k and buy a Snap-on triple bank packed with high end tools. You will pay 15-20% of list price for the package.

Seach Craig's List with a 400 mile radius. Be patient, and you will find the right motivated seller with the right tools. There are guys that have had their boxes for 30 years, and others who have five year old pristine boxes. Some techs wax their toolboxes once per week. But no matter how well a tech cares for their tools, for a variety of reasons, sometimes they want to leave the business. (Sometimes it's not their choice, as turning wrenches is very hard work an can lead to physical problems.) If you are patient, you will find the right seller that has a box you like, and has kept his tools complete, organized, and in good condition.

Once you find the right tool collection, rent a U-haul ramp trailer, and go get it. Even if you have to drive a long distance, it's worth it for a purchase like this. On a $6k loaded box, you could save $30k or more. And bring about a dozen plastic bins; you'll need to unload the box before loading it on a U-haul. (Put the tools in the tow vehicle). Those 5x9 ramp trailers can't hold much more weight than an empty triple bank.

 

[rudy88]

Knowing what I have learned from selling thousands of used Snap-on tools on eBay, if I was starting out as a new tech, there's only one way to go:

Save up about $6-8k and buy a Snap-on triple bank packed with high end tools. You will pay 15-20% of list price for the package.

Seach Craig's List with a 400 mile radius. Be patient, and you will find the right motivated seller with the right tools. There are guys that have had their boxes for 30 years, and others who have five year old pristine boxes. Some techs wax their toolboxes once per week. But no matter how well a tech cares for their tools, for a variety of reasons, sometimes they want to leave the business. (Sometimes it's not their choice, as turning wrenches is very hard work an can lead to physical problems.) If you are patient, you will find the right seller that has a box you like, and has kept his tools complete, organized, and in good condition.

Once you find the right tool collection, rent a U-haul ramp trailer, and go get it. Even if you have to drive a long distance, it's worth it for a purchase like this. On a $6k loaded box, you could save $30k or more. And bring about a dozen plastic bins; you'll need to unload the box before loading it on a U-haul. (Put the tools in the tow vehicle). Those 5x9 ramp trailers can't hold much more weight than an empty triple bank.

I like this idea, I've seen boxes like that going for 5-10k and I can't help but drool over them. I have already invested about 3k in my current tools and box (all used), so I would definitely have a few doubles. That doesn't bother me much as I could sell anything for about what I payed.