that is the truth, I never heard it put that way but its true.. I always kept brand new vehicles in my fleet {never older than 34 months}, it wasnt for resale value, it was because for some reason customers feel more comfortable with nice new trucks, I would imagine mechanics are the same way, a customer like me that knows the difference between tool a and tool b, will know that most likely the mechanic with a $20K tool box knows what he is doing, sure there are some guys that have nice tools and are clueless, BUT for the most part, a guy with a ton invested in tools is going to be good at using them...
Holy ****! (SnapOn setup)
- Thread starter PugetDude
- Start date
that is the truth, I never heard it put that way but its true.. I always kept brand new vehicles in my fleet {never older than 34 months}, it wasnt for resale value, it was because for some reason customers feel more comfortable with nice new trucks, I would imagine mechanics are the same way, a customer like me that knows the difference between tool a and tool b, will know that most likely the mechanic with a $20K tool box knows what he is doing, sure there are some guys that have nice tools and are clueless, BUT for the most part, a guy with a ton invested in tools is going to be good at using them...
No your right this guy has invested in his profession and guys want to bash him for that.
Falcon67
Well-known member
"high-end RV repair facility"
I would expect that. $36K is BS money compared to the motorhomes they work on. Anybody priced an Class C RV lately? Class A? Toter Home? We have. Those buses ain't the Continental Trailways things your grand dad rode. Sumbitch those bastages are big money. I'd think having a professional looking repair facility would be a requirement for customers in that price range.
I would expect that. $36K is BS money compared to the motorhomes they work on. Anybody priced an Class C RV lately? Class A? Toter Home? We have. Those buses ain't the Continental Trailways things your grand dad rode. Sumbitch those bastages are big money. I'd think having a professional looking repair facility would be a requirement for customers in that price range.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
That is no **** but I wouldn't exactly say $36k is BS money, just not in comparison to a large RV. I wish I only had $36k invested in tools, I am sure my wife would appreciate that as well.
Spending $250k even for a upper-mid level Class A DP is about average for a several year old coach. Ours new sold for $400k which is why we had to buy used.
Mike.
It's a nice looking set up and hopefully for his sakes, it's filled with tons of paid off tools.
Heck maybe the guy lives at home, no kids and never been married. How many toys would you have ?
Maybe he is the son of the shop owner and the company pays for his stuff ?
Heck maybe the guy lives at home, no kids and never been married. How many toys would you have ?
Maybe he is the son of the shop owner and the company pays for his stuff ?
Capt Chrysler
Well-known member
There is a tech here in town that has a red on.
I'm afraid to say, but if I was still wrenching I would most likely has the biggest that SO made. The last tool box as ordered this way. Feb. 2000 SO truck pulls up. Drawer slid latch broke again on the current bottom box. I walked into the SO truck and said. "I want the biggest SOB that SO makes and I want to trade everything I have in. And I want the price today." Turned and walked out. 6:00 PM I had a price. 14 days later I had a new top and bottom box. 4 months later I quit wrenching full time .
Capt. Chrysler
I'm afraid to say, but if I was still wrenching I would most likely has the biggest that SO made. The last tool box as ordered this way. Feb. 2000 SO truck pulls up. Drawer slid latch broke again on the current bottom box. I walked into the SO truck and said. "I want the biggest SOB that SO makes and I want to trade everything I have in. And I want the price today." Turned and walked out. 6:00 PM I had a price. 14 days later I had a new top and bottom box. 4 months later I quit wrenching full time .
Capt. Chrysler
homebuilt burner
Well-known member
Actually, At an auction SO tools and boxes bring very close to new current prices. So, if you bought a new SO box and held onto it for 10 years, you get to use it the whole time and still make money on it. How wise is it to not to buy quality? As far as a bass boat and fishing gear I could care less. If I was to hit the lottery I would build and fix more, because that is what I love to do. Different strokes for different folks, that is why women come in different shapes and different hair color, everbody has different values.
NitroSun
Well-known member
Amen.
Original post was that it was a nice set-up. I don't think anyone can disagree with that part, so enjoy the pic and if it aint your cup of tea, that's ok too.
Original post was that it was a nice set-up. I don't think anyone can disagree with that part, so enjoy the pic and if it aint your cup of tea, that's ok too.
You're right- they had high-dollar rigs stacked ion there like cordwood. Tag axle diesels, toterhomes, etc... My new 34' Tiffin Allegro looked like chopped liver in that place...
This tech was in the #1 position, next to the customer waiting room. Probably not just a coincidence. The further down the row you went the more modest the toolboxes got, but they were all pretty impressive.
And, I almost forgot.... he had another big SO roll-around with top chest full of SO tools that that he uses when he has to work out in the lot (or on the other end of a 40'+ Class a Diesel...)
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Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
People on this board are quick to judge others for spending big bucks on truck brand tools, but I guarantee 99% of those same people pay money each month for cable TV, smart phones, eating out at restaurants, drive a car that depreciates more/faster than a tool collection, pay a landlord rent, etc. If a guy wants to spend his paycheck gold plating cat turds, who am I to criticize his spending?
Oh those labels are available in Hong Kong. Just peel of the labels on the HF cabinets and stick those on instead. No one will know.
Model A Fan
Well-known member
I guess I'll go out and buy one of these ridiculous setups and put a motor on it and go fishing with my kids, cruise around town at night on it during the summer, take it camping and sleep in the drawers...oh wait. You can't do anything that matters in the long run with it. You can't build memories with your family with a $36,000 box. That $36,000 can go toward making good memories that you can think back on when your 85. Unless you want to impress your grandkids while shouting over their stupid video games, trying to convince them you had the "coolest tool box" on the internet... No one wishes they had spent more time working, and this goes along with it.
I really don't understand the Snap-On jerkfest that some people seem to have when they see the name on a tool box. They're overpriced compared to your average Harbor Freight/Craftsman brand ones, all while doing the same thing. How much extra cash would this guy have if he had spent money on mid-priced boxes by Craftsman or Harbor Freight and not high end, but mid-range tools like Craftsman (USA made only), Matco, or whatever? It seems that a lot of the people who drool over Snap-On are the ones who say anything else is just ****.
I am not saying the Harbor Freight boxes are going to be the same quality, but for the price, you can afford about 10-15 depending on which box you're buying that is Snap-On brand. Are you telling me you'd burn through 10-15 boxes over the course of your career as a mechanic? I'd rather take my car somewhere where the tool boxes don't stare me in the face and whisper, "We're gonna **** your checkbook because that mechanic guy spent so much damn money on us and he owes the tool truck guy big time."
I don't begrudge anyone who purchases Snap-On stuff. I am sure the quality is good and that they have a good product. What I am saying is that there are better ways to spend your money than trying to impress a bunch of guys on an internet forum with the newest Snap-On stuff you bought. There's a lot of "Keeping up with the Jones'" kind of vibe I get when I hear or read about some new Snap-On purchase. If you can afford it, go for it. I'm not going to complain. I just wonder if that money could have been better spent on some other projects or aspect of the garage.
One thing that I do think positively about Snap-On is their USA manufacturing. It is good that they are still making stuff in the US. I grew up with Craftsman and own primarily Craftsman brand tools; however, I am drifting away from Craftsman as I am discovering they are continually shifting their manufacturing from USA to China/Taiwan. I have become selective in my purchases from them and only buy USA made tools now. While I am shifting away from Craftsman, I will not break into the Snap-On market as they are just too overpriced in my opinion and I can't justify spending the extra cash on the same product I can get from someone else.
Good luck to the RV mechanic, hopefully when he's done working he can sell those boxes to someone else and they can continue to serve their intended purpose.
cbacres
Well-known member
That would describe my shop!
GTA Matt
Well-known member
Why oh why does everyone care so much about what someone spends their money on??? And why are people so judgmental over tools??? Someone spends 5k on a toolbox and they get chastised and told they should have saved their money and got something else. Someone spends 40k on a car and people say congratulations. I don't get it? And it IS possible to own nice tools and tool boxes and also own other nice things as well, all while not being in debt...
SkidooRider15
Well-known member
Anarius
Well-known member
Sure thats nice....
Check this guy out though - he is local to me, my Mac dealer sold him the box(es). He has had a pic up in his tool truck for ever, but last month PTEN did a article on it.
http://www.vehicleservicepros.com/article/12019421/big-time-boxes-eric-muir-mac-tools-macsimizer
Check this guy out though - he is local to me, my Mac dealer sold him the box(es). He has had a pic up in his tool truck for ever, but last month PTEN did a article on it.
http://www.vehicleservicepros.com/article/12019421/big-time-boxes-eric-muir-mac-tools-macsimizer
I don't ever notice anyone judging others on their choice of tools on here. Sure, there are some people who try to make an argument that cheaper tools can suffice, but I never saw anyone attacked over their nice setups.
I like blonde women, redheads, bunettes, skinny, average, curvy, Snap-On, Mac, Cornwell, SK, etc.. Variety is the spice of life.
nti06
Well-known member
That RV tech must work for a Prevost dealer. I wonder if he caught some good deals across the years on some of those boxes.
With that much space I would go full OCD with tool control foam and a place for every little tool.
With that much space I would go full OCD with tool control foam and a place for every little tool.
NitroSun
Well-known member
Sure thats nice....
Check this guy out though - he is local to me, my Mac dealer sold him the box(es). He has had a pic up in his tool truck for ever, but last month PTEN did a article on it.
http://www.vehicleservicepros.com/article/12019421/big-time-boxes-eric-muir-mac-tools-macsimizer
Nice!
Again a guy spends his money as he feels he needs or wants and people here want to bash him. If you feel a new truck and boat make you happy then go for it I'm not gonna bash you for making what I see as bad fiscal decisions. I personally have a lot of great memories riding around and fishing with my dad and grandfather in old beat up trucks. If you need a new one toake those memories so be it
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I couldn't agree more. I am not a "keep up with the Jones" guy, I couldn't care less what others have. I only care about what I have and taking the best care of it. I like quality and will not skimp on that. I am more impressed when I see someone that has something nice, appreciates it and takes care of it, regardless of what IT is.
YES, it is possible to own high end tools AND be debt free. I don't buy new cars, trucks or anything else really for that matter. All of my vehicles and toys are used but still in much better condition than many peoples' new or newer cars and trucks.
I have friends who own boats, to me a boat has got to be the dumbest purchase on the face of the planet. That is my opinion and my opinion only, to them it is great family fun. My wife and I have a mid to upper end coach that cost more than our home and our friends think we are stupid for having such a luxurious coach while still working full-time. However, to us it is like taking our home with us whenever we travel, whether for a quick weekend trip two hours away or a two week trip covering several thousand miles.
Bottom line is people spend their money on what is important to THEM and only THEM. I am sure there are those that buy tools to impress others but I am also sure there are people like me who simply want to buy the highest quality period. Whether it is a tool, house, car, truck, boat or whatever.
Mike.
WhiffySpark
Well-known member
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The funny thing is the setup isn't even that expensive. Those are 2 roll cabs and a few lockers. A mr big retails for 24 now can be had for 14-5 with stainless top. I know quite a few people with one. One has 4 side cabinets a hutch and top cabinet. And he's almost out of room. He traded in his old box and my current co worker brought it for 7
Attachments
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Lots of 12 hour days..... pride in his workplace....... it shows...... busy ....... ? 12 hour days were mentioned....... Snappy comes to visit him; so he can work those 12 hour days///////no need to chase off to the dime stores to replace "budget tools" .... works for him..... BECAUSE he has chosen to make it work.....
Does anyone here question whether he is valued as an employee????????
bry@n
Well-known member
Good for him. If he could afford the tools/ boxes and that's what he wants/ likes, I don't see an issue with it. Everyone chooses to spend money on things they hold dear or value.
Kamn
Well-known member
As an ex-tech here is what I see, A professional technician who has purchased tools to repair vehicles which is part of the trade as no one will set you up for free. $36K isn't a lot BUT that shouldn't matter to anyone here because you are not him and you are not feeding his family. Sorry to say but HF tools are **** and No one from HF will come to your shop and replace your tools for you for the rest of your life. Yes SO is a little over priced but my tools took a beating and the very odd time I had a socket break because I used it in a situation that it shouldn't have been used in due to it being the only thing that would fit at that time, and never once did the SO guy say to me "it was improperly used so I can't warranty that". In this profession you need tools that will perform and perform well all the time, the reality is that if you used HF tools as tech, most of it would be broken in no time.
Every trade and profession has its thing that people need to invest in, whether it be suits, computers, cars, books, precision tools and machinery.........the list can go on.
The dude had a decent setup and thats it, money spent is irrelevant, only relevant to him and what he needs.
And on the flip side, I have know technicians that had a tiny tool box with a very small assortment of wrenches, sockets, and diagnostic tools that were AMAZING mechanics......and yes the tools were either MAC or SO
Every trade and profession has its thing that people need to invest in, whether it be suits, computers, cars, books, precision tools and machinery.........the list can go on.
The dude had a decent setup and thats it, money spent is irrelevant, only relevant to him and what he needs.
And on the flip side, I have know technicians that had a tiny tool box with a very small assortment of wrenches, sockets, and diagnostic tools that were AMAZING mechanics......and yes the tools were either MAC or SO
Or possibly a mechanic who is spending his rent money wildly. The Motor Home cant tell if the wrenches are Snapon or another Made in USA wrench
Really nice. I'm like this though, except a really nice, oh I dunno '40 Ford coupe sitting next to my '56 in the garage.
Trey T
Well-known member
Very nice SO setup.
Does technician out there (junior and senior techs) prefer to have their own tool box or company's issue box? I've seen shops w/ Vidmar and Lista in modular setup (non-caster), what do y'all think about that vs. all sorts of flavors of toolboxes in a shop? Also, I'm not talking about tools, just the tool box/cabinet.
Does technician out there (junior and senior techs) prefer to have their own tool box or company's issue box? I've seen shops w/ Vidmar and Lista in modular setup (non-caster), what do y'all think about that vs. all sorts of flavors of toolboxes in a shop? Also, I'm not talking about tools, just the tool box/cabinet.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I've worked in both and prefer to have my own setup, but that is just me. I have found pay wise, it is about a wash. Those that supply all the tools generally don't quite pay as well but that may vary location by location and field by field.
If you are just talking tool storage the uniformity does look cool and very professional such as a high end automotive dealership or performance setting, but in an industrial setting that I work in I don't know if it would really matter. Some companies provide tools and storage simply because nothing is allowed in or out of the buildings.
I have found that by purchasing my own and making a few bucks more give ME the choice to purchase what I want vs. being told what to use. What bothers me is when I see co-workers piss and moan about wanting to be treated like professionals, yet they flat refuse to put anything more into their careers than the bare minimum. Then they continually ask to borrow the specialty tools.
And YES, some of them have some nice toys sitting in their driveways but **** tools and always taxing their co-workers who take pride in their career, tools and invest in their own future as far as tools, equipment and training.
Sorry to get off topic on a rant.
Mike.
WhiffySpark
Well-known member
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No the motor home can't but your time can. When your wrench spreads and rounds the fastner off have fun eating the time to fix it
Trey T
Well-known member
Sorry but that statement is extremely irresponsible or high exaggerated. In modern days, it's not about mainly the tool, it's how you use it and the technique/procedure you use to tackle a project.
Trey T
Well-known member
Thanks for the explanation.
WhiffySpark
Well-known member
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A bolt is a bolt a nut is a nut. You'd be surprised with what you can do with cheap vs quality tools
I do it professionally
sberry
Banned
I feel bad cause I wanna upgrade a box I got for 75 25 yrs ago.
sberry
Banned
If I had to buy that with sweat equity it would remain on the shelf. I spose it gets a guy out of bed every day.
sberry
Banned
I have seen modern cheap tools beat like rented mules. There are some narrow areas and hi duty cycles where brand name or special features make it worth some extra investment but if you cant do it with Harbor Freight it probably cant be done. This is true especially for those starting out, you aint out much.
I tried a pair of Lowes dykes, wasn't a career decision at 9$ and supported the job at hand, worked great and still do. Channels were 19, just because I bought the cheap ones doesn't mean I would have bought the 20$ ones either so,,,,,,,,,, for 9 got my job done and it looks like a 10 yr life yet ahead of the tool and my old brand ones are not under warranty.
I tried a pair of Lowes dykes, wasn't a career decision at 9$ and supported the job at hand, worked great and still do. Channels were 19, just because I bought the cheap ones doesn't mean I would have bought the 20$ ones either so,,,,,,,,,, for 9 got my job done and it looks like a 10 yr life yet ahead of the tool and my old brand ones are not under warranty.
jimindm
Well-known member
It is interesting where threads like this go. This one is about a professional tech with professional grade tools. How he could save money by not spending so much, and use cheaper tools.
It is funny, but why is this never talked about in other professions. Would you want to deal with a stockbroker or banker, that dresses in shorts, a wife beater and flip flops. Using a 10 cent bic pen to sign documents.
How about a contractor that drives a beat up old van or work truck, that looks like it is on its last leg. Uses a hammer and does not even own a pneumatic gun.
The list can go on. But post a large SO toolbox full of SO tools and the people come out of the woodwork about the money wasted.
Yea many will say I drink the SO kool aid. I have bought many of their tools over the years. Some at auction, some at flea markets-garage sales, but many new right off of the truck. For thirty plus years I have paid $50-$200 a week for that dealer to stop.
Could I have done the job with other tools? I am sure I could have. It is about convenience, and the ability to use quality tools in the professional setting. Tools designed to be used by the professional.
The argument about the cost of his tools could be made in many professions. Why does the banker where suits, and has a $50 pen. Why does the contractor have a $50k pick up. It is about the way he chooses to do the job.
You want to say tools are not an investment. I have some that I bought new off of the truck 30 years ago, that sell for much more at auction now, than I paid for them. I have earned a living while using them for that many years.
Yea some of you may want that bass boat, or new pick up, classic car, paid for house, instead of $100k in SO tools. Some of us have all that, and the tools too. Much of this was acquired while using those same tools.
My tools are an investment. They are also something that I make a living with. When and if they are ever sold, I know they are worth 60%-75% of what I paid for them.
While I am earning a living with quality tools, that I had to buy once, what is that bucket full of broken HF tools worth to you.
Some will get it, some never will. That is a pretty nice set up in the OP.
It is funny, but why is this never talked about in other professions. Would you want to deal with a stockbroker or banker, that dresses in shorts, a wife beater and flip flops. Using a 10 cent bic pen to sign documents.
How about a contractor that drives a beat up old van or work truck, that looks like it is on its last leg. Uses a hammer and does not even own a pneumatic gun.
The list can go on. But post a large SO toolbox full of SO tools and the people come out of the woodwork about the money wasted.
Yea many will say I drink the SO kool aid. I have bought many of their tools over the years. Some at auction, some at flea markets-garage sales, but many new right off of the truck. For thirty plus years I have paid $50-$200 a week for that dealer to stop.
Could I have done the job with other tools? I am sure I could have. It is about convenience, and the ability to use quality tools in the professional setting. Tools designed to be used by the professional.
The argument about the cost of his tools could be made in many professions. Why does the banker where suits, and has a $50 pen. Why does the contractor have a $50k pick up. It is about the way he chooses to do the job.
You want to say tools are not an investment. I have some that I bought new off of the truck 30 years ago, that sell for much more at auction now, than I paid for them. I have earned a living while using them for that many years.
Yea some of you may want that bass boat, or new pick up, classic car, paid for house, instead of $100k in SO tools. Some of us have all that, and the tools too. Much of this was acquired while using those same tools.
My tools are an investment. They are also something that I make a living with. When and if they are ever sold, I know they are worth 60%-75% of what I paid for them.
While I am earning a living with quality tools, that I had to buy once, what is that bucket full of broken HF tools worth to you.
Some will get it, some never will. That is a pretty nice set up in the OP.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yep, one of the biggest reasons I bought my first Snap-On wrench set when I started wrenching professionally. I think it was about the second week on the job and I watched an open end wrench spread right before it slipped. I knew right then and there this was going to be an expensive journey but I had to have quality if I was going to wrench for a living. Now 27 years later I don't regret it one bit.
Very well said.
Mike.
Update:
I went back in yesterday afternoon to pick up my motorhome (minor warranty work)
Talked with the Tech and told him about this thread. He had a couple of interesting comments about his SO setup.
1. RV technicians need bigger toolboxes because they have to be mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, fabricators, welders, electronic techs, paint and body, HVAC, roofers, glaziers, and janitors. They have to have the appropriate tools to handle all the different systems of a bricks and mortar home that also needs to go rolling down the road.
2. He spends 12+ hours a day in front of his SO setup during Snowbird season, 8 hours during the offseason. He didn't think he could survive that long smelling HF tools...
3. He made paying off his tools a priority very early in his career, after watching co-workers struggle and default on their loans. He doesn't buy anything new until the previous purchase is fully paid for.
I went back in yesterday afternoon to pick up my motorhome (minor warranty work)
Talked with the Tech and told him about this thread. He had a couple of interesting comments about his SO setup.
1. RV technicians need bigger toolboxes because they have to be mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, fabricators, welders, electronic techs, paint and body, HVAC, roofers, glaziers, and janitors. They have to have the appropriate tools to handle all the different systems of a bricks and mortar home that also needs to go rolling down the road.
2. He spends 12+ hours a day in front of his SO setup during Snowbird season, 8 hours during the offseason. He didn't think he could survive that long smelling HF tools...
3. He made paying off his tools a priority very early in his career, after watching co-workers struggle and default on their loans. He doesn't buy anything new until the previous purchase is fully paid for.