Holy ****! (SnapOn setup)

[GTA Matt]

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.

I was thinking about this the other day. Painter was doing some work in the building next to us, had a nice new sprinter van, nice ladders, organized inside, etc. I bet no one would EVER ask him why he had such an elaborate setup to paint when they fit everything they needed to paint their living room in the trunk of their old hyundai.

Why is it only tool purchases that are viewed in this light? It gets really old hearing the same thing over and over. "He must be compensating for ability", "He's in debt up to his eyeballs", "He doesn't spend any money on his family". I've never had a customer or co-worker say these things to me. Usually they are thankful that either A: I am fixing their car with my tools, or B: Loaning them my tools.

 

[Trey T]

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

If all you do is look at nuts and bolts of the project, you'll never see the bigger picture.

No, really... what's your definition of a "quality" or "cheap" tools? I'm not trying to start a war or aynthing, I'm justr trying to understand how define things.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

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.

I like having my own box because if things go south, I can roll my tools into a trailer and be gone, and I don't have worry about things getting lost in transit.

 

[MattN03]

That's an awesome setup and I'd feel like my automobile/RV was in great hands with a tool setup like that!

 

[BuffaloHiker]

As a motor home owner, a technician with this level of tools would give me an added level of confidence over the norm. Hopefully, pride of ownership would translate to pride of workmanship.

 

[zmotorsports]

As a motor home owner, a technician with this level of tools would give me an added level of confidence over the norm. Hopefully, pride of ownership would translate to pride of workmanship.

I would say moreso than not this would be correct. HOWEVER not always, I know a few personally that nice quality tools and toolbox definitely does NOT equal quality work.

Mike.

 

[BuffaloHiker]

HOWEVER not always, I know a few personally that nice quality tools and toolbox definitely does NOT equal quality work.

Mike.

Just because he has a nice set of tools doesn't mean he doesn't do nice work.

 

[Ruger_556]

The amount of complete ******** in this thread is astounding...

 

[zmotorsports]

Just because he has a nice set of tools doesn't mean he doesn't do nice work.

I think we are saying the same thing but in a different way.

Mike.

 

[PugetDude]

The amount of complete ******** in this thread is astounding...

This is the internet....

 

[crerus75]

The amount of complete ******** in this thread is astounding...

Same as always. Someone shows a Snap On/Craftsman/Harbor Freight box, someone else says they'd rather have a Craftsman/Harbor Freight/Snap On box, and we're off to the races.

Can't we all agree that:
A-- It's nice to have nice, high-end tools.
B-- It's nice to get things accomplished, and a lot of people get a lot of work done with so-called low-end tools
C-- Sometimes, having a high-end tool is something that is worth the price. Sometimes it isn't. No two people will agree on where the line is drawn, and some people will change opinions based on their experiences.
D-- What works for one person, either financially, logistically, or esthetically, doesn't always work for another

Then again, why listen to me? I'm sitting here arguing on the internet, a task as productive as slamming my balls in a desk drawer.

 

[Conductor562]

 

[NitroSun]

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.

You've made it very clear in a ton of threads that you don't care for high quality tools. Can't you let one go by so the rest of us can enjoy what this post was about.

 

[Jarhead0408]

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.

Surprised no one has responded to this post yet. Many of the points/questions raised in this thread were answered in the above post.

I see a dude that has worked off his **** to get where he is at in his field.
Why anyone is pre-judging him I don't know. So he likes Snap On, so what? It's not OUR money that is being spent. It's his. SO if you want to buy Craftsman/Harbor Freight etc. By all means go ahead, no one is judging you. Leave the man alone. HE has decided that the tools he wants to buy are worth the cost. It's HIS job, HIS box, HIS tools. Stop running HIS budget from a freaking keyboard. Or would you rather have his mailing address so you can mail him a letter criticizing his setup? Pathetic and move on.

 

[coljar]

You said in the beginning, the man told you he was proud of it and it was all paid for. That's all that matters................life is good.

 

[mercracing]

Then again, why listen to me? I'm sitting here arguing on the internet, a task as productive as slamming my balls in a desk drawer.

Best quote ever!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Anarius]

Best quote ever!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol... I like it too. At work whenever my boss asks me to do something stupid / impossible I respond with

"Sure, I could do that. Or I could go put my **** in a vise and hit it with a hammer. It will be just as painful and humiliating, but at least it will be over a lot faster!"

 

[sberry]

You've made it very clear in a ton of threads that you don't care for high quality tools. Can't you let one go by so the rest of us can enjoy what this post was about.

I like hi quality tools, the thing is impressive in its own right. My comments are usually made following a post acclaiming all the merits and how nothing else fits the golden arm.
I wouldn't work that hard for a new car either. Or an old one for that matter.
Since this is a forum anyone is free to ignore, they are free to post an opinion and this thread isn't technically dangerous at the start anyway.
This thread is a good rain check to those starting out, I dun some of this, seen it done, it doesn't impress everyone.
Its better than being in the bar or crack house and its what it takes to motivate some people and if it were not for that they wouldn't do anything, same for most peoples compulsions.
This s a side note while I shoot some coffee in. My Bud had a sister used to live in n uppity place and he would visit here once in a while and she would near faint and blush when he came in in the old 64 Valiant. Well he is about a half derelict construction type but he is cobbing a smoke and the lady working in flowers in this monster place comes over and chats it up. She says, cute little car and he says its cheap and it works and I had it a long time. She quizzes him up, he is an electrician working on a project at Dow etc.
The sister says hows it go and he says he was out talking to the lady next door and sis about gags. Well what did she wnt, he says,,, nuthin, she came over and said she liked he car,,,, hahaha Maybe like the mid 70's or something.
Turns out this is like Dorthy Dow or sumthin like that.

 

[sberry]

I like what some of these single minded types do. You do one thing and can do it better, a guy doesn't have to be a genius to toss 300 a week at it forever but he has some earning power and drive.

 

[sberry]

Its why I would look at a thread, wonder did some kid shop his way around, get super deals etc.
Now I read Don Longs threads and I can jump to conclusions about what motivates him but,,,, Its my personal feeling and opinion that what he has and what he does is a total waste and I got about 0 interest in old sheet I totally admire what he did and how he got there.
That's what really makes the huge tool box interesting, the different things people value, some would go to the effort for a car, some think the guy might need this for work and I like to fish between whats an opinion and whats real. I can say from experience I don't need this to do the trade, nice yes, needed no.

 

[PugetDude]

Its why I would look at a thread, wonder did some kid shop his way around, get super deals etc.
Now I read Don Longs threads and I can jump to conclusions about what motivates him but,,,, Its my personal feeling and opinion that what he has and what he does is a total waste and I got about 0 interest in old sheet I totally admire what he did and how he got there.
That's what really makes the huge tool box interesting, the different things people value, some would go to the effort for a car, some think the guy might need this for work and I like to fish between whats an opinion and whats real. I can say from experience I don't need this to do the trade, nice yes, needed no.

Maybe you should go fishing. In another pond.

 

[sberry]

Don't read it.

 

[Joe69]

UPS can't sell a truck for what they paid for it, Delta can't sell a plane for what they paid for it. These purchases are not made to re-sell, they are made to make money.
As a business owner it didn't take me long to figure out that cheap tools cost you more than expensive ones in the long run.

I have a ton of money invested in tools. I don't owe anything on them, and I make a pretty good living because of them and my skills. I'm planning to retire at 55, and will still have my tools to do with what I choose. I buy good tools, and they have served me well for many years. In 9 years, I should be able to park my toolbox in my barn, and enjoy life.

Joe

 

[sberry]

Some places may even compensate a top hand, I stir poop, usually down a ways on a thread but in real comparison the money is about like driving a new car.

 

[bsaint]

If he paid cash, add up what you think he paid then divide it by two.

Snap-On guys never sell boxes by the list price unless you finance.

 

[Bears Fan]

That's great! Good for him, that's how he makes his living and besides that it is really freaking cool...I'm not sure though if I wanted my tool box setup to be insured for more then what my house is

 

[blown94conv]

I like how everyone assumes he doesn't have any other toys. Maybe he does have a new Bass boat. And the toolbox. And a new Duramax to pull it.

 

[Steevo]

Congrats to the mechanic for owning it all outright.

 

[jd_1138]

A setup like that saves time in having tools laid out well. Time is money. So he's saving money with a setup like that, and he's helping put food on the tables of the people who make quality tools and his SO rep.

 

[Nor'Easter]

All that and he still has to bend over every time he wants a tool in a lower drawer.

 

[admranger]

Love the tool boxes. Hate the blocked emergency exit egress pathway (2nd pic back right). I don't think that meets NFPA101 (life safety code) at all...

The propane tank, as noted earlier in the thread, is also a head scratcher.

Still, I wouldn't kick that toolbox setup out of my garage (though it wouldn't fit very well).

 

[jdsac]

A very nice set up, but Lista boxes would have been a LOT less money & have sturdier drawers. Plus you can configure the drawer heights to suit when ordering.

http://www.listabox.com/why-lista/choose-4-styles.php#triple

in these configurations, the highest priced one is around $ 6300-

http://www.listabox.com/model-1050/triple-bank/config.php

 

[jt777]

Very jealous. That is a fine setup i can only dream about at this point.

 

[CNGsaves]

Congrats to the mechanic for owning it all outright.

+1 congrats to mechanic for hard work it took to purchase / fill that baby !!

Also tells you that repairing RV's must be pretty NICE business to be in !!

 

[RVDan]

RV tech doesn't pay that well here, but you simply can't risk using crappy tools on a half million dollar motorhome. I have a Snapon 1023 and two side cabinets primarily filled with Snapon and Bluepoint. I can't use a screwdriver that doesn't fit properly and have it slip and scratch something.

 

[sberry]

Are snaps the only screwdriver fits properly?