How can mechanics afford Snap On?

[OldsRocket]

Okay, I know I am new to this site and not trying or wanting to piss anyone off. I have been reading the forum for some time and I just can't believe how much money some mechanics/technicians have in tools. I mean some talk about 30,000-100,000 in tools. I look at the prices of Snap On tools ($1,500 for a complete set of wrenches...come on!) and they make me nauseous.

My good friend is a technician and he says he makes about $28 an hour and flags about 100 hours on average in a two week period (some weeks better some weeks worse). That is a little over $70,000 a year. From what I understand he is doing pretty well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average technician is making closer to $43,000 a year working at a dealership.

My question is why on earth would you spend that much money to potentially make only 40 to 80 thousand a year. Again, I am not trying to upset anyone. As a matter of fact I am really considering becoming a technician but in the back of my mind I am saying it just doesn't make sense financially. Explain why people do this.

 

[Beerman]

I don't think anyone would argue that Snap-On makes top quality tools. Where they REALLY make their money, is off of financing the sale of their products. I'm guessing that most techs have a outstanding balance that they pay on every week, with a big part of that balance being interest. To be fair, I'm not in the biz and never have been-however I'm willing to bet that Snap-On' interest rate (and that of the other companies with the same business model such as Mac and Matco) isn't anywhere near the lowest.

FWIW, as an enrolled tech student, you typically can purchase Snap-On's products at approximately 50% of list price. So they lock you in before you actually start work. Once they have you as a customer, they figure they'll keep you as a customer.



Beerman

 

[bmxr4life87]

Truck accounts DO NOT have interest. It is a mutual understanding between the tech and the dealer. I don't know any techs personally who have signed up for an actual credit card through a truck. Most I know who need to make a big purchase will use their own credit card but the majority keep around a 6-700 balance and make their weekly payments and all is good in the world

 

[ibedayank]

simple dont buy them all at once and start with cheaper tools. when can afford or need them upgrade but pay CASH at the truck. Evilbay or craplist are options so are swapmeets and pawnshops rummage sales. Used tools work just as good as new..

 

[diesel research]

student discounts, used/repo tools, a lifetime of buying one or 2 pieces at a time, a lifetime of debt AND most importantly plenty of lying/exaggeration.

Some do have staggering amounts, many others are simply telling tall tales. Shop foreman tried selling me a ******** box "full of only snap on tools" for $6000. Was 90% craftsman/chicago pneumatic. Found a single snap on wrench and a few ******** impact sockets.

On the other hand a friend who doesn't make squat, hourly $16,000 annual, showed me a $12,000 matco receipt. That falls into a lifetime of debt.

Truck accounts DO NOT have interest.

You should correct that statement by saying interest or "finance fees" are at the discretion of the individual driver/company.

 

[ptschram]

How can mechanics NOT afford Snap-On tools?

I fought this argument for a few years. Since then, I've had a regular account with both Snap-On and Matco where I spent the better part of $3500/year to both of them. While things have slowed dramatically as my toolboxes have filled up, I still do several hundred, if not thousand each year.

If I consider what my education cost (private liberal arts college) compared with what I've made over the past 30 years, it doesn't look like all that good of an investment (one of my degrees is corporate finance, I can talk about investments-LOL).

The best part of the tool bill? Deducting it from my income for tax purposes.

 

[Stick Figure]

I can't speak for everyone, but regardless of how the money is coming in, i would still end up owning a _____ load of tools. I might as well make some money with them while i own them. .... and its even better if its something i'm good at and overall enjoy doing.

 

[ptschram]

Truck accounts DO NOT have interest.

The truck account might not, but for the big ticket items, they will make you open an account with the company. I'm amazed at how much Snap-On is willing to loan me.

My dad bankrolled by brother in law in a Snap-On truck and then a Matco truck and I've been approved by both of them for a route.

 

[mrholeshot]

My question is why on earth would you spend that much money to potentially make only 40 to 80 thousand a year. Again, I am not trying to upset anyone. As a matter of fact I am really considering becoming a technician but in the back of my mind I am saying it just doesn't make sense financially. Explain why people do this.

Most techs make more after work and on weekends than they do their regular jobs. What IRS sees and what a tech actually makes can differ greatly. When I had several years where my "off duty" income was greatly exceeding my 8-6 job I went full time on my own. I don't know many techs who don't moonlight and many places want you to sign a non-compete contract while you work for them. I've signed a few but I always made sure my jobs were far enough away from my home that it never became an issue. There were many times I made more in one evening in my home garage in one night than I did all week long in my day job.

The day job is just insurance you have an income and access to information, parts and contacts as well as tool men. It's how techs venture out on their own. You need a customer base before you open the doors to your own shop. On the other side of the fence there guys who just do the daily grind for all there life.

 

[ngk22r]

I look at the prices of Snap On tools ($1,500 for a complete set of wrenches...come on!) and they make me nauseous.

Are you looking at every wrench they made??

Different set on average run from $200-$300 each. If the pricing on things makes you nauseous then wrenching might not be the line of work for you.

Another myth that people like to say is that Snap-on is the most expensive. Walk onto the Matco or Cornwell truck and you will bust that myth very quick!

 

[472scout]

The sad fact is that there are a great many hard working techs out there with zero in retirement savings, little to no equity in their house, but a magnificent collection of tools.

 

[bczygan]

First of all, I'm not a tech. But I've been reading a lot on this group.
Techs, like workers of every kind are hemmed in by the natural constraints that every job has. They work for bosses, good, bad and indifferent. They work for companies, good bad and indifferent. They work in a society that right now is in economic flux. They work for customers who are good, bad or indifferent. Three things they can bring to bear to make their work lives better and easier are their knowledge, attitude and tools.
As an Architectural Designer I would always invest in the best available tools. Would you pay $225 for a book? I did, for Architectural Design Standards, a design bible. And many more. An electronics technician might spend many thousands for a single oscilloscope.

In such a hands on profession I can see that just the right tool for a particular task is the difference between work accomplished with minimum difficulty and work made more difficult by the tool. Mechanics work on all kinds of things. Items abused, neglected, left out in the elements, rusted, corroded, beat on, damaged and broken in all the ways humans can devise. Their knowledge, experience, inventiveness and tools are all they have to correct things in a timely manner. And time is an enemy as well because time is money.

Another important item to a pro is warranty service. Snap-on shines in this area with their trucks and service. Another driving force is peer pressure. I can see a lot of techs would feel funny outfitting themselves with HF in a shop full of SO.

The last item I see is just the joy of using the best tool. If you have ever worked on something mechanical you will know what I mean. I used to work on bicycles. Not only the tool, but the machine you work on has a lot to do with how much of a pleasure it is to manipulate parts with tools. Removing, adjusting and replacing parts on a finely engineered high end bike with top end components using the best tools is just a pleasure akin to seeing a beautiful sunset. The tool fits the part. The part fits the other parts. The materials chosen keep them from all being rusted together. The design of the components is such that they work smoothly together and don't self destruct with normal use.

The wrench fits perfectly in the hand the part, the wrench, the hand, the arm, the brain become one and as you work you are in the zone, kind of a slow motion dance. Fighting a rusted abused neglected part in an inaccessible location with not quite the right tool can be an exercise in frustration that makes you want to throw the tool across the shop in frustration and disgust.

Now, smart techs never let the time value of money work against them by going into debt. They pay cash and let their jobs pay to upgrade their tools, while at the same time buying the tools necessary for the jobs they are doing. They carefully use the great advice on this journal to find good deals on new and used tools by every manufacturer.

 

[mrholeshot]

Not only are Snap-On tools top of the line with an unequaled warranty but there is a certain amount of prestige and pride that comes with them. It's no differant than a salesman buying nice clothes for his job. Just about every profession that makes a decent living has some kind of expence.

 

[mrholeshot]

Now, smart techs never let the time value of money work against them by going into debt. .

This part I have an issue with. Sometimes going into debt is smart. For example.

If you work in a busy shop where their are 10 techs and shop owns 1 scan tool and you have to wait for hours or day to use it this can cost you. If you go into debt 3500 for a nice scan tool just one use a week can pay for the tool. Not only that but when the shop owner knows you have it you get more jobs. 3-4 jobs a week and that tool is paying for itself and increasing your income. Not only that but the money you can generate after hours is really good. If you have to save up to buy it with cash chances are you may never own one.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

The sad fact is that there are a great many hard working techs out there with zero in retirement savings, little to no equity in their house, but a magnificent collection of tools.

this.

 

[I can fix anything]

The sad fact is that there are a great many hard working techs out there with zero in retirement savings, little to no equity in their house, but a magnificent collection of tools.

My snap on tools have held a better value than my stock or 401k did. They all tanked, but my tools are still worth something.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

The sad fact is that there are a great many hard working techs out there with zero in retirement savings, little to no equity in their house, but a magnificent collection of tools.

The same thing could be said about plumbers, electricians, carpenters, salesmen or any other profession. Priorities differ among people at different times in their lives. Unfortunately, many forget that they will get old and unable to work at some point and have nothing for their later years.

How many people do you know that live paycheck to paycheck but have boats, new cars, nice houses, smart phones, etc? The "gotta have it now" syndrome affects all walks of life, not just auto techs. The only thing different is what they buy.

 

[472scout]

Very good point Georgia. It's much easier (and funner) to buy tools than to put that money into a boring Roth IRA.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

How many people do you know that live paycheck to paycheck but have boats, new cars, nice houses, smart phones, etc? The "gotta have it now" syndrome affects all walks of life, not just auto techs. The only thing different is what they buy.

BINGO! You just hit the nail on the head!

WoD

 

[route246]

As an older guy in another line of work who wrenches as a hobby, I tend to agree wholeheartedly with the prestige and pride aspect. The problem is, everyone is at a different place in their career life-cycle. Those early in a career should not expect to have a fully zoot toolkit that costs $100K+ to acquire. You need to start out somewhere and at the bottom is usually a good place to start.

That said, at a minimum you should define a basic line-up that will be used frequently, if not continuously and make that investment early and go into debt if necessary. Just don't overdo it. A nice set of ratchets, extensions, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers if they are used every day. In my line of work (engineering and technical photography is part of it) I did this. My equipment and tools were pretty meager when I was starting out but now I have the best stuff money can buy. It took me decades to reach this point. Regarding early purchases of expensive tools, you will use those for the rest of your career and never need to upgrade or replace them. These are your core tools, the ones that are always on your cart and always needed.

Additionally, depending on the type of job you have consider focusing on zoot 3/8" or 1/2" drive stuff and buy cheapo **** for the less seldom used sizes. Create a 5-year plan for upgrading and set your cost targets. I have work now that pays for equipment upgrades which are seldom because I have very little to upgrade. But, my work and income paid for this. I made sure that anything I laid out money for was going to have a payback. I've made some dumb purchases and learned from them.

Not only are Snap-On tools top of the line with an unequaled warranty but there is a certain amount of prestige and pride that comes with them. It's no differant than a salesman buying nice clothes for his job. Just about every profession that makes a decent living has some kind of expence.

 

[HandyManny]

Okay, I know I am new to this site and not trying or wanting to piss anyone off. I have been reading the forum for some time and I just can't believe how much money some mechanics/technicians have in tools. I mean some talk about 30,000-100,000 in tools. I look at the prices of Snap On tools ($1,500 for a complete set of wrenches...come on!) and they make me nauseous.

My good friend is a technician and he says he makes about $28 an hour and flags about 100 hours on average in a two week period (some weeks better some weeks worse). That is a little over $70,000 a year. From what I understand he is doing pretty well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average technician is making closer to $43,000 a year working at a dealership.

My question is why on earth would you spend that much money to potentially make only 40 to 80 thousand a year. Again, I am not trying to upset anyone. As a matter of fact I am really considering becoming a technician but in the back of my mind I am saying it just doesn't make sense financially. Explain why people do this.

Why do you think so many Americans are up to their eyeballs in debt?? Aside from some specialty tools and diagnostic type tools I see absolutley no reason to by hand tools off the tool truck. The whole point is that your tools are supposed to help you make a living and make money foryou, not create you tons of debt. I knew and still know many techs, automotive and aircraft mechanics who've made a great living prefectly well without owning much tool truck stuff. From what I know of them, they were and are some darn good mechanics. In fact some of the best guys I knew were guys who used a lot of basic brand hand tools, older Craftsman and other stuff you could pick up in any hardware store or automotive parts supply store. To these guys, being a professional was all about how well they did their job and their knowledge and experience. I only worked for a couple years as a A/P mechanic and aside from a few specialty tools I bought very little from the tool trucks. Most all my stuff was good quality stuff that came from industrial suppliers, NAPA, and other auto parts stores, even stuff from some good hardware stores. I never felt handicapped or disadvantaged using those tools and they still serve me well as a weekend mechanic after all these decades.

 

[SuperSocket]

Its like this with everything, you simply amass an incredible amount of equipment over a long period of time.


I doubt any first year techs spends 80-100k in their first year on all the tools.


It's like this for every profession, some specialized doctor offices have over 6 million in equipment... they most certainly do not make 6 million a year, nor 3, 2, or a lot of the time even 1.

 

[nate379]

Like I've said many times, the tools don't make the mechanic. Some of the best wrench turners I know work out of just a small toolbox with Harbor Freight or maybe Craftsman tools...

My Dad being one of those guys... he's been at his job for almost 30 years so must be doing something right?

YES I realize that some specialty tools are needed and are expensive, but in the end the customer isn't going to give a **** if you replaced her sparkplugs with a $150 Snap On ratchet and socket or a $5 Harbor Freight.

I buy what I like based on quality and price, not brand.

 

[HandyManny]

Like I've said many times, the tools don't make the mechanic. Some of the best wrench turners I know work out of just a small toolbox with Harbor Freight or maybe Craftsman tools...

My Dad being one of those guys... he's been at his job for almost 30 years so must be doing something right?

YES I realize that some specialty tools are needed and are expensive, but in the end the customer isn't going to give a **** if you replaced her sparkplugs with a $150 Snap On ratchet and socket or a $5 Harbor Freight.

I agree 100% with you on this. It's just like I said above from my own experience. Truthfully the customer isn't going to give a rats *** what brand of tools you're using, and few will never take notice anyway. They care about two things only - how well a job you did on their vehicle and how quickly. So showing off brands is kind of worthless and I just have never seen the point of that stuff. Besides, fewer and fewer shops these days even allow the customer back where the work is done for safety and insurance reasons. Professionals don't gawk at their tools, they use them.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Not only are Snap-On tools top of the line with an unequaled warranty but there is a certain amount of prestige and pride that comes with them. It's no differant than a salesman buying nice clothes for his job. Just about every profession that makes a decent living has some kind of expence.

THIS!

 

[Simplespeed]

I didn't go to college, so that saved me about 50k and put me that far ahead of my friends that are my age.

Buy a cheap tool 5 times cause it keeps breaking and you could have bought a good tool and saved the down time and made more money because you dont have any down time. If it does happen to break, replacements come to you on a tool truck.

Side jobs can easily make more money than a regular job once you have a clientele built up.

 

[bczygan]

This part I have an issue with. Sometimes going into debt is smart. For example.

If you work in a busy shop where their are 10 techs and shop owns 1 scan tool and you have to wait for hours or day to use it this can cost you. If you go into debt 3500 for a nice scan tool just one use a week can pay for the tool. Not only that but when the shop owner knows you have it you get more jobs. 3-4 jobs a week and that tool is paying for itself and increasing your income. Not only that but the money you can generate after hours is really good. If you have to save up to buy it with cash chances are you may never own one.

I agree. You have to throw into the equation also the jobs you can get with a tool of your own, or the efficiency of a better tool. I used to know a publisher who had taken out a half million worth of presses and put them in the back room, stored forever, and replaced them with 3/4 million worth of new presses because of the labor savings they gave him. He had done this three times before.

 

[semi42]

was lucky enough to have a purchase scheme when i was an apprentice. bought a set of snap on , the company paid for em, i paid it back interest free ,week by week over my 4 years apprenticeship

 

[dirttracker18]

As a mechanic in the past that has moved on now, when you buy a quality tool (SO or overwise) there is a difference in your hand. When you have to work with them everyday all day, I will pay for the high quality tool. In fact I did and still have a portion of my tools that are SO.
Now as a hobbiest I rarely spend big dollars on tools. There are a few that I will depending on the tool and need.
As a tech, I want to work with the best stuff I can. It makes your job easier and your days better.
Pride and prestige? For sure that factors in. But that applies in any work environment, not just auto shops. To each his own but most good techs opt for high end tools when they can.
That being said I never bought a SO box. A had/have a good quality Craftsman and one good quality Mastercraft. Had I stayed in the industry I might have upgraded one day but it was last on my list. There are some sweet high end boxes out there though!!

 

[HandyManny]

I don't know maybe I'm different, but to me pride and prestige comes from doing the job right the first time and knowing what you're doing. No tool brand can make up for that.

 

[ptschram]

Side-jobs steal from your primary employer.

You owe it to your employer to not do side-jobs.

 

[Simplespeed]

Side-jobs steal from your primary employer.

You owe it to your employer to not do side-jobs.

Dont steal from them then. Find your own customers.

 

[richfinn]

I don't know maybe I'm different, but to me pride and prestige comes from doing the job right the first time and knowing what you're doing. No tool brand can make up for that.

I agree, the difference is if you use really good quality tools as opposed to shop brands they will outlast them, be more comfortable to use and speed up the job and finally you will respect them more because they cost you more in the first place.

I like all my basic stuff to be top quality, special stuff I use once in a while I can live with home made or cheap option, If its something I plan to keep for a long time I search out the best 9thats kind of how I found this place)

 

[wave180]

I don't know maybe I'm different, but to me pride and prestige comes from doing the job right the first time and knowing what you're doing. No tool brand can make up for that.

+1. A proud owner of HF and Craftsman tools here.

 

[Hiball]

Side-jobs steal from your primary employer.

You owe it to your employer to not do side-jobs.

The Only thing you owe to your Employer is to give him a honest days work, There is nothing that says a "Man cant try to better himself thru Hard work during Off hours". The Truth is that shops generally work Mon-Fri 8-5 and that doesnt fit everyone else's schedule. If i had a dime for everytime i had to fix my own cars between the hours of Midnight and 6am i could take a day or 2 off.

 

[weegaz22]

Side-jobs steal from your primary employer.

You owe it to your employer to not do side-jobs.

Since when did your employer own the monopoly on customers? mechanic pay is abismal, if a guy needs to do side jobs to put a bit more food on the table so be it, I've done side jobs on ramps at work during lunch and my employer knew about it, they were jobs for freinds, family, people that wouldn't have went to a dealership garage in the first place.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Side-jobs steal from your primary employer.

You owe it to your employer to not do side-jobs.

b/s... a side job is personal time, side jobs are usually cheap work... helping out family/friends that dont necessarily have the $$$ to do the work at the dealership. Even if they do have the $$$, there is usually a reason or two why they won't use the dealership or establishment... It's the establishment's own fault for loosing or not gaining a customer.

Employer owes it to the employees to stay the fk out of their personal business after the time card is punched out for the day. If the tech is doing real well w/ side jobs, then the business should be thinking long and hard about doing what they can to keep that tech around, improving the tech's position w/n the organization. Contrary to popular belief, a good tech can be hard to find.

If a tech is working at one establishment, then moonlighting at another competing brick/mortar professional establishment, that is a different story.

When considering loyalty, it's a two way street. Most dealerships won't think twice about sending everybody but the SA, lot attendant and tire slinger home for a week, or 6 months.

 

[BenJAMin]

I am not a tech, but here is my observation from the shop that I have handle alot of my repairs in a rural area. There is very little tool-truck tools at the shop other than some specialized Matco. It seems the balance is either S-K (which the Auto Value used to sell), Craftsman, and odds and ends from a place called Sam and Jake's Tools (a Harbor Freight-esqe store). I have been very pleased with this shop and their willingness to seemingly fix anything. I have had everything from '07 Monte Carlos to VW New Beetles to Lada NIvas to Citroen 2CVs fixed at this shop. The owner refuses to deal with Snap-On and this is partially because they have gone through several drivers and there is currently no Snap On Truck in the area. Matco seems to be the big name here and I think that is partially because it's a former tech driving the truck and he has more cred with the locals.

So, I'll take my $50/hour mechanic who seemingly can fix anything out of a 2 bay rinky-dink shop than one who has tons of tool bling.

 

[xrdad]

Started with a used tool set when I was 18. Borrowed $3k from the bank and bought someone else's 'junk'. Over 10 years, replaced every pieces of it, one by one with SO.

Likely spent $40k in the process. The tool truck kept a tab, 0% interest.

Like a painter uses a quality brush, a mechanic uses a quality tool. You can paint with Qtips, and if the customer is happy, I guess that's OK

For me, the quality of the tool meant less down time (truck would come replace any broken tools within a few hours), less skin loss from cheap tools, less callouses and although vanity, pride in my box. I can tell you first hand that I could work quicker, more efficiently and with less effort using the better tools. If you're doing for a living, there's really no other way IMHO.
If you're doing as a hobby, you have time to run back to HF and get a spare, bigger, stronger or different tool. Your customer (wife/friend/family) will likely be more patient with you when the tools you have fail. In a work environment, time is money and shaving .3 off every job = $ for you and the shop at the end of the week.

Yeah, I still have my tools and they look pretty impressive in my hobby shop, but I doubt I could retire on their net worth today

SO tools for a career in mechanics is a must to me.. my advice to the young guy is to buy the basic tools you need with the money you have. Replace them as you work your way through your career. Save the old stuff for at home.

 

[dirttracker18]

Doing side work for friends and family is one thing. Drumming up side work is something different. If the pay is too low at your shop and you are a good tech, move on. As stated good techs are hard to find. If you can prove your worth, ask for reasonable renumeration for it or go find it elsewhere.
Too many techs drumming up work a little too close to the shop (or within).