How can mechanics afford Snap On?

[HandyManny]

Just as an aside this thread confirms why I don't like to respond to posters with less than 100 posts. Anyone notice this thread is started by a first post poster and they are gone? Just an observation, carry on

lg
no neat sig line

I've noticed that on other forums I participate on. People sign up just to get what they need as far as advice goes, then split without so much as saying THANKS. There are a lot of takers in this world.

 

[reznunt]

How can mechanics afford Snap On?

credit

 

[richfinn]

Larry, you make an excellent point.

He cant respond to that as you are still below the 100 posts threshold

 

[scott37300]

my point is, buying tools is NOT a good way of investment.

as a non-pro, I believe paying retail is just plain dumb. only because I have the luxury of "time". I waited 2 years to find a deal on Snap On cooling system tester at $50.

sad part of the deal is as a tech, you don't have the TIME, the customer is waiting and it has to be done, now. you can't tell them hey I'm getting this off ebay and would you come back in 5 days?

I agree and disagree with you. I believe tools are a good investment, and I'm not a pro. My thoughts are if I can do a job cheaper than a pro, even with buying new tools than it's a good investment. One example is changing a serpentine belt, I bought the gearwrench tool for 50 bucks or so and it's paid for itself many times, it was a good investment because it's paid for and each time I use it it is money in my pocket. Another example would be my tile saw I bought for 600 dollars. I saved money on my own project by not paying a pro tile guy. And now I have a nice tile saw to use whenever, so my tile projects only cost materials, labor and tools are already paid for so it is a very good investment in my opinion. Also I have made money with it doing work for friends and renting it out to others for a few bucks. If I can buy a new tool and it doesn't cost more than hiring the job out it is a good investment to me, because the next time I need the same tool it's already paid for.

I do agree with you that buying used is the way to go and I do buy a lot of my tools used. I end up buying a lot of tools that I get deals on that will sit in the box for a long time before I end up using them, but the first time I use them they pay for themselves usually. Not sure this is a good investment to have tools laying around I don't really need but I HATE having to rush out and pay full price or buy a lower quality tool for the price of a quality used tool or a tool on sale. So in my opinion it's an OK investment as long as I end up using the tool sometime down the road. One example of this was a stant cooling system pressure tester I bought used from someone on here for 30 bucks shipped. It sat around but the first time I used it it paid for itself because I didn't have to pay a mechanic to trouble shoot the car.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

One example of this was a stant cooling system pressure tester I bought used from someone on here for 30 bucks shipped. It sat around but the first time I used it it paid for itself because I didn't have to pay a mechanic to trouble shoot the car.

I love my pressure tester. Absolutely love it. Used it today to find a very slow coolant leak; pin hole in an oil cooler. No way i would've found it without the tester. I use it a lot for bleeding systems too.

 

[t100]

Also I have made money with it doing work for friends and renting it out to others for a few bucks.

that, also carries the liability, one screw up can wipe out 20 years of saving on tools, that's why I don't normally work on other people's vehicles.

 

[Hiball]

my point is, buying tools is NOT a good way of investment.

If your buying tools to work on your own Vehicles or as a Tech to make a living its definitely a investment, Regardless if you buy HF or SO. If your buying them just to sit in your box and sell down the road thats a poor plan.

I think the most important question is "How the Hell is this thread still going on?" You guys need to get a hobby. LOL..

 

[mrholeshot]

I paid 69 dollars for my current Stant cooling system pressure tester in 1989. It's been in constant service since. For the first 20 years it got used anywhere from 1-5 times a day. Thats at least around 10,000 times it's been used. It paid for itself in the first 4 uses.

 

[HandyManny]

I think the most important question is "How the Hell is this thread still going on?" You guys need to get a hobby. LOL..

Or get back to work

 

[REAL HOT SCHITT]

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.

snapon just say u can pay it off by instalments or whenever u can?, we know where you work and who you are.

This brand generally sells to the younger generation (the marketing strategy is...hype,nostalgia,history and the feelgood factor...thats if the s.o truck comes around that month to reinforce that? After making a sale) whom is starting of and thinks they have somfink to prove or just to have showing of in workshop to their girl etc.

There are brands like stahlwillie that are way superior and cheaper....why pay the equal of 7spanners for 1 snap-on?(u pay high prices for s.o to cover your future lifetime warranties /breakages which is a false warranty as u had to pay for it!)....im not in the business of cost recovery of tools, tools (like a spanner )got to pay off in the 1st hour on job not a week.

i worked for a company called "sulco" in mid 80,s we sold brands like ...Otc (owattonna tool co) now "SPX OTC", now that brand makes gear x times better,bigger,heavier than snapon and at lessor costs.

 

[mrholeshot]

snap/on just says we can have u pay it of by instalments or whenever u can?, we know where you work and who u r.

This brand generally sells to the younger generation (the marketing strategy is...hype,nostalgia,history and the feelgood factor...thats if the s.o truck comes around that month to reinforce that? After making a sale) whom is starting of and thinks they have somfink to prove or just to have showing of in workshop to their girl etc.

There are brands like stahlwillie that are way superior and cheaper....why pay the equal of 7 spanners for 1 snap-on?(u pay high prices for s.o to cover your future lifetime warranties /breakages which is a false warranty as u had to pay for it!)....im not in the business of cost recovery of tools, tools (like a spanner )got to pay off in the 1st hour on job not a week.

Can you translate that into english?

 

[jeffk14]

Can you translate that into english?

What remnants of American literacy the public education system did not manage to destroy, the texting culture will certainly eliminate.

 

[mrholeshot]

What remnants of American literacy the public education system did not manage to destroy, the texting culture will certainly eliminate.

You got that right.

 

[Simplespeed]

Holy **** i cant believe this thread is still alive. This thread will last longer than hf tools in a professional shop.

 

[mrholeshot]

Holy **** i cant believe this thread is still alive. This thread will last longer than hf tools in a professional shop.

There is a dead horse in here somewhere and we won't stop until the the skins off it

 

[tkcaudill]

Its cause SnapOn's what we want so thats what we pay for , oh and that I can pay weekly installments I'm not a save money kind of guy. and yes ive racked up over 25 K in tool spending just in 2010. haha, and have payed off half but 10 k was a new box that i needed alot.

 

[scott37300]

that, also carries the liability, one screw up can wipe out 20 years of saving on tools, that's why I don't normally work on other people's vehicles.

True. I don't do it for a business or even a side business, just for friends and family. And I always make sure I know what I'm doing before offering any services to anyone. Usually I will tell them that I will help them for the day or whatever, I don't do many side jobs, just help others out when I can. And they will give me some money or payback the favor some way. Yes things can still go wrong but I try and hope that my friends and family aren't lawsuit happy freaks like half the world out there. And if I mess something up that is my fault I will stand up and fix it.

 

[OldsRocket]

Just as an aside this thread confirms why I don't like to respond to posters with less than 100 posts. Anyone notice this thread is started by a first post poster and they are gone? Just an observation, carry on

lg
no neat sig line

I've noticed that on other forums I participate on. People sign up just to get what they need as far as advice goes, then split without so much as saying THANKS. There are a lot of takers in this world.

I hope I didn't offend anyone who provided input by not saying "Thank You." I have been reading every reply and learning from each one. I just don't like adding to threads if I don't have anything meaningful to post

Thank you all!

 

[Beerman]

I hope I didn't offend anyone who provided input by not saying "Thank You." I have been reading every reply and learning from each one. I just don't like adding to threads if I don't have anything meaningful to post

Thank you all!

Welcome to the forum. In case you can't tell, a WHOLE BUNCH of people here LOVE debating/arguing questions like this. If it wasn't your original post, we'd be debating another thread on Craftsman turning to **** or Durlast vs. HF.



Beerman

 

[mrholeshot]

I hope I didn't offend anyone who provided input by not saying "Thank You." I have been reading every reply and learning from each one. I just don't like adding to threads if I don't have anything meaningful to post

Thank you all!

Don't worry, If you hang out here very long you will be able to post useless and meaningless post like a pro

 

[OldsRocket]

This site is awesome! I am addicted to it and learning a lot. I enjoy the passion people have for tools.

I have been studying the Sears tool catalog religiously lately but now I am wishing I had some Snap On, Mac, Matco, etc. tool catalogs to compare things to. Do these guys have actual catalogs? The Snap On website is decent but the Mac and Matco sites are horrible. They have no description of the tools and often times don't have pictures. Based on that it makes me want to purchase Snap On over the others. How do you get real catalogs from these companies?

 

[Beerman]

This site is awesome! I am addicted to it and learning a lot. I enjoy the passion people have for tools.

I have been studying the Sears tool catalog religiously lately but now I am wishing I had some Snap On, Mac, Matco, etc. tool catalogs to compare things to. Do these guys have actual catalogs? The Snap On website is decent but the Mac and Matco sites are horrible. They have no description of the tools and often times don't have pictures. Based on that it makes me want to purchase Snap On over the others. How do you get real catalogs from these companies?

All of the companies will send you a cateloge to your house if you request one over the phone. Make sure you also ask that they include a current price sheet. Unlike the Sears catelog, prices for the tools are listed on an independent set of sheets that are not part of the thick, pretty, glossy cateloge.



Beerman

 

[johnsdeere850j]

This site is awesome! I am addicted to it and learning a lot. I enjoy the passion people have for tools.

I have been studying the Sears tool catalog religiously lately but now I am wishing I had some Snap On, Mac, Matco, etc. tool catalogs to compare things to. Do these guys have actual catalogs? The Snap On website is decent but the Mac and Matco sites are horrible. They have no description of the tools and often times don't have pictures. Based on that it makes me want to purchase Snap On over the others. How do you get real catalogs from these companies?

EDIT: Someone smarter answered the question

 

[Simplespeed]

There is a dead horse in here somewhere and we won't stop until the the skins off it

I think this forum could make good use of a chat.

 

[jethro29]

after many busted knuckles due to cheap tools breaking and countless jobs that you could'nt finish because the cheap tools wouldn't work or broke.the real question is how can they afford NOT to invest in the best.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

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.

yep , life gets in the way

 

[Deafautotech]

after many busted knuckles due to cheap tools breaking and countless jobs that you could'nt finish because the cheap tools wouldn't work or broke.the real question is how can they afford NOT to invest in the best.

AHEM!!! that why i had to buy either new or used tools as high end brand tools... my father has craftsman and harbor freight tools... when i tried to use cheap wrench, the open end already cracks or spreads.. even chrome socket that i use with breaker bar, already crack after two times use...

i just tired of it and i decided to use the money that i made to buy the tools (it is my best investment on tools than spend on beer, strip clubs, or stupid things)

 

[Deafautotech]

yep , life gets in the way

yeah i do see some of techs do that... BUT i already started to invest my retirement with my work(401K)... i dont own a house yet....

 

[BJ42LX]

BUT i already started to invest my retirement with my work(401K)...

Three thumbs up for you.

The sooner you start saving the better. Many things held constant, the money you save between 25 and 35 will equal the amount you save between 35 and 65. Compounding interest is your friend.

 

[Deafautotech]

Three thumbs up for you.

The sooner you start saving the better. Many things held constant, the money you save between 25 and 35 will equal the amount you save between 35 and 65. Compounding interest is your friend.

thanks. i am 24 years olds, my old job that i worked for almost 5 years, dont offer 401K... so now my work are match with mine as percents on every paychecks... other techs told me to take it as free money... so i did and my family are happy that i am do that..

i already has saving account so i can investment my money that i dont use that go in saving account, if something happen, i can use that to do it..

 

[Porcupine]

As a "weekend warrior", I have few Snap-On tools. Largely, it is due to their overall cost. I certainly would love to have a box full of their tools knowing that I am supporting the North American economy, and getting quality at the same time. I made the mistake of buying a set of screwdrivers on sale at Canadian Tire. I am not hard on my tools, nor do I think I abuse them, but not even a year into owning them, several of the tips have quickly deteriorated. The "you get what you pay for" saying can probably apply here. My solution to the problem (rather than return for new ones which will probably suffer the same fate), is that I bought some sets from Snap-On. The CDN Tire ones will be put in the trunk of my car in the event I ever need one. My Dad has a set of blue hard handle screwdrivers and they still look new to this day (aside from some minor wear and tear on the handles).

I buy a few Snap-On tools here and there, and when I do, I don't feel guilty about it. I don't spend my money gambling, drinking, or 'throwing it away'.

I get green with envy when I know someone who is going to school and gets the Snap On student discount, wishing that could be me getting that discount.

I have enjoyed reading this thread and all the points that have been made. I like seeing others points of view. One of the reasons I enjoy this website. Learn something I didn;t know before each time I visit.

 

[OldsRocket]

After looking at the prices of SO, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell standard size metric wrenches (10 piece 10mm-19mm) it seems like Snap On are actually the cheapest. Is that correct? How is that possible?

 

[richfinn]

After looking at the prices of SO, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell standard size metric wrenches (10 piece 10mm-19mm) it seems like Snap On are actually the cheapest. Is that correct? How is that possible?

I live a few thousand miles away on the other side of the Atlantic and have a toolbox half filled with Snap-On tools, I have a few MAC pieces I bought in the 80s (until the dealers became thin on the ground). I have never seen any Cornwell or Matco tools in my life. I would imagine Snap-On can make a better product cheaper because of the scale of the operation and the extent of Its distribution network. I live near one of the warehouses in the UK

http://www.sun-diagnostics.com/uk/haines.asp

 

[blown94conv]

After looking at the prices of SO, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell standard size metric wrenches (10 piece 10mm-19mm) it seems like Snap On are actually the cheapest. Is that correct? How is that possible?

Guess when it 's all said and done, the best isn't the most expensive. So why pay a premium for the others?

I started with Craftsman tools, still have quite a few in my Snap-On box. But the vast majority if the tools I use the most have been replaced with Snap-On. Impact Sockets, most of the chrome ones, all the bit sockets, ratchets, wrenches, pullers, air tools, and many others. Should have bought them the first time around, but live and learn. All paid for with cash, including the box.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

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.

Not taking time to read every post......
When started out I felt the same way. I had a bsaic CM socket / wrench assortement and actually ordered a ton of HF stuff to get a quick boost for little cash when I entered my first regular shop job.
15 years later, the CM stuff is at home and 90% of the HF **** ended up in the scrap pile. I remember breaking 3 large HF wrenches in 2 days once. Which bring me to a point I was advized by my mentor in this work. He said "buy what you want, but cheap tools will try to hurt you". So my answer now is there's multiple / combined reasons why I have a ton a money in a big red tool box:
In my book, they really are top quality and the service I get is decent.The tools make my job faster and easier - I may be paid by the hour, but I do need to get it done in a timely manner. That means that I can't afford to spend a lot of effort finding the cheapest "special widget tool" to get a job done when it comes up - yes I may find the HF freight version for 1/3 the price after searching for it, but how good is the quality of that tool?? Is that worth the effort? Not to me - I just call my dealer and explain what I need and if it's not on his truck, he'll drop ship it to me for the next day. I know I bought a good tool to add to my box and I can move on with other things.

There is also a certain pride issue for me - everyone who see's what I have in the shop makes comments to the affect that I "must be seriuos" about the work.

And as for the potential income - those labor figures are avarages - a good mechanic can do way better.

 

[EvenTheLoosest]

After looking at the prices of SO, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell standard size metric wrenches (10 piece 10mm-19mm) it seems like Snap On are actually the cheapest. Is that correct? How is that possible?

SO's prices are really no higher than other truck brands but they get ragged on the most for their pricing.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

you are clueless. he's at home making some real money

and he will "clock in" tomorrow morning to make someone else some real money.

 

[Mustangmike]

Had a CP branded (chiwan) 15mm 1/2" drive impact socket split in two when i was putting a flywheel into a VW. The piece that is now a keychain, flew past my head at about 100mph....Since that day, I have only bought Snappy or MAC impact sockets. For me, it is knowing that the tool I am using, will stand up day after day, and not injure me, or anybody else in the shop.

 

[ptschram]

I get green with envy when I know someone who is going to school and gets the Snap On student discount, wishing that could be me getting that discount.

When I worked for the Lear Corporation, we got a HUGE discount on Snap-On tools. You wouldn't believe the people who gave me a hard time for not using that to buy personal tools.

 

[HandyManny]

I hope I didn't offend anyone who provided input by not saying "Thank You." I have been reading every reply and learning from each one. I just don't like adding to threads if I don't have anything meaningful to post

Thank you all!

I understand. Didn't meant to jump to conclusions. Just saying what I often see on other forums. Wasn't nessesarily bashing you. Your last line above tells me you must be a smart guy. Welcome and glad to have you aboard.