Ordered 4.7k of tools...

[tjmonsen5]

Was that a premade kit or did you piece it together yourself? Only odd thing I see here is both an air powered 1/2 impact and a battery powered 1/2 impact. Instead of the CT7850, I would have ordered a 3/8 CT4410a. Its quite the beast! It can remove lug nuts!

 

[amlv20]

Don't worry about em, pay your bill enjoy your tools and have fun. When I started I had around the same bill on snap on credit, my minimum was $65 a month but I had a good job and always payed 100 on time every month, I got it payed off before two years and improved my credit, my only regret was that I didn't get everything I could of! Don't worry you did pretty damn good.

 

[CWP1616L]

I doubt you'll be using those flex stubby wrenches very much, but you're gonna wish you had an inch pound torque wrench...

 

[MattPersman]

That's awesome congrats! Great starting stuff with a nice box on top of it. Don't let these other guys get you down saying this and that. Snap on tools give you a feel of pride when you use them. New stuff is always exciting. If everyone in the world only bought the cheapest used stuff they could we would be watching crappy CRT televisions in black and white and using pay phones instead of iPhones, driving old crappy rusty cars, letting goats cut our lawns for us

 

[dsmnickk90]

Lol... Not questioning that, most of the techs I've seen are whirling impacts. I suspect, it depends on what you work on primarily.




I can see that, because your not gonna snake a impact into that area

I'd grab a impact first but if it didn't fit I would grab a air ratchet. Some smaller stuff I'd grab a air ratchet over a impact too.


Good job on taking advantage of your discount while you have it. Even after the interest you pay if you put it on credit your still saving money. I don't know why everyone is making a big deal about it. I'm sure they didn't buy the car with cash. As long as it isn't a huge interest rate or compound interest like a credit card no harm done IMO.

Only thing I would have done different it gone with Snap On sockets instead of BluePoint and picked up 21mm,22mm and 24mm wrenches.

 

[Ed_EOD]

So you are going to end up spending over 6K in tools that you won't even have a place to put (or use) in 2 months? You do realize that when you join the USMC they aren't going to issue you a garage right. Are you going to put the toolbox next to your locker in the barracks? I have a feeling these are going to be on craigslist soon.

And congrats for joining the USMC! What will you be doing?

 

[Pumpman1968]

While I would have never spent that on new tools, I'll certainly not fault anyone spending that who will be wrenching professionally.

Good luck with the purchase!

Well said, Jason. I would hope to think that the OP spent quite a bit of time considering his options. Its personal choice..and a choice based on lots of factors. If treated with respect, the items he bought will last him a lifetime and will pay for themselves many times over.

On another subject, I thin we should start a thread about suggestions for a new name for Jason. Mine would be "KeeperOfTheRack"

 

[NineFingerFury]

So you are going to end up spending over 6K in tools that you won't even have a place to put (or use) in 2 months? You do realize that when you join the USMC they aren't going to issue you a garage right. Are you going to put the toolbox next to your locker in the barracks? I have a feeling these are going to be on craigslist soon.

And congrats for joining the USMC! What will you be doing?

X2. I sold my truck before I went in. Between MCRD and ITB, I didn't have a need for one for 6 months.

Unless you're going reserve, I'd say I'd regret the purchase. Congrats on enlisting though. Best decision I ever made!

 

[Tawn]

24 Years ago, I quit work as a bodyman and joined the Navy. Sold as much as I could back to the Snap-On man (at a huge loss), sold the rest to my best friend who was opening his own bodyshop (also at a huge loss). I took my first paycheck out of bootcamp and paid off the balance of my Snap-On bill.

When I go home on leave, I always stop by and see what tools my best friend still has. The hand tools and boxes are still in daily use.

Take it from someone who has been in for 24+ years, transfered 8 times and routinely deploys, buying a large amount of proffessional grade tools just prior to entering the military is foolish. Buying them near the end of your career when you are done bouncing around the world is another story.

Congrtulations on enlisting...best thing I ever did. Retire this year and they are gonna pay me the rest of my life just for waking up alive! Not gonna kid you, the first couple of years kinda ****, but it gets better, a lot better.

R/
STSCM(SS) Tawn

 

[themiller]

letting goats cut our lawns for us

 

[1ZlowZ]

I'm joining the Marines as a Main Battle Tank Mechanic.
The tools and box will be stowed in my parents house for a couple months until I finish everything. I'm going in as a reservist so they wont be there collecting dust that long.
I didn't add an air ratchet to the list as I already have one along with some 3/8 impacts. All metrics though. I'm anxious, I can't wait until all the tools and box arrive.
AFAIK, only the tool box is being shipped by freight.

 

[shockwave]

U might look into some spline sockets and wrenches as a lot of military equipment uses spline vs traditional hex and that is a good sizeable set to work with just fill in as needed and a good tap and die is always good to have as well

 

[JWILL]

Reservist or not that toolbox will be collecting dust for far more than just a few months.

 

[refried]

Reservist or not that toolbox will be collecting dust for far more than just a few months.

But He'll have them for the rest of his life.
He got a great deal on some very good tools that he can be proud to own and can be handed down.

 

[1ZlowZ]

Almost a full year it will be collecting dust and I fully understand that.
What you need to understand though, if I hadn't bought them now I would pay upwards of 9.5k to buy the same amount of tools without my student discount.
I saw the opportunity, I jumped on it and feel no regrets with the decision I made.
They may sit for a while but they wont degrade the time they're not in use.
Either way, I'm pretty ecstatic.

 

[neonnblack]

Some people just need to **** on other people. I dont understand it.

 

[Brownsfan]

Almost a full year it will be collecting dust and I fully understand that.
What you need to understand though, if I hadn't bought them now I would pay upwards of 9.5k to buy the same amount of tools without my student discount.
I saw the opportunity, I jumped on it and feel no regrets with the decision I made.
They may sit for a while but they wont degrade the time they're not in use.
Either way, I'm pretty ecstatic.

As you should be. I wish I could have taken advantage of the student discount. I would have bought less Craftsman and a lot more Snap On. Those tools are going to serve you well for years and pay for themselves a few times over

 

[NWphotog]

But He'll have them for the rest of his life.
He got a great deal on some very good tools that he can be proud to own and can be handed down.

Assuming they're not stolen or damaged in a fire. I never understood over spending for tools, just not the way I was raised. OTH assuming they were bought for cash, not credit, it is the OPs money and if it makes him happy more power to him. If on credit, not a smart move.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Almost a full year it will be collecting dust and I fully understand that.
What you need to understand though, if I hadn't bought them now I would pay upwards of 9.5k to buy the same amount of tools without my student discount.
I saw the opportunity, I jumped on it and feel no regrets with the decision I made.
They may sit for a while but they wont degrade the time they're not in use.
Either way, I'm pretty ecstatic.

I Dont blame you one bit
Congrat's and enjoy..

Hope to see that score in on huge picture lol

 

[b1ghwx]

Almost a full year it will be collecting dust and I fully understand that.
What you need to understand though, if I hadn't bought them now I would pay upwards of 9.5k to buy the same amount of tools without my student discount.
I saw the opportunity, I jumped on it and feel no regrets with the decision I made.
They may sit for a while but they wont degrade the time they're not in use.
Either way, I'm pretty ecstatic.

Plenty of us have made the same mistake. I wish you had asked before you signed up for the debt.

The real problem is that Schools don't teach the value of money. You will learn the hard way, most likely and that's unfortunate. Don't be FOOLED into thinking its a good deal because you didn't pay retail

 

[refried]

If they're in a fire or stolen they're insured if your smart, and if your buying Snap On tools your smart enough to do so.
I'm really surprized how many people do not want to own the best, I'm sure NWphotog has the best camera he can afford, not a Kodak from Costco, I'm sure if he showed up with a $200 camera he'd never get called to do another shoot. What about chainsaws. I'm sure every logger has what he feels is the best saw he can buy, Not a Poulan he can get for $99 at home Depot. If you make a living with something you want the best tool available.
I've never heard anyone say "I wish I bought HF tools instead of Snap On"

 

[jjjrmx5]

If they're in a fire or stolen they're insured if your smart, and if your buying Snap On tools your smart enough to do so.
I'm really surprized how many people do not want to own the best, I'm sure NWphotog has the best camera he can afford, not a Kodak from Costco, I'm sure if he showed up with a $200 camera he'd never get called to do another shoot. What about chainsaws. I'm sure every logger has what he feels is the best saw he can buy, Not a Poulan he can get for $99 at home Depot. If you make a living with something you want the best tool available.
I've never heard anyone say "I wish I bought HF tools instead of Snap On"

But also keep in mind that doing a job is more than "just the tools".

It requires intelligence...aka, an education.

A tech with Snap-On tools (especially if new to the industry) does not validate nor extol the education and intelligence merits they, the wrencher, possess.

Only time on the job, real work experience and problem solving does that. Well, that and the true brain power to do the job. Usually, again, via a good education.

I've worked with many a fucktard that owned truck tools but could not find his *** with both hands and a flashlight.

If the OP wants to buy and do credit on his purchase, I applaude it if he can afford it. Military pay is pretty good if single and COL expenses are low. As stated, tools don't go bad.

But please, let's lose the age old stigma that if you don't own truck tools or the very very best of the best you can't do the job. In some cases you DO need them. In most cases, not so much.

And I've seen it. First hand. ZOMG.

 

[lennoxlennox]

But also keep in mind that doing a job is more than "just the tools".

It requires intelligence...aka, an education.

A tech with Snap-On tools (especially if new to the industry) does not validate nor extol the education and intelligence merits they, the wrencher, possess.

Only time on the job, real work experience and problem solving does that. Well, that and the true brain power to do the job. Usually, again, via a good education.

I've worked with many a fucktard that owned truck tools but could not find his *** with both hands and a flashlight.

If the OP wants to buy and do credit on his purchase, I applaude it if he can afford it. Military pay is pretty good if single and COL expenses are low. As stated, tools don't go bad.

But please, let's lose the age old stigma that if you don't own truck tools or the very very best of the best you can't do the job. In some cases you DO need them. In most cases, not so much.

And I've seen it. First hand. ZOMG.

get off your soapbox, same goes for the others that have a bladder full of piss and rushing to the parade route


OP... well done, you took advantage of the student discount, and in spite of the jelly people, you have bought quality tools

Enjoy your purchase!

 

[dsmnickk90]

I have a buddy that was in the Marines. Hes out now and has nothing to show for it. He spent 2 deployments and 4 years worth of money in clubs in Hawaii. That's a lot of money when adding in combat pay. Most his friends did the same.
This guy will at least still have 4.7k in tools to show for the rest of his life.

 

[jjjrmx5]

get off your soapbox, same goes for the others that have a bladder full of piss and rushing to the parade route

So you're saying that the fact that just being able to buy and afford Snap-On tools makes you a better mechanic if not a true "master mechanic"?

Sadly, no soapbox on my end. It's the OP's money. He can do what he wants. I was just expressing an opinion.

I AM curious to hear more of your philosophical thoughts on my above post though.
"Bladder full of piss"?
Am I missing something?

I'm confused.

 

[lennoxlennox]

So you're saying that the fact that just being able to buy and afford Snap-On tools makes you a better mechanic if not a true "master mechanic"?

Sadly, no soapbox on my end. It's the OP's money. He can do what he wants. I was just expressing an opinion.

I AM curious to hear more of your philosophical thoughts on my above post though.
"Bladder full of piss"?
Am I missing something?

I'm confused.

YOU are the ONE turning this into statement about your beliefs about what makes a better mechanic

The title of this thread and the post was about a guys purchase, the list of tools he's happy with...


so um ya.... get off your soap box

 

[Turbo_Prop]

Should be here in two weeks...

I'll list most of it. tell me how I did.

8pc, soft grip screw drivers.
4pc, Awl/pick set
4pc, pry bar set
4pc, plier/cutter set
8pc, Punch chisel set
4pc, Heel bar set
8-19mm comb wrench set
3/8-1" comb wrench set
43pc torx socket set short/long
30pc hex socket set
6pc extensions wobble plus 1 1/2" - 11"
33pc, blue point 1/2 general service set
155pc, blue point 1/4 & 3/8 general service set
Ratchets, (3/8dr. FHOF80, FHLF80)(1/2dr. SHLF80A, SH80A)
2pc 16" plier set
2pc strap wrench kit
32oz deadblow, ball peen
Adjustable pliers 1 3/4" jaw
Flex stubby wrench set 8-19mm
Flux stubby wrench set 3/4-1"
MG725 1/2dr Impact
CT7850 18v Cordless impact
Impact sockets 10-24mm
Impact sockets 3/8- 1 5/16"
1/2dr. 5" impact ext.
3/8dr. Tq Wrench 5-75'lbs
1/2dr. Tq Wrench 50-250'lbs
KRA5311FPCM tool box Royal blue

All for 4,744 with tax.
Mostly snap on tools some blue point should all be here by the 18th by freight.

Looks like you have done your homework and put together a good set of tools. Best of luck to you.

 

[b1ghwx]

Just for fun and discussion.. I priced out the OP list of tools on HF website. I was able to match all items but not always the same number of pieces in set for instance.

Without any 'coupons' or 20% discount the total is $1,416.74

Now before you start your rant.. I am not posting this as a HF vs SO so don't even go there.

And set the COO aside , that ship has sailed

I am posting this to point out how much room there is between these two extremes. In most cases the HF tools are going to do the exact same job, last as long (warranted for life anyway) but, in some cases another brand like SO is going to be the better option.

My best advice here for a young person is that accumulating debt should be avoided. Buy the tools you need, that do the job and provide a return on your investment. You don't need trophy tools to unscrew a bolt......its not that complicated

 

[Hiball]

Now before you start your rant.. I am not posting this as a HF vs SO so don't even go there.

Wait... Lets recap, you went to the Harbor freight website, priced out the Op's list to the Hf counterpart, yet your state in Big red letters "I'm not posting this as a HF vs SO".


Gotcha... Clear as Mud...

 

[b1ghwx]

merely for contrast... and curiosity

 

[Dustin Echoes]

My opinion?

Nobody cares what company made the tools. Nobody cares how you purchased them. I just want to see the pics when they show up! It will be nice to see that many brand new never been used tools all in one pic. Bring on the tool ****!

 

[clarkjg33]

Congrats on your purchase

 

[cburnscrx]

Great, you took the time to reprice his purchase with HF **** to prove your point... you are my hero[/QUOTE]

I think you missed the point...It's showing the extremes of the tool prices. The OP spent $4700 with a big discount, while the HF tools are the bottom end of the spectrum in prices. That's all. Nobody's saying HF tools are anywhere near the quality of the SO.

 

[dsmnickk90]

So one shouod spend $1500 on HF junk and not take advantage of a discount with snap on. End up spending 9.5k on snap on in the end and end up spending 11k in the end. Thats a waste of 6.5k

 

[padronanniversary]

Congrats. You will enjoy your purchase, don't let the haters get you down. I got a set up so flare nut wrenches and have since not rounded off some brake line fittings that I have in the past with craftsman or HF.

Buy once and cry once. I would rather buy into something that you will use and keep a lifetime than into some of our other vises. I wonder how many people spend money on smokes, beer, etc. you money spend the way you want to.

 

[CWP1616L]

Also, I leave to MCRD San Diego in 2 months, I took advantage of the student discount while I had it. I see no harm done. :O

Do yourself a huge favor, don't ever get out. Those 20 years go by extremely fast. Don't spend all your money on beer. Stay in the barracks and read your rate manuals.

 

[cburnscrx]

So one should spend $1500 on HF junk and not take advantage of a discount with snap on. End up spending 9.5k on snap on in the end and end up spending 11k in the end. Thats a waste of 6.5k

Nope, that's not what is being said at all. Definitely should not be buying HF tools if they won't do the job in a day to day environment. If you're a professional mechanic, then by all means get what you need to get the job done.

However, I'll add my .02...

If you can get a discount from $100 to $50, but I can buy a similar quality tool that will LAST and still do the same job for $30...tell me about that discount again?

 

[SC-AW11]

Some people just need to **** on other people. I dont understand it.

I agree

Im in same boat. have Snap On discount but people on here are saying buy HF breaker bar for example. No thank you, Id much rather a good tool that will last longer than I will. I'm buying now, rather than later when I would pay double what I can pay now.

 

[Hiball]

I agree

+2

I expect some of its Jealously, Probably The Majority of Advice given out here at GJ is Based off the Self Justification of whatever that Individual has Purchased, Regardless of whatever side of the table your on. If someone bought HF they are gonna use every Excuse under the Rainbow to Justify to the Community that they made the Best purchase and to be fair the same holds true to the Other Side.

Ive heard just about every Argument For and Against just about every brand out there... IN the End What the _____ does it Matter? Buy what you want for the Reasons that are Important to you.

 

[dsmnickk90]

Nope, that's not what is being said at all. Definitely should not be buying HF tools if they won't do the job in a day to day environment. If you're a professional mechanic, then by all means get what you need to get the job done.

However, I'll add my .02...

If you can get a discount from $100 to $50, but I can buy a similar quality tool that will LAST and still do the same job for $30...tell me about that discount again?

Not directed 100% towards you but their has been a few threads in the past week about the student discount and everyone bring up HF amd sayin dont put anything on credit. The other thread said buy HF upgrade as you go, witch is a waste of money in my eyes.
The thing about buying these SO tools is if it comes down to it you can sell them and break even if not come out ahead. If you buy Williams SK Armstrong Proto or Wright if you sell them hour going to be losing money because your paying retail price and wont get retail in return you will probably get 50-60% back

Credit isnt bad just magage your money right. I'm 22 took out a loan when i got my car its now paid for. Last year got a loan for 4,500 to go towards a street bike, I owe 2,500.When I buy a house its going to be on credit.
The only credit you should stay away from is credit cards as its a compound intrest. You pay intrest on the intrest and just making the minimum payment you will never pay it off. Credit cards and medical bills are the 2 leading causes of bankruptcy.