Ordered 4.7k of tools...
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kythri
Well-known member
Can I ask a legitimate question?
Is resale value of the tools really THAT important? Aren't we all buying them to use? Or is this more a concern to people getting into the automotive repair field, and the job market is THAT unreliable that one really needs to seriously consider that investment and the ability to get out?
I've had this same conversation with my brother, when we've been discussing cars. I'm a Ford guy all the way, and his preference for Japanese imports (Mitsubishi, and now Acura) is usually "defended" on resale value of the vehicle, which I've never understood.
I don't buy my vehicles (or my tools, for that matter) based on what I might be able to sell it for someday if I want to get rid of them.
I don't think "Gosh, my Crown Victoria isn't going to be worth X% of what I paid for it if/when I decide to get rid of it, I shouldn't buy it."
I buy it because it's what I want, because I like it, and because I have good confidence that it will do what I need it to, when I need it to, without any major issues.
(Not that there's anything wrong with his purchase of the TL, or his reasoning for doing so - it's his money, his purchase, and it's a nice car.)
Am *I* the odd one here?
Is resale value of the tools really THAT important? Aren't we all buying them to use? Or is this more a concern to people getting into the automotive repair field, and the job market is THAT unreliable that one really needs to seriously consider that investment and the ability to get out?
I've had this same conversation with my brother, when we've been discussing cars. I'm a Ford guy all the way, and his preference for Japanese imports (Mitsubishi, and now Acura) is usually "defended" on resale value of the vehicle, which I've never understood.
I don't buy my vehicles (or my tools, for that matter) based on what I might be able to sell it for someday if I want to get rid of them.
I don't think "Gosh, my Crown Victoria isn't going to be worth X% of what I paid for it if/when I decide to get rid of it, I shouldn't buy it."
I buy it because it's what I want, because I like it, and because I have good confidence that it will do what I need it to, when I need it to, without any major issues.
(Not that there's anything wrong with his purchase of the TL, or his reasoning for doing so - it's his money, his purchase, and it's a nice car.)
Am *I* the odd one here?
Brownsfan
Well-known member
It has never been important to me. I look at some of the Snap on tools I have had since 1996 and they still perform great. Then think of the crappy stuff I had to buy a few times just to "get by" and realize if I had bought SO or even Craftsman I would have saved money in the end
Amen
Its a very good question. Personally I think the 'resale' notion - when it comes to simple hand tools, is just red herring for justification of having spent too much.
I understand irrational personal preference - I have more than couple Apple products for instance and my Audi is silly excess compared to my brothers Altima.
I can see the difference in Apple, Audi etc. because they have features simply not offered in an alternative or they offer personal pleasure but, I have a real hard time seeing ANY difference in a piece of steel forged to turn a bolt. If I can choose to spend $40 for a wrench or $4 and they both are going to do the exact same thing... yeah, I'm spending $4
Its true - sometimes the $4 tool just won't perform in which case I would buy the $40 tool and be happy but, I will start with $4 and a young person should do the same.
A young person should never be advised to mortgage their future with wasteful debt on mere hand tools.
Heavy Metal Doctor
Well-known member
This is what gets me - people drop tons of cash on hobbies / toys / entertainment and the hardly anyone questions them on it.
Buy a $20K Motorcycle that will likely land you in the hospital and your cool, not "there's better ways to spend your money"....Dump some cash into SO tools and you'll be told all about financial good sense and how other stuff will do the job for 1/4 the cost.
I also find the resale issue funny, too. I don't care about it in terms of tools. Selling my tools will be someone else's problem when I'm dead. At the same time people should remember that resale value comes from the reputation of performance / quality of the product.
To the OP - good for you, enjoy it!
Probably 80+% of collegs students take student loans. Are they all crazy too?
Conductor562
Well-known member
There's truth in this. At 50% he got them at a price that if all else fails he could very easily get his money back out of them and probably make money.
I dont want to paint anyone with that Brush, Its a Proven fact that someone with a college degree on "Average" make more money than someone with only a HS Diploma over a Lifetime.
Who am I to Judge someone, or How they use they Utilize there Credit whether there buying tools, Audi's, Apple Products, College Courses etc...
Yes they are and that bubble will be popping soon with horrendous consequences.
If you aren't in school to learn a real trade or a professional certification (Dr., Acct, Engineer etc.) Then yes, it is crazy to rack up $30k in student loans so you can be a customer service rep. MUCH crazier than $5k over spent debt on Truck tools.
Far too many people nowadays use resale as the criteria for purchases of goods they intend to keep. It makes no sense to me. I like American cars. Pretty much every time I buy one I get; "Why didn't you buy an Acura (Insert any Japanese, German or other luxury make here)? They have a higher resale value" For some reason, saying, " I don't like Acura (Or whichever make you inserted above) and I don't intend to sell my car. " just doesn't click with some people. I buy good quality American tools because I like using them, not because I intend to sell them.
Unless it's a State school, it's more like $30,000 per year. Fifteen years ago it may have been $30,000 total. You can not even become a Policeman without a College degree anymore. No promotion to Seargeant without a bacclaureate degree in many municipalities. The problem is, you can't get the better customer service rep. jobs without that sheepskin.
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I don't see why people are worked up about the purchase and how other tools can perform the same for less amount of cash. That's great and if I wanted to go that route I would've here's how far the discount goes.
SGDXL80BG 8pc. screwdriver set - 194.95 from snap on website. I get it for 96.77 taxed
SPBS704G 4pc. pry bar set-187.95 I get it for 94.09
FHOF80 3/8dr ratchet - 129.95 I get it for 64.97
TAXED
The tool box
KRA5311FPCM - 3080.00 from snap on website. I get it for 1341.60 taxed.
I don't see what the big fuss is about. I think I came out pretty good.
Sure I could've bought some harbor freight tools for a qtr of the cost but I wanted something that feels good on the hand to wrench with everyday.
Also, I don't want to worry as I'm applying a good amount of force and busting knuckles because the tool couldn't perform.
Not only did I pay for quality tools but for peace of mind.
SGDXL80BG 8pc. screwdriver set - 194.95 from snap on website. I get it for 96.77 taxed
SPBS704G 4pc. pry bar set-187.95 I get it for 94.09
FHOF80 3/8dr ratchet - 129.95 I get it for 64.97
TAXED
The tool box
KRA5311FPCM - 3080.00 from snap on website. I get it for 1341.60 taxed.
I don't see what the big fuss is about. I think I came out pretty good.
Sure I could've bought some harbor freight tools for a qtr of the cost but I wanted something that feels good on the hand to wrench with everyday.
Also, I don't want to worry as I'm applying a good amount of force and busting knuckles because the tool couldn't perform.
Not only did I pay for quality tools but for peace of mind.
Conductor562
Well-known member
I don't see what all the fuss is about either. I've seen threads where someone posted how ridiculously over priced Snap-On tools are, only to be hammered down by everyone in the thread about all the reasons Snap-On would be the tool of choice for Jesus Christ if he were a mechanic. You spend $4,700 on some killer tools at 1/2 the price that most could get them for and you get this?. If you're happy with the purchase than as a fellow tool junkie I'm happy for you.
This is what gets me - people drop tons of cash on hobbies / toys / entertainment and the hardly anyone questions them on it.
Buy a $20K Motorcycle that will likely land you in the hospital and your cool, not "there's better ways to spend your money"....Dump some cash into SO tools and you'll be told all about financial good sense and how other stuff will do the job for 1/4 the cost.
I also find the resale issue funny, too. I don't care about it in terms of tools. Selling my tools will be someone else's problem when I'm dead. At the same time people should remember that resale value comes from the reputation of performance / quality of the product.
To the OP - good for you, enjoy it!
haha Amen to that as well.
Bottom line, you did very good. Enjoy!
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. I wonder if a $300 deposit would get me an id card.... Hmmmmmmm, Only Kidding!
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I'll lead with this...it's his money he can spend it how he wants to. I hope the OP gets good use of his tools and enjoys them as much as you can enjoy a tool. I am not begrudging him in any way shape or form.
The other thing...you really don't think they hold their value so well he'll get all $4700 back? I know he got the student discount, but still... There were other posters in this thread who bought SO and had to sell it back at a loss. Heck, Craigslist tells me that's true too. Do they depreciate less than Craftsman or Proto. Yes. Do they still depreciate? Yes.
In reference to the car and motorcycle loan...taking out a loan on a depreciating liability isn't what I would call a good use of credit. I have owned cars for over 22 years, and so far I've had one car loan. All of my automotive purchases in my driving lifetime cost a grand total of $800.00 when all was said and done. Yes, you read that correctly, $800 (or I still currently own the vehicles, so that number could go down...or up). Some cars I bought with some neglect, fixed them, drove them for awhile and resold them for more than I paid for them. To keep things in perspective, I wear a suit and tie and work in office doing public relations, so I can't exactly go to work in a rusty pile of junk either.
*And when you buy your house, make sure you have enough down payment to avoid PMI. That's just throwing money away.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
People do it all the time to get student discount software...then they drop the one class they signed up for and get their money back. Personal opinion...that's pretty shady and sad.
Why should he be worried about selling his tools when he is just embarking on a new career? Wish him luck, maybe even say a prayer for his success. I find starting out with the biggest advantage (As in good tools) is a good way to go.
Conductor562
Well-known member
That just came about because it was being analyzed as an investment and re-sale value is an important factor in any investment. That being said, I agree with what you're saying. This young man made a $4,700 investment in what he believes will be his future. I've seen more kids than I care to remember who's only investment in their future was in their buzz for that night. Could he have gotten a comparable quality tool set in Proto, SK, or Wright for less money? Sure he could've, but he didn't want to. He bought the tools he wanted. He'll enjoy them, he'll be proud of them, and I'd be willing to bet that in 20 years he'll still be glad he did. He may go on to wrench for a living and he may end up selling appliances at Sears, but either way, if spending $4700 on Snap-On tools is the biggest mistake he ever makes he's going to be just fine. I doubt anyone's dying words were ever "If only I hadn't bought those damn tools".
Good luck OP. Enjoy your tools.
64Trvlr
Well-known member
I don't get it either, enjoy YOUR new tools and **** the guys that are dishing out the **** towards you.
Congrats on your new tools, post up some pics when you get them.
WOW!!
The OP just asked if we all thought he got a good deal and is proud of his purchase!
And then this thread goes to ****
Comparing tool brands, talking about debt, talking about better ways to spend your money. Did the OP ask anyone's opinion about these things? Good Grief
To the OP nice haul and congrats on joining the military!
The OP just asked if we all thought he got a good deal and is proud of his purchase!
And then this thread goes to ****
Comparing tool brands, talking about debt, talking about better ways to spend your money. Did the OP ask anyone's opinion about these things? Good Grief
To the OP nice haul and congrats on joining the military!
dsmnickk90
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2011
- Messages
- 711
I'll lead with this...it's his money he can spend it how he wants to. I hope the OP gets good use of his tools and enjoys them as much as you can enjoy a tool. I am not begrudging him in any way shape or form.
The other thing...you really don't think they hold their value so well he'll get all $4700 back? I know he got the student discount, but still... There were other posters in this thread who bought SO and had to sell it back at a loss. Heck, Craigslist tells me that's true too. Do they depreciate less than Craftsman or Proto. Yes. Do they still depreciate? Yes.
In reference to the car and motorcycle loan...taking out a loan on a depreciating liability isn't what I would call a good use of credit. I have owned cars for over 22 years, and so far I've had one car loan. All of my automotive purchases in my driving lifetime cost a grand total of $800.00 when all was said and done. Yes, you read that correctly, $800 (or I still currently own the vehicles, so that number could go down...or up). Some cars I bought with some neglect, fixed them, drove them for awhile and resold them for more than I paid for them. To keep things in perspective, I wear a suit and tie and work in office doing public relations, so I can't exactly go to work in a rusty pile of junk either.
*And when you buy your house, make sure you have enough down payment to avoid PMI. That's just throwing money away.
At the prices he is paying , yes he could very easily break even if he decides this isnt the career for him. Snap on in good condition sell for 50-60% of retail price and he is paying 5% of retail price.
The reason I brought up resell value was because some where saying he may not use them in the future and some young techs decided they don't like the field once they get in it and change paths.
Even if he goes 20k into debt taking advantage of his discount to save money for the items he needs to make his living for the rest of his life i see no harm done. Most Americans spend more than that in their car.
Also to build credit you have to use it. Auto loans, personal loans and credit cards are the easiest way to build your credit. You house mortgage have a small effect on your credit score.
If he went and put a 4.7K TV and home theater system on a best buy card or put his weekly gas and food expenses on a credit card that would be a different story and those are the kinds of misuse of credit that gets you in trouble.
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roachcoach
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2012
- Messages
- 39
^^^^fixed
Ever notice how most proto tools' model numbers start with a "J". No coincidence. .....JC is down with Proto
To the original poster. You got a great set of high quality tools that will last you a lifetime and at a great price. I wish I had the opportunity to get the student discount. I would have done the same thing without hesitation. Also, in my younger days, I wish I spent my money on tools rather than warm beer and cold women.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
Actually the OP did ask...and because opinions are like...well, you know the rest, we all voiced our own. In the end it's just an opinion. Some people love the fact that he bought lifetime tools, some people don't. Some people think he paid too much, some people don't. No worries either way.
If you are doing a lot of timing chains and water pumps you do. Impacts don't fit, and hand tools are slow and some times nearly impossible to use in the close quarters.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I just want to see pics of the new tools lol
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I predicted it on page one. The tools are bought. So there is no talking him into harbor freight or any other cheap brand. He bought some great tools and a box at a great price and they will last forever
vintagefan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2012
- Messages
- 613
Wow, not that many GJ'ers in the Dirty Dez... I wish you luck. If you ever want to sell though, keep me in mind.
You'll love the KRA box, I have a 4107 in my garage in Royal blue, matches my custom built blue workbenches.
kc-steve
Well-known member
There is that minor "little" thing called expectations of the future. If the OP settled for less than he expected then he might not have that extra motivation to perform well in the future. You could also call it "an extra spring in his step."
Good luck!
Steve
Good luck!
Steve
Exceller8
Well-known member
If he keeps the tools he wins, and if he sells the tools he wins, so what is the problem? 
Good news for me, my tools and tool box have arrived. Like 6 items are yet to be delivered but the majority are here.
Still need HEX bit 30pc set
my long 3/8 dr ratchet
strap wrenches
mg725
impact sockets metric and sae
and my 50-250'lb tq wrench
Will post pictures soon.
Unfortunately my camera broke so phone cam will have to suffice for now.
Still need HEX bit 30pc set
my long 3/8 dr ratchet
strap wrenches
mg725
impact sockets metric and sae
and my 50-250'lb tq wrench
Will post pictures soon.
Unfortunately my camera broke so phone cam will have to suffice for now.
