Tool truck "convenience"
- Thread starter nahuebsch82
- Start date
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
big dealers used to run the tool truck like a bank
a friend of mine borrowed the down payment for his house from the snap on man
a friend of mine borrowed the down payment for his house from the snap on man
I thought this discussion was about the convience of having the tool truck...
As far as certain tools being junk because of a price I think is not a fair statement. Tools when used properly and as intended in most cases work very well. But some tools are suited better for tasks better than others.
I am going to stick with wrenches, ratchets and sockets for this part:
HF makes really good tools and a great price for a weekend warrior who may use them every once in awhile. Is it junk, no because it was built for that purpose and does it well in that application. Snap-on, Mac, etc be it more expensive was designed for the Professional worker using them every day, all day. Serves its purpose for more work load more often.
Why people keep fighting over this tool is too cheap or this tool is expensive is really lame. The weekend warrior doesnt NEED the professional tool but if they chose to get the pro brand tool why bash? Not your money, no one is forcing you to get the same brand.
But for someone to say its stupid for me to buy the tools I want and trust from a tool truck with MY money that I worked for is assinine.
If anyone wants I can nit pick anyones purchases whether it be VHS vs Blu Ray in the same context of HF vs MAC.
As far as certain tools being junk because of a price I think is not a fair statement. Tools when used properly and as intended in most cases work very well. But some tools are suited better for tasks better than others.
I am going to stick with wrenches, ratchets and sockets for this part:
HF makes really good tools and a great price for a weekend warrior who may use them every once in awhile. Is it junk, no because it was built for that purpose and does it well in that application. Snap-on, Mac, etc be it more expensive was designed for the Professional worker using them every day, all day. Serves its purpose for more work load more often.
Why people keep fighting over this tool is too cheap or this tool is expensive is really lame. The weekend warrior doesnt NEED the professional tool but if they chose to get the pro brand tool why bash? Not your money, no one is forcing you to get the same brand.
But for someone to say its stupid for me to buy the tools I want and trust from a tool truck with MY money that I worked for is assinine.
If anyone wants I can nit pick anyones purchases whether it be VHS vs Blu Ray in the same context of HF vs MAC.
Heavy Metal Doctor
Well-known member
I don't doubt doubt it....The bigger the fleet, the dumber they are....reminds me that I've had calls requesting simple hardware for equipment repairs on stuff bought from us by the military then deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan....I wanted to ask them "Seriously? You mobilized your whole units shop a gazillion miles from home and didn't take a hardware assortment and now I gotta figure out how to ship a few 3/8" bolts and a cotter pin to Iraq??!!"....I'd post the e-mails with tittles like "Unit down need assistance asap" , but I'd rather not name names since I think the whole thing is a disgrace to this country......
Brownsfan
Well-known member
Alright I get it. Enough. Uncle. I am a complete idiot for spending my money on quality truck tools that I will be able to pass down to kids and then their kids. I am not in a shop anymore but I CHOOSE to buy quality tools from a guy running a small business. Oh and he either comes to my house of I meet him somewhere close. Can't do that a a box store. And if I don't have the cash on me I can pay him next week. Yep that's not convienient at all and I am a ***** for supporting this small biz. I own tools from trucks to craftsman but now if I want a quality USA tool I have to go the truck route or the local industrial supply store. Enough with the bashing of tool choices either way. This is just as old as the threads where some asks about a decent tool that's not too pricey and someone will chime in with Snap On.
Mstrfxit12
Well-known member
So, I've read through most all this thread and as many have said, this thread really has turned into the same old tool truck/ box store, ford/ chevy, harley/honda debate. The tool truck guys get beat up pretty bad and I've seen some mention by plant guys of places like Grainger, well they really arent any different that the tool trucks. Their prices are incredibly expensive. I have pretty good customer specific pricing at Grainger and all that really does is take imy regular stuff down to where you can buy it retail. They really are very much like the tool trucks, its about convenience. I can either shoot down to my local location and pick it up or get it shipped to me quick. One other thing that Grainger does(at least I beleive they still do, I havent had to use it for a while) is they offer open up service. If its something the local has in stock, they will open the place up 24-7 for a small fee and get me what I need. Home depot, Lowes or the local Ace dont do that. The car guys use the tool trucks because they are convenient and get them what they need even though they also know its at a premium. I use Grainger( and Snap on too) becuase its convenient, they can get me what I need, and it has other benefits, but I know I'm paying more for it.
Seems like maybe its time to give the tool truck debate a break.
Seems like maybe its time to give the tool truck debate a break.
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
grainger gives crazy discounts to the school district
NC-Fordguy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2012
- Messages
- 1,391
Today I...........
Spent 160 dollars on the snappy truck and warrantied a broken socket
Spent 200 dollars on the cornwell truck
Spent Nearly 50 dollars at Sears
Now everybody can hate me and I like it
If someone doesn't like where and what I spent MY money on and feel the need to bash my purchases on this forum feel free to kill yourself--Doing so can be considered a public service.
Now off to MY shop to change ball joints
Spent 160 dollars on the snappy truck and warrantied a broken socket
Spent 200 dollars on the cornwell truck
Spent Nearly 50 dollars at Sears
Now everybody can hate me and I like it
If someone doesn't like where and what I spent MY money on and feel the need to bash my purchases on this forum feel free to kill yourself--Doing so can be considered a public service.
Now off to MY shop to change ball joints
wise
Well-known member
I buy a lot of Snap-On and Mac, and put them to the test every day. There are a whole lot of brands out there that would do the exact same job just fine, sure, but those brands like SK, Gray, etc, are hard to find here and aren't cheap.
Snap-On is really expensive, but they are some of the best designed, strongest and long lasting tools out there, offer impeccable customer service in my experience, and they never make sacrifices on quality or quality control to cut costs. That said, I only buy Snap-On for there hand tools, and although I have a lot of Snap-On, I only pull the trigger when the tools I have aren't cutting it. The old tool goes home, where I can still do cash jobs with them the odd time and fix my own ****.
If I was starting from scratch buying snap-on is probably not the best way to become a mechanic... Once you learn the lesson that cheap tools are cheap for a reason, snap-on becomes 'more affordable'.
Snap-On is really expensive, but they are some of the best designed, strongest and long lasting tools out there, offer impeccable customer service in my experience, and they never make sacrifices on quality or quality control to cut costs. That said, I only buy Snap-On for there hand tools, and although I have a lot of Snap-On, I only pull the trigger when the tools I have aren't cutting it. The old tool goes home, where I can still do cash jobs with them the odd time and fix my own ****.
If I was starting from scratch buying snap-on is probably not the best way to become a mechanic... Once you learn the lesson that cheap tools are cheap for a reason, snap-on becomes 'more affordable'.
I expect this kind of hating on pro-level brands from hobbyist and weekend warriors but I get this from someone at work. He is always hating on my purchases. Saying he would never buy most of the tools that I have, especially at the prices I pay. But at the same time how many tools do you need to change oil?
He was in complete shock when I bought a $99 Drill Dr. or $50 SK 15" adjustable wrench.
He was in complete shock when I bought a $99 Drill Dr. or $50 SK 15" adjustable wrench.
SKAutomotive
Well-known member
There is a reason he is still changing oil.
lol. We're guys -- what do you want us to discuss? Who makes the best yarn for crocheting? Or who makes the best high heel shoes? It's fun to debate the various merits of the various brands of tools and box store versus tool truck.
I am not a pro technician, but if I were, you bet your *** I'd be on the tool trucks salivating over and procuring every set I could get my grubby hands on instead of polishing my Craftsman tools. When you are a pro, you need pro tools. If a better quality tool is easier to use and lasts longer, then it pays for itself over and over every time you use it.
He is pretty content at it. The funny thing about it is that he has been at it for 12 years.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
Exactly. But you didn't go to harbor freight. So I can't hate you for that
Steinmetz
Well-known member
Still doubt it. Show me a reliable link.
I've dealt with federal purchasing many, many times. They're tough.
This was right after 9/11, and it had something to do with the state of emergency. The military suspended normal procurement procedures, so that military personnel could acquire needed items asap. I am not an expert on how the military buys stuff, so I may be slightly off about the details. But it did happen. I saw it on Dateline NBC or one of those shows like it and then I read a couple of articles about it.
Here's a link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlene_Corley
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Harry Gerrard
Banned
I've bought my fair share of the snap-on truck, and the quality keeps me coming back. The alternative would go to lowes/home depot and buy some chinese made junk. By the way, just the other day I needed a 2 1/4 pin face spanner wrench,, neither big box store in my area had it. I hooked up with the snap-on guy and it and had it 48 hrs.
richfinn
Well-known member
I have a fair amount of "Truck" tools, but I find myself looking at cheaper alternatives nowadays that can be equally as good (sometimes even better in my eyes). GJ helps weed out what's bad and what's good and I like doing business online. It can be a pain getting warranty replacements or even locating some specialist automotive tools, but its possible.
I have had good and bad tool dealers in my 25 years, the bad ones don't last too long as I suppose there are more options now. The local Snap On guy is a fool so I don't spend with him, I use the website or stop when I see one in another area, I don't like the "lifestyle" products they sell, I would rather see more tools on the trucks than socks and hats. Don't get me started on colour coding or special editions.
I have had good and bad tool dealers in my 25 years, the bad ones don't last too long as I suppose there are more options now. The local Snap On guy is a fool so I don't spend with him, I use the website or stop when I see one in another area, I don't like the "lifestyle" products they sell, I would rather see more tools on the trucks than socks and hats. Don't get me started on colour coding or special editions.
Question for the techs or anyone as far as that goes? What percentage of your tools actually come from a tool truck? Not the amount of tool truck tools in your arsenal, what percentage was actually "bought" from the truck. Just a ballpark figure, I realize it would be very difficult to completely accurate. I'm not a Tech, but I'd be willing to bet less than 20% of my tools came from a truck dealer, probably 60% or better via Ebay/amazon/online tools stores and the remainder via auctions/misc/local stores.
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SKAutomotive
Well-known member
40-50%
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I would say 60-70% tool truck(snap on cornwell) as it stands. Its swinging back the other way since I have joined here. Since I have found companies like Williams. It also doesnt hurt that I am not in a shop anymore. Still the quality of the truck tools keep me loyal and comong back. Also I like the idea of helping a small business. Most of my tool purchases as of late have been Cornwell and from a local industrial supply store
Never heard of a industrial supply store or any BM store selling Cornwell. Is the owner a part time dealer? And do they ship? Lol..
I edited my question for clarity, I'm looking for the percentage of truck tools that where actually purchased 1st hand from a dealer, not the percentage of truck tools in your arsenal.
Sorry for any confusion..
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richfinn
Well-known member
I,m in the motor trade and I guess about 30-40% of my tools would be recognisable to Americans as truck brands, I have other European stuff I have bought from Independent tool trucks which might take it to 50-60%. Some stuff I have just acquired or been given some I buy from car parts places or eBay. Quite a bit was pre owned.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I meant cornwell truck AND the industrial supply. Production tool supply in Parma Oh. They sell Williams, Wright Wiha and many many more. I LOVE that store.
Gotcha...
I'd say 80% of my tools are truck brands. However, I did buy a set of Kobalt 1/4'' drive sockets from Lowes to make the big box store guys happy.
Of that 80% how much was purchased via the truck versus the secondary market?
Probably at least 75%.
Heavy Metal Doctor
Well-known member
I'm probably at around 90% new off the tool tool truck.
The other 10% has has been in the last few years as more good stuff has come up on the web.
I tried used / auctions / classifieds and whatnot to source good stuff when I was a new mechanic / young / broke, but I found it was all way too much hassle and pretty much just stuck to the tool trucks.
The other 10% has has been in the last few years as more good stuff has come up on the web.
I tried used / auctions / classifieds and whatnot to source good stuff when I was a new mechanic / young / broke, but I found it was all way too much hassle and pretty much just stuck to the tool trucks.
ilovevocs
Well-known member
We dont have a store like that here in nw Ohio. May have to drive over and check that place out... Open weekends?
Brownsfan
Well-known member
100% of my truck tools were purchased from a dealer. With the exception of one ergonomic NOS ratcheting screwdriver I bought from a member of this board. My orginal broke and they dont make it anymore. My dealer tried to find one for me and my google search brought me here and then found my orange ratcheting driver. And the rest is history. I am a former small biz owner and try to ALWAYS buy from a small biz when I can. I am now good friends with my Cornwell and Snap On guy. Whenever I need a tool or come into some extra cash I go to them first. I GLADLY pay more for the quality and customer service they both give. So go ahead tool truck hating members call me an idiot for spending more on a tool I could have bought cheaper. I will buy them once and my kids will have great set of tools if they want them. I ust get really tired of people here and also people I know say you could have gone to HF and got the same thing. No thanks I like tools that are quality and wont let me down. And before any of you tool truck haters say Harbor Freight tools work just the same. If that was true than there would not be a pass/fail thread. When is the last time you saw a Snap on Pass/fail thread. Didnt think so. I will just buy it once and know it will work and wont have to search a pass/fail thread of junk tools. Sorry for the rant
Brownsfan
Well-known member
Its worth it. The only place I have ever seen wright and williams in stock and on display ready to go
slidehammer
Well-known member
I don't blame techs for not wanting to wander around some horrible retail store looking for a tool.
It is surprising to me, though, that service from some drivers isn't much better. If you're in the middle of a job and you need a tool, they really should be Johnny-on-the-spot. If they're slower than Snapon.com (or Amazon.com), that would seem to put them at a serious competitive disadvantage.
Also, the financing angle that made sense 30 years ago seems outmoded now with the widespread availability of personal credit cards.
It is surprising to me, though, that service from some drivers isn't much better. If you're in the middle of a job and you need a tool, they really should be Johnny-on-the-spot. If they're slower than Snapon.com (or Amazon.com), that would seem to put them at a serious competitive disadvantage.
Also, the financing angle that made sense 30 years ago seems outmoded now with the widespread availability of personal credit cards.
SKAutomotive
Well-known member
Techs as a whole are not very lucrative and many have poor to no credit. Snap-On will still finance them. I don't even think they do a credit check. Hell my credit isn't spotless and I am "platinum" with my SO guy. If I wanted too, I could go and buy a 20,000.00 box tomorrow on my SO credit and they wouldn't do anything more than ask for my John Hancock.
chadster1
Well-known member
Platinum means that you would not normally qualify for credit. Your dealer basically vouched for you. SOC gives dealers the ability to do this based on his track record of keeping all the credit accounts in his route current. Your max credit limit will vary between $3000-$7000 depending on the level of platinum privileges that your dealer has qualified for from SOC. If your SOC account is a platinum account, there is no way you would be able to get $20k in credit.
Do you ever left someone buy a new box or big items and let them put it on the "truck account" meaning you finance it for them and they make payments directly to you?
SKAutomotive
Well-known member
I have more than that currently on my account, so I am not saying you don't know what you are talking about, because I am sure you do, being a Snap-On dealer, but your numbers don't mesh with my current credit balance.