Tool truck "convenience"

[chadster1]

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.

The numbers on the bottom of your receipt have the interest figured in. Your principal balance will be lower than what shows on your receipt.

 

[SKAutomotive]

The numbers on the bottom of your receipt have the interest figured in. Your principal balance will be lower than what shows on your receipt.

I know. My principal right now is just over 8,000.00.

 

[justanengineer]

Back when I was still turning wrenches for a living I found the tool trucks very convenient. I worked in a smaller city where EVERYTHING except Walmart and restaurants closed at 5 pm, which meant that store shopping wasnt much of an option. My SO dealer was the government/industrial truck not the usual shop truck, but if I needed something he didnt have hed go see the other local "regular" SO dealer to get it or worst case order it overnight direct from SO with shipping on him (within reason). Beyond that, I also often worked late/odd hours/nights, sometimes in remote locations, and there was several times that the drivers saved my *** delivering a specialty tool after hours when we needed it (ie. broken tool) or made sure said tool was put on a helicopter en route to me. Good luck getting that service from a store.

 

[SKAutomotive]

I have never missed a payment in 8 years and always rounded up my payments, like if my weekly payment was 41.09, I had them just take 50.00. Does the long good standing history effect even "platinum" people?

 

[chadster1]

I know. My principal right now is just over 8,000.00.

Then your account is must be on a promo code other than platinum with SOC

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I put one box on the truck account
1400 bucks paid off at 100 a week

 

[SKAutomotive]

I just got me a nice Epiq series box, which is why mine is so high, he told me I was approved for whatever box I wanted. I will pay it down at tax time and with any OT money I am making.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

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.

.

How about the projects you use your tools on? The way you have your stuff organized? The killer deals you got on some of your stuff? A non political non biased honest review of a new tool you purchased? The tools handed down to you by a father, grandfather or other family member. Vintage tools you picked up at an auction or bargain shop?

That enough for you or do you need more ideas?

 

[toolfreak]

if you wanna compare hours we can look at pay stubs with over 90 on them. or a yearly of more than 3200?

my point is, you don't always need to always call on a guy in a truck to bring you a tool. especially if you have to hope and pray that he has it instead of just ordering it, or swinging by the store after work if you know you might need it later. the cost of having a guy in a truck bring you a tool, vs just going and getting it, is way too much for me. i make plenty, but i'll never line the pockets of the people who would rather overprice a name, than put it in as many peoples hands as possible for the sake of getting the job done better in more shops.

i don't do traveling work, i do plant work. and if you need to get something done, you find a way to do it, you use a tool in whatever way possible, or you make a tool or fabricate some sort of helper to get it done.










this is why threads go the way they do. snap-on is not the be all end all of tools. that **** breaks just as much as other industrial brands of tools. go look at the broken tools thread and there is snap-on stuff on every page.

find a tool that works, that you like, and use it often. as much as fanboys like yourself want to claim, paying 100 for a ratchet you could have bought for 30 doesn't make it 330% better.

Be happy to dig out the last few years pay stubs, my record was 16 hours a day, 7 days a week for 10 weeks straight. Please tell me when I would find time to go to a box store and buy tools. Not to mention, I haven't seen a 2 3/8" socket on their shelve in a while

 

[sberry]

There should be a required logic class.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

There should be a required logic class.

And you could be the teacher? ha

And lets be honest here. The tool truck is only as good as it's driver. The driver should know what his clients may or may not need and stock his inventory accordingly. The few guys I've dealth with personally most always had what I needed, were willing to work with price, as well as payments when necesary. My driver came to my house once or twice. Try getting sears (or in berrys case, walmart) to show up wherever you are and replace your worn out ratchet wrench. Half the time I go to sears for a replacement or rebuild, they don't have it, and I wait a month for it to come in the mail. It's like are you kidding me, you don't have a 1/2 breaker bar in stock? And god forbid you only have a P.O. Box.

 

[CWP1616L]

Your better truck dealers will have at least 10 of every part number in stock. When I run across a dealer that has only one single wrench on his truck per size, that really frosts me. If the dealer keeps the wrenches in the overhead bungee cords, that's a sign he has very limited stock.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

How many guys dealers went/goes to the vegas show? My guy came back with alot of good deals last summer.

 

[sberry]

It would all make sense if it bumped a guy up to "professional" class money, like a doctor or a lawyer. As Hiball said,,, you dont got to justify how you sdpend your mojney but one cant make an economic argument for it at common mechanic, average mechanic wages.

Its better than the casino or a drug habit. Probably near cigaretts. Its not fatal but its not an investment. Like the man said, bought stock. A starting mechanic would do great to start off as minimalist with a few used toolos etc and spend 100 a week on stock with Snappy,, wouldnt be too long he wouldnt need to work to pay for tools.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

In the two years I worked in one shop, I bought one tool from snap on. A 15$ magnetic pickup tool with light. Just because the guy had come in so often and actually stayed coming (unlike some of the other snap on guys) and was very polite and helpful. The prices are crazy, you pay for quality and convenience, but mostly convenience. I bought a lot of my name brand tools off amazon or other discount tool sites. I don't buy cheap quality tools, but why pay 80$ (which is the price of my 1/4" snap on flex head) for one ratchet, when I got 4 flex head gear wrench ratchets for 90$ shipped. The Internet has just been able to reach masses with better prices. I see the tool guys leaving once the "not so Internet savvy" generation of mechanics is out of the business.

 

[sberry]

I live an hour from a Walmart. I replaced 4 pieces last week for 22$ while I was at the store for other things. Its a terible thing to lose but I certainly feel better about 20 vs 120 or so plus tax. Its actually a high incentive to precure or replace when its not so painful. Sometimes low price is a huge asset.

If I am jambed up cause I busted a tool waiting around for the truck or flagging him down isnt any easier than driving to the store and the auto parts store beats them all, delivery, on account, in hour,,, with a big thank you Mr. Urka,,, the managers and old timers call me Cary but the sprouts say Mr and grovel with service.

 

[chadster1]

Your better truck dealers will have at least 10 of every part number in stock. When I run across a dealer that has only one single wrench on his truck per size, that really frosts me. If the dealer keeps the wrenches in the overhead bungee cords, that's a sign he has very limited stock.

Wrong. I keep my wrenches in bungees.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

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.

Yeah, but that works both ways -- as a service guy, with customers calling / showing up constantly needing stuff, I understand there is a certain way to get stuff done that works for everyone.
If I dropped what I was actively working on and jumped through hoops to tackle the next customer in line's need -- and believe me, I am asked to do so nearly everyday when some customer believes that he is somehow more important than the one I'm already working for -- then I'd be letting down the previous customer. Sometimes you can "adjust" a little, sometime not. I take that situation into account when I need a wrench from the toolman. I'm not gonna ask him to drive across town to bring me a single 30 dollar wrench in the name of "good service", leaving behind the days route (who knows how many other customers?) for a couple hours. If I really need it, I drive across town to meet him along his route. Anything where he drives off his route is ONLY if it's convenient for him at that particular time.....or I wait and get it next week, or have him drop ship it, whatever.... And then there's the issue that tools are ALL HE DOES, so I expect that a phone call to him (if a need arises outside of his weekly visit) will get me that special tool with very little research / hassle on my part....even if I am at all unsure of the exact item I need, he should be able to help guide my purchase - that's part of what they do.

 

[scarney1988]

Can we all get back on topic... Now, was it the chicken or the egg that came first? Seriously, reading this thread is like reading Plato's The Trial and Death of Socrates without the logic.

 

[bcradio]

Be happy to dig out the last few years pay stubs, my record was 16 hours a day, 7 days a week for 10 weeks straight. Please tell me when I would find time to go to a box store and buy tools. Not to mention, I haven't seen a 2 3/8" socket on their shelve in a while

I have at Sears. And I bought it for 97 cents when they were closing them out.

My problem is I haven't found a use for it yet.

 

[jeffmoss26]

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.

One of these days I gotta take a trip to PTS! I have their catalog and everything.

 

[Brownsfan]

I'm going today. Need some bit sockets and the couple sears around me are all china now. So it's going to be Williams or wright.

 

[jeffmoss26]

take some pics! lol

 

[Iron Cat]

When I fabricated/welded 6 days a week I couldn't walk onto the Snap-on truck without sprouting a ***** and spending money I hadn't earned yet and the Snappy guy knew it lol.for guys that didn't have direct deposit,hed even cash their checks.Half the time id buy tools because I wanted them not because I needed them.sitting there all new an shiney,something about that polished finish I couldn't resist.It was a huge convience for our shop,usually he had everything you'd need and if he didn't,he'd either drop it off mid-week or it'd definetly be there the following week.Aside of him being realiable and knowing his ****,he was a genuinely nice guy.Apparently before my time at the shop there was a Mac truck that came but from what I gather the guy was somewhat of a **** so the shop owner told him "don't come back".My take on tool trucks and the top 3 of the tool-food chain is this. Are they the best quality? yes,hands down,and youll pay for it.Nowadays I have tools from most manufacturers and ive learned whats decent an whats not and switching professions I don't run across nuts an bolts that a craftsman will break or strip out.I don't run across a screw that will break the tip of my Stanley or Cobalt screwdrivers.If I did,you better believe im reaching for a snap-on or mac because I know the quality and precision is there.If you're a professional and you need that aeronautical precision an what not, by all means go on that truck and enjoy the feeding frenzy,hell if youre just a hobbyist an can afford it,walk on the truck, but don't walk off the truck after buying a socket set for 300$ and proceed to snarf at the guy who gets **** done with the box store tools lol,because we all know theyre not "junk".Is there junk tools out there?definetly,but most guys can tell if its junk with just a glance

 

[Spudland_Dave]

....don't walk off the truck after buying a socket set for 300$ and proceed to snarf at the guy who gets **** done with the box store tools lol,because we all know theyre not "junk".Is there junk tools out there?definetly,but most guys can tell if its junk with just a glance

Amen!
Truly "Junk" tools are pretty hard to find these days.

I'm slowly trading in my Craftsman stuff on SnapOn, not because they are junk, but because I didnt want to get Chinese Lobster claws as replacements in the future, and today I'm in the car listening to the radio and I hear Sears stock fell alot today because they are apparently Losing more money then they though..pretty bad when a company forcasts they will lose money in the quarter, and then loses even more then originally thought.

The Craftsmans went fast...traded em in last week, today on the truck they were not in the used box anymore.

 

[Iron Cat]

Amen!
Truly "Junk" tools are pretty hard to find these days.

I'm slowly trading in my Craftsman stuff on SnapOn, not because they are junk, but because I didnt want to get Chinese Lobster claws as replacements in the future, and today I'm in the car listening to the radio and I hear Sears stock fell alot today because they are apparently Losing more money then they though..pretty bad when a company forcasts they will lose money in the quarter, and then loses even more then originally thought.

The Craftsmans went fast...traded em in last week, today on the truck they were not in the used box anymore.

I agree,when im out looking for tools I don't run across many actual junk tools,if I do theyre usually in a bin at the counter for 1.00$,however some of HF's tools are pretty ******,while some isn't.Its safe to say Snap-on is a step up in quality over basically any tool but in the real world craftsman (I hear their lifetime guarantee is hit or miss)and the like will get the job done.

 

[sberry]

I think I have used my 2 3/8 once in the 30 yrs I had it.

 

[toolfreak]

lol truck brands have never been meant for the non professional. They don't even market to guys off the route. If you turned a wrench professionally you would grow to understand why guys prefer a snap on wrench to a craftsman, not all tho. I personally like armstrong ratchets, the handles just feel right. I'm not a snap on fan boy or exclusive, but having turned wrenches professionally since 18, I notice the difference. This does not derate your claim to liking "xbrand" tools, thats totally cool and whatever you turn keep turning because wrenching is a dieing art. Trucks provide an invaluable service to professionals, companies trust snap on enough to let them put in permanent snap on stores in large hangar facilities. I mean no offense I just think it is silly to chime in on trucks and how "pointless" they are if you do not wrench professionally and are not the trucks purpose nor are you the intended customer. Box stores do make sense for 98% of the tool consumers and are generally adequate.

And I know guys that can weld with a campbell hausfield as good if not better than most guys who have millers..... Does that mean it's silly to have a miller because it costs more and does the same general thing?

This thread is an ego trip. It honestly seems to me that the truck brand guys come off far less smug than the box store guys. I just like tools, I use them to get a paycheck, I like value and know that value cannot be judged by spending less, often in my experience I feel I get much more value out of my set of snap on combo's than my craftsman while my craftsman duckbills are just as good as a pair of knipex duckbills. If I had a truck stopping by the hangar on a regular basis with a good driver I would probably not shop anywhere else. Trucks are outstandingly convenient with the right guy at the wheel.

There is a lot of good info in this post!

CONVENIENCE:

You wrench 12-14 hours a day, 6 days a week and then we'll see how much "shopping" you get done. Ah, that cold beer and shower can wait, I'm goin shopping!. The convenience is the fact that you dont have to do that.

Big box stores do not carry the specialized tools needed to perform auto repair (which SO, Matco, etc. were started for) on a professional level. The tool is being brought to you personaly, that's convienience.

Not having to pay full price at the time of purchase. Keep the tab down (under $500.00), 20 bucks a week... sounds pretty convient to me.

If you dont work in the industry that Snap On, Matco, Cornwell & MAC were designed for, you really dont have a right to get up and talk **** about them, plain & simple and those that ***** about why Snap On wont service their weekend shade tree mechanics, why should they? They're not a "public" type business.

I have at Sears. And I bought it for 97 cents when they were closing them out.

My problem is I haven't found a use for it yet.

Put that chrome socket on a 3/4" or 1" impact and see how long before that chrome starts flaking/peeling. Hopefully you notice it before it slices your hand open like a razor blade, learned that my first year out in the field when I borrowed a guys chrome socket

I really don't know why it matters what anyone buys, I've seen some damn good mechanics with harbor freight tools and some ****** ones with all snap on. Everyone is worried about judging people based on what tools they have or what kind of box they work out of but in the end it doesn't mean ****. I quit my job when my wife said she was tired of traveling and took a job in a shop with a substantial cut in pay. All the guys talked **** when I started bringing my tools but it's funny that I'm the one they ask to borrow **** from. Like I said earlier, some people buy it for a tax write off to keep from owing money on taxes. People need to quit worrying about what everyone else uses and be happy with your tools.

 

[KoJo]

My Mac guy is a stellar guy. Very laid back, will give you the monthyl flier, check to make sure all the tools are good, ask if there is any tools that need repair or replacement. If there is a problem with something he is there and takes care of the problem. No hassles, ever.

Convenient, I must say so.

 

[redwrench60]

Auto techs being most of a tool truck's business you need to remember there are many many many more tools besides sockets, wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers that we need to fix and diagnose cars and trucks...... None of which are to be found at Lowes/Home Depot/ect. Not convenient.

Many times you run up on a job that requires a tool you've never needed or a special tool no one has. It's not always planned. Most truck dealers live and work in the areas they service and usually aren't far when I need something quick. Pretty convenient.

Only other option is online, sometimes with better pricing but theres shipping time and its hard to judge if a tool will do its job or weather you will even like it until it hits your hand. Not convenient.

With a tool truck it comes to me (sometimes unplanned) it has 90% of the tools most techs use, I can hold, inspect and sometimes demo before purchase, and if money's tight I can make interest free payments on an unplanned but needed purchase. Pretty convenient.

 

[mopar01]

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.

Id say about 80%. Iv always worked 6 somtimes 7 days a week and as mentioned going too sears or any pplace like that is the last thing on my mind.

 

[sberry]

No one is saying going to the store isnt work but,,,, whats it pay in this case?

 

[0.511MeV]

I find it very telling how many auto techs here have implied that anyone that is not an auto tech is a non-professional.

Fact of the matter is that Snap On is set up for auto techs and still trying to figure out how to deal with industrial clients and their contractors. As my company does specialty work, we travel. Try calling a Snap On truck at random and asking for tools and supplies to be there at the hotel or the job site first thing in the morning.

McMaster, Grainger, Fastenal, Airgas, etc are, to varying degrees, the suppliers of choice because they have the tools PLUS supplies, parts, etc and are more than happy to take a call and overnight everything on short notice or deliver it with their own trucks from the closest warehouse. I have accounts at those companies and in some cases I have an account manager at that company that I can call no matter where I am in the country and they'll handle everything.

I usually turn to McMaster if I need something strange and can't give much more of a description than "on an XYZ gadget, I need the abc widget". Their answer is "no problem, you'll have it tomorrow".

Notice I never mentioned anything about price. When my client is over my shoulder telling me how many millions of dollars they are losing per day, I'm not about to price shop. I shop on quality, dependability, speed, and CONVENIENCE.

 

[basspro]

I find it very telling how many auto techs here have implied that anyone that is not an auto tech is a non-professional.

Fact of the matter is that Snap On is set up for auto techs and still trying to figure out how to deal with industrial clients and their contractors. As my company does specialty work, we travel. Try calling a Snap On truck at random and asking for tools and supplies to be there at the hotel or the job site first thing in the morning.

McMaster, Grainger, Fastenal, Airgas, etc are, to varying degrees, the suppliers of choice because they have the tools PLUS supplies, parts, etc and are more than happy to take a call and overnight everything on short notice or deliver it with their own trucks from the closest warehouse. I have accounts at those companies and in some cases I have an account manager at that company that I can call no matter where I am in the country and they'll handle everything.

I usually turn to McMaster if I need something strange and can't give much more of a description than "on an XYZ gadget, I need the abc widget". Their answer is "no problem, you'll have it tomorrow".

Notice I never mentioned anything about price. When my client is over my shoulder telling me how many millions of dollars they are losing per day, I'm not about to price shop. I shop on quality, dependability, speed, and CONVENIENCE.

Bingo!

 

[sberry]

I believe the dictionary at least an older one defines mechanic as skilled in the use of tools and something about the care of machines.

 

[Kracin]

I find it very telling how many auto techs here have implied that anyone that is not an auto tech is a non-professional.

Fact of the matter is that Snap On is set up for auto techs and still trying to figure out how to deal with industrial clients and their contractors. As my company does specialty work, we travel. Try calling a Snap On truck at random and asking for tools and supplies to be there at the hotel or the job site first thing in the morning.

McMaster, Grainger, Fastenal, Airgas, etc are, to varying degrees, the suppliers of choice because they have the tools PLUS supplies, parts, etc and are more than happy to take a call and overnight everything on short notice or deliver it with their own trucks from the closest warehouse. I have accounts at those companies and in some cases I have an account manager at that company that I can call no matter where I am in the country and they'll handle everything.

I usually turn to McMaster if I need something strange and can't give much more of a description than "on an XYZ gadget, I need the abc widget". Their answer is "no problem, you'll have it tomorrow".

Notice I never mentioned anything about price. When my client is over my shoulder telling me how many millions of dollars they are losing per day, I'm not about to price shop. I shop on quality, dependability, speed, and CONVENIENCE.

i think the funnier thing to point out is, you don't have people who do use grainger, mcmaster, ets and other vendors that supply industrial sectors more, calling anyone who complains about them a non professional.

but i agree with this post 100%. it is the difference between a business built around getting anything and everything to a company or its employees with no gimmicks or novelties involved that require some sort of out of pocket loyalty to occur before getting that service.

 

[KoJo]

I dont think anyone said if you dont work on cars your not a professional..

Too much assumption of what is being said. What was being said is one who works on cars professionally vs someone who does it on the weekend for fun are two different things in terms of the needs of tools.

I still dont see where it says that the only professionals are auto mechanics???

 

[volvo92906]

What was being said is one who works on cars professionally vs someone who does it on the weekend for fun are two different things in terms of the needs of tools.

This.

I just got back from Sears. Needed some biger 1/2'' sockets and was hoping I could get them there cheaper, rather than wait for the truck. No go. The biggest 1/2" socket they have goes to 1-1/16. Other than that, you need to buy a set and they are 12 point. I did, only because if I break em with my impact they will be warrantied. I can use the excuse 'high torque fastener'.

They didnt have any 3/4 sets in stock, and I would much rather have the impact sockets anyhow. But, that is not what I was looking for either.

Took a look into the wrench section.. I still need the 16'th sizes up to 2-1/2. No go. They had 1-1/16 and nothing bigger single.

Went to look at some allen sockets since I dont have a full set of em. Neither does Sears. I bought a 7 or 8 piece set from HF to get me by. What Sears carries is no different.

I did manage to be happy with the purchase of some tin snips and these wrench socket adapters for low clearance spaces. Ive been in situations where I needed those a few times before.

This trip leads back to convenience. The truck comes to you and they have more specialty tools and more of a selection than a store targeted for a lube tech or a weekend warrior.

 

[MG44]

I try not to buy from the truck as much as possible. Prices are just too high compared to what you can get anywhere else. I am not talking 10-15% higher, but sometimes 100% or more.

Example my Cornwell driver carries GearWrench on the truck. I wanted the long pattern metric. I checked them out, he wanted $190ish + tax. These were a lot cheaper then the Cornwell alternative. I didnt buy them that day, was going to wait a week or two. I went into Menards later that week and just stopped by to check out some tool boxes. The same long pattern Gearwrench set was $85. I bought it.

Same Cornwell driver has a Lisle radiator pick set for $65. Good number of picks for gas tanks & radiator hoses. I found it over at the local auto supply store for $30....

I know the guy has a truck payment and gas, but the brick and mortar store has a mortgage and utilities to pay. Prices aren't anywhere comparable.

Anymore if I need a single socket or something, I just call up Autozone and get it delivered. I really like their duralast sockets, the chromes hold up great on my impacts (yep, I use chromes on impacts, all day long for almost 10 years, will never buy a bulky impact socket) lifetime warranty - $5-$10 a socket instead of $30 and I can have it TODAY.

Outside of diagnostic equipment I buy for the shop, I rarely buy off the tool trucks anymore. Hate to say it but a lot of the foreign hand tools are comparable in quality, maybe not as good, but good enough for even everyday heavy commercial use.

Sure I paid Snapon $600 to update my Solus two weeks ago, but I haven't bought a hand tool off the guy since I picked up a few ratchets almost four months ago.

 

[Old Donn]

Best thing they could do would be to cut out the drivers and pick a retailer to stock their tools. The pros could stop by in their off hours and shop and it would open up the tools to the average Joe as well. Shopping on the website is ok but it's nothing like being able to see the tools in person.

Snap-On tried that here some years back. They opened a brick & mortar store, backed it up with the full court press of radio commercials, ( "Come in and see the difference."), aiming at both the pro and amateur. Pros didn't come out because the truck comes to them. Amateurs left with sticker shock. Bottom line, it didn't last a year.