Why not employer provided tools?

[Olafur]

The general rule over here is: The employer provides the tools, safety gear, shoes e.t.c.

For a shop: Tools are excluded from VAT and are tax deductible. So actual tool cost for a running shop is about half of what individuals have to pay for them.

I am not sure how the biggest auto dealerships do this, but generally flat rate is non existent over here too.

 

[Roots]

I've been fortunate than, as I've generally been around heavy industry where companies provide all of the tools and exceptional quality ones at that. Typically personal tools are even banned, due to liability and quality concerns of companies.

Hearing stories about individuals treating employer owned tools like garbage is pretty disturbing though, I've rarely seen that.

 

[TheCarbideRat]

I've been fortunate than, as I've generally been around heavy industry where companies provide all of the tools and exceptional quality ones at that. Typically personal tools are even banned, due to liability and quality concerns of companies.

Hearing stories about individuals treating employer owned tools like garbage is pretty disturbing though, I've rarely seen that.

can i ask what industry and region you work? i'd like to work in a place where equipment is respected, im currently in hell with a bunch of stinkin thieves and i want out.

 

[HandyManny]

I always prefered suppliying my own tool for myself. That way I could use what I wanted or what I saw fit to use. The only exception being shop equipment, stuff that's too large or too impractical to own or carry around i.e. work-benches, vises, large work lights, hoists and riggings, air compressors and pheumatic lines, and certain specialty tools applicable to only that company, etc. If I owned my own shop at the time then I'd say I'd have to purchase all those things as well.

 

[ephotrod]

Beyond the tools, do most shops provide the consumables such as, brake cleaner anti seize, rags, the green disc that are used to prep for gaskets and so on. I would think these items add up fairly fast and could break the bank.
Josh

 

[TheCarbideRat]

my boss locks up most of the chemicals. He also squeeks when he walks. Roloc discs, 3m discs, cutoff wheels, drill bits and saw blades are technician supplied the FKNG BSTRD even told me to buy sandpaper. People like this need to be done away with. Time to grease the toolbox wheels.

 

[Monte]

The general rule over here is: The employer provides the tools, safety gear, shoes e.t.c.

here too

 

[jeffmoss26]

The guys here (manufacturing company) have to provide their own hand tools and a provided list of gauges but consumables and a lot of other gauges/mics are stocked in the tool crib. They provide uniforms, safety glasses and earplugs also.
Within the IT department, we have our own basic toolbox but I did bring a few spare items from home (screwdrivers etc)

 

[shampoop]

I can see why having mechanics needing to buy so many expensive tools themselves would seem crazy to a non-mechanic. But in most cases it's really the only way that works. Shop provides the big expensive shop tools and diagnostic equipment, and you basically everything else.

Plus especially when it comes to hand tools, the way most places operate if they supplied you with tools they would be junk from the getgo or junk because someone abused them. Trying to do your job with cheap ****** hand tools (pliers/wrenches/ratchets/sockets) is such a huge pain in the ***!

It seems like a lot of people are amazed how when they try to do a somewhat simple common auto repair, that it's so difficult for them, but so easy for a pro. Well part of that is the skill/knowledge, but the other part is the tools. People don't realize that their harbor freight pliers and combo wrenches are a huge portion of why that job was so difficult, time consuming, and why you busted your knuckles so many times.

 

[camarotoolman]

i've heard it 100s of times, selling at the swap meets, my employees lost it, broke it etc. No wonder companies don't want to provide tools. If I had a business, employees would sign for the tools and if they didn't have em when they left, it would come out of there last check. That the way the Army does it, Snap On price and a hefty administrative charge. (those GIs at Ft. Stewart loved me!)

 

[braxx]

The company I work for had 3 completely full tool boxes (Top and bottom boxes!) when it stated and after 4 or so years there was only enough tools left to fill one box. Management was pissed. They sold off 2 of the 3 boxes and made one complete set. This box was watched more carefully but after a couple of years it too is almost bare.
It just happens, when you have a lot of people that have access it is bound to have theft.

 

[Benji]

I'm a automotive mechanic and I wouldn't wan't to use the junk that a boss would buy for you. And I like useing my own tools.