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Do you have a specific brand you’re trying to buy? snap-on, mac, matco, cornwell, etc. easiest is in the shop, they come to you if your willing to pay the big $$$$$ Alot of special tools that you can find on the big name trucks though are other name brands with a matco or snap on sticker on it, those you can find on places like amazon.
I like certain snap-on tools, but I’m leaning towards craftsman right now 🙂 I kinda just need a basic mechanics set that’ll get me through until I CAN spend the big money. Thanks!
[quote=”TheCarBitch” post=100653]I like certain snap-on tools, but I’m leaning towards craftsman right now :)[/quote]
They are fine for most DIYers and lawn & garden equipment where there is room to work. If you go cheap, splurge on ratchets and a 1/4″ drive set.
this is a really good starter tool kit. Aside from good wrenches, it comes with pretty much everything you could need right off the bat. It’s $189.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html
The is no one best way to buy tools. Some stuff you only use once in a while so even a cheap one will last you a long time. Other things you use a cheap one once and go screw it I’m getting a good one.
Things like sockets you don’t need an expensive set off the truck. Lot’s of guys use store bought ones, just avoid the really cheap ones. Wrenches, cheap ones are ok, but not when it comes to flare nut wrenches. Buy the good ones!
Most tools you can buy cheap, then replace with better ones. As a professional using them everyday you quickly notice those which benefit being premium.
I like Tooltopia.com
They have plenty of different brands and great prices. I saw that Ingersoll Rand impact air ratchet on one of the trucks for over $400.
Found the exact same one on the above website for a little over $200. I’m not saying the truck guys shouldn’t make a decent living, but I just can’t afford a 100% mark up these days when people can’t afford to fix their cars.
I actually feel bad and guilty every week when they come in asking if I need anything and I just can’t afford it. I used to pay $20-$30 a week for tools, but I had to just stop once I paid my balance because I genuinely needed that money for groceries. Even then, I’m paying interest on my groceries because I have to buy them with my credit card!
I’m a flat rate tech with 5 ASE’s and could have more but can’t afford to take the tests, lol.
Times are tough these days, people will only fix their cars when they won’t move, and by then the problems have piled up so high they end up towing the cars out after seeing the estimate. Sorry for the rant, got caught up in the horribly depressing moment.I agree with most of the posts here. Some stuff you can go cheap and some you can’t. Don’t go cheap on an impact wrench. I have been thrilled with my Nitrocat 1200k that I got on Amazon for about $200. If you buy a $50 impact you will regret it. I also agree with not cheaping out on ratchets. Cheap ratchets will bust your knuckles. I got Craftsman ratchets over 6 years ago and still use the same ones in the shop everyday. I find that some stuff from Harbor Freight is so cheap that it just makes more sense to buy it again if it breaks or gets lost. They have one 32 piece screwdriver set that goes on sale for $5 a few times a year so about once a year I just buy a new one. I don’t have to worry about losing them and I have a nice stock of old used ones I can abuse if need be. Amazon is your friend. Amazon is your friend. Amazon is your friend. Get it? lol I am not a tool truck fan, I can almost always find the identical tool online somewhere for cheaper. The only times I buy from the truck is when they are the only place I can find the item or if I need the item right away. All in all the trick is knowing what to cheap out on and what not to cheap out on.
[quote=”AUwarrior” post=109793]I agree with most of the posts here. Some stuff you can go cheap and some you can’t. Don’t go cheap on an impact wrench. I have been thrilled with my Nitrocat 1200k that I got on Amazon for about $200.[/quote]
Depending on your tools to make a living points out anything weak pretty quickly. I had a cheap P/S pulley puller that I used once and decided to spring for the good one before I had to use it again. Most of the stuff I bought off the truck was usually on sale. I can’t really speak as to other companies but Snap-On tends to have a lot of buy these sockets, get these ones free.
As much as guys will harp about the interest on the huge toolboxes, which I agree is a bit high, Snap-On actually has a separate program for “small” amounts that really doesn’t cost that much. I actually used said program to buy my toolbox used through my rep.
I absolutely LOVE my 1200K, except for the fact that they now make a 1250K. Even more power, almost scares me. My 1200K breaks so many bolts I don’t think more power is needed in the Automotive world.
I’m in Canada so Amazon pretty much sucks for anything non book or DVD related, but I’ve found that Summit actually carries quite a bit of tools, regular and specialty.
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