Agree with 90% of everything you say. Except for the fact that Snap-On is the best aftermarket scan tool. That I would have to disagree on. They are the most expensive but certainly not the best. I would put it head to head with a Launch or Autel any day. Having used all 3 I know for a fact that the Snap-On struggles a lot and has a lot of gaps. Even scope wise it is really behind the ball unfortunately. As far as shop location, I really think that depends. I believe it is more based off reputation and quality. Example: my shop is in the middle of nowhere yet I am booked 3 weeks out and often have a waiting list and it has been that way for over 10 years. Any how good rant and keep on killin that flat rate! Take care. -Eric O.
Eric O. in the HOUSE!! Everyone listen to Eric as he is the man with the plan. Everybody should check out his channel as he is the best mechanic on UA-cam.
South Main Auto Repair Erico your shop is busy strictly because you're a bad ass and you know exactly what the fuck you're doing you could be anywhere in the United States and people would be lined up for it to have you fix their cars just my opinion so with me location doesn't really matter if you're good people will travel and they will pay their bill because they're probably going to need you again at some point
South Main Auto Repair he's probably busy he's probably working on like banned 9 10 and 11 you know the last couple days the people found out is bullshit so I'm sure the banned list is getting pretty big
LOL, People sure to get upset on each side when it comes to tool truck. To me it's about making a smart choice for you and your needs. I do worry about guys getting themselves in to a stupid amount of debt buying tools that they don't "NEED". I have also seen guys fresh out of school with thousands of dollars of tools. Then they spend a year in the field and leave it. Its kinda sad. When it comes down to it, buy what you want. It's your money LOL! I own a mix of everything Truck, Ebay, HF, Amazon, etc..
Charles, I also worry about especially young techs getting into to much debt, I did a tools to start out as a tech video, a while ago, I said in the video do not buy off the tool truck starting out, too many people get into this trade and leave with huge debts to the trucks, in that video, I stated to buy a HF tool box/cart, gearwrench and VIM. FYI, one of my very first videos on this channel was managing money on flat rate, please do not go watch it, really bad, info is good, I think, but audio and video is not. I started this channel specifically to help young techs getting into this business, knowing full well this would be a small niche channel, and hope my videos will help these techs, grow and develop.
I will keep making videos, I keep hearing from techs that my videos help them, and that is what matters! Don't forget you get back to ATL, beer is are on me:) FYI I have been a Sub of yours since you had around 5 or 6k subs on my personal channel, you keep rocking those great videos too!
Yup I did get a bit deep into doo doo but getting out. Looking back at what i did buy...i am glad that I got what i did and my snapon dealer said he would take back some tools and really glad because I do return what I haven’t used.
I spend $300 on Jordan shoes. But i wouldnt spend $300 on a wrench set. But in now way would i ever talk crap about someone with a tool truck in their yard. When i see a Snap On truck in someones yard i get hulk green with envy. Just a tip of the cap to them. Always cool to see people take pride in their stuff. Some people spend up on shoes, some on tools, and some on fancy $200 dinners. The ones complaining all the time are the people who dont have any passions or money in life to follow those passions. I wouldnt buy a snap on set but i will sure as hell admire one.
See I’m 24 always wore Jordan shoes and socks my whole life ❤️ Them. Now I can’t get myself to spend money on shoes I want $300 wrench sets 😍 my wife loves snap on so , I’m in their!
@Jeniy Cresava - good point. I wear 1 pair of sandals that are 5+ years old and my wife buys my clothes. My toolbox cost as much as a car and I’m continuously buying tools off the tool trucks. I couldn’t care less about my street shoes & clothes (I buy good work shoes) but I never hesitate if there’s a new tool I want or need. I don’t even my car detailing supplies for the weekends. I spend more and have a much larger variety of car detailing supplies than I have to clean & groom myself! 😂
@@goinhot9133 way to go brother, I was the same years ago but now I have drove my wife crazy and probably soon myself out the house. Over 15k in tools at home alone and still growing. It becomes a addiction but I tell her don’t look at it as a purchase but an investment. Tell you what I or anyone I know will never be walking again. I know for past decade I or my wife hasn’t. Great job though keep it up brother. God bless you always
@@eliezerramosjr1017 lol that’s funny, I’m pretty sure I’m at 15-20k in just SO in the last year or so, but recently I’ve been focusing on firearms lol
We buy quality everything, and our philosophy is can the higher quality make you money? Jordan’s can if you get a limited release. But tools, and appliances, can make and save you money. Cheap is expensive.
Love your videos, A few months ago I asked you if a 38 year old could start in a automotive industry, and you said y not. I have now 4 months in now and I'm doing head gasket and engine swaps, and I have spend over 1000 dollars in tools. And let me tell you...... I love it!!!...
@Sid The sloth I have seen that as well. I have also seen that cheap tools makes the job harder. Rounding and stripping the fasteners. Because they spread, the broaching was bad. Or just crap steel. And if one is looking for good deals on tools. Don't forget about pawn shops,farmers auctions,and estate sales.
@Sid The sloth I don't make fun of the guys that have Husky, Kobolt,Craftsman tools. They work as they are intended to. The people who I have a issue with are the one's that say. That all you need are the low end low quality tools. Now i do have some cheaper tools and only broke one. A 30mm my fault i couldn't get the box end on it. And had to get to 500ft lbs. I agree with you on using ones tools as they are designed. Putting a 4" cheater bar on a 3/8" and getting mad when it breaks.
@Sid The sloth I totally understand where you are coming from. My slant comes from a certain segment saying that all one needs is HF tools. And nothing more.
@Sid The sloth i have and still use HF 1/2c impact sockets. They are now in my service call bags. Because if i loose one or i drop them in mud im not out much. My problem is HF,lows, Menards are 20 minutes away. And my time is very limited. Now NAPA, will deliver the local hardware store has chanelock but the price point on them is a little steep. I have HF screwdrivers they are ok. They are loaners now.
I live in Chicago and just like anywhere, a large spectrum of economies. I use to work across the street from a shop in the "hood", not a day would go by where I would see a bunch of gang bangers coming to F up the mechanic that ripped them off. I would see guys jump out with bats and mechanics fighting with anything they had. But in upper middle class shops also in Chicago, people come in and pay outrageous bills and not even break a sweat. They sit calmly with their phone and laptops and do their work. They pay without saying a word. If you get an occasional complaint, you won't see them showing up later with their "boys". Just yesterday they shot a mechanic in the hood trying to rob his shop.
Great video as always. I never understood people that give you crap on where you by your tools, buy what you want. I do believe in buying quality over quantity, my Snap-On tools never let me down. Even after a rebuild on my air ratchet and 3/8 air gun after about three years of using everyday I didn't mind because of the service and it was pretty much a new toll after the rebuild. Also, alot depends on your tool truck rep, I have great tool rep that shows up every week and gives no problems when I need to warranty a tool. I also believe in local small business, money stays in the area to support other local businesses. Nice to see that you know when to stand back and not have the stress on owning a business and making enough to support your family and have savings.
Thank you very much! I do not get the tool truck hate! FYI the wife of our Matco Dealer came by the shop and gave us all Ice cream, a good dealer is the key, if my tool dealer sucks he isn't getting any money from me! Too easy for me to close the box at the end of the day and go home, spend time with my kids and smoke a nice cigar, than sit at a computer balancing the books or making sure I have enough cash on hand to cover the parts bills and payroll etc.
when i was doing my training to be a mechanic i was disappointed that we had a 2hr module lesson on carburettor's,Thinking i was going to learn hell alot more about them, But since then i've only worked on 1 carburettored car and that was MINE! its crazy how fast automotive tech is moving, i was worried cause i did'nt know about certain old school precedures like connecting the light bulb to the diagnostic connector and counting how many times it blinks, If i could give advice to the new techs out there Don't look back, look forward cause possibilty that all the current tech could be obsolete in the future.
I agree with the reflashing, people don't understand it. I work at a caterpillar equipment dealer. I run into that all the time. A machine will have a code and you do an update on the software it goes away. Before wasting hours of time troubleshooting something that isn't there
Caterpillar truck technician here (24 years). I have always told the young techs in our shop that when it comes to the tools that you use everyday, buy the good stuff like Snap On and such, but when it comes to the tools in the "bottom drawer of the box" that gets used once in a while, think 1 inch drive equipment, there is nothing wrong with the off brand as long as you feel that it is a quality built tool, or that you can easily replace. If you can justify it's expense, and you like the tool truck tool, then buy it! I have an Extreme 55 inch box that I LOVE! Would have bought the 72 inch box but I still have to be able to move the box once in a while in a busy shop. The tool truck boxes are really nice, but I'd rather use the money for the tools inside and the Extreme box is a BEAST when it comes to storage. Reflashing is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you are going to work on modern equipment. And I agree with not owning my own shop. There is a lot of money to be made in your own shop, but there is a lot of risk involved as well, and anyone that says that you can keep the equipment as collateral does not have any idea how big a pain in the ass it is to place the lien on the equipment, sell it, and hopefully make enough money to pay the bills that you owe on it (parts vendors, etc) and make a profit on it. I had a customer whom I did about $5000 dollars worth of work to, the customer comes in to pay the bill and gushes over how great a job it was, then writes a RUBBER CHECK to pay for it. At least by working for another shop, my paycheck comes every two weeks, and I also make buttloads of money without all of the headaches of the business!!
i agree with you, I just enjoy using snap on tools so that's what I have. I work my balls off so paying for them is no issue. i don't need a snap on box but it makes my day just a little bit better.
I own my shop and buy almost everything from my snap On dealer and Mac dealer. I have great dealers and I can call them day or night to warranty a tool or have them bring one to me if I need it for a job. I understand I'm paying premium prices, but the aside from the quality I pay for the service and convenience. Especially when it comes to scan tools, a/c and other larger equipment I've always been satisfied and I believe the service I'm getting if I have an issue (which is rare), is well worth the extra $. I understand people confused why someone might pay 5-600 dollars for a set of wrenches, but do this profession for a while and you will quickly understand. I'm using tools today that I bought 20 years ago when I started and that says a lot. I know some people may not agree but if it's your $ I don't think there is anything stupid about spending it how you want. And if it's going to make my work and day easier and more efficient then I will continue to pay the premium for that. Great video as always!!!
I say all the time, I have very few tool needs, at this point in my life on am almost all tool wants, I want a tool, I can afford it I buy it. Thanks you !
I am a home gamer and I admire your tools and boxes. You and Eric O and others are a great inspiration for me. Tool truck stuff is great but I can understand why other look elsewhere like I do. If I was in your or Eric O's boat I would operate differently.
Enjoy your videos thanks for taking time. I don't have any problem with tool truck if you have the money. Most people think they do but there weren't be so much tool truck stuff for sale on eBay...etc if they did. Where you get your tools is not the problem it is the way they are sold. Have a good day.
Techs and other folks that get their panties wadded up because of what you buy tells me they have too much free time. I'm in Law Enforcement and a long time automotive DIYer. My goal is completing my automotive course and doing automotive work on the side at the house and for something meaningful to do when I retire in a few years. I want to try and help owners of older vehicles keep theirs running just a little longer, because not everyone can afford a brand new car. Keep up the great work, FRM!
+Donald Hollums - That's me right there, the guy that's the "older car" man helpin' folks who gotta hold on to that "hoopty" 'cause they don't have that newer car cash flow(or credit), but wanna (or need to) keep drivin' what they have. I'm behind the times like they are anyway. It's not uncommon for me to work on a "2000 something". I go back further than that too.
Big G I hear both you guys. I work industrial maintenance (mechanic not janitor). My drive way and over sized one car has become the last stop on the way to the junk yard for many machines. A few weekends ago I did an "alignment" with a tape mesure on the drive way. It isn't perfect and it will wear the tires but it stopped trying to kill the driver and tracks straight now. Good passed by a lot of vehicles a long time ago, ish is what they have now. It's strightish, runningish, drivingish, but getting back and forth to work.
Good video man!! Let the haters hate, they are doing their job. I agree, big money in Buckhead! As a former Benz tech at the dealer their it was good money. I remember customers having their credit cards on file and them saying just to call if the repair bill goes over 10K!!! That’s why I’d rather work in a big city like Buckhead vs a small suburb, it’s apples and oranges. Anyway another great video man!!
All valid points. I work on a lot of Mercedes and will say you can't hardly do anything without flashing. Also I work in Norcross so we're practically neighbors lol
Agreed, I hate when people give me crap because I buy off the tools trucks. I can afford it they can't because they spend their money else where. I just picked up a new tool cart from matco on promo for my b day on the 24th and first thing I heard was oh man buy the sunex online buy harbor freight cart. And my response was the same I wanted quality and something strong. Not knocking the lower brands either, but what I've found is there will always be ppl that don't agree and some are jealous they can't manage their money to buy the quality tools.
Excellently put, most keyboard warriors are extremely jealous. Why wouldnt you buy of the tool truck, the warranty will be good. You know for sure that your buying a genuine product. Over here in the UK we are forever doing Ecu updates. But for the small minority who dont believe in these so called updates, simply do not have the knowledge do diagnose these vehicles correctly. They throw a tonne of parts at a car and hope it fixes it, on numerous occasions cars from other garages have brought cars to me, i simply follow diagnostic procedures to reveal the root cause. All i can say is screw the haters, get yourselves educated and dont get left behind. Keep the videos coming. Great video flat rate master
Hi FRM, totally agree with you not to sound like a kiss ass but I’ve seen many of your videos...and you just speak the truth. I wrench as a Ford tech and many of these points are great whether people want to believe it or not. I moved down to North Carolina from New York and location is different in many ways, but no matter where you are at we all have slow and busy seasons. Either way you should be wise enough especially as a technician to save as much as you can in the busy season. ALSO a VERY good point you made...the reflash or we call them reprogram, either way it IS very important on these newer vehicles. We see many vehicles that are “repaired” at local or smaller shops that just kinda throw parts at it and yet many times don’t even know that vehicle needs to be reprogrammed after a repair is done. Thanks-Brian
My chain shop has a good solution for flashing,. We have an “Area Diag Specialist” who has a van loaded with OE scan tools and J-box, and his job is to drive around servicing 22 locations performing flashes and bailing out parts-changers when they get comebacks. We bounce ideas off each other a lot, and the running joke is that he’s only holding my next job open for me until he retires.
Exactly. Hence why us dealer techs have so many cars come in more screwed up by independent shops that refuse to stay up to date with technology. The independents eventually won't be able to keep up if they don't start investing in proper tools and diagnostic equipment. Manufacturers are making these cars more and more "dealer dependent." Props to your team and all other indy's that are trying to stay up to date.
Thank you, I can't believe shops and techs will not stay up to date on this stuff, I quess would rather keep blinders on and hope it goes away, you know just like they did when ODB was coming
I believe the data on a snap on. I can trust it. It may have gaps , but it has the feel of professional quality. Autel fills those gaps when needed. It’s a beautiful thing to have both.
Im a lil late to this video lol Bout 4 yrs. But your tool box is badass dude. Ppl will pick at anything. Dont feed the trolls. Your videos are awesome, and im learning alot. Salute.
Generally most people don't hate on guys for buying from the tool truck due to being able to buy or not. But due to the arrogance the guys who buy them have. The tool polishers. The guys who look down on someone using 15 year old Craftsman sockets. But then I dislike the guys who swing their skill level ego around at those who know less. Assumption is always a jealousy issue when that is usually someone further stroking their ego. I just don't like dicks.
ykmalachi yeah that's BS. Especially 15 year old Craftsman sockets. Nothing to be ashamed of!! All of my 3/8 are Craftsman except for a few odds and ends. Hell, the only 1/2 Chromes I own are 60 year old SK's I got from my uncle!! since mostly just use impacts.
I used to buy quite a bit off the Snap -On tool truck, including a tool box. Hard to beat the quality. But once I started not buying something every week, he quite coming around. Haven't seen him in 5-6 years. His loss. I still buy a few things from Snap On on-line and they're pretty good about covering any warranty (if a little slow).
Modern cars.😣 About a year ago, my son got out of the Army and came home. He saw an ad for a 5 speed Honda Accord, and he and I love manuals, so we went to go take a look at it. It was a trade in at a Mazda dealership. Well, the car LOOKED great, but it was leaking everything, etc. A money pit that some kid probably used for drifting, I'd guess. While there, I took a look at the vehicles in the show room. I thought to myself that I don't know if I'd even attempt to get to the alternator on those cars. I didn't know if I was pissed about not being able to go under the hood and do maintenance or if it was intimidating. Absolutely no room in the engine bay for my mitts.😐😁 I am gonna go back to my local Tech school and take some refresher courses. That's what it's come to now. There are some brake jobs that I can't do because of modules and things like that. Amazing.
Late model cars it is all about moving things to get the room you need, like it is now common place to have to remove a bumper cover just to do head lights, fun:(
My dad's shop,do the GMs mostly for flashing and programing.Have the Tech 2 and the Tish program.AC Delco does have something online for $55.00 for 3 days just for programing.Had to use this online program for a 2008 Chevy truck to program the new fuel pump module that was installed.Even with the newer GM radios,programed with the Tech 2.Encounter a Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy for a window switch replacement,the new window switch has to be programed.Does not work out of the box.I have been told the newer VWs and Audis,the computer has to be programed all over again after replacing the battery.Learned I am going to have a new Matco dealer.Matco pulled my previous dealer's southern route from him.Good thing is I don't owe any money to this dealer
Just bought the Matco comfort grip flex head 3/8 Ratchet off the truck $180 and a 3/8 SnapOn impact wrench $400 or something I love em also ordered Matco impact sockets 8-19mm no skips and it comes with SAE $260 I believe tool truck makes life easy buy here pay here type deal
I appreciate you Chanel & the rants, lol it’s always good to hear someone’s opinions and thoughts that have been in the industry for a while I’m guessing. To bad for all the haters giving u griff all y can do is just brush it off no point of getting mad.
You are soooo right on with this one and location and money doesn't seem to land in your lap at the same time unless your born with it. It would have to be one of those ideal situations or circumstances and sometimes once in a lifetime it can happen scenario. F.R.M. you're handling it in a very intelligent manner I must admit. Also it can be less headaches or lawsuits not owning your own shop.
Great vid as always! I never owned and probably won't ever own a Snap On scanner, but I've used 'em in the past. Last time was when the Solus was the thing. That''ll show you how long I been out of this repair world. Back in the day I counted on the employer to take the dive and invest because I simply couldn't afford one of those. I was all I could do to get "the brick" on my own and when I finally did get one of those, it was on the way out. Now, after re-entering this field and do my own thing, I have 3 different scan tools. I mostly do older vehicles, so I haven't ran into any of that reflashing stuff yet. I know what to do if I do........wave, bye bye!
Great video! Talking tools is nice, but it's a good change of pace to just rant about industry things... things a lot of techs deal with on a daily basis. I also wanted had a couple comments: 1.) Isn't it amazing how everyone knows what's best for you? I work for "the man" too. I'm not a tech anymore. But same as you... I like the company, I like the work, I like the people I work with, I like my boss, and I sure do love the money I make. Our professions don't always define who we are. Anyone that wants to work 80+ hours a week, no "real" vacation, no "real" weekends, missing birthdays, missing weddings, never be able to leave the work at work, and get paid peanuts for the first 3-5 years (if you're lucky)... by all means, start your own business. There is nothing wrong with letting "the man" pay for you to live and retire comfortably! 2.) The "tool truck haters" discussion: I started working on cars when I was 21 or 22. I could REALLY not afford a lot of tool truck product. I bought a few things off the truck and spent the money where it was smart to. But the bulk of my tools were Craftsman and similar quality. This was 1996. Craftsman was made in the USA, with pretty stringent specs, and performed very well for a starting tech. I will never forget the guys with the $8,000+ tool chests (filled with tools of the same brand) that took every opportunity to tell me how I was wasting my money on crappy tools. I know you don't do that in your videos. But I do believe that is where some of the "haters" come from.
Agree ... it's almost like the oem vs aftermarket parts debate. OEM in general is better, but will cost you more... In some cases .... nothing but OEM... some cases Aftermarket actually corrects oem problems.... Very dependent on individual situation and what you can afford...... but in some cases.... there's only OEM choice as aftermarket will burn you...
I started my career at an independent shop where we mostly worked on early to mid-2000s cars I never realized until I started working at the dealer how many repairs were fixed by doing an ECM update or some type of reflash
You said it. It's your money...your business what you do with it...Buy what you can afford...wisely. As far as quality, Harbor Freight makes nice boxes...I own one. It serves me well. But I'm not a tech working on the line, opening that wrench drawer 120 times a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year. The thinner metal fatigues quicker, glides wear out faster...and guess what? You can't run down to your local Harbor Freight and order a replacement glide! We all get what we pay for.
I have the 56 inch box from HF and have to echo your statement, it's an oddly good toolbox. I'm between a DIY and tech, I flip cars, work on assorted machines like tractors, and do some amateur racing and the HF box really holds up well for me. My only beef is I wish the top drawer went all the way across the box but that's minor.
I definitely cant afford that kinda box but god damn it looks soooo good, I just got started in this I don't make a ton of money not only that I don't need that right now. As for you guys this has been your profession for years apon years, you want something nice and you need something that will last and be big enough for the huge amount of tools you have accumulated
Great rant lol. I do think that just like you last video about buying part store vs internet there will be at some point a one stop shop for tools online with more affordable pricing. This might be a company that doesn't exist yet or a company Amazon buys but with the market is obviously ready for it.
You can buy preprogrammed modules for some vehicles at the dealership but they are more expensive. But it is beneficial to be able to program at your own shop
I do the heavy line jobs so I bought snapon sockets and wrenches because I've broken alot of cheap tools over the years but people need to buy what they want and not worry about what someone else buys
It's your life your money spend it how you see fit. Some guys buy from truck because it's there and they have a relationship with the vendors. The truck will take trades where other places don't, and sell nice used boxes to younger techs at a cheaper price. I think some just don't see both sides of the issue its their opinion and others don't matter. Real good advice and it's sad we have to go through this. The haters that is. Great vid thanks
I really just do not understand the hate, If I wanted a Ferrari and can afford it, why would you sit there and tell me it is a bad car to commute in, or that it gets poor gas mileage, or its over priced etc, its not my fault you can't afford one, and no I can't afford one either:( But the Same applies to buying off the tool truck
Totally! I personally won't get a box off the trucks. I can't afford 1. do i wish i could? YEP! Do I hate on others who can afford 1, nope. you earned your money , you spend it as you see fit. I am wondering if all these haters are actual techs? I don't know any tech that get nothing off any tool trucks. Location is so important. our shop is in a hard part of town too. hence why our master tech gets all the work. 50 miles down the road we have another 1 of our stores making x8 what we do.
Buying from the tool truck is no different than buying a new car, you may not have the money for a good reliable impact gun in one lump sum, get it from the tool truck yeah it may be a little more but you get it asap and make payments just like buying a new car to an extent of course.
I just bought a Matco roll cart. My boss has the harbor freight tool cart. There is a big difference in quality. My boss now wants a Matco one and then harbor freight one into diagnostic cart. Not sure why people hate on you for buying nice stuff.
I'm no mechanic, but I have a scan tool addiction. So I was trying to help this guy at work with his Nissan. Anyway you right about having flashing capabilities he in his 3rd pcm, and 2 cheap to buy 1 brand new. If I was dirty I could have took him for a ride. But I stayed honest and told him you just need the right computer. But he still doubts me. The pcm he has now is from a 2000, his car is a 2001 with different parts and he wondering why it doesn't work right lol. He gone be hurt if I start charging 😭😭😭
I completely understand. I buy quality tools like Snap On because I need them to work every time. my boss on the other hand buys the cheap shit. the harbor freight stuff. and 9 times out of ten he's going to my box to borrow my tools. time is money and I need the tools to work. I'll spend the money to make my life easier. I can remember one time I bought the red line universal coolant adapter and my boss said it was a waste of money. but now he's always asking to borrow it.
Where I live there are no options for a tool truck. (As a DIY'er I do pretty good with eBay and flee markets). I'm searching for my first scope so this information along with Eric and keith are invaluable. Thanks.
Good for you for being able to afford that tool box. That’s like the people that get mad at someone else buying a new Corvette. 🤷♂️. I think my biggest rant over the years has been the rest of my family “can you look at my car and see what’s wrong?” Or “can you put this part on that’s bad”. 🙄
Non truck branded boxes... from my understanding, extreme tool boxes, montezuma, and a few others are made by Waterloo, and are of very solid quality... however, dollar to drawer, if I were buying a box not on the truck, US General would for sure be my purchase
Some modules you need to remove information stored in a module before you remove it so it can be installed in the new module. Such as diesel injector flow numbers.
Your tool box is sweet! Now, I don't think people are hating on the techs that buy off the truck just because they buy off the truck. Its the idiots that spend all thier money on expensive tools just to try and look cool. Because let's be honest, most of those over priced tools are a joke. And a big portion of them you don't hardly ever use. If a guy can really afford it, that's different. Its the guys that can't afford it and go into debt. They have nice tools but live in a dump.
I sold salvage parts for several years 80 percent of independent shops would install a transmission and when I would advise them of a re-flash from a service bulletin they would get upset and say the unit is bad without ever doing anything on the computer side.😡
The only trade off to not owning your own shop in your particular case is not being your own boss. With the income it sounds like your making it’s not a bad deal. I’d feel the same way.
I buy a lot off the tool trucks, but I do shop around. Bought a set of 12 point 1/2 drive impact wobbles online for $120 less than tool truck. Same item and part number. 30 to 40 bucks difference and I would have bought off truck, but 120 was a no brainer.
You tell a soccer mom in the city that drives a Suburban she needs $2000 worth of work her truck and she ssys can I pick it up Wednesday. You tell the same to a country shop and they MIGHT do one of the services you recomended. LOCATION means money. I used to commute 40 miles to work at dealers in and around Boston because people had money.
+notoriousscottyb Smith i commute to Atlanta For the same reason, where i live a $300 bill is the end of the world, where i work $2000 bills are common
my boss opened his shop 27 years ago. it was nothing except farms around. now, 400 meters away, is the premier place in ontario canada to buy a car. mclaren, ferrari, jaguar/landrover, ford/lincoln, chevy/gmc/buick, chrysler dodge jeep ram, fiat, alfa romeo, audi, maserati, bmw and mini. porsche was there but now they just use that space for over flow work from all the other dealerships owned by that same company. guess what happens when someone is sitting in that service area thinking " damn this bill is way too much who else is around that i can check out" 5 minute walk from those dealerships. talk about a good location.
I have the cardaq m for reflashing and some various oem scanners for reflashing. The biggest thing for reflashing is make sure you have a steady power source. Some modules will corrupt if you dont and youll be out that money. Sucks on a bmw
I just picked up a verus after trying launch, autel, mac scout witch sucked, and snap on solus and definatly like the snap on the most. Do agree it struggles with some euro stuff but I mostly work on Asian cars.
Very Valid Points thank you! For a DIY home garage type guy what a is a "good' reasonable priced scan tool you can recommend PLEASE? AND how to learn to use it I have an OBDII and volt ohm meters.
I used to have guys rib me about the money I was spending on tool boxes and tools on the S/O truck...I was single (still am) and had the money to do so...but you're right there are guys out there who aren't just ribbing you, they seem to get real upset at you when you buy top of the line stuff...and I think you're right they are jealous...
On the flash stuff and the scan tools I agree you have to pay to play. People NEED to start seeing a difference beyond carb vs fule injection. I don't have nor have I used any scan tools can't vouch brand to brand. From what I see it cost just to be in the same room with the damn things. Your own shop vs an employer I totally get you, you have to do what's right for you. If you got a good gig hold on with both hands! Though I'd take it as a complement that others believe that you're capable of owning a shop. There's something however that blows my f----- mind. I go into a local Copper foundry (foundry the heaviest industry there is) the maintenace guys there are making $70-90k a year. Craftsman, Masterforce (local home center house brand) Channel lock, Westward (Grainger house brand) are the norm. Only name brand box among them is one sad Mac from the 80s . Then I go into a local Chevy dealer, a techs pay is $30-40k a year all I see is Snap-on, Matco, and Mac. WTF?!!
I bought an extreme tools tool box, they cost more than harbor freight by a decent amount. If you got $1000 cash get the triple bank us general for sure. I went with the 55 inch extreme because it had 3 long top drawers which suits me personally, I haven't seen too many tool boxes with 3 long top drawers. I wouldn't try and compare it to snap-on, matco, or mac tho. I use my roll cart more than anything so I'd rather have a top tier cart that i can load down with everything i use daily for efficiency. I guess it just depends on what work you do and the tools you have. If you get a steal on the price tag on a box or you simply can just afford payments that can beat the interest on the box then go for it lol. Ive never got mad at someone for buying tools or tool boxes off the trucks, not my money lol.
I buy what I can afford, it's not always top of the line. I try to buy special tools from the tool trucks. I buy basic hand tools from sears, home depot and yes some harbor freight. It works for me ,but maybe not for someone doing more than brakes and suspension work.
First of all lets call things by what they are, hobo freight, queer wrench, crapsman, shittsburg etc. I envy your toolbox and your tools I really wish i could afford them, love your videos too.
Brother I need u to make a video please , about what kind of tools shops required to mechanic to start working , I just finished the school and u know they don’t talk anything about it
I don't hate on the people buying from tool trucks, it's just not what I prefer, even though a lot of other farmers near me do. I personally like craftsman tools, only buy ones that were made in usa.
I dont hate on people who buy off the truck I just choose not to. I buy almost all matco or snap on branded stuff on Ebay. Its much cheaper. But I have a tough time warrantying them. So who really wins in the long run? Not sure. I just don't like the endless payments. However for the rare occasions I do buy something new off the truck, its a lot more fun to open a brand new tool vs. a used tool.
MY opinion "Only": Each one of us has the right to buy whatever they can afford and feel they need for their individual intended purposes. I do agree that the really chep-0 tools have NO place in any DIY type person's toolbox. They will let you down every time!
Agree with 90% of everything you say. Except for the fact that Snap-On is the best aftermarket scan tool. That I would have to disagree on. They are the most expensive but certainly not the best. I would put it head to head with a Launch or Autel any day. Having used all 3 I know for a fact that the Snap-On struggles a lot and has a lot of gaps. Even scope wise it is really behind the ball unfortunately. As far as shop location, I really think that depends. I believe it is more based off reputation and quality. Example: my shop is in the middle of nowhere yet I am booked 3 weeks out and often have a waiting list and it has been that way for over 10 years. Any how good rant and keep on killin that flat rate! Take care.
-Eric O.
Eric O. in the HOUSE!! Everyone listen to Eric as he is the man with the plan. Everybody should check out his channel as he is the best mechanic on UA-cam.
South Main Auto Repair Erico your shop is busy strictly because you're a bad ass and you know exactly what the fuck you're doing you could be anywhere in the United States and people would be lined up for it to have you fix their cars just my opinion so with me location doesn't really matter if you're good people will travel and they will pay their bill because they're probably going to need you again at some point
South Main Auto Repair Wow 3 weeks booked? Need a hand?
Leekautorepair could use about 3! Wonder if tim is busy haha
South Main Auto Repair he's probably busy he's probably working on like banned 9 10 and 11 you know the last couple days the people found out is bullshit so I'm sure the banned list is getting pretty big
LOL, People sure to get upset on each side when it comes to tool truck.
To me it's about making a smart choice for you and your needs. I do worry about guys getting themselves in to a stupid amount of debt buying tools that they don't "NEED".
I have also seen guys fresh out of school with thousands of dollars of tools. Then they spend a year in the field and leave it. Its kinda sad.
When it comes down to it, buy what you want. It's your money LOL! I own a mix of everything Truck, Ebay, HF, Amazon, etc..
Charles, I also worry about especially young techs getting into to much debt, I did a tools to start out as a tech video, a while ago, I said in the video do not buy off the tool truck starting out, too many people get into this trade and leave with huge debts to the trucks, in that video, I stated to buy a HF tool box/cart, gearwrench and VIM. FYI, one of my very first videos on this channel was managing money on flat rate, please do not go watch it, really bad, info is good, I think, but audio and video is not.
I started this channel specifically to help young techs getting into this business, knowing full well this would be a small niche channel, and hope my videos will help these techs, grow and develop.
Rock on dude. I have very much the same mission, at least in part. Keep making good vids man
I will keep making videos, I keep hearing from techs that my videos help them, and that is what matters! Don't forget you get back to ATL, beer is are on me:) FYI I have been a Sub of yours since you had around 5 or 6k subs on my personal channel, you keep rocking those great videos too!
HumbleMechanic ur awesome
Yup I did get a bit deep into doo doo but getting out. Looking back at what i did buy...i am glad that I got what i did and my snapon dealer said he would take back some tools and really glad because I do return what I haven’t used.
I spend $300 on Jordan shoes. But i wouldnt spend $300 on a wrench set. But in now way would i ever talk crap about someone with a tool truck in their yard. When i see a Snap On truck in someones yard i get hulk green with envy. Just a tip of the cap to them. Always cool to see people take pride in their stuff. Some people spend up on shoes, some on tools, and some on fancy $200 dinners. The ones complaining all the time are the people who dont have any passions or money in life to follow those passions. I wouldnt buy a snap on set but i will sure as hell admire one.
See I’m 24 always wore Jordan shoes and socks my whole life ❤️ Them.
Now I can’t get myself to spend money on shoes I want $300 wrench sets 😍 my wife loves snap on so , I’m in their!
@Jeniy Cresava - good point. I wear 1 pair of sandals that are 5+ years old and my wife buys my clothes. My toolbox cost as much as a car and I’m continuously buying tools off the tool trucks. I couldn’t care less about my street shoes & clothes (I buy good work shoes) but I never hesitate if there’s a new tool I want or need. I don’t even my car detailing supplies for the weekends. I spend more and have a much larger variety of car detailing supplies than I have to clean & groom myself! 😂
@@goinhot9133 way to go brother, I was the same years ago but now I have drove my wife crazy and probably soon myself out the house. Over 15k in tools at home alone and still growing. It becomes a addiction but I tell her don’t look at it as a purchase but an investment. Tell you what I or anyone I know will never be walking again. I know for past decade I or my wife hasn’t. Great job though keep it up brother. God bless you always
@@eliezerramosjr1017 lol that’s funny, I’m pretty sure I’m at 15-20k in just SO in the last year or so, but recently I’ve been focusing on firearms lol
We buy quality everything, and our philosophy is can the higher quality make you money? Jordan’s can if you get a limited release. But tools, and appliances, can make and save you money. Cheap is expensive.
Love your videos,
A few months ago I asked you if a 38 year old could start in a automotive industry, and you said y not. I have now 4 months in now and I'm doing head gasket and engine swaps, and I have spend over 1000 dollars in tools. And let me tell you...... I love it!!!...
Awesome!
How is it now
Let them hate. I'm glad for you. I can't afford them right now but happy for the ones that can.
Tool truck envy is huge. I see it and here it all the time. I just say it's my money ill spend it the way i want.
Yes it is!
@Sid The sloth I have seen that as well. I have also seen that cheap tools makes the job harder. Rounding and stripping the fasteners. Because they spread, the broaching was bad. Or just crap steel. And if one is looking for good deals on tools. Don't forget about pawn shops,farmers auctions,and estate sales.
@Sid The sloth I don't make fun of the guys that have Husky, Kobolt,Craftsman tools. They work as they are intended to.
The people who I have a issue with are the one's that say. That all you need are the low end low quality tools.
Now i do have some cheaper tools and only broke one. A 30mm my fault i couldn't get the box end on it. And had to get to 500ft lbs. I agree with you on using ones tools as they are designed.
Putting a 4" cheater bar on a 3/8" and getting mad when it breaks.
@Sid The sloth I totally understand where you are coming from.
My slant comes from a certain segment saying that all one needs is HF tools.
And nothing more.
@Sid The sloth i have and still use HF 1/2c impact sockets. They are now in my service call bags. Because if i loose one or i drop them in mud im not out much.
My problem is HF,lows, Menards are 20 minutes away. And my time is very limited. Now NAPA, will deliver the local hardware store has chanelock but the price point on them is a little steep.
I have HF screwdrivers they are ok. They are loaners now.
I live in Chicago and just like anywhere, a large spectrum of economies. I use to work across the street from a shop in the "hood", not a day would go by where I would see a bunch of gang bangers coming to F up the mechanic that ripped them off. I would see guys jump out with bats and mechanics fighting with anything they had. But in upper middle class shops also in Chicago, people come in and pay outrageous bills and not even break a sweat. They sit calmly with their phone and laptops and do their work. They pay without saying a word. If you get an occasional complaint, you won't see them showing up later with their "boys". Just yesterday they shot a mechanic in the hood trying to rob his shop.
Great video as always. I never understood people that give you crap on where you by your tools, buy what you want. I do believe in buying quality over quantity, my Snap-On tools never let me down. Even after a rebuild on my air ratchet and 3/8 air gun after about three years of using everyday I didn't mind because of the service and it was pretty much a new toll after the rebuild. Also, alot depends on your tool truck rep, I have great tool rep that shows up every week and gives no problems when I need to warranty a tool. I also believe in local small business, money stays in the area to support other local businesses. Nice to see that you know when to stand back and not have the stress on owning a business and making enough to support your family and have savings.
Thank you very much! I do not get the tool truck hate! FYI the wife of our Matco Dealer came by the shop and gave us all Ice cream, a good dealer is the key, if my tool dealer sucks he isn't getting any money from me! Too easy for me to close the box at the end of the day and go home, spend time with my kids and smoke a nice cigar, than sit at a computer balancing the books or making sure I have enough cash on hand to cover the parts bills and payroll etc.
when i was doing my training to be a mechanic i was disappointed that we had a 2hr module lesson on carburettor's,Thinking i was going to learn hell alot more about them, But since then i've only worked on 1 carburettored car and that was MINE! its crazy how fast automotive tech is moving, i was worried cause i did'nt know about certain old school precedures like connecting the light bulb to the diagnostic connector and counting how many times it blinks, If i could give advice to the new techs out there Don't look back, look forward cause possibilty that all the current tech could be obsolete in the future.
thanx... keep it up with all this info really helpfully im 24 in been on the diesel industry for 6 years
Thank you very much! and will do!
You make excellent points! Keep doing what you do - nothing gets the haters more wound up than success!
LOL!
I agree with the reflashing, people don't understand it. I work at a caterpillar equipment dealer. I run into that all the time. A machine will have a code and you do an update on the software it goes away. Before wasting hours of time troubleshooting something that isn't there
Thank you, some people still live in the dark ages on auto repair, and just do not get it.
Loved this video. Buy the best you can afford. I just buy whatever gives me that warm down fuzzy feeling.
Caterpillar truck technician here (24 years). I have always told the young techs in our shop that when it comes to the tools that you use everyday, buy the good stuff like Snap On and such, but when it comes to the tools in the "bottom drawer of the box" that gets used once in a while, think 1 inch drive equipment, there is nothing wrong with the off brand as long as you feel that it is a quality built tool, or that you can easily replace. If you can justify it's expense, and you like the tool truck tool, then buy it! I have an Extreme 55 inch box that I LOVE! Would have bought the 72 inch box but I still have to be able to move the box once in a while in a busy shop. The tool truck boxes are really nice, but I'd rather use the money for the tools inside and the Extreme box is a BEAST when it comes to storage. Reflashing is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you are going to work on modern equipment. And I agree with not owning my own shop. There is a lot of money to be made in your own shop, but there is a lot of risk involved as well, and anyone that says that you can keep the equipment as collateral does not have any idea how big a pain in the ass it is to place the lien on the equipment, sell it, and hopefully make enough money to pay the bills that you owe on it (parts vendors, etc) and make a profit on it. I had a customer whom I did about $5000 dollars worth of work to, the customer comes in to pay the bill and gushes over how great a job it was, then writes a RUBBER CHECK to pay for it. At least by working for another shop, my paycheck comes every two weeks, and I also make buttloads of money without all of the headaches of the business!!
It's none of anybody's business what u buy. Good video ! 👍👍
Thanks Norman!
i agree with you, I just enjoy using snap on tools so that's what I have. I work my balls off so paying for them is no issue. i don't need a snap on box but it makes my day just a little bit better.
Wants vs needs;)
Wow.....man you nailed it. This video was on point and the heat is real. Hater got to hate when your rolling big.
Thank you!
I own my shop and buy almost everything from my snap On dealer and Mac dealer. I have great dealers and I can call them day or night to warranty a tool or have them bring one to me if I need it for a job. I understand I'm paying premium prices, but the aside from the quality I pay for the service and convenience. Especially when it comes to scan tools, a/c and other larger equipment I've always been satisfied and I believe the service I'm getting if I have an issue (which is rare), is well worth the extra $. I understand people confused why someone might pay 5-600 dollars for a set of wrenches, but do this profession for a while and you will quickly understand. I'm using tools today that I bought 20 years ago when I started and that says a lot. I know some people may not agree but if it's your $ I don't think there is anything stupid about spending it how you want. And if it's going to make my work and day easier and more efficient then I will continue to pay the premium for that.
Great video as always!!!
I say all the time, I have very few tool needs, at this point in my life on am almost all tool wants, I want a tool, I can afford it I buy it.
Thanks you !
I am a home gamer and I admire your tools and boxes. You and Eric O and others are a great inspiration for me. Tool truck stuff is great but I can understand why other look elsewhere like I do. If I was in your or Eric O's boat I would operate differently.
+Anthony Scotellaro thank you! Yes home vs tech are very different needs. Fyi Eric O is a cool guy in real life too
Enjoy your videos thanks for taking time. I don't have any problem with tool truck if you have the money. Most people think they do but there weren't be so much tool truck stuff for sale on eBay...etc if they did. Where you get your tools is not the problem it is the way they are sold. Have a good day.
My very first video on this channel was about money management, if you are broke the day after pay day, you need to spend less, period!
Techs and other folks that get their panties wadded up because of what you buy tells me they have too much free time. I'm in Law Enforcement and a long time automotive DIYer. My goal is completing my automotive course and doing automotive work on the side at the house and for something meaningful to do when I retire in a few years. I want to try and help owners of older vehicles keep theirs running just a little longer, because not everyone can afford a brand new car. Keep up the great work, FRM!
+Donald Hollums - That's me right there, the guy that's the "older car" man helpin' folks who gotta hold on to that "hoopty" 'cause they don't have that newer car cash flow(or credit), but wanna (or need to) keep drivin' what they have. I'm behind the times like they are anyway. It's not uncommon for me to work on a "2000 something". I go back further than that too.
Big G I hear both you guys. I work industrial maintenance (mechanic not janitor). My drive way and over sized one car has become the last stop on the way to the junk yard for many machines. A few weekends ago I did an "alignment" with a tape mesure on the drive way. It isn't perfect and it will wear the tires but it stopped trying to kill the driver and tracks straight now. Good passed by a lot of vehicles a long time ago, ish is what they have now. It's strightish, runningish, drivingish, but getting back and forth to work.
What does you being in law enforcement have to do with anything???? Just bragging?
LOL!
Good video man!! Let the haters hate, they are doing their job. I agree, big money in Buckhead! As a former Benz tech at the dealer their it was good money. I remember customers having their credit cards on file and them saying just to call if the repair bill goes over 10K!!! That’s why I’d rather work in a big city like Buckhead vs a small suburb, it’s apples and oranges. Anyway another great video man!!
The shop i am at is right down Piedmont from MB of Buckhead
All valid points.
I work on a lot of Mercedes and will say you can't hardly do anything without flashing.
Also I work in Norcross so we're practically neighbors lol
MB is about the worst for that! Hey Neighbor!
Flat Rate Master: Outstanding videos! Thank you!
Thank you!
Agreed, I hate when people give me crap because I buy off the tools trucks. I can afford it they can't because they spend their money else where. I just picked up a new tool cart from matco on promo for my b day on the 24th and first thing I heard was oh man buy the sunex online buy harbor freight cart. And my response was the same I wanted quality and something strong. Not knocking the lower brands either, but what I've found is there will always be ppl that don't agree and some are jealous they can't manage their money to buy the quality tools.
I do not get the hate, buy what you want and I will buy what I want, sorry if you cannot afford to get on the tool trucks I can:)
Excellently put, most keyboard warriors are extremely jealous. Why wouldnt you buy of the tool truck, the warranty will be good. You know for sure that your buying a genuine product. Over here in the UK we are forever doing Ecu updates. But for the small minority who dont believe in these so called updates, simply do not have the knowledge do diagnose these vehicles correctly. They throw a tonne of parts at a car and hope it fixes it, on numerous occasions cars from other garages have brought cars to me, i simply follow diagnostic procedures to reveal the root cause. All i can say is screw the haters, get yourselves educated and dont get left behind. Keep the videos coming. Great video flat rate master
Thank you very much!
Hi FRM, totally agree with you not to sound like a kiss ass but I’ve seen many of your videos...and you just speak the truth. I wrench as a Ford tech and many of these points are great whether people want to believe it or not. I moved down to North Carolina from New York and location is different in many ways, but no matter where you are at we all have slow and busy seasons. Either way you should be wise enough especially as a technician to save as much as you can in the busy season. ALSO a VERY good point you made...the reflash or we call them reprogram, either way it IS very important on these newer vehicles. We see many vehicles that are “repaired” at local or smaller shops that just kinda throw parts at it and yet many times don’t even know that vehicle needs to be reprogrammed after a repair is done. Thanks-Brian
My chain shop has a good solution for flashing,. We have an “Area Diag Specialist” who has a van loaded with OE scan tools and J-box, and his job is to drive around servicing 22 locations performing flashes and bailing out parts-changers when they get comebacks. We bounce ideas off each other a lot, and the running joke is that he’s only holding my next job open for me until he retires.
Like how you explained "location", basically in the hood or the good part of town lol. I always thought it was the main drag like you mentioned
Thank you
forget about the haters FRM your one of the kings on youtube when it comes to automotive info enough said. GP
Thank you very much! It really doesn't bother me, but makes for a good rant video;)
Thanx for the video. ....haters will always hate..if u can afford that nice toolbox why not get it! Btw i like ur new box. keep up the great wrk bro
Thank you, haters gonna hate no matter what
Exactly. Hence why us dealer techs have so many cars come in more screwed up by independent shops that refuse to stay up to date with technology. The independents eventually won't be able to keep up if they don't start investing in proper tools and diagnostic equipment. Manufacturers are making these cars more and more "dealer dependent." Props to your team and all other indy's that are trying to stay up to date.
Thank you, I can't believe shops and techs will not stay up to date on this stuff, I quess would rather keep blinders on and hope it goes away, you know just like they did when ODB was coming
I believe the data on a snap on.
I can trust it.
It may have gaps , but it has the feel of professional quality.
Autel fills those gaps when needed.
It’s a beautiful thing to have both.
Im a lil late to this video lol Bout 4 yrs. But your tool box is badass dude. Ppl will pick at anything. Dont feed the trolls. Your videos are awesome, and im learning alot.
Salute.
Sounds like u and keith should touch tips behind the tool truck!
im guessing it means there bell ends and if you dont know what a bell end is google it. GP
He was doing a reflash on a Nissan as I was doing my live stream
I Just Messing With you over Your Hat. I Buy Most All my Tools From MATCO. My Matco man Has Been Here since i started in 92.
LOL, I think the hat thing is just funny;)
Generally most people don't hate on guys for buying from the tool truck due to being able to buy or not. But due to the arrogance the guys who buy them have. The tool polishers. The guys who look down on someone using 15 year old Craftsman sockets. But then I dislike the guys who swing their skill level ego around at those who know less. Assumption is always a jealousy issue when that is usually someone further stroking their ego. I just don't like dicks.
That is another side of the issue, yes there are way too many techs that will look down at a tech using a craftsman wrench, and I hate that BS too.
ykmalachi yeah that's BS. Especially 15 year old Craftsman sockets. Nothing to be ashamed of!! All of my 3/8 are Craftsman except for a few odds and ends. Hell, the only 1/2 Chromes I own are 60 year old SK's I got from my uncle!! since mostly just use impacts.
I used to buy quite a bit off the Snap -On tool truck, including a tool box. Hard to beat the quality. But once I started not buying something every week, he quite coming around. Haven't seen him in 5-6 years. His loss. I still buy a few things from Snap On on-line and they're pretty good about covering any warranty (if a little slow).
Some times, tool dealers can't see the long term, others know the value of supporting customers over the long term
Modern cars.😣 About a year ago, my son got out of the Army and came home. He saw an ad for a 5 speed Honda Accord, and he and I love manuals, so we went to go take a look at it. It was a trade in at a Mazda dealership.
Well, the car LOOKED great, but it was leaking everything, etc. A money pit that some kid probably used for drifting, I'd guess.
While there, I took a look at the vehicles in the show room.
I thought to myself that I don't know if I'd even attempt to get to the alternator on those cars.
I didn't know if I was pissed about not being able to go under the hood and do maintenance or if it was intimidating. Absolutely no room in the engine bay for my mitts.😐😁
I am gonna go back to my local Tech school and take some refresher courses. That's what it's come to now. There are some brake jobs that I can't do because of modules and things like that.
Amazing.
Late model cars it is all about moving things to get the room you need, like it is now common place to have to remove a bumper cover just to do head lights, fun:(
My dad's shop,do the GMs mostly for flashing and programing.Have the Tech 2 and the Tish program.AC Delco does have something online for $55.00 for 3 days just for programing.Had to use this online program for a 2008 Chevy truck to program the new fuel pump module that was installed.Even with the newer GM radios,programed with the Tech 2.Encounter a Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy for a window switch replacement,the new window switch has to be programed.Does not work out of the box.I have been told the newer VWs and Audis,the computer has to be programed all over again after replacing the battery.Learned I am going to have a new Matco dealer.Matco pulled my previous dealer's southern route from him.Good thing is I don't owe any money to this dealer
Sucks about your Matco dealer!
He has his northern route still.
Just bought the Matco comfort grip flex head 3/8 Ratchet off the truck $180 and a 3/8 SnapOn impact wrench $400 or something I love em also ordered Matco impact sockets 8-19mm no skips and it comes with SAE $260 I believe tool truck makes life easy buy here pay here type deal
I appreciate you Chanel & the rants, lol it’s always good to hear someone’s opinions and thoughts that have been in the industry for a while I’m guessing. To bad for all the haters giving u griff all y can do is just brush it off no point of getting mad.
You are soooo right on with this one and location and money doesn't seem to land in your lap at the same time unless your born with it. It would have to be one of those ideal situations or circumstances and sometimes once in a lifetime it can happen scenario. F.R.M. you're handling it in a very intelligent manner I must admit. Also it can be less headaches or lawsuits not owning your own shop.
Great vid as always! I never owned and probably won't ever own a Snap On scanner, but I've used 'em in the past. Last time was when the Solus was the thing. That''ll show you how long I been out of this repair world. Back in the day I counted on the employer to take the dive and invest because I simply couldn't afford one of those. I was all I could do to get "the brick" on my own and when I finally did get one of those, it was on the way out. Now, after re-entering this field and do my own thing, I have 3 different scan tools. I mostly do older vehicles, so I haven't ran into any of that reflashing stuff yet. I know what to do if I do........wave, bye bye!
If you work on older cars, not much reflashes needed, but later model stuff, is way different
I doubt if I'll encounter anything that requires a reflash will cross my path. Too rich for me. They'll need someone well versed it that area. Not me.
Great video! Talking tools is nice, but it's a good change of pace to just rant about industry things... things a lot of techs deal with on a daily basis.
I also wanted had a couple comments:
1.) Isn't it amazing how everyone knows what's best for you? I work for "the man" too. I'm not a tech anymore. But same as you... I like the company, I like the work, I like the people I work with, I like my boss, and I sure do love the money I make. Our professions don't always define who we are. Anyone that wants to work 80+ hours a week, no "real" vacation, no "real" weekends, missing birthdays, missing weddings, never be able to leave the work at work, and get paid peanuts for the first 3-5 years (if you're lucky)... by all means, start your own business. There is nothing wrong with letting "the man" pay for you to live and retire comfortably!
2.) The "tool truck haters" discussion:
I started working on cars when I was 21 or 22. I could REALLY not afford a lot of tool truck product. I bought a few things off the truck and spent the money where it was smart to. But the bulk of my tools were Craftsman and similar quality. This was 1996. Craftsman was made in the USA, with pretty stringent specs, and performed very well for a starting tech. I will never forget the guys with the $8,000+ tool chests (filled with tools of the same brand) that took every opportunity to tell me how I was wasting my money on crappy tools. I know you don't do that in your videos. But I do believe that is where some of the "haters" come from.
lol thats funny the first thing u mention for reflashing is the nissan mafs!! ... love the videos!
-Nissan tech
LOL, How many of those do you get in with a brand new aftermarket MAF on it;(
I say u buy what u can afford and tbh if I could afford it all I'd have is snap on. Good video keep up the good work.
Thanks!
Agree ... it's almost like the oem vs aftermarket parts debate. OEM in general is better, but will cost you more... In some cases .... nothing but OEM... some cases Aftermarket actually corrects oem problems.... Very dependent on individual situation and what you can afford...... but in some cases.... there's only OEM choice as aftermarket will burn you...
I started my career at an independent shop where we mostly worked on early to mid-2000s cars I never realized until I started working at the dealer how many repairs were fixed by doing an ECM update or some type of reflash
LOL, yep the world it changing
You said it. It's your money...your business what you do with it...Buy what you can afford...wisely. As far as quality, Harbor Freight makes nice boxes...I own one. It serves me well. But I'm not a tech working on the line, opening that wrench drawer 120 times a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year. The thinner metal fatigues quicker, glides wear out faster...and guess what? You can't run down to your local Harbor Freight and order a replacement glide! We all get what we pay for.
I have the 56 inch box from HF and have to echo your statement, it's an oddly good toolbox. I'm between a DIY and tech, I flip cars, work on assorted machines like tractors, and do some amateur racing and the HF box really holds up well for me. My only beef is I wish the top drawer went all the way across the box but that's minor.
JFoxtrot I agree. I wish that drawer went all the way across as well.
Mark Hetzer
That about sums it up. 👍
8
I highly recommend the HF boxes for starting techs, but I doubt they will last as well as a box off the tool truck
Thanks for the honesty. Screw the haters
Thanks!
I definitely cant afford that kinda box but god damn it looks soooo good, I just got started in this I don't make a ton of money not only that I don't need that right now. As for you guys this has been your profession for years apon years, you want something nice and you need something that will last and be big enough for the huge amount of tools you have accumulated
Great rant lol. I do think that just like you last video about buying part store vs internet there will be at some point a one stop shop for tools online with more affordable pricing. This might be a company that doesn't exist yet or a company Amazon buys but with the market is obviously ready for it.
Thanks!
Ya to much headache overhead and worry's I have loads of people said I should open a body shop but who wants that kind of stress
It sure can be!
danoh's toolbox not to mention people threatening you or putting a lawsuit on your ass! It’s happened to me.
You can buy preprogrammed modules for some vehicles at the dealership but they are more expensive. But it is beneficial to be able to program at your own shop
I do the heavy line jobs so I bought snapon sockets and wrenches because I've broken alot of cheap tools over the years but people need to buy what they want and not worry about what someone else buys
You got that right! Do I think Snap-on is stupid expensive? YES! Would I have have my tool cart full of them if I could afford to? HECK YES!!!
It's your life your money spend it how you see fit. Some guys buy from truck because it's there and they have a relationship with the vendors. The truck will take trades where other places don't, and sell nice used boxes to younger techs at a cheaper price. I think some just don't see both sides of the issue its their opinion and others don't matter. Real good advice and it's sad we have to go through this. The haters that is. Great vid thanks
I really just do not understand the hate, If I wanted a Ferrari and can afford it, why would you sit there and tell me it is a bad car to commute in, or that it gets poor gas mileage, or its over priced etc, its not my fault you can't afford one, and no I can't afford one either:( But the Same applies to buying off the tool truck
Flatrate Master I get it some don't it's your money spend it how you want. I feel like j.g. Wentworth
Totally! I personally won't get a box off the trucks. I can't afford 1. do i wish i could? YEP! Do I hate on others who can afford 1, nope. you earned your money , you spend it as you see fit. I am wondering if all these haters are actual techs? I don't know any tech that get nothing off any tool trucks. Location is so important. our shop is in a hard part of town too. hence why our master tech gets all the work. 50 miles down the road we have another 1 of our stores making x8 what we do.
Yes! I do not understand the hate!
I like your box, I would not buy it myself but it is badass. I use 56" top and bottom from harbor frieght. It is deep enough (24") and decent quality.
Thank you
Buying from the tool truck is no different than buying a new car, you may not have the money for a good reliable impact gun in one lump sum, get it from the tool truck yeah it may be a little more but you get it asap and make payments just like buying a new car to an extent of course.
I just bought a Matco roll cart. My boss has the harbor freight tool cart. There is a big difference in quality. My boss now wants a Matco one and then harbor freight one into diagnostic cart. Not sure why people hate on you for buying nice stuff.
I'm no mechanic, but I have a scan tool addiction. So I was trying to help this guy at work with his Nissan. Anyway you right about having flashing capabilities he in his 3rd pcm, and 2 cheap to buy 1 brand new. If I was dirty I could have took him for a ride. But I stayed honest and told him you just need the right computer. But he still doubts me. The pcm he has now is from a 2000, his car is a 2001 with different parts and he wondering why it doesn't work right lol. He gone be hurt if I start charging 😭😭😭
I bought a snapon verus for around 10k biggest mistake of my life. I replaced it with launch for $2200 and it's head and shoulders above the verus.
I completely understand. I buy quality tools like Snap On because I need them to work every time. my boss on the other hand buys the cheap shit. the harbor freight stuff. and 9 times out of ten he's going to my box to borrow my tools. time is money and I need the tools to work. I'll spend the money to make my life easier. I can remember one time I bought the red line universal coolant adapter and my boss said it was a waste of money. but now he's always asking to borrow it.
LOL, I spend my money to save time every day of the week!
Flatrate Master say that again
Strap on tools. I finally paid mine off about 9 years ago. My city job provides all our tools. I feel your money your business
The 1 tool every cat mechanic should have off of the tool truck is the 16mm/18mm straight offset box wrench.
Where I live there are no options for a tool truck. (As a DIY'er I do pretty good with eBay and flee markets). I'm searching for my first scope so this information along with Eric and keith are invaluable. Thanks.
Thanks!
Good for you for being able to afford that tool box. That’s like the people that get mad at someone else buying a new Corvette. 🤷♂️.
I think my biggest rant over the years has been the rest of my family “can you look at my car and see what’s wrong?” Or “can you put this part on that’s bad”. 🙄
Haha! Big thumbs up from me on this one. LMAO
Thanks Clyde!
Dam man didn't know you were getting heat for the box you bought that's ridiculous, SMFH that troll disease is REAL lol !!!
Yep, emails and comments
I didn't know you were in the ATL my friend. Was just in Gwinnett for training last week. I'll stop in and see you next time.
Come on by!
Non truck branded boxes... from my understanding, extreme tool boxes, montezuma, and a few others are made by Waterloo, and are of very solid quality... however, dollar to drawer, if I were buying a box not on the truck, US General would for sure be my purchase
I just like to see what the higher end techs spend their money on. Go get em Micheal.
LOL!
Some modules you need to remove information stored in a module before you remove it so it can be installed in the new module. Such as diesel injector flow numbers.
Your tool box is sweet! Now, I don't think people are hating on the techs that buy off the truck just because they buy off the truck. Its the idiots that spend all thier money on expensive tools just to try and look cool. Because let's be honest, most of those over priced tools are a joke. And a big portion of them you don't hardly ever use. If a guy can really afford it, that's different. Its the guys that can't afford it and go into debt. They have nice tools but live in a dump.
I sold salvage parts for several years 80 percent of independent shops would install a transmission and when I would advise them of a re-flash from a service bulletin they would get upset and say the unit is bad without ever doing anything on the computer side.😡
The only trade off to not owning your own shop in your particular case is not being your own boss. With the income it sounds like your making it’s not a bad deal. I’d feel the same way.
This one didn't disappoint!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I buy a lot off the tool trucks, but I do shop around. Bought a set of 12 point 1/2 drive impact wobbles online for $120 less than tool truck. Same item and part number. 30 to 40 bucks difference and I would have bought off truck, but 120 was a no brainer.
Forgot to mention that my employer replaces any tool I break, so warranty is not an issue. It is a very good benefit in this industry.
Love this dudes rants
You tell a soccer mom in the city that drives a Suburban she needs $2000 worth of work her truck and she ssys can I pick it up Wednesday. You tell the same to a country shop and they MIGHT do one of the services you recomended. LOCATION means money. I used to commute 40 miles to work at dealers in and around Boston because people had money.
+notoriousscottyb Smith i commute to Atlanta For the same reason, where i live a $300 bill is the end of the world, where i work $2000 bills are common
my boss opened his shop 27 years ago. it was nothing except farms around. now, 400 meters away, is the premier place in ontario canada to buy a car. mclaren, ferrari, jaguar/landrover, ford/lincoln, chevy/gmc/buick, chrysler dodge jeep ram, fiat, alfa romeo, audi, maserati, bmw and mini. porsche was there but now they just use that space for over flow work from all the other dealerships owned by that same company. guess what happens when someone is sitting in that service area thinking " damn this bill is way too much who else is around that i can check out" 5 minute walk from those dealerships. talk about a good location.
Plus plus plus lol so true. Love your videos man. Very helpful to me starting out on flate rate please keep them coming.
I have the cardaq m for reflashing and some various oem scanners for reflashing. The biggest thing for reflashing is make sure you have a steady power source. Some modules will corrupt if you dont and youll be out that money. Sucks on a bmw
BMW, is a power sucking machine on programming!!!
Buhtloads of money ahahahahah THATS RIGHT !!! Love the energy you have man
I just picked up a verus after trying launch, autel, mac scout witch sucked, and snap on solus and definatly like the snap on the most. Do agree it struggles with some euro stuff but I mostly work on Asian cars.
I like having options on scan tools, that is why I have both Snap On and Autel along with the factory tools the shop has:)
I love your videos im in GA to. Work as a Diesel Tech in Forest Park
Used to live on Tara Boulevard years ago
Very Valid Points thank you! For a DIY home garage type guy what a is a "good' reasonable priced scan tool you can recommend PLEASE? AND how to learn to use it I have an OBDII and volt ohm meters.
I used to have guys rib me about the money I was spending on tool boxes and tools on the S/O truck...I was single (still am) and had the money to do so...but you're right there are guys out there who aren't just ribbing you, they seem to get real upset at you when you buy top of the line stuff...and I think you're right they are jealous...
On the flash stuff and the scan tools I agree you have to pay to play. People NEED to start seeing a difference beyond carb vs fule injection. I don't have nor have I used any scan tools can't vouch brand to brand. From what I see it cost just to be in the same room with the damn things. Your own shop vs an employer I totally get you, you have to do what's right for you. If you got a good gig hold on with both hands! Though I'd take it as a complement that others believe that you're capable of owning a shop. There's something however that blows my f----- mind. I go into a local Copper foundry (foundry the heaviest industry there is) the maintenace guys there are making $70-90k a year. Craftsman, Masterforce (local home center house brand) Channel lock, Westward (Grainger house brand) are the norm. Only name brand box among them is one sad Mac from the 80s . Then I go into a local Chevy dealer, a techs pay is $30-40k a year all I see is Snap-on, Matco, and Mac. WTF?!!
Well spoken brother!🤜🏻
Thank you!
I bought an extreme tools tool box, they cost more than harbor freight by a decent amount. If you got $1000 cash get the triple bank us general for sure. I went with the 55 inch extreme because it had 3 long top drawers which suits me personally, I haven't seen too many tool boxes with 3 long top drawers. I wouldn't try and compare it to snap-on, matco, or mac tho. I use my roll cart more than anything so I'd rather have a top tier cart that i can load down with everything i use daily for efficiency. I guess it just depends on what work you do and the tools you have. If you get a steal on the price tag on a box or you simply can just afford payments that can beat the interest on the box then go for it lol. Ive never got mad at someone for buying tools or tool boxes off the trucks, not my money lol.
I buy what I can afford, it's not always top of the line. I try to buy special tools from the tool trucks. I buy basic hand tools from sears, home depot and yes some harbor freight. It works for me ,but maybe not for someone doing more than brakes and suspension work.
First of all lets call things by what they are, hobo freight, queer wrench, crapsman, shittsburg etc. I envy your toolbox and your tools I really wish i could afford them, love your videos too.
That's an awesome tool box bro.
Brother I need u to make a video please , about what kind of tools shops required to mechanic to start working , I just finished the school and u know they don’t talk anything about it
One of my early videos covers that topic tools to get started as an auto tech
I don't hate on the people buying from tool trucks, it's just not what I prefer, even though a lot of other farmers near me do. I personally like craftsman tools, only buy ones that were made in usa.
I do not hate on people or techs that use non tool truck brands, I just do not get the whole hater thing
I dont hate on people who buy off the truck I just choose not to. I buy almost all matco or snap on branded stuff on Ebay. Its much cheaper. But I have a tough time warrantying them. So who really wins in the long run? Not sure. I just don't like the endless payments. However for the rare occasions I do buy something new off the truck, its a lot more fun to open a brand new tool vs. a used tool.
MY opinion "Only": Each one of us has the right to buy whatever they can afford and feel they need for their individual intended purposes. I do agree that the really chep-0 tools have NO place in any DIY type person's toolbox. They will let you down every time!