@@cluckhead1913 you’re wrong. With that mentality you get nowhere. Company’s will see him put him in a paid training course and throw him a van after he completes its money time after that!!💰
You get burnout real quick turning wrenches all day unless you really love it and even then most of the time compensation isn’t there to make it more tolerable
You’re an inspiration man and I love how you express your struggles . We all have them and we all go through these rocky times in life . With kids life is 5x harder. Good luck to you man I’m in the same spot .
Keep up the videos bro, you were one of the first people I seen wrenching years ago. I gained confidence to try diy jobs from listening and watching your videos. Stay strong 💪🏻
It is a whole lot of things that are evolving right now. Mobile Technicians are becoming more and more a viable option. No shop cost. You keep most of the profit minus Insurance of course. Harbor freight is your friend with the affordable Jack and Jack stands. Go to someone’s house and do a break job and make all the profit.
Been a casual watch for a long time. Can’t say any of this is surprise to me. I mean that without judgement, just an observation. We all see hard times, we all come to crossroads at one point or another, we all see hardship, financial or otherwise. One thing I will not do is sacrifice my children’s well being, or way of life at the expense of excuses and ‘soul’ searching. I hope you figure it all out sooner than later.
I’m a mechanical engineer. It’s all about material properties. I buy my tools at Walmart and Harbor freight because I understand that quality is not determined by its price. Understand that tools are tested and passed quality testing. Also, it depends on how u use it. If u treat it like it’s your last tool then it will last forever.
I work at Costco in the Tire Center as a Michelin Tire Technician and make $29.90 an hour. But I had to be with the company for over 10 years to get that amount. It's not upon being hired as most people think. Plus the store has there own tools. I don't have to worry about buying tools which is a plus. Less to worry about buying tools. I work on everything from Tesla's to other EV's. The experience I get from that along with programming is a plus.
Dude Justin, good to see you posting again. Thanks for being so honest in your videos. Have you looked into working for a fleet? Usually set hours, pay in the $30-$40, your only customer is the business of the fleet. I moved from automotive into fleet work years ago and it was one of the best decisions. Hope it works out 🤙
I turned wrenches at a small repair shop for five years or so after going to a training school, using my GI bill which was a joke.. went to a tire shop for another five years while my student loan went into default..now I'm a federal employee doing housekeeping at a VA facility..now I'm paying into a fed pension and 401k..my hands haven't been this clean in years and my aching back doesn't ache as bad anymore 😊😊😊
@@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987 No, that's how you get the worst liars and cheats, because they're the only people who make it past HR. Of the places I've worked, the real selective ones had consistently barely competent and lazy employees. The ones that hire anyone off the street have the same ones and worse, but they also get the ones who don't want to play the game and just want to work
Hey man, check with you local grocery stores too(walmart is a big one, they provide ALL tools and you're guaranteed hours)gave up being in the full service industry 5 years ago and went just tire and lube like you. I come in and go home..no bs. $18 an hour to change oil and change tires. I ain't getting rich, but also ain't stuck constantly dumping my hard earned money into new tools either. Plus I go home at a set time, come in at a set time and have set days off.
What about a job on the DPW or PARKS DEPT .I was a mechanic my entire life now a supervisor for DPW before that a MECHANIC for the PARKS DEPT!I got good benifits hone at 230 pm weekends off ! decent pay union! How about a WELDER?
well I just retired from the automotive industry 44 years, turning wrenches for a looooong time. saved a lot of money and just pushed through it and save save save for that day . never really thought about the other crap like shitty stinky cars etc . the worst thing in life is getting a divorce and changing jobs to much
Have you thought about getting your CDL? I work Mon through Friday 10 to 12 hours a day and average about 85k a year. You can’t smoke the wacky tobacky, so beer and whiskey is your friend
If you like wrenching on cars Autobody Tech is where it's at. Flat rate pay most make anywhere from $30-$45/hr Most collisions Autobody Techs pump out anywhere from 150-200hrs per week easy 6figures a year.
I get where you're coming from. If you were to relocate to a different state you would have a better chance to begin a career in law enforcement. Georgia for example has alot of small towns and counties that are in critical need. My brother in law just went through training and is beginning his career with a sheriff department in Southern Georgia. His plan is to stay with them for about 5 years and then get on with a larger department. You just have to get your foot in the door somewhere.
Starting over, I think I would buy less off the tool truck. At one point I found myself buying something just to be buying something or feeling obligated to buy because the tool guy was a "nice guy", or your buying just for status to have all these high end tools. Yes there are times when you need that thin wall Snap On socket etc. but for the most part middle of the road tools will do the job for way less money. When I retire, what percentage will I really get back on the 1000s of dollars of Snap On and Mac Tools? Something yes, but was it worth it?
5:49 well said. Folks dont realize jobs like these where your spending thousands over a few yrs in tools and then replacing them on new models smh, that you end up making min wage after calculating all of it out. Dont forget you now need subscriptions to access this or that make to reset codes and get into the computer modules. Disgusting
So if you were to decide to go back to a dealership or indy shop, wouldn't they want you to have your own tools or would they let you borrow until you got your own?
If you are smart enough to diagnose today's cars (which have their own internet-type network called CAN and multiple computers) You are also smart enough NOT to work in dangerous, dirty, uncomfortable(hot or cold), environments for similar money (or less after buying tools)as a cashier at the grocery store. This is why there is a shortage Pay a minimum of 75/hr with great benefits and I will consider coming back(part-time)
Justin, Long time follower here. I have some perspective as I've taken a similar turn in careers coincidentally last November. I have something I'd really like to talk to you about if there is a way to contact you via email or something.
I know what you mean about stuff in cars that should not be I had one car for tires I needed the lug nut key in the glove box and console was needles it was unreal so I told the foreman that I'm not looking for it he said I had to I said no you look for it or call the owner but I'm not then he wouldn't tried to call the owner couldn't get him
Tools is the issue, he sold most of them and being mobile means you need to be a mobile shop with most tools or access to them. He isn't in a position to do that anymore.
@@cluckhead1913 I see a 300 piece mechanic set behind him. I’m a mobile mechanic and I’m percent of everything I need to do is in that box rent the rest
I just DIY on my own cars, and I give massive respect to the pros. I can't imagine doing that work all day every day. Incredibly tight spaces, brittle plastic parts that just snap, all the specialty tools, etc.
I left the Ford dealership after 18 years and tried the forklift repair industry……..terrible decision! Working on cars can be nasty, try working on forklifts and other material handling equipment in dirty/filthy warehouses. I was at Heubel/Shaw working on Raymond equipment for 3 months. Very very poor training program. They sent me out with another tech for OJT for about two months, then, I was on my own. No actual classroom or online training training on the equipment. The tech I was with also hadn’t been there more than a year, so I felt like the blind leading the blind. This can be a very dangerous industry if you don’t know what you’re doing. One day, I was sent out to assist another tech to stand up a new order picker, the tech I was assisting had only done a few…..and we almost dropped the machine. I was out of there a week later! Forklift industry is a very filthy dirty working environment. Warehouses are disgusting and the equipment is poorly maintained and abused. A lot of their clients won’t fix their equipment, it was a real mess. This was back in 2021, and Covid was still affecting businesses. I left that job and am now working in the aerospace field for Honeywell, making $35/hr……and go home everyday at 3:30 with CLEAN hands!
I quit shops long time ago and went to ride parks as mechanic like disney and universal, better benefits and pay over $30. Now I do diagnostic repairs as fun on my time off
I quit 3 years ago from being in auto industry for 12 years.... Now I sit in ac and program ecus bcms and repair them.... Its life changing from how I was treated... I hope dealers and shops start valuing their workers because it's getting thinner...
That’s awesome man I am on a similar track myself. Can I ask if you are doing this independently or for a company. Any training recommendations? I have prior experience repairing PCBs for another industry
@@BSP77 I do it for a small business one of my friends runs if I was gonna get into it myself it's about 100k and the market is tough with many other doing the same thing.
I've been a mechanic for 26 years I Finally opened my own shop I would never ever sell my tools unless I was desperate but then I Would just Stay desperate because I wouldn't have tools to make a living the reason I've spent a couple $100000 on tools over the years $800 a month between snap on a matco For 15 years was so that I could make my own living for myself someday and always have the equipment to fall back onNow when I'm When I'm in a pinch for a tool I'll go to Harbor freight or sometimes I make them. I see your point it's a hard line of work. I didn't graduate high school I started working on cars when I was 16 I charged a $150 an hour from my time. To each his own sorry to hear you're having Hard Times but I would NEVER sell any of my tools. Unless Unless it was something I have not used and have no need for and someone else does and is willing to pay me for.
Reminds me. I have a few "scarecrow" tools I should get rid of after 33 yrs. That stupid generation 1 chrysler abs pressure switch socket and the Honda "holy cross" abs bleeder tool. That awful "reverse bleeder" tool, also. One-time wonders.
The trade is pretty poor. Other trades are better. Your expensive tools aren't worth what they would have been twenty years ago. Good luck and God Bless!
@@johnnytacokleinschmidt515 I have a snap on Chrysler alternator Fielder Excite tool clips in on the the wires on back of ALT to get it charged. I also have OTC break out box. Those are worthless. And a snap on CV boot stretch tool What a unnecessary mess Do more work to charge the customer more labor. Get a new one cheaper
I think you're right. And it will happen overnight almost. Especially as people get poorer they can't just turf the car at the dealership and sign up for another 80k loan. No choice but to fix em. But get off your wallet if you want it fixed.
Do not go back into auto mechanics, take your mechanic skills to a different field, like industrial. No one that works on a car should be paid less than $25/hour and master techs should be paid $50/hour minimum, salary pay. A 2 year Registered Nurse makes more money than that.. Go look at any dealership's mechanics and what they drive, 98% of them are driving 20 year old shitboxes because they can't even afford a car payment. Tells you all you need to know
Fact! I've been a Toyota dealership tech for 13 years and drive a 2003 Camry. The body is dented and scratched with faded paint, but mechanically everything works just fine. A lot of the other guys also drive early 2000s Toyotas. Good thing that era was a high point for Toyota quality.
You should consider becoming an aircraft mechanic. The four major carriers start their mechanics at almost 40/hr and five year top out is almost 70/hr. Flight benefits and great medical. Minimum tools will get you going. I’ve been a tech for 24 years. There’s a lot of techs retiring and there’s a need for more. Glad you’re making videos again. Good luck.
@@cluckhead1913 2 years if you complete and pass the airframe test, power-plant test and FAR test. I’m not ashamed to admit that it took me 3 years. A lot of people don’t understand how hard that school is. It has a very high fail rate. Back when I was getting my A&P at Miramar we had two doctors in our class that dropped out because they couldn’t keep up. They owned their own planes and just wanted to do their own maintenance and 100hr inspections.
Those young enough can the Air Force (including Guard and Reserve) and get an instant career then take the A&P test after sufficient experience, but the pay and benefit package (and vested retirement which I'm greatly enjoying ATM) make it wise to stay. Self and retired maintainerbros are loving retired life at ages when most people have decades to go.
I just left a dealership after just under 2 years to work for a tire shop. One upside was I had almost all the tools I needed right away. Another is like you mentioned the pay, I know I'm getting a base pay no matter what as opposed to the up and down of flat rate. Good luck with whatever you do going forward!
$1,500 set of Craftsman tools (w/breakage guarantee) can do everything a $6,000. set of off-the-truck tools can do for a lifetime. Forged steel is forged steel, skip the 24k gold tools. Use the tool properly and it won't break or get buggered up anytime soon.
Hey dude, just keep pushing. You might want to try San Bernardino City Police department. I always see that they're hiring and that it's maybe not the hardest department to get into.
Unable to do side work due to HOA policies for the apartments I’ve lived in. Mobile mechanic work is not really in the cards for me. Also consider the amount of liabilities due to people being so sue happy. Remember the catchphrase that most often customers use “Ever Sense” think about that for a second. It’s a lot more challenging nowadays than it was in the past.
@@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway I do the majority 90% of my mobile side work for one customer. Landscaper with multiple trucks, trailers, light equipment, and over 100 small engines. I get 10-20hrs a week from him at a reasonable mobile base rate for my area. These guys are all over and they will pay for prompt mobile service over dropping their stuff at a backed up shop. Light commercial customers are the ones you want. I don't work on cars, make more $$ and don't have come-backs.
There is zero reason to buy anything from the tool trucks. Don't fall for the hype again that paying 10x more than reasonable alternatives like Tekton and others of that level (including ICON and some Pittsburgh) is worth it. The tool trucks have priced themselves past anything that makes any sense at all. Don't be a chump for them. When a mechanic or DIYer can pay 10-20 % of the tool truck prices and get 75% of the quality, that is the smart move.
Prosumer tools like tekton and gearwrench are between 90-95% of snap-quality these days. These other tool companies will never put snap-on out of business because snap-on can afford to keep lobbying for their government contracts which is about 80% of their revenue. Snap-on doesn’t need yours and my business, they don’t need us and they’ve made that very clear with how they as a company have treated their civilian customers.
Gearwrench is trash these days and many of these companies now going to China from Taiwan now sunex 1 of them many following suit and quality is junk usa made german euro tools hard to beat in quality love wright tools 😊
@@mikem5475sufficient is different than proficient. Sometimes proficient is worth it, depending on the case. It needs to be considered on a tool-by-tool basis though.
Dude, I'm stoked that you are uploading videos regularly again!!! We should hang out again soon. Keep the videos rolling and of course keep on keeping on 🤙🏼🏝🍻
Keep your head up Justin , hope you push forward and come out on top. Im glad to say ive paid off all my tools a few month's ago and only buy maybe 1 tool every other month. Ive been blessed to pay off my truck last week. Made more money last year than i ever have. Also this year looks good. But alot of long days. Prayer's for you and your family for good health and success. I believe in you.
@@flatbedCB the transition really wasn’t bad, a lot of the knowledge transfers over but just be ready to get humbled by having to learn all the stuff you don’t know. I interviewed at multiple places before I found the right fit for me. Luckily I have some great coworkers that will answer any questions I might have and they have helped me tremendously. Lots of diesel shops are short staffed, start applying if you’re interested and one of them will definitely give you a shot. Just be ready to work hard and have an open mind to learn something new everyday and you’ll do good with the transition. Also I was honest in my interviews of what I know and that I have a lot to learn but emphasized on how eager I was to learn. There’s a lot of guys that may know more than me but I’ve already moved up past them due to work ethic. I was in the same boat of doubting my knowledge to switch to diesel but it worked well for me. Give it a shot, if you decide you don’t like it… that’s why out toolboxes have wheels brother, find another job you will like. Best of luck to you
Try joining a school district as a mechanic. They provide all the tools you need. I work for San Bernardino School district and the district buys everything you need to fix the vehicles they have. And they pay $38hr with full benefits
I remember I started community college in 2009 with basic automotive. We got handouts from some of the big name tool trucks for starter auto tech kits. It was somewhere around $5-8k with a student discount. That was insanely gut punching.
But there is no reason to go 6 months without working especially if you have a skill set it might be something you don't want to do but that's life that's when it's time to be an adult
It’s not from lack of trying. I’ve applied all over the place up here. It really just comes down to who’s hiring. I don’t exactly live in a geographical location where there is a large amount of employment. Most jobs I found on indeed turned out to be for corporation purposes. After talking to a couple of managers of a couple of establishments that said they were hiring on indeed turns out they really weren’t. They just leave it up there because corporate expect them to have a certain amount of positions available on the offset chance that somebody decides to quit it’s injured, believe me when I tell you it’s been a challenging process. Remember, I didn’t have a car for a while. My transmission was gone and I could not commute for distances. Fortunately, I was able to find a security job or I was able to make enough money to pay for the transmission, but it took a while before that position became available.
Dude, you got this. Have a positive outlook and you will achieve those things that you are destined to achieve. Nobody said life was easy and not fraught with pitfalls but if you're strong enough - you will prevail. Hang in there and your path will be made visible to you shortly.
Everything you mentioned in the beginning on why you wanted out of auto mechanics are the same things you would deal with as law enforcement.. people havent showered in 10 days, smelling like meth, have literal bugs crawling over them, stale beer and cigarettes. Not to mention the paperwork, your reports have to be detailed. If you miss any little thing youre an incompetent cop. What else did you forget to put on the report?? Its not all awesome high speed chases and stuff.
What you are going thru is becoming more and more common than it should. Yeah, I know we don't like to be in this position. Justin, you always been able to pull through as a true warrior. Yeah, I do still think about you and wish you the best always. I'm glad to be able to see you here. Hope for a good opportunity opens for your truly. God Bless you, my man.
I remember when I first started getting tools I had to get a dented craftsman box and craftsman tool from sears (socket sets for $10) this was 30 years ago
I’m in the boat looking for something new, now everything is applied online apps and different and harder. Plus all the new immigrants are taking a ton of our jobs away. 😕
Tool truck sells quality tools but marked up like crazy, go in debt. There's a tech shortage for a reason, tech burnout it's real especially in super hot climates, comebacks, warranty returns, writers underselling your hours on jobs get like 20 hours on a engine swap which clearly shorted like 12-14 hours stay past your 8-5 sometimes it's 8am-9pm seen it happen. Techs have a stressful life and gets harder with age, harder on the body and mind.
Nice vid but But ya shocked me with wage bracket in cally I live in north east and make about 150k a year over 50 and hour flat rate. Our lurbe guys make 20-24 and hour hourly. Didn't know it's so bad on west coast.
Something I'm surprised no one talks about is how disgusting it is under the hood of most cars. The amount of rat piss and feces I've seen is gross. I do roadside assistance so I'm only under the hood to replace batteries and jump cars. Man I can't imagine having to take apart and touch all these nasty components. The stench alone is nauseating. Why does no one talk about it??
Try getting into heavy duty fleet work. It’s been my experience that bus companies city transit and motor coach will hire guys from the car side. I’ve seen them hire guys with no tech school and no experience and pay them pretty good, our C techs start at like $28.
I've been working on cars for 11 years. I love learning something I never knew before every day and never knowing what im getting myself into. Heck, the other day, I did a 3.3 hr oil pan R&I on a Ford. The engine and transmission had to be separated to fit the pan back in 😂
Justin we all wish you well but you need to go in 1 direction not keep bouncing all over the place . I'm a independent mechanic for years and have had up's and down's but overall I have done well by not bouncing around. Good luck but man you need to go 1 direction .
Harbor freight tools cost 40% of tool truck tools. Savings accounts exist, you don’t have to pay 60% more so that you can get get the premium back when you sell the tool.
Stfu. I just got charged $1500 for an alternator replacement and new battery. This is a fleet vehicle so I don't pay a dime but the costs have ballooned to cartoons level. Cry me a river
Whats up brotha! I dont know about your area , but where im at service managers and maintenance supervisors are coming in close to 100k per year. Less strenuous on your body. Look into some of the big companies , ryder, penske, frieghtliner
hey man I feel for you, Im in riverside county and I have family in the sheriffs department and the best way to law enforcement at your stage is to apply for guard at the prisons and to work up the ranks there or transfer into a street deputy after a year or so once they see your worth. Guards only make $1 less an hour then a beat officer, it is super safer and the benefits are the same my cousin is about to retire at 55 and is going to make more in retirement then he did working. Oh yea, they are desperate for help.
He didn't meet the standards for the background check at LAPD. That check is standardized throughout all the agencies and DOC in Cali. Can't even get your foot in the door without it.
I dont know any real the hs making less than 90-120k. You are speaking something I dont know. Move to better part of country. Great Tech are any a Shortage like never before. If ya have skills ya can demand your wage. So ya doing something wrong or your just a lube tech. Either way wish ya the best never wish bad upon anyone.
Justin you are looking at life wrong you have 40k plus subscribers. Use your skill for the better man. Make 1 five to ten minute video a day with broken down cars and offer your services for the single parents or the people who couldnt physically support car repair with their current situation. Partner with companies for donations and use your skill to help in a time of need. And the money will come being a wrench is always great when helping someone who needs it. Could also look into not for profits that need fleet assistance. You have a skill use it for the greater good and make some content and money from it. Just my. 02 i do this with HVAC and it is very rewarding to see a 70 year old whose husband pass away get cooling and because i partner with a not for profit they provide all parts. I have a full time job on the sode but someday will make youtube videos of the repairs and supplement my income that way.
Dude, take the expressway and become a mobile wrench, there are always people stranded on the side of the road. A friend of mine is doing it and works whenever he likes, makes a decent amount of money and feels great helping others.
Brooo I told you lots of times just get your class A you’ll get it like 6 months and you can get a local job, you’ll make more money and way less stress, don’t have any dui or accidents?? Your good to go man, you don’t need to do OTR either to get experience just do like Robertson or something crappy until you get experience like 6 months to a year, you’ll make more money and less stress just trust me and do it
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Come to HVAC / refrigeration commercial, it will change your life like you’ve never seen before. You’re rewarded very well for your hard work.
The problem is, Justin is pushing 50. not many places will want to train a guy a that age.
Left hvac resi for automotive,not going back
@cluckhead1913 if your in good shape and not slow over weight chain smoker you'll get hired in any labor based employment
@@cluckhead1913 you’re wrong. With that mentality you get nowhere.
Company’s will see him put him in a paid training course and throw him a van after he completes its money time after that!!💰
Yeah they will hire someone with a brain regardless of age. HVAC is hurting for humans too!
You get burnout real quick turning wrenches all day unless you really love it and even then most of the time compensation isn’t there to make it more tolerable
You’re an inspiration man and I love how you express your struggles . We all have them and we all go through these rocky times in life . With kids life is 5x harder. Good luck to you man I’m in the same spot .
I also walked away from the industry after 40 yrs, my body is broke. Got rid of almost everything
Keep up the videos bro, you were one of the first people I seen wrenching years ago. I gained confidence to try diy jobs from listening and watching your videos. Stay strong 💪🏻
It is a whole lot of things that are evolving right now. Mobile Technicians are becoming more and more a viable option. No shop cost. You keep most of the profit minus Insurance of course. Harbor freight is your friend with the affordable Jack and Jack stands. Go to someone’s house and do a break job and make all the profit.
Been a casual watch for a long time.
Can’t say any of this is surprise to me. I mean that without judgement, just an observation. We all see hard times, we all come to crossroads at one point or another, we all see hardship, financial or otherwise.
One thing I will not do is sacrifice my children’s well being, or way of life at the expense of excuses and ‘soul’ searching.
I hope you figure it all out sooner than later.
As always Justin, a very personal and honest video. Thanks for sharing.
I’m a mechanical engineer. It’s all about material properties. I buy my tools at Walmart and Harbor freight because I understand that quality is not determined by its price. Understand that tools are tested and passed quality testing. Also, it depends on how u use it. If u treat it like it’s your last tool then it will last forever.
I work at Costco in the Tire Center as a Michelin Tire Technician and make $29.90 an hour. But I had to be with the company for over 10 years to get that amount. It's not upon being hired as most people think. Plus the store has there own tools. I don't have to worry about buying tools which is a plus. Less to worry about buying tools. I work on everything from Tesla's to other EV's. The experience I get from that along with programming is a plus.
I think they should pay you more
Awesome brother don’t get discouraged
4:27 that ❄️ 🔥 huh
Damn
Lol yep
Dude Justin, good to see you posting again. Thanks for being so honest in your videos. Have you looked into working for a fleet? Usually set hours, pay in the $30-$40, your only customer is the business of the fleet. I moved from automotive into fleet work years ago and it was one of the best decisions. Hope it works out 🤙
Glad to see you back on youtube again. Where are you at now? Thanks and hang in there!
There is nothing wrong with you. Your growing as a human being. You honestly look healthier than in the past and very centered.
I turned wrenches at a small repair shop for five years or so after going to a training school, using my GI bill which was a joke.. went to a tire shop for another five years while my student loan went into default..now I'm a federal employee doing housekeeping at a VA facility..now I'm paying into a fed pension and 401k..my hands haven't been this clean in years and my aching back doesn't ache as bad anymore 😊😊😊
Don’t feel bad brother, I’m a concrete finisher. I feel exactly the same way.
How about a county job like mechanic or state job...or water district...
They have pensions!
Tons of competition for those jobs. You almost need to know someone.
almost impossible to get in unless half your family already works there and you uncle is on the city council...
@@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987in the private sector mostly. In the public sector lol.
@@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987 No, that's how you get the worst liars and cheats, because they're the only people who make it past HR. Of the places I've worked, the real selective ones had consistently barely competent and lazy employees. The ones that hire anyone off the street have the same ones and worse, but they also get the ones who don't want to play the game and just want to work
Hey man, check with you local grocery stores too(walmart is a big one, they provide ALL tools and you're guaranteed hours)gave up being in the full service industry 5 years ago and went just tire and lube like you. I come in and go home..no bs. $18 an hour to change oil and change tires. I ain't getting rich, but also ain't stuck constantly dumping my hard earned money into new tools either. Plus I go home at a set time, come in at a set time and have set days off.
What about a job on the DPW or PARKS DEPT .I was a mechanic my entire life now a supervisor for DPW before that a MECHANIC for the PARKS DEPT!I got good benifits hone at 230 pm weekends off ! decent pay union! How about a WELDER?
well I just retired from the automotive industry 44 years, turning wrenches for a looooong time. saved a lot of money
and just pushed through it and save save save for that day . never really thought about the other crap like shitty stinky cars etc .
the worst thing in life is getting a divorce and changing jobs to much
Have you thought about getting your CDL? I work Mon through Friday 10 to 12 hours a day and average about 85k a year. You can’t smoke the wacky tobacky, so beer and whiskey is your friend
Stay away from drugs, altogether. The Bible says to have a sober mind and God wants to see you spiritually whole
@@mikem5475 I have a sober mind, until it is time for bed 😎
If you like wrenching on cars Autobody Tech is where it's at. Flat rate pay most make anywhere from $30-$45/hr Most collisions Autobody Techs pump out anywhere from 150-200hrs per week easy 6figures a year.
Hey buddy quick question, why not get into diesel? You already have the experience wrenching and I’ve heard diesel techs get paid way more.
I wasn't a fan of these type of videos until i couldn't work anymore. Every tech i know spends a house or truck payment on tools every month.
I get where you're coming from. If you were to relocate to a different state you would have a better chance to begin a career in law enforcement. Georgia for example has alot of small towns and counties that are in critical need. My brother in law just went through training and is beginning his career with a sheriff department in Southern Georgia. His plan is to stay with them for about 5 years and then get on with a larger department. You just have to get your foot in the door somewhere.
Starting over, I think I would buy less off the tool truck. At one point I found myself buying something just to be buying something or feeling obligated to buy because the tool guy was a "nice guy", or your buying just for status to have all these high end tools. Yes there are times when you need that thin wall Snap On socket etc. but for the most part middle of the road tools will do the job for way less money. When I retire, what percentage will I really get back on the 1000s of dollars of Snap On and Mac Tools? Something yes, but was it worth it?
5:49 well said. Folks dont realize jobs like these where your spending thousands over a few yrs in tools and then replacing them on new models smh, that you end up making min wage after calculating all of it out. Dont forget you now need subscriptions to access this or that make to reset codes and get into the computer modules. Disgusting
My buddy quit diesel tech to drive a semi. He loves it and makes more now.
How much you get for the Jamestown cart?
So if you were to decide to go back to a dealership or indy shop, wouldn't they want you to have your own tools or would they let you borrow until you got your own?
Unsure of what the expectations are at the moment
You still have all your icon stuff icon pretty good
If you are smart enough to diagnose today's cars (which have their own internet-type network called CAN and multiple computers) You are also smart enough NOT to work in dangerous, dirty, uncomfortable(hot or cold), environments for similar money (or less after buying tools)as a cashier at the grocery store.
This is why there is a shortage
Pay a minimum of 75/hr with great benefits and I will consider coming back(part-time)
Justin,
Long time follower here. I have some perspective as I've taken a similar turn in careers coincidentally last November. I have something I'd really like to talk to you about if there is a way to contact you via email or something.
Fix forklifts. Gravy. They need you.
freaking empire of the city, they want empire but they dont want to pay for it, drives me crazy
Let alone all the subscriptions to keep your software updated . It's an expensive ordeal.
Try being a machinist/industrial mechanic. I work in a factory and the ones that turn wrenches on the machines make 40 something bucks an hour
I know what you mean about stuff in cars that should not be I had one car for tires I needed the lug nut key in the glove box and console was needles it was unreal so I told the foreman that I'm not looking for it he said I had to I said no you look for it or call the owner but I'm not then he wouldn't tried to call the owner couldn't get him
Spare me, son.😊
What does that mean?
Ever thought of fixing forklifts?
Service advisor you can make 100k diesel tech 100k
How about getting back into the military
Why don’t you just be a mobile mechanic
Tools is the issue, he sold most of them and being mobile means you need to be a mobile shop with most tools or access to them. He isn't in a position to do that anymore.
Doesn't have the tools anymore.
@@cluckhead1913 I see a 300 piece mechanic set behind him. I’m a mobile mechanic and I’m percent of everything I need to do is in that box rent the rest
Try being a mobile mechanic in sue happy California, may work for just a little while.
I just DIY on my own cars, and I give massive respect to the pros. I can't imagine doing that work all day every day. Incredibly tight spaces, brittle plastic parts that just snap, all the specialty tools, etc.
Apply for forklift company’s, take home van. Starting at $35-$40 a hour , I just took an offer for $40 a hour.
That is exactly what I did 13 years ago.
I left the Ford dealership after 18 years and tried the forklift repair industry……..terrible decision! Working on cars can be nasty, try working on forklifts and other material handling equipment in dirty/filthy warehouses. I was at Heubel/Shaw working on Raymond equipment for
3 months. Very very poor training program. They sent me out with another tech for OJT for about two months, then, I was on my own. No actual classroom or online training training on the equipment. The tech I was with also hadn’t been there more than a year, so I felt like the blind leading the blind. This can be a very dangerous industry if you don’t know what you’re doing. One day, I was sent out to assist another tech to stand up a new order picker, the tech I was assisting had only done a few…..and we almost dropped the machine. I was out of there a week later! Forklift industry is a very filthy dirty working environment. Warehouses are disgusting and the equipment is poorly maintained and abused. A lot of their clients won’t fix their equipment, it was a real mess. This was back in 2021, and Covid was still affecting businesses. I left that job and am now working in the aerospace field for Honeywell, making $35/hr……and go home everyday at 3:30 with CLEAN hands!
Just did this.
@@cantsneedgaming4591 nice what company
Heavy equipment as a lube tech pays about double. I wish you the best Justin!
I quit shops long time ago and went to ride parks as mechanic like disney and universal, better benefits and pay over $30. Now I do diagnostic repairs as fun on my time off
I quit 3 years ago from being in auto industry for 12 years.... Now I sit in ac and program ecus bcms and repair them.... Its life changing from how I was treated... I hope dealers and shops start valuing their workers because it's getting thinner...
That’s awesome man I am on a similar track myself. Can I ask if you are doing this independently or for a company. Any training recommendations? I have prior experience repairing PCBs for another industry
Same want to know.
@@BSP77 I do it for a small business one of my friends runs if I was gonna get into it myself it's about 100k and the market is tough with many other doing the same thing.
they do not care; they have a bunch of newcomers they can hire at a cut rate
I would like to pick your brain about this subject as I am getting into learning ECU repairs and enjoy it more than turning wrenches.
Straight facts! You couldn't have explained this industry and its workings any better. ❤
We always need medium and heavy truck mechanics in the field. I will never go back to being a full-time auto technician.
Wish you the best man. The honesty and transparency is refreshing.
I've been a mechanic for 26 years I Finally opened my own shop I would never ever sell my tools unless I was desperate but then I Would just Stay desperate because I wouldn't have tools to make a living the reason I've spent a couple $100000 on tools over the years $800 a month between snap on a matco For 15 years was so that I could make my own living for myself someday and always have the equipment to fall back onNow when I'm When I'm in a pinch for a tool I'll go to Harbor freight or sometimes I make them. I see your point it's a hard line of work. I didn't graduate high school I started working on cars when I was 16 I charged a $150 an hour from my time. To each his own sorry to hear you're having Hard Times but I would NEVER sell any of my tools. Unless Unless it was something I have not used and have no need for and someone else does and is willing to pay me for.
Reminds me. I have a few "scarecrow" tools I should get rid of after 33 yrs. That stupid generation 1 chrysler abs pressure switch socket and the Honda "holy cross" abs bleeder tool. That awful "reverse bleeder" tool, also. One-time wonders.
The trade is pretty poor. Other trades are better. Your expensive tools aren't worth what they would have been twenty years ago. Good luck and God Bless!
@@johnnytacokleinschmidt515 I have a snap on Chrysler alternator Fielder Excite tool clips in on the the wires on back of ALT to get it charged. I also have OTC break out box. Those are worthless. And a snap on CV boot stretch tool What a unnecessary mess Do more work to charge the customer more labor. Get a new one cheaper
I feel your pain Justin. The mechanic/technician shortage gonna shake up this industry.
I think you're right. And it will happen overnight almost. Especially as people get poorer they can't just turf the car at the dealership and sign up for another 80k loan. No choice but to fix em. But get off your wallet if you want it fixed.
Wrenched for 30yrs and got a bad back out of it and it sucks.Retired now and I’m very happy now.
Thank you for serving our country for 17 years!
Do not go back into auto mechanics, take your mechanic skills to a different field, like industrial. No one that works on a car should be paid less than $25/hour and master techs should be paid $50/hour minimum, salary pay. A 2 year Registered Nurse makes more money than that.. Go look at any dealership's mechanics and what they drive, 98% of them are driving 20 year old shitboxes because they can't even afford a car payment. Tells you all you need to know
Fact! I've been a Toyota dealership tech for 13 years and drive a 2003 Camry. The body is dented and scratched with faded paint, but mechanically everything works just fine. A lot of the other guys also drive early 2000s Toyotas. Good thing that era was a high point for Toyota quality.
You should consider becoming an aircraft mechanic. The four major carriers start their mechanics at almost 40/hr and five year top out is almost 70/hr. Flight benefits and great medical. Minimum tools will get you going. I’ve been a tech for 24 years. There’s a lot of techs retiring and there’s a need for more. Glad you’re making videos again. Good luck.
You need an A&P license. That's 2 years of schooling full time.
@@cluckhead1913all a&p schools are less than two years and can be attended days or nights.
That’s crazy in Canada aircraft is like 25/hr start and that’s in Canadian dollars lol
@@cluckhead1913 2 years if you complete and pass the airframe test, power-plant test and FAR test. I’m not ashamed to admit that it took me 3 years.
A lot of people don’t understand how hard that school is. It has a very high fail rate. Back when I was getting my A&P at Miramar we had two doctors in our class that dropped out because they couldn’t keep up. They owned their own planes and just wanted to do their own maintenance and 100hr inspections.
Those young enough can the Air Force (including Guard and Reserve) and get an instant career then take the A&P test after sufficient experience, but the pay and benefit package (and vested retirement which I'm greatly enjoying ATM) make it wise to stay. Self and retired maintainerbros are loving retired life at ages when most people have decades to go.
I just left a dealership after just under 2 years to work for a tire shop. One upside was I had almost all the tools I needed right away. Another is like you mentioned the pay, I know I'm getting a base pay no matter what as opposed to the up and down of flat rate.
Good luck with whatever you do going forward!
$1,500 set of Craftsman tools (w/breakage guarantee) can do everything a $6,000. set of off-the-truck tools can do for a lifetime. Forged steel is forged steel, skip the 24k gold tools. Use the tool properly and it won't break or get buggered up anytime soon.
Hey dude, just keep pushing. You might want to try San Bernardino City Police department. I always see that they're hiring and that it's maybe not the hardest department to get into.
Riverside county sheriff also!
Why be a pig? Get sucked into bureaucracy
You should have been doing side work instead of selling off
Unable to do side work due to HOA policies for the apartments I’ve lived in. Mobile mechanic work is not really in the cards for me. Also consider the amount of liabilities due to people being so sue happy. Remember the catchphrase that most often customers use “Ever Sense” think about that for a second. It’s a lot more challenging nowadays than it was in the past.
@@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway I do the majority 90% of my mobile side work for one customer. Landscaper with multiple trucks, trailers, light equipment, and over 100 small engines. I get 10-20hrs a week from him at a reasonable mobile base rate for my area. These guys are all over and they will pay for prompt mobile service over dropping their stuff at a backed up shop. Light commercial customers are the ones you want. I don't work on cars, make more $$ and don't have come-backs.
what is eversense?
There is zero reason to buy anything from the tool trucks. Don't fall for the hype again that paying 10x more than reasonable alternatives like Tekton and others of that level (including ICON and some Pittsburgh) is worth it. The tool trucks have priced themselves past anything that makes any sense at all. Don't be a chump for them. When a mechanic or DIYer can pay 10-20 % of the tool truck prices and get 75% of the quality, that is the smart move.
Depends really, regarding edge cases that 25% matters a lot
Prosumer tools like tekton and gearwrench are between 90-95% of snap-quality these days.
These other tool companies will never put snap-on out of business because snap-on can afford to keep lobbying for their government contracts which is about 80% of their revenue.
Snap-on doesn’t need yours and my business, they don’t need us and they’ve made that very clear with how they as a company have treated their civilian customers.
Gearwrench is trash these days and many of these companies now going to China from Taiwan now sunex 1 of them many following suit and quality is junk usa made german euro tools hard to beat in quality love wright tools 😊
@@RougeDeBlahnever seen a spot where harbor freight tools didn't suffice and I've had to do some of the worst jobs in the world
@@mikem5475sufficient is different than proficient. Sometimes proficient is worth it, depending on the case. It needs to be considered on a tool-by-tool basis though.
Dude, I'm stoked that you are uploading videos regularly again!!! We should hang out again soon. Keep the videos rolling and of course keep on keeping on 🤙🏼🏝🍻
where are your videos jude?
I upload to Techs Talking Shop from time to time but my channel is pretty much on hiatus
@@PowerStrokeJude hope to see a live stream again soon. hope all is well.
@PistonHonda87 thanks dude, I hope that you are doing well too
Can't wait! 🙂🍻
Keep your head up Justin , hope you push forward and come out on top. Im glad to say ive paid off all my tools a few month's ago and only buy maybe 1 tool every other month. Ive been blessed to pay off my truck last week. Made more money last year than i ever have. Also this year looks good. But alot of long days. Prayer's for you and your family for good health and success. I believe in you.
Quit automotive after 8 years, went to heavy diesel and am never gonna look back. 2 years into diesel and am making double what I was in automotive.
How was the transition into diesel? Thinking about it but I feel like I don’t know enough even though I’ve been working on cars for years
@@flatbedCB Theres a serious shortage of diesel mechanics too... you shouldnt have an issue getting someone to give you a shot!
@@flatbedCBIf want to be a diesel mechanic be prepared to work very hard physically. I do it everyday and most ppl can’t do it.
As an automotive tech, you couldn't pay me enough to work in HD.
@@flatbedCB the transition really wasn’t bad, a lot of the knowledge transfers over but just be ready to get humbled by having to learn all the stuff you don’t know. I interviewed at multiple places before I found the right fit for me. Luckily I have some great coworkers that will answer any questions I might have and they have helped me tremendously. Lots of diesel shops are short staffed, start applying if you’re interested and one of them will definitely give you a shot. Just be ready to work hard and have an open mind to learn something new everyday and you’ll do good with the transition. Also I was honest in my interviews of what I know and that I have a lot to learn but emphasized on how eager I was to learn. There’s a lot of guys that may know more than me but I’ve already moved up past them due to work ethic. I was in the same boat of doubting my knowledge to switch to diesel but it worked well for me. Give it a shot, if you decide you don’t like it… that’s why out toolboxes have wheels brother, find another job you will like. Best of luck to you
that part about the scan tool stopped me cold from ever buying snap on again
Should look Into HVAC. The best techs that I trained have been mechanics. I have a two month course this September. Your welcome to attend no charge.
HVAC or hotside. This guy will will excel
@@TurboCarlos Would a company want to take a chance on a 45 year old newbie?
@@cluckhead1913 hell yes.
Try joining a school district as a mechanic. They provide all the tools you need. I work for San Bernardino School district and the district buys everything you need to fix the vehicles they have. And they pay $38hr with full benefits
@@henrybobswillikers what does that have to do with collecting a paycheck?
....... You sold your TOOLS and came back in as A LUBE TECH??!
I remember I started community college in 2009 with basic automotive. We got handouts from some of the big name tool trucks for starter auto tech kits. It was somewhere around $5-8k with a student discount. That was insanely gut punching.
But there is no reason to go 6 months without working especially if you have a skill set it might be something you don't want to do but that's life that's when it's time to be an adult
It’s not from lack of trying. I’ve applied all over the place up here. It really just comes down to who’s hiring. I don’t exactly live in a geographical location where there is a large amount of employment. Most jobs I found on indeed turned out to be for corporation purposes. After talking to a couple of managers of a couple of establishments that said they were hiring on indeed turns out they really weren’t. They just leave it up there because corporate expect them to have a certain amount of positions available on the offset chance that somebody decides to quit it’s injured, believe me when I tell you it’s been a challenging process. Remember, I didn’t have a car for a while. My transmission was gone and I could not commute for distances. Fortunately, I was able to find a security job or I was able to make enough money to pay for the transmission, but it took a while before that position became available.
Dude, you got this. Have a positive outlook and you will achieve those things that you are destined to achieve. Nobody said life was easy and not fraught with pitfalls but if you're strong enough - you will prevail. Hang in there and your path will be made visible to you shortly.
I struggle at times with the trade. I have to remember to be ever grateful for all that I have. I have it from this trade which is a witch.
Everything you mentioned in the beginning on why you wanted out of auto mechanics are the same things you would deal with as law enforcement.. people havent showered in 10 days, smelling like meth, have literal bugs crawling over them, stale beer and cigarettes. Not to mention the paperwork, your reports have to be detailed. If you miss any little thing youre an incompetent cop. What else did you forget to put on the report?? Its not all awesome high speed chases and stuff.
What you are going thru is becoming more and more common than it should. Yeah, I know we don't like to be in this position. Justin, you always been able to pull through as a true warrior. Yeah, I do still think about you and wish you the best always. I'm glad to be able to see you here. Hope for a good opportunity opens for your truly. God Bless you, my man.
As a fellow mechanic of almost 10 years i hope it gets better. I gave up the thought of having a family because it's such an upside down field.
I remember when I first started getting tools I had to get a dented craftsman box and craftsman tool from sears (socket sets for $10) this was 30 years ago
I could see you teaching at a local CC for automotive with your background.
Have you considered becoming a smog technician?
I’m in the boat looking for something new, now everything is applied online apps and different and harder. Plus all the new immigrants are taking a ton of our jobs away. 😕
Tool truck sells quality tools but marked up like crazy, go in debt.
There's a tech shortage for a reason, tech burnout it's real especially in super hot climates, comebacks, warranty returns, writers underselling your hours on jobs get like 20 hours on a engine swap which clearly shorted like 12-14 hours stay past your 8-5 sometimes it's 8am-9pm seen it happen. Techs have a stressful life and gets harder with age, harder on the body and mind.
Nice vid but But ya shocked me with wage bracket in cally I live in north east and make about 150k a year over 50 and hour flat rate. Our lurbe guys make 20-24 and hour hourly. Didn't know it's so bad on west coast.
It's pretty bad. Fast food places are at $20 though.
I hear you not being in the best financial situation as you could be.
Something I'm surprised no one talks about is how disgusting it is under the hood of most cars. The amount of rat piss and feces I've seen is gross. I do roadside assistance so I'm only under the hood to replace batteries and jump cars. Man I can't imagine having to take apart and touch all these nasty components. The stench alone is nauseating. Why does no one talk about it??
Try getting into heavy duty fleet work. It’s been my experience that bus companies city transit and motor coach will hire guys from the car side. I’ve seen them hire guys with no tech school and no experience and pay them pretty good, our C techs start at like $28.
I've been working on cars for 11 years. I love learning something I never knew before every day and never knowing what im getting myself into. Heck, the other day, I did a 3.3 hr oil pan R&I on a Ford. The engine and transmission had to be separated to fit the pan back in 😂
Ford has some of the worst designs I've ever seen
Good luck to you Justin
Do you think maybe you could make a full time living off the UA-cam ?
Not likely. It’s not consistent enough for me to do full time.
Glad I’m a hourly paid tractor trailer tech, you poor automotive guys get shafted to much.
Have you considered working for a forklift company. Work van is provided and you take it home and you don't need much tools.. best of luck
This is a good idea. I have a friend that does this and likes it a lot.
Justin we all wish you well but you need to go in 1 direction not keep bouncing all over the place . I'm a independent mechanic for years and have had up's and down's but overall I have done well by not bouncing around. Good luck but man you need to go 1 direction .
Harbor freight tools cost 40% of tool truck tools. Savings accounts exist, you don’t have to pay 60% more so that you can get get the premium back when you sell the tool.
Dude, I have a Mac single drawer tool cart that is yours if you want it, keys included
That’s incredibly kind of you, God bless you sir
@thetank2078 thank you, God bless you too
Thanks brother. We should hang out soon and catch up sometime
@@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway for sure
Dang dude! Semper fi!!!
Ha. Work for yourself and mobile mechanic. Free yourself
Stfu. I just got charged $1500 for an alternator replacement and new battery. This is a fleet vehicle so I don't pay a dime but the costs have ballooned to cartoons level. Cry me a river
And your logic is to blame the tech that has to fix it for peanuts? What? 😂 You need slapped, realllllly hard 😂
Whats up brotha! I dont know about your area , but where im at service managers and maintenance supervisors are coming in close to 100k per year. Less strenuous on your body. Look into some of the big companies , ryder, penske, frieghtliner
hey man I feel for you, Im in riverside county and I have family in the sheriffs department and the best way to law enforcement at your stage is to apply for guard at the prisons and to work up the ranks there or transfer into a street deputy after a year or so once they see your worth. Guards only make $1 less an hour then a beat officer, it is super safer and the benefits are the same my cousin is about to retire at 55 and is going to make more in retirement then he did working. Oh yea, they are desperate for help.
He didn't meet the standards for the background check at LAPD. That check is standardized throughout all the agencies and DOC in Cali. Can't even get your foot in the door without it.
I dont know any real the hs making less than 90-120k. You are speaking something I dont know. Move to better part of country.
Great Tech are any a Shortage like never before. If ya have skills ya can demand your wage. So ya doing something wrong or your just a lube tech. Either way wish ya the best never wish bad upon anyone.
Justin you are looking at life wrong you have 40k plus subscribers. Use your skill for the better man. Make 1 five to ten minute video a day with broken down cars and offer your services for the single parents or the people who couldnt physically support car repair with their current situation. Partner with companies for donations and use your skill to help in a time of need. And the money will come being a wrench is always great when helping someone who needs it. Could also look into not for profits that need fleet assistance. You have a skill use it for the greater good and make some content and money from it. Just my. 02 i do this with HVAC and it is very rewarding to see a 70 year old whose husband pass away get cooling and because i partner with a not for profit they provide all parts. I have a full time job on the sode but someday will make youtube videos of the repairs and supplement my income that way.
Dude, take the expressway and become a mobile wrench, there are always people stranded on the side of the road. A friend of mine is doing it and works whenever he likes, makes a decent amount of money and feels great helping others.
Brooo I told you lots of times just get your class A you’ll get it like 6 months and you can get a local job, you’ll make more money and way less stress, don’t have any dui or accidents?? Your good to go man, you don’t need to do OTR either to get experience just do like Robertson or something crappy until you get experience like 6 months to a year, you’ll make more money and less stress just trust me and do it
Trucks are more comfortable these days, hours restrictions enforced so’s you can’t go over hours, otr though is bad on the family
@@philliplee1193 you don’t gotta do otr
Minimum input maximum output “ the motto of 99% of all shops