"stay away from ohhhh shiny" also doubles as great dating advice. :)

I would also say if it is something you only use once in a while, don't be afraid to buy a cheap one. When I am not sure if I will use something, I buy cheap and when I wear it out, I know I used it enough to justify a better one.

I didn’t go too crazy at first. Toolbox is a jsc773 with custom drawer configuration. Got it for $1800 not bad. Got my air impacts, Milwaukee bit driver/drill combo and Mac axis ratchets among a few other things. I use almost everything every week and kept my payments below $40wk. Most of my sockets are ones I inherited and others are off eBay ($25-35 for impact sets).. Started with harbor freight box and tools lol.. Yes there’s more I want but I don’t need it. Pay my debt off and then I’ll buy more if I can afford it. Heavy diesel mechanic!!

You should do a review about buying tools used at pawn shops

Prime example. Some years back, at Detroit Autorama, a local trade school had a display set up. A young guy who'd recently graduated was leaning on his shiny, new, latest & greatest, (at the time), Macsimizer tool chest. He told me he was already in hock to the MAC dealer for $70,000. He hadn't earned a tech's dime yet, didn't even know if he'd even like the job, but had already dug himself a deep hole.

An apprentice at work bought a pneumatic impact gun from Snap On, a month later bought their battery powered Impact. Still borrows essential tools from techs around the shop. Perfect example of the "Wow Factor"

I bought a lot of basic tools and upgraded to the good stuff once I knew what I was using the most. You are absolutely right in saying efficiency is key - some days I need to close up a job faster than most because there’s other pressing shop matters.

Great video. I will loan someone a tool one time. If it works for them they should buy it. If it doesn’t then they saved themselves some cash which works for both of us. If you need to borrow the same tool twice you better have contacted a tool truck or Amazon for that tool. Tools are only pathways to making a bigger pay check. Thanks for the video.

1st time I walked on snap on truck to get a PWZ and new handle for my 3/8, dealer asks, "what kind of box do you have? I got a great deal on one!" I smiled and said "harbor freight and its awesome for what I need."

I use the " Will it save me money " philosophy instead of the make me money. I fix my own stuff because I can't afford a shop. When I buy tools I look at it as if I buy this can I do the job myself properly. Even if it's the online version of a tool instead of the tool truck brand because I may only need it a few times instead of a few times a week. But even for me having the right tools saves me money and saves me time so I can do it right. Keep up the great videos. They are great for us diy guys too

These last few years have forced me to become more efficient. In December 2020 I had half of my spine fused and don't walk normally anymore. I have switched to almost all electric tools to avoid tripping on air hoses. I still own pneumatic tools and use some occasionally, like using the air die grinder and a carbide burr to hog a hole, but go electric when I can. I also have my carts set up to avoid trips to the main box. And in the theme of this video, tool purchases are geared toward efficiency, not oooh shiny. 30 years in, I've already played the oooh shiny game, and some of them are now dust magnets. Great tips FRM!!👍👍

I bought the mountain wrenches due to this channel, I kid you not I use them EVERY-DAY!

Terrific video with great information. My biggest problem with tools is being an aircraft mechanic for40+ yrs now that im a diyer at home is switching everything from SAE to METRIC. as far as the electrical test tools I purchase what will perform best on the two Hondas I own. A decent meter an affordable scanner say from launch and the small DSO from AESwave. Many tools out there to get the job done without the fancy LOGO. Still, use the first craftsman toolbox my mom bought me when I was 16yrs old. Crowded yes but holds the tools. ❤️️

Thank you, Falt Rate Master, Definitely buying the most needed tools is a must. Iam from Mexico. Iam a Ph retired professor but I have thru the years bought enough arsenal for a DYV. I I just give maintenance to my Ford Ranger and I have to got I have saved thousands of dollars for the service. In fact the tools I have purchased have been paid themselves for the savings in service every time I need it. I really enjoy your videos and info you give us in each segment. Thank you again buddy. My name is Arthur.

This is a great video and I could not agree more but another big factor are coworkers. The pressure they put on a new techs to buy the “best” out there and give them heck for purchasing something lesser. Pisses me off every time I see it happen. Thanks again for another great video.

Be a painter a roller and a brush is all you need and make lot of money Mechanic= under rate and under pay high skill physical job

Should do one on tools that are so seldom used or pretty much obsolete, but newbies still keep buying them.

Spot on! Had an older tech advise me like this when I first started out back in the early 2000's. Hasn't left me since. Though he did say once I had some years under my belt I could have some of those "ooh, shiny!" moments. I know some older techs out there are too quick on the negative advice. But its never a bad thing to give these younger guys some hope as well. Glad to see that from you channel Mr. FRM!

I love this video. I was just like that kid you mentioned when I first got in the industry. I work in a small satellite shop with one other mechanic and the only tool truck we have come by is the Snap-On truck. The other mechanic and our tool rep was my saving grace. My rep told me no on multiple occasions to stuff I didn’t really need. He wouldn’t sell me a box until I had been working for about two years even though I was in a good enough position financially. They cautioned me and made me justify any big purchase before they would let me make it. I got very lucky with whom was mentoring me.

Lately before I buy a tool I've been writing out pros and cons of what I think I need. I bought a Milwaukee M18 1/4 drive hex bit driver which has been on my wait-list. That alone saved me lots of time checking air filters, removing under body panels for oil changes, and Interior recalls. Paired with my Snap-On magnetic 7mm or 8mm makes my job smoother👍🏼

It's like when I see these toolbox tours nowadays, guy's have over $30k invested in just their Snap-On boxes and plus the additional cost of all their matching tools. And a common phrase I hear is "I got this tool, but I never use it but I have it"

I look at it like this "one day i'm going to come across a situation where I really need that tool." This usually applies to things like diagnostic tools and bolt extractors. We gotta get the customer their cars back. They don't want to hear about how they have to wait because the tool truck isnt here for a week.

I remember when a new lube tech went into the matco truck for the first time. The first thing he saw was a set of snap ring pliers and was going to buy them. I asked him what are those tools, what do you use them for, and where are you gonna use them. He didn't know and he said that they look shiny and cool. 3 years later still a lube tech, 2 snap on tool boxes, $10k in debt, doesn't use 90% of the tools, always begs for money

Omg yeah. I can relate to that. I’ve always managed to listen to my self and go nope I don’t need that tool yet. I’ll get it when my tool set is more complete. Rather spend money on tools that can get you out of the woods! Been in this trade for 16 years and I got my first electric ratchet this year. Now I got a couple of other electrical bits but!! I was using alll air before. Man I’ve worked with some kids that went out and got scan tools lol. You tell them no but some of them it makes them want it more.

I will say this I was a feild tech and I bought a Milwaukee m18 impact. Was great then I quit my job for a shop job, I'm using my air impact more often than my cordless just because it's got a bit more jam and air lines are never an issue for us

Another great video. My onoy qualm is that buying an electric impact can help with your side hustle. It doesn't need a compressor and does a million and one things that the air does and doesn't do.

I used to prioritize what made me money as a lube tech, then earlier this year made the switch to diesel and i honestly dont know what makes me money, beings i didnt have much of anything & i talk myself into alot of stuff, the dealer isnt involved i sell it to myself, granted im hourly not flat rate but this was the kick in the a** i needed again, thank you sir!

Second thumbs up from my personal account and I got a laugh from your GJ comment. I stopped darkening that door when a member stalked and threatened my lively hood over comments about a 10mm socket and Bull said TFB.

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING Advise! Your videos saved my ass getting out of school 4 months ago.

The best approach for a tool guy salesman, what can I sell someone to make money. The more money made the more the tool guy can make. You sell one box and the kid makes no more money because he can’t buy tools then the tool guy won’t be selling anymore

I know people that borrow tools 10 times and still don't need it 😂

Thanks for the vid, i think I let a situation doing an engine swap with only 3/8" drive tools get out of hand on stocking up now I have a full set of 1/2" drive, a bunch of 3/4" drive and 1/4" drive stuff too. Not buying for the "shiny" but for the "might be better in a undefined future situation" or maybe better stated "i've seen it be useful for other people, and I might have that situation in the future, so I should just buy it". I need to knock that crap off.

Great vid, I think I mentioned this on one of your last vids, about having sooo many tools and hardly having use for them and now only buying tools that are relevant for the work that I want to be doing now.

Hey man I just wanted to let you know that your videos have helped me a lot. I have been an apprentice at a Chevy dealership for 6 months now. Keep doing your thing man!

I still use a 1/2 inch air impact gun, it's harder and harder to not buy a cordless though. I also save a lot of time and make a lot of money using my Snap-On cordless screwdriver doing interior work like removing dashes and what not.

That ending was hilarious glad you didn’t edit that out 🤣 good video as always buddy, good advice for young techs that’s need to spend wisely unfortunately my will power to say no is very low whilst on the snap on truck.

Those long flexible wrenches are awesome. Nearly every tech at my dealership uses them, whether Matco, Mountain, etc. They truly are your best friend.

This is the best advice I have seen regarding tools. Get the good basics, upgrade those as one progresses. Also if one has to use credit, make sure it makes one money so the credit invoice is paid quickly and you get paid.

I brought a snap on 14.4 ratchet because I found I used an air ratchet a lot in my previous job but where I’m working now we work on exotics and I would hate to cause damage to a rear quarter panel on a half milion pound lambo

I totally agree with you!! I wished someone like you told me that 20 years ago!!

Great advice. Milwaukee bit impact and a set of xl ratcheting wrenches would be my top recommendations after the basics. I've been very happy with my Kline dvom that was like $100 or 125. For what you'll use it for starting out the $5 harbor freight one is ok and will free up some money for other needs.

Great advice especially for newer techs. Keep up the good work👍

thank you for talking to the young mechanics. , my late dad and Brother stressed this to me in my youth. I still spin wrenches for a living. still have to the same triple bank tool box for many years. take care.

This is good advice for even a DIYer. One can extrapolate this advice through any field of work or heck even a hobbyist and the advice is still sound.

This video really helped me bc I just bought a roll cart as my first box and have spent a decent amount of money and it feels like every time I go on the tool truck I come out with 500 dollars worth of things that I technically don’t need

You hit home with me pal, and don't do as I do, do as I say! Great video! Keep em coming. Awesome and Awesome!

You are so right on this video, and perfect schooling for the newbs. But then again I get the oooh feeling when something new comes out and then I realize the tool man got me again. I need to watch this video from time to time to break me from the oooh feeling.

Those long double end ratchet wrenches should be in everyone's cart. I use at least one of mine every single day. I wish I'd bought them years ago.

7:15 Tekton has flex head 6 points similar to that, I bought some. They seem to be made pretty well.

Got back into tech work at a job where all the tool trucks come by. And you are right there is this one tool rep that pushes tools. He pushes them on me when I even tell him I don't need new tools lol actually makes me want to buy off the other less pushy trucks first.

thank you, I'll forward this video to a few young techs have heard this message from me and a couple of my fellow mechanics

Once again you are the voice of reason and commonsense

That set of mtn ratchet wrench set has held up fairly well for me as a ag tech. Bad thing is none of my tool dealer sell mtn tools

Great video FRM. Every tech coming into the field should watch this video.

You are are natural at making these vids.

One bad thing working at a mom and pop ship is sometime u see a lot of one thing for a while then not again for awhile. So there’s tools you use a lot once in awhile then the tool sits for a while but I buy what I need and what I use the most.

Out of the park mike.

I finally pulled the trigger and bought cordless wish I love having. Doing sidework with my new cordless it payed it self off in just 3 weekends wish was the plan

As a DIYer I get most of my tools from estate sales and pawn shops . Buy some at HF. Bought a Milwaukee 3/8 fuel thinking of taking it back. Cost to much. I do go to a u-pull-it yard might be handy there.

A good choice for a DVOM is the fluke v88 or the fluke remote display multimeter

Even though I've been out of the business for almost 9 years, I still love the fact that I have hung on to all my tools. I still use them; and even today, fight the urge when something new comes along that I consider a must have. The questions to ask yourself are: Do I absolutely need this tool? Don't I already have stuff that can get the same job done?

Looking forward to seeing your review on that new snap on multi meter. Can’t decide on that one or a fluke.

The Snap-On dealer that came to my school (specifically for the student education program) was willing and ready to sell me a bunch of tools I already had. I had a set of wrenches, he made it seem like my wrenches were going to break the first time I used them. My dealer now that I'm actually working is a good guy though. He understands that I have a budget and doesn't pressure me into buying things I'm not sure I need.

Like if you’ve been a victim of getting the chrome shaft on the snap on truck

Very good topic, good advice even for DIYer's. Always tough to differentiate from what you want and what you really need 👍🏽

I put all my snap on tools away in showcase because it’s subject to loose it or somebody will “ barrow” it I’m using Harbar fright tools this way I focus on my work without me worrying Last things I was using from snap on was breaker bar & that one flaw away so I have to buy one on eBay & one Harbar fright

Thanks great video and you are so right we like new tools a little bit to much

Great video thanks brother. I have gotten buy with my Fluke 88 for years. I have a power Probe three also that saved me a lot of time. But you need to be careful with the power Probe and not create a bigger problem. I understand what you are saying and very good advice. Don't be pressured into getting something you really don't need right now keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother

Love those mountain wrenches!! Best investment i made last year

Great advise......in 1982 i got sucked in for $10.000 in snap on tools lots i did not need but my snap on man was happy as a clam !!!

Mayhew Pro 29910 Speedy Universal Inner Tie Rod Tool for Ford B, C, & CD car inner tie rods. Takes 10 minutes. Oh, and the lower ball joint kit for Honda front ends. Every time I have to pull an abs sensor it goes poorly. If I can keep the upright on the car, way better.

There's always a conflict between wants and needs. How ever in a business environment, strictly speaking, there should only be a need and that's because it pays dividends at the finish. It's very easy to get caught up in the hype and go for the latest tool or scanner but it can also be overkill. Great video and should give mechanics food for thought.

I'm at the point where I don't really need any more tools, but I always see something I want. I get most of my tools at pawn shops and online. Soooo true about the younger techs buying tools they don't know how to use. These tool truck guys can be very predatory! Thanks for the video!

The cheapest & simple tool I have used that has helped me make a living on a warranty job... the pen...

The 3 young techs are are going to be watching this as soon as they get to work today, maybe they will start listening to me when they hard it from you also

I found my electric impact is my #1 tool. I original got it for the 1200 take off power but I ended up using it as much as possible.

Wow you made that sound so easy for the Honda tensioner I hate that thing😂😂😂😂

I’m trying to recall the last emotional purchase I made. Can’t remember. Now, I buy stuff that makes my job easier. Example: I just got a Jiffy-tite tool because I got tired of digging the clips out with a pick, then spending 10 minutes on my hands and knees looking for it. 😱

Good info from KZfaq’s shop foreman!

This is sound advice. A few months ago, i bout the Matco code reader/scanner. I didn't buy the bi-directional scanner, etc. Much less costly, still resets batteries, TPMS light, ABS, etc. $375 vs $2000. No brainier to me at this point

I bought fuse breaker kit and never use it lol

I am guilty bought an air hammer have only needed an air hammer maybe 5 times in 13 years, but it was on sale and I wanted one. Been 6 months haven’t used it yet.

Thanks for preaching truth. I swear that baseball mit you call your hand made that m12 look super small! Thanks for the awesome videos FRM. Do they still make mountain wrenches? Dual flex

That Milwaukee is nice when you've broke 2 breaker bars and your air impact won't pull the lug nuts off.v🤣

You take me back to 1983 when I was starting out working for the dealerships and I'm on the tool truck and oh so shinny! And the weekend comes and I tell my wife we are not going out on the town tonight maybe next weekend and I'm going to be working late to get more tickets flagged honey.

Long time mechanic h ..... I've learned over the years that it's best to have a tool on hand then having to run around town or chase tools guys looking for that tool. On another note, if I break a tool, chances are I'll end up having to buy two, one to replace the one that broke and min cause after years of having a tool that is not a Snap On or Mac, etc, you can't find where to swap it out or the tool guy will say, "You did not buy that from me". I look at it like guns, it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. I'm 7 years from retiring and I'm still buying tool, my tool box which is 3 years old is a Snap On Epiq 68 with hutch, power top and side locker and I have no more room.

I’m guilty of it. Yes. But I’m also in school and most stuff I’m interested in is on sale so that makes it even more tempting. I’m in manufacturing so we use a lot of tools and sometimes I’ll come across a tool that I know I could use even if I don’t need it. I buy it and I end up needing it and I don’t regret buying it. I do need to start backing away from the snap on though. It is getting to the point where I’m just buying stuff just because. Like today I just bought a snap on butane torch and another quarter inch drive ratchet. Do I need either of those? Nope. I need help man.

GREAT video! Please listen to what he’s saying, it is spot on.

The exact problem I'm having with replacing my Fluke 97 Scopemeter with a Picoscope. The Fluke has served me pretty well for over 20 years, which is pretty rare for a piece of test equipment. But it does have it's limitations.

My Harbor Freight multimeter for $30 has never let me down and I use it every single day I do all the electrical work at my shop

that's all I do is WHOA . I love shiny new tools

Very solid advice.

Grandma's scan tool and tool box =)

DVOM... large back lit display, compact size, low price... SouthWire at Lowes. Great ROI.

Awesome FRM. Wish this video was out 10 years ago coming out of lincoln tech being a newbie and not knowing any better. But u live and u learn and try to give advice to other that there are better cheaper options out there other than SNAP ON. Thank u take care

Thanks so much! IM in a different trade, but, same idea for all trades. Being mechanically inclined is a different aptitude than business skills. Arguably business skills are more important.

If you buy smart the Milwaukee is as cheap or cheaper then comparable IR guns.

Great topic and well covered sir.

Solid advice.

Was that student on the forums Tony the Technician!