STAY THE FUCK OFF THE TOOL TRUCK. Buy everything from ebay craigslist used. STAY OUT OF DEBT BOYS!

I'm so thankful I was around the tool trucks as a part time worker for several years before I got into the mechanic field full time because it taught me a valuable lesson about tools. I've seen so many guys rack up a ton of debt because they think nothing else will hold up to being used in a shop but that's just not the case. I've only purchased a very select few tools from the truck and those were paid for with cash up front. The rest of the guys in my shop buy everything from the truck. I did a lot of research into comparable brands and which companies make certain tools before I got started and I have a fraction of the money invested that the other mechanics do and my whole box is paid for. If you open my box you'll see a mix of brands like Tekton, SK, Williams, Gear Wrench, Channel Lock, and so many others and I don't break tools anymore than the guys using tool truck brands. I also usually have the most hours logged and highest efficiency bonuses each month and I take it all home because I don't owe anybody. Be smart, use the right tools, and use them properly and you can absolutely avoid paying tool truck prices and save yourself a ton of money

By far the most well spoken thoughts on tools. Keep em coming buddy.

No tool truck driver should get mad at you. It's an outdated business model. You have to be able to adapt. And driving around with a truck full of overpriced tools wondering my business is down isn't going to cut it.

Tool trucks are like drug's for Tech's though.

20 years in manufacturing maintenance have taught me that 95% of the job isn't the tool. It's the nut behind the wrench. Maybe that's why the trucks never come out to the factories. ..

This is one of those videos I am glad a big auto channel like yours made. I hate to see many of these new techs dump tons of money they don't need to. Especially when, let's be honest, most of these new guys won't stay in this field more than a few years. I also hope this can be a bit of a reality check for the tool truck brands that their pricing has gotten a bit out of control. It's crazy to think with only about 3 suppliers online I could order every tool I would ever need as a tech and have it all delivered to my front door......and save a ton of money by staying off the truck in the process.

As a tool truck owner I'm not mad at your video. It hits some valid points and missed some. In the last ten years I've done well and will continue to do well. The advantage we offer isn't in wrenches and sockets, it is specially tools, knowledge, and truck financing. That is where we can save you money. There are a lot of crap tool dealers out there, but the good ones provide a great value to their customers. A good tool dealer will have a strong knowledge of available tools, know the true usefulness of said tools, and go to tool shows often enough, and read trade publications daily to know the newest available products to solve specific use case problems. They can save you money by directing you to the proper product to fit your need. They know and will advise you on what to not waste money on. Some technicians keep up with new product knowledge and don't need this service, but that is less than 5% of the customer base. Unfortunately it is also only true with about half the tool reps out there. If it wasn't for Mac, SO, Matco.... many of these time saving, use case specialty tools would not exist or be available in the market whatsoever. Most of these tools are developed in collaboration with one of these companies with a pre funded purchase order before tooling R&D and production ever begin. Yes eventually these tools then are often available online, but only after one of these companies created the original. This applies to tools manufactured by other brand names such as AST Assenmacher, KD, Lisle, Lang etc. It is a stated goal of auto manufacturers to drive independent shops out of business by making cars harder to repair outside the dealership. They will have a good inventory level, not leave you waiting, and if it's not in stock they will have it overnighted or ground shipped directly to your shop. I do this at no charge for good customers. Good customer is anyone who pays reliably as agreed upon. Tool trucks provide free financing allowing customers to get what they need right away. Often someone doesn't have the extra money in their budget to pay in full on a website. We loan money out of our own business, it is often a misconception that corporate is lending the money. We lend money to customers that don't have the credit score to finance otherwise. Credit offered to customers is not based on credit score it's based on payment history and employment history. I have customers that don't even have a SS#, yet they are able to finance up to $2-3k. The highest account I carried was $18k no interest, and it was paid off in less than a year, this was to a customer that had just been through a bankruptcy. Pricing.... Yes there are items you can "save" money purchasing online but that should never be more than about 30-40%. Often items will be comparibly, or lower priced on the tool truck. Some tool dealers do run a truck markup which can compound the price difference, I don't advise that, but in some markets with higher risk it is necessary. Yes there are hardline chrome tools that are double or triple the price on a tool truck, wether or not you find that value in having a USA wrenches is up to you. Yes there is a difference, is it a necessity, no it's not. A good tool dealer will also have a lower priced line of chrome tools available, at a competitive price. You did mention warranty can be better online, more often than not that's not the case. Yes if you buy a tool from Amazon and it if breaks within 30 days no problem, if it breaks 3 years later good luck. More often than not online tool sellers are not going to cover shipping either, on many items this outways any savings. Don't get the misconception that tool dealers are making millions, good ones make a fair retail magin that covers the huge cost of providing what their customers should be able to regard as a boutique service. I make a good living, before I left turning wrenches I was making great money. Most tool dealers do this because they enjoy the industry, the relationships with their customers, providing a needed service, flexibility in their schedule for family time, and because they want to be their own boss. So it's your choice on wether you want to support a local business. Just imagine if all the parts houses, especially the good ones like World Pac were no longer in your market due to the internet. Imagine if all your customers started price shopping your parts prices online and just wanted the cheapest available. It would be terrible for the industry. Remember there is always someone offering something cheaper, the question is does that make it a better value.

Tbf my Snap-on truck he turns up every week and never misses a beat unless he lets us know the week before, plus now and again he doesn’t have a particular tool I’m after but the special offers get you and lure you in haha

We only have a Snap On truck around here...I love the truck for stuff that I need RIGHT NOW or I need it and can't afford to buy it straight out from an online vendor. Takes our dealer forever to get stuff though...ordered an oil pressure sensor socket and didn't get it for like a month or two. If he doesn't have what you need, it's going to be a while and that is hateful. Yesterday I owed the Snap On man around $100, I needed a 36" pry bar since I've been borrowing one. I got one off of the truck and paid him $50. I do love that, but I'm not paying interest - I'd never sign up for actual Snap On credit though, that shit is scary. Use cheap tools until you break them and then think about buying from the truck. Unless you've got several thousand bucks to lay out for a tool box, DO NOT BUY ONE FOR YOUR FIRST BOX. Awesome video man, I hope the brand new guys that haven't dealt with Snap On yet heed your advice.

I stopped allowing tool reps in the paint shop. My issue was money. Made no difference if the truck carried the loan at zero interest, or if a formal loan was created with sometimes stupid high interest. In every instance new guys bought considerably more product when they didn't pull cash out of their pocket. Frequently purchasing items that had little to no impact to their productivity. Rep usually made the rounds every week. When I say usually I mean pay days. Between paydays was a crapshoot. Really felt a lot more like a union or mafioso operation. Showing up in person to make sure they are first in line for their cut. Year, maybe a year and a half later we could see a measurable improvement in productivity, reduction in sick days (dodging the truck). Never said the tools were crap, or that some of the really specialized stuff was unnecessary, but getting everybody focused on what mattered put some young guys on a very good path.

I buy from my Matco guy due to the service. I know it's a little on the high side but it's the dudes job. I'm supporting his business. Also he hooks it up sometimes lol.

I was helping my friend on his customers lift kit. He had a flashy big snap on tool box and everything very organized. We needed an impact u joint, half inch extension, and 1-1/8 in wrench; which he had neither. I said we need to go back to my truck (truck driver) and grab my bag. "He yelled 100k in tools and we need your little bag full of harbor freight shit" I'm like yeah that's pretty sad.

I've only had a few experiences on the tool truck.(I'm a tech just starting out) At the time I was looking for a stubby 1/2 impact. tool truck guy directed me to what I was looking for and even let me try it out on a job! His price was $215. Then, I go on Amazon to find out that it's listed for $115! To me trying out a tool is'int worth the double the asking price for a tool. When I got home I ordered the impact all of the fittings and oil I needed for less the the tool truck price.

I love the little bit of snapon tools I have but after spending over 1k on just a handful of tools I've learned my lesson. eBay is my best friend.

I have been a professional technician for quite a while now. I have a ton of tools, but when I was first starting out, it was hard to part with so much money for something from the Snap On or Matco trucks. Now I have pretty much everything I need and backups for them too. Even though I am really a Snap On fanatic, my Matco guy has saved my but before and I will always be loyal to him for it. But it really depends what I am in the market for. My boxes are full of everything from Snap On and Matco, to tools from Craftsman and even Harbor Freight and even Home Depot. You just have to know what you are in the market for and how often you will be using it

18%? No way! If your phone actually makes those noises, I want one! ;)

As a retired mechanic AutoZone and Harbor Frieght tools work for me just fine. As I said in a previous post "After 40 years building and repairing vehicles I've found just because the tool is a Craftsman doesn't mean the guy using it is! "

I was a rep for the blue tool company for a year. Aside from lack of payments coming in, one big thing was the online sales and the fact that they could get it cheaper. I was locked into a specific price if I wanted to survive. I have since gotten out obviously, went back to wrenching. I get it. I started wrenching in the ‘90’s had an awesome snap on rep then later in my career an awesome Cornwell rep. Now I do what I can with what I got. Thanks for the vid. Enjoy watching you. 👍

Got to love my local harbor fright rare I brake something but when I do. If It brakes in the morning have a new one by lunch

I'm on the logic truck these days! I recommend checking reviews and buying from Harbor Freight, in some cases. $15 for a 1/2" drive breaker bar with comfort grip that is on par with SnapOn. Or the mother of all pry bars for less than $20! How many days a week are they open? Lifetime warranty, your receipt is in the system so you don't need to find it. And don't forget to hit up your local pawn shops and haggle them on prices. They only paid some poor soul 10%-15% of the retail value of that name brand tool.

When I was at MMI, I decided to get Craftsman tools rather than Snap-On because I figured that maybe I would end up somewhere where the tool truck wasn’t Snap-On. But there was a Sears in every town, so I could probably get it replaced same-day anytime just by stopping at Sears in the way home. Who would have thought?

I'm not a mechanic, but my dad once gave me an ancient SnapOn 1/2 inch ratchet. The direction switch was gone and the guts were jammed up. I carried it in my truck for a couple weeks until I saw a SnapOn truck in front of a garage. Brought it in and the guy took it over to his little bench and fixed it right up in like five minutes. On the way out I bought a big gumball he had in a machine by the door for a quarter. Felt like I should buy something, lol! Only time I've ever dealt with a tool truck dealer and it was good.

I am 55 and my dad was a master mechanic over 50 years. he had tools from craftsman as the store was 2 blocks away. It was back in the early 60 s . He did buy some special tools from snap on and Matco. He had over 10k worth of tools buy the time he retired. Back then it was ok to take your kid to work so I could take a car apart and put it back together by the time I was 13 I even got paid from the age of 11 .But back then craftsman almost was made in American now most are made in China . Me I got 1/2 of his tools when he passed 6 months ago my brother got the other 1/2 So my tools sets are missing things but before I became a disabled vet I bought tools to replace them . Just last month I found a snap on 5 drawer tool box loaded with snap on and Matco and craftsman . I tried every thing to find the owner even put ads in the newspaper. I have this bad feeling someone was stealing them and he of she dumped them off the side of the road. They went down an embankment where you could not really see it and it was beaten up so I guess no one wanted it . I looked all the tools up on line a its over 6k of tools . So somebody is really screwed unless they had insurance I am a disabled vet in a wheelchair so I can not fix things like I used to . I am thinking about selling them.

Great video. I just have one thing to add don't break your knuckles over cheap tools. Sometimes when the ratchet breaks it hurts.

tekton makes some good stuff and warranty is good to just send a picture and they send a new one. they have good sets and some special tools like 30 degree offset wrenches instead of 45

I've been a DIYer for years, but I'm working through an automotive course to refresh and update my skills to start doing side work at the house. I have always liked cars and working on them and hope to help others keep their older cars on the road a little longer. I have You Tube subscriptions to a few real mechanics for tips like the Humble Mechanic, The Flat Rate Master, Eric the Car Guy, Tony the Technician, Justin Dow, and Scanner Danner. My tool collection is 90% older USA-made Craftsman(including an air compressor and air tools), Pittsburgh Pro, Tekton, Carlyle, Gearwrench, and other miscellaneous items. I have student discount programs through Snap-on and Matco, but I haven't used them yet. I was within a width of a gnat's eyelash of getting a Snap-on credit account started just to get the Ethos Plus scan tool. If I use a tool truck more than likely I'll chase down the Matco truck (I'm a State Trooper so I have lights and sirens...Ha!) My preference has been set to get my tools through the local store as much as possible. I've have two Tekton socket sets, but I really don't want to use mail order if I don't have to; if I need to warranty a tool I don't want to mail it off and wait for a return. A good example was having to warranty one of my Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches when the mechanism came apart while I was using it, I called my local Advance Auto and went there to replace it. NAPA is my preferred auto store though. I'd rather try to put funds back in my local economy first. Getting closer to being almost debt free (house payment) is all the more incentive to avoid accumulating more debt. Keep up the good work, HM!

Really appreciate the financial knowledge you’re passing along to the new guys. Its invaluable. I’m not a technician nut babe got broke 3 times in my lifetime. But I haven’t gone broke since I quit using credit to fund my career.

Times change, business needs to adapt. Tool truck brands don't like the fact I can get better service and or tools online ? CHANGE YOUR BUSINESS MODEL!!! The customer is always the customer.

I love it when you buy a brand because that is the only tool truck that comes to your shop. Then you change jobs or the tool guy retires and you no longer see a truck from that brand. Good luck getting warranty service.

A good tool truck rep can help you make quite a bit more money in many ways. First, he can hook you up with the latest tool to get the job done faster before HF comes out with cheap copies. Second, he can give you credit so you get the tool and start making money with it sooner. Third, you don't have to go to the post office to ship the broken one back (which usually takes me about 45 minutes). I could make around $20 if I was working rather than standing in line. So it costs me money every time I have to ship something.

I'm a toolaholic,I buy from the pawn shop/junk shop,yard sales,buying only good brand names at a fraction of retail,compiled a set of combination wrenches 3/8 to 1" for my grandson for less than $100,labels inc stahlwille snap on brittool etc.Friday I found an english 1-1/4 pound hammer,rusty/dried handle for $5,wire brushed it,refitted the handle and dressed it with linseed oil-- good as new-1hour of my Sunday afternoon,tool therapy.

I'm glad somebody else thinks like me, when it comes to tool trucks.Every shop I worked at, Snap-on would consistently skip out on us.Every Snap-on rep has had this "If you're not buying a $5000 box every week, I don't want to bother with you" shitty attitude towards me. Sorry, but I would rather buy $5000 in actual tools and buy a Craftsman box, than a $5000 empty box. I used to spend money every week and pay more than I actually owed, but most of the time, Mac got my business. Mac was low pressure and showed up every week.

Not being a mechanic I'm kind of surprised. I know snap on has sockets and wrenches but I thought their real business was specialized mechanics tools and diagnostic testing equipment. Specialized wrenches to reach spark plugs on the back bank of a fwd V6- tools to deal with access problems, strange connectors, removing bearings and seals, etc. also testing equipment for reading codes, testing sensors and electrical diagnostics. If I was running the company I wouldn't have anything on the truck you could buy at Sears. I'd have innovative tools that make an impossible job just difficult, and the difficult jobs easy.

Great video. When I got started in 1978 there was no Internet I had to have tools so I bought a complete set of what I needed from Snap-on they came around the school. 40 something years later I have 5 Snap-on and Chraftsman pro tool boxes with every brand of tool even a couple of harbor fraight. One of those boxes is at my house and I still have almost all my original ones I keep them at home mostly. It's great having the tool you need when you need it.

I tried a KTC Nepros ratchet and I have to say, I like it better than Snap-On. The mirror finish is unlike anything I've seen, the mechanism is super precise and buttery smooth and it's put together tighter than a bank vault.

Yes you should stay off the tool truck, you don't know who has been drooling over the tools before you.

SEARS professional line was great tools (some, not all, like always) that you could go get 7 days a week for very good prices compared to the trucks. Sadly that changed.

It has been 40 years since I started buying tools on the trucks. When I started out your choices were the trucks, Sears, or the parts stores. I bought from all of these places and never had to wait for tools, other than high ticket items which I was going to have to finance. In the 80s I switched from being a mechanic to an electronic tech. My employer supplied my tools there and if something broke I was given a new one out of the tool supply. Snap-On would come in once a month to deliver last month's order and take a new order. When I was working as a mechanic different trucks would come by on different days so it was easy to pick up another tool if one broke. I used Craftsman ratchets as my go-to tools because Sears would give me ratchet kits to keep in my toolbox. When I replaced one I just took the old one back to Sears and got a new one.Things have changed since then.

Bought an Ingersoll 3/4 impact on Amazon for these reasons. Matco and Snappy were very proud of their 3/4 guns

I understand professional techs using Snap On, Mac etc.. The rest of us can get by with Husky, Kobalt or Harbor Freight. I'd mention Craftsman but I don't know who handles their warranty anymore.

The internet will kill the tool truck but the options are endless on the web. Thanks for some good points Charles.

Remember a friend tearing apart a 454 from an SS El Camino and one head bolt broke mac,snap on,matco,craftsman in both impact and non,standing next to a dollar bin at a ACE HARDWARE found a six point socket in 1/2 and behold that cheap one worked which was placed in a clear plastic box marked "in case of emergency,go cheap",whatever werks is my motto..

The slim head Matco super 88 tooth 3/8" ratchet is the worst ratchet ever. I broke it every week to the point were I wasn't even grabbing the end of the handle and nor was I putting too much torque into it (every week he blamed me for misuse). Plus the Matco dude tried his best to get me to buy a Matco toolbox (Both top and bottom boxes) with the idea of making payments on it. What he didn't know was that I was on to his tactics. If he got me to get a $20,000 toolbox he had me for a long time paying him weekly, and he knew he would be able to sell me more tools at a premium to add to the total balance. I'm not doing that. My tools are just as there and secure in my Craftsman box that was literally a twentieth of the cost for both the top and bottom boxes combine. With the extra money I saved I bought a few extra slide assemblies to make the drawers stronger and still had enough to buy a new car with the price difference. Thanks for the video and honest advice, they make my day.

10 years ago guys start wrenching and you them the first year year and a half 30-40% of your income is "invested" in tools if your serious.. and the looks a fear sadness or inspiration would almost instantly tell you the commitment or drive of the new guy.

No a pro tech but i do get paid to work on vehicles one a week or so. My go to is husky from home depot. Thats cool that snapon has a lifetime warranty but even a 'cheap' husky socket has never broke on me. Chances are that i loose a socket and for $1-2 at home depot get me another one that day. For the BIG stuff in 3/4 drive i like carlyle from NAPA.

really like your vids man! I had seen you on other channels and was directed here to your channel by Eric the car guy vids. You guys and project farm all make good content. Keep it up!

Charles I think this is a wonderful topic and an even better video. I never worked as a mechanic but ever since I started watching youtube videos I can not get over how much money people are spending on these tool trucks! Your comments were spot on that in todays day with the internet there is no reason to over pay for tools. And these tool trucks are getting way too greedy. When they start marking up these tools at 100% markup and more, mechanics are only putting themselves in debt for no good reason. The added value of the tool truck has vanished and the greater quality has gone with it! $150.00 for 1 snap 1/4 inch rachet??? Thats insane.

No need for a tool truck now that I've won your sonic giveaway !

Good advice Charles. I tell this to my guys all the time.

My Snap-On guy is there every week even when I went almost a year not buying anything . I usually get $400 worth through the driver then pay it off then start up again .

All great points, thanks for posting!

Buy Toptul from schmidtdn on ebay. Frankly, there's nothing else that touches the quality/price ratio.

Too many options available today. Buy as you go and don't go into debt over tools.

To be serious though, up here in Canada, we pay more for everything, but when I started out for example I paid $500 for a snap on 1/2” drive impact wrench. I now work for an oil/gas company that supplies all my tools. They pay Snap On’s “industrial rate” for the same tools. So that same 1/2” impact my work pays only $250 for! And remember they are still making profit at that price. It was pretty upsetting to think of how much money I poured into that tool truck when I didn’t have much to spare as an apprentice. Anyways, great channel Charles, keep up the good work!✌🏻

Dead on right with the warranty. We had a local Snap-On driver lose his route. This guy was a turd. All I had was a broken 3/8" extension (he had it, I saw it!!). Needed a screwdriver blade replaced--He had to order it in?!? And a rebuild on my 'go-to' 3/8" ratchet. Here's the fun part: He rebuilt the ratchet head and didn't use any of the grease. He assembled it dry. (I pulled it apart and loaded it with molylube). Two weeks later I bump into the same guy again. I ask "Did you get my parts in?". He never ordered them in :(. I was told by a few shops that unless you have an active account and/or are a professional tech currently working? He won't lift a finger!! I've been retired as a automotive tech for 25 years. I still have my tools from back in the 'day'. But sense I'm just a home DIY'er now? This guy refused to lift a finger. I talked with his replacement. (He got the truck/supplies when the moron lost his route...retired...quit....good riddance) He warrantied them without question. All the parts needed? Where in fact on the truck. The driver was a sweetheart to deal with- This time! But there are an equal number of nimrods that really suck.

Excellent video Charles. I was always on the tool truck back in the day when I was a Tech...20 years ago, so no internet.

Like the time I broke the head off of my 3 foot 1/2 ratchet. And the part was backordered for 6 months.

All I know is tool trucks are super expensive. With a little shopping around I can find a tool that works for a fraction of the tool truck price.

I have to agree, Tool trucks have to start upping their game if they want to stay in business. I've bought lots of tools off the truck but in the last couple of years I've been getting them online. I have been pulling wrenches for over 10 years now and I have yet to see a tool truck that gave excellent service that warranted the premium price that they charge. I've gone months at times without seeing a tool truck. That really sucks when you need something warranteed.

Snap On guarantees tools if thry feel like it.

I bought a 3/8 socket set in 1978 when I first started as a professional mechanic it was a task master set made in Japan and it cost a weeks wages for a basic set Ratchet 2 extensions and 10 sockets. The ratchet broke in 1989 and I replaced it with a Britool the rest of the set I still have and still use every day. At the time a Snap on set would have cost 4 times as much the question is. Is the snap on set worth the extra cash?

He is absolutely right. Example: was in the market for Milwaukee 3/8 electric ratchet. $99 home depot, tool truck $250. $150 difference, it pays to look around guys. Tip to new techs. Don't over look some of the auto parts stores. You can find quality tools with life time warranties and their on every corner.

That Chris Fix sticker is so hard to read being white and in that particular placement, do him a solid and get different color one too make it stick out tiny bit better lol. Both of you are grade A+ car KZfaqrs! 💪

1 dislike is from a tool truck driver.

Gearwrench!!!

My thing with buying off a tool truck is that he or she is a local franchise owner. They are not snap-on, matco etc employees. They are a local business. I rather spend my money to help out someone local then giving it straight to a big company.

A lot of good points, in my area we have a Snap On guy that will bring you any tool you need, even on weekends. I own quite a few harbor freight and craftsmen tools. But I would never trade my Snap On ratchet or sockets for anything else. Good video

S&K Wrenches. Proto Sockets. Just sayin'

there are many cheap brands that have a lifetime guarantee. why overspend

I'm from a small town and I believe in shopping local. I try my best, but as the small towns die off and the stores die off and some of the inventory of the surviving businesses drop, one has no other choice but to go to the internet. Even when i can buy something local, I price it online, and if the local guy has it for a higher price but in reason, I'll support him. its only when the prices get so outrageous, which is often the case, I'm not going to take a bullet for these guys, just support them, and in order to keep rolling sometimes the internet is the way to keep yourself getting skinned, even if the local guy can't help it. The store, the truck, as you say, has its advantage in being there, a store is literally a store of merchandise, they exist because they are physically there and immediately available. When they offer less stock, less variety, when they have to order something, they lose their usefulness. Even the internet shoppers go brick and mortar once and while when they need it today. And let's not forget the tool truck is an adult ice cream van.

As someone who is going to school, and has bought all his tools from stores, I am glad to see this video. i had a guy in steering and suspension class always brag about his tools. Meanwhile he complained about his constant debt... I like quality, but i also don't like a rip off.

You can get professional grade tools from Amazon. You got Proto, J.h. Williams, SK, Wright, Gearwrench, Knipex, Wiha, Wera, Ingersoll-Rand, Lisle, Milwaukee, Eklind and Channel Lock and Air Cat. If you do your homework you'll figure out a lot of tool truck brands re-brand a lot of those products mentioned above and jack the prices up. As far as buying a specialty tool or replacing a tool that breaks that's where it's nice to have the tool truck around. Here's the most common mistake people buying a 10k-20k tool box from tool truck companies.

I'm just getting started as of about 6 months ago and just starting to buy things here and there from my snap on dealer. Only reason being, I want the Snap On quality, the service from the guy is impeccable and the fact that he hooks me up with deals. Never charges me interest and always knocks the price down to get me to buy it. I always make sure to not carry too much of a balance though.

We have an independent tool truck guy that comes by weekly. He stocks some pretty decent stuff and SOME of it is competitively priced. It's easy to get into a large amount of debt in a small amount of time. Nothing feels better than a zero dollar balance.

I used to have to go to swap meets and garage sales to find professional tools other than the tool truck. Now, if I lose a single socket, i can just get a good used one on ebay for $8 or whatever. So much easier now.

I am in TOTAL agreement. Why should I buy something off the truck unless it's an immediate need thing when I can buy the same exact tool off the website for significantly less? I think tool truck owners need to change their methods because as technology, convenience and availability of things gets easier its going to get harder & harder for truck owners to survive.

Great video Charles. I buy a lot of hand tools from Napa, their Carlyle brand. Good tools and great warranty.

I'm glad this guy has the guts to tell the truth because so many don't. Not putting down Snap-on tools or any other major brands it's just that I know of successful mechanics that have a lot of Craftsman tools in their toolbox. And some very nice tools to go with that. But they've been in business a long time so that says something

When I started in this industry, a new VW Beetle was 2200 msrp with a AM radio; that's how long this was. When I started I almost never bought tools off of any truck; too darn expensive. I bought industrial tools; i.e., Utica, Bonney, SK, Allen, Easco, Armstrong, New Britain, Proto, Herbrand, and others. These often were 25-40% less than S/O, Cornwall or Mac. Yes, I have some tools (mostly diagnostic ones) from the trucks, and it is true that only SK and Proto tools from the above list still exist. But, since they were well made to start with, warranty issues almost never came up. Some of these tools are now 45+ years old and still get used regularly. Though, I have to admit that I like the new fine tool locking flex head long ratchets on the trucks today. I have told some techs starting out to see if they can buy used basic set to start out with to save money. The above brands can often be bought cheaply....

very true, as a shop owner the tools and equipment I need aren't on the truck they have to be ordered. I have been buying them on line for usually half the cost. but sometimes I have to wait a little longer because I have to pay it in full, and not use a credit card, but it nice when work gets a little slow it is paid for.

I was fortunate I built my snap on tool box including snap on & blue point tools from 1998 - 2015. I worked at a government facility and I got a government discount. I never had tool credit if I purchased off the truck I would pay cash. I built my tool mainly from prior mechanics leaving the field at a major discounted price, pawn shops or online . I looked at today prices in 2023 the prices today are insane. I plan on passing my tools down to my grandson in the future.

Love this video.. as a DIYer.. I simply go to sears and problem solved. But yes,, I hate chasing the tool truck because sears dont carrie such tools. Im the type that, "oh, nice tool, I may need it one day" so I stop at my local sears

I'm a simple mechanic who's only three quarters through my first engine rebuild, and so far I've put my money into Harbor Freight stuff and I'm still impressed by the little things. A 72 tooth ratchet is a god send to me after using lesser teethed ratchets. Pittsburgh has served me well so far, just don't use the socket adapters for torque applications lol.

majority of everything you need can be found on Amazon. bore scope, ratchets, sockets, screw jacks, otc diag equipment...

I use an assortment of OEM, Power Torque, Crescent, Tekton, and Gearwrench tools mainly. Never had a problem with any of them.

Great Advice Charles.. You dont know how many times I see this new techs with some very expensive tools,tool boxes only to not know how to pop an axle out.. Guess Its a good thing that I had the Tools dont make a tech attitude ah..

One thing that you should finance.... a home. I've never paid interest on a tool truck, I've never held debt on a truck for more than a month. The times that you can't wait for a tool to shipped to you, you'll be glad that you built some type of relationship with the tool truck owner. You buy nothing from him and you'll be treated that way.

Awesome video Charles! I learn quite a bit from your videos. Thanks

Two things; number one, the tool truck is a small local business and you're able to support someone you know, who will treat you with respect, because you treat them with respect and help their business grow, to Amazon you're just another customer and they're also very predatory towards their employees and don't give a crap about what they do. Number two, tool trucks are supposed to come to you if you have a problem and if they don't, then they're not doing their job properly, and also the truck account isn't supposed to have interest on it.

A good tool guy makes all the difference. If I want something off the truck and it's $100, and I can get it on Amazon for $80, I'll offer him $90 and it's a done deal. I agree 100% about not paying interest, but I've had this discussion with my tool guy, with good credit you can get 9.9% interest. High end tools are a luxury, once you can afford them, and if you enjoy them, that's the time to buy them.

I hear you, very few of my hand tools are off a tool truck. Typically the tools I buy off the truck are hard to find specialty tools.

I bought my 100 dollar harbor freight impact and it does the job fine. Better warranty than a $475 snap-on

I buy lots of tools from everywhere, a lot of snap on stuff isnt necessary however, I always run out to the snap on truck. The used tools that people trade in are usually insanely good deals.

Back when my dad was still working as a pro mechanic, in the 70s and 80s (well the 80s I can remember, the 70s are murky).... Harbor Freight or Northern Tool weren't even options, at least in our area. It was either the tool truck (which was too expensive usually for him), or Sears. Sears was my dad's preference, his entire set of tools were majority Craftsman. They had a great warranty too. Sadly when he passed away, my cousins raided the tools that I was supposed to inherit before I could get to them ... so I got almost nothing of his tools.

Here's a different thought on the same subject. I normally buy dewalt tools or harbor freight/auto parts brand hand tools simply because if it brakes I can run to a local store and it gets replaced instantly. And on electric power tools I definitely prefer dewalt. More power and better tool selection and half the cost. And Home Depot is open 7 days a week. And the local snap on driver knows me by dewalt man because I mess with him every time I see him.

It just makes more sense to buy online, particularly if you don't need the tool right now. Snap-On is great, but when you can get awesome tools that are as good or even better quality from Stahlwille, KTC Nepros, Koken, Facom, Hazet, Wiha, Wera, SK, Proto, Williams, etc. for less, the Snap-On price tag just usually isn't worth it.

It could be argued that a Snap On wrench will last 2 or 3 times longer than a Harbor Freight wrench, the Harbor Freight wrench will cost about 1/10 the price of the Snap On. Just buy 10 Harbor Freight wrenches if you are worried about wrecking your wrenches and you'll still have about 3 times better value than the Snap On. You, however, will not have the sticker to put on your toolbox. Damn...

I personally have had good experiences on the tool truck. My best experience was when I had just bought a smaller Cornwell rolling box. 3 drawer with a top storage area. Normally about $900 and I got it for $600. Has 3 charging plugs and 2 USB ports. I already had some 0 interest debt and was about to buy a torx socket kit and he advised to hold off until next week and get it because the bigger master kit would be on sale for a cheaper price than what I was going to go for and also I'd be getting less. He was cool and was always willing to work with me. My paid days were funky and sometimes he'd come by and I'd have to ask him to hold off on charging me for 2-3 days. And then when I had a beef with the owner and lost my job, I contacted him and told him I was on the hunt for a job and he didn't charge me until I was employed. I then worked out of his area and I would drive every week to meet him on my lunch break to pay him. Yes the trucks are more expensive but can also be somewhat helpful. If you have a prick for a salesman, stay off. My personal experience has been good. I've had a few even say "hey don't buy that one, it's more expensive and fails more often, buy this one, it's a better deal and will do more than what you ever will need"

I'm not a mechanic by trade but work on my own vehicles and like tools in general. I dont own anything snap on matco mac etc, but understand there place. Koon Trucking made an excellent video on why he chooses to shop on the tool truck. You're paying for convenience, service, and supporting a local business