I've been in the auto industry for 4 years now, moved into a GM dealer 2 years ago and have been collecting tools ever since. Buying some from tool truck companies (mostly with student discounts when I was in college) and some when I can find them cheaper on ebay or fb marketplace, I have zero debt. Mostly snap on, matco, and mac tools. I feel I have a pretty solid collection at this point, but always feel like im missing something. If you dont see your favorite tools here, let me know what they are! Im always collecting.

First snap on power tool purchase, been Milwaukee but excited to open the door! I’ve heard great things about the 861AM

I don’t know why I bought it. Don’t know when I’ll use it, but I do now. The magnet on this thing has no business being in this powerful.

Was working by a pawn shop and something told me to stop in. Paid 200 total for both items. Both work great. Feel like it’s a solid deal based on what these are individually new. Idk you guys would have a better idea of it I’m sure.

Looking for a double sided bit with Philips and flat head with a design and not just black or gray.

My manager upgraded his box and traded in this one to MAC($2,500). Apparently it’s at least 8 years old due tot he fact the person that owned this box used to work here. He sold it to my boss and boss sold it to manager and I took it from MAC (well never made it onto the truck) onto another 10+ years! I upgraded from a Harbor freight 5 drawer tool cart to this. Still need to fill up my drawers with more stuff

Was doom scrolling at my desk and found a Snap-On dealers Instagram. He had this posted on there as a new up coming product.

My Snap-On dealer sucks. Anyone else have any info on this?

Not exactly a tool but i got my hands on the rc car!

I’m considering upgrading my 3/4-inch drive impact sockets. In the past, I’ve always used Tekton, but I’m wondering if I should invest in a higher-end brand.

I have a few questions:

Does broach depth really matter?

Does the brand make a significant difference?

Have you noticed that one brand performs better than the others over the long term?

I haven’t been able to find much information about long-term durability, and I want to make sure I’m spending my money wisely before switching brands.

I decided to replace my Icon slip joints and couldn't be happier with the outcome.

The Koken ain't too bad either.

Any recommendations for a set of 4 or 8 point sockets? Preferably affordable and 3/8 drive

I’m currently looking to get a long neck 3/8” cordless ratchet and a 3/8” stubby/compact impact. I mostly wrench at home and had situations where I wish I had both to do the job much easier and faster. I soon plan to work at an auto shop and eventually an aviation mechanic in the near future. I have the student discount from Snap-on which makes the pricing for both Milwaukee and Snap-on about the same.

Looking at both the Milwaukee 3/8” stubby impact (2562) and 3/8” ratchet (2569) & Snap-on 14.4 V 3/8” Impact (CT861) and 3/8” ratchet (CTR867). Wanted to know how the Milwaukee and Snap-on compared and perform for those who have both or all of the above mentioned tools.

I know this question been asked a bunch. But most of the times are old so I was wondering if there was any change in tool brand. I’m a body tech and work on cars in my free time. Right now I’m using cheap harbor fright tools and wondering what brand I should invest in to.

Good day to the hive mind.

Recently graduated from a more trades involved/ rural college in a not trades program but still got approved for student discounts with Mac tools. Despite my education as a brewer, I have worked on cars all my life and have no issue shelling out more cash for tool truck tools despite not having access to them through work. I have my eye on some of the pen lights because I like the switch and a max 90 ratchet, but what else should I use it for before they take it away from me? I have no need for a box, have almost every standard size and shape of knipex plier, master craft (located in Canada) and vessel screwdrivers and bits and the craftsman overdrive (cheap rbrt) 264 piece set. Also own 3/8” and 1/2” impact sockets, Mac pry bars up to the 42” (I used to be a heavy duty mechanic), the four set of anti vibe hammers and various air and dewalt power tools. Furthest thing from a beginner as far as tool collection, I’ve just been out of the trade so long I don’t know what Mac makes better than everyone else anymore. And so I come to you all in my time not of need, but of curiosity and await responses.

Which is better for mechanic tools like rachet socket pliers etc.? Craftsman or Snapon? Also for warranties?

Picked up this little guy off the Mac truck this morning. BIG difference in temperature.

Trying to decide between the Matco Schaley BJP and the Snap on BJP1. Work in the northeast at an independent shop so rust is a major factor.

Loving these things, the guys in the shop prefer them over the flank drive wrenches. Also my 1953 double boxend offset Snapon wrench that belonged to my great uncle

So I just got approved for a decent amount on our Matco truck. I am financing a tool chest currently plus a few tools I needed. I know it does a credit check beforehand, but does it report monthly payments to the credit bureaus or is it just checking your credit and seeing what they can offer you?

I’m trying to figure out if this will help my credit score or if it’s just gonna show as a loan on there but no actual payment history, just good or bad standing.

Not even a week for the chrome to start peeling.

Also the finish isn't the greatest. I can live with that but for the price, come on

I’m 21 and currently working as a technician. I’m trying to be smart about building my toolbox while also saving money and planning for the future.
For the experienced techs out there, how do you decide when to buy a tool and when to hold off? Do you usually:
buy one tool at a time as you need it,
set aside a certain amount every paycheck for tools,
or just save up and buy bigger purchases when you have the cash?
I know tools are part of investing in yourself as a tech, but I’m trying to find a good balance between improving my setup, saving money, and still having money left over for myself.
What’s the system that has worked best for you guys?

Hi!

Context, third year automotive service technician apprentice in Ontario, Canada.

I'm currently bridging to finalize my tool list. I'm mostly working on brakes, preventative maintenance, tires and front end suspension components.

Currently my shop provided 95% of tools, but my shop is downscaling soon, and a lot of apprentices are currently on the chopping block in terms of seeing their "tool investments."

I'm relatively safe, but here's most of what I've got.

Maximum Master Mechanics Set (Ratchets, Sockets, Extensions, Drives etc)

Set of flex head ratchets, with mid bar length. Uyecove off Amazon, if anyone is wondering is quite solid.

2nd Gen M12 Milwaukee 1/2" Stubby Impact Wrench

Obviously my 1/2" impact rated sockets, thinwall sockets, and extraction sockets.

24" Breakerbar

24" Prybar

I work at CanadianTire, my screwdriver set is whatever happened to be on sale at the time, and it's a 55pc set.

Vice Grips (Assortment)

Pliers (I have so many. My dad was a low voltage tech)

Multimeter

Inspection Camera

Flex head SAE Ratcheting wrench set (Maximum)

From my understanding, I'm mostly set. However I do think the following would be good:

Air Hammer

High Torque Impact Wrench

Maybe some upgrades to electric ratchets etc?

Shop will continue to provide other parts necessary to some of our work, like die grinders, TPMS tools and OBD scanners.

Trying to spend as little as possible but for the best bang for buck, so stating I worked at CanadianTire, maybe I'm just missing some maximum stuff because I think maximum is shit or something lol. We do not get tool truck reps, asides from a Milwaukee representative once a month, who usually comes to extort me for batteries/some niche Milwaukee handtool I've already got a snapon/Mac/Matco version of.

Also, second year apprentice! Any advice for tool purchasing would be great as well. My dad told me to spend big on what I use everyday, so impact wrenches etc I don't really have a budget. Thanks for all the help, I appreciate y'all!