Tool Book

I've received my share of tool catalogs during my time as a tech. They're usually just cheap and simple books. From Snap-On to S-K tools they were pretty much all the same. Until I came across this one from Beta tools. It's a hardbound book that looks like more an encyclopedia.

The replacements

Image by CARLOS62 via Flickr

Got some Snap on and Mac tools replaced recently. It really sucks that if you break a Snap on or other big branded tool, you can't them replaced as easily with other brands i.e. Craftsman. Usually, I end up sitting on them since i haven't really worked in the automotive industry for a few years. It's just a hassle to find a tool truck and beg the tool guy to replace it especially if he doesn't know you. Since he's not making money off you, he could care less. Sometimes i'm happy I have some Craftsman tools in the arsenal, so at least I break'em I can get them replaced anywhere there's a Sears and in no time so no time or money lost.

Finding the right tools

If you choose automotive as a career or a hobby, you gotta have tools right? Borrowing the neighbors tools will only go so far. Most rookies start off with Craftsman tools cause it does the job and the price is reasonable, it's what started with when I first started out in the industry. Sears is also in every major city so if it breaks you have a place to go to for a replacement. But when you start using high end tools you can really appreciate them, something I didn't do initial due to price. But since I don't wrench for a living any more I still like to get my hands on the high end tools. But it's hard chasing the tool truck around, looking for a couple tools that you hope he may have stashed in his truck. Or I could go on each tool makers site and order from there. But either way it gets expensive really fast. And I'm cheap, so I've started scouring places like ebay, swap meets and garage sales for tools. Sure it's used but it does the same job. Lately I've been dealing with Carl who sells tools at swap meets and ebay. A really nice guy with awesome prices on used tools. He carries names like Snap-On and Mac (which I prefer). So take a visit to his site http://www.landonlawtools.com/ or if you're a Southern California local you can also see him personally at the Long Beach Hi Performance Swap Meet at Veterans Stadium