FreightDogs
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Out of Aviation, on to Auto
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sbn340mech
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I live in SBN and used to work with Chicago Express, until ATA closed us. I wanted to stay in the area so I interviewed at a Ford dealership.
The service manager seemed really impressed with my resume and background, but it was really difficult to try and relate aircraft to auto. They just don't understand what we really do. Plus not having any liscenses or certs.
I never got a call back, but it seened like a cool job. Excellent benefits, and pay is based on how hard you bust your a$$. Auto makers have fixed rates on how long a job should take (flat rate) If a water pump change is 3 hours flat rate and you do it in one, you get paid for the three hours while you pull the next car in the bay and start a new job. So some of these guys are getting paid up to 100 flat rate hours in a 40 hour week. and at 15-28/hr...well you do the math.
thats quite a motovator in my mind. BTW I ended up taking a job in MKE with Skyway Airlines
The service manager seemed really impressed with my resume and background, but it was really difficult to try and relate aircraft to auto. They just don't understand what we really do. Plus not having any liscenses or certs.
I never got a call back, but it seened like a cool job. Excellent benefits, and pay is based on how hard you bust your a$$. Auto makers have fixed rates on how long a job should take (flat rate) If a water pump change is 3 hours flat rate and you do it in one, you get paid for the three hours while you pull the next car in the bay and start a new job. So some of these guys are getting paid up to 100 flat rate hours in a 40 hour week. and at 15-28/hr...well you do the math.
thats quite a motovator in my mind. BTW I ended up taking a job in MKE with Skyway Airlines
FreightDogs
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sbn340mech- Congratulations on finding continued employment! And thanks for sharing your experience at the dealership. I'll keep sending out the resumes. I have a feeling I am going to have to take a job that makes 6 bucks an hour until I get "their experience".
I had a phone interview today with a guy from Pepboys. I spent a minute or two giving him an overview of some of the bigger jobs I have done. ( fuel control swaps on tpe-331's , primary control cable replacements on metros, engine swaps, re-bushing landing gear trunnions, windscreens, windows, cargo mods, 5 years on gulfstreams, hsi's on ge 610's and pt-6's, Flap and elevator repairs, wet wing sheetmetal repairs, ndt inspection out the ass...)
At the end of it he asks -
" So do you have any mechanical experience?"
I hung up.
I had a phone interview today with a guy from Pepboys. I spent a minute or two giving him an overview of some of the bigger jobs I have done. ( fuel control swaps on tpe-331's , primary control cable replacements on metros, engine swaps, re-bushing landing gear trunnions, windscreens, windows, cargo mods, 5 years on gulfstreams, hsi's on ge 610's and pt-6's, Flap and elevator repairs, wet wing sheetmetal repairs, ndt inspection out the ass...)
At the end of it he asks -
" So do you have any mechanical experience?"
I hung up.
sbn340mech
Well-known member
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yeah I hear ya. The automotivwe world really has no idea what type of work we do, therefore they have little understanding of out actual mechanical skills and abilites. Now on the other hand I'm sure at one time or another any A&P has wrenched on his or her car/truck boat, whatever.
Keep trying man, don't sell sell yourself short. Sounds like you have way more experience than I do. I guess its all how you interview.
Best of luck in the job search
Keep trying man, don't sell sell yourself short. Sounds like you have way more experience than I do. I guess its all how you interview.
Best of luck in the job search
Yeah 30MK here
Our last instructor left for a job to Boeing, at the Everett plant. They gave him $25 for a start as a avionics trouble shooter. Thats pretty good pay. I guess it all depends on time, and luck. Sad to hear you guys go somewhere else. Good luck, and thanks for the help on my thread.
30MK
Our last instructor left for a job to Boeing, at the Everett plant. They gave him $25 for a start as a avionics trouble shooter. Thats pretty good pay. I guess it all depends on time, and luck. Sad to hear you guys go somewhere else. Good luck, and thanks for the help on my thread.
30MK
Lots of guys have gone automotive from aviation...don't try to impress them with aviation jargon and stories about the specifics of what you've done. They don't know, they don't care. Tell them you've done engines, tires, body work. Tell them you can do fiberglass, fuel systems, electrical. You have your own tools...that's the biggest thing right there. If you've ever been called on to service ground equipment, include that as automotive experience
If you're looking for work outside the industry, then your two biggest selling points are how long you've been a mechanic, and weather you have your own tools.
Remember that your full box of quarter inch SAE won't get you very far in an automotive shop...3/8 or larger and metric, plenty of box end equipment, and nothing fancy. Automotive maintenance is like performing surgery with a jackhammer, but it pays better, is a lot more consistant, and like working in a mortuary, is the essence of job security. It's plentiful, you'll always have more work than you want.
If you're going from aircraft to automotive, you'll feel like you've been banished to soviet block cold war equipment in comparison to aircraft standard and quality, but shoot...a car isn't an airplane.
If you're going to go automotive, the best money is in diesel maintenance, large equipment. That's a whole different set of tooling and equipment not to mention experience...but you can get some training at the local community college if someone won't pick you up for OJT...and the pay is better.
There's a lot more to maintenance out there than the airlines...if you want to stay in aviation, the airlines are just a sliver of what's available. If you've mostly done only airlines, your overall experience may be quite limited (same if coming from an airforce background)...keep that in mind, don't describe too much of your past experience, and learn as you go. Lots of others have done it, too.
If you're looking for work outside the industry, then your two biggest selling points are how long you've been a mechanic, and weather you have your own tools.
Remember that your full box of quarter inch SAE won't get you very far in an automotive shop...3/8 or larger and metric, plenty of box end equipment, and nothing fancy. Automotive maintenance is like performing surgery with a jackhammer, but it pays better, is a lot more consistant, and like working in a mortuary, is the essence of job security. It's plentiful, you'll always have more work than you want.
If you're going from aircraft to automotive, you'll feel like you've been banished to soviet block cold war equipment in comparison to aircraft standard and quality, but shoot...a car isn't an airplane.
If you're going to go automotive, the best money is in diesel maintenance, large equipment. That's a whole different set of tooling and equipment not to mention experience...but you can get some training at the local community college if someone won't pick you up for OJT...and the pay is better.
There's a lot more to maintenance out there than the airlines...if you want to stay in aviation, the airlines are just a sliver of what's available. If you've mostly done only airlines, your overall experience may be quite limited (same if coming from an airforce background)...keep that in mind, don't describe too much of your past experience, and learn as you go. Lots of others have done it, too.
I've always wondered if, because of the nature of what you're working on, aviation techs are left the hell alone and can work in peace. As opposed to the auto tech who is often times plagued with "how much longer"....
In my opinion, one of the worst aspects of the auto service industry is flat-rate pay. This is nothing more than getting paid for each individual job, regardless of how long it actually took. Some guys love it, often times turning 10 or 12 hours when they actually worked less than 8. Of course, you could also work 12 hours, but only have turned 8 hours or less. Therein lies the problem. You are rushed, and the quality and safety of your work goes way down, whether or not you will admit it.
In my opinion, one of the worst aspects of the auto service industry is flat-rate pay. This is nothing more than getting paid for each individual job, regardless of how long it actually took. Some guys love it, often times turning 10 or 12 hours when they actually worked less than 8. Of course, you could also work 12 hours, but only have turned 8 hours or less. Therein lies the problem. You are rushed, and the quality and safety of your work goes way down, whether or not you will admit it.
FreightDogs said:
NO NO NO not 6 bucks an hour, and don't apply at pep boys. Get in with the dealerships work for at least $12, until you get your factory certs, not ASE. You probably already know more about cars than the average ASE certified grad.
Resume- throw the aircraft sh!t out the door. List jobs you have done on CARS. IE. Change motor, struts, and brakes, familiar with GM tech two scanner, Fordstar. Familiar with alignment, A/C recover/charging, etc, machine operations. Buy some books for review so you don't look like a dumbass at the interview. Get to know some Techs. Buy them plenty of beer, and ask to sit in on a few jobs to get some experience. You don't need to go back to school. BTW the guys making the most money are the ones at dealerships. Guarantee ya more than 29$/hr. You'll be there in no time, better get used to turning wrenches fast though.
Flat rate is usually for the shop, not always for the mechanic. I had an ex-brother-in-law making eighty dollars an hour on the clock for his time, at a car dealership.
Deadlines are a very big deal in avaition. A simple phase inspection can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases, and every day the aircraft is down can cost a company megabucks. The pressure to push aircraft out the door is no different than pressure in other industries to accomplish the same thing. The aircraft isn't making money sitting in the shop.
I was once assigned to get an airplane out of a shop. My particular job was to inspect all four engines prior to being closed and pushed out the door. I was instructed specifically to find nothing wrong, endorse them and turn in my paperwork. I found about fifteen grounding items that still remained before I stopped and returned to a shop foreman. I was reminded in strong terms that my assignment was to find nothing wrong. I folded up my notes and put them in the breast pocket of the foreman. I told him I was going to go find a different project.
Next thing I was sitting in front of the foreman, Director of Maintenance, and Chief Inspector, and was questioned as to why I'd taken notes of discrepancies. I was told that they were suspicious, and they wanted to know if I'd made copies of the notes. They asked if perhaps I wasn't making a file to give to the FAA. I told them I'd made some notes as I did my inspection on a note pad, that was all, and that when told to not find the problems I'd found, I gave the notes to the shop foreman and told him to do what he would with them. The chief inspector informed me that I had best be telling the truth, and that the company could make themselves look very good and make me "look very bad," if they so desired, and sent me back to the shop floor.
Pressure and accountability?
In aviation, I don't rush. I don't bow to pressure, and I don't compromise. The moment you give that inch, others will take a mile and it will come back on you. I've quit jobs because of a refusal to yield to lesser craftsmanship; that's far preferrable to compromising one's position or principle. I would take great offense if someone were to suggest that pay or pressure made the quality of my work suffer. I give my best without regard to the paycheck or the employer. If that's not good enough, I'm quick to invite the employer to find someone else, because for certain I can do better with someone who won't ask me to compromise.
Deadlines are a very big deal in avaition. A simple phase inspection can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases, and every day the aircraft is down can cost a company megabucks. The pressure to push aircraft out the door is no different than pressure in other industries to accomplish the same thing. The aircraft isn't making money sitting in the shop.
I was once assigned to get an airplane out of a shop. My particular job was to inspect all four engines prior to being closed and pushed out the door. I was instructed specifically to find nothing wrong, endorse them and turn in my paperwork. I found about fifteen grounding items that still remained before I stopped and returned to a shop foreman. I was reminded in strong terms that my assignment was to find nothing wrong. I folded up my notes and put them in the breast pocket of the foreman. I told him I was going to go find a different project.
Next thing I was sitting in front of the foreman, Director of Maintenance, and Chief Inspector, and was questioned as to why I'd taken notes of discrepancies. I was told that they were suspicious, and they wanted to know if I'd made copies of the notes. They asked if perhaps I wasn't making a file to give to the FAA. I told them I'd made some notes as I did my inspection on a note pad, that was all, and that when told to not find the problems I'd found, I gave the notes to the shop foreman and told him to do what he would with them. The chief inspector informed me that I had best be telling the truth, and that the company could make themselves look very good and make me "look very bad," if they so desired, and sent me back to the shop floor.
Pressure and accountability?
In aviation, I don't rush. I don't bow to pressure, and I don't compromise. The moment you give that inch, others will take a mile and it will come back on you. I've quit jobs because of a refusal to yield to lesser craftsmanship; that's far preferrable to compromising one's position or principle. I would take great offense if someone were to suggest that pay or pressure made the quality of my work suffer. I give my best without regard to the paycheck or the employer. If that's not good enough, I'm quick to invite the employer to find someone else, because for certain I can do better with someone who won't ask me to compromise.
avbug said:
I'm sure ever-trusting pax would have loved to hear that one. I believe we can relate to some extent. I work for a man who constantly feels it necessary to bend over for customers, apparently in some lame attempt to establish good relations. But he goes too far, and pushes into areas his mentality doesn't belong. I can tell you that I've issued inspection stickers to cars with very low brake pedals AND the brake warning light staring you in the face. I had little choice, as I was instructed to do so. It's one thing to blow off an inoperative horn, but when you start getting into brake problems, blowing such issues off is totally inappropriate and is a MAJOR liability. For the life of me, I cannot understand why he takes these unnecessary risks. More so, I am likely taking just as much risk by issuing the sticker.........
Hung Start
Just the cleanup guy
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2004
- Posts
- 701
I was a service manager for a very large dealership in the Boston Area back in the 80's-90's. Best guys then were makinging 60K, so I would imagine that someooone that could hussle will do better now. The upsides: 1) The money, if you are good and fast, but,,, you need to be "creative" at times with how you write. 2) The hours, 8-4:30 or so, 40 hours a week, most places weekends and holidays off. 3) discount on cars (oh, yeah, you can make enough to buy a new buggy!!) 4)Usually good, payed or well subsidized benefits.
Downsides: 1) You have to really, really hustle to make money. You can't look at each bearing as you clean it. Slap-dash! So all your talent and careful skill goes out the window. 2) "Creative writing" Flat rate means you sort of sell your soul. You get paid by the tenth of the hour, so if you can write well, you will get paid more. But,, its worse than cheateing on your taxes, wears on you after a while.
I'm still in aviation, because I love it. And, I hate to see such talented people like yourselves go over. Until this industry figures out its priorities this is going to happen.
Best of luck
Downsides: 1) You have to really, really hustle to make money. You can't look at each bearing as you clean it. Slap-dash! So all your talent and careful skill goes out the window. 2) "Creative writing" Flat rate means you sort of sell your soul. You get paid by the tenth of the hour, so if you can write well, you will get paid more. But,, its worse than cheateing on your taxes, wears on you after a while.
I'm still in aviation, because I love it. And, I hate to see such talented people like yourselves go over. Until this industry figures out its priorities this is going to happen.
Best of luck
E-handle
ASW for $,Chicks for free
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- Apr 24, 2005
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- 17
What a great topic. I thought It was just happening to me! For Example:
Question from interviewer: What do you know about automatic transmissions?
Answer from me- I had a problem with the C-6 tranny in my F-150, and because of my aviation background in hydraulic control and mechanical systems I decided to fix it myself. So I got a repair manual, pulled the tranny, tore the valve body down to every valve and spring, fabricated my own special tools to release and replace the clutch packs, measured all parts for wear, reassembled and installed the transmission, filled with fluid and road tested with no defects and a smooth new performance.
I drove the truck here today and have the reciepts for all the parts in the glove box.
Interviewer: So most of your experience is on airplanes, That really does not apply to automotive transmissions.
AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Question from interviewer: What do you know about automatic transmissions?
Answer from me- I had a problem with the C-6 tranny in my F-150, and because of my aviation background in hydraulic control and mechanical systems I decided to fix it myself. So I got a repair manual, pulled the tranny, tore the valve body down to every valve and spring, fabricated my own special tools to release and replace the clutch packs, measured all parts for wear, reassembled and installed the transmission, filled with fluid and road tested with no defects and a smooth new performance.
I drove the truck here today and have the reciepts for all the parts in the glove box.
Interviewer: So most of your experience is on airplanes, That really does not apply to automotive transmissions.
AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Hung Start
Just the cleanup guy
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- Sep 12, 2004
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- 701
I'm sure you did a great job,, but here is the problem. How long did it take? Flat rate I bet you would have gotten paid around 3 hours or so tops. Includes R&R. And, you get to fix ONLY the part that broke. Not a rebuild. Your superior mechanical skills for diagnosing and figuring out makes it hard to get paid. Sorry, just stating reality in the automotive world. Sucks, I know. Sigh.
Painkiller
Member
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- Apr 27, 2005
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- 7
Wal Mart eh? 
Well...at least you'll definitely have more job security than the lousy airline industry!!!!
For what it's worth, there was a guy that dumped the lavs for AirServ; a contract company, out here at the airport.
He did about 1 month at Wal Mart, got fired, and ended up back here at the airport.
Putting 2 and 2 together, apparently Mal Mart has higher hiring standards than the airport!
Well...at least you'll definitely have more job security than the lousy airline industry!!!!For what it's worth, there was a guy that dumped the lavs for AirServ; a contract company, out here at the airport.
He did about 1 month at Wal Mart, got fired, and ended up back here at the airport.
Putting 2 and 2 together, apparently Mal Mart has higher hiring standards than the airport!
why auto
I've read all of the replies here and now here is one from someone that has been in the auto repair world for a loooonnnnnggggggg time. It's just like wanting to get into aviation (becoming a flight engineer for me), if you don't have it in your heart to do it, then you might be wasting your time.
Getting a line mech slot in a dealership os o.k. but don't expect big bucks to start with. You WILL need your own tools, both hand and power, some ASE certifications, and some specialized equipment. For example:
-A diagnostic scanner for the on-board computer. Must be able to go both ways, domestic and foreign.
-Fuel injection tester.
-Vacuum guage.
And so on. I'm sure you get the picture. A good place to scan for tools is in a catalog from either Snap-on or Mac. You can go on-line to see them. If you end up in a dealership, they will probably have some of the bigger stuff but plan on forking out some bucks to update your toolbox.
The tools trucks from the above brands usually come by the shop once a week to warranty broken tools and try and sell you some more.
The pay will vary some but is around 18-20/hr. Depending on your locale.
Going to an independant shop will probably get you a little more dollars/hr but count on them not having some of the bigger and more expensive equipment.
Anyway, I do hope it works out for you. I'm on the other side, trying to get OUT on automotive and back into aviation. Barnie
I've read all of the replies here and now here is one from someone that has been in the auto repair world for a loooonnnnnggggggg time. It's just like wanting to get into aviation (becoming a flight engineer for me), if you don't have it in your heart to do it, then you might be wasting your time.
Getting a line mech slot in a dealership os o.k. but don't expect big bucks to start with. You WILL need your own tools, both hand and power, some ASE certifications, and some specialized equipment. For example:
-A diagnostic scanner for the on-board computer. Must be able to go both ways, domestic and foreign.
-Fuel injection tester.
-Vacuum guage.
And so on. I'm sure you get the picture. A good place to scan for tools is in a catalog from either Snap-on or Mac. You can go on-line to see them. If you end up in a dealership, they will probably have some of the bigger stuff but plan on forking out some bucks to update your toolbox.
The tools trucks from the above brands usually come by the shop once a week to warranty broken tools and try and sell you some more.
The pay will vary some but is around 18-20/hr. Depending on your locale.
Going to an independant shop will probably get you a little more dollars/hr but count on them not having some of the bigger and more expensive equipment.
Anyway, I do hope it works out for you. I'm on the other side, trying to get OUT on automotive and back into aviation. Barnie
FreightDogs
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- Apr 26, 2005
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- 12
FreightDogs
Member
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- Apr 26, 2005
- Posts
- 12
Tanks
Thanks for all the advice, Its good to hear from some folks with auto experience. I will definitely upgrade my tools, although with two toddlers it will be from sears in lue of snap-on. As for interviews , I took your advice and kept my job experience simple and to the point. struts, engines, gearboxes blah blah blah....My first interview over the phone was an education for sure.
I actually interviewed at an FBO/ freight expiditer (sp?) and found myself laughing out loud. The business manager and the VP gave the interview and I never got the chance to talk with any of the guys on the floor or the DOM. The man must have had a bird on his shoulder cause I kept hearing "cheap, cheap cheap". They wouldn't pay and they were looking for desperate people or new people that would work nights weekends, on call and OT for no money! Does any of this sound familiar? And when I asked about vendor schools I got a dumb look of surpprise.
Anybody still got that Garrett tpe331 book with the cartoon on the back cover with the caption -
"Think training is expensive?....Try IGNORANCE"
I gotta find that.
Thanks to all
Thanks for all the advice, Its good to hear from some folks with auto experience. I will definitely upgrade my tools, although with two toddlers it will be from sears in lue of snap-on. As for interviews , I took your advice and kept my job experience simple and to the point. struts, engines, gearboxes blah blah blah....My first interview over the phone was an education for sure.
I actually interviewed at an FBO/ freight expiditer (sp?) and found myself laughing out loud. The business manager and the VP gave the interview and I never got the chance to talk with any of the guys on the floor or the DOM. The man must have had a bird on his shoulder cause I kept hearing "cheap, cheap cheap". They wouldn't pay and they were looking for desperate people or new people that would work nights weekends, on call and OT for no money! Does any of this sound familiar? And when I asked about vendor schools I got a dumb look of surpprise.
Anybody still got that Garrett tpe331 book with the cartoon on the back cover with the caption -
"Think training is expensive?....Try IGNORANCE"
I gotta find that.
Thanks to all
tell me it isn't so....
I saw the line about using Sears tools and now I have to put this in, Craftsman tools are o.k. for the 'at-home' mech puttering around on the weekends but please consider using GOOD quality tools. Go to a service center or dealership and peruse their mech's boxes, you won't see too many Sears tools. Reason being, they cannot stand up to daily usage. All tools break but the bigger names don't break as often. Alot of the drivers (Snap-On, Mac and so on) have cell phones with them and if you run into an emergency they usually will make the extra trip and bring you a replacement. It boils down to convience. I don't aim to badmouth Sears and by reading what I just wrote, it would seem I have stock in the other companies (I don't). Sears makes a good tool so if you need to use them for now, go ahead. Hope it all works for you. Barnie
I saw the line about using Sears tools and now I have to put this in, Craftsman tools are o.k. for the 'at-home' mech puttering around on the weekends but please consider using GOOD quality tools. Go to a service center or dealership and peruse their mech's boxes, you won't see too many Sears tools. Reason being, they cannot stand up to daily usage. All tools break but the bigger names don't break as often. Alot of the drivers (Snap-On, Mac and so on) have cell phones with them and if you run into an emergency they usually will make the extra trip and bring you a replacement. It boils down to convience. I don't aim to badmouth Sears and by reading what I just wrote, it would seem I have stock in the other companies (I don't). Sears makes a good tool so if you need to use them for now, go ahead. Hope it all works for you. Barnie
P3 Tweek
In the rear with the gear
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2003
- Posts
- 136
AAMCO > FAA
A very close friend of mine went from AAMCO Transmissions to A&P wrenching for AmeriFlight and then (dare I say) the FAA as a maintenance inspector. I think his wages were good with AAMCO then went down when he went to AmeriFlight then back up with the Feds.
Tweek
PS. `How to make a small fortune in aviation'...`start with a large fortune'
A very close friend of mine went from AAMCO Transmissions to A&P wrenching for AmeriFlight and then (dare I say) the FAA as a maintenance inspector. I think his wages were good with AAMCO then went down when he went to AmeriFlight then back up with the Feds.
Tweek
PS. `How to make a small fortune in aviation'...`start with a large fortune'
Tweek,
Uncle Sam’s a great employer
Barnie,
Try telling avbug and trafficinsight that!!
Freightdogs,
Glad to hear it's working out for you. As for sears. My old man does alright with his craftsman tools. If that's what you can afford (like me) then go for it. Keep ebay, and the local classifieds in mind. I've posted this group a few times on here, but want to make sure you get it. These guys are a great help. No flame wars either.
http://groups.msn.com/AutoTechsOnline
Uncle Sam’s a great employer
Barnie,
Try telling avbug and trafficinsight that!!
Freightdogs,
Glad to hear it's working out for you. As for sears. My old man does alright with his craftsman tools. If that's what you can afford (like me) then go for it. Keep ebay, and the local classifieds in mind. I've posted this group a few times on here, but want to make sure you get it. These guys are a great help. No flame wars either.
http://groups.msn.com/AutoTechsOnline
It is so
Been doing this for a few years now and my Craftsman hold up just fine. If I do break something, Sears is usually just down the street. I don't have to go chasing after anybody. There are a few items that only Snapon will have, but in my opinion (which is what it comes down to) there is nothing wrong with filling your box with Craftsman.
Been doing this for a few years now and my Craftsman hold up just fine. If I do break something, Sears is usually just down the street. I don't have to go chasing after anybody. There are a few items that only Snapon will have, but in my opinion (which is what it comes down to) there is nothing wrong with filling your box with Craftsman.
still doesn't make it so
Like I said, it is the convience. You say Sears is usually down the road????? Never heard of a mobile Sears (just kidding) My first set of tools was a gift from my dad. They were Craftsman and worked very well My friend got his first set from Penneys. Then were Penncraft. Think the spelling is right.
Both worked good. When it comes to hard, everyday usage, stick with the pro, Snap-on and the like. Look in the boxes of the line mechs. Barnie
Like I said, it is the convience. You say Sears is usually down the road????? Never heard of a mobile Sears (just kidding) My first set of tools was a gift from my dad. They were Craftsman and worked very well My friend got his first set from Penneys. Then were Penncraft. Think the spelling is right.
Both worked good. When it comes to hard, everyday usage, stick with the pro, Snap-on and the like. Look in the boxes of the line mechs. Barnie
sbn340mech
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2005
- Posts
- 86
My toolbox is filled with a varity of tools. Snap-on, Matco, but mostly Craftsman. I think they are all good tools, but Snap-on and Matco definatly are higher quality.
I never bought much from the Snap-on guy since he was a major prick and horrible salesman. He always gave us a hard time over tool warrenties, and was hard to get a hold of. Unless you owed him money. then he always seemed to find you!! I bought most of my Snap-on tools off of Ebay. Got a 1/2" dr 24" breaker bar(like new) for $32. Snap-on price...$85
It was much easier for me to go to Sears, and they take back broken tools no questions asked. Also I'd say about 95% of the toolboxes in the hangar were craftsman. Mines a Husky and I like it very much. No need to pay $6,000 for a toolbox, especially on what we were getting paid
I never bought much from the Snap-on guy since he was a major prick and horrible salesman. He always gave us a hard time over tool warrenties, and was hard to get a hold of. Unless you owed him money. then he always seemed to find you!! I bought most of my Snap-on tools off of Ebay. Got a 1/2" dr 24" breaker bar(like new) for $32. Snap-on price...$85
It was much easier for me to go to Sears, and they take back broken tools no questions asked. Also I'd say about 95% of the toolboxes in the hangar were craftsman. Mines a Husky and I like it very much. No need to pay $6,000 for a toolbox, especially on what we were getting paid
roger that
I can agree with you on that. Some tool truck drivers are just out there to get the money. There doesn't seem to be that "servive after the sale" mind set that used to prevail years ago. But, there are the minority. Most of the guys are cool and will go the extra for you. Those are the ones that used to be the mechs in the shops and know how it is on the other side of the fence.
The last squadron I was in was in New Orleans and we shared a hanger with Raytheon. They did the contract work on the C-12's. Their boxes were the Craftsmen, Huskies and so on. There was only a small amount of tools in them and the tool room had the big stuff.
In a dealership, the mech keeps all of his stuff with him so his box has to be big.
Speaking of work, time for me to get ready. Have a good one, Barnie
I can agree with you on that. Some tool truck drivers are just out there to get the money. There doesn't seem to be that "servive after the sale" mind set that used to prevail years ago. But, there are the minority. Most of the guys are cool and will go the extra for you. Those are the ones that used to be the mechs in the shops and know how it is on the other side of the fence.
The last squadron I was in was in New Orleans and we shared a hanger with Raytheon. They did the contract work on the C-12's. Their boxes were the Craftsmen, Huskies and so on. There was only a small amount of tools in them and the tool room had the big stuff.
In a dealership, the mech keeps all of his stuff with him so his box has to be big.
Speaking of work, time for me to get ready. Have a good one, Barnie
I have to resist laughing hysterically when I hear people whining about craftsman tools. I have eleven boxes of tools set up in five rollaways and side cases, and more of them are craftsman than not. I don't think in twenty years I've ever managed to break a craftsman tool. It's certainly possible, but I've never done it. Then again, I don't abuse them, either. I've heated them, welded them modified them, etc...just like we all do to make our speciality tools for various specific applications...no problem at all.
I have my MAC tools, I have my Snap-On tools, and they're good tools for the most part. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with Craftsman tools at all. I'd recommend any mechanic starting out go with craftsman over the pretty-boy names, just because a new mechanic shouldn't be putting his or her life in hoc over a bag of tools.
Same for roll-aways. Craftsman makes some fine rollaways; they do every bit the job that a MAC or Snap-on box will do, but for a lot less money.
Go into any major shop or hangar, and you'll find a whole lot more craftsman boxes than other names. I've known a few wrenches that spent twenty five grand on their box, complete with electronic remote lock, custom covers and colors, and the works, and for what??
I've found a few cases where only a snap-on socket would do because the wall was thinner and would just barely fit into a tight space...but even that isn't often. I've bought MAC or Snap-On where I couldn't get that particular tool from Sears, and I've always made a practice of buying one tool each time the MAC or Snap-On trucks come around...buy one tool and pay it off, buy another, pay it off...there's no question that the trucks are like a candy store, and the tools are a good investment. But nobody on God's green earth will ever convince me there's anything wrong with Craftsman tools.
I've got too many of them, and have used them too much to be convinced by all the rhetoric to the contrary.
You go buy your craftsman tools and use them all you like. They'll serve you well, and don't let anybody tell you differently. See for yourself.
I have my MAC tools, I have my Snap-On tools, and they're good tools for the most part. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with Craftsman tools at all. I'd recommend any mechanic starting out go with craftsman over the pretty-boy names, just because a new mechanic shouldn't be putting his or her life in hoc over a bag of tools.
Same for roll-aways. Craftsman makes some fine rollaways; they do every bit the job that a MAC or Snap-on box will do, but for a lot less money.
Go into any major shop or hangar, and you'll find a whole lot more craftsman boxes than other names. I've known a few wrenches that spent twenty five grand on their box, complete with electronic remote lock, custom covers and colors, and the works, and for what??
I've found a few cases where only a snap-on socket would do because the wall was thinner and would just barely fit into a tight space...but even that isn't often. I've bought MAC or Snap-On where I couldn't get that particular tool from Sears, and I've always made a practice of buying one tool each time the MAC or Snap-On trucks come around...buy one tool and pay it off, buy another, pay it off...there's no question that the trucks are like a candy store, and the tools are a good investment. But nobody on God's green earth will ever convince me there's anything wrong with Craftsman tools.
I've got too many of them, and have used them too much to be convinced by all the rhetoric to the contrary.
You go buy your craftsman tools and use them all you like. They'll serve you well, and don't let anybody tell you differently. See for yourself.
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