All Tool Trucks 🛻 Are Going Out of Business Soon…

[@phlodel]

When I was a young man starting in the mechanic trade, Snap On treated me like dirt because I didn't buy enough of their tools. They wouldn't warranty one of the tools I did buy. I retired recently. An entire career without Snap On.

[@eljefe4473]

Same story for me. Such a bullshit company.

[@xaphan8581]

That’s what I’m trying to do as well. I’m trying to have my career consist of no snap on. Mainly cause I’m tired of people acting like it’s the only option and you can’t make a career without it

[@nickbakey9188]

same experience snap on 400 dollar screw driver set wouldnt warranty when i would use as -pry bar mac 200 set he warranties them every time

[@xaphan8581]

@@nickbakey9188 lol why don’t you just buy a ducking pry bar? That sounds really dumb to constantly break screw drivers like that and have to keep replacing them.

[@nickbakey9188]

i got pocket pry bars big pry bars sometimes you just need a nice thin flat head to get the job done im not going to maul up wat im working on with a pry bar @@xaphan8581

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

I'm just started working as a diesel mechanic a few months ago and never been on a tool truck. To be honest I'm a Harbor Freight fan boy. Others laugh at my tools but I haven't broken any yet and the Hercules impacts are great. I'll continue to use harbor freight unless I need to switch for whatever reason. I honestly don't care what the brand is if I can go to the store anytime and swap out a broke one for a new one. Also, HF impacts are great as well. The customer doesn't care what tool fixes their vehicle as long as it gets fixed. I hope to see a Harbor Freight tool truck one day.

[@marchingpackofCeHS]

As an other diesel mechanic (HD) I have got to say Harbor freight has been good to me. My Pittsburgh wrenches have served me well for several years, my Icon sockets have completely blown my mind (3 years and one just started flaking chrome) and some other tools. I do go for snap on for my ratchets though.

[@andrewmunchkin7212]

The hercules tools are awesome.

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

@@marchingpackofCeHS I like the icon flex head ratchets but went with Quinn sockets mostly for the deal and they’re also made in Taiwan. So far they’re great.

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

@@andrewmunchkin7212 Yea I just bought the Earthquake XT 1/2 air tool and it’s a beast and I have the Hercules 3/8 battery impact which is great as well.

[@warrenself]

Harbor Freight and JDTCO are my go to’s now. I also of course got out of wrenching though. Still like all the tool talk and doing my own work.

[@TONYSTARK-jh2wu]

thats you and your area where i live theres literally 2 of every truck on different routes we even have Cornwell but no independent trucks out here

[@joshuam4614]

When I lived in Cleveland, my house was 15 minutes from MATCO's headquarters and 25 minutes from both Cornwell and Wright. All three were closer to my house that the nearest Harbor Freight. If my 10mm grew legs and disappeared, I could drive to Cornwell and get another one. Now that I'm in Florida, I'm screwed. Cornwell is the only tool manufacturer on the planet that has a website that you can't order tools from. How stupid is that? When I called to complain, the guy I spoke to told me that they don't want to take business from their tool truck affiliates. If there were a Cornwell tool truck around here the tool truck guy understandably would have no interest in me since I am just a hobbyist screwing around in my garage. They literally are losing millions of dollars in sales every year because of this and are harming their tool truck guys in the process by killing brand loyalty. I just checked out Harbor Freight's website and I have TEN stores within an 18 mile radius of my house! Guess were I buy most of my stuff from now?

[@backwoodsvapes139]

That’s like a knockoff tool truck with all the Lowe’s Home Depot and auto value tools😂😂😂

[@scarling9367]

I've got to echo what others have said, but with a different store brand. NAPA has great tools in the Carlyle line (a lot of other comments have mentioned Icon). I can stomach NAPA prices. They normally have one offs in stock for warranty or purchase. About every town or city has one.

[@scottburt3102]

I have a few newer MATCO wrench sets (Long Pattern/Ratcheting), I like them, but they aren't USA...but they are about 50% of the cost of an equivalent Snap On tool . I do have some older MATCO flare nut wrenches that are USA.

[@astromaddox1989]

Personally i feel why matco is favored over snap on or other brands is cause it's good quality and snap on is the first thought of over priced tools due to snaps reputation

[@mikethetoolman8776]

matco all rebranded makes nothing

[@doctordiesel5467]

And as I see guys buying online once they find out theirs no warranty on the item from the vendor or from the internet but the tool truck warranties the items they start buying from.the tool dealers try and warranty grey pneumatic sunex gearwrench and send it in ive had issues with gearwrench wanting proof of purchase so again my point

[@mikethetoolman8776]

@@doctordiesel5467 i warranty anything I sell, buy it elsewhere and it's on you!!

[@SupaSwope]

matco never shows up though

[@mikethetoolman8776]

matco higher than snap-off most of the time????????????

[@ponloeurleung118]

Damn that tool truck looks like heaven

[@user-xz9hu4rd2v]

If you’re a homeowner HFT is the place for you, expensive professional tools are not necessary. I’ve been a DIY homeowner since 1996 and I’ve never needed these pro tools.

[@danven1256]

When I got into the business it was purely snap-on purchases. I have boxes and boxes of snap-on tools that I've never used. You have to understand back when I started working in the automotive business we were paid really well. Many times I would buy tools just to say I had it. Before I retired the poor kids were being paid squat and in fact some of the kids we're having their tools supplied for them. A few years before I retired I took half of my toolbox and tools home because I got fed up with supplying tools to the kids. Yeah it's no longer worth it being a grease monkey, there's no money in it anymore and I don't know how these tool trucks are going to survive with the kids being paid so poorly. I was lucky because back in the day when we were paid well I invested in income-producing real estate that allowed me to walk away from the automotive business.

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

Wow, your story seems like the common narrative. Both truck drivers and automotive mechanics, & many other fields are not paying well anymore.

[@qigongkylar944]

What was the pay like in today's wages? My dad's been stuck at like 35hr. 25 or more years in the field. Independent shop tho. Debating auto or aircraft mechanics

[@fomocore]

Matco just change their long offset Flex head ratchet in their s***. Looks like I'll be trying to sell those for a icons

[@DavidWeinberg-cm9xd]

USA tool trucks seem to be more prevalent in my area of central FL, than the main guys? Kinda funny how they name the tool truck "USA" tools, when they barely sell anything USA? It's a shame, since there are plenty of USA tools still being made and sold?

[@G5Hohn]

Nobody needs a tool truck tool. Period. There's almost always something else MUCH cheaper that's close enough and good enough. Don't let the guys who overpaid 20 years ago for their tools talk you into taking on debt you can't afford.

[@doctordiesel5467]

Tool trucks only survive with the right operator and the the territory being able to survive the numbers of dealers trying to operate within so the moral is this theirs only so pieces of pie in a pie that can fill you up not be a snack

[@robertmunoz11]

Texas

[@cocoseco269]

I will stick with harbor freight. Life Time warrantee.. they work just fine for me and I am not up the neck in debt.

[@ToddEStewart]

I wouldn’t mind paying tool truck prices if the tool truck brands would continue to honor their warrantees. If you move the new tool truck doesn’t want to warrantee your tools.

[@towboatjeff]

They need to do like Tekton. If it's got their name on it they'll warranty it.

[@DezarovsClassics]

Exactly. Haven’t been on a damn tool truck in years for that reason. I’m not going to buy jack shit from you if you’re not going to honor the warranty of the company(ies) you represent.

[@mcribs7811]

Snap-on was the first to pull that shit (I think) over 20 years ago.

[@minusthemachineagain9342]

Snap on and cornwell take care of me wherever I go - Houston Texas

[@azkyoutube8708]

Haven’t had that issue yet

[@DDB168]

A lot of dealerships are using cheap labour. They're not being paid a wage to support tool truck prices anymore unfortunately.

[@TheCreedBratton]

everywhere is using cheap labor. That is why it seems so hard to find good help. You get what you pay for, and the modern wages don't support much of anything.

[@quademasters249]

@@TheCreedBratton Ha "Minimum wage = minimum effort".

[@mikepodorski4272]

I've been with Matco for almost 20 years, both in a truck and in management. The success of any tool distributor, regardless of the brand, is 99% service. That's what we sell, service. To your point, you can buy good tools anywhere. The level of service I provide is top notch, as well as finding the best deals to maximize my customer's money, which adds value to the higher prices. People have been failing in tool routes since Cornwell started the whole truck thing over 100 years ago, its nothing new. Just like any small business. I actually see more potential in the tool business into the future. The EV push will create a demand for more specialty tools, and a good tool guy will be there to help.

[@Sumwear777]

You're delusional. Did Matco pay to say these lies? I too am a Matco distributor; and, the tool business is completely dead. At least it is in MY area.

[@mikepodorski4272]

@Sumwear777 this was a long time ago. Things have slowed, but it is more the shops slowing than the industry fading away. I have all 4 tool companies plus a Harbor Freight in my route. Every day I'm on the route I focus on re-earning my customers business every time I see them. Why do they buy anything from us? Because we take care of their needs. Broken ratchet, no problem. Broken Streamlight, I'll fix it today on the truck. Need a tool ASAP, no problem. I'll overnight it. If I'm not able to make it to the shop, they all get a text. All with a smile. You are what adds value. Take a look in the mirror and don't blame Matco.

[@Sumwear777]

@@mikepodorski4272 I'm the 4th tool guy on my route in 7 years. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm not the problem, buddy.

[@fixinggrace]

15 years ago there was a tractor dealership next to the apartment complex I lived and I was trying to fix the steering on my car. I didn’t have a lot of money, but there was a tool truck there at the time, and I needed a flare nut wrench. The price was $44. I ended up going to the hardware store and getting it for about $15. Most of the tools I get an hour from AutoZone or Harbor freight.

[@Quickwrench75]

I have had a Matco truck since 1995. Unsure when they started there truck routes. I do not know that info for fact. Can just speak from my experience. Yes many tool dealers are having hard times. Internet is killing them. So many other options. Good topic Justin.

[@backcountyrpilot]

Working at a Yamaha dealership in the early 80’s I bought from Snap-On, MAC, and Matco from trucks and had some Craftsman. Now, I find the Stanley socket kits are an amazing value, and Harbor Freight’s ICON wrenches are 80% as nice for maybe 20% of the cost. Snap-On wrenches feel awesome and are slim, so they can get into places and swing farther than fat/cheap wrenches, but I don’t buy them anymore. The big advantage to tool trucks was that they came around every week, but now AMAZON comes around every day!

[@richardjones9282]

I have built my tool collection over the last 30 years mostly with tool truck brands. I think the downfall of the tool trucks now is the distributors seem to be unreliable and constantly changing. Additionally, tool truck prices seem to have doubled, and they have priced themselves out of the market on many items, if I had to replace many of my tools, I’d look at Tekton, Carlyle, Capri, etc. There are so many good quality tools out there at a fraction of the cost of the tool trucks.

[@chrisballard4812]

Even harbor freight gets the job done just fine.

[@Gr8thxAlot]

@@chrisballard4812 Agree, Harbor Freight is just amazing. They have the best value out there, great customer service, and honor their warranties. You just have to have one close to you if you don't want to have it shipped. I've done Amazon for high end and speciality tools, and they are great too.

[@alpham777]

@@Gr8thxAlot Also you can get 5% back with the Amazon and HF credit cards which is huge when building out a new set of tools for a new Mechanic.

[@brianburns7211]

@@alpham777 I’ve got a set of Icon sockets. They’re every bit as good at tool truck products. I’m a home gamer and have mostly Sears Craftsman and HF Pittsburgh. They aren’t as well made, but get the job done for what I do.

[@Hummin_Along]

@@brianburns7211 But if you lose 1 socket out of the Icon set and another one breaks you cannot get warranty. HF only will warranty the WHOLE Icon set of whatever it is. That is company policy. I stopped buying Icon for that reason.

[@Sean-bp6xb]

I don’t buy off the trucks. Never had. I’m not a pro. The price and the “service and warranty” aren’t justifiable to me. I hear a lot of pro’s argue that the man comes to you. They ask - Who has time to go after work to a brick and mortar and swap out broken er work? Umm, I do. There are tool retailers every where around where I live. I’m in a fair sized city. I have that at my disposal. Anyways, I’m not trying to make any specific point. I’m just throwing some thoughts out there. Looking forward to what others are saying here. Thx for sharing. Deuces! Watching from Ontario Canada 🎉

[@craigchiddo2794]

People are not willing to pay tool truck prices when you can buy the same tools direct from the manufacturer especially if they are made in china or even taiwan and with 2 day shipping you could get a tool warrantied as fast as the tool truck

[@shark61111]

You may be able to buy the same Matco tool direct from the manufacturer because Matco doesn't make tools, they only rebrand tools. Snap On does make many of their own tools, especially hand tools. Snap On has over 80,000 different SKU's, so they can't possibly make everything themselves. When it comes to Snap On hand tools, ratchets, wrench's, extensions, sockets, etc., they are the best and made by Snap On in the USA of superior quality steel than all the competitors.

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

It's like Craftsmsn, they couldn't even make and sale USA tools without closing already, SK sold off, next there will be others . MAC is already shipping a lot to Taiwan. Williams was once USA , now it's 90% Taiwan. Americans lost sight of quality years ago for quantity and now its coming full swing I want USA but we can't compete in this economy when people who have families need to survive. Yesterday a customer of mine was quoted a new AC compressor for a Ford f150 , $800 part and $2000 labor with a tech getting near nothing and the shop taking in the profit There's many reasons why techs are investing elsewhere.

[@noneofyourbiz6885]

“The tech getting near nothing and the shop taking the profit” ? Cuz it just don’t cost anything to rent or own a building and maintain an establishment right ?😂

[@Toolaholic7]

Matco was the toolbox division for Mac Tools,made the toolboxes for Mac.Mac and Matco split in 1979.Matco stood For Mac Allied Tools Corporation when they were with Mac Tools

[@ridervfr2798]

the way I understood it, there were two brothers one named Mac, one named Mat. They split and hence the name; Mac Tools, Matco Tools. Could be wrong don't know.

[@mikethetoolman8776]

@@ridervfr2798 not accurate but makes a good story -- mac was started right down the roadd by 5 guys in sabina ohio

[@Carelock]

@@Your-Name_It’s always a story about two brothers 😂. It goes all the way back to Cain and Abel, Romulus and Remus, etc etc.

[@davehaggerty3405]

Some friends drove to Georgetown to work at the new Mac toolbox factory. They just called it Allied. A few years later Mac sold out and moved out. Irwin too. Sabina and Wilmington still have industries. Just not tools.

[@Toolaholic7]

@@davehaggerty3405 The Sabina,Ohio plant was closed down in 1994 and went to Dallas Fort Worth,Texas

[@77gmcnut]

SnapOn encourages almost to demanding their truck owners present themselves with the trappings of wealth. Boats, RVs and other fancy toys of debt that are a millstone around their necks.

[@maxcorey8144]

I am retired after fifty years of being an airplane mechanic and builder. Worked for several large companies where the Snap-On, MAC, Craftsman or Bonney trucks stopped by at break time and we all lined up and bought tools to use for our work. We made friends with the tool truck dealers and watched as one after another retired and were not replaced. Finally, no more tool trucks. Sigh.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

How many hulls were turned in to food trucks?

[@michaelpiwcewicz1412]

VOTE TRUMP 2024 BY PLUG STOCK????

[@Arathull6076]

i just find these prices are just baffling tbh, i got tons of tools from every brand but lately its just the insane cost of the impacts/power tools. lets se die grinder 1/4 , snappy wants like 340. vs like hobo freight 15 for the cheap one and like 80 for the upgraded one. my hobo freight one has lasted 12 years XD.(the cheap one) ebay lately gets my business if i need a new impact that i dont own yet and have it rebuilt later if i need it. or the lisle tool will be like 300% markup for the matco sticker. >.> really come on

[@ScottyGMusic]

It's been many years since I played that game. I was in auto body paint, before I left the industry, so I never had to fully stock a tool box. We have Mac, Snap-on, Matco, and Cornwell in my area. Mac distributor retired but was replaced. You are right that it doesn't seem to be a growth industry, but my area lost its budget option when Sears closed, so they stay in business for now. Tech schools used to have a heavily discounted tool day, where you would get your first setup, and I think that helped the brand loyalty. Now tech schools in my area are on the verge of closing, so that is not a dependable way to get new business anymore.

[@nannesoar]

As a young dude who doesn't have any family or friends involved in the trades, I was honestly really suprised by the concept of tool trucks when I first heard about them. Not saying wether its a good or a bad thing, idk, it just seemed like an unusual business model to me. I can see why it's successful though, watching you browse it reminds me of the Scholastic bookstore showing up👌

[@fumanpoo4725]

I don't work in a nuclear plant, on spacecraft or on life support equipment...HF works just fine.

[@dustinryan9671]

Facts!

[@jimmyswollnuts7662]

Said every cheapskate with no money

[@2bakeww]

And if you do, work buys all the tools. I have worked in two of those industries and don't buy tools for work!

[@junicohen7918]

Yup broken tools and rounded bolts are super

[@pyrogon7566]

@@jimmyswollnuts7662 Trust me, that 40 dollar impact takes beatings just fine. Been using the same thin wall impact sockets for 3 years now and trust me, they get really heavy usage. Also, hate to break it to you, but those "high quality tools" come from the same manufacturers as the cheap ones. HF also has the same warranty program as your higher end tools, maybe even better. I don't have to ship my tools out by mail and wait for a replacement or fight with a tool truck guy. I just walk in, and walk out with absolutely zero fuss.

[@azthetiks8378]

I got on my first snap on truck a few weeks ago and i really wanted to get a 3/8 soft grip red ratchet. I was thinking they have to have one of those, he did not have any in stock which was surprising. HF seems like a much better option.

[@BlindBatG34]

The tool trucks won't disappear as long as they offer truck credit. But I agree, if you can buy the same tool online for 2/3rds the price and have it within a week, why bother with the truck? Snapy still makes most of their catalog in house but if Snappy is 2x the price of a competitor does the warranty really matter? The tool truck comanies got greedy and thought they could save money with rebranding but now their franchise fees are their primary revenue source which isn't sustainable.

[@jasonweishaupt1828]

Up here at the ‘yota dealership, the coffee truck sees more business than the tool truck.

[@IrishLizard44]

I have been doing this for 20 years and in 3 states. I have never not had a snap on dealer show up weekly. All other brands have been hit or miss. So it has made it to where 90% of my tools are snap on. I would not say they are going away. I think in more rural areas they might go away or a driver has a larger region and you may see them once or twice a month. You also need to look at the companies as a whole. Snap on is so much larger than the tool truck. They are one of the largest manufacturers of OE dealer tools. They also have a parts program division, where they run many of the OE parts software. Then think about the military contracts they have. Hard to see them go away or stop.

[@fastinradfordable]

Wrenched in 7 diff states. Only two had tool trucks on regular

[@shark61111]

Yup, Snap On has over 80,000 different SKU's (products) in their line. It's always amazing when guys think they can be a professional auto mechanic and buy everything they need from Harbor Freight, etc.

[@garyp.9073]

Agreed, we are municipal and we have a Snap On Industrial rep. and get a good discount off list. Shoot him an email, get the price, shoot him a PO and boom its on its way. Don't think their going anywhere. Plus our scanner is Snap On and they do the Freightliner communication device too. They have multiple angles to their business.

[@andrewkarppinen4348]

Matco has been around a long time. They have been a 100 percent rebrand from the start. Bonney used to make their v-groove wrenches, they carried in the old days channel Lock pliers, CP, Ingersol Rand and Florida Pneumatic for air tools. It wasn't until years latter the Air command Matco branded tools appeared and they were rebrands. They carried no Silver Eagle tools. That came about as competition to Bluepoint. They had the Allen wrenches which were sold under the Allen name. They had Irwin stuff on the truck, Vise Grip stuff. I don't know who made their old pinned impact wobbles but I loved those. Husky sells that design now at Home Depot. They had a reduced shank and no fat collar where the joint is, which was awesome for transmission work. Now they had exclusives sometimes but still all rebrands. In the 1990's they changed their strategy to get even more rebrands onboard to widen their reach and amount of stuff they carry to increase profit and run against Snap-on and they really started to advertise. I quit buying from Matco for the most part when my dealer retired and Matco went their new direction. There were only a couple Cornwell dealers and then they really pushed and they have more trucks but run their guys out of business. Matt Sledge of TechsChoice.com is an ex-Cornwell dealer and I think Coyle Tools was too. Both are independent now. As for Mac here they are few and far between. I believe they also have the largest franchise fee as well. Tool trucks are dead for the most part. Harbor Freight, Amazon, and other online retailers have really shut them down. If you look hard enough today you can usually find out who makes what and get it for less.

[@keithnoyb7487]

The internet will be the end of every job in time.

[@officialshadetreeamerica]

Tool trucks have gotten me out of a pinch many times especially living in a rural area where it takes about 1 hour round trip to go to the store. It would be a shame if they would go away.

[@johnscustomsaws]

I can't even begin to explain my frustration from Snap-on and Mac route drivers completely leaving me high and dry... I would return 80% of their tools I have bought immediately if I could... I was sold on the promises of "no questions asked" returns and "Lifetime warranty" BULLSHIT!!! over 60k of tools that DO break and literally NO option besides shipping to cooperate with "proof of purchase" because I definitely have receipts from tools I bought over a decade ago that I was told I didnt need... I could go on and on but to the people out there that have good route drivers... if they go under you will be SCREWED... just my 2 cents... I think you are on the money dude... tool truck drivers will be phased out... so then what happens to everyone that says I am crazy because they have "The bestest route driver ever..." well... you will be feeling my frustration sadly...

[@ucfsub]

I was buying off the Matco truck in 2004. Our tool truck guy was awesome but he didn't last long, maybe 2 years before he moved into a regional manager position within Matco and less than a year later he was out of the industry entirely.

[@RenegadesGarage]

Justin Dow.. Matco started out only making toolboxes for Mac. In 1979 Matco split from Mac and started having their tools rebranded. They do not manufacture any of their tools. They only actually manufacture their toolboxes.. Matco stands for Mac Allied Tool COmpany.

[@stuartholden6163]

I’ve never shopped on a tool truck; but I always envisioned that purpose was for guys to not have to take an hour’s break just to replace a broken tool. It’s also interesting that most newer tool companies look like a Harbor Freight brand in terms of ascetics and quality.

[@Jenda-ld8dj]

True.

[@Imnotyourdoormat]

😆When pilots are beginning to get out and choose anything else but aviation propeller salesmen are in big trouble...

[@gregblau8082]

I honestly wonder how they stay in business. Our snap on guy is inconsistent and nobody buys much from him. We really like the matco guy, but still he probably spends an hour at the shop to sell $100 worth of tools

[@ghostwrench2292]

LOL. I know my current shop isn’t a lucrative stop. Small Indy shop with 3 techs. We get Cornwell every week and Snap On about every 6 weeks. Prior to this shop, I was at a large dealer (60 techs) and we had all the tool trucks every week. Snap On, Matco, Cornwell, Gear Wrench and Mac.

[@adamsfamilynfun1409]

Man I would never be able to live where there isn’t grass. That’s got to be rough. Great channel

[@RobtheAviator]

The desert is amazing. Beautiful in its own way.

[@rafaeltorre1643]

You must love sweating all day with thousands of bugs and mold and yeast in your belly button. The east is beautiful but the cool dry air at night in the high desert mountains is awesome.

[@nautifella]

I started my tool collection with welding and construction tools in the 70s when I was a builder in high school. I went the mechanical route in the 80s and electrical tools in the 90s. Since 2000 I've been filling gaps and started collecting DeWalt. About ten years ago I had a chance to buy a tool truck (truck only, not the route) from a guy getting out of the business. Regrettably, I was outbid

[@Elk4758]

I buy off the Snap-On truck a lot because they are basically the last place to get good made in the USA tools. Taiwan and China stuff tool trucks rebrand I just get from NAPA. Same warranty and they are at my shop 3 times a day, 5 days a week. So there is no advantage at all to buying that stuff off the tool truck.

[@dillon3355]

The only thing keeping tool trucks around at this point is the financing. 20ish years ago, in most places you had no options. Craftsman was fine for weekend warriors, but couldnt hold up to daily abuse. Everything else was conplete GARBAGE. so you had to go tool truck. Nowdays, with tekton, capri,olsa,icon, Grey Pneumatic, gearwrench, vim, Milwaukee ETC... I just cant justify it. Dont get me wrong. Snap on and Mac is some straight up Man Jewlery. But u can set up a box to do 90% of all mechanic's tasks for $10k with a 30" deep box. (Not including specialty stuff) thats less than a Snappy box. Cmon.

[@watershed44]

@Justin Dow Matco has been around for decades they were solid when were selling out of tool trucks around the early 1980s-1990s when I was in the business. This was in the Philly area and they were very consistent and reliable. The tool truck dealers always showed up every week or two in our area and always warrantied any hand tool with the Matco name on it for life. Mac was also solid, as was Snap On, and even Vulcan!

[@jal2us1]

Thank you for this video. Many great stories are in the comments. I got the bulk of my tools before the internet existed. Many of those tools are lost for one reason or another. I have never been in a tool truck nor ever had the opportunity. I am 62 and near retirement. I can look at every tool I own and find nothing of great value, but many of great and forgotten quality. A Vlchek punch is just one example of a tool that can't be matched in quality by any of the tools available today. I have many other examples.

[@mikey358976]

Old school mechanic here, my opinion, the tool truck are just over priced, too many different types of tools & tool brands, mean some tools are not used for mechanic purposeses a few tools for carpenters. But look the way I see it if people wanna be a tool truck sales person then just stick to the basic tools for mechanic's they don't need to buy all different type of tools out there, they need to just stick to the basic tools sets, stop over pricing on tools & be true to the warranty on the tools itself. But hay that's just my opinion.

[@jeffro221]

I always try to support American made products and American jobs. But greed has driven Snap-on prices beyond all reason. So now I buy among the quality alternative non-tool-truck brands because there are lots better value to be found nowdays. I think the tool truck operators need to stay flexible about employment because things are a changing.

[@wallyg.2409]

Key word, Greed. No one minds paying extra, but Snap On is out of control. Also, at least Matco and Mac have somewhat some good deals in their monthly flyer, Snap On's flyer is a joke. No deals at all.

[@bronzebuilder2115]

Harbor freight: set of wrenches $15 Snap on: same set of wrenches $300 Snap on slaves: $300 that's a bargain 😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@danielsmith1892]

being a automotive mechanic anymore is so under paid, then you go try and buy a matco toolbox and its 16,000.... you can go buy the same size one for 1800 at harbor freight.

[@SuperTransmission]

The strapon guy quit coming to my shop 8 years ago I needed way too many of there junk sockets & garbage screw drivers replaced strap on does make some good tools but for the most part they sell junk over priced tools

[@tobinthomas8401]

My $nap On tab was squared years ago, however it was pretty damn convenient to have them come to you every week.

[@TheACEJester]

Funny how today we got a new Cornwell guy here in Yucca. Hope he does well, but I doubt it. Best of luck to the guy.

[@bowtieguy6870]

Matco has never, ever made one single tool of any kind, ever. They are not and have never been a tool manufacturer. They make tool boxes (really good ones) and that’s it.

[@JamesSmith-xs7sr]

Bought a limited edition "Lady buzzer" for my lady. (From the tool truck, they're diversifying!)She loves it! 1 charge keeps her blissfully "buzzed" for almost 2 hours!!!

[@jaymechanic1228]

My snap on guy goes above and beyond for his customers. And thats why i spend alot with him. Turns up every week gives me great deals. Once i texted him to say i broke a allen key on a job i was half way through and could he order me one in. Half hour later he walks into my bay with a replacement allen key socket key for me with a smile. And he comes on a friday this was a tuesday. That right there is the support you dont get from amazon etc.

[@RobtheAviator]

Absolutely! I feel the same. The warranty and service is outstanding. But I’ll just say it, the QUALITY is what keeps me coming back to Snap-On. Price is what it is, a poor man can’t understand that caviar is more expensive than power bait lol

[@jaymechanic1228]

@Rob exactly mate. Buy once cry once lol

[@samwittstruck.6685]

Sadly thats not the norm.

[@williamM-18]

All of you snap on fan Boyz are so blind its pathetic! I wouldn't be surprised if most of you want to be buried with their tools!😅

[@chieftigmos4018]

a decade ago when my career started i got caught in the idea that all my tools had to be snap on and matco. at one point i was paying 3 tool trucks 100 bucks a week. eventually got to a point where i needed specialty tools for autobody which the tools trucks dont carry much of. did some exploring online and found amazon had a huge selection of sellers and tools. saved myself ten of thousands of dollars since. i almost never step foot in the tools trucks anymore cause the stuff is just waaaay over priced. i tell all the young guys i come across about buying tools online and having them shipped right to the shop and not buying anything off those tool trucks unless the truck is the only place to find what they need.

[@juliogonzo2718]

When I was a tech, I only bought snap-on/mac/matco if they had something that was a specialty tool, or was better to the point that I could justify it. Watched an apprentice spend $700 on a rail of 3/8 deep chrome sockets and then leave them on a truck within two weeks of buying them. He only got one socket back. The tire man brought it back in the flat truck tire. The guys with a snap on box full of snap on tools got bragging rights I guess, but it doesn't make their dingus any bigger than the guy buying husky sockets with a craftsman box

[@martinnorbeck4657]

Taco truck parked outside helps more than having a tool truck stopping the flow of work every week. I get what I need the same way.

[@Loyal-ey2eq]

My tool truck is the internet.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

The tool trucks in my area sell the same Chinese made crap you can buy anywhere. They used to be American made tools which made them a better choice

[@MrGpdp]

Downside of opening a storefront and stop providing the service of going to shops is now your competition is the internet. If a tech has travel to store they first going check the internet. It’s going be tough to compete with Amazon. I do agree with you that tool trucks are going way of dodo. I think tool trucks be limited to areas with high density and it’s going be one brand Matco, snap on, indy that’s in that area. The “cheap” brands getting better for basic tools. Look at 3/8 ratchet tekton ratchet is $45, tool truck looking closer to $100.

[@Pippy1]

All my ratchets are tekton and i HIGHLY recommend. They feel very good in the hand and the only time ive managed to break one was completely my fault.

[@georgecroney6168]

Cheap ratchets are ok, I've been impressed by a few I'll admit. But for a month or 2 at the most. Snap on can't be beaten for daily abuse, plenty I don't like about them but they're the top name for a reason.

[@jasonhoyt8232]

Don't get me wrong, I love my Snap On tools. But my Icons are 90-95% as good for a fraction of the cost. Icon is a far better value. Furthermore, HF's no-questions-asked return policy on Icons is amazing.

[@boxybaby2192]

Harbor freight wouldn’t let me return my screwdriver set bc I was missing the number 3 they want to replace the entire set not just 2 or 3. My case and maybe not the case for everyone.

[@MostGenericUser]

They're alright but a lot of their stuff is not close to snap on quality especially their rachets and wrenches

[@jasonhoyt8232]

@@MostGenericUser I believe you that that has been your experience. Maybe I've gotten lucky, but it certainly hasn't been my experience.

[@jasonhoyt8232]

@@boxybaby2192 I've heard that from others. They do want to replace the whole set.

[@rubenhernandez3189]

Every HF around my area said we will look up your receipt that you bought it from us and we'll replace it but if they can't find your receipt on their system THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT, PERIOD. Every employee said that at every different HF store.

[@powderriver2424]

I wouldn't know either, but I can tell you Mac, MatCo whatever I seen them in the 70's and 80's. My dad worked as a pipe fitter in a paper mill I've seen many pro tool names pop up here and there that were in industrial settings well before seeing them currently in the automotive world.

[@TechsPickMacTools]

9 months ago I started my Mac Tools Franchise and business has been GREAT! Tool Trucks aren't going anywhere, the biggest problem I see you hit right at the end. "it looks cool" too many mechanics see the tool truck and think "oh thats great, all you do is talk about tools all day. I am tired of wrenching, I'll do that"... then lose their shirt because they never worked retail a day in their life. They don't understand all the behind the scenes. I attribute my success to customer service and having the best deals. My quality is the same as Snap on but better price. Some corrections for you. Matco and Mac were at 1 time 1 brand, Matco made the tool boxes, Mac made the tools. They split in 1979 and now everything Matco sells (except tool boxes) is just rebranded items, they don't make a single tool. While tool manufactures are slow to adapt to the changing landscape, their are dealers that have been able to thrive. Having a tool truck is no different than owning a boutique shop in a downtown are. You have to find your niche and cater to them.

[@evanlugin]

“Aren’t going anywhere” 😂😂😂

[@tilmanvincent7524]

Harbor freight on wheels

[@jeffreypitt1684]

I used to buy MATCO Tools in the early 80s

[@1234563221]

I’m up in Canada our area has great Mac guy same one for 20 years. Snap on has a revolving door of reps who barley show up or have anything on their truck. The Mac guys does well most of us who have been dealing with him for awhile don’t even ask the price because he gives the best deal he can. Amazon can’t replace the service from a good dealer. 1am on a Tuesday night he got up and brought be a replacement for a broken driveline socket on the side of the road. No store does that. Also no hassle warranty. If I pay 20% more for a heavy use rebrand tool from Mac I get there warranty not some mail order crap I have to wait for.

[@Huffy_Turns_a_Wrench]

I was actually using Matco in the late 80s early 90s.....

[@DavidWeinberg-cm9xd]

I bought tools off a Matco tool truck in the early 90's in NJ.

[@firestarter105G]

It is sad to say that mechanics/technicians today, especially working for dealerships, are little more than underpaid "sharecroppers." They are using their skills and tools making other people more comfortable livings than themselves.

[@magnumjohnson9628]

Very true, that's why i got out of the trade myself

[@branned]

I think Matco will be the first tool truck co to fail.

[@VICSWEB1]

harbor freight

[@Bowhunterohio]

When I was a diesel tech living in Wyoming we had a Matco dealer that was stoping. This was 2003-2004. They been a dealer for a while. I didn’t get introduced to Cornwell until right around 2010. The Cornwell dealer we had was an old maintenance guy that went into the business. He loved it at first but like you said within a few months he hated it. He couldn’t pay payments. They changed their policy so that he had to pay for everything up front. He only lasted 4-6 months. Took forever to find another Cornwell dealer but he to didn’t last long. That’s when I decided not to deal with Cornwell. I got out of that industry and have been working industrial maintenance and Gear wrench has been a staple of mine for a while. Most of my speciality tools are Lisle, Capri, or Lang.

[@lawrence7065]

They’re phasing out because auto mechanics are no where to be found. It’s a dying industry.

[@magnumjohnson9628]

Bingo! Low to non existent pay and benefits

[@jaydee9968]

I love my Icon and Doyle tools from HF

[@jimhaines8370]

Matco split and started there own trucks in late seventies right around 1980, when they first started the had Matco branded ratchets made by Wright and wrenches made by Bonney. The independents can go anywhere and skip bad shops etc where branded trucks are stuck with boundary’s

[@ragincajungarage]

I like shop on the tool trucks bc of the owners running the trucks they take care of the customers very well even though i am not a professional tech i still get shop on the truck

[@cut4fun50]

I bought Matco tools, ratchets ect starting in 1983. Old guy that owned the truck was AWESOME best guy I ever got tools from. 👍 I'm a 40 year retired heavy equipment mechanic.

[@qigongkylar944]

You think heavy equipment/diesel would be better than aircraft mechanics? Trying to pick a path

[@davidw2731]

I was a independent tool dealer for 5 years . Started out very strong for the first 3 years . And started to dwindle. It was my fault my collections were very weak. And it got me to a very small inventory. It wasn't worth it. I did enjoy the meeting people and the work . It was pretty cool for awhile

[@juliogonzo2718]

I worked with a guy who at one point long before i worked with him tried being a snappy rep and lost his shirt. Think he lasted a year. Two blown engines in the truck was what sunk him. Guy who serviced the area I worked in was rolling in cash. He marked everything up pretty good. He also hired drivers and paid them commission, but gave them the shitty shops. Our shop didn't buy much so he sent the commission guy. Then you'd see him pulling into the factory next door where he sold way more.

[@VincentAnthonyE]

In the last couple years, we've had all 4 trucks now at my location. It used to be snap on and matco as well before that. I agree it's a fading market for sure.

[@CarlosC77]

Anyone who buys tools from the tool truck is in fact a sucker.

[@GH-oi2jf]

Not necessarily. I bought one Snap-on tool from a truck many years ago, because I knew they had what I needed. If someone else had it at a better price, I didn't have the means at that time to find it easily.

[@puremayhemFTW]

I’ve been a tech for 18 years. Over those years I’ve had 3 different Cornwell guys. Which each of them lasted maybe 6 months tops. I refuse to buy anything from Cornwell because of it. I’ve had snap on, Matco, and mac for the whole duration.

[@chainarmor448]

You’re really missing out. In my experience cornwell has the best deals/prices and the quality is up there with other tool truck brands

[@andyprairiedog]

Justin, I automatically got unsubscribed for some reason sometime last week. I guess it means you're doing something right according to "The Tube".

[@jsa8368]

I’ve visited the JDtco store and his prices on Milwaukee are way less than what cornwell and matco sell them for.

[@warrenself]

JDTCO is underrated for sure.

[@dodgesportsman772]

Never happen.... Why? Because SERVICE..And mechanics need a 15 min break every now and then

[@drkythri]

Snap-on/Mac/Matco/Cornwell isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Just because a particular area can't support some tool brands isn't indicative of industry issues. Snap-on, Matco and Mac especially are doing phenomenally well. Cornwell, I can't really speak to, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some consolidation of their business, since, frankly, they really don't have much that's unique or desirable. Their catalog seems like it's 80's/90's era technology/features. They're well being the curve of the others. As far as independent tool dealers, their only saving grace is if they're offering truck credit - they're not selling anything unique that you can't get from Amazon overnight.

[@victormildew1717]

Here in the UK times are changing too. 5 years ago we had Snap-on & Mac visiting every week. Now only the Snap-on guy is still going in my area, but he has not been to me for 2 years. After 40+ years in the trade, I don't need any more stuff, and the Guys in the shop opposite mine, don't want to pay his prices. Small shops are having a hard time, mechanics have little cash to spend, the UK is in a mess. High inflation, fuel and food costs through the roof. Sad but true, I miss spending £100+ a month for the new shiny things. Every parts supplier sell Chinese junk tools cheap, delivered to you within hours. Also Snap-on UK carry little stock, loads of common tools are a 4-6 week wait, to come from the US.

[@vettracer85]

I feel robbed and stupid after buying from a Tool Truck and another employee tells you the wrenches you bought for 400 it is rebranded and they go for 130! That is what is up. For example lets be smart about this; if I paint a bumper for 2,500 dollars and the customers pays me because they trust me and later they find out that bumper paint job cost about 700; do you think I will lose this customer's loyalty????? Tool Trucks need to price check rebranded product or do not sell them at all. It is just constructive criticism; I want the tool trucks to succeed, but you need respect your loyal customers. If a tool truck comes with rebranded tool prices compared to the internet, all the shop employees will have no other options since you did your homework.

[@yamhammer]

Every Matco ratchet I have ever bought has broken multiple number of times. Same as Cornwell. Cant go wrong with Snap On ratchets. However Snappy shit is way overpriced. MAC definition .....Man Aint Coming. I am done buying alot of tools, I have been buying them for 30yrs.....Done unless I really need it. My Cornwell and Snap On reps show every week but Matco ghosted my shop. I noticed the cornwell dealer has been discounting a lot . Sign of the times I guess

[@peterchristlieb]

The tool trucks will be around for a while. Cornwell isn’t a good example, they’ve got issues. While they make good tools in the USA, they aren’t exactly cutting edge. They stay afloat with their import line (Blue Power) rather than their own in house stuff. Mac is not the same as it used to be, it’s basically the top end of Stanley/Black and Decker. They don’t even make the original style knuckle savers any more. One day I’ll find a nice set. Matco never made anything but tool boxes BUT… They make the best tool boxes hands down. Even the old ones (I mean old like Mac/Allied labeled) are still great boxes. They’ve done great distributing and rebranding. Losing Armstrong to Apex (Gearwrench) hurt them but they bounced back and survive by offering stuff a little cheaper and not advertising that it’s Taiwanese (Same as Cornwell). If we step outside Auto mechanics and Industrial mechanics, into say Aviation, Maritime, Military, those guys use Tool Truck tools exclusively.

[@astromaddox1989]

He's talking about mechanic shops and how they are willing to use other knock off brands. I'm sure aviation mechanics must have there own tools.

[@mikeske9777]

Aviation mechanics I worked with for over 30 years before I retired we had all brands of tools it did not matter to us. I have seen Craftsman, SK, Proto, Bonney, Herbrand, Snap-on, Mac, Matco, very limited Cornwell, Globemaster and even generic Chinese tools. Aviation mechanics some wanted and only use Snappy or Matco. I never gave it a rip but I went to Grainger and at the time I was buying was Bonney. When I was in the Air Force it was either Bonney or the lowest bid tools and those low bid tools were junk. The low bid tools might get the job a few times before we scrapped them and got more low bid tools. Personally I have always wondered when the tool trucks were going to disappear and it appears more and more likely with the current economic conditions that they are going.

[@shawnthomas7404]

@@astromaddox1989 what is a kn0ock off brand?

[@peterchristlieb]

@@shawnthomas7404 I believe Mr AstroMaddox is referring to brands that tend to copy Snap On and others. If you look at say a Carlyle or Harbor Freight Icon Wrench, they did a very good job of making them look a lot like Snap On down to the size stamp font and the reversing lever on the ratchets.

[@marcusharley3064]

Even though there is about 10% of old school tool buyers like myself. That don't like either waiting for a tool or don't wanna shop online. But lets face the truth, buying anything online, is what's taking over. Online sales killed Sears and other stores, as well as shopping malls and plaza strip malls.

[@drwisdom1]

Snap-On Tools are the very best tools except for Knipex pliers. The key is you have to buy your Snap-On tools 15+ years ago before the prices skyrocketed.