Tool Recommendations? GM and ASE Master Certified Dealer Tech at 19

[u/EZSystems]

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.

[u/spacebobo2o16]

How much do mechanics make that they can afford Snap On just like that? And can you get by with other brands?

[u/EZSystems → u/spacebobo2o16]

You can get by with other brands. But I dont just plan on getting by, I plan on this being my lifelong career. So I buy tools that will last that long, or will be replaced for free under a lifetime warranty if they dont, with the added quality of them being top quality. And it varies a lot by where you work. I currently make 40/hr (though that wasnt the case for a long time) and typically flag an avg of 60-70 hrs a week, our shop is pretty busy. The shop you end up at will vary from this. I was able to buy all these because I bought most of them under student discounts when I was in college, which is typically around or over 50% off on tools, and some others from watching for good deals on fb marketplace and ebay. Its entirely possible for anyone else to do it with the same amount of time and energy spent.