company supplied tools

[valdelocc]

Don't you think that is rather rude to talk about a guy like that?

I wouldn't get along with his practices any more than you would. However, I would call him a cheapskate, not what you did.

There is no way, however, that there would be a "reasonable" tool allowance IF my recovery machine, or meters/specialty tools were to be worn out.
A good recovery machine and a vac pump will set you back alot. Then you want to talk about a 40 ft ladder. Mmmm hmmm. Not my kind of employer, sorry.

I been at it longer than you been alive and I have never hear of an employer asking his employees to supply ladders, bottomfeeder is the kindest word that came to mind.

[timebuilder]

I been at it longer than you been alive and I have never hear of an employer asking his employees to supply ladders, bottomfeeder is the kindest word that came to mind.

I have to agree. Ladders are a company responsibility.

[cavalieri85]

I once interviewed at a company that wanted me to maintain/repair the work truck. Needless to say I kindly laughed in his face And said I'm good ill stay where I'm at

[cavalieri85]

About not supplying ladders. The poster said he compensates fairly for all the tools. How much tool allowance are you providing it must be pretty substantial to have guys buying ladders and such

[Krzyd]

I been at it longer than you been alive and I have never hear of an employer asking his employees to supply ladders, bottomfeeder is the kindest word that came to mind.

Bottomfeeder is correct, sorry.

















....actually I'm not.

[cool-in-cayman]

I negotiate every job I get....daily and I never whine to my boss, the customer, about having to buy materials for the job because I agreed upfront to do the job under the negotiated terms.

Since none of you know what I am willing to pay for the use of your tools, including your ladder, how then can you say anything about the agreed upon terms?

[cool-in-cayman]

About not supplying ladders. The poster said he compensates fairly for all the tools. How much tool allowance are you providing it must be pretty substantial to have guys buying ladders and such

It is. It's usually enough money for my guys to replace their tools every couple of years. Those who take good care of their tools are making money off it.

Some people look at their boss as if he's their daddy. I have enough kids, so those who don't want to take responsibility and ownership of their tools will probably do better working for someone else.

[cool-in-cayman]

And I thought I knew what a bottomfeeder was, makes you wonder who he hires under such conditions,probably ex-cons and wetbacks, and then some here bash the unions.

Hold on tight to your cozy union job. It's the Serengeti out here. Doubt a person like you could hack it in a competitive market..you know with all the Removed and ex-cons.

[cool-in-cayman]

And I thought I knew what a bottomfeeder was, makes you wonder who he hires under such conditions,probably ex-cons and Removed!, and then some here bash the unions.

This guy probably has a garage full of his bosses tools and parts he lifed off the truck. Truck is probably a disaster too...lol

[cavalieri85]

well cool in cayman if your compensating your guys properly than this may not be terrible. thats why i asked what the amount was. i saw in another post you run a pretty successful buisness so your guys must be at least fairly happy with your setup.
I think we should take a step back before being so harsh. cool in cayman could have an incredible program for techs. For all we know he is paying them thousands a year for tool replacement or maybe he cheaps out on them.

[John Markl]

There are some bigger questions here that one should look in the mirror to answer first....

#1 What self-respecting "tradesman/craftsman" would not own his own tools to begin with? Doesn't matter if you're union or not. Would a carpenter not own the tools of his trade? If you work at a shop that supplies EVERYTHING, and you "sell your own tools"....you're pretty much married to your current job, aren't you?

#2 What constitutes "tools" needed for the job? Is that a decision for an individual employee, or an employer? I read lots of guys here rambling on about how many thousands of dollars worth of tools they "need" to do their jobs.....THAT question needs to be resolved first.

I've had guys supply their own ladders, recovery machines, vacuum pumps, and torches.....I've had other guys that had nothing.

It all depends on the employee, and the job that they are hired to do.

Personally, I'd just as soon supply the ladders, recovery machines, and vacuum pumps.....that way, if/when they leave, I'm not left with a gutted service truck to restock....Something that I had to deal with recently....had a guy leave, and there was nothing left in the van except parts and refrigerant.

Even basic tools can be a touchy subject. I've dealt with this not only as an HVAC company owner, but as a plant manager in a manufacturing facility.

Sometimes, leaving guys to supply their own tools can bite you in the arse.....a self-respecting guy will typically bring his own tools, and they will be QUALITY tools....while others will bring crap that will wind up getting them injured on the job, and leaving you with a workers' comp claim.

I typically do not quibble over tools.....If a guy brings his own stuff, he's welcome to use it....but if a newbie comes with nothing, I'm not adverse to buying everything......that way, I'm the one who chooses the quantity and quality of tools provided.

Bottom line.....there is no "standard" answer....it depend on the employer and the employee.....and what they individually agree to.

[cool-in-cayman]

well cool in cayman if your compensating your guys properly than this may not be terrible. thats why i asked what the amount was. i saw in another post you run a pretty successful buisness so your guys must be at least fairly happy with your setup.
I think we should take a step back before being so harsh. cool in cayman could have an incredible program for techs. For all we know he is paying them thousands a year for tool replacement or maybe he cheaps out on them.

It all depends on the tech or installer. Some need more tools than others. That's why I negotiate the terms, But yes it is sometimes in the thousands.

It's more about the management than it is about the money. Managing tools becomes a full time job for someone when you have a lot of trucks on the road. This way, the guys manage their own tools and use the extra money as they see fit. It they want to buy their tools off of craigslist and pocket the rest of the money..not my business so long as they have the proper tools for the job.

It also prevents me from going to the dark side with a guy that's gone through 3 vacuum pumps 4 sets of guages and 27 six way screwdrivers.

We do actually buy some tools....like 40' ladders. But only because they are so rarely used in our business and they are pretty easy to keep track of.

[cavalieri85]

This is a never ending battle techs want employers to spend more and employers want to spend less. My only expectation of employers is that if my 500 meter goes poor. One day and not from neglect they should fix it period. But ig I break my screwdriver using at as a chisel it hammer than I will walk my happy *** to supply house and get a new one.