Service Tec Tool List

[refer guy]

Service techs supply everything except nitro tanks, mc, b, and recovery tanks, everything else is yours, I wouldn't have it any other way. We are not a small company, we've got 50+ service techs and maybe 150 installers.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA......WOOOOOOHHH.. ....YOU ARE FUNNY!!!

[Greg414]

I talked to my Service manager today. After showing him a quote for $1,300 on just the questionable Company/Tech supplied tools

He decided to remove the...
Refrigeration Oil Pump ~ $80
Acetylene torch kit with tank and 3 tip sizes ~$100(tank only)
Spare Nitrogen Tank ~ $130

He also stuck to his ground and will not remove...
Leak Detector (all refrigerants) ~ $359 new
Refrigeration Scale ~ $194 new

He also mentioned I do NOT need these ASAP. I can work with the company and gather these tools over time, and even use their "tool payment plan" to help pay them off. He also mentioned the tools will be covered by the company if they break or wear out.
I'm still not happy about this, but then again I will have my own personal tools.

Maybe things will turn out for the best. I can always change companies if things go south.

[Cast Iron]

So then when you charge the customer for the use of the reclaim machine, or the vacuum pump then the tech should get the money? Since it is his own piece of equipment.

No tanks, reclaim machines, vacuum pumps, oxygen acetylene, garden hoses, sprayers or special tools should be supplied by the the employee! I have some of these items myself, but will not use them for any company I've worked for. I do use my own scale, meters, and if it is damaged on the job the company will repair them!

They pay us pretty well, and on top of our hourly we get commish on every repair, and job sold.Service techs sell jobs here, we don't call out a salesman, we have everything we need for that. They dont expect new techs to have everything because all they are doing is c/c's.

[Cast Iron]

i agree. But if they want you to supply everything are they paying you more ? IMO if they are u should consider yourself even and look at this has a steping stone to going on your own if you want

by the way are u hiring

They do pay more, I've tried my hand at doing my own thing, it was great for a while but the slow periods really got me, as well as all the low bidders that I couldn't compete with.

[skoonen]

He also stuck to his ground and will not remove...
Leak Detector (all refrigerants) ~ $359 new
Refrigeration Scale ~ $194 new

Ebay is your friend. I snagged a nice yokogawa h-10pm for $52 ($89 with shipping) the other day. You dont need the stuff right away so take your time and monitor the auctions. Scales on the other hand there doesnt seem to be a huge discount on ebay unless you want the tif scale, for those check out the specials at the supply houses. You should be able to get one of those for $150 or so.

Also check out the local pawn shops, sometimes you can get a bargain in there.

[Boswell]

You can find some wonderful deals on Ebay like Schoonen has said but you have to look and be careful. The little stuff just get it at your local supplier or Lowes or HD. Example a Klein 10-1 is $10.97 at my local Lowes and on Ebay they want $12+ and then shipping and handling on top of that for the same item. Also watch for that little print "as is" disclaimer. That sucker will get you if you are not careful

[rich pickering]

So the next question is, if the co. will replace worn or broken tools, (talking large ticket items here) will they give you new tools when you quit, get fired, or retire?

[Greg414]

So the next question is, if the co. will replace worn or broken tools, (talking large ticket items here) will they give you new tools when you quit, get fired, or retire?

I never asked them, but I'm sure they will not cover them if I get fired or quit. I'm a long way from retiring so thats out of the question.
I'm def not going out of my way to get these asap. Our shop has a few locked up for installers. I will just try and get them on my van until i get yelled at for taking them .
I could be a Dic when i leave and break them on purpose to get a new one. I actually have seem many people do this to brand new tools.

My other worry is getting them stolen out of my Van. I hope they cover that.

[refer guy]

Leak detector is your own personal tool, i bought that brand new, that is a sensitive item and i wanted to make sure i was the only one who used it, I didnt even get a expensive one, i got the inficon tek-mate wich was only like 160.00, the scale i bought as well but now that i think about it all companies should issue a scale because it only benefits them as far as how much of their refrigerant you are using and should be charging. With out the scale then most techs will start to fill up a air conditioner until the pressures are right, then just kind of guess how much was used and other will fill it up and just write down how many pounds it reads on the data plate if there is one.

Leak detector is your responseability, thats a tool like a wrench because a leak detector helps you find the leak a bit faster, If you cant afford it then get soap bubbles and find leaks the old fashion way.

[refer guy]

My other worry is getting them stolen out of my Van. I hope they cover that.

Well, thats why you should watch your van carefully, make sure its locked, park it in a good area........just like you do with your personal vehicle, or just take out your personal tools every night like i sometimes do when i have to park somewhere out of the way.

[freezone]

Ebay is your friend.

Also check out the local pawn shops, sometimes you can get a bargain in there.

I agree with looking on E-bay. But, I will not buy any tools that are used in our field from a pawn shop. Reason being, I have had my van broken into twice about $1,000 dollars each time and I am almost certain they ended up in a pawn shop. I sure as he!! don't believe they ripped me off to have some tools to go to work with. DO NOT BUY TOOLS FROM A PAWN SHOP!!!

[pilotlight]

I agree with looking on E-bay. But, I will not buy any tools that are used in our field from a pawn shop. Reason being, I have had my van broken into twice about $1,000 dollars each time and I am almost certain they ended up in a pawn shop. I sure as he!! don't believe they ripped me off to have some tools to go to work with. DO NOT BUY TOOLS FROM A PAWN SHOP!!!

or to feed their families. if some one did ask me for tools to go get a job i would have no problem giving them what ever i have extra.
by the way don't forget harborfreight and the likes great places for the one timer

[guysmilely]

I think you are looked at as a more valued imployee if you have all those tool. If you lose your job you can allways get a job the next day at a different company. In Texas it seems like everyone is allways looking for good techs.

[yellowirenut]

I would not assume they will replace stolen tools...or in that fact worn out tools...get it in writing.

[timebuilder]

Now...
Lets talk about a few of these.

1. Leak Detector
2. Acetylene torch kit with tank and 3 tip sizes
3. Spare Nitrogen Tank
4. Blower and Pulley pullers
5. Calking Gun
6. Refrigeration Scale
7. Refrigeration Oil Pump

Does anyone think these 7 tools a Tech should supply? They really seem like Company Supplied tools to me.

Comments? suggestions?

It looks like you will be doing residential. For commercial, I'd ditch the six foot ladder and put a ten foot on the truck.

#3, 5, 6, and 7 would be company supplied for me.

A couple of tools you feel should be covered by the company is not a reason to leave. You are in this for the long haul. Good tools raise your efficiency, and your earnings. Plus, hand tools are deductible expenses. The key is to spend enough on those deductions to be a larger amount than your "standard" deduction. That's the only reason you would itemize.

[vmc1161]

It looks like you will be doing residential. For commercial, I'd ditch the six foot ladder and put a ten foot on the truck.
.

Hey, I do commercial and carry a 4', 6', and 8' ... no ten on the truck. I have a ten and twelve foot back at the shop.

You could just have a bunch of milk crates to use like Dice does, need more for the extra tough job ... just look around they are everywhere...

OH, and tanks should be provided, as should scales and oil pumps and recovery units, vacuum pumps and specialty tools.

Oh, tomorrows my birthday ... incase you did not know already ...


.

[ACFIXR]

Hey, I do commercial and carry a 4', 6', and 8' ... no ten on the truck. I have a ten and twelve foot back at the shop.

You could just have a bunch of milk crates to use like Dice does, need more for the extra tough job ... just look around they are everywhere...

OH, and tanks should be provided, as should scales and oil pumps and recovery units, vacuum pumps and specialty tools.

Oh, tomorrows my birthday ... incase you did not know already ...


.

I have found that most commercial cielings are at 10' and that an 8' ladder is ideal for existing commercial service. For new construction a 10' is a must.

[ACFIXR]

Does this van get parked at your house or at the company yard?

[timebuilder]

I have found that most commercial cielings are at 10' and that an 8' ladder is ideal for existing commercial service. For new construction a 10' is a must.

The 8 is the most often used, for certain, but I would not be without the 10. I do NO new construction, and I can't count the number of times the 10 has been absolutely necessary. I wouldn't even leave my driveway without it.

[hvacker]

I've had my tools stolen twice. I'de suggest you get a rider on your home owners or rental insurance in case this happens to you.
W/o it mine omly padi 10% of the loss.