Tools are an investment, Plain and simple.

There is just NO other way to look at it.

If you USE your tool investment, they will pay for themselves VERY quickly, by saving you what others would charge you money to do.

You will be able to use them MULTIPLE times, not just on one truck, so to "Charge them off" on one vehicle or mod, would be pretty unfair.

To do 95% of the modifications to our trucks, you don't NEED $40K worth of tools.
Simple hand tools are usually enough, less than $1K.

BigDiesel359, If you have $40K in tools, and haven't SAVED yourself at LEAST $40K in labor cost alone by owning them, and using them, you either:


1). Don't use your tools to the potential of your investment in them.
1). Haven't owned them long enough.
3). Bought too many tools!

 

DIY is more than saving money, it's a way of life. Some may call us cheap, but I say we have a strong fundamental core. I have always been from the school that if you do it yourself, even if it isn't perfect, you will have that satisfaction for the rest of your life. I also believe that anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it.
All I need now is my multipurpose shop (woodworking and auto shop). Thanks to all of you who do the Tech write-ups. I appreciate it very much.

 

It certainly can be a way of life.

For some, more so than others, recognizing the varying degree of willingness, and capabilities.

And to those who would call us "Cheap" I'd offer "Independent" as my self description.

Society offers us the ability to pool our resources. To band together and have each individual specialize in something to earn a living and make our way through life in society. The more "Dependent" we become on society to do for us, the less independent our life becomes. I think I'd rather live my life as independently as possible, and only depend on others for what I absolutely need them for, or just can't stand doing for myself...

I'm willing to bet allot of us that carry the DIY mentality, grew up in an environment where it was prevalent, if not completely necessary. I know I did.

 

Yeah, growing up on the farm had that effect on me. That and my best friend from and since high school who is very good at tinkering with motors.

 

Betcha there's gonna be a few more of us "DIY" guys in this economy...

 

We've had lots more people call in looking for parts or free advice. They're even starting to call a couple times with different people so I won't know what they're up to. I had one call this week where the wife told me her husband would tell me how to fix it, this after he ordered a new board and broke the new one trying to install it. Then, he called me and acted as though it had never been looked at and wanted to have a diagnosis from us.... No Thanks cheap ***!!!

 

Well, There's a perspective from the other side of the fence...

Hey matt, do you EVER try to do something for yourself? If so, are you OK with being viewed negatively by someone who makes a living doing what you are trying to do for yourself? Can you hear their disapproval in their voice when you talk to them?

That said, I just want you to know I see your point in the example you made, and I don't condone the activity you are describing from the people you are dealing with.

If I need help, I'll ask for it. If there is a fee involved, I'll either go somewhere else, or I'll pay it. None of the chickenshit runnin' around thing...

Maybe the guy is trying to save a buck, maybe he doesn't have a buck to spend on it in the first place. If its the latter, I'd rather fault his method and not his circumstance.

 

UH,ITS MUCH BETTER TO FIX YOUR OWN FLAT, IN WHAT 5 MINUTES, THAN TO WAIT HOWEVER LONG, AND PAY SOME ONE ELSE TO DO IT.
I HAVE A GOOD INCOME, A NICE HOME, MY VEHICLES:
2008 CHEVY VAN, 2006 TOYOTA SIENNA, 2005 CHEVY 1 TON BOX TRUCK, 2005 TOYOTA CAMBRY, 1993 DODGE CTD 4X4, 2002 HONDA 450R, 2005 HANDA 450R, 1985 HONDA CR 500, 2000 HONDA 400 EX, 2004 HONDA 400 EX. ALL PAID FOR CASH.
I WRENCH ON ALL OF IT, CAUSE.
1. WHY WOULD I PAY SOMEONE $65.00 HR TO PAY SOME OTHER IDIOT $12.50 AN HOUR TO SCREW-UP MY ****?
2. IF I MUCK THINGS UP AT LEAST I LEARN HOWTO DO IT EVENTUALLY.
3. WHEN NOT IF I BREAK-DOWN. I CAN GET THE TOOLS OUT AND GET ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
I BELIEVE ITS CALLED SELF RELIANCE.
OR AS MY DEAR OLD DAD WOULD HAVE SAID.
COWBOY UP, SON.
IF YOU DONT LIKE BLODDY KNUCKLES DONT WRENCH.
IF YOU DONT LIKE BURNT FINGERS DONT WELD.
IF YOU DONT LKE A BROKEN HEART DONT LOVE.
IF YOU WANT TO PAY SOME ONE ELSE TO DO THINGS FOR YOU
HIRE THE ABSOLUTE BEST SOB THERE IS, HE'S TWICE AS CHEEP AS THE CHEEP GUY.

 

Wow. You got allot of vehicles!!

I like the way you and your Dad think!!

 

thats why i am here is to help