Contractor Talk - Construction and Remodeling Site
CLICK HERE AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY TODAY...IT'S FREE!
Go Back   Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum > Equipment & Safety > Tools & Equipment

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 03-20-2009, 10:24 PM   #21
Carpenter/Finisher
 
john5mt's Avatar
Trade: Carpenter
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helena, Montana
Posts: 742
i'll buy all your broken tools, $5 bucks a peice.

__________________
1st Gen tradesman
My summer job in college became my profession
john5mt is offline   Reply With Quote
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Join Contractor Talk

Join the #1 Contractor Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

ContractorTalk.com - Are you a Professional Contractor? If so we invite you to join our community and see what it has to offer. Our site is specifically designed for you and it's the leading place for contractors to meet online. No homeowners asking DIY questions. Just fellow tradesmen who enjoy talking about their business, their trade, and anything else that comes up. No matter what your trade is you'll find that ContractorTalk.com is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally free!

Join ContractorTalk.com - Click Here JOIN FOR FREE

Old 03-20-2009, 11:52 PM   #22
Carpenter
 
RizzoMaryland's Avatar
Trade: General Contractor
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 514
Quote:
Originally Posted by TempestV View Post
I can swap out the switch or cord or whatever on most corded tools in less time than it takes me to run to the repair shop and back. If I want to save time, I fix my own tools. Even if I have to run to the repair shop to get the part, I save time when I don't have to drive back to pick up the tool. And you must be making some bank if it's worth it to buy a new $200 saw (or even a $100 saw) rather than take even 20 minutes to fix it.
If you can run to the repair shop and repair a tool in 20 mins. then more power to you.

I have never really considered repairing a tool under a few hundred bucks. I take care of my stuff and store them safely. If I break a tool, then its normally beyond repairable.
__________________
"An idea is salvation by imagination"
Frank LLoyd Wright
RizzoMaryland is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2009, 11:52 PM   #23
Carpenter
 
RizzoMaryland's Avatar
Trade: General Contractor
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 514
Quote:
Originally Posted by john5mt View Post
i'll buy all your broken tools, $5 bucks a peice.
Is that $5 a broken piece or $5 a broken tool?
__________________
"An idea is salvation by imagination"
Frank LLoyd Wright
RizzoMaryland is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2009, 08:19 AM   #24
Estimator, Engineer
 
Aggie67's Avatar
Trade: Mechanical, Structural
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 468
Recent/current in house repairs:

Replace side frames on walk behind concrete saw, $92 ea side

Repaired 2 portabands (bushings, wheels)

Repaired pressure washer (carb rebuild kit)

As a general rule, we don't bother repairing items that cost less than $100 to replace (grinders). We will, however, collect a pile of baddies and once or twice a year send them to the local tool shop to see what can be done. Sometimes you send 6 in and get 2 back in working condition for $85 or so, total. It's on the hairy edge of being worth it.
Aggie67 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2009, 01:48 PM   #25
Carpenter/Finisher
 
john5mt's Avatar
Trade: Carpenter
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helena, Montana
Posts: 742
5 bucks a tool
__________________
1st Gen tradesman
My summer job in college became my profession
john5mt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-22-2009, 11:09 PM   #26
Pro
 
hughjazz's Avatar
Trade: framer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Calgary Ab Canada
Posts: 560
I'll pay $6.25.

Most times when a tool breaks for me, I'll TRY to fix it.


Imo The theory of disposable tools is part of the reason that many of the new tools are so s#&tty. low expectations from the consumer.


I'd pay more for a better american or canadian made tool.
Designed to be maintained and repaired.
hughjazz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2009, 05:31 PM   #27
Pro
Trade: Finish Carpentry
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sarasota County, FL
Posts: 238
I'll do simple electrical repairs and small engine maintenance myself, but anything that I would have to order parts for usually goes to the local construction supply/tool repair shop. They really know their stuff, unlike your average box store employee. They make an effort to be better than the Depot and Lowes and it shows. They don't charge much for repairs, and if you regularly buy your fasteners from them they will fix your nailers at no charge (at least they used to).
I'd hate to see another mom & pop operation go under, especially one that offers such great service, so I try to give them most of my repair work.
JLTrim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2009, 06:42 PM   #28
Pro
 
MetalBender's Avatar
Trade: Siding,S&F,Windows
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SW Iowa
Posts: 275
Sometimes me or one of the guys will get tools going again. If not I'll take it to Builders Supply where I purchased it for repairs. I buy most of my tools and supplies from them and they almost never charge me for repairs, the most was $58 for a complete rebuild and new trigger for the impulse framer.
MetalBender is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2009, 08:34 PM   #29
Think it Draw it Build it
 
wallmaxx's Avatar
Trade: WA STATE GC Specialized in Structural Framing
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ferndale, Washington
Posts: 1,767
My DW744 just up an quit on me today.

At first I thought the breaker tripped. The GFIs have tripped over 20 times today (i think they go bad)
Once I had power to the saw I thought the switch was loose/bad.

Then I figured I would look at the brushes (spring compressed graphite contacts - for those who use different terminology)

One of the brushes had become separated from the braided copper lead...thus no electron path.

Now comes the fun. I whipped out the iPhone...www.dewalt.com for Authorized Repair Centers nearby (ping GPS). Found one 13 miles away. Called and mapped their location. They actaully had these in-stock. So, within a 1 hour lunch period, I ate lunch with my wife and son at Subway, picked up the parts, and was back at work.

Saw works great.
__________________
"I HAVE SWORN UPON THE ALTAR OF GOD, ETERNAL HOSTILITY AGAINST EVERY FORM OF TYRANNY OVER THE MIND OF MAN." THOMAS JEFFERSON

Last edited by wallmaxx; 03-23-2009 at 08:36 PM.
wallmaxx is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2009, 08:40 PM   #30
This ain't my first rodeo
 
loneframer's Avatar
Trade: residential framing/general carpentry
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Southern New Jersey
Posts: 4,685
I have an 8 1/4 Makita tablesaw that I bought in 1995, had to put brushes in it in 2007. They were under $5. Never had to do any other maintenance to that thing. Still an everyday tool.
__________________
"Walking the fine line between production and perfection"
loneframer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2009, 09:07 PM   #31
Al Smith
 
A W Smith's Avatar
Trade: Home Improvement contractor since 1983, In building field since 1974, Licensed
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: South River NJ
Posts: 2,383
Send a message via ICQ to A W Smith
Quote:
Originally Posted by loneframer View Post
I have an 8 1/4 Makita tablesaw that I bought in 1995, had to put brushes in it in 2007. They were under $5. Never had to do any other maintenance to that thing. Still an everyday tool.
I went through two 8 1/4 Makita tablesaws on one job 8 years ago, the guy i was subbing for, his saw and mine. had to rip 2x6 cedar into 2 1/4 x 2 strips for slat decking to be installed on edge , about 4000 lineal feet of ripping including the deck arbor slatting. went through the first saw after about 1600 feet, it wore its brushes probably from all the cedar saw dust, my own saw the on/off switch broke with another 400 feet left to rip. replaced brushes and switches in both saws. good as new. I still use my 8 1/4 Makita tablesaw today.

DO NOT slap the on/off switch with a stick of whatever your ripping on these saws because the switch housings are fragile. It was a bad habit I acquired when rushing through work while walking away from the saw.
__________________
Al Smith
http://www.awsmith.com
A W Smith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2009, 09:31 PM   #32
Dapper Crapper
 
WarnerConstInc.'s Avatar
Trade: I am not your bank!!
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: The Dog House....NE, In.
Posts: 5,092
I just buy good tools that wont break!!

I have fixed a few things, had a few things fixed under warranty, kudos Bosch.

I replaced the axle and brake assembley on my Festool dust extractor, which I called about the broken part on a Friday morning, part was on my door step Saturday before noon, kudos Festool.
WarnerConstInc. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2009, 10:04 PM   #33
Pro
 
hughjazz's Avatar
Trade: framer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Calgary Ab Canada
Posts: 560
everything breaks.
hughjazz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2009, 11:38 PM   #34
Palisade Point Const.
 
TempestV's Avatar
Trade: Remodeling/Finish/Framing/Log
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Bozeman MT
Posts: 1,625
About 6 months ago, I dropped my Dewalt impact driver off a 30' scaffolding down onto a stone floor. The impact hit on the back of the motor housing and battery. The impact still ran, but it made an odd ratcheting noise. I took the case apart, and found that the plate on the back of the motor had been punched in and was riding on the arbor. I pried the plate out to where it was suppose to be, put the housing back together, and it works great. It took 20 minutes to fix and didn't require even 1 spare part.
TempestV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2009, 08:45 PM   #35
Dapper Crapper
 
WarnerConstInc.'s Avatar
Trade: I am not your bank!!
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: The Dog House....NE, In.
Posts: 5,092
I had an older Makita 12v NiMh impact driver fall from the top of a bank barn, that I was re-roofing, and hit the main level floor inside the barn (about 60'). It broke one clip that help in the battery, still worked great but, the battery took a dump about 6 months later.
WarnerConstInc. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2009, 04:58 PM   #36
Registered User
Trade: General Contractor
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Hilti Fleet Service

Fixing tools is a pain in my a$$. I don't have the time and the time I do have cost to much to be messing with fixing my tools or paying one of my guys to do it. I just started a program Hilti provides for servicing my tools. They call it Fleet Management. My new cordless 18v drill is covered for 3 years bumper to bumper. At the end of the 3 years I trade up for the new latest and greatest they have. I pay just under $15 per month and I will never have a repair bill, replace batteries or wait for my tools to get repaired. Hilti's repair time is 3 days and it's back to me. They also gave me $75 to trade in my old tool! One of my guys even sawed through part of a battery (don't ask me how he managed that) they replaced it. I though they were going to say neglagence on my part, but my rep said not under the fleet program. They do this program with all there tools and I'm looking to pick up some more on the program.

Look at a cordless to this way...

Say you buy DeWalt drill for $250. In the first 2 years I am for sure going to buy batteries. That's anywhere from $75-125 buck for Li-ions. I'm also paying for a repair for the tool in that time...another $100. Now that $250 tool is costing me $450-500 in the first couple years. Hilti saves me money, time and I always have a new high performing tool. Besides there service on anything is far better too.
s_k_i_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2009, 11:27 PM   #37
Coming out of the closet
 
ClosetPro's Avatar
Trade: Closet Design-Install-Remodel
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Nor-Cal Baby!
Posts: 104
Quote:
Originally Posted by s_k_i_ View Post
Fixing tools is a pain in my a$$. I don't have the time and the time I do have cost to much to be messing with fixing my tools or paying one of my guys to do it. I just started a program Hilti provides for servicing my tools. They call it Fleet Management. My new cordless 18v drill is covered for 3 years bumper to bumper. At the end of the 3 years I trade up for the new latest and greatest they have. I pay just under $15 per month and I will never have a repair bill, replace batteries or wait for my tools to get repaired. Hilti's repair time is 3 days and it's back to me. They also gave me $75 to trade in my old tool! One of my guys even sawed through part of a battery (don't ask me how he managed that) they replaced it. I though they were going to say neglagence on my part, but my rep said not under the fleet program. They do this program with all there tools and I'm looking to pick up some more on the program.

Look at a cordless to this way...

Say you buy DeWalt drill for $250. In the first 2 years I am for sure going to buy batteries. That's anywhere from $75-125 buck for Li-ions. I'm also paying for a repair for the tool in that time...another $100. Now that $250 tool is costing me $450-500 in the first couple years. Hilti saves me money, time and I always have a new high performing tool. Besides there service on anything is far better too.
I doubt this type of "service" is available to us "little guys" as this type of service is a way to land bigger accounts.
ClosetPro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2009, 11:41 PM   #38
Moderator
 
Double-A's Avatar
Trade: GC - Remodeling Specialists
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 4,476
Send a message via ICQ to Double-A
Well, even though I'm sick of this guy spamming the boards about this...

I did have the Hilti rep out lately and he went over the Fleet thingy. And its available for 1 tool or 10,000...

I think 14-15 bucks a month is what I was quoted for one battery powered hammer drill. Anyone that can open an account with them (meaning, a real business, not Joe SideJob) can sigh up for their Fleet thingy.
__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006
Double-A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-29-2009, 08:14 AM   #39
egotistical prick
 
Cdat's Avatar
Trade: Wood Inlay
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Swartz Creek, Michigan
Posts: 2,633
Quote:
Originally Posted by hughjazz View Post
everything breaks.
I've got a shaper built in 66 that hasn't broke yet...*knocks on head*...
Cdat is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Premium tools...worth it (warning, long post) samthedog General Discussion 24 07-28-2009 03:33 PM
Tools, what tool? ESAHC General Discussion 22 02-14-2009 01:49 AM
How do you clean your drywall tools? Riboflavin Drywall 40 02-01-2009 01:27 AM
Tools. WisePainter Painting & Finish Work 12 10-26-2008 07:31 PM
Tool repair service bert0168 General Discussion 4 10-22-2008 12:43 AM


Top of Page | View New Posts


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:38 AM.


Contractor Talk™ © 2003 - 2009 The Building Network LLC