q for Best Buy installers

my wife works at best buy and there's a possibility that she can start working in the install bay. First I've got a couple of questions while we are discussing it.

How much did you guys spend on your own tools to work in there?

how much do you guys make? if she's only going to get $1/hr raise it's not really worth it from what i see

thanks

nate

A good installer is only as good as his tools...... Use the correct tool for the job and treat it like it is your bestest friend. He makes you money. My toolbox has multiple sets of the same tools, 3 sets of crimpers and strippers etc. Sometimes those el-cheapo tools work just great, other times you want to throw them as far as you possibly can or put them in the garbage can with the Bose stereo that you just removed (replace lid tightly, we don't want the Bose to make a break for it). A good set of tools and a working knowledge of the trade can go far for you in the years ahead. There are very few women installers and if she makes it and likes it, maybe we'll see her offering advice on this site as well. Sooner or later us older guys have to hang up our wrenches.

Hagmanti has the best advice on tools I've seen!

I worked with a guy like this, he was a 10 year vet with a small portable rolling tool box. About the same types of tools. He was a speedy installer and he laughed at the newbie guys making payments on $10,000 Snap-On sets while still earning $7/hour

I installed for awhile..and I had too many tools, could never find anything. I still have too many tools. Whenever I install, I only end up using just a few, but it helps to have those odd ones when those odd situations come up. I also bought a craftsmen 5 drawer ball bearing, just for that job $350!! I saw it on sale the other day at sears....$350 for the base and another piece...sh*t!

I worked in a junkyard pulling parts before I installed and I had my small craftsman 'rally-box' box with everything I needed in it. I still keep my tools the same way and I'm always pulling a part for me or someone else. I still fix cars and it's a great source of income.

My tools have payed for themselfs more than 10 times over, from keeping my own car out of the shop, employment, helping others, family, home improvement.....cash on the side!!

I will agree that the actual dollar/hour pay from any employment requiring me to bring my tools to work.....sucked, but the experience I gained was worth it.

If she is really into it, let her do it, if she's doing it just to make more money or because she's bored....might not be a good idea.

She has a lot of learning to do, but there is nothing stopping her from reading anything from basic DC electricity, to instructions for equipment, this site...anything. It all comes together eventually and even then, there's still more to learn. If she can hang out and watch the installers work, this is another great way to learn. I picked up alot from my fellow installers, even though I've always been able to get a car apart, no one does it quite like they do!

If she has no future in her current position and she's not going to trade school or college, she should try it, what has she got to lose?

The only tools I've lost were stolen from my car. There was that black&decker cordless I left on my trans am when I changed the cluster in '99..never did find that one.

While installing, I was given a gerber, plastic pry stick, Pioneer CD player (I had to fix the plug, my girlfriend loved it!), tons of wire...and I mean tons...I still have some today, A factory Toyota radio from a customer (this will go in mine when I sell it). Some of my customers still give me old alarms, speakers, amps in need of 'refurbishment'. Believe me, if you spend your hard earned money on tools....they stay close to you!

Im only in the whole 280 to snap on and  160 to matco haha auex that sucks but i guess if you need the tools you need the tools.

Its a good expierence in the install bay you have your difference on some things but everyone is pretty close in the bay and its a hell of alot of fun