Tools/Insurance

Leo

From my police days, when using your license number make sure to follow it by state. Most states use a different type numbering system but with the right info an officer in any state can run the information. Example Lic number 123456-MA.

Leo

Bill Nye_2

A word of advice

A week ago some one helped themselves to all of my tools. I am still quite angry.

My truck was locked and my garage was also. The truck window was smashed [$439. to replace] and the garage door was forced open with a pry bar. I have spent well over $400 on security measures so far. Just a start.

My tools would be valued at over $10,000. Some I had since I was a teen, some purchased just a week before the incident.

When we started the corporation in March money was tight so we did not take the $250 rider on the tools or the $50 for glass coverage, it will never happen to me, right?

That $300 did not even cover the glass replacement! I have lost almost 3 productive work days because of this. I only could afford to replace a handful of tools.

Who has time to record the serial numbers off tools right? You Do! it is a lot easier before they are stolen! I did not record any serial numbers. Most of the tools were marked but not all. I may never see them again.

I spent the whole day friday with cops, insurance companies, auto bdy shops, Lock and stock rental to store what wasn't stolen.

Spend the money on insurance, locks,lights, and alarms. Record the serial numbers and photograph the tools. Make the list, you will find time, now, or after its too late.

To a slob or a thief, tools is just tools, to a mechanic or a craftsman they become an extension of ones self. I have made countless trips to the truck to get a tool..............only to remember halfway there that the tool is not there.

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hr

Spread 'em out

on the floor of your shop or driveway and take pictures and video of your tools. It's hard to remember EXACTLY what you had, and the quality without pictures, if you are well stocked.

I also bought some small metal stamps to put a code number on all my tools.

Now you know why inland marine and other tool replacement insurance policies are so expensive!

Sorry about you loss, it's always a drag to start retooling

hot rod

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Dale

My sympathy

I've only had a few tools stolen and I remember all of them! I was told by our local cops to engrave my drivers license number on them which I do. I also took pictures of all the drawers open in the chests, and boxes, not as nice as HR but better than nothing. My insurance man told me most people under report since they don't remember.

D lux_2

And don't forget

the drill bits sawsall blades hole saws that you keep in with your tool boxes .

Eugene Silberstein 3

Sorry Bill

I know what a bummer that can be.

Back when my father was on this side of the lawn and in business back in the day, he never thought about getting insurance for the tools in his trucks. Funny thing, though, his shop was located in a pretty sseedy part of town.

My father's trucks were broken into more times than I care to admit to, and my dad became very good friends with the owner of the local pawn shop. After every truck break in, my father would pay a visit to the pawn shop and buy back his own sawzalls and hammer drills.

My dad figured it was still cheaper than buying the insurance. After all, he knew where to find his stuff and, as long as the thieves got their booze (or other stuff) money from the tools, they wouldn't bother breaking onto the shop.

Now, since dad is on the other side of the lawn, I would personally opt for the insurance.

John R. Hall

Sorry Bill

Maybe your pain can be a big gain for many of your readers. It's a a good time to remind them of the importance of insurance and the importance of inventorying your tools. You just gave me a good topic to write on.

Good luck -- I know you'll overcome.

Ken D.

Tools

Wouldn't you love to catch one of those guys. Insurance is really imperative. Hot Rod is on target. Take pictures. Not only will they help you remember what you had,they will prove you had them if you don't have the receipts. It also would be nice if people would call the police if someone offers them nice "hot" tools at a discount instead of buying them. I truly feel your pain.

Wethead7

Tools

My truck was stolen from my my home on 12-27-05. The compant gps system was the pasive type until then. The truck was found three hours later. The truck was found in a city park ball diamound. They removed approx. $ 18,000.00 in tools and then drove it in dounuts, until it was out of fuel. The stuff that was left was in a pile. The truck was a high cube van. The shelving was taken off the walls and left on the floor.The clean-up took almost 7 weeks. I have not replaced all the tools yet.

My mother had past on to the next place on 12-6-05. My father was not in good spirits. His help in cleanig-up the mess was what kept the time down. The clean-up help him get out of the house and doing something.

We have pictures of all missing tools. My personal DL number is stamped on all of them. None have been recovered.

Several members of our staff loaned me thier personal tools until I replace mine. These people work for other firms that did not provide them tools. We provide tools to all service personel.(myself is excluded) I have chance look at mew and different stuff this way. I am also the trainer, new personel work with me in the feild, or later use my truck, until we put them in thier own unit.

I was able to use the loaner unit, until my truck was reset. I understand what you are going through. I would like say, do not rush into anything, when replacing your stuff. The rushed answer will sometimes come back with other problems. Remember to put you name and ID number on anything that goes in your truck.

Mike

Bill Nye_2

Thanks All

For taking the time to respond to my post and offer advice and encouragement. I have dragged out my "spare" tools and have replaced a few.

Many contractors [my competition] and former employers have called to offer a loan of tools as they have learned of my misfortune. I am truly grateful for the offer but feel uncomfortable accepting. If I really need something I'll ask, thanks.

Today I went to New England Dragway for the nostalgia drags. I had a good time and forgot about the tools for hours at a time.

I read in my local paper that some arrests had been made for similar incidents. Maybe my crook will get caught. I hope he can realize some day how much trouble and aggravation his theft has caused.

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John R. Hall

Mike

Check your e-mail -- need some info.