Tools of the trade : Investment , or just accessories ?
ByRory Macnamara
FEATURE
29
If you have a toolbox of quality tools for which you ’ ve paid a fortune , this feature will hopefully confirm that you ’ ve made a sound investment . If not , then you ’ re probably throwing money down the drain by purchasing cheap tools which do not serve their purpose .
The tools one purchases is the start of a professional career . If you ’ re lucky enough to have an employer that provides tools , it goes without saying that these tools must be looked after and add to the professionalism of making one a professional plumber .
Why ? Because time is money ! When fixing a pipe with cheap tools , for example , and a tool breaks , resulting in more water spewed over the floor or through the ceiling , this will result in unnecessary legal challenges , or worse – one just does not get paid – and all because your tools let you down .
Carrying top brands imply a sense of authority – that one knows what one is about . Adler Teubes of Rothenberger , and Brandon Trivett of Adendorff Machinery put it simply , “ If a plumber or contractor works with a quality brand , it can be assumed that they take pride in their work and their trade , which means you .”
Here are our five pointers for tools as an investment :
Professionalism : Arriving at the customer with a set of bright , shiny and clean tools creates a first good impression ( this is in addition to being personally neat and with a clean vehicle ).
Quality : One has been trained to work with quality tools to use and deliver a quality job . Yes , quality tools are expensive , but all investments are expensive in one way or another . Obtaining a loan for investing in tools is not unheard of , especially if one has a trade qualification . It is one ’ s livelihood so the question cannot be how expensive , but rather that one is tooled for life .
Expenses : Tools classified as a trade requirement are tax-deductible . There are two categories for such claims : if self-employed the tools can be depreciated over a number of years . The number of years depend on the value , but it ranges from three to five years . If employed , but you have to supply your own tools , the same applies . The insurance of said tools will also be deductible . It is always good to check with your local SA Revenue Services ( SARS ) or your accountant .
Security : As with all investments , they need to be secure and insured . One ’ s vehicle must be theft-proof as much as possible . Indeed , this costs money and should be factored into your hourly rate as it is a legitimate cost to the business . Equally , if your employer supplies tools , and if one loses them , it is to one ’ s own cost to replace them !
Tools should never be left in a vehicle if the vehicle is not locked in a garage . If kept outside , then tools should be brought inside and kept under lock and key . Most insurance companies insist on this .
Organised : Most tool suppliers also stock toolboxes and these come in a variety of styles from small to large , stackable , or specially designed for a section of the vehicle . Being neat and tidy also reinforces the pride one has in one ’ s trade .
With quality comes maintenance . The ‘ investment ’ must be looked after and regularly maintained to ensure it is workable all the time . Tools should be cleaned daily , and this is dependent on the work they have been subjected to .
November 2020 Volume 26 I Number 09 www . plumbingafrica . co . za