Does your company require employees to have their own tools? Does your company have an employee purchase program?

Thanks to NA Bocker for giving us this great question on Facebook

I work for a commercial roofing company that supplies everything from knives to uniforms with no cost to the employee. the cost of inefficiencies out weighs the cost of the tools being purchased.

I give the guy's a new setup at Christmas (hatchet, tape, chalk box, knife, tool belt etc). Sort of like a Christmas bonus. If they loose, break or wear out during the year, they have to replace out of their pay.

I believe in the value of employees owning their own tools. That however is not the case here in Texas at many places.

we supply power tools but expect employees to have the basics, giving new guys tape, knife and scissors to start with if they have no tools

their is truth to if they paid for it they will keep track of it.

we have tool checks once a month. How much time do you think is lost with guys looking for a chalk line or walking across the roof to borrow scissors then walking back to return them!

I supply a basic tool set and belt. If stuff wears out, I replace it. If it's lost or stolen, they buy it. When you quit or are fired, tools need to be turned in or they are deducted from final pay.

Amen Twill

Well, in the old days of hand nailing if you didn't show up with a roofing hatchett, nail apron and a knife ( at least ) then it was pretty obvious you were not the real deal. In todays times with nail guns, air compressors and hoses being much more expensive than a hammer there are plenty of guys out there that can use them fairly well but don't own their own set up.

I supply my old, but adequate tools. Those that go out and buy their own are far more likely to work out than those that don't. It's a good early indicator of what the guy is made of.

Companies that loaned me money to buy tools charged 10% fee. Some companies have a cabinet, "or supply store" if you will, where you can purchase at "inflated prices" the small hand tools that you will need.

"JSC" Is right....tools do last a lot longer when employees buy them with.

Durable life/possession of a company supplied tool......2 hrs to 1 week.

Durable life/possession of an employee owned tool.......years to decades.

The first thing I make them buy is a WUKO unibender. just kidding.

I've known of several local companies that, if their emplyees didn't have tools, they supplied them for them and then deducted (at an inflated value) from their checks. I give them the same esteem as check-cashing places. Expoiting the vulnerable.

Ditto.

In the Pac. NW, Never worked for a company that provided the tools, had to purchase all off the tools my self. Most companies provided loans if they felt you were going to be around for awhile.