Topic: Question-do your maintenance techs keep their own tools onsite in the shop?

Question-do your maintenance techs keep their own tools onsite in their shop? If there were to be a break in and tools stolen.... Where does the responsibility lay? How do the tools get replaced?

Many maintenance guys use their own tools. I think is it strange, it should be company property.

Yes, they are their own tools...

Mary McMullen Evans I read that and I say the company should purchase the necessary tools for them

Cliff J LeJeune true, but most don’t... Some companies buy the common items. I just wondered if everything was stolen, police report made- do the individuals have to buy all their tools again? Should they be taking them home everyday?

My company supplies us with any large or specialty tools. We only have to supply basic tools.

We require them to use there own tools but it is there choice to leave them or take them home. When we have had someone’s tools stolen we ask them and there supervisor for a list of what was stolen and then go from there by either replacing or helping them replace a portion. It also depends on How long they have been with the company.

Great information, thank you!

We replace if stolen, we do supply any power tools drills saws and etc. screwdriver pliers wrenches etc. we also provide with a monthly budget for replacement tools

Many bring small hand tools and particulars they prefer. If stolen, my opinion is that it is the employer that should replace. Without the tools, you have a maintenance tech that is rendered useless - so it is in your interest to keep them equipped.

With that said... Have the tech make a simple inventory. Avoid the techs from bringing expensive tools onsite, those should be purchased by the property anyways. Last, the property should replace broken tools. Trust me, it's worth the few bucks for return loyalty and productivity......

We do not replace personal property. But also do not require them to have their own tools. If they choose to use their own tools and leave them onsite or in their car and they get stolen it’s their responsibility

Our guys are responsible to provide any basic tools needed for a maintenance position but they don’t keep them on site. If they do, it’s their responsibility. We do provide larger items or specialty equipment but they do need to maintain an inventory. In the past, we have tried to provide some basic tools but they would sometimes mysteriously walk off site. We’ve found that people are more likely to care for items they’re responsible for versus knowing the company would replace them if lost or stolen. Plus, if you have a disgruntled employee terminated, they then know where everything is kept and can retaliate.

We’ve always had each of them do an inventory of their personal tools. Their choice of where to leave them. We provided them a “locker” or a cabinet that was theirs to store in and they put their lock on it. If they properly used the alarm and all other safety measures we will replace it if it was on their inventory.

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