19/07/2025
Don’t Buy Tradies’ Tools Cheap — Don’t Support the Grubs
Buying cheap secondhand tools might seem like a bargain, but you’re supporting the lowlifes who break into work vehicles and steal from hard-working tradies. I’ve had over $20k worth of tools—bought new from tool shops and built up over years—stolen from different vehicles, just in the past month.
The impact goes far beyond just the loss of the tools:
1. Loss of Income: The tradie loses their livelihood until they can replace the tools. That means no food on the table for their family, and an enormous amount of stress and pressure at home.
2. Costs Passed On: Consumers end up paying more as tradies try to absorb the loss. Jobs are delayed, and clients get stressed. If the tradie is on contract, they might even face liquidated damages and penalties for delays.
3. Insurance Nightmare: Claiming insurance is a circus—proving ownership with receipts and photos, waiting for decisions, dealing with higher premiums after a claim, and often getting less than the real value of what’s lost.
4. Vehicle Damage: On top of it all, the tradie foots the bill to fix the damage to their ute or van, and then has to spend more making it secure—hoping it won’t happen again.
The bottom line: If people stopped buying these stolen tools, the thieves would have no market and would move on. Don’t support these grubs to save a few dollars. If you’ve ever had your tools stolen, you’ll understand why this matters so much.
