Awesome, good reply, when I was first getting started I used what tools I had, what tools I could afford, and improvised where I had to, until I could do better.I actually look back at some of that and think wow I can't believe I did it that way, not cause it was wrong just because it was harder or took longer.Flat Rate is Flat Rate your getting paid 2hrs if it takes you 1 or takes 5.Its no sin to have cheap tools if that's what you need and that's what's gets you by.I'm saying that to anyone this is not aimed at Bucket.
I am not a professional, I have never worked in a garage as such. The closest I ever came was when I helped on brakes in my father in laws auto repair shop. I was more a gopher, parts and errands runner. I did oil changes and helped on other jobs just want turning wrenches.
I pretty much do all my own work. To a point. I wouldn't attempt an engine replacement in my Sequoia, I ha e never done one in anything actually. I would do one on my square if needed though. I do things like valve covers and timing belts , AC repair, brakes, everything brake system, starters ,alternators, all bolt on parts, pulled the intake on my Highlander to change plugs. In the square I have done bolt on stuff, pulled axle shafts done rear bearings and stuff like that. I say this just to give an idea of my ability. I'm not a pro but do a lot more than many guys and not as much as others. But I have cheap tools, I like my HF stuff, I can buy way more there than I cannot I even bought kobolt or Craftsman. But when I was in High school or college and even right out of school I look back at all I did with the cheap tools that I had and how few I did and I can't believe I did half the stuff that I did with as few tools as I had then.
Like now I have at least three if not four sets of normal box end wrenches, not including the really cheap partial sets or orphan wrenches I bought when I was in like high school and I needed a wrench for a job. I didn't have much money at all. I would go to a pawn shop and literally buy the wrench i needed, because I didn't have a set or the set was the incomplete.
My husband income is way greater today but as everyone I have many things that compete for that precious income, and not being a professional, tools don't fall high on that list unless they are needed for an immediate repair.