tools to buy to make more money with

maddawg308 · Nov 14, 2012

I was unemployed from Mar '10 through Jun '12. I am currently working, but the pay is very slow (commission only) and I am tired of being at the lower end of the income scale. I like what I do and want to keep doing it, but I need to compliment my regular job income with something else on the side.

If you had a little extra money floating around, $100, $200, $500, whatever, what would you guys recommend a tool that I could buy to start a small side business with? Examples I have come up with include:

power washer
media blaster cabinet
MIG welder

I have done pressure washing and bead blasting before. No welding experience.

I don't want this to devolve into a "I don't think this idea would work because X" discussion. I have enough negativity in my life and want POSITIVE thoughts and ideas. Pick a tool that is modestly priced, that you would recommend someone with mostly basic hand tool and small power tool experience buy in order to grow himself into something more marketable than I currently am.

Any help is appreciated!

03protege · Nov 14, 2012

I was going to say pressure washer, but now is not the time for that.

Some kid down the street got a serious pressure washer with some sort of lawn mower looking attachment and he makes quick work of driveways. I was actually thinking about doing the same thing until I saw his flyer on my door.

I have picked up a few side jobs from friends and family who need things welded but I don't pursue it to much.

vintagefan · Nov 14, 2012

A welder is almost a sure money maker, but it's hard to judge the real potential considering you have to account for your time learning.

OTOH, the best way you can invest money in this way, is to do so in a way that you are able to learn a new, valuable skill, and welding is a great skill to have.

NWphotog · Nov 14, 2012

03protege said:
I was going to say pressure washer, but now is not the time for that.

Some kid down the street got a serious pressure washer with some sort of lawn mower looking attachment and he makes quick work of driveways. I was actually thinking about doing the same thing until I saw his flyer on my door.

I have picked up a few side jobs from friends and family who need things welded but I don't pursue it to much.

Any idea what the kid charges?

bobcatdan · Nov 14, 2012

I would start with what you know and go from there. I would say go with media blasting, but that is going to have added cost if you don't have a air compressor that can run one well. Also I think you would want to be able to sand blast stuff bigger then what can fit into a cabinet. Otherwise I think you would be turning away a lot of work. What about a chain saw sharpener and bench grinder. Kinda wrong season, but mower blade and chanin sharping. As for welding, If you not a welder, I would take a class and practice for a at least a few months before doing work for cash. Nobady wants to pay for chicken scratch.

03protege · Nov 14, 2012

NWphotog said:
Any idea what the kid charges?

I want to say it was around .10 a sq ft so about $100 a pop for most driveways in my neighborhood.

JASTECH · Nov 14, 2012

My thought is the pressure washer (Hot) to remove graffity, then you apply hot wax to area. Next time they mark the wall it will come off easy. Sometimes yoi will need to bead blast the wall to get paint off.

Dillithium · Nov 14, 2012

welding, or honestly painting. A good spray paint gun + compressor for house and fence painting. People hate painting, and pro's are expensive. Offer a good hourly rate, and they'll love you.

gpalmer77 · Nov 14, 2012

Something that people have to do is a good money maker, not what people would like to do. Times are hard for everyone, I don't think there is much money in "nice to do" projects like washing driveways in this economy.

bad_idea · Nov 14, 2012

Pickup a chain saw and limb trees/ cut down the occasional tree. Clear debris after storms. I have a quality welding machine and the basic tools to support metal fab. I am having a ******* of a time finding side work to support my hobby though. What am I missing here? Sorry to hijack, but it seems relevant to your post. How do you drum up side work welding?

FunkyfullWidth · Nov 14, 2012

I've made good money off of welding. But it took me a year or so of practice before I was confident enough to do other peoples stuff.

richfinn · Nov 14, 2012

I know a guy who started off cleaning printing equipment in factories, started small then bought dry ice cleaning equipment and the money started rolling in.

Why its so in demand or what the advantages are I dont know, but Its popular with printers.

Givl Reggin · Nov 14, 2012

maddawg308 said:
Any help is appreciated!

How about this...

1) Note Pad & Marker
2) Ski Mask
3) Map with Bank Locations Identified
4) Hand Gun (bullets optional)

The average take from a bank heist is about $4,500... not bad for just a few minutes of work.

And best of all if you get caught, you'll get 3 to 5 years (and up to 15 years with a history of criminal activity!) of free lodging, 3 meals a day, gym access, cable TV and congenital visits! Hard to beat that deal!

-Brent- · Nov 14, 2012

Givl Reggin said:
How about this...

1) Note Pad & Marker
2) Ski Mask
3) Map with Bank Locations Identified
4) Hand Gun (bullets optional)

The average take from a bank heist is about $4,500... not bad for just a few minutes of work.

And best of all if you get caught, you'll get 3 to 5 years (and up to 15 years with a history of criminal activity!) of free lodging, 3 meals a day, gym access, cable TV and congenital visits! Hard to beat that deal!

You mean conjugal visits, hahaha, two VERY different things!

JeremyManning · Nov 14, 2012

Miter saw and learn how to build decks you can get a number of books from the library on the subject and there are many plans available online.

Givl Reggin · Nov 14, 2012

-Brent- said:
You mean conjugal visits, hahaha, two VERY different things!

LOL! Yeah, you're right... damn spellchecker!

fatfillup · Nov 14, 2012

I sell industrial pressure wash equipment and cleaning can be a great side business. As someone said, this isn't the time of year. Also at even $500, you won't be able to buy a good new quality unit but a decent used one is realistic.

I think the learning curve on welding will be slow.

Blasting would work but is your budget big enough.

I have an idea that would work, is low dollar to start and demand will depend on your area. I was reminded of this by a friend yesterday who got his start in business this way. Window cleaning. Commercial or residential but I would stick commercial. Years ago when I cleaned the sidewalks for all the K Marts in the area a guy pulls up on a Honda 350 with a milk crate strapped to the luggage rack. Gets off, proceeds to clean the windows, finishes and goes in and gets paid, off to the next stop. Talk about low investment and more importantly, regular repeat work.

Now the most important advice I can give you about a business, and it doesn't matter what kind. Your biggest challenge is finding the work. You need to get the word out and tell everyone you come in contact with what you are doing. Hand them a card or flyer. Advertise on CL. Visits businesses that may need you services. You have to actively market your business or you won't find much work. Be aggressive but not pushy.

Good luck!!

RV77 · Nov 14, 2012

I often think about doing the Blast cabinet also.Not too many around here do it except body shops.I often have things that I want blasted and Im just waiting for the right cabinet to come along.

AZ_Catskinner · Nov 14, 2012

This time of year might be good to pick up some "general handyman" type work. Doing some of that might get you a solid idea of what kinds of niche might be needing filled locally.

Az Scooter · Nov 14, 2012

nah, there is no money in pressure washing...

Actually, in Virginia, if you are willing to work hard, there are truck yards open year round that will need at least a DOT wash cleaning lights and such.
There are also a lot of opportunities in restoration.
For what it is worth, It takes more then a hot water washer to remove graffiti in most cases.
Of course, I have only been in the pressure washing industry for 25 years, so I don't know it all. I really don't, but I do know quite a bit.

goodspeed · Nov 14, 2012

http://m.facebook.com/l.php?u=http:...h?v=j47Sgvj3Whw&feature=share&h=EAQEoA57X&s=1

Hopefully the link works. It's a good example of what can be done in a small garage with limited tools as far as production is concerned. I learned a few things from it. Hope that helps.

tkonetzke · Nov 14, 2012

Snow blower, lawn mower, paint sprayer, oven(powder coating), shovel(for poop), a rake, many good ideas listed. Take a drive,walk, or ride and see what people are doing in your area that they dont seem to be enjoying. Many people would be willing to pay someone to do these things. If your prices are reasonable and you work is sound, word will spread. It wont replace your day job by next week but with hard work, who knows down the road.

Carla · Nov 14, 2012

maddawg308 said:
I was unemployed from Mar '10 through Jun '12. I am currently working, but the pay is very slow (commission only) and I am tired of being at the lower end of the income scale. I like what I do and want to keep doing it, but I need to compliment my regular job income with something else on the side.

If you had a little extra money floating around, $100, $200, $500, whatever, what would you guys recommend a tool that I could buy to start a small side business with? Examples I have come up with include:

power washer
media blaster cabinet
MIG welder

I have done pressure washing and bead blasting before. No welding experience.

I don't want this to devolve into a "I don't think this idea would work because X" discussion. I have enough negativity in my life and want POSITIVE thoughts and ideas. Pick a tool that is modestly priced, that you would recommend someone with mostly basic hand tool and small power tool experience buy in order to grow himself into something more marketable than I currently am.

Any help is appreciated!

Alright, here's an idea for you.

(many years ago, when I was involved in the motor trade, I'd have been ever so grateful for a reliable and cost-effective service of this nature)

Go around to the automotive and truck shops in your area, and ask whether they'd be interested in a parts cleaning service.

The idea is that you'd pick up disassembled engines, gearboxes, axle assemblies, etc., and return them 'sparkling clean' with a light film of oil to prevent rust.

This involves a caustic 'hot tank' for ferrous parts, and a rather nasty 'methylethylbadstuff' cold tank for non-ferrous, with rinse tanks, etc.

This could involve blast-cleaning service as well, removing carbon from intake manifolds and rust from exhaust manifolds, water pump housings, etc.

This is one of those 'its an icky job, but someone has to do it' situations, and those who are well paid for specialist work can't afford to take the time, themselves, to clean dirty parts, but recruiting, training and keeping reliable helpers and cleanup workers is likewise a frustrating loss of one's working time.

Another item is automotive steam-cleaning. Years and years ago, when I was involved in an automotive business, we helped to finance the equipment for a young, hard-working man who wanted to get into that business. It was a major convenience, and major time-saver for us to be able to just call him, have him pick up a vehicle, or tow it to his location, and return it a day or two later, very carefully cleaned. Paying well to have vehicles cleaned well was a very cost-effective investment for us, and helped us do more efficient service for our clients.

Steam-cleaning is a dirty job, but it will pay well if done well, as it saves the time, and reduces the frustration level, of those who have to face the never-ending quantity of vehicles which want mending.

cheers

Carla

zakmartin · Nov 14, 2012

Way back in the day, I used to make money on the side building custom subwoofer enclosures. I takes some remedial math skills to figure volumes, but it's not a big deal. You need a table saw, a drill saw, a staple gun and some raw materials. It's fun if you like to work with sound systems and depending on your skill set, you can do okay money-wise.

dandan111 · Nov 14, 2012

I always thought a little ditch witch you could make some money maybe. Work for dish or cable places

justanengineer · Nov 14, 2012

AZ_Catskinner said:
This time of year might be good to pick up some "general handyman" type work. Doing some of that might get you a solid idea of what kinds of niche might be needing filled locally.

+1. I made quite a bit of pocket money as a kid helping out the old ladies after church. If you live in an area with an older crowd, you may also find their children more than willing to pay you to help out with odd jobs so they dont have to. Mowing lawns, cleaning gutters, fixing/oiling stuck windows/squeaky hinges...everything bothers some people, and they want it fixed.

d_rock · Nov 14, 2012

Get yourself a good buffer and learn how to properly use it. You can make some side money detailing, especially if your good with a buffer.

LSU · Nov 14, 2012

Window washing.

When I redid my office the contractor had a guy come out to clean the windows. He had professional gear on a tool belt. No pressure washer, not nothing. I thought "oh come on, I could do this job with Windex and paper towels for a lot less money". Wrong.

When this guy was done I couldn't tell there was glass in the windows they were so clean. The worst thing about it was my wife came down, saw the windows and hired the guy on the spot to clean the windows at our house and the skylights.

With Christmas and parties coming up, I suspect a lot of people are going to be cleaning up for parties, etc.

I can't tell you how this guy did it except that he had a bucket, a professional hand held squeegee and some sort of commercial glass cleaner. I'd guess less than $200 worth of tools. I don’t know his technique but I’m sure you could learn it.

I was damn impressed. I don’t know what his gear cost or where he got it but he was great at the job.

I’ve sent this guy lots of work through the years. For my office I think he charged us about $400 for a one story small office building.

goodspeed · Nov 14, 2012

The buffing thing is a good idea. A buddy of mine does pretty well at that. And polishing aluminum.

Gabastone · Nov 14, 2012

I agree on the powder coating.

Right now, I am having to travel over an hour just to find somebody decent. And, since he is the only guy in town, he gets to charge what he wants. It helps that he is handy with a wrench; if you want your calibers powder coated, you can leave your whole car. If I remember correctly, his hourly rate for mechanical work is $90 and the powder coating has a special price list.

Hank McMauser · Nov 15, 2012

How about getting one of the flexible wand/brush set-up and cleaning dryer vents,parts outlay would be about $40 for a set of 2-8 ft long setups, maybe an extension ladder to get up on the roof(ours exits up top) One could make a pretty inexpensive flyer and pass it around some neighborhoods.

SiGmA_X · Nov 15, 2012

Didn't read the whole thread but doing TIG welding is def an option. I saw someone comment on having trouble finding welding side-work these days, it could be because there are a lot of un-/under-employed pro welders out there. In the PDX area, I can get pro TIG work for <$40/hr and the guys I've used are really really good, as it was their full time job before. If you don't have a portfolio and a lot of experience it may be tough.

rocket06 · Nov 15, 2012

Pick up a used utility trailer and offer hauling services for spring cleaning, dump runs, cleaning up vacant foreclosed homes, etc.

Southern · Nov 15, 2012

Media blasting and powder coating are, by far, the best suggestions in this thread. The learning curve is almost nil, and the demand for these services is always high.

You could buy the tools for relatively cheap and be doing it professionally inside of a week.

Danglerb · Nov 15, 2012

Pick something you are good at and don't mind doing that people in your area will pay somebody to do and that 10 people aren't already doing well. Just don't try selling anything that requires you to buy it yourself first.

Before buying anything I would call around the test the market, see what the going rates are how much work they have. If window washing looks good, but you call around and find people with an open schedule and teaser prices, not so good.

oldno3fan · Nov 15, 2012

look on cl for a good used gutter machine make seamless gutters 4.00 ft or 2.50 for contractors materials are around 1.00 per ft also charge for gutter gaurds 2.00 ft youll do really good once equipment paid for ..
another idea is mobile sodablasting
then theres always pimpin but pimpin aint easy lol

sdguy55 · Nov 15, 2012

d_rock said:
Get yourself a good buffer and learn how to properly use it. You can make some side money detailing, especially if your good with a buffer.

This ^^^. I did this after high school and i charged roughly half of what professionals did stressing that i was NOT a professional but i could get it looking good enough for the average person. I handed out a few flyers and it caught on like wildfire pretty soon i was detailing everyday all summer because i made it convenient for people. I told them i would drive to their place so they dont have to drop off their vehicle. I charged low rates. And they were more than happy with the results.
If you live in an area where you have alot of farmers or ranchers those guys LOVE LOVE LOVE to have their semi's and trailers sparkling clean. If you have just a pressure washer you will soon have more work than you can handle

cheechi · Nov 15, 2012

Not sure I agree with 'under a week' for pro quality powder coating. Maybe without a 9-5, but this is all for side jobs.

I would get into powder coating, paint spraying, and especially the material prep involved with both.

Often this also leads you to get into doing some light body work, probably also some welding, but in a lot of cases people just want 'better than what i have' rather than perfection. There are a lot of small race groups in this area, from very very amateur up to pro/rich boy classes. The demand for these things may be different where you are.

You could get into auto tint installing, another crappy job nobody wants to do themselves. Even better money if you're willing to remove the old/poorly done tint first and clean it up real good. If you're going to invest in a buffer, get you one of those Mother's balls and clean headlights while you're at it.

You could get a small CNC or 3D printer and make hard to find parts, work with small engine or hobby shops and appliance dealers.

fatfillup · Nov 15, 2012

Lots of good suggestions here. Not all stayed with in budget but there is always the next step down the road.

Try to find something you enjoy doing so it won't be like work, especially since you have a full time job already.

JASTECH · Nov 15, 2012

AZ, That's why I also typed Bead Blaster. It works good and after you apply the thin coat of wax it makes repeat business easy. The guy I knew charged a monthly rate and had more then he could handle.

tools to buy to make more money with

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