Owner: David Lewis
Shop: Florin Automotive Repair
Location: Sacramento, Calif.
“At the age of 6, I started working with my dad who was also a (technician),” says David Lewis, Senior Master Technician at Florin Automotive Repair in Sacramento, Calif. “By the time I was 10 years old, I could strip a car without his supervision.”
In 1981, at the age of 17, Lewis began his apprenticeship at Burlingame Ford in Burlingame, Calif., where he, his dad and older brother were dubbed, “Team Lewis.” Lewis has worked in the automotive repair industry for over 30 years. In fact, he began building his box only a year after he got his start. In 1982, Lewis purchased the four main Mac Tools toolboxes. He later inherited the two side Snap-on boxes from his dad. Lewis purchased the outer Mac Tools toolboxes a few years ago.
His toolbox has an overall combined length of 11’ 9” (the two long boxes are 17” by 55” by 19”, the two side boxes are 17” by 33” by 19” and the four center boxes are 68” by 33” by 19”) and the four center boxes are connected by an I-beam. The box features over 90 drawers and all of the locks are coded to one key for easy access.
To the left of the box is a roll around cart that holds the Ford IDS scan tool, Snap-on Verus scan tool and the Autel MaxiSys scan tool. “I use a roll around cart when I'm doing medium duty work out back. My advice to new technicians is to invest in your tools first, and then get a big box,” he says. “I was taught as an apprentice it’s time to buy a tool if you have to borrow it more than twice.”
Lewis’ list of top three tools include Snap-on pocket screwdrivers, the IDS scanner and his Mac Tools mini pliers. “If I don't have the tool to get the job done now, I'll fabricate one myself," Lewis says. He estimates the value of his tools to be at least $120,000. Over 600 sockets take over the top of his box – placed strategically so he can see them. The lid is also covered by family photos.
Lewis doesn’t just mention his toolbox, though. He states, “I actually have a wall of tools, which is equivalent to the length of three bays, that I use every day.”
In Lewis’ current position with Florin Automotive Repair, a full-service repair shop, he works on domestic and Asian light duty trucks, medium duty trucks, RVs and much more. He says, “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I was born to fix cars and I don’t believe in giving up – I will fix it.”
