Owner: Steven Jenks
Shop: Alternators of Knoxville
Location: Knoxville, Tenn.
Steven Jenks, a technician with Alternators of Knoxville in Knoxville, Tenn., grew up in the automotive industry. He and his father, the owner of Alternators of Knoxville, would build drag cars in their free time. "Being a mechanic has pretty much been my whole life," he says. After graduating high school, Jenks joined the Army. Once his tour ended, Jenks came back home and started working for his father.
He purchased his Homak HPro2 in late 2015. "I honestly couldn't be happier with it," he says.
Jenks' box stands just over 6' tall, is 56" wide and about 3' deep, he says. "I keep my most used tools in it and with the double-shelf independent locking door, I can keep my expensive electronic testers and equipment secure."
Jenks, a three-year technician at his shop, primarily rebuilds alternators and starters, although he has been known to do his own side projects and other "big jobs for customers that are in a bind."
He purchased the black chest specifically because of his daily routine. "It stays looking cleaner and the customers always talk about how nice it is." Jenks adds, "As far as tool storage goes, this is the best all around tool chest for my needs in day-to-day use. It has plenty of storage for all of my most used tools and equipment and like I've said before, it looks fantastic."
Jenks likes the 'sheer size' of the box in addition to the easy-push and easy-pull drawers. "It's a standard in my garage."
Because of his military training, Jenks takes great pride in the cleanliness of his tools and his toolbox. He keeps cleaning spray and cotton rags near the box and makes sure to wipe off any tools before putting them back in the box. "With that kind of money invested in tools, you're going to keep them clean," he says. "You don't want to pick up a dirty socket and slide it over something that was clean."
His favorite tool is his Snap-on 18V battery-operated 3/8" impact. "It's my most-used tool. I use it more than I use anything in the toolbox itself."
Jenks estimates his tool collection nearing 2,000 pieces and around a $35K value. At this point, he has plans to upgrade his current non-Homak-branded tool cart to another Homak cart in the near future.
