From Broke-In to Broke — Help an Apprentice Rebuild

My entire toolbox was cleaned out—over $4,000 worth of tools gone in one night.

At 6:15 AM, I walked up to my toolbox like I do every morning, ready to get stuck into another day as an apprentice. But this time, something wasn’t right. My lock was broken. The doors were wide open. And everything I had worked so hard to build up over the last few years—every tool, every bit of gear—was gone.

As an apprentice, I don’t make a lot. My paslode framer, my Milwaukee finish gun, my makita radio, my month old dewalt laser, and every bit of gear in that box was something I saved for. Birthdays. Paychecks. Side jobs. A few were handed down from supervisors. Some were gifts. All of them were essential. Now, I’m left with nothing to work with, and no way to replace them anytime soon.

This has left me in a tough spot. Without tools, I can’t work. And without work, I can’t rebuild. It’s a rough cycle that’s hit me harder than I ever expected. I hate asking for help, but right now I’m out of options.

If you’ve ever been in the trades, you know your tools are more than just things—they’re your livelihood. If you can chip in, even just a little, it would mean the world. Every cent will go straight toward getting me back on the tools, back on site, and back on my feet.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for any support you can give.

— Josh