Do cabinet makers have to buy their own tools?

My husband works at a cabinet shop and they require for him to buy his own tools. My parents (who haven't worked in the business for fifty years say this is an outrage and that they don't require people to buy thier own tools because in a self respecting business the tools are provided). Do people in that line of work have to buy their own tools?

Public Comments

1. Just about any trade has to buy their own tools. Many employers got tired of having to replace "missing" tools.
2. Typically, independent contractors provide their own tools, and regular employees do not. However, many employers do require employees to furnish their own tools, and they do not want to have to replace tools that go lost or missing from an employees work station.
3. In many places the employee has his own tools. Just make sure they are engraved with your name. Auto mechanics Screw Machine Operators Other machinists Salon workers (hair stylists, manicurists) even some Dog Groomers. In many, many industries it is standard for the worker to have his own tools.
4. I'm office manager for a cabinet/flooring company. WHen I hire cabinet builders I do ask if they have their own tools. It is just a general question to see what tools they do have. It is only necessary to me that they provide their own hammer, measuring tape, etc. Things like saws, finish nailers, air guns ect are tools that my company will always have a need to have on hand and though it is nice when the installer does have their own, it is not necessary. Sounds like your husband works for a tightwad.
5. I know many cabinet makers who employ people and they provide all the necessary tools to their employees. Some employees provide their own but that is not required by the employer. However having said that some shops are tired of their tools being abused and stolen and may require each person to supply their own tools.Mechanics are required to provide their tools