The Right Tools for the Job
Photos: David Whiteside
Having the right tools makes any job easier, but getting the right tools isn’t always easy. That’s where Qualitool comes in. Based in Geelong, but with a customer base that covers Australia, Qualitool has been in the business of helping people get jobs done since 1992.
David Bertuch created Qualitool to meet the needs of vehicle servicing and mechanical maintenance staff that weren’t being met by the big chain tool suppliers. That means Qualitool stock tools you won’t find anywhere else or can’t easily get in the sizes you need.
Trained as an Industrial Designer, David has an innate understanding of mechanical engineering and manufacturing, with an artistic eye, too. He’s applied his talents to everything from restoring classic Renaults, to manufacturing windows and even fitting out kitchens!
Not Just Automotive
Qualitool doesn’t just supply tools needed by professional automotive mechanics. They also stock tools to suit the trucking, heavy equipment, construction, shipping and aviation industries. That means Qualitool has the BIG sockets those industries need. “I’ve probably got the best selection of inch drive and inch-and-a-half drive sockets available in Victoria,” David says.
Recently, that specialisation in oversized tools also saw David called upon by the installers of wind farm towers in regional Victoria.
“I do a lot with the Ford Motor Company – their Product Development people - so, I’ve usually got orders on the go from them at any given point of time.
“I also have accounts with Rex Gorell (the biggest new car dealer in Geelong) and many other dealers. If they’ve got a job on the hoist that has to be done today, I’m Number 1 for them to come to.”
A Big Range
The vast majority of Qualitool stock are hand tools and tool storage systems, along with air tools, power tools and selected diagnostic equipment. Within those parameters, the Qualitool range is enormous, and something even the photos here don’t do justice to.
If you’re in the service department of a new car dealership, you’re a professional mechanic or just a backyard DIY bloke or tinkerer that likes to have everything you need to do the job (and maybe a few things you don’t need!), then Qualitool is like an Aladdin’s Cave of equipment. From filter spanners, piston ring compressors and pullers, to spanners, sockets and screwdrivers in a truly massive array of sizes, the range also includes torque wrenches and torque multipliers, clamps, saws, tap and die sets, hammers, drills, files and measuring equipment.
The selection of air tools and power tools (corded and cordless configuration for the latter) covers drills, impact drivers, angle grinders and reciprocating saws, plus those handy-in-any-application items like flood lamps and portable generators.
Qualitool only stock the best, high quality brands, like Hazet, Sidchrome, Stahlwille, DeWalt and Teng, to name a few - no cheap knock-offs.
It’s a big range, but it’s also a range that David has built up and refined over decades of responding to the needs of customers. And as he isn’t one of the big chain stores, he can afford to have stock on the shelves for a lot longer than those large retailers would tolerate.
A commitment to stocking quality products and a deep knowledge of his stock is enhanced by David’s knowledge of the industries he’s dealing with. As such, he’s always willing to offer advice when a customer comes in with the problem and they’re not sure of the tool they need for it.
Big Clients, Small Business
While David deals with some big car dealerships, and the local arms of multinational clients like Ford, he’s deliberately kept the business small – ensuring it’s manageable as a one-man operation.
“I see myself as a cottage industry,” David explains. “A bit more hands on and very specific.
“You’ll find things here you won’t find anywhere else – full stop. Different reps in the industry said I’d arguably be the best mechanical engineering shop in Australia.”
That specialty in mechanical engineering means you won’t find tools for plumbers, electricians or carpenters at Qualitool, unless they can also be applied for mechanical repair and servicing. Lathe tooling to support fitters and turners is not in the Qualitool range, either.
Along with his huge range of stock, it's also notable that David has has managed to build his business, along with a diverse and loyal customer base, without any online presence beyond the Yellow Pages and other generic listings. Qualitool has performed just fine without a digital presence, but obviously, going online could take the business to another level. With retirement looming, that’s not a step David’s looking to make. However, he is looking to sell Qualitool and sees the potential in further growth that a new owner could achieve by taking it online.
See the breakout for more details, or call in to Qualitool at 77a Mercer St. Geelong.
Business for Sale
After 33 years in business, David is looking to sell Qualitool and enjoy more time on his Renaults and other projects.
The business would best suit someone with a background in engineering. Knowledge of the automotive and aviation industries, plus some retail experience would be a bonus.
To ease the transition for the new owner, David is willing to stay on for a period to co-ordinate stock levels, help with customer enquiries, accounts and so on.
For someone with the right enthusiasm and skillset, this is a great opportunity to step into a ready-made, successful business with a strong customer base and great reputation.
If you’re interested, call David on (03) 5221 8915, or email: [email protected]
