what is your favorite tool brand? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cheatham · 12-16-2002, 09:31 PM

The majority of mine are Craftsman, but I'm curious what is everyone's favorite tools to use under your hood.

I hope to be getting a good present for Christmas, and want some opinions on the best mechanics tools (for the money) to ask for from old St. Nick.

I could do this as a poll, but I don't want to leave any thing out.

Jack

crazy longhorn · 12-16-2002, 09:57 PM

I like crapsman tools.....they are affordable, & they replace them when they are broken. Trust me , if those guys saw how i broke them ....they would f***ing cry!

*1FaastC10* · 12-16-2002, 10:09 PM

personally, i use/buy Craftsman as much as possible. Snap On, Mac, and Matco all have a great product line, dont get me wrong. and they may be worth the extra money... but have you ever seen a Sears store rolling down the road? when i break a tool, i'm generally using it, and i dont want to have to wait around on the tool truck to come around to get a replacement.

**Palf70Step** · 12-16-2002, 10:11 PM

I have a lot of no name ones (Means I can't pronounce them - purchased in my many years in Japan), but normally I try to get craftsman. They just replace my broken 1/2" drive rachet (3 ft handle). I got it in 1970. The didn't make that design any longer so they gave me the newest one with a swivel head. I thought that was pretty cool. First time I every had to get one replaced. Now if I could find all those 1/2 and 9/16 sockest and wrenches my mom's garage ate over the years.

jay-dawg · 12-16-2002, 10:12 PM

I'm a craftsman guy. I even got their membership. got me an extra 10% off my air compressor.

jay

fanman · 12-16-2002, 10:12 PM

I use Craftsman, mostly because they were given to me. A while ago I bought over 200 broken Craftsman tools at a gargae sale for $20. Took them to Sears, got them replaced for free. It took a little convincing to the manager..but I got them.

Hooter · 12-16-2002, 10:25 PM

I love craftsman. My local parts store Lordco has a tool line called Jet tools. Those are just as good if not better than craftsman. Canadian tire tries to be Sears with their line of tools called Mastercraft which I found to be crap for tools, but they honour their warranty no questions asked. Even when I was blaitently using the rachet as a hammer.

**old Rusty C10** · 12-16-2002, 11:26 PM

i always buy craftsman they dont complain about taking them back when ya break them the $3.35 an hour employees of sears dont care what ya do to them

cableguy0 · 12-16-2002, 11:30 PM

imho opinion cracksmen tools are ok for home use or occasional use but u cant beat snap on for their quality they definately arent sheap but like most other things u get what u pay for. i think matco is junk i've broken way to many of their ratchets and sockets with abusing them. so i'll say for home cracksmen are good i think even better then matco junk but i prefer snap on

junkyardjohn · 12-16-2002, 11:31 PM

I LIKE MAC WRENCHES, & MOST OF THE OTHER STUFF I HAVE IS SNAP-ON. THEY'RE EXPENSIVE AS H@LL BUT I REALLY REALLY LIKE EM.

**Bowtie468** · 12-16-2002, 11:34 PM

I've got a pretty fair mix of Snap-On , Mac, Matco, and Craftsman. I prefer Snap-On ratchets. Craftman's dont hold up long enough. Not saying they're not any good, but for the work i put them thru, they're better suited for my "home" tools. I also shy away from Craftsman air tools. Just not enough grunt when you need it most. Just my .02

*Piston* · 12-17-2002, 12:01 AM

80% Snap-On, the rest is Matco, Mac or Cornwell. Even when working at home on the trucks I prefer those... Of course thats what I make my living with so its got to be durable for daily use.

DeepPurple · 12-17-2002, 12:06 AM

Lesse here...

Most of my tools are Craftsman, Snap On (when I can afford them) and S-K (ratchets).
Air tools are mostly Hutchins (auto body and no relation to me sadly) and IR.
Power tools are everything under the sun.

I tend to prefer either lifetime warranties or really good product.

***Liz*** · 12-17-2002, 12:34 AM

Most of ours are Cornwell. a few Snap On and a few Craftsman

*Gee_Emm* · 12-17-2002, 12:55 AM

Craftsman all the way

stretch · 12-17-2002, 02:25 AM

Craftsman...they're in my price range and they seem to hold up OK (if not I get a new one). Funny thing about Snap-On: my Dad busted a srewdriver tip, and took it to the Snap-On factory (he lives in Wisconsin). Whereas Sears would just grab a new screwdriver, they actually took the time to heat up the shank, pull it out, and put a new shank in the old handle while he waited around. Kinda weird...nice tools though if youve got $$$

WORNBRAKES · 12-17-2002, 07:43 AM

I am a big fan of craftsman. Most elec and air tools are Craftsman. I want to have all Craft tools in the feature but it is slow getting there. I have a lot of Kmart and Ace hand tools and they cary the same waranty as Craftsman.

teeitup · 12-17-2002, 09:15 AM

Snap On., S-K, Mac, Matco, Craftsman is all I have. I buy all kinds of tools at auctions but there is getting to be alot of junk tools out there. I like the MADE IN USA sign BEST! Randy

kxmotox247 · 12-17-2002, 09:45 AM

Harbour Frieght is the Best!!!! Now we're talking quality!

Just kidding...S&K, Matco, Snap-On, Craftsman all make good enough stuff for me.

Gene · 12-17-2002, 03:22 PM

Use PROTO tools at work (mainly because they bought them for me) at home it's Craftsman all the way! I do like the gearwrenches I have too use them more than anything else I have. I have busted about 5 1/2 drive craftsman ratchets and everytime they have rebuilt them for me.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 12-17-2002, 04:15 PM

I am a Craftsman man. As long as it gets the job done that is all that matters.

Ben

Truckstr · 12-17-2002, 05:31 PM

Man, I have too many different tool brands. My Grandfather gave me all of his tools when he moved off of the farm. He's 92 and had tools from waaaaay back.

There's Blackhawk, SnapOn, S-K, Craftsman, Thorsen, Crescent, etc., etc. There's a bunch of really oddball stuff. I even found a few old wrenches that I've since learned came with some vintage cars (Model T and Model A Fords and several from 8N tractors).

Yeah, he was a "pack rat" and, as they say, the apple didn't fall too far from the tree LOL.

The sad thing is that there's not a single complete set of anything (organization of tools was not a priority).

I have since "retired" most of those hand-me-downs, but they still come in handy every once in a while. When you need a tool, there's not often a good substitute for the right one.

I have mostly Craftsman for "my" collection. But Craftsman screwdrivers are NOT my favorite. I've used standard Craftsman and Craftsman Professional, but they still round off and ruin the screw (even brand-new screws).

Has anyone else come to the conclusion that Craftsman screwdrivers, shall we say, "leave a bit to be desired"?

I don't mean to highjack the thread, but what's the best screwdriver out there? I like S-K, but am open to suggestions.

chaptr2 · 12-17-2002, 05:42 PM

Craftsman is my favorite because of price and warranty. I never get any grief over my broken tools plus I don't have to track down a tool truck. If I had the money and was a mechanic for a living then it would be Snap-n or Mac tools.

**COBALT** · 12-17-2002, 06:12 PM

Rachets, Sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.: Craftsman, S&K, Snap-on, Mac; Secondary is Kobalt (made by Snap-on) and Husky.

General Special Tools: Craftsman, NAPA, OTC

Transmission Tools: SPX Kent-Moore & Atec Trans-Tool

Air Tools: Ingersol Rand, Craftsman

JoetheMobster · 12-17-2002, 07:26 PM

Mostly Craftsman tools here. A few from PROTO & Snap-On.

(Damn, sure not many people with PROTO tools here!)

12-16-2002, 09:31 PM	#1
cheatham I need a brake! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 474	what is your favorite tool brand? The majority of mine are Craftsman, but I'm curious what is everyone's favorite tools to use under your hood. I hope to be getting a good present for Christmas, and want some opinions on the best mechanics tools (for the money) to ask for from old St. Nick. I could do this as a poll, but I don't want to leave any thing out. Jack

12-16-2002, 09:57 PM	#2
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	I like crapsman tools.....they are affordable, & they replace them when they are broken. Trust me , if those guys saw how i broke them ....they would f***ing cry! __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-16-2002, 10:11 PM	#4
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,228	I have a lot of no name ones (Means I can't pronounce them - purchased in my many years in Japan), but normally I try to get craftsman. They just replace my broken 1/2" drive rachet (3 ft handle). I got it in 1970. The didn't make that design any longer so they gave me the newest one with a swivel head. I thought that was pretty cool. First time I every had to get one replaced. Now if I could find all those 1/2 and 9/16 sockest and wrenches my mom's garage ate over the years. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-16-2002, 10:12 PM	#5
jay-dawg chevelito Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI USA Posts: 1,609	I'm a craftsman guy. I even got their membership. got me an extra 10% off my air compressor. jay __________________ New deadline...when my son can drive. Aloha from Honolulu, HI

12-16-2002, 10:12 PM	#6
fanman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Auburn, MI Posts: 156	I use Craftsman, mostly because they were given to me. A while ago I bought over 200 broken Craftsman tools at a gargae sale for $20. Took them to Sears, got them replaced for free. It took a little convincing to the manager..but I got them. __________________ "When I start my car in the morning I want the neighbors to think the world is comming to an end." Homer Simpson I'm not stuck, I've still got some gas left"

12-16-2002, 10:09 PM	#3
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	personally, i use/buy Craftsman as much as possible. Snap On, Mac, and Matco all have a great product line, dont get me wrong. and they may be worth the extra money... but have you ever seen a Sears store rolling down the road? when i break a tool, i'm generally using it, and i dont want to have to wait around on the tool truck to come around to get a replacement.

12-16-2002, 10:25 PM	#7
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	I love craftsman. My local parts store Lordco has a tool line called Jet tools. Those are just as good if not better than craftsman. Canadian tire tries to be Sears with their line of tools called Mastercraft which I found to be crap for tools, but they honour their warranty no questions asked. Even when I was blaitently using the rachet as a hammer. __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

12-16-2002, 11:26 PM	#8
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,312	tools i always buy craftsman they dont complain about taking them back when ya break them the $3.35 an hour employees of sears dont care what ya do to them __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-16-2002, 11:30 PM	#9
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	imho opinion cracksmen tools are ok for home use or occasional use but u cant beat snap on for their quality they definately arent sheap but like most other things u get what u pay for. i think matco is junk i've broken way to many of their ratchets and sockets with abusing them. so i'll say for home cracksmen are good i think even better then matco junk but i prefer snap on __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-16-2002, 11:31 PM	#10
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	I LIKE MAC WRENCHES, & MOST OF THE OTHER STUFF I HAVE IS SNAP-ON. THEY'RE EXPENSIVE AS H@LL BUT I REALLY REALLY LIKE EM. __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

12-16-2002, 11:34 PM	#11
Bowtie468 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Cecilia, Louisiana Posts: 1,638	I've got a pretty fair mix of Snap-On , Mac, Matco, and Craftsman. I prefer Snap-On ratchets. Craftman's dont hold up long enough. Not saying they're not any good, but for the work i put them thru, they're better suited for my "home" tools. I also shy away from Craftsman air tools. Just not enough grunt when you need it most. Just my .02 __________________ Chris click here to see my buildpage http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=394656 ---------------------------------- 1979 C10 Silverado Big10 SWB Factory 454/400 Cardinal Red/Santa Fe Tan (original paint) 1969 Camaro X44 LS swap 1968 C10 SWB Fleetside (SOLD) 468BBC MultiPort TPI / Dynamic EFI P4 Black/Black 1963 Nova SS convertible (SOLD) 194 I6/ PowerGlide

12-17-2002, 12:01 AM	#12
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,300	80% Snap-On, the rest is Matco, Mac or Cornwell. Even when working at home on the trucks I prefer those... Of course thats what I make my living with so its got to be durable for daily use.

12-17-2002, 12:06 AM	#13
DeepPurple Real Deep... Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: St. Louis Posts: 116	Tools Lesse here... Most of my tools are Craftsman, Snap On (when I can afford them) and S-K (ratchets). Air tools are mostly Hutchins (auto body and no relation to me sadly) and IR. Power tools are everything under the sun. I tend to prefer either lifetime warranties or really good product. __________________ 1970 GMC C10 (Deep Purple) 383/700-R4 Mass Modifications 1976 GMC K5 Jimmy (Big Blue) 400/TH350 Coming soon to a drive-in near you... We have done So Much with So Little for So Long.. We are now qualified to do Anything with Nothing.

12-17-2002, 12:34 AM	#14
*Liz* Catchy title goes here.. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 39,767	Most of ours are Cornwell. a few Snap On and a few Craftsman

12-17-2002, 12:55 AM	#15
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 3,991	Craftsman all the way



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12-17-2002, 02:25 AM	#16
stretch Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Ridgecrest, CA Posts: 182	Craftsman...they're in my price range and they seem to hold up OK (if not I get a new one). Funny thing about Snap-On: my Dad busted a srewdriver tip, and took it to the Snap-On factory (he lives in Wisconsin). Whereas Sears would just grab a new screwdriver, they actually took the time to heat up the shank, pull it out, and put a new shank in the old handle while he waited around. Kinda weird...nice tools though if youve got $$$ __________________ '71 Custom 10 350/TH350/3.73 Holley 650 Dbl. Pump, Headers, HEI *************************** '76 K10 350/TH350/205/12-bolt(R)/Dana44(F) Primer Gray! *************************** '01 Grand Prix GTP - my 260 HP gas sipper! Victory Red

12-17-2002, 07:43 AM	#17
WORNBRAKES Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hughesville, MD Posts: 1,350	I am a big fan of craftsman. Most elec and air tools are Craftsman. I want to have all Craft tools in the feature but it is slow getting there. I have a lot of Kmart and Ace hand tools and they cary the same waranty as Craftsman. __________________ Mario and Mandy Hughesville, MD 20637 69 C10 305/350 71 K5 Basket case 75 K10 Rescue Parting out 77 MG Midget Parting out 15 6.7L Cummins

12-17-2002, 09:15 AM	#18
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Snap On., S-K, Mac, Matco, Craftsman is all I have. I buy all kinds of tools at auctions but there is getting to be alot of junk tools out there. I like the MADE IN USA sign BEST! Randy __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

12-17-2002, 09:45 AM	#19
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,397	Harbour Frieght is the Best!!!! Now we're talking quality! Just kidding...S&K, Matco, Snap-On, Craftsman all make good enough stuff for me. __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

12-17-2002, 03:22 PM	#20
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Use PROTO tools at work (mainly because they bought them for me) at home it's Craftsman all the way! I do like the gearwrenches I have too use them more than anything else I have. I have busted about 5 1/2 drive craftsman ratchets and everytime they have rebuilt them for me. __________________ 1971 SWB 4X4 Build BOARD MEMBER #5448 BOOMER SOONER!!!!

12-17-2002, 04:15 PM	#21
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	I am a Craftsman man. As long as it gets the job done that is all that matters. Ben

12-17-2002, 05:31 PM	#22
Truckstr Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lebanon, Tennessee Posts: 1,372	Man, I have too many different tool brands. My Grandfather gave me all of his tools when he moved off of the farm. He's 92 and had tools from waaaaay back. There's Blackhawk, SnapOn, S-K, Craftsman, Thorsen, Crescent, etc., etc. There's a bunch of really oddball stuff. I even found a few old wrenches that I've since learned came with some vintage cars (Model T and Model A Fords and several from 8N tractors). Yeah, he was a "pack rat" and, as they say, the apple didn't fall too far from the tree LOL. The sad thing is that there's not a single complete set of anything (organization of tools was not a priority). I have since "retired" most of those hand-me-downs, but they still come in handy every once in a while. When you need a tool, there's not often a good substitute for the right one. I have mostly Craftsman for "my" collection. But Craftsman screwdrivers are NOT my favorite. I've used standard Craftsman and Craftsman Professional, but they still round off and ruin the screw (even brand-new screws). Has anyone else come to the conclusion that Craftsman screwdrivers, shall we say, "leave a bit to be desired"? I don't mean to highjack the thread, but what's the best screwdriver out there? I like S-K, but am open to suggestions. __________________ Jeff '67 short Fleet; my ongoing project. '66 long Fleet; my original "baby." Live life or bust trying.

12-17-2002, 05:42 PM	#23
chaptr2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Olalla, WA Posts: 705	Craftsman is my favorite because of price and warranty. I never get any grief over my broken tools plus I don't have to track down a tool truck. If I had the money and was a mechanic for a living then it would be Snap-n or Mac tools. __________________ This is only my opinion and it is subject to change. 70 GMC Short box stepside Blown 388 Stroker 72 K/5 Blazer 350/SM465/205

12-17-2002, 06:12 PM	#24
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Rachets, Sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.: Craftsman, S&K, Snap-on, Mac; Secondary is Kobalt (made by Snap-on) and Husky. General Special Tools: Craftsman, NAPA, OTC Transmission Tools: SPX Kent-Moore & Atec Trans-Tool Air Tools: Ingersol Rand, Craftsman __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

12-17-2002, 07:26 PM	#25
JoetheMobster Listening since '86 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 1,799	Mostly Craftsman tools here. A few from PROTO & Snap-On. (Damn, sure not many people with PROTO tools here!) __________________ 2007 Saturn Aura - hey it WAS a GM product

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