Tool Preferences

[lukecp]

I have Craftsman tools, my dad and grandpa were hard-core Sears guys, and we have alot of older Craftsman hand and power tools.

However, i agree the new stuff isn't that great. Their 3/8" ratchets suck, period. Still is good for the money. Snap-On tools are proably the best out there, but they cost 3-4 times what Craftsman tools cost, and for a weekend mechanic like myself, there is no way i could justify the cost. If i was using them everyday, i would pay the extra, but i just don't think Snap-On tools are worth it for how much i use them

[cdowns]

CRAFTSMAN because they're alot easier to replace under warrenty than snap-on, although the snap-on is alot better quality they few snap-on tools i've had over the years nothing but problems trying to replace one under warrenty at least sears you just walk in and in less than 5minutes you walk out brand-new no problems
I'm another who buys broken crap at flea-markets , yard sales and just goes to sears for new replacements

[truckster]

I've been buying Craftsman for 25 years. I've had snap-on, but like others, my experience is they're only interested if they can sell you something new.

I've bought a few tools at Harbor Freight. My 20-ton press works great, but the exhaust tubing expander I bought fell apart on the first turn of the wrench.

[Ackattack]

A warranty isn't any good if you can't use it.

[Chevy Wrench]

I dont understand you guys who are having problems with getting Snap on tools warranteed. When I moved to Salt Lake, I had a snap on ratchet that was a military issue. Those are not supposed to be warranteed. The first time I met my dealer, I walked on his truck and he fixed it. No questions asked. I think you guys that are having problems need to find another dealer, or call their boss. Snap on is as big as they are because of a lot of things, warrany being one of them.

[cableguy0]

i agreee with chevy wrench call snap on's corporate office i bet you wont have a problem with a dealer anymore. i have blatantly misused and abused snap on tools with my dealer standing there and he will warrant anything i break doesnt matter how it broke or how i was using it. if it says snap on i get a new one if i break it.

[Maximum Overdrive]

For the most part I got Craftsman. Its just too damn hard to get Snap-On to exchange their stuff when it breaks. I thought it was just me but just the other day I heard that the local air base is even changing over to Craftsman tools because they are having a heck of a time getting the Snap-On people to honor their warranties.

I found corporate to be just as bad. I even emailed the corporate office told them of my problem where I lived what tool I had and what part I needed and they told me to go to their store. If memory serves me they told me it was in Utah. Like that was a lot of help from them

[67Fleetsidedream]

Craftsman...... There are only 4 major tool manufacturers in the U.S.
Snapon and Matco tools cost more because they are heavier chromed....... But they are all made by at least one of those 4 major manufacturers. Then you have the imported stuff(junk). Stanley Tool is one of them. This is FACT.

[PanelDeland]

Craftsman guy here,too.I like their stuff.I never have warranty problems and I am only 6 blocks from Sears.I would like to have a set of thin wall Snap-0n sockets and wrenches for tight spots.I like the thicker handles on the Crafty stuff cause my hands are a bit bigger.I even use Crafty at work where I do industrial maintainence.Most of my wood working tools are Crafty but I usually buy Northern Industrial pro stuff for air tools.
If I was a full time auto mechanic I would probably get brainwashed by the Snap-0n man too.I know at least 30-40 pro mechanics and most of them pay the Snap-0n man every week their whole life.They buy stuff because their account balance has dropped below a couple hundred $$$.I will have to admit the Snap-0n people make a lot of specialty stuff that isn't readily available anywhere else,but it sure will eat up a weekenders toolbudget quick.

[BtnkBndt]

Strange it was mentioned. Just this weekend my wife came out to the garage wandering what all the excitement was. Those #!@&% Craftsman ratchets. I threw three of em (all 3/8 drive) across the garage, driveway, and up against the brickwall across the alley from under the truck while muddering some four letter english ALOUD! Got to make a trip to the MALL!!! I HATE the MALL!!! Its all because I pocketed that broken screwdriver off the ground at the junkyard the other day thinking "Freebee!"

Mine are mostly all Craftsman. I too have started getting some of the Husky stuff, but the HomeDepots around here have really cut back on thier selection. Just picked up a nice set of shorty wrenches there. Also got a deal at Lowes on some Cresent reversing ratcheting wrenches, 15 bucks for a five piece set.

[dtlilly]

Box: Snap-on tomali cart
Hand tools: Craftsman and some Snap-on for specialty tools
Air tools: I like the Ingersol Rand

[Denny]

Most of my older hand tools are Craftsman and S&k. I have some Blackhawk tools and some snapons. I agree the newer Craftsman stuff is not too good. I had to buy a set of Blackhawk line fitting wrenches because my Craftsman ones were expanding on stainless fittings.

[old Rusty C10]

i am an avid do it yourselfer and backyard mechanic ive worked as a real mechanic and i swear by craftsman. I used to like SK and Snapon until they both got wise here and insist any broken regular socket is used on an air tool. Sears i drive up and get a new one right away i dont need the hassle of the 50 questions when i return a broken tool. craftsman rool aways and carpenter tools are good too

[TODDS 72]

i've been useing and buying snapon tools for 23 years,i can't figure out all the trouble you guys are having geting stuff fixed or replaced.just today i had a semi deep 17mm chrome socket replaced that i split when useing my 3/8 snapon air gun on friday.your dealers must suck and i beleave you should call snapon if you do,not the dealer but snapon corpret office.my mac dealer sux big time,always a 100 questions and hard to get a hold of,but thats his loss.i'll just keep giving snapon 250.00 aweek.plus mac tools is owed by stanly tools.i do have alot of craftsmen tools that work ok,but look at a snapon socket and a craftsmen theres no comparing snapon is made to work.if your wrenchin at home go to sears,if your wrenching in a shop go snapon....this is imo...

[cableguy0]

i agree with todds 72 have only been dealing with snap on myself for about 2 years but my dad has for 20++ years and in those been in a lot of different shops with a lot of different dealers and has only had one that was a pain. im sorry you guys have had bad experiences with snap on i personally never have except realizing how much i just paid for a tool sometimes but imo they cost is worth it. i dont break near as much snap on as i have cracksmen

[Scott Johnson]

Mostly craftsman, have a new set of Huskys and I really like them.

[lock]

Mostly Craftsman in my toolbox(which is craftsman too). Cant beat the quality/warrenty/price for the weekend mechanic. Especially when you shop Sears at Christmas and Fathers day. They just about give tools away.

My favorite ratchet is a Snap On though that my dad gave me.


Husky is good too. They pass my brothers "throwing" test. I couldnt believe his ratchet survived like a champ after being slammed on a conrete floor and bouncing 20 feet in one of his rants.

[Mechanic]

Snap-On.

[EJ]

Then you have the imported stuff(junk). Stanley Tool is one of them. This is FACT.

Show me the facts. I own mostly Stanley made Proto tools.

[Chevy67Tk]

90% Craftsman 10% Others Snap On, Mac, Etc. and like a lot of the others went with Craftsman mostly because of the convenience of replacement. Never had a problem with Snap On replacing a broken item, but getting a driver to come out to the boonies on a regular bases was not worth the hassles. A broken $65.00 ratchet is useless if it takes a month for the driver to come back to the shop. My boxes are also Craftsman and Stak-on with a homemade bottom box.

[supercheyenne]

Originally posted by EJ


Show me the facts. I own mostly Stanley made Proto tools.

Here's Stanley complaining to the Govt. that their "imported" tools should be labeled "Made in the USA".

http://www.ftc.gov/opp/madeusa2/c647.htm

[dtlilly]

WOW, Stanley sure spent a lot of money for attorneys to draft that letter. I wonder what the result of that action was since 1996?

[Alexis]

Craftman mainly, IR airtools, Miller welder. Craftmans air tools are sht. Going to start buying snap-on tools though. Most of the snap-on guys here are real cool and give better prices since theres alot of competition. Nice to be able to see 5 snap-on trucks a day almost better the sears that 5 mins away.

[Chevy Wrench]

You know, I've been noticing something about this board latley. Subjects seem to get off topic pretty quick. I beleive the question was "What are your tool preferances"? Not, "Lets bragg about brand "C" and rag on brand "S". In my opinion, I think it comes down to this. Alot of you guys/gals dont work on cars for a living, therefore you have no idea how a tool gets abused. Every tool WILL break, thats life. But I think the more important issue is how offten will it break. Some "mall" brand tools are great. They are cheap, but then you get what you pay for. If you had to use them every day, I think in a matter of days, you would be lining up to get on board, or should I say "brainwashed". Do we harp on a car painter because he just layed down $800.00 for a new HVLP spray gun? Do we question a hospital when they just purchased new x ray equipment for 30 grand? No we dont. So what is the differance? Professionals demand the best equipment that money can buy. Just because the brand doesnt sponsor some redneck truck racing series, does not mean that their brand is inferior or otherwise. I dont mean to offend anybody, but if I did, then Im talking about you. Come on guys, lets stick to the topics! This is only my opinion, afterall its still "We The People", right?

[TODDS 72]

well said chevy wrench...