Poll: What's your tool brand preference? - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*1972C10* · 01-05-2004, 12:43 AM

Yeah Snap On Tools Are High Ive Got A Wrench Set im workin on 3/8-1" like 450 bucks Craftsmans are nice except for the cheap rachets the craftsman proffesinal that have the Rev Fwd dial instead of a lever are better I lke the MAC Rachets that have the fat plastic handle Like A screwdriver Just As Long As Its Qaulity and warrantied Its All Good

skid · 01-05-2004, 12:45 AM

As an industrial mechanic who works mostly on pipeline compressors and the gas turbines that drive them, I use only Snap On. It helps that the company buys all my tools

.

As an aside, we were dis-assembling a turbine when we had to take off a ring of heat corroded stainless steel 12 point bolts. They were so tight that we had to use a pipe over the wrenches to break the bolts loose. My co-worker who swears by (at?) Mac Tools broke two wrenches at the head, and bent another trying to loosen one particular bolt. I put on my Snap-On and it easily loosened the bolt, even though it was half the thickness of the Mac (which I think are clumsy like craftsman). However, when I do break something, Snap-On rarely covers it under warranty (due to abuse).

Also, since we are an industrial company, we get a 20% reduction in price from Snap-On, so that's what I have at home as well.

69_hafton · 01-05-2004, 02:36 AM

Skid, I think we'd all have Snap-On if we could justify the expense. Must be nice...

______________________________
Ya'll can vote now - it's working again.
______________________________

Unfortunately, I can't add or change anything.

68cajun · 01-05-2004, 04:09 AM

What company do you work for. I work for Shell Pipeline, in the gulf of mexico as a mechanic.

Huck · 01-05-2004, 11:46 AM

Craftsman tools have become junk in the past 10 years. Older stuff is ok. Snap on is great when you can buy them used and cheep. S&K is also good. Have a set of 3/8s Thorsen that has been with me for 40+years, finally worn out!!
The market is currently flooded with stuff from China---which is ok if they are good which they rarely are.
If you open up a brand new Craftsman ratchet head, you will see a very poorly crafted gearing, no lubrication and a crappy design. It's amazing they don't quality check there product. Kind of makes you suspect everything else they put their name on doesn't it?

dubie · 01-05-2004, 11:49 AM

Almost all of our tools are Mastercraft, sold only by Canadian Tire. They are the equivelant of Craftsman and come with a lifetime guarantee. They make buying tools, affordable

whitesswj · 01-05-2004, 12:11 PM

i've found a company that offers a lifetime warranty. I hate to say not made in US but when the denero comes, i'll pay for US. The company is called Pitsburg tools sold at a place called Harbor Freight. I got a FULL set of Polished Chrome Combo wrenches for 15.00. More tools there check them out. http://www.harborfreight.com

**N2TRUX** · 01-05-2004, 12:53 PM

Most of my tools are Craftsman. I have started buying Husky lately since they have improved their quality. They have the feel of a mechanics grade tool, but 1/3 the cost...

**Palf70Step** · 01-05-2004, 03:20 PM

I have a little of everything except the pro stuff like snapon and MAC. Even my oriental stuff has been good to me, but them I'm not real hard on them, least I haven't been up to this point. I like the Craftsman beause of store convience. I think I had only one tool ever break and it broke in Japan. Last year I took the 30 year old 1/2 rachet to them and they gave me new one no hassles. They had to upgrade it to a flew head since the one wasn't made no more. It has like a 3 1/2 foot handle.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 01-05-2004, 03:23 PM

I am a craftsman mechanic. The high end brands are exactly like the others (except imports). The chrome plating is what you are paying for when you buy snap-on or Mac.

Blue Beard · 01-05-2004, 03:25 PM

Craftsman since 1965..............

tomsC10R · 01-05-2004, 07:04 PM

Just have to vent a little. I have always been very happy with my Craftsman and now today my 3/8" ratchet goes to $hit.

Cat Fuzz · 01-05-2004, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tomsC10R
Just have to vent a little. I have always been very happy with my Craftsman and now today my 3/8" ratchet goes to $hit.

Their ratchets are junk anymore. Gotta have a back-up or three.

*1972C10* · 01-05-2004, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 67Fleetsidedream
I am a craftsman mechanic. The high end brands are exactly like the others (except imports). The chrome plating is what you are paying for when you buy snap-on or Mac.

That aint no lie go price a snap on wrench set 3/8-1 its like 450 then price a blue point same wrenchs just not polished 250 thats alot of money just for bling bling.

krue · 01-05-2004, 11:23 PM

I have a little bit of everything. I need to start hitting the pawn shops and picking up more hand tools.

junkyardjohn · 01-05-2004, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1972C10

That aint no lie go price a snap on wrench set 3/8-1 its like 450 then price a blue point same wrenchs just not polished 250 thats alot of money just for bling bling.

SNAP-ON & BLUE POINT ARE ABOUT THE SAME JUST LIKE AN OLDS 98 & A CHEVETTE ARE THE SAME. LOL LOL AFTER ALL THEY'RE BOTH MADE BY G.M. WHY PAY ALL THAT EXTRA MONEY JUST FOR THE (WHAT DO YOU CALL IT??) BLING BLING

tphsmith · 01-05-2004, 11:36 PM

i use nothing but OKUMA, LOL have access to them all . oops your talking hand tools aint ya. Craftsman here

72superBB · 01-05-2004, 11:40 PM

I use craftsman, but I have been buying the new Stanley Professional tools that Wal-Mart sells. They are chrome shiny and are very nice. They have a lifetime gaurantee as well.

Tx Firefighter · 01-05-2004, 11:47 PM

I think we have two different perspectives here among the replies. Some guys are using them to fix their cars and other guys are using them to make a living.

I used mine to put food on the table. It's not about lifetime warranty. Pretty much anybody will lifetime warranty their products.

It's about getting the job done. Day in day out using them constantly, you pretty much need to use the best. The big three brands all perform better. The shiny chrome isn't about bling, it's about easy to clean. The screwdriver handles give better grip for more torque. The pliers don't wear out over time. The ratchets have longer handles for more leverage. On and on......

It's all about perspective as to what you demand out of them.

junkyardjohn · 01-06-2004, 12:02 AM

WELL SAID ONCE AGAIN TX FIREFIGHTER-- I HAVE A TON OF SNAP-ON & MAC TOOLS, BUT IF I DIDN'T PICK UP MOST ALL OF THEM IN PAWN SHOPS & ON EBAY FOR A SMALL FRACTION OF THEIR ORIGINAL COST, THERE IS NO WAY I'D BE ABLE TO AFFORD THEM. I'M CONSTANTLY UPGRADING MY CURRANT TOOLS & SELLING THE ONES I'M REPLACING. I JUST LISTED A SNAP-ON AIR HAMMER ON EBAY BECAUSE I FOUND A NEWER, NICER ONE IN A PAWN SHOP. I'VE BEEN DOING THAT FOR YEARS , AN I'M NOT KIDDING, I'VE GOT PROBABLY 25,000 WORTH OF TOOLS FOR NO MORE THAN $3500. TRY IT

JOHN

Blue Beard · 01-06-2004, 12:23 AM

The only problem with craftsman was a small rachet that I destroyed with a toss across the garage floor.

Was replaced without problems and still in service..........

waynes world · 01-06-2004, 01:32 AM

Channellock, of course , because i work there and get a discount,lol i noticed nobody mentioned channellock pliers, we produce between 120 and 150.000 pairs per week, i thought everyone owned a pair? as far as wrenches , sockets and ratchets go , most of it came from houshold auctions and garage sales, except for a couple craftsman socket sets ,im just a do it yourselfer, on a factory workers budget so i get by with mostly used stuff...

*1972C10* · 01-06-2004, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by junkyardjohn

SNAP-ON & BLUE POINT ARE ABOUT THE SAME JUST LIKE AN OLDS 98 & A CHEVETTE ARE THE SAME. LOL LOL AFTER ALL THEY'RE BOTH MADE BY G.M. WHY PAY ALL THAT EXTRA MONEY JUST FOR THE (WHAT DO YOU CALL IT??) BLING BLING

Well i was refering to the wrenchs i could take a pic of my blue point 1/2 and my snap on and there identical except the snap on is polished more and different numbers

72 CustomCamper · 01-06-2004, 03:25 AM

Anybode else ever try a tool brand called Metwrench? It's a german brand that QVC use to sell. That's all I'll use. Had one bolt that broke 2 Craftsman sockets, a Craftsman and Snap-on 1/2 to 3/8 reducer and a Craftsman breaker bar before breaking the bolt loose with the Metwrench socket...

Chuck

68CST327 · 01-06-2004, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 72 CustomCamper
Anybode else ever try a tool brand called Metwrench? It's a german brand that QVC use to sell. That's all I'll use. Had one bolt that broke 2 Craftsman sockets, a Craftsman and Snap-on 1/2 to 3/8 reducer and a Craftsman breaker bar before breaking the bolt loose with the Metwrench socket...

Maybe you loosened the bolt up with all the other tools...

View Poll Results: What's your tool brand preference?
Snap-On	12	23.08%
MAC	3	5.77%
Craftsman	37	71.15%
S-K	2	3.85%
Great Neck	0	0%
Stanley	1	1.92%
Other - U.S.	3	5.77%
Other - Import	3	5.77%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 52. You may not vote on this poll

01-05-2004, 12:45 AM	#27
skid Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Left Coast Posts: 254	As an industrial mechanic who works mostly on pipeline compressors and the gas turbines that drive them, I use only Snap On. It helps that the company buys all my tools . As an aside, we were dis-assembling a turbine when we had to take off a ring of heat corroded stainless steel 12 point bolts. They were so tight that we had to use a pipe over the wrenches to break the bolts loose. My co-worker who swears by (at?) Mac Tools broke two wrenches at the head, and bent another trying to loosen one particular bolt. I put on my Snap-On and it easily loosened the bolt, even though it was half the thickness of the Mac (which I think are clumsy like craftsman). However, when I do break something, Snap-On rarely covers it under warranty (due to abuse). Also, since we are an industrial company, we get a 20% reduction in price from Snap-On, so that's what I have at home as well. __________________ Toys: 72 K5 Blazer 74 Vette

01-05-2004, 02:36 AM	#28
69_hafton Sleep-Deprived Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 445	Skid, I think we'd all have Snap-On if we could justify the expense. Must be nice... ______________________________ Ya'll can vote now - it's working again. ______________________________ Unfortunately, I can't add or change anything. __________________ 1971 K/10 Long Fleetside 350/350 - 6" Lift 1969 C/10 SWB 292 - Sold It

01-05-2004, 04:09 AM	#29
68cajun 68 C/10 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Houma Louisiana Posts: 367	Skid What company do you work for. I work for Shell Pipeline, in the gulf of mexico as a mechanic. __________________ (2009) GMC Sierra Denali 6.2 AWD (67 C/10 fleetside SWB) (2018GMC Yukon Denali) Wifes Car

01-05-2004, 11:49 AM	#31
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	Almost all of our tools are Mastercraft, sold only by Canadian Tire. They are the equivelant of Craftsman and come with a lifetime guarantee. They make buying tools, affordable __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

01-05-2004, 12:43 AM	#26
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	Yeah Snap On Tools Are High Ive Got A Wrench Set im workin on 3/8-1" like 450 bucks Craftsmans are nice except for the cheap rachets the craftsman proffesinal that have the Rev Fwd dial instead of a lever are better I lke the MAC Rachets that have the fat plastic handle Like A screwdriver Just As Long As Its Qaulity and warrantied Its All Good

01-05-2004, 11:46 AM	#30
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Craftsman tools have become junk in the past 10 years. Older stuff is ok. Snap on is great when you can buy them used and cheep. S&K is also good. Have a set of 3/8s Thorsen that has been with me for 40+years, finally worn out!! The market is currently flooded with stuff from China---which is ok if they are good which they rarely are. If you open up a brand new Craftsman ratchet head, you will see a very poorly crafted gearing, no lubrication and a crappy design. It's amazing they don't quality check there product. Kind of makes you suspect everything else they put their name on doesn't it?

01-05-2004, 12:11 PM	#32
whitesswj Embrace the Redneck Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Cabot, AR Posts: 1,334	i've found a company that offers a lifetime warranty. I hate to say not made in US but when the denero comes, i'll pay for US. The company is called Pitsburg tools sold at a place called Harbor Freight. I got a FULL set of Polished Chrome Combo wrenches for 15.00. More tools there check them out. http://www.harborfreight.com __________________ '01 Camaro *Son, you just can't get there from here...*

01-05-2004, 12:53 PM	#33
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Most of my tools are Craftsman. I have started buying Husky lately since they have improved their quality. They have the feel of a mechanics grade tool, but 1/3 the cost... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-05-2004, 03:20 PM	#34
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,761	I have a little of everything except the pro stuff like snapon and MAC. Even my oriental stuff has been good to me, but them I'm not real hard on them, least I haven't been up to this point. I like the Craftsman beause of store convience. I think I had only one tool ever break and it broke in Japan. Last year I took the 30 year old 1/2 rachet to them and they gave me new one no hassles. They had to upgrade it to a flew head since the one wasn't made no more. It has like a 3 1/2 foot handle. __________________ 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!

01-05-2004, 03:23 PM	#35
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	I am a craftsman mechanic. The high end brands are exactly like the others (except imports). The chrome plating is what you are paying for when you buy snap-on or Mac.

01-05-2004, 03:25 PM	#36
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Craftsman since 1965.............. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

01-05-2004, 07:04 PM	#37
tomsC10R Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 281	Just have to vent a little. I have always been very happy with my Craftsman and now today my 3/8" ratchet goes to $hit. __________________ Tom 1968 C10 LWB. 402 BB, Holley MPI, 700R4. 4wheel Hydroboost Disk Brakes.

01-05-2004, 11:23 PM	#40
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	I have a little bit of everything. I need to start hitting the pawn shops and picking up more hand tools. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

01-05-2004, 11:36 PM	#42
tphsmith still buypickupparts Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: charlotte Posts: 637	i use nothing but OKUMA, LOL have access to them all . oops your talking hand tools aint ya. Craftsman here



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01-05-2004, 11:40 PM	#43
72superBB Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Mandan, ND Posts: 422	I use craftsman, but I have been buying the new Stanley Professional tools that Wal-Mart sells. They are chrome shiny and are very nice. They have a lifetime gaurantee as well. __________________ Life is full of choices and a Chevy is the best choice. 1990 Chevy SWB

01-05-2004, 11:47 PM	#44
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I think we have two different perspectives here among the replies. Some guys are using them to fix their cars and other guys are using them to make a living. I used mine to put food on the table. It's not about lifetime warranty. Pretty much anybody will lifetime warranty their products. It's about getting the job done. Day in day out using them constantly, you pretty much need to use the best. The big three brands all perform better. The shiny chrome isn't about bling, it's about easy to clean. The screwdriver handles give better grip for more torque. The pliers don't wear out over time. The ratchets have longer handles for more leverage. On and on...... It's all about perspective as to what you demand out of them. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-06-2004, 12:02 AM	#45
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	WELL SAID ONCE AGAIN TX FIREFIGHTER-- I HAVE A TON OF SNAP-ON & MAC TOOLS, BUT IF I DIDN'T PICK UP MOST ALL OF THEM IN PAWN SHOPS & ON EBAY FOR A SMALL FRACTION OF THEIR ORIGINAL COST, THERE IS NO WAY I'D BE ABLE TO AFFORD THEM. I'M CONSTANTLY UPGRADING MY CURRANT TOOLS & SELLING THE ONES I'M REPLACING. I JUST LISTED A SNAP-ON AIR HAMMER ON EBAY BECAUSE I FOUND A NEWER, NICER ONE IN A PAWN SHOP. I'VE BEEN DOING THAT FOR YEARS , AN I'M NOT KIDDING, I'VE GOT PROBABLY 25,000 WORTH OF TOOLS FOR NO MORE THAN $3500. TRY IT JOHN __________________ 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

01-06-2004, 12:23 AM	#46
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	The only problem with craftsman was a small rachet that I destroyed with a toss across the garage floor. Was replaced without problems and still in service.......... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

01-06-2004, 01:32 AM	#47
waynes world Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: northwest pa. Posts: 20	Channellock, of course , because i work there and get a discount,lol i noticed nobody mentioned channellock pliers, we produce between 120 and 150.000 pairs per week, i thought everyone owned a pair? as far as wrenches , sockets and ratchets go , most of it came from houshold auctions and garage sales, except for a couple craftsman socket sets ,im just a do it yourselfer, on a factory workers budget so i get by with mostly used stuff... __________________ 1998 bonneville sle 1992 silverado ext cab 4x4 2000 honda rancher 4x4

01-06-2004, 03:25 AM	#49
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Anybode else ever try a tool brand called Metwrench? It's a german brand that QVC use to sell. That's all I'll use. Had one bolt that broke 2 Craftsman sockets, a Craftsman and Snap-on 1/2 to 3/8 reducer and a Craftsman breaker bar before breaking the bolt loose with the Metwrench socket... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

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