What brand of tools?

[abebummy26]

Ok I was wonder what brand of tools I should buy?. I know there are a few mechanics on this board so I figured I would ask the Pros.

[old Rusty C10]

most of the pros buy mack or snap on but both are overpriced... i prefer craftsman only cause the people who work at sears dont seem to care what i bring them they warranty replace it although the ratchets lately are really crappy and break almost as easy as the chinese knuckle breakers

[streetstar]

I'm not a car mechanic (many of you can probably tell by reading a few of my posts), but i worked as an A&P mech for 3 years -- thats airplanes.

I used mostly Snap-On because i love the smooth precise feel of their ratchets -- Their screwdriver handles used to be the absolute best, but now they are copied by a few people, (Craftsman Professional Series - to name one)

Snap On makes everything the best (yes Mac and Matco are awesome too, if you can get them)

But................ price puts off a lot of people,
Everything in aviation is SAE, so when i was getting together a metric toolset for some of my cars and motorcycles, i went with Craftsman sockets, -- i have all kinds of combination wrenches, and the Snap-On's are pretty, but i have been using the long, thin GearWrenches for almost everything lately (u can get these at Sears too).

Craftsman's basic ratchets feel loose, but their fine tooth, professional series models are nice.

But if i were getting together a set of good tools, i would get Snap On ratchets (or the Craftsman Pro Series if those are too high), at least one short, stubby flex ratchet, and a 1/2" breakover bar

Craftsman sockets, 12 pt and 6 pt in 1/4 and 3/8, 6 pt in 1/2

A set of Craftsman Pro Series screwdrivers and a nice ratcheting screwdriver - (again, Snap On makes 'em best, but the Craftsman Pro Series is a darn good value for the $$)

Then a set of Gear Wrenches in metric and SAE sizes

You will need other things,
duckbill pliers, needle nose pliers, long handled needlenose pliers, at least one big Crescent wrench, and a good pair of dykes (wire cutters)

Last but not least, your hammers - Get a 16 oz ball peen,a 16 oz mallet, and a big 'ol deadblow hammer.

That should cover most of your hand tool needs

you will need other stuff like torque wrench or two, a timing light and voltage meter too

As well as some type of box to keep everything organized

You can get a whole lot with a few hundred bucks if you wait for the Sears sales , but like i said -- stay away from their less expensive ratchet line if you can afford a little better. They're loose and the matte finish is hard to keep clean.

Secrest out

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

most of the pros buy mack or snap on but both are overpriced... i prefer craftsman only cause the people who work at sears dont seem to care what i bring them they warranty replace it although the ratchets lately are really crappy and break almost as easy as the chinese knuckle breakers

This is very good advice.

I'll let the other guys buy the overpriced mac and snap-on, They are wonderful, but not worth the prices they ask. I'll go to sears and buy Craftsman hand tools and save a ton of money. I have craftsman tools that were my Dads, and even some that were my Grandads that I still use every day (and I do have Mac and Snap-on that belonged my Dad too). I know that they don't make them like they used to, but even still, todays Craftsman hand tools are still hard to beat for the price.

[abebummy26]

I really don't want something that will more than likely break. Considering the coin you put into craftsman tools. I do not want to be stuck with a tool that is busted. Then I have to go at least 20 minutes away if not an hour away to get a new tool. And have maybe my daily driver not able to go anywhere because I was to thinking oh I can go get a new one of these if it breaks. I'm not trying to insult you. I'm just stating my philosophy. Of course I do have 10 grand in the best machinists tools money can buy in my garage that are all mine. I did not spend one penny on them either. My uncle was a tool and die maker I got all of it from him. Some of the tools were my grandpas to.

[streetstar]

Originally Posted by abebummy26

I really don't want something that will more than likely break. Considering the coin you put into craftsman tools. I do not want to be stuck with a tool that is busted. .

Then stick with their "Professional series" line, or buy Snap-On, and buy 2 of each of anything that rotates or ratchets -- then you will have no down time. Even with Snap-On's , i had a spare 1/4" and 3/8" ratchet, because even the best ratchets strip out when they're used enough.

Craftsman makes the absolute cheapest "servicable" tools --- being cheap means accepting a little compromise, but they're sockets don't break much unless you are using it for the wrong application (3/8" sockets to take off lug nuts - stuff like that)

[jcueckert13]

i make a living with my tools and i think i only have 3-4 snap-on tools just due to price. i started out with a 5drawer craftsman box and all craftsman tools 4 years ago when i started turning wrenches and now i still have quite a few craftsman tools left but the tools i use most (10, 12, 14, 17mm sockets and wrenches) have been replaced by matco tools either by breaking or loosing the chaftsman tools. i will say that the exception is my boxend wrenches due to the fact that craftsman wrenches are too loose and round off the bolts. the only brand of dykes i will buy is knipex (they will cut through dam near anything )

[streetstar]

Originally Posted by abebummy26

I really don't want something that will more than likely break. Considering the coin you put into craftsman tools. I do not want to be stuck with a tool that is busted. .

Then stick with their "Professional series" line, or buy Snap-On, and buy 2 of each of anything that rotates or ratchets -- then you will have no down time. Even with Snap-On's , i had a spare 1/4" and 3/8" ratchet, because even the best ratchets strip out when they're used enough.

Craftsman makes the absolute cheapest "servicable" tools --- being cheap means accepting a little compromise, but they're sockets don't break much unless you are using it for the wrong application (3/8" sockets to take off lug nuts - stuff like that)

[cdowns]

snop on are about the best you can get also the most expensive also for a home type of parttimer they're pretty difficult to get replacements for so unless you're planning on working at a shop that the truck comes to on a frequent basis i think in the long run craftsmen pro tools are a better deal

[arkracing]

Certain Brands are better for certain applications. If you want head over the forums @ www.garagejournal.com There is lots of discussion on tools.

Snap-On pretty much makes the best tools out there, but the come @ a premium price, and if you aren't a professional technician, you'll have to chase down a truck.

Craftsmans sockets are a good deal - especially when they are on sale. I guess they say that the Craftsman "Professional" wrenches are better than the regular "raised panel" ones.

Craftsman hand tools are made by Danaher - who also makes Several Other brand name tools.

All the craftsman ratchets that I own are junk, I hate them all and use none of them. I have a couple Snap-On's, SK, Proto, and Armstrong and that I use.

[pissonNOS]

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

most of the pros buy mack or snap on but both are overpriced...

on some tools on alot of things i find mac to be very similarly priced to craftsman, I have alot of craftsman tools with the exception of a few mac tools, snap on never come to our shop. The other day I bought a die grinder and an angled die grinder brand new mac tools for $80 they came as a set. the same comparable tools from craftsman were $73 each. shop around mac has good deals. maybes it just a canadian thing but up here craftsman tools are really overrpiced i find

[arkracing]

Originally Posted by pissonNOS

maybes it just a canadian thing but up here craftsman tools are really overrpiced i find

I think most of Canada's Craftsman tools are made in China/Taiwan - not the same stuff we have here in the US

[pissonNOS]

hmm ud think craftsman was craftsman

[PanelDeland]

If you are just starting to buy tools,I would suggest looking for a Craftsman sale.They generally have sets with 1/4,3/8, and 1/2 drive and wrenches in the $200.00 range.This will give you the basics usually at a better deal than buying seperately.Keep in mind that you will be getting quite a few metrics which you may not use.Then hit the Pawn shops for Snap-on -Mac or Matco ratchets and rotating drives.For screwdrivers and other stuff whatever feels right ot you and is within your budget.

[BarryB]

People talk about craftsman ratchets, I'll tell you about Mac ratchets. There junk, I don't know how many I have broke.
For a ratchet that won't give you any trouble find your self an Armstrong brand. I have abused my Armstrong ratchet and has yet to fail me. 6 years now of heavy use.
I do use craftsman sockets and wrenches. They are hard to beat for the price. Don't even waste yourtime on a Craftsman screwdriver set. There are several tools you just need to go ahead and get a good brand, such as Mac, Matco, Snap-on. screwdrivers are one of those .

[jsbgump]

I use craftman for all of my personal stuff. Their ratches don't hold up very well. I use snap on and proto at the railroad. snap on is great but way overpiced for a do it yourselfer

[tdkosta]

Originally Posted by jcueckert13

the only brand of dykes i will buy is knipex (they will cut through dam near anything )

Knipex are made in Germany and are awesome. Get some nice reversible ratcheting wrenches and some nut drivers also.

[fastwillie 696969]

snap on for me

[Mickey_D]

You're all not going to believe this, but I got a complete set of Stanley tools at the Walmart I work at. It's one of those 110 tools in a plastic briefcase things. The ratchets aren't too half bad, the sockets are outstanding, but the wrenches I wouldn't trust. The screwdriver bits are outstanding, too.

As far as ratchets go, my father gave me a 3/8" Proto MANY years ago. I've abused that thing like a UL testing technician. I've TRIED to break it. I can't. All the pretty knurling on the handle has been flattened out from me hammering on the ratchet using it as an impact wrench. I've put a 16" pipe on it as a torque assist. It got dropped in a puddle one year and I couldn't find it until spring when the puddle evaporated. All four of us drove over it twice on a daily basis coming in and out of the driveway for about 3 months. Found it one day, took it into the shop and disassembled it (two phillips screws) and regreased it. Put it back together and it went right back into service. It's as tight today as it was 15 years ago when it was new. I now have two of them.

And I agree with what's said above - a complete set of gear wrenches is mandatory!! Especially when it comes time to remove or tighten the upper tranny mounting bolts on the bellhousing. Nothing like being able to snug them down in a matter of seconds WITH the distributor in place.

One thing you will NOT be disappointed in is if you go to a pawn shop and pick up a half decent 9/16" combination wrench. Take it to a muffler shop and have them heat it up with a torch until you can bend it into a double "L" shape. Wonder what I'm talking about? Go look up a distributor wrench at NAPA.

And if you're going to be doing any work that involves removing the power steering pump, let me know. I've got the pulley extractor tool that you can borrow for shipping. No need for everyone to go out and spend that kind of money (mine cost close to $50) for one use like I did.

[larry may]

MAC TOOLS for me . same warranty as SNAP OFF tad cheaper. Fit the hand for gripping better than Snap off..

[fastwillie 696969]

Originally Posted by larry may

MAC TOOLS for me . same warranty as SNAP OFF tad cheaper. Fit the hand for gripping better than Snap off..

mac tools use that kung fu grip LOL

[retodd7711]

I strip out a craftsman 3/8 ratchet about once a year. They just won't stand up to hard use,abuse. But I will say, the Gear wrenches are awesome!
I also keep a cheapo tool set in the big truck for quick fixes. I know they'll get lost,broken or stolen so I won't cry over a few bucks.
I have a bad habit of leaving tools on the running board and driving away
I also have a large collection of "found in parking lot " tools.I will gladly beat and abuse these!
Funny story: A trucker once asked me if I had a coat hanger to get into his locked truck, I handed him a hammer and said THIS WILL WORK. He calmly walked to his truck and smashed the shiit out of his window. I let him keep the hammer!

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by arkracing

if you aren't a professional technician, you'll have to chase down a truck..

I was wondering when someone was gonna mention that. Unless you work full-time in a shop, good luck doin' business with snap-on, mac, matco, etc. Just wait for a sale at Sears, and go Craftsman. I work at a Oil company distribution terminal and we get mechanical contractors from all over the country from time to time doing major jobs. And, every one of them use Craftsman tools. Even if you are a tradesman and have acess to the snap-on truck, if you're out of town and your snap-on ratchet breaks, you're SOL. But, Craftsman breaks, go find ya' a Sears and you're good to go.

[larry may]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

I was wondering when someone was gonna mention that. Unless you work full-time in a shop, good luck doin' business with snap-on, mac, matco, etc. Just wait for a sale at Sears, and go Craftsman. I work at a Oil company distribution terminal and we get mechanical contractors from all over the country from time to time doing major jobs. And, every one of them use Craftsman tools. Even if you are a tradesman and have acess to the snap-on truck, if you're out of town and your snap-on ratchet breaks, you're SOL. But, Craftsman breaks, go find ya' a Sears and you're good to go.

Darn good point and issue for that matter. Probably a status thing in the shop to have the Snap off and Mac , Matco..Always was a little etched when the other mechanics would say he uses farmer tools, or uck he has craftsman. You be correct 63&64 in the field or on the road craftsman is Just fine.

[Truckstr]

I inherited my grandfathers tools. He farmed. He lost tools. So, the "set" of tools I inherited are incomplete. That said, he had a BUNCH of different brands of tools: Snap-On, S-K, Proto, Nonebetter, Herbrand, Craftsman, Armstrong, etc. I've had really good luck with all of the old ratchets. Those old Craftsmans are just as good as any others. Maybe it's just because they are all from back in the day, but...

When I buy new tools, more often than not I'll buy Craftsman. If for no other reason, I can get new ones really easy. Better than chasing down a truck.