Best way to get deals on the best? Matco, Snap on, MAC?

[68shortwide]

So ill be going to tech school in fall and i want to build a base of tools separate from dad's. Minus waiting for the Edu discounts (Most logical but too long of a wait), Whats the best method of getting great deals on what most consider the best in the industry? (Matco/Snapon kid for life)

[PGSigns]

Pawn shops.
Jimmy

[ERASER5]

Ebay. I picked up a nice set of Mac metric flare wrenches for $80.

[bbcmudtruck]

Ebay and Amazon sometimes have good deals. Also check your local craigslist often.

[cdowns]

swapmeets yard sales flea markets

[duallyjams]

have one on your really good friends become a sap on dealer

[chip46wis]

Agreed on the CL just be cautious for stolen tools.

[cg285]

cash

[Cape Codder]

Craigs list or estate sales. I know when I croke my wife will likely sell the contents of my shop for whatever she can get. The most popular size sockets and wrenches wear but the good stuff is comes with free replacement. Don't underestimate the quality on the new Craftsman tool. I just bought a couple of small ombination wrenches that seem to fit fastenings better than Snap Ons. I got the ones that don't have the shiney finish. Nice tools.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by 68shortwide

i want to build a base of tools separate from dad's.

so does your dad
from a dad

before you stick $15k into a toolbox and another $50k into tools, get thru school with craftsman tools and boxes
after you graduate and get a real tech job start buying better tools that you need

fyi, i bought my son one of those 500 tools for $250 from craftsman and threw in one of my less used boxes to get him started
mention that to your old man

[Cape Codder]

When learning my trade I bought tools from both Mac and Snap on. They offered a payment plan with no interest so it worked well. For the last 12 years I have been working from home and don't have the weekly tool truck visit. I have had more tools than I need for years but have been buying from sears if something gets lost or broken and have been very satisfied with the quality. Some Sears sets don't include every size but do have the most popular sizes.

[Advanced Design]

68shortwide, Ogre has some great advice here. That is what I did in 1979 before going to automotive college...bought a Sears Craftsman set. It has served me well all these years. I didn't become a technician so I was glad I didn't have a bunch of expensive tools. You may change direction too.

And some of the best technicians I know never had a very impressive box or tool sets. They are just really good.

[mikey2409]

Become good friends with the tool truck rep I you want to a quick set mac usually has good deals but I'll tell you first hand and from experience be cautious with mac tools they are losing reps like Flys so warranting tools is getting hard to do and get done and also its all Stanley built stuff matco is more reliable and another good way to build your sets and wish I would have went that route at times but I prefer snap on yes it's be choice even though tools are way more expensive my reps have always stood behind their products and made sure to take care of me with loaners while tools if needed to be shipped out for repairs

[mattcrp1]

I got my initial snap on set from the rep when i was in school. Almost twenty years later i have most of what i started with, less the ones i lost. You do get what you pay for and quality tools always have value.

My home box is a used snap on one bought off a tool truck that was taken in on trade. I have S&K wrenches and craftsman sockets.

[sleepertruck72]

Snap On tools are great...albeit overpriced...Matco in my honest opinion are not that great... If you want great deals on those tools buy them used or play hardball on the trucks with cash... MAC tools are also great tools. You will be surprised though... a lot of these tools are the same...just stamped with different logos

[In The Ten Ring]

I have found some good deals on sears.com. I especially like Crossforce wrenches by Craftsman.