Higher end tools that don't break the bank
 

Many many years ago, I bought a set of S&K 3/8 metric ratchets from a hardware store. I needed something quick and I know I spent a bunch ($80 around 1990). They have performed flawlessly for years. I just priced a similar set of SAE/Metric $309!!!

I have a set of 1/4" drive that I picked up from ACE hardware (ACE brand) that has severed very well for years.

I have a set of SAE 1/2 drive (Ace Hardware) where the ratchet was lost (left on a bumper) and then the set rolled out of an open pickup bed. and lost the 1/2" socket.

So, I'm looking for a set of good quality 1/2 drive ratchets in both metric and SAE. I think I should also get a set of 3/8 drive in SAE.

What do you say these days for good quality that will last, that will not break the bank?

Chase down a Snap-On truck and see if they have any repos... They often take back tools from mechanics that don't keep up with the note for whatever reason.

depends on the bank

check out Ko-ken

SK is still around; so is Proto (?)

I have some Sk tools and I think they are a great value. On our job sites, the guys buy Kobat (sp?) from Lowes. They held up very well. Most get lost before they are worn. That's construction site, different application or demand from a set of sockets or wrenches then working on cars.

Williams is the industrial brand of Snap-on and now has a solid lineup up basically Snap-on tools. Prices are about a third of snap on MSRP. The ratchets are just the last generation Snap-on with less details on the handle. The US-made Williams sockets are identical to Snap-on sockets except the shallows are a little deeper than Snap-on shallow sockets. Williams also has a Taiwanese line of tools that aren't anything special. The US-made Williams tools generally have a part number that starts with letters such as S-52EH or WSB-29F.

Don't forget to check ebay, craig's list, etc. Just glad I bought all my Craftsman stuff before they stopped making them in the USA. Here's a Craftsman set I found after a quick look. $80, free shipping.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144035230619?hash=item21892b339b:g:Ce0AAOSwvEFgmTU t

I have read somewhere, probably here, that Harbor Freight offers a highest quality tool line that's not bad. I have zero experience there since I already have all the tools I need.

Pawn shops and swap meets.

Teng

I have a bunch of CAT branded Williams tools (work for a CAT dealer).

The sockets are nice, and come in just about any configuration you could ask for (short/deep, 6/12 point, impact/standard). The sets are also very complete, so usually no need to fill out the size range.
However, I'm not a huge fan of the ratchets. The ratchet pawls have a little too much drag for my taste, and they don't have a release button. Maybe this could be fixed by disassembling and re-greasing with a lighter lube of some sort, but i haven't gotten that far.

FWIW, everything else I've tried from them seems pretty good.

^ I became a huge CAT fan! Last year, I bought a diesel Magnum light tower from a guy who's GTF out of Calfornia. He was selling a rodeo grounds that he owned, and all of the equipment was up for sale. I paid $6,500 for a practically brand new light tower, and he gave me a beat to Hell looking Allmand light tower with a CAT motor for free. The clock showed less than 3,000 hours but it didn't run. It looked like a mess with all of the lights broken and two mismatched sized tires. I took it all apart, spent a few $K on all of the electronics, the light bulbs, and a new roof, fuel pump, wheels and tires, new winch, and fuel cap (they ran it without one).

It fired up, and now it looks and runs like a brand new machine. I could not believe how well it runs, and how strong it is. I love the sound too. 100% impressed with the CAT motor. It runs so much better than the Magnum that is basically new. The Magnum has a Kubota 3-cylinder diesel. The same motor as the one in my RTV 9000. You can just tell that the CAT will run forever.

Shh, that has been my secret to quality tools since the 80s..

I had no idea that old Craftsman Made in the USA tools had real value on eBay. Or real asking prices anyway.

I have lots of those (not that I'd sell them).