So What's Your Tool Spending Philosophy?

[Z-man]

I have found that using the right tool for the job is more important than using the most expensive tool for the job.

For example: it is far better to use an inverted triple-square (cheese head) tool when removing CV joints instead of a hex tool or wrench!
A 19mm 6-point deep socket tool is necessary for changing Porsche wheels. I have three - one for my breaker bar (Husky - Home Depot brand), one for my chordless impact wrench (Ryobi brand), and one for my torque wrench. (Craftsman brand)


That said, a dremel tool can be a very effective tool to fix things. (I have the Black & Decker version of a Dremel tool, btw).

I have a lot of Craftsman tools in my box, as well as some Husky brand, and my chordless tools are all part of the 18 Volt Ryobi system (lights, impact gun, chordless drill, shop vac, chainsaw).

-Z

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Z-man

I have found that using the right tool for the job is more important than using the most expensive tool for the job.


-Z

I don't look for the highest price (I get a lot of Snap On stuff at swap meets,still warrantied)
but what is the best for the money. Long ago, while working at the local Schwinn bike shop, we had stations each with its own set of tool with a color band. The oldest wrench set was a set of Snap On , newest where Craftsman, and the rest of the work stations also Craftsman. Those old Snap On , fit much better than even the newest Craftsman. Like 968RZ says

"if I have to borrow it twice, buy one"

My boxes have a mix match of tools like most of you guys

[HardDrive]

Craftsman?!?!?! Really?

I can't believe you guys are mentioning Craptsman as decent tools. 25 years ago, sure. But their tools have plummeted in quality in my not to so humble opinion. Cheap Chinese crap.

Last tool purchases were Milwaukee. My Milwaukee sawzall is just awesome. I have their 18v cordless drill, and the thing is excellent. Huge torque, quality switches and a key less chuck that locks down tight, even on greasy attachments while using my greasy hands.

EDIT: Please note I was refering to Craftsman power tools. Their hand tools are well made.

[DanielDudley]

I buy tools as and when needed. Decent to top quality, depending on need and obtainable results with said tool.

No ego purchases.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Power tools are a bit different story. I've found my Milwalkee cordless/corded stuff to be far superior to DeWalt, which is overrated in my opinion. My Makita cordless impact driver has also been impressive. Both are more expensive than most. Cheap power and air tools often don't work well when new, and only get worse with time. One area where buying the good stuff is the best decision.

[on2wheels52]

I got hooked on Snap-On tools back when I was an auto mechanic and now I'm too spoiled for anything else. Besides you can hardly re-sell them for 10% of their value. If I wasn't getting creamated I'd have my wife throw them in the grave with me.
Jim

[masraum]

I generally try to play with a tool before I buy. When buying something that ratchets, whether it be a 1/4" or 1/2" ratchet or a set of ratcheting wrenches, I try them in my hands. Do they feel loose or like there's lots of slop? Does it feel like it has really coarse or fine teeth, does the thing look like it's made well or not. Sometimes the more expensive stuff is not necessarily better sometimes it is. I think I've got 3 sets of metric open-end/box-end wrenches. One set of KD tools gear wrenches, one set of craftsman with 12 pt box ends and one set of something in a 6pt box end. I've used them all and each seems to have a strength.

I really hate a wrench that is too thin and flexes too much on the open end or a wrench with loose tolerances.

[austin552]

Originally Posted by on2wheels52

I got hooked on Snap-On tools back when I was an auto mechanic and now I'm too spoiled for anything else. Besides you can hardly re-sell them for 10% of their value. If I wasn't getting creamated I'd have my wife throw them in the grave with me.
Jim

You can always donate them to the needy...

[VaSteve]

I have bought most of my stuff new since I got the Porsche. I typically buy Craftsman sockets since I like the big etched numbers on the sides and I can ID most of them by sight now. They are good enough quality for me. I wish some of the ratchets had a little tighter tolerance (need less room to move it) in a tight space.

I have a Husky brand ratchet that twists. I usually use it on the 944 when I need to get all those little bolts off the belt cover. It's dirty and rubber so hard to clean and stays in the box with the track tools.

I have some racthet wrenches....I think they are one of the lower end brands from Sears. They were a gift, but I really like them.

I have some allen wrench sockets from Lowes - I had to glue at least two of them back in. I have torx sockets from HF...rarely use them.

I have all manner of "plyers" from all over. I buy the Kobalt sets from Lowes. I have one cheap needle nose that I use a lot. My wife bought it to bustle her wedding dress 6 years ago. I wouldn't put it in the same room with anything white now!!

I had a bunch of Craftmans screwdrivers. The 24 pack. I have broken the tips off several and the colors ran when I cleaned the carbs on my bike. Ooops. I just buy more at Lowes, bu I don't like them as much.

I bought one of those Goodyear Racing cordless impacts. The guys I do track events with alwasy talked about Ingersol Rand cordless impacts. I went to an event with some Mustang guys and they had one. It does a fine job of removing the lug nuts (if torqued properly). I paid like $80 and the charge lasts forever. I only wish I got it sooner!!

I buy those Lisle brand things at Pep boys for working on brakes if I need it. And some big sliding clamp to work on the brakes on my BMW car.

I'll cruise those big tool sale things in parking lots and flea markets for things like files, ball peen hammers and what not.

I don't make my money with this stuff, so I buy nice, but not great or cheap if it will do the job.

[RoninLB]

Boat yard mechanics beat the crap out of tools working on tough fastners. Snap-On takes a beating and keeps on ticking.. except those clicker wrenches where the Craftsman doesn't destruct as fast as the Snap-on model.

[austin552]

My screwdrivers seem to disappear like socks do, one at a time. I have told my wife countless times"If you use a tool, please put it back where you got it from." I am anal about that. There is nothing worse than not being able to find the tool you need to finish the job. Guess I will have to buy a new set...

[NICKG]

I personally prefer Matco. I have mostly Matco and Snap on (more Snap on) and like specific things in each brand.

[nota]

older the better if not worn
buy only used at swap meets and garage sales
if I really need it now buy cheap but never ever china made tools

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by nota

older the better if not worn
buy only used at swap meets and garage sales
if I really need it now buy cheap but never ever china made tools

I have a friend who is a garage sale fanatic...he's in 7th heaven when he can pick up a broken Craftsman hand tool for 25 cents or so....

[berettafan]

Will Sears replace a screwdriver with a broken tip?

I too would like a tighter tolerance on the ratchets i have (Craftsman). Sometimes you just don't have a lot of wiggle room.

I have Craftsman hand tools, a set of SK wrenchs, a set of 'Ace' branded metrics for the trunk (really shiny and thin), a Snap-On digital torque wrench (neato tool!), Husky pliers, harbor freight welding clamps (absolutely a good value there), a Harbor Freight breaker bar (i sorta question myself on that purchase as failure could potentially be dangerous), Gear Wrench ratcheting wrenches (neato stuff), harbor freight digital calipers, and some other misc. brands. I have to say the Ace brand metric wrenches i have are really very nice and i use them a lot if just for the reason that they are so damn pretty.

My favorite tool, however, has become my Bosch 4" angle grinder. This in particular since i purchased a welder. It is one bad ass tool that has sooooo many uses.

I also bought a DeWalt corded drill when my Ryobi cordless finally gave up the ghost. $60 vs. $150+ for the high tech cordless jobbers and all the power i need. it's the only DeWalt tool i own though. i've kind of adopted the philosophy of 'if Home Depot is pushing it with big displays then i'm not buying it cause it must be overpriced junk'.

A tip to those interested in the Gear Wrench stuff- you will absolutely find it nearly 1/2 price at Sears if you wait a few weeks so do NOT pay full price (or even $10 off) for those things.

Most of my tools have been purchased since i bought my 911 (last November). I've probably spent over $2k including the Miller 140 and i pay very close attention to what i'm spending. Not that i spend less because of it but i do watch the money carefully as it slides across the counter

[TerryH]

My choice is name-brand tools of the slightly used variety. That often times means bargains and quality. My wife knows to call me to the garage sale with a decent amount of tools. Most often you find crap, but you never know when that gem will show up. Good tools wear, but don't wear out.

[Jims5543]

Depends on what I need the tool for and how much I will ose it after purchase.

Example, I needed a Hardwood Floor Stapler for an DIY install in my house in NC. I would never need that tool again after this job. I ended up buying a crappy Harbor Freight tools one. It performed perfectly for the entire 1200 s.f. install and I have never needed it again. As a matter of fact I gave it to one of the guys helping me on the job because he might need for a side job.


If its tools for my car, that I will use a lot I get Craftsman wrenches, sockets etc..

Power tools fall into the once in a blue moon category for me, so I go for cheap stuff there too. I have a Ryobi table saw and chop saw and they sit and collect dust, when I have needed them they performed. I rarely need them though.

Now tools for my line of work that I use every day? Top of the line, they last much longer than the cheap stuff and nothing ruins a good work day like running around to replace a broken tool.

So my vote is none of the above, it all depends on how much I am going to use the tool.

[rammstein]

Hurry up and vote people!

(This poll will close on 02-16-2035 at 07:48 AM)

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by berettafan

Will Sears replace a screwdriver with a broken tip?

Yup. I've been through three long, thin slotted screwdrivers recently that have been broken during, ahem, other uses. Always replaced, no questions asked. Considering that using a small screwdriver as a pry bar will break about any of them, it's nice that I can get a new one for free.

[TerryH]

Originally Posted by rammstein

Hurry up and vote people!

(This poll will close on 02-16-2035 at 07:48 AM)

LOL! I thought the same thing when I saw that. Then I thought, what would I be buying my wife for Valentines day when I'm 79 if I wasn't already taking a dirt nap?