So What's Your Tool Spending Philosophy?

austin552 · austin552's Garage

My idea is not to buy the cheapest or most expensive but "right in Z middle"

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

You get what you pay for. I don't want junk in my arsenal that's going to break when I need it.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Depends on the tool, frequency of use

onewhippedpuppy · 10-01-2007, 05:39 AM

Decent stuff, like Craftsman, gets the job done. Snap-On, etc is more name than anything. I don't need bling in my tool box.

legion · 10-01-2007, 05:46 AM

From a speech I gave at work on Wednesday:
• None of the wrenches I currently own will reach that bolt.
• Reverse-threaded tapered drill bits are the best thing ever invented.
• If I buy a cheap version of a tool, it will break and I end up buying the expensive version anyway.
• If I buy the expensive version of a tool, I will only use it once.

Joeaksa · 10-01-2007, 06:14 AM

Depends on what its being used for. If its a tool to work on the hot tub, or a tool that I am goint to heat up and bend to fit a special application, then something from the pawn shop will be fine.

If its for working on my machines that will be used for years to come, its usually Snap-on. Sorry but I bought a set of Snap-on tools 28 years ago while getting my aircraft mechanics license and am still using them today. Figure the cost per day, month or year and they are cheap. Have never had to buy new ones as the Snap-on dealer replaces any that brake or are damaged.

Yes I do shop for some stuff at Harbor Freight but am very selective with what I buy there.

If you need a tool more than twice a year, buy it. Renting pays someone else.

Dantilla · 10-01-2007, 06:16 AM

Lots of Craftsman logos in my toolbox. High enough quality that it will last my lifetime, not so expensive that I would be suicidal if something got lost.

A pro needs to step up and get exceptional quality if he's going to use them 40 hours a week.
Not necessary for a guy like me who just tinkers around on weekends.

sammyg2 · 10-01-2007, 06:21 AM

I made a living using tools for years and gained a certain appreciation for what a good tool is and is not.
My favorite was proto, snap-on was extremely over-rated based on rep and price, chraftsman is no better than the average tool you get at a hardware store but is more expensive.

I buy a tool based on quality and how well it will perform the task, not price.

For those who buy based on high price = better, I have some tools from walmart that I am willing to sell for $1 million a set. At that price they must be the best ever

RoninLB · 10-01-2007, 06:39 AM

Snap-On has nice short swivel sockets and a great adjustable wrench. Their air tools leave much on the table.

Harbor Freight is great for a cheap tool set in the trunk.

S&K feels good and is very decent.

Craftsman has, maybe still does, a nice thin deep socket. They also feel lousy to handle.

And OT OT

do any of you tool guys know what tool to use on the alternator front brg retainer bolt? A 1/4 socket is too tight.

thx

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

I like to buy the best, and will wait to buy them.

968rz · 968rz's Garage

Quality counts (big time!). I never buy tools thinking "i'll seldom use it so why spend good $$", because that will bite you later. I tell wife " I don't mind spending extra on stuff as long as it lasts" My other Philosophy is "if I have to borrow it twice, buy one"

VINMAN · 10-01-2007, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobra

Depends on the tool, frequency of use

+1 Most of my hand tools are SK and Craftsman with Snap-On ratchets tossed in. Those gets used just about every day. My engine building stuff, (mics, calipers, valvetrain tools, etc,)are all top line stuff. The rarely used tools such as seal installers, pullers, stuff like that, i'll go with the cheaper "HF" type brands.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I agree - I buy good stuff. If you buy junk, it can and will break on you when you need it. Usually on a Sunday night after everything is closed so you have to wait an entire extra week to put the thingamawhatsy back on your car and it's grounded for another entire week.

masraum · 10-01-2007, 08:46 AM

Good stuff with a warranty, SK, Proto, Craftsman, even some Husky and a snap-on ratchet.

pwd72s · 10-01-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoninLB

Snap-On has nice short swivel sockets and a great adjustable wrench. Their air tools leave much on the table.

Harbor Freight is great for a cheap tool set in the trunk.

S&K feels good and is very decent.

Craftsman has, maybe still does, a nice thin deep socket. They also feel lousy to handle.

And OT OT

do any of you tool guys know what tool to use on the alternator front brg retainer bolt? A 1/4 socket is too tight.

thx

Ron, that came out again??? You might try picking up a Craftsman #942339
"Midget Combination set"...I just got one on a whim. I always called 'em "ignition wrenches" Much thinner than their regular wrenches. 7mm #42345 might do the trick, but I doubt they sell it individually. the entire set of 10 sells for under $20. Sizes are: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11mm. Sorry I didn't have this set when you were here...I think it would have worked better than the standard 7mm open end you used.

Dave L · 10-01-2007, 09:08 AM

I have a craftsman 1/4, 3/8 socket set that my dad bought me years ago. Its a basic set but has served me very well when I need to do the occasional wrenching. I also picked up a really cheap 1/2 socket set, breaker bar, and ratchet that seems fine for removing wheels or losening a stuborn bolt. If I were to use the tools everyday I would buy better but for occassional use my middle of the road tools seem to work just fine.

austin552 · austin552's Garage

I agree that quality is what counts but some tools are crazy high in price.
ex. I am looking for a good floor jack. Cheapest being about $60 with stands and highest I have seen is $1,000 for the jack. I will probably settle for a $250 job. Wish I had a good old one instead...

RoninLB · 10-01-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Ron, that came out again??? You might try picking up a Craftsman #942339
"Midget Combination set"...I just got one on a whim. I always called 'em "ignition wrenches"

the pic is from your house.

i have the Craftsman small ignition wrenches and they're too frail and sloppy for an open end.

I may take a 1/4" socket to a grinder till it's thin enough. I want it around to check the next alternator i install.

thx for the reply

Tim Hancock · 10-01-2007, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobra

Depends on the tool, frequency of use

+1

I have Snap-On, Mac, SK, Craftsman, Proto and a whole bunch of other off brand stuff spread around in 4 boxes. I have high end sockets and wrenchs along with cheap ones. Typically the cheap ones have been ground, bent welded on etc to do a an odd job. I have name brand "high use" power tools and HF chinese odd power tools I rarely need.

I doubt even the snobbiest tool buyer would look down their nose at my selection of tools once they saw it and what I have done with them. Use your head and spend your money wisely. There just is no need to limit yourself to crazy priced tools when it comes to the odd seldom used ones.

pwd72s · 10-01-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoninLB

the pic is from your house.

i have the Craftsman small ignition wrenches and they're too frail and sloppy for an open end.

I may take a 1/4" socket to a grinder till it's thin enough. I want it around to check the next alternator i install.

thx for the reply

Or...cut a section out of a socket so you'll have clearance on the back side? Also, I wonder if anyone makes a 7mm flare wrench??? Might work, maybe.
Or, make a 7mm flare wrench out of a 7mm combo...gotta be some way to gain clearance on that side...

Maybe this thread should define "quality" in tools...is Craftsman "quality" or is it "cheap"? All depends on the viewpoint, I guess.