Tool brands?

[Jack Stands]

I was fortunate to buy a bunch of Craftsmen wrenches and toolboxes back in the 60s, and still have them (as well as my Skilsaws for carpentry). I did spoil myself with a 13mm Snap-on wrench, but no need to get more as the old tools still function perfectly. I’d look at Craigslist, eBay, and local garage sales to try to find these fine old tools whenever possible. For tools with no moving parts and a single use, HF is fine.

[Geronimo]

The Wera tool look nice and are surprisingly reasonable... not sure about quality but they are pretty.

[brshap]

Originally Posted by plexiform

i am very tempted to buy a Wera Zyklop but it really seems overpriced.

https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Zyklop-Metric-Ratchet-Piece/dp/B0024LOT6Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=F0O7PFQWPEU8&keywords=wera+zyklop+3%2F8&qid=1566798757&s=industrial&sprefix=wera+z%2Cindustrial%2C185&sr=1-1

I picked up a Wera 3/8 ratchet I found on sale. Very nice tool.

[Tippy]

I'm a diehard Harbor Freight user now.

I've used Snap-On as a jet engine mechanic, and they are great. But for non-professional use (making money from the tools), I can't justify them and their costs!

I did have to use my brothers torx Snap-On for the triple-square crank bolts. Only for the tiniest drive, high-torque fasteners would you need Snap-On IMO.

With all Harbor Freight tools, you have to know which are fine and which are junk.

When it comes to hand tools like wrenches, sockets, and ratchets, they are dirt cheap and hang just fine.

[Tippy]

Originally Posted by Geronimo

The Wera tool look nice and are surprisingly reasonable... not sure about quality but they are pretty.

I have Wera tools at work and like them a lot. Lots of attention to detail IMO.

[chrisbalich]

I have a mix of older Craftsman and newer Snap-On.
There is a huge disparity in quality, but for most home mechanics, the difference isn't life/death.
A quality ratchet is a game-changer; as is quality tool storage.
If you're not going to make a lifetime/livelihood out of wrenching, buy as big of a set of tools as you can reasonably afford and then supplement with specialty tools.

Don't overthink tools.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by dicklague

People who say Snap On and the guy comes every XXXX are getting ripped off.
.

I say Snap On and the used prices are not bad - truck guy forgot my name decades ago...

The key thing about the better quality brands is that a smaller tool is as strong as the bigger lesser quality ones - and that allows you to get into places you wouldn't be able to otherwise.

There is also some satisfaction to using something nice - how many $$ of satisfaction is the question

[proporsche]

as RWebb said ...the quality of Snap=on tool is excellent mainly because you get into places you cannot get with other also quality tools.
I have some of the Ferrari tools excatly for that reason like 36mm open wrench for raising rear suspension- no other wrench will fit there..The wrench i purchased back in 1985 and it is still in perfect condition.Also live time warranty.I did sent some to Italy and yes they did send me replacement.
Back in the 1980 there was a truck USAG in Los Angeles too;-)I do have some Matco and MAC tools .Also Germany Stahlwille tools-little 1/3`` sockets-- are in my tool box and Husky which is an excellent quality USA made tools too....

Ivan

[UROParts]

Originally Posted by evilfij

Back when kobalt was made by Williams, I bought a couple sets.

What year did Williams stop making Kobalt? We have some Kobalt tools in the lab.

[RWebb]

What I really want is the Titanium tool kit that was stock on a certain car...

might be fun to have the car too

[WP0ZZZ]

I use mainly Facom with some Teng and a handful of Wera, Stahlwille and Hazet.

[Bob Kontak]

I bought a bag of metric MAC wrenches in 1975. 10-19mm. They were more than a days pay with a good machinist job. Maybe $75? 45 years later I still use them daily.

Also S&K 3/8ths metric sockets from the late 70's. Six point.

Best recent buy? A long handled slender Wright Tools 3/8's drive ratchet.

Plenty of Gearwrench and Harbor freight stuff. HF stuff is adequate. That's it. Gearwrench is very decent quality.

Want to own a long handled half inch drive ratchet. Good one has to be $100. Snap-On $250?

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by WP0ZZZ

I use mainly Facom with some Teng and a handful of Wera, Stahlwille and Hazet.

Thing is you are not able to determine when you have a shi*ty tool.

[yelcab1]

A mix of tools from Craftsman with sockets, screw drivers, pliers. Ratchets are of higher quality Craftsman, Tekton, Gearwrench and other brands of quality. A dozen torque wrenches from Snap On, Gearwrench, Husky (1/4 inch), and Teng Tools (1).

In the last year, i have moved away from Craftsman because 1) they are not really good anymore 2) don't stand behind their warranty and 3) steps from death.

I also have a large collection of Milwaukee battery driven drivers, screw drivers, impact wrenches, and a few still in use air tools from IR (cut off tool, grinder, 1/2 impact).