what is the best money spending on hand tools?

TC4RNR · 08-07-2007, 05:14 PM

well, i think everybody knows Snap-On, Matco, MAC, etc. are really nice, but very fortunate few amoung us can really afford them. i have one MAC 3/8 flexhead rachet, and that's about it on this grade of tools. on the other hand, many second tier brands are pretty nice. Sear's has Craftsman, HD has Husky, Lowe's has Kobalt, Kragen, Autozone,ACE have something, too. independent manufactures like Stanley, Olympia are....OK.

so, if you gotta do it all over again for some new hand tools, what'd you guys have to get and most improtantly, what to avoid.

for me, the best tools i bought was a set of Crescent racheting wrenches from Costco. $15 for 7 pcs of them, abusolutely loving them. they survived the theft, and whole lot abuse. still they are just like the day i bought them.
too bad they are not metric, and Costco doesn't carriy them any more

reason i'm asking is about 2 and half years ago, some scumbag broke into my truck(a Ram1500 i leased new in 2004) used the remote control opened my garage cleaned up all the good stuff. i didn't realy bought any new tools after that. now i'm back driving an USED car again, so it's tool time.

04 Rocko Taco · 08-07-2007, 05:17 PM

My sets are craftsman and kobalt with the occasional snap-on stuff thrown in. I wouldnt change anything, Kobalt is made by snap on and is lifetime garuntee and of coure craftsman is too. You can't beat a lifetime guarantee, anything with that kind of warranty seems worthy to spend a buck on...

MudHippy · 08-07-2007, 05:32 PM

Ace/True Value is Master Mechanic, it's on par with Craftsman and the like. NAPA's house brand is good stuff too.

Anybody tried Indestro? Some how an Indestro 14mm/15mm crescent wrench ended up in my box. I am very impressed with it's strength. Grips like a socket wrench, the jaws don't wan't to spread at all. Probably costs a fortune. Never seen it for sale no where, maybe they quit makin' it. I dunno. Found on e-bay, obviously.

I don't care what it is if it don't cost too much and don't break too easy. I'll break whatever $$$ brand you give me just as broke as the cheaper. Then there's crap that's too cheap to be good, you got to be smart that way too. Poo poo tools, you know what I mean.

SoCal4Running · 08-07-2007, 05:52 PM

First off let me say that I have broken tools from every manufacture. That being said I tend to stick with tools that do have a lifetime warranty (the kind where you dont need to keep the receipt). Also convience is a absolute must; I dont want to chase down a truck or drive across the city to get a tool replaced and pass 3 sears and 2 home depots to get it.

CJM · 08-08-2007, 08:53 PM

I got almost all stanley and crescent branded sockets, husky pro ratchets (very nice stuff) and misc stuff. My work tools (I do battery service for AAA) are all stanley and very nice imho.

Lifetime warranty on it all, although it woulda been nice if I broke a socket if I could go to the store but I cant.

nix4x4 · 08-08-2007, 09:15 PM

Most of my tools are Snap-On (can't a 53% discount through school) The wrenches and sockets are the best, toughest stuff I've ever used...period. On the other hand, don't waste your money on hammers, pliers, or adjustable wrenches. Questionable quality considering the pricetag. Haven't actually tried Kobalt yet, but they look like quality tools.

YodaPala · 08-08-2007, 09:19 PM

Klein are my favey.

razrwild · 08-08-2007, 09:58 PM

I can't justify to myself that the price is worth it for Snap-on, Mac, and the like so I'm an airport diesel mech with a box full of craftsman, kobalt, and mastermechanic. I got a $20 set of metric/standard long and stubby wrenches with a lifetime warranty from Advance that are master mechanic and haven't had a bit of trouble with them except the holder sucks. The kobalt and craftsman have performed great as well and returning them is a snap, show up, show broken things, get new things, go home. Kobalt isn't made by Snapon anymore but I heard that they're made at the same foundry that makes craftsman now.

CyMoN · 08-08-2007, 10:06 PM

anything with a good return policy
and stanly has this bugger witch is by far the best ratchet I have ever owned.http://www.stanleytools.com/default....otator+Ratchet
I think you can get one at walmart for 27$

Pest · 08-09-2007, 06:43 AM

Most of my sockets, ratchets, and box wrenches are all Craftsmen, all the tid bits that I'll only use once in a while are all Harber Freight. The Craftsmen tools that I have are really nice and not too steep of price. All the rest I don't have to use all too often, so Cheap was the goal there, and if they break, they are cheap enough to replace while still being less than a big brand name.

PoleVaulter95 · 08-09-2007, 06:49 AM

my gramps got me hooked on craftsman and i know why. walk into a sears tell them your rachet is messing up no questions asked they will just tell you to go grab a new one off the shelf. done deal. you cant beat it.

rdlsz24 · 08-09-2007, 06:50 AM

I try to stick to Craftsman so if I break it I can just take it into Sears after work and they mail me a new one if they don't have it in stock. Only had to do that once.

Rob

TC4RNR · 08-10-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YodaPala

Klein are my favey.

electrians see Klein's as mechanics see Snap-on. their screw drivers and pliers are second to none.

killa b · 08-10-2007, 04:18 PM

i use craftsman and use them everyday never broke nothin. i also use gearwrench box wrenches and have had no problem with them and there not to pricy either there the ratcheting ones to.

89dlx · 08-10-2007, 05:02 PM

I have Matco, Snap On, Mac, and a little of Craftsman. I break one or the other sometimes, but when you use them as much as I do, somethings going to break.
I can't bring my tool box home (too big), so I bought an assortment of Craftsman tools and a small toolbox so I can work on my Toyota and do smaller sidejobs at my house.

Tacoclimber · 08-10-2007, 05:06 PM

Stanley and Craftsman for me, with a few Huskys and Snap-On thrown in for variety's sake...

96redtoy · 08-10-2007, 06:03 PM

i have found people throwing craftsman tools away bring them to sears get new ones thats what i like. if you really don't want to spend thet much money look into harbor frieght they are all pieces of junk but if you break one it was only 5 bucks they don't have any warrenty on them but they are so cheap. there great tools to keep in the tool box that doesn't lock if they get stollen its not that bad. but snap-on matco craftsman and husky is the best tools you can buy

hross14 · 08-10-2007, 06:15 PM

cornwell--but i have a mix of Snap-on, Mac, Habor Freight, Misc and Craftsman---Of course SO, Mac, CW and CM are mt favorites--never let me down and have the best quality. routinely torque on my 1/4 ratchet with no problems--crazy-----but they are expensive

Must have though isa set of wobblies. Couldnt live without

***waskillywabbit*** · 08-10-2007, 06:29 PM

I have many of both of my grandfather's Craftsman hand tools that were bought when they were young men, I'm guessing the early 1900s and I will continue to buy Craftsman hand tools as you can find a SEARS anywhere

and the lifetime warranty and intial cost are hard to beat.

08-07-2007, 05:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
TC4RNR Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: so. cal. Posts: 480	what is the best money spending on hand tools? well, i think everybody knows Snap-On, Matco, MAC, etc. are really nice, but very fortunate few amoung us can really afford them. i have one MAC 3/8 flexhead rachet, and that's about it on this grade of tools. on the other hand, many second tier brands are pretty nice. Sear's has Craftsman, HD has Husky, Lowe's has Kobalt, Kragen, Autozone,ACE have something, too. independent manufactures like Stanley, Olympia are....OK. so, if you gotta do it all over again for some new hand tools, what'd you guys have to get and most improtantly, what to avoid. for me, the best tools i bought was a set of Crescent racheting wrenches from Costco. $15 for 7 pcs of them, abusolutely loving them. they survived the theft, and whole lot abuse. still they are just like the day i bought them. too bad they are not metric, and Costco doesn't carriy them any more reason i'm asking is about 2 and half years ago, some scumbag broke into my truck(a Ram1500 i leased new in 2004) used the remote control opened my garage cleaned up all the good stuff. i didn't realy bought any new tools after that. now i'm back driving an USED car again, so it's tool time. __________________ http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...gca/agreed.jpg 94 4Runner, SR5 3.0V6, 4WD, 5spd: SOLD 99 4Runner, SR5, 3.4L 4WD, 5spd. 265/75/16 BFG A/T. full SS 1.2 lift, RedLine Fluids, Marlin 1200 Clutch, ARB front bumper, BruceTS rear bumper, roof busket, hitch mount tire carrier, Tundra Brakes, Brembo rotors, BudBuilt skid/belly, Lightforce 240 Blitz, PiAA HID, Stubb's HD-SKO sliders.

08-07-2007, 05:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
04 Rocko Taco Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 4,092	My sets are craftsman and kobalt with the occasional snap-on stuff thrown in. I wouldnt change anything, Kobalt is made by snap on and is lifetime garuntee and of coure craftsman is too. You can't beat a lifetime guarantee, anything with that kind of warranty seems worthy to spend a buck on... __________________ -Chris Tread Lightly! 04 Double Cab PreRunner. 3.4 - Auto 84 4Runner 4WD. 22R - 5 spd Lifted, Locked, 33x12.50 Disclaimer:My Photobucket is being revamped. If there are broken links, shoot me a PM. Thanks. ~Chris Great Toyota Tech Last edited by 04 Rocko Taco : 08-07-2007 at 05:20 PM.

08-07-2007, 05:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
MudHippy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Realm Of Fecal Cohesion Posts: 1,926	Ace/True Value is Master Mechanic, it's on par with Craftsman and the like. NAPA's house brand is good stuff too. Anybody tried Indestro? Some how an Indestro 14mm/15mm crescent wrench ended up in my box. I am very impressed with it's strength. Grips like a socket wrench, the jaws don't wan't to spread at all. Probably costs a fortune. Never seen it for sale no where, maybe they quit makin' it. I dunno. Found on e-bay, obviously. I don't care what it is if it don't cost too much and don't break too easy. I'll break whatever $$$ brand you give me just as broke as the cheaper. Then there's crap that's too cheap to be good, you got to be smart that way too. Poo poo tools, you know what I mean. __________________ Sonoran Steel Early IFS Truss Your IFS is SPINELESS without it SonoranSteel.com I'm Cuckoo For YOTA Trucks! Last edited by MudHippy : 08-07-2007 at 06:00 PM.

08-07-2007, 05:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
SoCal4Running Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oceanside, CA. Posts: 786	First off let me say that I have broken tools from every manufacture. That being said I tend to stick with tools that do have a lifetime warranty (the kind where you dont need to keep the receipt). Also convience is a absolute must; I dont want to chase down a truck or drive across the city to get a tool replaced and pass 3 sears and 2 home depots to get it. __________________ '86 4runner 22RE, 5-speed, LC Street EFI head w/ cam, LC Pistons, ARP Head Studs, Downey header, Dynomax 2 1/4" full exhaust, VDO water temp guage, 01-03 Tacoma cd\tape radio with 10" Bazzoka, Downey 2" rear springs, GDI radiator, Torus fan DONE!!!! '68 Ford Mustang Fastback Daily driver with a built 289 and a streetfighter trans.(Retired) 98 Subaru Outback-Took over daily driving duties MicroMatic.com Waco93.com

08-08-2007, 08:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	I got almost all stanley and crescent branded sockets, husky pro ratchets (very nice stuff) and misc stuff. My work tools (I do battery service for AAA) are all stanley and very nice imho. Lifetime warranty on it all, although it woulda been nice if I broke a socket if I could go to the store but I cant. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet. Last edited by CJM : 08-08-2007 at 08:55 PM.

08-08-2007, 09:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
nix4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: I'm an Ohio boy! Posts: 1,199	Most of my tools are Snap-On (can't a 53% discount through school) The wrenches and sockets are the best, toughest stuff I've ever used...period. On the other hand, don't waste your money on hammers, pliers, or adjustable wrenches. Questionable quality considering the pricetag. Haven't actually tried Kobalt yet, but they look like quality tools. __________________ The Stable... 2002 Toyota Tundra SR5 AccCab V8 4WD 1992 Toyota Truck DLX Xcab V6 5-speed 4WD 1995 Honda Accord LX 4 door I4 Check out my sweet myspace

08-08-2007, 09:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
YodaPala Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gateway City Posts: 467	Klein are my favey. __________________ Airaid cold air kit, airaid throttle body spacer, Jardine cat-back exhaust, Alpine 9815 receiver, two pair polk momo component (mm6) speakers, two polk 12" subs (dx12) Alpine dvd changer, Alpine xm radio module, lightning audio 1.0 farad capacitor rockford fosgate (two) 250@2 punch amps, (one) rockford fosgate 200@4 for the components, all monster cable wiring for ai-net stuff+power wiring. Dynamat all over the place, Bridgestone REVO's 255/70/16 mated to 16x8 trd Ivan Stewart wheels

08-08-2007, 09:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
razrwild Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: dirty jersey Posts: 240	I can't justify to myself that the price is worth it for Snap-on, Mac, and the like so I'm an airport diesel mech with a box full of craftsman, kobalt, and mastermechanic. I got a $20 set of metric/standard long and stubby wrenches with a lifetime warranty from Advance that are master mechanic and haven't had a bit of trouble with them except the holder sucks. The kobalt and craftsman have performed great as well and returning them is a snap, show up, show broken things, get new things, go home. Kobalt isn't made by Snapon anymore but I heard that they're made at the same foundry that makes craftsman now. __________________ 89 4runner 22re 5spd bone stock 224k miles DD

08-08-2007, 10:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,041	anything with a good return policy and stanly has this bugger witch is by far the best ratchet I have ever owned.http://www.stanleytools.com/default....otator+Ratchet I think you can get one at walmart for 27$ __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

08-09-2007, 06:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
Pest Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 348	Most of my sockets, ratchets, and box wrenches are all Craftsmen, all the tid bits that I'll only use once in a while are all Harber Freight. The Craftsmen tools that I have are really nice and not too steep of price. All the rest I don't have to use all too often, so Cheap was the goal there, and if they break, they are cheap enough to replace while still being less than a big brand name. __________________ -Pest (Nate) 1985 4Runner 272,xxx miles and still young! 2" lift. 32" x 11.50" BFG A/T's on 15" American Racing Wheels. NEW! - Aussie Locker in the rear! Woo! Rock Crawling puts the FUN in Funeral.

08-09-2007, 06:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
PoleVaulter95 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 229	my gramps got me hooked on craftsman and i know why. walk into a sears tell them your rachet is messing up no questions asked they will just tell you to go grab a new one off the shelf. done deal. you cant beat it. __________________ 95 4runner 3.0 auto downey torsion bars and hd springs 32 khumos and way to much spray paint

08-09-2007, 06:50 AM	#12 (permalink)
rdlsz24 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pecatonica, IL Posts: 1,385	I try to stick to Craftsman so if I break it I can just take it into Sears after work and they mail me a new one if they don't have it in stock. Only had to do that once. Rob __________________ 1988 Xtra Cab Pickup ('94 22RE; 4x4; 5spd) Rancho lift w/ 33x12.5x15 tires & 5.29s

08-10-2007, 04:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
killa b Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: phoenix az Posts: 310	i use craftsman and use them everyday never broke nothin. i also use gearwrench box wrenches and have had no problem with them and there not to pricy either there the ratcheting ones to.

08-10-2007, 05:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
89dlx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Branford, CT. Posts: 898	I have Matco, Snap On, Mac, and a little of Craftsman. I break one or the other sometimes, but when you use them as much as I do, somethings going to break. I can't bring my tool box home (too big), so I bought an assortment of Craftsman tools and a small toolbox so I can work on my Toyota and do smaller sidejobs at my house.

08-10-2007, 05:06 PM	#16 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,501	Stanley and Craftsman for me, with a few Huskys and Snap-On thrown in for variety's sake... __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok?

08-10-2007, 06:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
96redtoy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Merritt Island FL Posts: 566	i have found people throwing craftsman tools away bring them to sears get new ones thats what i like. if you really don't want to spend thet much money look into harbor frieght they are all pieces of junk but if you break one it was only 5 bucks they don't have any warrenty on them but they are so cheap. there great tools to keep in the tool box that doesn't lock if they get stollen its not that bad. but snap-on matco craftsman and husky is the best tools you can buy

08-10-2007, 06:15 PM	#18 (permalink)
hross14 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 819	cornwell--but i have a mix of Snap-on, Mac, Habor Freight, Misc and Craftsman---Of course SO, Mac, CW and CM are mt favorites--never let me down and have the best quality. routinely torque on my 1/4 ratchet with no problems--crazy-----but they are expensive Must have though isa set of wobblies. Couldnt live without __________________ Yes, I said "country." America really is a nation, but you couldn't convince those who lead the Democratic and Republican Parties of that. Both parties now see America as nothing more than an economy, a marketplace, and not a sovereign nation. They don't see you and me as citizens of this great nation; they see us as units of labor, consumers and taxpayers. Yes, I am here to collect my 238$ worth of stock from AIG. "What do you mean a free market economy doesnt apply to the rich?"

08-10-2007, 06:29 PM	#19 (permalink)
*waskillywabbit* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 11,511	I have many of both of my grandfather's Craftsman hand tools that were bought when they were young men, I'm guessing the early 1900s and I will continue to buy Craftsman hand tools as you can find a SEARS anywhere and the lifetime warranty and intial cost are hard to beat. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC www.myspace.com/wabfab 6th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, May 22-25, 2009 WabFab Off-Road Salvation Army Online Kettle

08-10-2007, 06:45 PM	#20 (permalink)
pitpatt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Rocky Top, Tennessee Posts: 404