What brand are you? (Tools that is)

VolkswagenSlave · Post by **VolkswagenSlave** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:45 am

I am currently a student at an automotive tech school, and will soon graduate. Through the school I am given the opertunity to purchase alot of diffrent brands at a discount. I belive all the big name brands are covered under the discount, but there are alot of them. So my question is what is your prefrence. I have used Snap-on, SK, and Craftsman and so far I have been happy with all of them. What do you use?

Post by **doc** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 6:53 am

VWS,

I've had all 3 brands you mention in use for more than 30 years - a few years professionally and a lot of years using screwdrivers as pry bars and chisels. In all those years, I have only broken (always total abuse) a few and worn out less. The big names build stuff to last many lifetimes if you will take care of them. My SnapOn 3/8" ratchet has twisted a lot of bolts. Every time I have broken something, all 3 brands replace for free without question. Although these tools are not cheap, I have never regretted the purchase of one of these name brand items. SK may not be as readily available in all areas as SnapOn and Craftsman and Mac Tools is probably a quality name not on your list.

Now, the rest of the story. It appears that you may be planning to be a pro mechanic. In that case, I might not wander far from the name brands (and big prices). But, if you're like me, and only use your tools occasionally, there may be some choices. Over the last few years, I have bought quite a few tools from Harbor Freight (and other discounters) that have served well. Sometimes I get a tool where the chrome flakes off a little or the cosmetics aren't perfect, but a 13mm wrench is pretty much a 13mm wrench any way you slice it. I have seldom been disappointed with these tools. They definitely don't have the bling-bling factor of SnapOn, but the cost savings is significant.Many times you can buy 4 or 5 HF tools for the price of 1 SnapOn. Gotta live with the Made In China part.

Another issue I have been internally struggling with is the "new" toolboxes. I bought my Craftsman boxes in 1975. At the time I had to borrow money to do it. It was a big purchase. The boxes cost hundreds of dollars. Recently, I looked at the same size/configuration boxes from Mac Tools for over $3000! The difference mainly is the roller bearing slides. Now, I agree withe most, roller bearing slides are pretty nice, but, IMO, the marketing department has stepped in to overprice this stuff big time.

I guess if I was a pro and opened my box a thousand times a day, I might be able to justify the additional expense, but for those of us that are hobbyists, paying thousands to have roller slides and SnapOn on the front seems imprudent to me. My advice is check out both. BIG PRICE DIFFERENCES!

Just one guys opinion. If you've got millions, go SnapOn. If not, shop around.

doc

Rescue912 · Post by **Rescue912** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 6:56 am

My torque wrenches are snap-on and the rest is a mix also. I've had good luck with Craftsman replacing things and have cracked a couple of 10mm and 19mm sockets - probably can attribute those to abuse too

mullet mayhem · Post by **mullet mayhem** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 2:59 pm

I personally like to use name brand tools for anything that must be accurate. Such as a torque wrenchs, mics, and dial indicators. Sockets are socket, I see that the mac truck has some fancy semi deep sockets and that's about the only fancy socket I see. You might look into using the discount (or if your at UTI that 1000 dollar tool bonus they give) to get a scanner. Might be spendy, but you'll use it all the time on the newer cars.

helowrench · Post by **helowrench** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 7:54 pm

I do love my Craftsman tools, but for a slightly different reason than most. I am a professional mechanic and I use my tools all day, every day. If I break a Craftsman tool, I can run by Sears (or Western Auto) if I need it NOW. If I was to break my limited amount of Snap-On, Matco, Mac, Cornwall etc tools then I have to go find a local vendor for that brand or schedule for them to come by the shop. I do not want to be at their mercy for their schedule. Some tools I can wait a week to have replaced, while most , I cannot.

That being said I will offer some other stuff to think about.
My home tools are a mix, I have Craftsman sockets and ratchets because I have broken more cheap sockets than you could imagine, while these have lasted forever.
My home wrenches however are harbor freight, like craftsman I have never broken one of these, EVER.
The other reason for any lifetime warranty tools is that you can take them back and exchange them when the chrome finish cracks and peels, do it as soon as you notice it, or mark my words you will remember this post when you have to dig a peice of chrome out from your flesh.
Craftsman will exchange something if you just do not think it is quite right, that guy working the counter does not care how you broke/mangled that wrech/screwdriver/socket/etc, he just wants to take his next smokebreak.
The Snap-off dealer has a vested interest, he is out one of whatever you are trying to return until corperate pays him back. some dealers will try to deny the warranty by saying that you used that screwdriver as a chisel etc etc (and yes they can deny the exchange)
That said, The only tool that I will NEVER buy from anyone but Snap-off is the ratcheting screwdriver. theirs is by far the best hands down.

Oh yeah, Sears toolboxes are less than HALF of any body else in cost for comparable product.
although the stainless steel one I saw at Sam's was beautiful.
And after 15years of buying tools I still ask for sear's gift cards every Christmas mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm tools

Beyond all, pick up the tool and close your eyes, Fit is important, looks are less so (especially covered in muck at the end of the day)

Rob

John W. Kelly · Post by **John W. Kelly** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 9:21 pm

I probably have more tools than 90% of the folks here and will have to agree with helowrench and Craftsman tools. No waiting for the Snap-On or Mac truck to show up, you just head to Sears and your done. I do like the feel of Snap-On wrenches though. $$$$! My 1 1/2" SO wrench costs about $80 for just one wrench!!! But it ain't gonna break! I had a problem getting SO to re-calibrate one of my torque wrenches several years ago because the wrench was "no longer sold" as the exact part number that I had. Not the answer for a $200 plus tool I wanted to hear to say the least! I saw another SO vender truck and talked to him. No problem. I got the wrench done through him. I was disapointed that I did not receive (initially)the support I felt I had paid for. Still, SO is a very fine tool.

Can Drive Soon · Post by **Can Drive Soon** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 4:05 am

Got a set of Craftsman tools, guarenteed forever, look pretty feel good etc. Got one of their bearing,griplatich roller cabinetss, work great but the top drawer hit somting , but that is an easy fix. Bought an old house 2 years ago and found a rusty 1/4" bar and socket wrench in the ground took em over to sears and got $25 worth of tools free!

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 4:36 am

I've been using S/K since 1968 when I bought my first rachet set at age 12 (and I still have it). I like the way they work and how they feel in my hand.

I've got some Snap-on, Mac and Hazet.

I've never been a fan of Craftsman. The lifetime guaranty doesn't sell me since even cheaper brands had one. Their sockets and wrenches don't fit as well as the premium brands.

I buy most of my tools over the internet and generally pay 2/3 to 1/2 of the retail price.

I bought most of my air tools from online pawn shops. I got a brand new Ingersol Rand impact gun for $80 and a slightly used Mac air rachet for $30.

John W. Kelly · Post by **John W. Kelly** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:09 am

Damn good point, Glenn. I have found that yard sales can be a great way to find used tools too. I bought an old valve grinder for $75 and found a nice seat grinding kit in the paper for $100 (the guy even delivered it to my door)! Also bought a Snap-On commutator refinishing tool for $50 at a swap meet. Alot of it has to do with keeping an ear open for deals and having the money right NOW!

Kafer_Mike · Post by **Kafer_Mike** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:18 am

90% of my hand tools are the classic Craftsman with a mix of Snap-On and MAC, most being found in yard sales. I agree with helowrench on the Snap-On ratchet screwdriver. It my favorite of all the tools in my box. The newer Craftsman professional series are nice too; smooth finish with shiney chrome. Purty...

kingd33 · Post by **kingd33** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 3:34 am

I have mostly craftsman,but it seems that the quality has dropped on some of the tools

Can Drive Soon · Post by **Can Drive Soon** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 3:56 am

I got a Craftsman 251 piece set of sockets and wrenches 2 christmases ago. Quality was execelent of everything exept the cheesy box it all came in.

slowtwitch · Post by **slowtwitch** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:42 am

I'm going on the limb here and say that I use pittsburg forge (harbor frieght) hand tools (wrenches, sockets, etc). They are just 1/4 mile from me. I've been using them for a while and they work. Important tools like a torque wrench(S-K) or a mig welder(Miller), I do stay with the big boys. If I did this for a living, then I would probably use snap on or mac. It's just a hobby for me and the money I save goes towards my bugs and engine rebuilt.

pete

mullet mayhem · Post by **mullet mayhem** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 6:47 pm

If cheap gets the job done right, go for it. I just bought an 8 piece set of pittsburgh stubby SAE wrenches for 6 bucks.

I'm happy.

supervw · Post by **supervw** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 8:48 pm

I work as a mechanic for a living and i have used many of the popular brands (SnapOn, Craftsman, S.K, Mac, Cornwell and Hazet)
I personaly have a mixed box of tools, even though the majority of the stuff i have is Snapon, i have found that certain brands of tools are just made better or feel beter to me than others. I really like SnapOn screwdrivers, hammers and some air tools. Some of my favorite hex headed sockets are from Cornwell (they have the best stubbies i think!) And i love Hazet for there fit and Sheer quality!
But i am fortunate enough to have the snapon, cornwell, mac. matco guys come to our door every week. so service is no problem.(only our snapon rep is a A-hole!).
AND i also have found that the set of Deep 1/2" impact sockets that cost me $15 at Harbor Freight are just as worthy as a set of $250 Snap on deep sockets! (compaired hand in hand and in practice). So really just get what you feel is best and dont get suckerd into the hype. But you really cant go wrong with the big brand tools (alteast the ones they make out of there own factorires, not the re-labled poop!)

Oh and about boxes.... dont buy them you sucker! (Atleast new or off the truck!) thats where they make most of there money from you, it's fine if you have the money to blow on a simple, hyped and marked up box. but a new box is not needed unless you HAVE to have a large capacity like the newer ones allow. I find that my old hand me down stack on's work just fine. (I have the snap on rep pushing me almost every week to get a new box! it's so funny!)