cheap vs good steel tools

[dan1552]

This may be a question that has been asked already , but can someone give me a basic understanding of the differences in production technique between you average import socket and the truck brands or craftsman for that matter. I have been taught and have experienced through the loss of my own blood that these imports are inferior but Id like to know specifically why due to production method. THANKS TO ALL!!!

[Nealcrenshaw]

Welcome aboard.
Dont have alot of time here so.

1.Tempering/hardening of the steel
2.Re-tempering/hardening of the steel.
3.The quality of the steel/alloys.
4.Plating process
5.Identificaton of tool-etched,stamped,painted
6.Workmanship

[rsanter]

its all based on quality

quality as in the precition of the machining and broaching operations

quality of the material used

quality of the plating

bob

[billymade]

Watch this "how its made" video; it will show you the production process that Snapon sockets go through... most professional sockets are made in a similar manner.

Here it is on iTunes; it should show up on youtube.com for free soon!

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTVSeason?i=321196217&id=312091537&s=143441

Snapon ratchets:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyHjQ_MJUDc

[malibu101]

I learned the differences of steel tools on a few things. What comes to mind is-
1- In my early days of working on cars I needed a ball joint fork. Back then there was no HF, there were "tool gyspsies" who sold the cheap import HF-type tools of the day that would roll into your town with a semi full of tools. I thought "Gee, it's just a piece of steel made to be beat upon how can you go wrong." Well it mushroomed, bent and was virtually useless on its first use. Forged forks after that.
2- My first trip to HF many years ago. Prybars-Same thought as the pickle fork. I bought a few bars. Well, they bend very well but don't do much else other than scare you.
If you start to talk yourself into buying a low quality tools, stop. The answer is walk away.

[Bull]

Great SO video, Billy! I really like that show, but had not seen that episode.

[Bull]

If you start to talk yourself into buying a low quality tools, stop. The answer is walk away.

Walk away ONLY after reading the HF thread here on this very site! :thumbup:

[cruiser808]

I learned the differences of steel tools on a few things. What comes to mind is-
1- In my early days of working on cars I needed a ball joint fork. Back then there was no HF, there were "tool gyspsies" who sold the cheap import HF-type tools of the day that would roll into your town with a semi full of tools. I thought "Gee, it's just a piece of steel made to be beat upon how can you go wrong." Well it mushroomed, bent and was virtually useless on its first use. Forged forks after that.
2- My first trip to HF many years ago. Prybars-Same thought as the pickle fork. I bought a few bars. Well, they bend very well but don't do much else other than scare you.
If you start to talk yourself into buying a low quality tools, stop. The answer is walk away.

+1. I too, bought a no name cheapo ball joint fork back in the 80's. I got mine from J.C. Whitney, a company well known for selling low budget automotive parts and accessories.

By sheer dumb luck, my purchase worked out pretty well. It was rough looking with no identifying marks or COO at all, but it worked as designed and actually put dimples in the old Plumb hammer head the first time I used it. I later smooth filed the fork's end to avoid hammer head dimples. I still have it.

[dan1552]

I apologize but my internet here is lousy and cant really stream from utube . I was wondering if one of you who has seen the process explain the process, and more importantly explain the difference between the high middle and low end developmental process for the forgeing of the sockets or tools. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL!

[sberry]

The gap has narrowed on a lot of stuff,,, not to include a 5$ 40pc socket set. End wrenches come a long way, cheap sockets subject to hi stress not so good.

[malibu101]

Walk away ONLY after reading the HF thread here on this very site! :thumbup:

My above post with the pry bars was actually my first HF experience.
HF does have it's place. Since that first visit to the holy grail, one opened a few miles from where I work. I have had a few positive HF experiences since as well. Shop wisely there are very good deals there!
Core tools that are used everyday/regularly like "basic" size wrenches & sockets-Buy something good (I know, that's very subjective like all these tool war threads) you will be glad over time that you did.

[peter08]

Many special sockets are made by rotary broaching.

Rotary Broaching Video (http://www.slatertools.com/video.htm)

[The Rusty Gear]

I apologize but my internet here is lousy and cant really stream from utube . I was wondering if one of you who has seen the process explain the process, and more importantly explain the difference between the high middle and low end developmental process for the forgeing of the sockets or tools. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL!

The forging process is pretty much the same everywhere. BIG hammer hits metal squishing it into shape.

The difference is in material, heat treating and design / tolerance checking of the forging dies etc. The lack of quality does not have much to do with The PROCESS of forging because that is only the most basic first step in manufacturing. Low end you skip subsequent steps or choose cheaper ways (cheaper steel, no QA/QC, inferior or no heat treatment, cheap finishing, improper reduction ratio for forging, worn out dies etc).

[Merkava_4]

I was wondering if one of you who has seen the process explain the process, and more importantly explain the difference between the high middle and low end developmental process for the forging of the sockets or tools.

dan1552

I don't believe there's anyone on the board here that can answer your question. The manufacturing process, blow by blow, is something that I've been trying to learn for a long time as well, but the only knowledge that I have is what I've seen in the posted video links. The videos will give you a basic idea, but they won't explain the whole process in depth, step by step. Some of the manufacturing techniques are kept somewhat of a secret; you've got to factor that in too.