Reality Check & spend my money

[pcpro15]

I ran across the craftsman, kobalt, and autozone outsourcing threads the other day. Thanks for the reality check GJ. It became real when I ordered two sets of flare wrenches yesterday online (and promptly returned them) from sears. The craftsman professional flare wrenches are made in china now (and you can tell). I also can't stand the fact that if I bought USA tools at craftsman, if they broke would be replaced with china stuff without a choice. There goes the plan of the craftsman professional made in USA wrenches. Not anymore

I want to buy some quality USA tools, but want convenience too if I need utilize the warranty. In this case, I am thinking SO tools because there isn't really anything else around me.

FHX80 - (3/8 locking flex soft grip) - bought last weekend
Metric & Standard Flare sets
Metric & Standard combo flank drive
Torque extension set
ct4410 - (3/8 cordless impact ) if funds exist

Are there any tools you would buy SO for a DIY'r toolbox?

 

[pcpro15]

bump

 

[kornjulio]

You're asking a pretty broad question; and you don't even state what your plans are: general use, automotive specific, farm equipment, etc....

My best advice would be to not limit yourself to just on brand of tools. Yes, C'man seems to be going downhill but you can still pick up a lot of USA new & used pieces that are worthy of any shadetree garage. There's also SK, Armstrong, Wright, etc.

I have tools from all the major players & don't concern myself with warranty too much. In all my years I've had pretty good luck with USA tools & never was in a position where a busted tool stopped a job I was working on....just took care of it at a later date...

 

[american lockpicker]

Wright is good.

 

[mrholeshot]

I wouldn't let the new China Craftsman stop me from buying the older Craftsman pro. It rare you actually break a quality wrench

 

[toolnut]

Williams wrenches and socket sets are USA. Lots of suppliers online. Of course there are lots of good deals in the classifieds on here and you can post your want list in the wanted section.

 

[pcpro15]

You're asking a pretty broad question; and you don't even state what your plans are: general use, automotive specific, farm equipment, etc....

My best advice would be to not limit yourself to just on brand of tools. Yes, C'man seems to be going downhill but you can still pick up a lot of USA new & used pieces that are worthy of any shadetree garage. There's also SK, Armstrong, Wright, etc.

I have tools from all the major players & don't concern myself with warranty too much. In all my years I've had pretty good luck with USA tools & never was in a position where a busted tool stopped a job I was working on....just took care of it at a later date...

My general plans are to buy quality the first time (with whoever), and make it last, and possibly pass these tools on some day. I am a shade tree type, and do all of my own work (except tire mounting / balancing, alignments, etc). Almost every weekend I am wrenching on something. I can also get some decent pricing on SO this month, so i'd rather spend a few more $ for piece of mind I guess. For me, warranty, reliability, convenience of exchange, and value are important to me when considering tools. It is just the way I am. I know the SO truck delivers to a shop about 5 minutes up the road. How hard is it to warranty stuff with SK, Armstrong, etc if it ever needed to be done?

I wouldn't let the new China Craftsman stop me from buying the older Craftsman pro. It rare you actually break a quality wrench

I too thought about buying cman's professional polished wrench sets anyway, but if one does break for some odd reason, I end up with a china one. With the quality of the flare wrenches I saw yesterday, I won't hold my breath for a reliable replacement from craftsman. I encourage you to go check them out when you get the chance. It certainly changed my tune.

I am not going to completely get rid of craftsman, but I will now be selective on what I buy (like I am with harbor freight).

Williams wrenches and socket sets are USA. Lots of suppliers online. Of course there are lots of good deals in the classifieds on here and you can post your want list in the wanted section.

Wright is good.

Thanks guys, I'll look into them.

 

[indestro]

You can also buy wright and sk from sears if you want to pay 4 times craftsman

 

[HandyManny]

All I can say is that if you're breaking flare nut wrenches and need them warranted, then you're using the wrong tool for the job at hand. They're intended for flare connections, not bolts.

 

[pcpro15]

All I can say is that if you're breaking flare nut wrenches and need them warranted, then you're using the wrong tool for the job at hand. They're intended for flare connections, not bolts.

I agree. If your refering to my replacment analogy (buy usa, get china replacement), it was ment as an example. The same will hold true with the craftsman professional wrenches. Back to the flares...I would be more concerned about rounding hardware off with low quality craftsman tool I was handed yesterday.

 

[pcpro15]

You can also buy wright and sk from sears if you want to pay 4 times craftsman

If im paying that much, ill go SO. Looks like they are 3rd party sales anyway. Thanks for the info though

 

[Skin]

Are there any tools you would buy SO for a DIY'r toolbox?

to answer this, no. If you're buying any truck brand for the occasional weekend you change your oil or spark plug or the rare break job you're just look for extravagant ways to spend your money.

 

[kornjulio]

How hard is it to warranty stuff with SK, Armstrong, etc if it ever needed to be done?

I dunno...the only things I've ever broke have been my C'man stuff....mostly stripped out rats & busted screwdriver tips...but then again, I've had my C'man tools the longest.

Just recently started acquiring SO rats. Boy are they nice compared to the C'man ones...almost too nice to use in the garage, sliding them across the concrete floor & such...

...I've never thought twice about using my C'man 1/2" rat for a hammer if it's close by...lol...

 

[tw33k2514]

to answer this, no

Oh come on, Snap-on does have some stuff even a DIY'r can afford. Like the rebranded Grip-on locking pliers. And some may disagree, but I would still pay for an F80 even if I was only a DIY'r.

 

[pcpro15]

to answer this, no. If you're buying any truck brand for the occasional weekend you change your oil or spark plug or the rare break job you're just look for extravagant ways to spend your money.

Guess I may be... but like I said ill be getting some good pricing

Just recently started acquiring SO rats. Boy are they nice compared to the C'man ones...almost too nice to use in the garage, sliding them across the concrete floor & such...

Oh come on, Snap-on does have some stuff even a DIY'r can afford. Like the rebranded Grip-on locking pliers. And some may disagree, but I would still pay for an F80 even if I was only a DIY'r.

I guess skin hasn't use an F80 yet. I know what both of you are talking about

 

[Skin]

Oh come on, Snap-on does have some stuff even a DIY'r can afford. Like the rebranded Grip-on locking pliers. And some may disagree, but I would still pay for an F80 even if I was only a DIY'r.

Rebranded stuff? You dont need SO to buy rebranded tools. Quite a few Grip-On pliers can be purchased from Amazon for about 40% less than what SO wants.

A home tool kit does not in any way need or require snap-on hard line tools. If you're legitimately worried about breaking a steel wrench as an average joe you probably shouldnt even be allowed near a vehicle with a tool.

Guess I may be... but like I said ill be getting some good pricing

At least you're honest about it.

I guess skin hasn't use an F80 yet. I know what both of you are talking about

FL80, i like my fine teeth in longer ratchets. Not worried about whether or not i'll catch a tooth with a 7" ratchet.

 

[tw33k2514]

Rebranded stuff? You dont need SO to buy rebranded tools. Quite a few Grip-On pliers can be purchased from Amazon for about 40% less than what SO wants.

A home tool kit does not in any way need or require snap-on hard line tools. If you're legitimately worried about breaking a steel wrench as an average joe you probably shouldnt even be allowed near a vehicle with a tool.

I was just pointing out that they are affordable. If you want to order on amazon that is fine. But some people would rather go find a truck, and have them instantly. It is still a great value.

 

[ibedayank]

Compare the online prices of SK and snapon.... pretty much even...
http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/17.htm

 

[ibedayank]

Rebranded stuff? You dont need SO to buy rebranded tools. Quite a few Grip-On pliers can be purchased from Amazon for about 40% less than what SO wants.

A home tool kit does not in any way need or require snap-on hard line tools. If you're legitimately worried about breaking a steel wrench as an average joe you probably shouldnt even be allowed near a vehicle with a tool.



At least you're honest about it.



FL80, i like my fine teeth in longer ratchets. Not worried about whether or not i'll catch a tooth with a 7" ratchet.

Well being i do 1/2 of my ""WORK"" from home when i can afford to i will be replacing some stuff with snapon or williams

 

[Fedwrench]

Buy used, either US craftsman or a truck brand. However, if you want to buy snap on, you don't need our permission or encouragement to do so.
Not all williams sockets and wrenches are US made.
Wright is a quality tool however, their prices are close to snap on unless you can get a deal.
I feel Proto is excellent choice for most mechanics hand tools.
The only thing I really like snap on for is their flare crowfeet and line wrenches but, that's just me.
It's too soon to tell how the new SK will shake out.
My philosophy has also been to buy well made tools that won't fail through normal use (regardless of COO) than to buy a warranty. After all a great lifetime warranty gives you a lifetime of failed tools.

 

[ibedayank]

PCPRO I would rather spend my cash on tools than booze or drugs. And i do spend my extra money on tools and i am in NO where near done buying them...lol

 

[ibedayank]

I wonder who owns snapon inc.???... its not apex tool group

 

[schloe]

I wonder who owns snapon inc.???... its not apex tool group

The public does. You can even own a share of snap-on if you wish.

 

[ibedayank]

The public does. You can even own a share of snap-on if you wish.

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/17.htm
look at the bottom

 

[pcpro15]

Buy used, either US craftsman or a truck brand. However, if you want to buy snap on, you don't need our permission or encouragement to do so.

My philosophy has also been to buy well made tools that won't fail through normal use (regardless of COO) than to buy a warranty. After all a great lifetime warranty gives you a lifetime of failed tools.

That is true, we can get off of that subject I guess. Just wanted to see if there were any tools you would buy SO over what I listed in post 1.

I'll agree with you there, but buying a quality tool and not having to ever replace it is very nice. Having the lifetime for that rare reason just completes it imho.

 

[pcpro15]

PCPRO I would rather spend my cash on tools than booze or drugs. And i do spend my extra money on tools and i am in NO where near done buying them...lol

Lol, good point. Thanks for the new justification.

 

[leod]

I got that CM prof wrench set for $42 made in USA, they look very good and used the 17mm for oil change. i am not sure if i am going to break this in my lifetime on a non-daily use (DIY).

not worried about the warranty, limited lifetime warranty policy can change in the future and/or US hand tools can to overseas even the mighty SO.