Snapon or Craftsman?

[lars]

Nick, I respect your desire to want Snap-on but I think for someone doing this as a hobby you're foolish to get them for all practical purposes. Tool truck brands sell on service; the show up weekly and provide credit. You can lean against your box in your garage all day and twice on Sunday and the Snap-on guy is not going to show up to sell you something or warranty a tool. He's probably not going to give a 15 year old credit either or keep you in the loop of when sales occur. So ultimately if you go the Snap-on route you will pay a premium price to spend all day tracking down the Snap-on guy when you need something and having to pay cash for everything, that's plain dumb. There are a lot of great tools out there that are way better than Craftsman and way less costly than Snap-on; Gearwrench, S-K, Proto to name a few.

Assuming you're not a 15 year old with a small fortune, you're better off saving your cash for tools you need when the time comes or specialty tools - welders, presses, pullers, specailty kits. A Snap-on tool may not round off a bolt that another brand will 1 out of 10,000 times, but you can have the greatest collection of Snap-on in the world and be dead in the water when you need a jaw puller, radiator test kit or a welder.

 

[Wakefield]

There are a few one of a kind weird eclectic tools that can make life easier in special situations that come from places like Snap On or Mac/Matco, (or even German Hazet/Stahlwille)an example was when someone was trying to get a 12 point 12mm. capscrew/bolt out of a recessed hole,I think the tool that showed up as specific to that was a Snap On S6160 it looks like a 1/2" drive extension except instead of the male end there is a 12 point 12mm. opening.
But maybe a Wright 3/8" drive 12 point deep socket would have worked? Did that guy ever post back? (A regular 1/2" drive socket in 12mm. on a 1/2" drive extension would have been too fat to fit down in the hole) the S6160 is skinnier
Brake bleeder wrenches? or maybe just ordinary 6 point box end wrenches OK

 

[sk farmer]

wow, five pages!

what can i offer that others did not already?

just my 2 cents woth i guess.

if you can find one, the us made 255 pc. cman set was a hell of a deal. sometimes as low as 150 bucks. just about every socket and wrench you need in a nice case. add in a few channelock pliers, the us made cman pry bar set (same as wilde) one or two good hammers and some decent drivers (i like the snap-on ratcheting or williams sets that are identical to snap-on hard handles).

with that covered you can do just about anything you need at your skill level and not break the bank. it is also an excellent base to build a more advanced set on.

if you want to improve the ratchets and still stay in budget go with gearwrench in the 60 or 120xp sets. top notch ratchets for low dollars. in your position, i would want more ratchet variety than dropping big dollars on a single ratchet.

matter of fact, i doubt that you could do much better than the 3 piece standard handle and 4 piece flex head 120 xp gearwrench ratchet sets. you don't need snap-on ratchets right off the bat.

 

[n8n]

and some decent drivers (i like the snap-on ratcheting or williams sets that are identical to snap-on hard handles).

this one?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NI1LZK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've been using the Cman one waaaaaay more than I thought I would. Almost bought the Snap-On one off eBay but missed it. Is this comparable?

 

[nick.koehler6]

I think I am going to stay with Cman/proto/S.K For a while. That list of my tools was not complete. I was running late for school. My entire list I will say now.
-Craftsman 263 piece (Not 220)
-Craftsman 3/8 IN.LB Torque wrench
-Craftsman 1/2 Impact Sockets
-Craftsman 33 Gallon Quiet Air Compressor
-Craftsman 50' 3/8 Air Hose
-Craftsman 3 Drawer Service Cart
-Craftsman Wrench set 6mm-18mm
-Craftsman extensions
-Craftsman Crow foot
-Campbell hausefield Mig welder
-De-Walt Grinder
-Tool Shop Exacto Knife set
-Craftsman 1/2 Cordless Impact

What I want from Snap-on are the Dual 80 Ratchets and the Screw drivers from Snap-on. Also, the T-handle torx and hex drivers.

 

[1950mercury]

You would be better off with a hf cart,extensions and impact sockets. Hf pro line is Taiwan and craftsman is china. Read up on the hf pass fail thread taiwan tools are typically better than china.

If the compressor is oil less pass on ot to they are junk

 

[d.mcfarland]

What I want from Snap-on are the Dual 80 Ratchets and the Screw drivers from Snap-on. Also, the T-handle torx and hex drivers.

Get the Williams screwdrivers off of Amazon. Been said a hundred times and tested even more than that.

 

[Hantke]

yep can tell he has never lived in the rust belt where cars less than 7 years old can be already 1/2 ruated out

Maybe it's because we don't salt the roads out here in oregon for the winter, but i've never had that problem, I've worked on my friends '81 bronco and '77 F250 quite a few times and even then i had no problems with truly seized bolts, the exhaust manifold was a bit of a PITA to get off, but i got it with a breaker bar and a socket (no idea on the brand, it came out of a military kit)

As a driver of a '99 XJ I respectfully disagree. Maybe it won't break a Snappy 12pt. socket, but I felt more comfortable using my impacts to drop the skid plates, change the rear springs, etc. Also had to replace the nut plates and Helicoil the rear bumper captive nuts due to rust. This is a vehicle that I believe likely lived out west somewhere before spending ~5 years in Pittsburgh as a winter beater. It actually is pretty rust free overall, but yeah, rust is an issue. Unless you live well south of the Mason-Dixon line and away from the coast...

I guess my concern is that it always seems like that one time you need something like a 12pt or something, it's right after you spent all your money on a nice 6pt. I didn't take location into consideration when i responded, though.

However, since you he said he wants to be a diesel tech, you will use ALOT of 6pt sockets, it always seems like diesel stuff is a lot tougher and I would probably invest in 6pt's for this reason. (Don't get Snap-On or Matco until you are in college, the 40-60% discount will be a hay-day, though Snap-On limits your tools, i don't think Matco does)

I'm about 45 minutes from the coast in the Pacific NW, only things i've had seized were old steel CAT tractors and my Oldsmobile which was literally under-water and had algae and moss growing all over it.

 

[mechanicalmoron]

Sorry for no reply, I am going to list the current tools I have.
Metric set of Craftsman Wrenches 8mm-19mm
Metric set if Craftsman Impacts 14mm-27mm
Irwin bolt extractors
220 Piece Craftsman box with 6 and 12 point sockets/deepwells
Craftsman 33 gallon quiet air compressor with Craftsman air hose
Craftsman 1/2 Cordless impact.
Various pliers/screw drivers
Craftsman various sized extensions.
Craftsman 3/8 IN.LB Torque wrench
Craftsman tool chest(Small, 3 drawer)

You're nearly a decade younger than me, and have a good bit as many tools as me - and they're surely better matched.

Why on earth do you want to ditch all that for a name? You will see NO benefit in snap-on, and you have a very nice collection, for your age.

I'd say, it sounds like things might be getting cramped, I'd worry more about a new box, than tools - and any empty space will fill in good time.

Just don't forget to walk that portability line - it ***** to not be able to have your tools when you're moving around, for school/work/whatever as you're getting out on your own. It's good to have boxes that you can carry by yourself, and that can fit in a car, not a truck. And you can't count on always having transportation, **** happens to vehicles.

As others have said, it couldn't hurt too much to pick up a nice ratchet (or a handful). If you get snap-on, get used, it's the same service either way. Check out CL. And there's some nice deals in the classifieds here. But there's basically NO reason to get every single piece snap-on, save it for go-fast bits (or shiny bits, whatever your poison) for whatever you're wrenching on.

 

[-Brent-]

Nick, take a look at the Armstrong 88-tooth ratchets, too. I've got a couple and they're pretty nice and a lot less expensive than a dual 80. Although I wouldn't knock them, they're great. I got mine used but they still cost more (used) than the Armstrong. Those GearWrench ratchets would be worth reading up on, too.

I'd look into other screwdrivers. There are more durable options for less money. Some already mentioned in this thread.

 

[Hantke]

I think I am going to stay with Cman/proto/S.K For a while. That list of my tools was not complete. I was running late for school. My entire list I will say now.
-Craftsman 263 piece (Not 220)
-Craftsman 3/8 IN.LB Torque wrench
-Craftsman 1/2 Impact Sockets
-Craftsman 33 Gallon Quiet Air Compressor
-Craftsman 50' 3/8 Air Hose
-Craftsman 3 Drawer Service Cart
-Craftsman Wrench set 6mm-18mm
-Craftsman extensions
-Craftsman Crow foot
-Campbell hausefield Mig welder
-De-Walt Grinder
-Tool Shop Exacto Knife set
-Craftsman 1/2 Cordless Impact

What I want from Snap-on are the Dual 80 Ratchets and the Screw drivers from Snap-on. Also, the T-handle torx and hex drivers.

Okay, you have no reason to upgrade as of now in my opinion, I would start with the ratchets if you are going to, and wait until you are in college to get the discount on the rest. There are plenty of good brands that you can get now, then keep in the garage once you buy Snap-On or Matco.

 

[bsaint]

Without meeting you in person, Id tell the average kid eVolv or HF at 15.

 

[mechanicalmoron]

Nick, take a look at the Armstrong 88-tooth ratchets, too. I've got a couple and they're pretty nice and a lot less expensive than a dual 80. Although I wouldn't knock them, they're great. I got mine used but they still cost more (used) than the Armstrong. Those GearWrench ratchets would be worth reading up on, too.

I'd look into other screwdrivers. There are more durable options for less money. Some already mentioned in this thread.

The ratchets are pretty fine, but gear-wrench just feels SO cheaply made... I don't get the love for them. The handles feel like plastic.

Surely not the best option for someone wanting to upgrade from craftsman to truck tools?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

If you stick with tools, you're going to upgrade from Cman to SO/etc sooner or later for at least some items...Buy once, cry once.

Most my **** has been upgrading for about 2 years....mostly all to SO, except shallow sockets are still, and staying Cman, regular combo wrenches I did Carlyle long pattern with the copy cat FD+ (kick *** btw), and screwdriver type hexs are Bondhus.

SO/GW/Armstrong for rats, SO deep sockets both chrome and impact-reason is broaching is up close and not at the bottom...maybe GW are like this but I didn't check, SO for screwdrivers and torx, SO for pliers...etc.

my 2 pennies..

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Without meeting you in person, Id tell the average kid eVolv or HF at 15.

Why...so he can upgrade later? Just because he's young doesn't mean he's turning different hardware.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

You're nearly a decade younger than me, and have a good bit as many tools as me - and they're surely better matched.

Why on earth do you want to ditch all that for a name? You will see NO benefit in snap-on, and you have a very nice collection, for your age.

I'd say, it sounds like things might be getting cramped, I'd worry more about a new box, than tools - and any empty space will fill in good time.

Just don't forget to walk that portability line - it ***** to not be able to have your tools when you're moving around, for school/work/whatever as you're getting out on your own. It's good to have boxes that you can carry by yourself, and that can fit in a car, not a truck. And you can't count on always having transportation, **** happens to vehicles.

As others have said, it couldn't hurt too much to pick up a nice ratchet (or a handful). If you get snap-on, get used, it's the same service either way. Check out CL. And there's some nice deals in the classifieds here. But there's basically NO reason to get every single piece snap-on, save it for go-fast bits (or shiny bits, whatever your poison) for whatever you're wrenching on.

Do you own any SO? B/c this statement that I bolded and underlined is grossly incorrect...pliers, screwdrivers, swivels, torx, to name a few. You will see a HUGE difference and advantage....but I drank the Kool-Aid...

 

[gagreen]

I wouldn't even get snap on ratchets or screwdrivers at your age/ depth level. If you must have fine tooth rats get the armstrong 88 tooth. They are pro level for sure. Screwdrivers you can get the williams hard handles which are similar to snap on (won't get into that one). Or you can get some witte drivers, also pro level

 

[mechanicalmoron]

Do you own any SO? B/c this statement that I bolded and underlined is grossly incorrect...pliers, screwdrivers, swivels, torx, to name a few. You will see a HUGE difference and advantage....but I drank the Kool-Aid...

I own one tiny combo wrench, somewhere

I'm generalizing, of course. A quality ratchet is important, for instance.

But in terms of most of his plain wrenches, or sockets, or what-have-you, dude, he owns perfectly fine craftsman tools, there is NO performance difference in a, say, cman 14mm, and a so 14mm socket - at ALL. (Oh, but I'm a MAN'S man, and shatter name-brand sockets twenty times a week if they're not snap-on or matco ) The only difference is in the performance capability of snap-on's credit card reader.

I don't subscribe to the idea that you have to get starter junk to break, and buy everything a million times before you get quality - but at the same time, you have to use common sense about what you buy, when, what you need, and what anybody needs. If you work in an industry where money flows like water, like an oil-field, let your boss shell out for snap-on, sure. If you're a normal person, it's MUCH more cost-effective, for the SAME thing, to spend like a tenth as much and get the same steel, in the same shape, to do the same job.

How about this: use your craftsman. When you break a piece, go buy a snap-on replacement. I bet you get a ratchet. Most other things will take most of your life to break. (and while you're at it, send me the broken cman one - I'll warranty it, just like I'd do if I broke ANY brand, in fact, that's one of the main benefits to both cman and so). When did you last break a tool? What was it?

Nah, seriously though, just buy all snap-on, there's no way that craftsman can deal with your awesome inhuman torque output. Also, you better get a pete & your own skateboard to haul your box around, because, your hand-carry box would probably fall right through the bed of an f150, right? and then when you grow up, you can upgrade to a c130 to move your tools.

I'll stop being a jerk now, I just like putting some torque on my conversational points.

 

[RCStocker]

It is a no brainer at your age. Craftsman. Get a complete set of sockets and tools. For a few hundred dollars you can have all your basic tools. It is a good place to start. I have both full lines of Craftsman and Snap-on. While the Snap-on do make many specialty tools that are far much better than Craftsman it will be a few years before you need them.
Go to yard sales and estate sales. You can find pliers of all good brands very cheap. You can get good USA made Vice grips for $2 Yes they are that cheap. I have a hundred of them in all sizes. and I have never paid more than $5 for a big $25 one.

If you end up as a mechanic you will buy better tools and you will find that you can buy most everything you will ever need for 20 to 40 cents on the dollar used.

You will need a back up set and Craftsman is a good for home, the boat and on the road.

For 40 years I used my craftsman on the farm and in construction. I also used them in the machine shop. They never failed. They worked every time. Now I have all Snap-on and other good brands. They feel much better on the hands but they don't do the job any faster. I like my old Craftsman VF ratchets. They are not fine but they are supper smooth and I think they blow Snappies out of the water. I like the new fine tooth and you need those on these sardine sized cars. They are a pregnant puddle jumper. There is no space. Why we have cars with front end drives is nuts. To man parts to ware out and they are no better than a rear wheel drive. Just learn how to dirve.

Put the money you would spend on expensive tools in your retirement plan. Now it the time to start. $100 per month at you age will really multiply by the time you get old.

 

[abvw]

You HAVE to buy Snap-on's Phillips screwdriver. Even a few 1/4" ACR hex bits at $2 a pop will make your life a whole lot easier.

Next best thing would be Dual80 ratchets. A FHLF80 will be the only ratchet you'll ever need. If cheater pipes your thing, get the FX80.

Snap-on also make some of the most aggressive needle nose pliers. The 196CF and 96CF are the best needle nose pliers I've used. Light years ahead of Channellock.

 

[AndrewV]

Beating a dead horse, dog, and turtle at this point guys.
Craftsman is regarded as a lower quality brand, with easy warranty proccess.
Snap on is bar non, one of the most respected brands, with a wait time on warranties(do to waiting for the truck, and mail), but high quality.

Subject done.

 

[n8n]

I think I am going to stay with Cman/proto/S.K For a while. That list of my tools was not complete. I was running late for school. My entire list I will say now.
-Craftsman 263 piece (Not 220)
-Craftsman 3/8 IN.LB Torque wrench
-Craftsman 1/2 Impact Sockets
-Craftsman 33 Gallon Quiet Air Compressor
-Craftsman 50' 3/8 Air Hose
-Craftsman 3 Drawer Service Cart
-Craftsman Wrench set 6mm-18mm
-Craftsman extensions
-Craftsman Crow foot
-Campbell hausefield Mig welder
-De-Walt Grinder
-Tool Shop Exacto Knife set
-Craftsman 1/2 Cordless Impact

What I want from Snap-on are the Dual 80 Ratchets and the Screw drivers from Snap-on. Also, the T-handle torx and hex drivers.

If you're driving an XJ, my next purchase would be a set of Torx sockets. I sucked it up and got the big S-K set but don't regret it. I actually had to buy a larger E-torx for a job, but I don't think that one is used on an XJ, but they do have torx everywhere and I think the bellhousing bolts are E-torx.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-19763.aspx

Then I'd probably expand my combo wrenches larger. At least 22mm, but often you can get an add-on set that will go up to 27mm or 30mm.

For screwdrivers, the Williams ones seem to be well loved, "almost as good as Snap-On" for a fraction of the price (and better warranty, same company.) I prefer hard handles so the Williams ones are appealing to me.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-19MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

You'll probably want a set of hex drivers like these eventually, but I don't think there is an application for them on an XJ, so you can wait on them.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-89039.aspx

You'll probably want a 1/2" drive torque wrench as well if you're doing "serious work" and I like to use them for my wheels anyway. CDI or Precision Instruments here, although if you think you may go pro you might want to pick up a used Snappy if you can find one for about the same price (it's really a relabeled CDI wrench anyway, but if it says Snap-On on it you can get it recalibrated for about $40 from your truck guy.)

Then a set of flare wrenches for brake work.

Plenty of other stuff you'll need, but given your vehicle and current collection I'd probably buy the Torx set, the screwdrivers (I'm getting the impression you want a set of screwdrivers, not a bit driver) and the combo wrenches first. A set of Dual 80 ratchets will be pricey but buy used, you can get rebuild kits for them. You don't "need" those, but they *are* really nice.

 

[nick.koehler6]

Damn guys, I love this forum already. I took down a **** load of notes. I do like the Armstrong Ratchets. They look professional too. I would/will never buy harbor freight.

 

[n8n]

Some HF stuff is good. The caliper service kit is really, really good. I recommend it unconditionally and even my friend "Mr. Snap-On" bought one after he used mine.

 

[Plombob]

You can get started fast with an affordable set, you are young, if you lose the stuff or someone steals it you are not crushed. Don't have to squeeze yourself or go in debt.

First of all, welcome to the board, Nick!

sberry - You beat me to it.

Kids lose, steal, misplace stuff. If you lost a $100 rat, that will really hurt. Better to lose a $10 rat.

I wouldn't buy Snap-On at your age. It's like drinking Scotch. You need many years on your brow before you appreciate that quality.

If you can find the truck brands at pawn shops, flea markets, etc. then go for it. At your age, you best not set foot on a tool truck.




[Why do I feel like the heroin user telling someone not to pick up the spoon?]

 

[PC PaiN]

First of all, welcome to the board, Nick!

sberry - You beat me to it.

Kids lose, steal, misplace stuff. If you lost a $100 rat, that will really hurt. Better to lose a $10 rat.

I wouldn't buy Snap-On at your age. It's like drinking Scotch. You need many years on your brow before you appreciate that quality.

If you can find the truck brands at pawn shops, flea markets, etc. then go for it. At your age, you best not set foot on a tool truck.




[Why do I feel like the heroin user telling someone not to pick up the spoon?]

Couldn't agree more. My first tool set was a craftsman set my old man bought me at around the same age. It was more than sufficient for cam swaps, transmission drops, interior gutting, and whatever other crazy stuff I was doing. At 15 your dollar won't go far with truck brands and they just aren't something you need honestly. To this day the majority of my tools are craftsman with some snap on and harbor freight mixed in.

Good to see a young gear head My old man was pretty cool til I brought the roll cage home

 

[Jsnyder93]

Welcome nick, I'm going to keep this short and sweet. IMHO snap on makes the best tools hands down, disregard price and warranty and other factors IMHO it's the truth, I personally own tools from very tool truck and I compare quality to the most highest standards. I have a lot of money invested in tools but I am now using them professionally to make money. But i will tell you this, I learned to turn wrenches when I was young, and those were craftsmen wrenches. I still have them and there always there if you need a backup. Besides i have vehicles that come in that I personally feel bad using a nice snap on wrench on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sloppy]

Damn guys, I love this forum already. I took down a **** load of notes. I do like the Armstrong Ratchets. They look professional too. I would/will never buy harbor freight.

I bet you will buy some HF at some point.. they have some pretty good items that even the "pros" and fan boys end up buying..

 

[gagreen]

Damn guys, I love this forum already. I took down a **** load of notes. I do like the Armstrong Ratchets. They look professional too. I would/will never buy harbor freight.

They are professional, no looking like. The handles are extremely comfortable as well.

Never say never. I don't know of any pro's who don't have something harbor freight. search for the username mechanicnamedjohn. You're too young and way too inexperienced to start developing a superiority complex. I swear by snap on but I am not to proud to fill in gaps with hf and other brands. Maybe I'll replace them maybe I won't. Don't get that elitist tool complex this young, you'll be broke.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Yea...I drink the Kool Aid and still got HF like all the other novice to pros here. Hook and pick sets for light duty or extreme gonna-mess-it-up-for-sure stuff. Just got there 1/4" extendable screwdriver type handle thing. Big thumbs up on that thing, btw.

(Restoring a vise or machine...only ratchet I'll use is the composite one so there is no scratching and dinging of metal. And it's a really nice ratchet.)

 

[nicksnothereman]

"Craftsman" as if sears makes their own ****. Hahahahahaha.

Craftsman is just (slightly) easier to warranty stuff from other tool manufacturers. I still don't know how to warranty most of their armstrong stuff because they don't stock it in stores but at least it's really well made.

Honestly, most of the chinese apex (assumed) stuff is comparable to what you're getting with other apex chinese **** rebranded as whatever, it's just easier to warranty because they sell more individual pieces at sears than they do at home depot (husky). It's not actually poorly made in my opinion but the carpet don't match the drapes (it's not cheap enough at regular price to actually be considered for purchase unless it's an emergency). Still if you're buying screwdrivers or something like that, if they got a warranty it doesn't really matter because the price difference is at least 5x between craftsman and snap on.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

SNIP. Still if you're buying screwdrivers or something like that, if they got a warranty it doesn't really matter because the price difference is at least 5x between craftsman and snap on.

But see....it does matter. Snap On drivers turn a screw better. Less cam and stripping. I guess until you use one (and not some beat to **** yard sale one) you just really dont know. I didnt. I thought all the guys on gj were bullshittin till i came up on some new Instincts. Then i learned what they were preachin. Now here i am preachin. Not saying you have to get SO drivers.. .just dont get cman when there is good deals to be had on a dozen other brands...Williams, wiha wera pb swiss etc.

 

[Matt Irvine]

First of all, welcome to the board, Nick!

sberry - You beat me to it.

Kids lose, steal, misplace stuff. If you lost a $100 rat, that will really hurt. Better to lose a $10 rat.

I wouldn't buy Snap-On at your age. It's like drinking Scotch. You need many years on your brow before you appreciate that quality.

If you can find the truck brands at pawn shops, flea markets, etc. then go for it. At your age, you best not set foot on a tool truck.




[Why do I feel like the heroin user telling someone not to pick up the spoon?]

Would just like to say that I'm 16 and have a bit of Snap On stuff that I purchased new, a set of Flank drive combos, to 24mm, Long handle fixed and flex Dual 80s in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives, and a 24" breaker bar. All purchased off the truck, with no debt. I can feel these tools or of great quality, and use them daily at work,
It dosent matter how old you are, as long as use and look after them properly.

 

[Anthonyca]

That is the reason I want to TRY snap-on. Even if that does mean buying used. I do not like Craftsman due to the fact that the production went to China.

That's why I no longer buy craftsman.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

First of all, welcome to the board, Nick!

sberry - You beat me to it.

Kids lose, steal, misplace stuff. If you lost a $100 rat, that will really hurt. Better to lose a $10 rat.

I wouldn't buy Snap-On at your age. It's like drinking Scotch. You need many years on your brow before you appreciate that quality.

If you can find the truck brands at pawn shops, flea markets, etc. then go for it. At your age, you best not set foot on a tool truck.




[Why do I feel like the heroin user telling someone not to pick up the spoon?]

That's one hell of an angle. When I was racing motocross at 15 I knew quality in bikes, parts, tires, etc. Same with BMX. Same with firearms. etc etc etc.... 15 doesn't mean he's ignorant or irresponsible. And maybe you did not mean it that way, but it came across that way. Afterall, he is on here asking for advise and wisdom.

 

[bsaint]

Why...so he can upgrade later? Just because he's young doesn't mean he's turning different hardware.

Because Ive never met a 15 year that put away tools or didn't loose them. Nothing against them, its just inherent in being a teenager. I lost so many of my dad's tools, I probably owe him a whole set. My brothers, cousins, and friends were the same way.

 

[Jim C.]

That is the reason I want to TRY snap-on. Even if that does mean buying used. I do not like Craftsman due to the fact that the production went to China.

Hey Nick,

Buying tools used is never a bad idea. With a little online searching, you can find some pretty good buys on all the major brands including Craftsman and snap on. I'm a DIYer and use nothing but Craftsman. I've been very satisfied with them. I agree with you, and don't like that Craftsman tools are now being made in China. I've been buying USA made used tools almost exclusively for the last several years. There's tons of good used tools on the market, so be a little bit picky. Don't settle for junk that's been abused.

Jim C.

 

[ggoss]

Hi guys, I am a new member here. I am 15 years old and I love turning wrenches. I have a 2000 Jeep XJ that I work on. I was wondering what Snap-on tools do you have? What Craftsman tools do you have? What's your preference and why, I have a buddy that swears by Snap-on,Matco and Mac tools. He refuses to buy anything else.

Thanks guys, Nick.

Welcome to the forum. This isn't a direct answer to your question, but more like a bit of advice if you're open to it.

If there are things you need right now, just to get started, don't be afraid to buy one of those ###-piece Craftsman mechanic's tool sets. They aren't the absolute best quality you can buy at any cost, but can bought for cheap if you are patient, are good quality and will last you a very long time if used properly (e.g. a ratchet is not a hammer [emoji47]). I'm sure that many of us (myself included) have a soft spot in our hearts for Craftsman, as that is what many of us started out with as teenagers/kids (you know, fond memories, sentimentality, and all that). Unfortunately, they are moving much of their tool production overseas, and and are suffering some loss of quality as a result.

Once you have what you need to get by (of it you already do), here is my advice: ignore 99% of what people say (sorry guys [emoji6]) and get a feel for tools from many of those brands yourself. Everyone has brand loyalties and opinions (which are often clouded by those loyalties), but none of them mean anything to you if 'the best ratchet in the world' doesn't feel good in your hand.

A great way to get a feel for a bunch of brands, even the long-extinct ones, is to map out a few/bunch of garage sales on Friday night and drive around on Saturday morning, if nothing else just to look and feel a bunch of different tools. Flea markets and swap meets work too. Hell, take a friend or family member and make an event (or even a game) out of it. It might take a while to see anything specific, but at the very least, you'll see a bunch of things you would have never seen otherwise, and you might even find a bunch of really great tools for cheap (though you must promise to post in the garage sale thread for us to see [emoji1]).

Also, don't forget to look at SK, Proto, Wright, and all the other great brands that don't drive around in a fancy truck!

 

[timtim2008]

 

[Farmall450]

Damn guys, I love this forum already. I took down a **** load of notes. I do like the Armstrong Ratchets. They look professional too. I would/will never buy harbor freight.

I would buy their 44" Tool Box and tool carts. They have some "gems" like that, great items for a low price, like their hammers and breaker bars.