Which specific tools do you buy from each truck?

[ovilla]

I know this is a bit of a loaded question here, but a lot of you buy tools quite often (probably weekly or at least monthly) so this is the perfect place to dicuss this. I know all of you probably have your favorite brands but what I'm interested in knowing is which brands have you found to have either special innovative tools (that others don't carry) or which brands are simply known for certain things (meaning that you specifically seek them out more - i.e. you only buy snap-on screwdrivers but you go elsewhere for???). Thanks

P.S. I don't really want to talk about warranties since we'll quickly get off-topic with dealer stories. I'm just interested in knowing your favorite tools from each truck.

 

[arkangel06]

Matco ratchets

SO screwdrivers wrenches picks sockets and extensions.

 

[Fedwrench]

Knurled extensions- Only Mac tools places the knurling where a tech really needs it, around the female square drive area.
Impact swivel sockets- Only the Matco pinless design will do it for me.
Chrome & impact sockets, hand ratchets- Matco. I like the fit, feel, finish, high vis markings, selection, thin ratchet heads, handle shape.
Proswing ratcheting wrenches-Matco. These are the type with a fixed boxed end on one side and a fine toothed ratcheting boxed end on the other. They aren't as long as the XL Gearbox from Gearwrench. Matco is also the sole provider for the extra long flex head ratcheting boxed and fixed boxed end wrench.
Heavy duty Torx bits, anything Flare nut (wrenches, crowfeet)- Snap on. Everything else will let you down eventually.

The older I get the less I buy from Tool Trucks. I like IR air tools and many tools from Gearwrench. Tooltopia has replaced the tool truck for many of these items and most OTC, KD, Lisle, Schley, and other specialty tools.

 

[BlindViper]

For me its SO for ratchets, extensions, prybars, line wrenches and crowsfeet. Its craftsmen for sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches. Gearwrench for ratchet wrenches.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

Well we only have a Snap On truck around here, So that narrows it down

 

[Goinlow]

My snap on guy gave a me the new dual 80 ratchet with a set of deep sockets I bought. Best thing he could have ever done. I am sold on those now, tomorrow when comes I'll buy another.

Wrenches I really like the mac knuckle savers.

Pry bars, extensions, and other stuff craftsman gets the job done for me.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Well we only have a Snap On truck around here, So that narrows it down

Same for me.

 

[krusty the clown]

i buy hardline from snap on. specialty tools from cornwell.

 

[wreckercologist]

Mac punches & chisels. I know, they're probably the same as other brands but I have had better luck with them (less breakage and deformation). I took my Snap-ons home....Call me crazy...

Most of the hardline stuff is Snap-on, with some Mac sprinkled around for garnish.

I've been buying a lot of electrical stuff from Cornwell lately, like a battery tester & code reader......although Cornwell has been tempting me lately with their monthly specials on impact sockets and wrench sets........waiting for the extra long metric combos to go on sale...........and the stubbies.

 

[scottmlew]

waiting for the [Cornwell] extra long metric combos to go on sale...........and the stubbies.

You missed them in December, sadly. Not sure when they'll be back on sale, but let's hope it's soon!

 

[scottmlew]

i buy hardline from snap on. specialty tools from cornwell.

Krusty, what has led you to Cornwell for specialty tools? Aren't most of their specialty offerings rebrands, just like the other truck brand? Or am I wrong? Perhaps the pricing is better, or you're getting better service?

 

[wreckercologist]

You missed them in December, sadly. Not sure when they'll be back on sale, but let's hope it's soon!

I seen 'em........I was so broke in December I couldn't even afford to pay attention.

Stupid car payments and utility bills screw up everything!

 

[krusty the clown]

Krusty, what has led you to Cornwell for specialty tools? Aren't most of their specialty offerings rebrands, just like the other truck brand? Or am I wrong? Perhaps the pricing is better, or you're getting better service?

because i like my dealer.

most are the same rebranded lisle, etc that i could purchase anywhere and probably cheaper online but she provides a service and i'm willing to pay the extra because i like her.

 

[scottmlew]

because i like my dealer.

most are the same rebranded lisle, etc that i could purchase anywhere and probably cheaper online but she provides a service and i'm willing to pay the extra because i like her.

Cool...I always like to hear when people are getting great service from their dealers

 

[crewchief888]

comb wrenches SO and CM pro full polish
angle wrenches SO, mac for their thicker heads, matco, for their thin head design
flare nut & line sockets SO
torx & allen bits all SO
ratchets, i have bad luck with all my ratchets, i break them all the time
chrome sockets SO
impact sockets matco
air tools IR 3/8 & 1/2 dr blue point 3/4dr, snapon drills, air hammer, bluepoint grinders& sanders
punches/ chisels SO
1/4 dr mix of SO, SK, CM

for stationary working boxes, nothing but SO
home boxes are mostly dumpster salvage & flea market finds
my service truck boxes get beat to hell, nothing lasts more than 3 years

 

[archfish]

because i like my dealer.

most are the same rebranded lisle, etc that i could purchase anywhere and probably cheaper online but she provides a service and i'm willing to pay the extra because i like her.

Ditto with my cornwell dealer. He is always willing to do whatever it takes to ensure I have what I want/need (always alot more want than need).

So, its specialty tools for me as well from cornwell, along with the occasional oddball impulse item from the sale flyer or if it just "happens to be" laying by the computer on the truck when I am paying....

Mac for macsimiser sockets, knurled extensions, screw drivers (the handles seem to fit me best), and T-shirts (ok not a tool).

Havent really had access to Snap-on, but am going to purchase ratchets and line wrenches from our fellow members site in a couple of months due to postings here.