Starting a top-notch tool set from scratch - What would you do?

[4stroker]

Hi guys, I'm new to the site. My name is Mark, I'm 24 years old, and live in Australia. I race quads and love working on them and building the engines.

I have built up a small but functional tool kit over the last 5 or 6 years. It consists of many different brands, mainly Sidchrome wrenches and sockets, JBS Sockets, Bhondus hex keys, Stanley screw drivers etc... you get the idea.. the stuff is half decent but nothing to write home about... I also have alot of other specialty tools like pullers, calipers, burette, torque wrench, dial guage and so on... Its all in a chinese 7 drawer top chest.

All of this stuff I will keep to come along with me to the races and in the pits etc, and it will also tie me over while I build up my top-notch "stay-at-home" set.

Problem is, what the hell do I buy??

I want to buy pretty much exclusively one brand name (within reason), and I want it to last forever, so I can pass it on to my kids and grandkids...

I would love Snap-On but it is ridiculously expensive here... To give you an idea, the RRP of the 1000 piece set is $64,000 AUD..!! I would never buy a set like this though right from the get-go, so the expense is not so bad because I can afford to wait and look around for bargains etc, and any kit I build will be done this way over time.

But do I really want to invest this much money into my tools, especially when I keep hearing that Snap-On aren't what they used to be? In fact I hear this about most any brand, which really *****.

Where does that leave us young guys, who are just starting out? I really dont want to buy chinese (or taiwan or whatever) and I really want new stuff, not used...

Sorry for the long post, but there is a lot of experienced and knowledgable people on here that I feel can help me out with this, and also this thread may help others in the same situation...

Thanks, Mark

 

[Davefr]

I'd look into Wright, Armstrong, SK or Proto. They're all neck and neck with SO but less expensive.

I'd also open yourself up to multiple brands. Having the same brand everything is foolish IMHO because you'll always be compromising.

I'd also urge you to get a US address thru one of the forwarders so you can buy from Ebay and other online supplier who don't ship outside the US. Here's an example:

http://www.myusshopnship.com/index.php

You might also check out the classifieds here. New SO tends to go at about 60-70% of MSRP.

 

[Merkava_4]

I want to buy pretty much exclusively one brand name (within reason), and I want it to last forever, so I can pass it on to my kids and grandkids...

Why all one brand?

 

[sberry]

Snapon tools are as good as they always were, the bottom has raised with most tools so the difference is less than it was at one point. Personally I could care less about what brand and if they are all the same, I want it to work and pay its way. Some things are best brand specific and still priced right, Vise Grips, Rigid pipe wrenches, Channeloks, etc. No reason to break the bank for usable tools.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

If i was starting over, going for the best price/availability-ratio i'd go:

Spanners - Elora 205s (Which i have now, really can't beat them for the money.)
Sockets -Hazet
Socket Drivers - Hazet
Socket accessories (universal joints, extensions, etc) - Hazet/Elora
Impact sockets - Genius.
Ratchets - Snap-on/Hazet
Impact/air tools - Ingersoll-Rand
Torque wrenches - Norbar
Screwdrivers - Wiha/Wera (I'd go for Wiha, love 'em!)
Pliers - NWS (Knipex for Cobra & Pliers wrench)
Circlip pliers - Knipex
Locking pliers - Grip-on.
Prybars - Mayhew
Punches & chisels - Mayhew
Pipe wrenches - Ridgid

Buying one brand will limit you a lot, you'd be looking at Snap-on/Hazet/Gedore/etc. Only a few companies offer everything. I think you'd be better choosing each area of tools and selecting a brand for those tools that's best in that area.

 

[byrd]

definatly be open to multiple brands. there are certain tools that one manufacturer has that others dont carry. i would do it slow and with purpose and you will find that your tool colection is comprehensive and appreciated.

 

[Merkava_4]

The tools that actually make contact with my hand are gonna be the more expensive brands because of the ergonomics involved with them. Tools that are outside of my hand (like sockets and socket extensions) can be a different brand that's not so expensive.

 

[spongerich]

I'd echo what everyone else has said about keeping your options open brand-wise.

I'd also add that ruling out used tools is completely at odds with the goal of building a top quality set at low cost.

A well cared for, and little used $3 socket will work just as well for you (and your grandchildren) as a new $15 one.

If you're open to used tools and not in a hurry, it also gives you the opportunity to jump on great deals when you see them, even if it's something that you already have or don't need... then you can come here ( or God forbid) elsewhere and trade for what you need.

 

[billymade]

I think you could pick up some really good tools here in the classifieds section; I think you should try and "rethink" you "new only" tool purchases! Certain items buying new makes sense; screwdrivers, bits etc. Remember; the first time you use a tool... it is "used"! There are lots of tools available used, look like new... you can save allot of money buying this way and end up getting some of the best tools made, at inferior tool prices! I and many here go to "flea markets" and "swap meets", "pawn shops" here in the states... we find many good deals on tools; look into this alternative source in Australia! There are always professional mechanics/techs; getting out of the biz, retiring or in need of some quick cash, when they need it! Good luck in your tool building quest and take advantage of all the excellent deals in the classifieds section!

 

[Merkava_4]

Sockets -Hazet

Are Hazet sockets less expensive than Snap-on sockets in the UK ?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Are Hazet sockets less expensive than Snap-on sockets in the UK ?

Can't get them easily in the UK, but they are cheaper in my experience. I get my German tools sent over from Germany, usually from eBay.

 

[Merkava_4]

Can't get them easily in the UK, but they are cheaper in my experience. I get my German tools sent over from Germany, usually from eBay.

Can't get Hazet easily in the UK ?

You have to buy them off the German eBay?

That comes as a surprise; I would've never thought that.

 

[billymade]

Hazet has listing for a dealer in Australia:

OzSwiss European Tools
Unit 6, 2-4 Mulvihill Street
West Ryde, NSW 2114
Contact: Mr. Beat Wagner
Telefon: 0061-2-9807 9322
Fax: 0061-2-9807 9344
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.europeantools.com.au

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Can't get Hazet easily in the UK ?

You have to buy them off the German eBay?

That comes as a surprise; I would've never thought that.

There are a handful of importers/stockist, but they're few and far between and expensive. I can buy them from Germany and get them shipped cheaper than i can buy them here. (And no import duty within the EU.)

You can get various nice German tools through VW for a good price if you have the VAG/VAS/T-number for them. I've bought some things from VW Trade Parts for great prices.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I'm still a fan of saving up a ton of money and finding a complete tool set (preferably Snap-On) on Craigslist for about half the price.

 

[Crashman]

Mark,

As an Aussie living in the USA I totally understand where you are coming from. Since I have been here I have been buying up tools to form a great set at what are comparatively cheap prices. For example I got a 10-19mm Snap On set of spanners on Ebay for US$100, and when they arrived they were almost new. Definitely get one of the redirection services as mentioned above to get stuff shipped. There are a lot of great tools here that you can't get in Australia if you are open to different brands, and that way you can get the 'best of breed'. If you take your time and have an open mind you will get some great deals, and the guys on here are always ready to chime in with an opinion on brands you may not know.

Try and work out a list of what you want and post it on here and get opinions on what brands to look for, that way you will be able to narrow your search. Snap On is always more expensive for the name so if you are looking for value there will be deals on other brands. A lot of the vintage tools are really good too although harder to get in metric, but for ratchets etc they are great.

The guys on here are your best source of advice - use it and it will see you well.

Regards, Stephen

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Isn't there no import duty on (a group of) goods under $1,000 into Australia? If so, do the same as i do and buy stuff from the US and have it shipped over. I've saved a metric sh*tload of money that way!

 

[4stroker]

Thanks for all the replies guys, alot of good info.

I will go and rethink my strategy.

The first thing I need is a good roll cab to start putting this all in...

My end goal here is to have a medium size roll cab and top chest combo, say 30", that can follow me around the shop. Then have a larger say 56" or whatever that will sit in amongst/under my workbench, like I have seen in alot of threads on here.

I guess I will start with the medium roll cab first.

Any suggestions?

 

[spongerich]

Hard to say what's the right approach in Australia.

Here in the US, I'd say pick up some Craftsman cabinets. They're not the best cabinets, but they're not terrible for the money, and they have the advantage of good resale value compared to other budget options.

Craftsman/Sears has done an amazing marketing job and most Americans associate the name with quality tools, so there's always a strong market for used Craftsman stuff.

 

[mrholeshot]

Never try to limit yourself to just one brand of tool. You will miss a lot of other great brands. Plus as an active technician for all my life I've never been able to do the job under one banner. Who told you Snap-On quality has gone down? I've been buying Snap-On since the early 70's and the quality has done nothing but improve over the years. It's one of the last great American companies (IMO). Don't rule out great tools like S-K, MAC, Matco,Cornwell, Proto and even some non-USA built tools.