who's tools to go with for beginners

crazeesal · Feb 23, 2008

hopefully this coming fall im going to school to become a mechanic and get certified does anyone have any input on which tools to go with i've worked with Snap On and craftsman and dont see why Snap On is so much more expensive I own a decent amount of craftsman right now for home use but would invest in much more for the future. being a student I would get up to a 50% discount on Snap On and Mac (not sure about anyone else)but even with this discount craftsman is still cheaper. can someone with experience help me out

Thanks
Sal

Deafautotech · Feb 23, 2008

i would suggest you to buy what you can afford......

snap on is pricy but remember snap on truck come to you at your work... also snap on tools work good and designed to be flank to make bots or nut to not be rounded...snap on is little over-engineering but it is great tools and i had no problems... i did not break anything but i did accident to overload on my 1/4dr ratchet and already on second rebuilt...

craftsman tools are great for everyone but everyone have their preference as some person dont like feel of ratchet or handle...

it is their choice and it is your choice too!!!

i own craftsman, snap on, matco tools, and matco tools... i do own proto and cornwell as same with William (divison of snap on)... all is different feel and style but all tools are do same thing to work....

you could get lot and lot of craftsman tools like this site... for like 7,000 dollars then you had all and maybe dont need buy more tools but need impact swivel sockets...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ame=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets

or you can more tools but pay lot and lot of money for snap on tools 2,331 dollars for that set (it seem small than craftsman's)

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=12718&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

well it is vary by everyone!!! i just graduated from Ivy Tech last May 2007 but had over 20,000 dollars investment in tools and snap on boxes(i paid my snap on boxes as used (KR1200 for 1,200 dollars and KRL1001 for 2,500 dollars plus my other toolboxes to trade in from my snap on guy)

i am still buy the tools to do job easier for myself as use brain and dont overload myself or i would get hurt myself...

i would recommend you to get knee pads so you will not get knee hurt from kneel on shop floor... many technician work with me that they hate to kneel on shop floor...

Deafautotech · Feb 23, 2008

Remind you that anyone from this forum will post their thought and even suggest you the ideas.... so be open mind and see what you can.

if you can get snap on tools for cheaper like VOTECH programs then i would suggest you to buy what you will use most like ratchets, sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers but any else is your choice between snap on or craftsman...

Zeroek · Feb 23, 2008

Remember there is Always harbor freight. I've had good luck with their Pliers. I would probably stray away from the wrenches. But I've never used them so I don't know.

Deafautotech · Feb 23, 2008

Zeroek said:
Remember there is Always harbor freight. I've had good luck with their Pliers. I would probably stray away from the wrenches. But I've never used them so I don't know.

STAY AWAY THE HARBOR FRIEGHT WRENCHES!!!!!

my dad bought a lot of H.F. wrenches and i already did broke or cracked it.... that reason is i own a lot of craftsman wrenches and it is good but little spread as no round or slip yet..... :thumbup:

Merkava_4 · Feb 23, 2008

crazeesal said:
Hopefully this coming fall, I'm going to school to become a mechanic and get certified. Does anyone have any input on which tools to go with? I've worked with Snap-on and Craftsman and don't see why Snap-on is so much more expensive.

I own a decent amount of Craftsman right now for home use, but would invest in much more for the future. Being a student, I would get up to a 50% discount on Snap-on and Mac (not sure about anyone else), but even with this discount, Craftsman is still cheaper. Can someone with experience help me out?

You're not going to realize the full benefit of high-end tools until you've tried Craftsman first and then the high-end tools second.

I recommend taking full advantage of that VOTECH program discount while you can.

Deafautotech · Feb 23, 2008

Merkava_4 said:
I recommend taking full advantage of that VOTECH program discount while you can.

i tried to but that time when i was beginning of semster in 2004 as i had very limited budget to buy tools (voc rehab wont pay the tools because of my parent's income but voc rehab only paid interpreters for three years until i graduated) ....

wrenchr · Feb 23, 2008

Start simple, Buy Craftsman one of the sets that they offer, I would buy some quality ratchets................Snap On to go with the craftsman set. Pawn shops and flea markets have great deals!!

Merkava_4 · Feb 23, 2008

Deafautotech said:
i tried to but that time when i was beginning of semester in 2004 as i had very limited budget to buy tools (voc rehab wont pay the tools because of my parent's income but voc rehab only paid interpreters for three years until i graduated) ....

When I was a student, I used the VOTECH discount to by my Mom a whole set of MAC screwdrivers and nut drivers. She would always complain about my Dad and I buying nice tools, while she had to use the discarded old tools. Still to this day, she hasn't used any of the tools I bought her; they're still brand new in the box.

Deafautotech · Feb 23, 2008

Merkava_4 said:
When I was a student, I used the VOTECH discount to by my Mom a whole set of MAC screwdrivers and nut drivers. She would always complain about my Dad and I buying nice tools, while she had to use the discarded old tools. Still to this day, she hasn't used any of the tools I bought her; they're still brand new in the box.

wow... my mom never use my tools even my dad's tools because my mom had no IDEA to use it!! my mom just said to me or my dad to do what my mom said....

wrenchr · Feb 23, 2008

Deafautotech said:
wow... my mom never use my tools even my dad's tools because my mom had no IDEA to use it!! my mom just said to me or my dad to do what my mom said....

As does every other Women in my life.......Bark orders @ me

That is why I tell everyone to stay single a raise their Kids the same way!!!! :lol_hitti

Merkava_4 · Feb 23, 2008

Deafautotech said:
wow... my mom never use my tools even my dad's tools because my mom had no IDEA to use it!! my mom just said to me or my dad to do what my mom said....

My Mom only knows how to use screwdrivers, nut drivers, and pliers; she doesn't know how to use wrenches or drive tools.

Deafautotech · Feb 23, 2008

wrenchr said:
As does every other Women in my life.......Bark orders @ me
That is why I tell everyone to stay single a raise their Kids the same way!!!!

oooooh..... i am rather to be told if my mom want me to do fix or make something instead see my mom use wrong tools or break my tools.... And other reason to stay in garage than doing plant the flowers or do garden...

i am rather to fix or go for a ride on my Harley... I am still single and dont even see any babe i would meet and try for date... i just dont care...

rsanter · Feb 23, 2008

to get started I would recomend starting with something like the $550 set from sears. that is alot of stuff for the money. once I got to work and got finacially stable I would expand and replace as I could.
you need to look at this like a startup buisness. you will need the tools for the buisness but you do not want to get so much overhead that you cannot make money.

bob

Merkava_4 · Feb 23, 2008

Deafautotech said:
I am still single and dont even see any babe i would meet and try for date... i just dont care...

You're very smart and way ahead of your time. :thumbup:

Deafautotech · Feb 23, 2008

Merkava_4 said:
You're very smart and way ahead of your time.

why that??? i am curious...

kartracer55 · Feb 23, 2008

Matco or Snap On. Both have good and Bad products, so you WILL probably have to mix.

Youll eventually notice a difference, especially with open ends of wrenches, snap on is the absolute best. Sockets are Good with both, Ive actually broken more snap on sockets than Matco or SK. Id avoid SK for super frequently used tools like your 3/8 metric sockets because its a bit more difficult to get them warrantied. Great ratchets though.

Craftsman does not make impact sockets as big as you need, I would say go with Snap On if it is between Mac and Snap On.

Merkava_4 · Feb 23, 2008

Deafautotech said:
why that??? i am curious...

Because women are nothing but trouble and a waste of money. You're doing the right thing by investing in Snap-on and Harley Davidson. :thumbup:

krusty the clown · Feb 24, 2008

Merkava_4 said:
Because women are nothing but trouble and a waste of money. You're doing the right thing by investing in Snap-on and Harley Davidson.

i'm starting to worry about you :lol_hitti

i own two harley davidsons and a shitload of snap on tools but i would rather sleep with a woman......they're softer and smell better than oil and chrome :beer:

dxdexter · Feb 24, 2008

Merkava_4 said:
I recommend taking full advantage of that VOTECH program discount while you can.

Merkava is right on. You probably only get the chance to buy new Snap-on tools at 50% once, so take advantage of it while you can.

You generally can't get that good a deal on Snap-on when buying off Ebay.

Its best to get your core tools first; sockets, wrenches, srewdrivers etc. Big ticket items like tool chests can be bought from other manufacturers if money is tight. I'm not convinced there is that big a difference.

krusty the clown · Feb 24, 2008

while i believe there is a big quality differnce between snap on, mac, and matco boxes versus the other brands like waterloo, clarke, remline, etc. dex is right. it's the tools that make you money. i have watched younguns start out with an expensive box and a lot of empty drawers. you would be better off with a cheaper box to start with and have the drawers full of good tools.

Deafautotech · Feb 24, 2008

Merkava_4 said:
Because women are nothing but trouble and a waste of money. You're doing the right thing by investing in Snap-on and Harley Davidson.

Thank You!!! :beer:

I am love my Harley (2003 Road King Classic as 100th edition anniv.) i can't wait to drive my Harley soon as in march which it should be warmer...

i am think about date a babe but i just feel like wait later as i want enjoy myself like go long trip on harley, or go with Hoosier Deaf Bikers for Festival, or work to earn more money to save in my pockets....

Deafautotech · Feb 24, 2008

krusty the clown said:
while i believe there is a big quality differnce between snap on, mac, and matco boxes versus the other brands like waterloo, clarke, remline, etc. dex is right. it's the tools that make you money. i have watched younguns start out with an expensive box and a lot of empty drawers. you would be better off with a cheaper box to start with and have the drawers full of good tools.

That i did to myself.... most of my tools are used and my boxes are used... used is cheap price....

jay50 · Feb 24, 2008

krusty the clown said:
while i believe there is a big quality differnce between snap on, mac, and matco boxes versus the other brands like waterloo, clarke, remline, etc. dex is right. it's the tools that make you money. i have watched younguns start out with an expensive box and a lot of empty drawers. you would be better off with a cheaper box to start with and have the drawers full of good tools.

Yeah, but with those young guns, its all about appearance..... :bounce:

Zeroek · Feb 24, 2008

Yeah I'd seriously treat yourself to nice ratchets and wrenches. One of those Craftsman sets for the sockets would be alright. Extenstions I don't think those would matter to much on the brand. Prybars I've never used Craftsman Proffesional but those look nice. Air tools I'd probably go with Tool truck. Your impact will get used a lot so you want one that suits you well. Screwdrivers could be a personal Prefrance. Get a nice Circuit tester. I prefer the snap on with the coiled up wire so you plenty of stretch to ground it somewhere. Thread Restorers any brand on those. I have a set of Craftsman at home and Matco at work and they both seem to be identical. I've been told HF Swivel sockets are alright. So you could get some of those to start with.

Junkman · Feb 24, 2008

krusty the clown said:
i'm starting to worry about you i own two harley davidsons and a shitload of snap on tools but i would rather sleep with a woman......they're softer and smell better than oil and chrome

The question is would they rather sleep with a clown???? :lol_hitti

Just remember, if you got there quick and easy, so did the other guys in her life..... :shocking:

krusty the clown · Feb 24, 2008

Junkman said:
The question is would they rather sleep with a clown????

Just remember, if you got there quick and easy, so did the other guys in her life.....

some chicks dig clowns :thumbup:

and yes your right about "quick and easy" but you have to ask yourself, are you looking for ms right or ms right now. sometimes it's better to rent than buy :beer:

Junkman · Feb 24, 2008

krusty the clown said:
some chicks dig clowns

and yes your right about "quick and easy" but you have to ask yourself, are you looking for ms right or ms right now. sometimes it's better to rent than buy

Sometimes when you rent, it can come with a lifetime of medical problems.... don't forget to wear your clown raincoat...... :lol_hitti

krusty the clown · Feb 24, 2008

Junkman said:
Sometimes when you rent, it can come with a lifetime of medical problems.... don't forget to wear your clown raincoat......

the "trojan express card".......don't leave home without it :thumbup:

eschoendorff · Feb 24, 2008

Zeroek said:
Air tools I'd probably go with Tool truck. Your impact will get used a lot so you want one that suits you well.

I disagree. All you need are IR air tools (most of teh truck brand tools are rebadged IR or CP anyway)... and you can find IR tools MUCH cheaper than you can get them on a truck....

crazeesal · Feb 24, 2008

thanks, a lot of good opinions on what to do with tools and women, but it sounds like a good idea to start with mostly Craftsman and some Snap On for the stuff that is realy important (air tools, ratchets, special tools) but nobody around my area seems to sell their old tools, cant blame them either . but as for tool boxes I also agree on going cheap , tractor supply sells their own brand of tools and boxes (Master Hand) their tools are about craftsman price range but they are a new line with no reputation at all but their boxes are cheaper $699.99 for a 52 inch wide cart on weels with 14 ball bearing drawers and still $450.00 cheaper than craftsman even harbor freights compairable 12 drawer 56inch cabinet lists for $899.99 and no matter what i dont trust harbor freight for life time dependability

Junkman · Feb 24, 2008

crazeesal said:
thanks, a lot of good opinions on what to do with tools and women, but it sounds like a good idea to start with mostly Craftsman and some Snap On for the stuff that is realy important (air tools, ratchets, special tools) but nobody around my area seems to sell their old tools, cant blame them either . but as for tool boxes I also agree on going cheap , tractor supply sells their own brand of tools and boxes (Master Hand) their tools are about craftsman price range but they are a new line with no reputation at all but their boxes are cheaper $699.99 for a 52 inch wide cart on weels with 14 ball bearing drawers and still $450.00 cheaper than craftsman even harbor freights compairable 12 drawer 56inch cabinet lists for $899.99 and no matter what i dont trust harbor freight for life time dependability

Your starting to sound like a pro already...... now take my advise and stay away from those sweet smelling girls....They will be giving your grief by the time the sweet smell wears off... :lol_hitti

wilbilt · Feb 24, 2008

Junkman said:
.... now take my advise and stay away from those sweet smelling girls....They will be giving your grief by the time the sweet smell wears off...

And sometimes, it doesn't wear off...ecchhh.

:lol_hitti

krusty the clown · Feb 24, 2008

wilbilt said:
And sometimes, it doesn't wear off...ecchhh.

the actual smell wears off......... the sweet smell lingers in your mind causing you to remember things were better than they actually were :spit:

lbgradwell · Feb 24, 2008

krusty the clown said:
sometimes it's better to rent than buy

The Rule of "F"s: If it floats, flies or f**ks, it's better to rent... :pimpflash

chavist93 · Feb 24, 2008

Working on cars is just a hobby for me so I cant really afford the best of everything. I use craftsman for anything that goes on the end of a ratchet like sockets, extensions, universals, ect. For everything else I use the better stuff. For ratchets I use Proto mainly because I like the feel and grip of knurled handles. For wrenches I use snapon. With air tools I use IR or snapon and my impact sockets are grey pneumatic. I cant ever seel myself buying premium brand sockets. I think craftsman sockets offer an excellent value for what you get.

Uncle Buck · Feb 24, 2008

I am a big Craftsman fan, but I am a home wrencher. If your plans are to go into the trades I would buy as much of the Snap-on stuff as you can afford at the steeply discounted prices offered to students. Remember, once you are gone from school you will no longer have access to those great prices. Plus, if you are planning on making a living at wrenching I think it would be a wise move to get into the best mechanics tools you can as early as possible.

I would not think the same regarding the brand of choice if you were simply dinkerin around at home.

Spookrider · Feb 25, 2008

S&K Voctech package. Way better deal than Snap-On. More tool for the same price as Snap-On. quality is real good it holding pretty good at school/work.
http://www.skhandtool.com/Vocational.html

Mike83 · Feb 25, 2008

Merkava_4 said:
Because women are nothing but trouble and a waste of money. You're doing the right thing by investing in Snap-on and Harley Davidson.

You're seeing the wrong women! My girlfriend agreed that if I buy her a nice big diamond she will eventually buy me (or let me buy) a nice big Snap-On box (KRL722) :drool:

. Of course, you could always just get the box and sleep alone...

bockwho · Feb 25, 2008

maybe i missed it maybe you never said.

what kind of mechanic are you going to become?

Quickie lube
front end
heavy dsl
tire shop
trans shop
aircraft
boat
motocycle
a shop that dose it all?

I am a aircraft / auto (made a living doing auto work for a year)

for all auto
my .02
my short list

IR 1/2 ti impact
1/2 impact sockets deep shallow metric / standard
3/8 non impact deep shallow metric / standard
3/8 snap on air ratchet 7200
Knipex pliers (one of each) best prices around
http://www.crawfordtool.com/knipex.html
cheap multi meter (good poma leads)
frequently used size long gear wrenchs (not for toruqe)
stubby gear wrench
combo wrenches Snap on flank drive are the best. (large sizes look at the industral black oxide wrench) Sk's feel good in the hand so do some professional craftsman
extentions impact 1/2 non inpack 3/8 wobble non wobbles too.
3/8 deep universal sockets metric only.

yea thats about 4g's

who's tools to go with for beginners

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