To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

What have you purchased since joining this board?

B

bchee

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 20, 2007
Messages
6,148
Location
Texas
Specifically, what did you buy as a direct result of reading a positive review, seeing something in someone else's box that you wanted, or getting a recommendation from another member? Not referring to incidental purchases.

I joined just a few months ago and have purchased only hand tools. If I ever get a garage, I plan to use this forum for recs on compressors, lifts, jacks, and any other large items, etc. If I ever decide to build my own garage, this site will be invaluable.

Previously, I did not own a single Snap-on tool.

I bought these based on favorable reviews:

1) Proto 1/2 big dawg ratchet (long handle, black finish)
2) Gearwrench ratcheting screwdriver/driver set
3) Dual 80 ratchet with advice from deafautotech (waiting for shipment)
4) universal/swivel sockets - previously I never thought I would need these, but then I saw that everybody else had them in their toolbox - I got SAE AND MM, both USA made for $32 shipped - still haven't used them
5) SO flank drive plus wrenches
6) knipex pliers (Craftsman version) based mostly on nissan_crawler recs

This is stuff I got with the Sears $5 coupon, which I found out about from this site

1) gearwrench adapter set (for ratcheting wrenches)
2) craftsman mini hook/pick set ($5 coupon)
3) craftsman hex bit sockets SAE

This is other stuff that I bought, I guess indirectly as a result of this site, because since I've joined, I've been MUCH more active in looking for tools that I want:

1) craftsman large hook/pick set - I wasn't sure I needed them, but I saw some other guys with the same set
2) armstrong 1/2 locking flex ratchet
3) sk stubby double box flex ratcheting wrenches
4) folding hex keys by bondhus/gorilla grip
5) Williams stubby wrenches (non ratcheting)
6) Williams supercombo wrenches
7) Williams fine-tooth 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets
8) locking flexhead ratcheting wrenches (waiting for shipment - Stanley and Blackhawk brands)
9) proto flexhead, indexible ratchet

There's a whole bunch of other stuff that I want to get, including channellock nutbuster pliers, snap on screwdrivers ACR tips, FACOM pliers - after looking at eoschendorrf's pictures, IR impact wrenches, the list goes on and on.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
M

Merkava_4

Banned
Joined
Dec 26, 2007
Messages
14,518
Location
Clovis, CA.
1. F830
2. FLF936
3. GOEX110B
4. XB1214A
5. FU8A

One of each of those, in that order, off eBay. I didn't know how to bid on eBay before I joined GJ, but with the help of several nice members, I learned how. :D
 
Last edited:
E

eschoendorff

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2005
Messages
8,991
Location
Michigan
I bought a whole list of things... I really didn't have much from Snap On before I joined this board.

Now I just buy stuff as I need it and live vicariously through you guys... :D
 
J

JayL

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Messages
1,789
Location
Manila, Philippines
1. GearWrench 12 Piece XL Ratcheting Combination Wrenches
2. GearWrench 6 Piece Double Box Ratcheting Wrenches
3. GearWrench 8 Piece Stubby Ratcheting Wrenches
4. GearWrench 4 Piece Large Size Ratcheting Wrenches
5. GearWrench 7 Piece Flex Head Ratcheting Wrenches
6. GearWrench Quick Release Adapter Set
7. GearWrench 58 piece Ratcheting Screw Driver Set
8. GearWrench 80559 24-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive Standard/Deep Metric Socket Set
9. Knipex 267487 3 Piece 8-Inch Long Nose Plier, 8-Inch Diagonal Cut Plier
10. Ingersoll Rand SK4M14 1/2-Inch Drive 14-Piece Metric Standard Impact Socket Set
11. Porter-Cable PTX3 Pnuematic Cut-Off Tool
12. Aigo 8 Piece Double Box Wrench Set
13. Allen 15 Piece Combination Wrench Set

I'm waiting for a good Sears Sale to purchase the items I have on my cart among these the 200 Piece Metric Mechanic Set.

I only use metric.
 
OP
B

bchee

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 20, 2007
Messages
6,148
Location
Texas
JayL said:
1. GearWrench 12 Piece XL Ratcheting Combination Wrenches
2. GearWrench 6 Piece Double Box Ratcheting Wrenches
3. GearWrench 8 Piece Stubby Ratcheting Wrenches
4. GearWrench 4 Piece Large Size Ratcheting Wrenches
5. GearWrench 7 Piece Flex Head Ratcheting Wrenches
6. GearWrench Quick Release Adapter Set
7. GearWrench 58 piece Ratcheting Screw Driver Set
8. GearWrench 80559 24-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive Standard/Deep Metric Socket Set
9. Knipex 267487 3 Piece 8-Inch Long Nose Plier, 8-Inch Diagonal Cut Plier
10. Ingersoll Rand SK4M14 1/2-Inch Drive 14-Piece Metric Standard Impact Socket Set
11. Porter-Cable PTX3 Pnuematic Cut-Off Tool
12. Aigo 8 Piece Double Box Wrench Set
13. Allen 15 Piece Combination Wrench Set

I'm waiting for a good Sears Sale to purchase the items I have on my cart among these the 200 Piece Metric Mechanic Set.

I only use metric.
Click to expand...

You bought all that in one month??:eyecrazy:
 
S

Stuey

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2008
Messages
11,034
Location
28m above sea level
3/8" big dawg from Wrenchr, 1/4" big dawg from grainger.

I bought a LOT of other stuff too, but not resulting from the forum.
 
M

malibu101

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 1, 2005
Messages
3,909
Location
Walnutport PA
My habits haven't changed much. Lots of "older" (better) Craftsman with a good showing from Snap-On and Proto.
Below is what has changed.....
I've recently been purchasing at least one Channellock plier per week. I'm striving to get all of them. [I/]They are made near me in PA. They are of decent quality. But the main reason is I've seen MANY Chanellock pliers in MANY places enduring MANY levels of abuse. I don't recall hearing anyone ever complaining about them.
Anyway, I've never wanted all of a set like this. I WILL use them when needed but am I now a collector?
 
H

Hoot

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
238
Location
Huntsville, Al
My tool buying habits have changed dramatically since I joined this board. I was pretty much a Craftsman type with just enough tools to get by, and any new purchases were usually full retail because I needed it right then.

Now, because of this board, I look for the sales and shop ebay WAY more than I should. I even bought an intermediate chest for my 26" rollaway a couple of days ago because the top/bottom chests were full as well as a 41" cart. And I bought the intermediate for $60 off at Sears because it was slightly used.

Based on various discussions, I've bought:
1. Bunch of the GearWrench stuff when it was 50% off at Sears
2. Craftsman 48 piece rethreader kit
3. Craftsman Thin Profile and Fully Polished ratchet sets
4. A LOT of tools based on name brand that I wouldn't have bought previously like a Williams, Armstrong, Proto, and S-K. Got all of them relatively cheap and really filled out my tool collection.
5. Ingersoll-Rand 2135Ti (night and day difference from my crappy Craftsman impact)
6. And my absolute favorite purchase based on board member's recommendation - Snap On F80 ratchet. I'll never be a "Snap On or nothing" kind of guy, but I'll definitely be looking for deals on Dual 80 stuff as it becomes more plentiful on Ebay. I've even bid on some 936 ratchets and hopefully that will work out for me soon.
 
C

chappys4life

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 30, 2008
Messages
421
Too much. I had some basic tools (95% craftsman) but not a real set of items. So I was on here looking for help and ideas but found out I needed all snap on :lol_hitti

so far it's been:
1. snap on soft grip 1/4" THL936A & 3/8" FH936A ratchets
2. snap on flare wrench set sae (hunting for metric)
3. snap on wrenchs sae & metric (working on complete sets)
4. snap on screwdrivers instint hard handle SGDX60BO
5. snap on pick set SGASA204A
6. snap on wrench (ratcheting open end, box end) SRXM16 & SRXM18
7. snap on extensions & adapters
8. gearwrench reverse ratcheting wrench set sae & metric
9. Kobalt 4 pc plier set
10. Craftsman 80th anniversary 6 drawer chest
 
OP
B

bchee

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 20, 2007
Messages
6,148
Location
Texas
Hoot said:
6. And my absolute favorite purchase based on board member's recommendation - Snap On F80 ratchet. I'll never be a "Snap On or nothing" kind of guy, but I'll definitely be looking for deals on Dual 80 stuff as it becomes more plentiful on Ebay.
Click to expand...

I can't wait to get my dual 80 ratchet.
 
U

Uncle Buck

Banned
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
9,120
Location
Kansas
I have bought a few bits and pieces from several board members and got premium treatment from every one of them. Beyond those purchases I have not bought anything I would not have already bought before finding the board. I have viewed some things others have bought and had a stray thought of boy that would be nice, but that is really as far as it goes. We all have different objectives, financial resources and obligations so I am not generally strongly compelled to buy something someone on the board shared unless it looks decent and is just plain dirt cheap. Never been much of a keepin up with the joneses type of guy myself.
 
6

64merc

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
2,816
Location
Texas
hholmberg said:
I have bought a few bits and pieces from several board members and got premium treatment from every one of them. Beyond those purchases I have not bought anything I would not have already bought before finding the board. I have viewed some things others have bought and had a stray thought of boy that would be nice, but that is really as far as it goes. We all have different objectives, financial resources and obligations so I am not generally strongly compelled to buy something someone on the board shared unless it looks decent and is just plain dirt cheap. Never been much of a keepin up with the joneses type of guy myself.
Click to expand...

Hey, can you even remember what life was like before finding this board??? You know, 3 years is a long time. I'll bet that you have bought more than you would have, had you not found this board. :)
 
Last edited:
6

64merc

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
2,816
Location
Texas
Bchee, speaking of recommendations, I agree that you should buy those Channellock Nutbusters! I bought the 9.5" version a while back and finally used them the other day. Man, those things were great!! They grab on to things and don't let go. I used them for some plumbing repairs so it wasn't a concern, but they will mar stuff up a bit. The only con is that they were too short to get good leverage. I solved this problem by buying the 14" version. I haven't used them yet but I'm sure I'll be equally impressed.

This model is a little hard to find in person, but I know that Northern Tools & Equip sells them because that's where I bought mine.

As stated in previous threads, I also have to recommend the Bosch PS-20 driver. I absolutely love mine after this past weekend. I used it to put up OSB walls in the in-law's new storage room. It isn't the fastest driver around but it makes up for it by being light weight and comfortable to use. The batteries last a long time, and the thing has really good power in a small package.

I don't recommend much, so this should cover me for a while.
 
M

malibu101

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 1, 2005
Messages
3,909
Location
Walnutport PA
64merc said:
Bchee, speaking of recommendations, I agree that you should buy those Channellock Nutbusters! I bought the 9.5" version a while back and finally used them the other day. Man, those things were great!! They grab on to things and don't let go. I used them for some plumbing repairs so it wasn't a concern, but they will mar stuff up a bit. The only con is that they were too short to get good leverage. I solved this problem by buying the 14" version. I haven't used them yet but I'm sure I'll be equally impressed.

This model is a little hard to find in person, but I know that Northern Tools & Equip sells them because that's where I bought mine.

.
Click to expand...

That's one of those tools that when you use it you wonder where it was all your life. It truly works, unlike some "novel ideas" from Craftsman over the years. As I said above, yes I like Channellock.
However
I have never been impressed with any of their cutting tools like dikes.
Anyone else been less than impressed with Channellock cutting tools?
 
U

Uncle Buck

Banned
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
9,120
Location
Kansas
64merc said:
Hey, can you even remember what life was like before finding this board??? You know, 3 years is a long time. I'll bet that you have bought more than you would have, had you not found this board. :)
Click to expand...

I don't know, I would like to think not. Most of my tools no longer shine and have been around the horn so to speak. Besides I have been adding bits and pieces here and there on almost a weekly basis as funds allow for most of 30 years so I doubt I have really increased my purchasing frequency beyond my norm as I really could not afford to do so.
 
L

lauver

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Messages
1,433
Location
Belton, TX
I generally don't buy tools unless I run into something I really need for a project; don't know what got into me lately.

Here's what I've purchased this year:

1) GearWrench combination wrench 8-piece set (I always thought these were cheap-*** Taiwanese ****, but after reading thru GJ board, decided they must be ok since everyone "has them in spades")
2) Craftsman pro prybar 3-piece set
3) Craftsman pro deep offset box wrench 5-piece set (very nice)
4) Wiss HD multipurpose scissors (highly recommend)
5) Dewalt 4-1/2" angle grinder (don't know how I ever lived without one of these)
6) Black & Decker 5" portable grinder (if you're a welder or fabricator this is a kick-*** all business grinder--bought used, 1987 vintage)
7) Thorsen 3/8" drive fine tooth ratchet (roadside emergency repair)
8) Vice Grip 10" curve jaw locking plier (very usefull for emergency repairs)
9) Channellock 9-1/2" "nut-buster" plier (handiest freeking tool in the world; I keep mine in my back pocket all the time now.)
10) GB wire cutter/stripper tool (highly recommend)
 
Last edited:
J

JayL

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Messages
1,789
Location
Manila, Philippines
@bchee

yes and I do have to plan my purchases well and this board has helped a lot. all these items still in the United States waiting for craftsman stuff before it is shipped out of the country to me. you guys are lucky to get whatever you purchase in a couple of days.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
M

Mike83

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
2,156
Location
Wisconsin
I have bought a crapload of tools in the past several months. Here are the ones which I purchased because of member postings, after input from members, or from members themselves:

1) Craftsman 1/4" drive metric universal sockets
2) Snap-On 3/8" ratchet and various extensions/adapters
3) Snap-On 24" breaker bar (thats a bad *** tool btw)
4) Snap-On needle nose pliers
5) Craftsman metric flare nut wrenches (very nice - have not disappointed)

Prob more I can't remember. There are many tools on my wishlist because of this board, but my woman and I decided last weekend to buy a home this summer, so extraneous tool spending is postponed for now. But, I will inevitably need more plumbing, electrical and carpentry tools to keep up the house! :bounce:

What are these nut buster pliers? Is it the one with jaws like the Knipex Cobra or Alligator pliers (the jaws fit a hex nut)? If so I have been eying those Channellocks up for a while!
 
6

64merc

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
2,816
Location
Texas
hholmberg said:
I bought a pair of those on clearance at some insane low price a few years back from the HD near me. I have not grabbed them more than once or twice, but they were so darned cheap I will never regret the purchase. :bounce:
Click to expand...

They were probably phasing them out since they no longer carry this model at HD, IIRC. My Lowes does not carry them either, and neither does Sears. Not sure why???
 
B

boiler7904

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 4, 2006
Messages
3,414
Location
NW IN
64merc said:
They were probably phasing them out since they no longer carry this model at HD, IIRC. My Lowes does not carry them either, and neither does Sears. Not sure why???
Click to expand...

All of the big retailers go for mechandise that moves quickly. Having something on the rack that the average person isn't going to buy takes space away from another tool that they can sell to anyone.

From what I can tell, HD and Lowes also try to stock different brands or models of products so they can get away from having to price match one another. Another thing they do is get the OEMs to package or bundle things a little differently for the same reason.
 
D

dxdexter

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 1, 2006
Messages
1,923
To much to mention.Mostly just more of what i already had, just more expensive. I would be a lot richer if I had not joined the board, but I enjoy the banter, so I guess I will hang out for now.
 
6

64merc

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
2,816
Location
Texas
boiler7904 said:
All of the big retailers go for mechandise that moves quickly. Having something on the rack that the average person isn't going to buy takes space away from another tool that they can sell to anyone.

From what I can tell, HD and Lowes also try to stock different brands or models of products so they can get away from having to price match one another. Another thing they do is get the OEMs to package or bundle things a little differently for the same reason.
Click to expand...

Very good points you mentioned there. Thanks
 
L

lauver

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Messages
1,433
Location
Belton, TX
JayL,

Where do you live? Why is it so hard to get tools where you live?
 
Last edited:
E

eschoendorff

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2005
Messages
8,991
Location
Michigan
64merc said:
Hey, can you even remember what life was like before finding this board??? You know, 3 years is a long time. I'll bet that you have bought more than you would have, had you not found this board. :)
Click to expand...

Not really... cannot remember a day when i haven't pulled up to the table and munched popcorn with you guys. When I get back from a few days away from home I always have a bunch of posts to catch up on! :lol:
 
U

Uncle Buck

Banned
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
9,120
Location
Kansas
eschoendorff said:
Not really... cannot remember a day when i haven't pulled up to the table and munched popcorn with you guys. When I get back from a few days away from home I always have a bunch of posts to catch up on! :lol:
Click to expand...

I guess I must admit the same, no day is complete without my fix (which does not always keep the wife happy, but what does?) :lol_hitti
 
T

tanda4

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 18, 2007
Messages
86
Location
IL
I haven't been on the forum very long and it is scary listing out how much I have purchased. :shocking:

Snap On 1/4 FOD Ratchet
Snap On 3/8 FOD Ratchet
Snap On 1/2 FOD Ratchet
Snap On 1/4 Long Handle
Snap On 3/8 Long Flex Handle
Snap On Ratcheting 5 Position Screwdriver
Snap On Flank Drive Plus 11mm wrench
Snap On Mini Tip Instinct Screwdriver set
Snap On Mini Instinct Pick set
Snap On Hex & Standard Hex Sets
Blue Point 3/8" 6-24 Metric Sockets
Mac 18" Breaker Bar
GearWrench 10 pc. Standard wrench set
Matco 10, 11, 13, 16, 19 wrenches
Matco 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 5/8 wrenches
Knipex 7" & 10" Cobra Pliers
Knipex Insulated Needle Nose Pliers
Klein Diagnonal Side Cutters
Craftsman Torx Socket Set
Craftsman Hex Socket Set
Craftsman 1/2" Deep Socket Set- Metric
Craftsman swivel sockets, metric
Lisle Rear Caliper Tool

I know there is more tools that I can't think of right now...

Coming soon:
Screwdrivers - Snap On, Wiha, or Wera
 
R

Rickster

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 26, 2005
Messages
6,218
Location
SE PA
I didn't know my tools sucked and I had a tool organization problem before I discovered this board. So I pretty much have upgraded my tools a couple of times over and still finding stuff I didn't know I needed.
 
J

JayL

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Messages
1,789
Location
Manila, Philippines
@ Lauver

I am in the Philippines. I do buy locally some stuff like the big bulky jacks, compressor , tool boxes etc.. However I do find better product choices by importing the stuff I need from the United States, if not better prices even if sometimes I have to pay two taxes ( one in the US and one here ).

Did you know that the Chiwanese products being sent to the US are among their best productions. You should see the quality of what they export to asia itself. I myself shy away from these because of very very poor quality even with the low price. I don't mean the branded ones but more of the generic ones.
 
S

SteveU

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 20, 2006
Messages
1,243
Location
Michigan
JayL said:
@ Lauver



Did you know that the Chiwanese products being sent to the US are among their best productions. You should see the quality of what they export to asia itself. I myself shy away from these because of very very poor quality even with the low price. I don't mean the branded ones but more of the generic ones.
Click to expand...


If the junk they send here is the best they make I can't imagine what the worst quality is. Read somewhere that China is the largest importer of 5 axis CNC lathes in the world, wonder what they are doing with them, making stuff for HF?
 
B

billymade

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Messages
7,461
Location
New Mexico
JayL, so what is the situation in the Philippines and that part of asia you are familiar with; what does the average person buy and what does the professional mechanic purchase? I would also be interested in know what kinds and brands of tools are available in the Philippines (Asian, American, European etc.)? I have worked with a number of native Filipinos here in the USA and they have told me crazy stories of people "fixing" cars with some very inventive/creative ways because many people can't afford to fix things with normal parts, because of the expense. Many of these "stories" involved people making their own gaskets, piston rings, bearings and just about anything else to keep things running. These "repairs" may be relegated to more rural areas, where repair facilities are not available; not so much in the cities.... This native "inventiveness" would be illustrated with the "Jeepney" which seems to be a Filipino phenomena! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney JayL any comments would be interesting!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom