Recommend a Quality Set Punches & Chisels

Flash21 · Aug 12, 2009

Guys, need a recommendation on a quality set of punches and chisels. I'm looking for a set that will last and is quality.

It seems that punches & chisels have a wide range of prices. I have researched the board and there isn't a whole discussion but what I have seen ranged from "HF is fine, they are disposable" to only "buy high end" to craftsman is the way to go.

What about say, SO, makes their punches / chisels more expensive? In this case, are you paying for just the name or are they significantly better? If better, in what way?

I don't mind paying more, but I want better performance if I'm paying more. I don't like paying more just for a name.

MUST by made in USA

Recommendations, Please~!

isr2kba · Aug 12, 2009

Personally, I use craftsman because Sears is right down the street and no matter which ones you buy, you'll wear them out eventually. I have some SO ones and they certainly last longer, but my dealer prefers that I dress them and fix them up a few times before trading them in.

Sears could care less.

quattrojon · Aug 12, 2009

You wouldn't go far wrong with Mayhew, U.S.A made, reasonable money, and of course a lifetime guarantee.

Jon

Flash21 · Aug 12, 2009

quattrojon said:
You wouldn't go far wrong with Mayhew, U.S.A made, reasonable money, and of course a lifetime guarantee.

Jon

Jon - Would you recommend going with the S2 steel models or just the standard?

Mayhew doesn't really go into depth about the advantages of S2 steel.

quattrojon · Aug 12, 2009

KLars1

The ones i have are the standard cold chisels and punches. They seem to hold up well as i have had very few returns. I cannot comment on the S2 versions as my wholesaler doesn't stock them.

Jon

Merkava_4 · Aug 12, 2009

Mayhew, Proto, or Cornwell.

sk farmer · Aug 12, 2009

i have mostly mayhew but have a little of everthing i have a whole drawer full, maybe 75 peices. some get used damn hard and they will break and bend. the bent ones usually go to the trash and the others get recyled. one of the few tools that are easily modified. kind of like a pencil they start out long and get shorter throughout ther useful life. they never complain whe i hit the grinder with them as long as i keep them cool.

wreckercologist · Aug 12, 2009

I prefer Mac over Snap-on. I'm very pro Snap-on but not when it comes to punches and chisels. The snappys are a little too brittle for my taste. The Macs seem to withstand abuse better.

I can't say about Mayhew, but their other products I have are very good.

Blacknwhitepit · Aug 12, 2009

Here is a quality set. Made in USA... I had it for sale a little while ago... I am asking $40.00 Shipped.

-BWP[/QUOTE]

bayou985 · Aug 12, 2009

........mayhew.......

krusty the clown · Aug 12, 2009

mac, matco and snap on chisels and punches are made by mayhew. a set that runs $300 off the truck can be bought for $80-$90 from mayhew. i believe cornwell's are made by martin. either of those would be a good choice.

Joe Mamma · Aug 12, 2009

I can't help you with the chisels, but I've used punches quite a bit. The best of any that I have seen or used are Starrett. I can't believe no one mentioned them. Snap-On are also excellent. Craftsman are not very good.

If you go with something mediocre in quality, you may want to get duplicates of the smaller sizes (for pin pinches)--they bend easily.

Blacknwhitepit, you may not know this, but Baltimore Tools Works just went out of business.

Joe Mamma

Flash21 · Aug 12, 2009

krusty the clown said:
mac, matco and snap on chisels and punches are made by mayhew. a set that runs $300 off the truck can be bought for $80-$90 from mayhew. i believe cornwell's are made by martin. either of those would be a good choice.

Interesting information, through all the threads I could find I don't think I ran across that information...thanks Krusty.

So, it looks like Mayhew (sold as Matco, Snap-On), Martin (sold as Cornwell) are the leaders.

Are the Snap-On / Matco branded Mayhew's "S-2" steel?

Anyone have any comments for or against the S-2 steel variety? These are referred to as "S-Series"

From their catalog: (This is from the catalog page for "The 150 Line)

"High grade S-2 Tool Steel for superior tensile strength, toughness & long life!"

"Full Shank heat treating!"

"Parabolic head to reduce mushrooming & chipping!"

"Black Oxide finish for enhanced corrosion resistance!"

"Full Professional Finish!"

The Advantages of Full Shank Heat Treating
Full shank heat treat is a two step process where the entire length of the too is hardened and tempered and then the struck end of the tool is drawn back.

Advantage: Struck end is less susceptible to mushroooming.

Coach James · Aug 12, 2009

Joe Mamma said:
.......

Blacknwhitepit, you may not know this, but Baltimore Tools Works just went out of business.

Joe Mamma

Damn!! Please don't say that. This actually depresses me as I've been using their stuff for years. Man I hate to hear that. I always buy Baltimore Tool Works or Enderes for chisels and punches. Enderes also makes some good pry bars.

Coach

PS: When I googled Baltimore Tool Works, I got a link to Mayhew. Did Mayhew buy them out?

Flash21 · Aug 12, 2009

Coach James said:
PS: When I googled Baltimore Tool Works, I got a link to Mayhew. Did Mayhew buy them out?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayhew Tools™ is Pleased to Announce the Acquisition of the Baltimore Toolworks Product Line.

Mayhew Tools™, MA and Baltimore Toolworks, Inc., MD represented by Jill B. Reamer of Peak Strategy Advisors, Inc. 13 March 2009

Mayhew Tools™, the oldest and most respected manufacturer of punches, chisels, pry bars and specialty automotive now adds the strength of the Baltimore tool Line to their programs. We will be offering the product line immediately and our intent is to make this acquisition as seamless as possible to all existing customers that were purchasing the Baltimore Toolworks line.

Included in this acquisition comes the patent pending Hard Cap™ branded line of punches, chisels, and masonry tools. We are also adding the popular line of Plumbing Tools. You will soon be able to view these complete lines on our website.

About Mayhew

In 1856, starting as a small tool house in the town of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts the founders of Mayhew Tools dedicated themselves to the highest standards in American manufacturing of punches and chisels. Today, the company has grown to encompass a much broader product line through new product development, additional acquisitions like Old Forge™, Carica™, and now Baltimore Toolworks. However, our basic commitments to quality and standards have remained solid and unchanged. We invite you to explore our site to learn how your business can benefit from the Mayhew Tools product line.

Flash21 · Aug 12, 2009

OK, back on topic

Are the Snap-On / Matco branded Mayhew's "S-2" steel?

Anyone have any comments for or against the S-2 steel variety? The punches / chisels with the S-2 Steel are referred to as "S-Series"

Joe Mamma · Aug 12, 2009

KLars1 said:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayhew Tools™ is Pleased to Announce the Acquisition of the Baltimore Toolworks Product Line.

Mayhew Tools™, MA and Baltimore Toolworks, Inc., MD represented by Jill B. Reamer of Peak Strategy Advisors, Inc. 13 March 2009

Mayhew Tools™, the oldest and most respected manufacturer of punches, chisels, pry bars and specialty automotive now adds the strength of the Baltimore tool Line to their programs. We will be offering the product line immediately and our intent is to make this acquisition as seamless as possible to all existing customers that were purchasing the Baltimore Toolworks line.

Included in this acquisition comes the patent pending Hard Cap™ branded line of punches, chisels, and masonry tools. We are also adding the popular line of Plumbing Tools. You will soon be able to view these complete lines on our website.

About Mayhew

In 1856, starting as a small tool house in the town of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts the founders of Mayhew Tools dedicated themselves to the highest standards in American manufacturing of punches and chisels. Today, the company has grown to encompass a much broader product line through new product development, additional acquisitions like Old Forge™, Carica™, and now Baltimore Toolworks. However, our basic commitments to quality and standards have remained solid and unchanged. We invite you to explore our site to learn how your business can benefit from the Mayhew Tools product line.

OK, maybe I mispoke. But what I know is that the Baltimore Tool Works company recently (maybe June?) had a "going out of business" sale in Baltimore. They were selling all sorts of things from office chairs, desks, etc. to tool carts, shelving and manufacturing machinery. They didn't say anything about changing facilities or locations, or being acquired. The description I saw said they were "going out of business."

I don't doubt what KLars1 posted. But, maybe Mayhew bought the brand name, laid off most of the people, and shut down the Baltimore factory. Hopefully someone with more information will come along.

Back on point, I own punches from Snap-On, Starrett, Craftsman, Mayhew and others that I can't think of. The Mayhew punches that I have seen and used are not even close the same quality as the Snap-Ons I've seen and used. They MAY be made by the same people. But, they are not the same product with a different name.

Joe Mamma

Joe Mamma · Aug 12, 2009

Regarding Baltimore Tool Works, I googled "Baltimore Tool Works liquidation 2009" and got some information. Here's an interesting link:

http://www.normanmachinetool.com/used_product_desc.php?pid=2172&prod=LIQUIDATIONS_QUALITY_

some text from the link:
"BALTIMORE TOOL WORKS MACHINE TOOL AND ASSET LIQUIDATION
No Reasonable offer will be refused - Call 800-343-4399 with Questions or to request more information

View the complete list of machinery, shop equipment, and other assets for liquidation, owned by Baltimore Tool Works, here."

Joe Mamma

bushhawg73 · Aug 12, 2009

I would go with Mayhew's. That is most of what I have and all of them have provided great service for something that you beat, pull, twist and otherwise abuse. The Mayhew's are also very reasonably priced and USA made.

Joe Mamma · Aug 12, 2009

KLars1 said:
Anyone have any comments for or against the S-2 steel variety? The punches / chisels with the S-2 Steel are referred to as "S-Series"

I've used screwdriver tips that are S-2 steel. I was not impressed. The tips were not that strong at all. My guess is that the heat treating process is more important than the steel type. That's what metal experts always say, and I'm starting to believe it.

Joe Mamma

BB26 · Aug 12, 2009

I have a lot of SO punches and chisels and have been very happy with them. I have bent a few of the smaller size punches, but they have been used and abused for a number of years. My old man even used them in his ****** shop for years before passing them on to me.

I also have some newer Mayhew's to fill in sizes that I did not have. They have worked great as well. I also have some C-Man's that I am not very impressed with. The smaller sizes do not last long at all.

sk farmer · Aug 12, 2009

they may be out of bussiness but those are some nice tools at a reasonable price bwp. i think the chisels alone would run you that price new.

Garage_Mahal · Aug 12, 2009

Joe Mamma said:
Regarding Baltimore Tool Works, I googled "Baltimore Tool Works liquidation 2009" and got some information. Here's an interesting link:

http://www.normanmachinetool.com/used_product_desc.php?pid=2172&prod=LIQUIDATIONS_QUALITY_

Dang! 50 of those assembly benches. I'd take three if I was closer.

79pacecar · Aug 12, 2009

Joe Mamma said:
I can't help you with the chisels, but I've used punches quite a bit. The best of any that I have seen or used are Starrett. I can't believe no one mentioned them. Snap-On are also excellent. Craftsman are not very good.

If you go with something mediocre in quality, you may want to get duplicates of the smaller sizes (for pin pinches)--they bend easily.

Blacknwhitepit, you may not know this, but Baltimore Tools Works just went out of business.

Joe Mamma

I will second that!! I have a set of Starrett punches and they are the best I have ever used as well

EvelOne · Aug 12, 2009

I use Cornwell. They seem to last a long time, they resist mushrooming pretty well. No matter what you use the small punches will eventually bend. Cornwell replaces with no problems. C-mans ****, they bend or chip easily.

fatfillup · Aug 12, 2009

Baltimore Tool Works AFAIK was purchased by Mayhew and the Baltimore facility closed and liquidated. I purchased some of the inventory from someone who said they bought all the inventory but don't know if it was the same people who bought the equipment. Got the impression that the assets were liquidated by the former owner and not Mayhew, so Mayhew probably bought the name and product lines and rights, but that is a guess.

Blacknwhitepit · Aug 12, 2009

I learned a lot about the Baltimore Tool Works...... Thanks. I wonder if MAYHEW will honor the warranty.

Anyway... I sold the set in the picture tonight...

-BWP

sk farmer · Aug 13, 2009

hey bwp, do i get a commison for helping on that sale?

kartracer55 · Aug 13, 2009

Look how antiquated the first half of all that equipment in there is. THIS is the state of American Manufacturing? No wonder we can't compete. Its refreshing to see that they invested in some newer CNC equipment, but cmon, it looks like that blast furnace was built in the home depot plumping isle

Uncle Buck · Aug 13, 2009

Another good USA brand with modest price, long history in the business, and great warranty. Check them out here! http://www.enderes.com/index.htm

Check out the contact us page for the manufacturing plant location, USA all the way baby.............

BB26 · Aug 13, 2009

Uncle Buck said:
Another good USA brand with modest price, long history in the business, and great warranty. Check them out here! http://www.enderes.com/index.htm

Check out the contact us page for the manufacturing plant location, USA all the way baby.............

I checked out their website...very cool to learn of another US tool manufacturer. Thanks for the link, UB! :beer:

IIRC, my local True Value carries some of their screwdrivers. I will check next time I am there.

Anyone have first hand experience with their tools?

Uncle Buck · Aug 13, 2009

I used to sell the brand in hdw stores years ago. AKAIK the brand and product is fine. I do not have more than one or two of that brand though. Most of mine are either Mayhew, Craftsman, Wilde, or the odd Snap-on. Wilde brand through www.harryepstein.com can still be purchased with chrome plate. Like as not they are NOS, but the quality is all there.

64merc · Aug 13, 2009

FYI, you can buy Enderes punches/chisels at Northern Tools.

garfunkle24 · Aug 13, 2009

I have Mayhew punches and chisels and they work just fine for me. My personal favourites, however, are Rennsteig (German) which occasionally come up on Amazon for a steeply discounted price.

I have a lot of PB Swiss punches, but they haven't really seen enough use for me to comment on their longevity.

southpier · Aug 13, 2009

how many pieces/ what size? i just got this from MSC Industrial Supply:

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/GSDRVSM?PACACHE=000000105111661

81Seca · Aug 13, 2009

You looking for a specific type of punch or one of those all-in-one sets? I had some Craftsman center punches and cold chisels. They were OK, but now reside as spares. Most of my alignment/tapered punches and center punches are now Mayhew and Enderes. My pin punches are Allens. My cold chisels are Daytons (Grainger). What I did like about the Craftsman is that they were plated and resisted rust much better than the black oxide Mayhew and Allens. But the steel on the punches seemed to deform easier, and the cold chisels needed more frequent sharpening.

Flash21 · Aug 13, 2009

81Seca said:
You looking for a specific type of punch or one of those all-in-one sets?

Ideally, a all-in-one quality set...but I'll probably start looking for deals.

Elroy · Mar 2, 2010

Baltimore Tool Works may have been absorbed by Mayhew but their stuff is floating around and worth picking up.

As an example is this recently acquired 25 cent specimen

Old rusty POS all beat up.

Looks like it cleaned up fine and it's NOT bent. Elroy tells me for a quarter he'll take it.

So keep your open

bmxr4life87 · Mar 2, 2010

does elroy have any tips on how to produce such a nice clean striking end?

fordbroncodave · Mar 2, 2010

get the 16 piece set from SK. those things are awesome and priced great

Recommend a Quality Set Punches & Chisels

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