Anyone ever go back to basics? Simpler/Cheaper tools

[CS454]

I’ve been buying quality tools and equipment since day one and I have no desire to go backwards.

I had a Snap On truck account in high school. I’ve worked very hard to get the best things I can afford, what possible benefit would there be in getting cheap **** now?

I will never understand this mentality. I get it when you never HAD quality tools, then I can see not justifying them, but if you already have them why get rid of them just to get ****?

I'm not in a hurry to give up my dual 80 ratcheting wrenches

It's like I said in my OP, the grass is always greener. I have some coworkers who took home their triple banks and replaced it with a hardware store stack and some cheaper tools, simply because the scope of our work doesn't increase (90% safeties and running repairs).

Got me thinking that yeah, I could've probably never invested in wobble plus extensions, 4 way wrenches, etc and gotten along just fine...but when I need to reach that goddamn-stupid-***-who-the-****-put-that-there-curse-your-bloodline-and-your-horse fastener around a blind corner in a blind hole I'm glad to have invested.

 

[Fedwrench]

Yes and no. When I first started out as a kid, SK was sold my most auto parts stores in San Diego county and I could get great bargains on it at the Aero Drive In swap meet back in the day so, that is what I started out with along with Craftsman. Then later in life, I became addicted to Snap on, Mac, and later, Matco offerings to acquire tools that had evolved like high tooth count ratchets, ratcheting wrenches, specialty tools, along with metric everything, etc. Now much later in life, I still have much of my old stuff along with most of my truck brand stuff but, most of my recent acquisitions are non truck brand, mostly made in Taiwan or Japan. I really like the Ko-Ken tools I've picked up. I use Capri, Tekton, OEM, Toptul (thanks Denny), Milwaukee, Carlyle items, along with Knipex all the time at work day in and day out with great results. Now, I realize most people here will not embrace an Asian tool brand and that's ok because at the end of the day, it's your money and your choice but, tools as a whole have gotten better across the board, and the quality gap has narrowed significantly between many brands. I think the one thing that bothers me more today than in my youth, is sticker shock. I can't get past the truck brand price for simple things like a set of combination wrenches running $300. I know they're great wrenches but, no thanks. No frills, get the job done repeatedly type tools are what I prefer these days but, my days of turning wrenches in a professional setting are winding down. For the younger techs, be grateful for today's widest selection of tools probably ever offered.

 

[Kevin2406]

A few years after I stopped wrenching for a living I sold my Snap On triple bank and purchased one of the flat black Husky tool boxes. Was never happy with it so sold it and bought a US General triple bank. Given the choice now, I would have went with the US General to begin with and not bought into the "my tool box is bigger" mentality.

A couple of years ago my 20yr old Makita and Dewalt power tools needed upgrading. I went with Ryobi for my 18v version and have been happy. Just recently started building up my Milwaukee M12 collection and am wishing some of these were around years ago! Still can't bring myself to consider cheap/off brands for power tools.

As for the hand tools, I'm not giving up any of my SnapOn tools but am not against purchasing other brands now...as long as they are quality. I've purchase quite a bit of Astro tools and have been happy (except where the T45 was too big and had to grab a Snap On T45 ). Currently looking at changing my ratcheting wrenches to Icon to try them out. As someone mentioned, the cheaper tools today seem a lot better than they were in the past.

 

[unslow1]

I used to race the new tire jockeys at a shop I worked at, each of us doing one side of a car getting tires rotated. I used a four way, they got an impact. I never lost.

The 4 way is also useful for lifting a tire onto the studs.

 

[unslow1]

I'm not in a hurry to give up my dual 80 ratcheting wrenches

It's like I said in my OP, the grass is always greener. I have some coworkers who took home their triple banks and replaced it with a hardware store stack and some cheaper tools, simply because the scope of our work doesn't increase (90% safeties and running repairs).

Got me thinking that yeah, I could've probably never invested in wobble plus extensions, 4 way wrenches, etc and gotten along just fine...but when I need to reach that goddamn-stupid-***-who-the-****-put-that-there-curse-your-bloodline-and-your-horse fastener around a blind corner in a blind hole I'm glad to have invested.

The wobble plus extensions are probably one of the few things I would buy a tool truck brand if starting over.

 

[richfinn]

I’ve been buying quality tools and equipment since day one and I have no desire to go backwards.

I had a Snap On truck account in high school. I’ve worked very hard to get the best things I can afford, what possible benefit would there be in getting cheap **** now?

I will never understand this mentality. I get it when you never HAD quality tools, then I can see not justifying them, but if you already have them why get rid of them just to get ****?

1. Secondary tool kit if you change jobs and have to go on the road

2. Lightweight if you need to travel after promotion

3. As operator skill level increases, less tools required (I know this one is controversial)

 

[dr_clyde]

1. Secondary tool kit if you change jobs and have to go on the road

2. Lightweight if you need to travel after promotion

3. As operator skill level increases, less tools required (I know this one is controversial)

I dunno man, I have 3+ basic sets of Snap-On hard line tools. One for the shop, one for the service van, and one at home, plus some partial sets. I don't like cheap tools. Even if I use them once in a while.

I get it I guess if you are buying additional tools, but the question posed was would you go BACK to using cheaper/simpler stuff, not acquire additional. Maybe I misunderstood the premise.

Once I own something nice, it makes ZERO sense to me to sell it and downgrade. That **** is bought and paid for, why would I peddle it for 50 cents on the dollar to buy something that isn't as nice?

To me that's like selling the paid for Mercedes and buying a VW. What possible reason would you have for downgrading. I get it if you could never afford the Mercedes, or justify one for a second car. But downgrading just cuz? ???

 

[justanengineer]

Yes...sort of. Before my last move I sold most of my woodworking machines to lighten the load moving. Rather than buy more machines, I have been buying, restoring, and doing more with vintage hand tools. Oddly enough, I’ve learned tricks to using chisels, saws, and other hand tools that have actually made me faster than I was with machinery.

Disclaimer: Despite being descended from generations of master woodworkers I am definitely not one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[richfinn]

I dunno man, I have 3+ basic sets of Snap-On hard line tools. One for the shop, one for the service van, and one at home, plus some partial sets. I don't like cheap tools. Even if I use them once in a while.

I get it I guess if you are buying additional tools, but the question posed was would you go BACK to using cheaper/simpler stuff, not acquire additional. Maybe I misunderstood the premise.

Once I own something nice, it makes ZERO sense to me to sell it and downgrade. That **** is bought and paid for, why would I peddle it for 50 cents on the dollar to buy something that isn't as nice?

To me that's like selling the paid for Mercedes and buying a VW. What possible reason would you have for downgrading. I get it if you could never afford the Mercedes, or justify one for a second car. But downgrading just cuz? ???

I keep whats left of my good old USA stuff indoors (Tool truck mostly)

Road tools I tend to go mid priced (Ko-ken/Stahlwille/NWS/Vessel etc)

The thing is those mid-priced tools are equally as good, maybe not in looks but they perform just as good for the most part and they are better value

I had to cut back, I was out of control. I also found I had a lot of baggage (auto mechanic), tools that did the same thing or I learned new skills/tricks which made older tools obsolete

Having embraced minimalism, it's quite an eye opener how much stuff you don't actually need anymore

 

[Radio Flyer]

Yes,

I gave up on the digital caliper and went back to the old school dial caliper.

Batteries were a pain to deal with, and then the battery cover kept falling off.

Not a problem anymore!

 

[Al Borland]

Pictures stolen via google. They come in 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 drive with different style handles as my pictures show. Can turn bolts/nut very fast with one.

Love my Speeders!

 

[Jersey Drew]

Not sure if this was discussed yet in this thread but when we all built our tools it was probably 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago and the cheap tools were just downright cheap. Nowadays we have a lot more to choose from with inexpensive tools brands that actually hold up. Don’t get me wrong there’s still a lot of cheap brands out there. But there is no way that you can justify some of these big-name tools anymore with a lot of the brands that are out now.

 

[Packard V8]

Not sure if this was discussed yet in this thread but when we all built our tools it was probably 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago and the cheap tools were just downright cheap. Nowadays we have a lot more to choose from with inexpensive tools brands that actually hold up. Don’t get me wrong there’s still a lot of cheap brands out there. But there is no way that you can justify some of these big-name tools anymore with a lot of the brands that are out now.

Agree - good tools have gotten less expensive and the best tools have gotten crazy more expensive.

jack vines

 

[dscheidt]

Not sure if this was discussed yet in this thread but when we all built our tools it was probably 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago and the cheap tools were just downright cheap. Nowadays we have a lot more to choose from with inexpensive tools brands that actually hold up. Don’t get me wrong there’s still a lot of cheap brands out there. But there is no way that you can justify some of these big-name tools anymore with a lot of the brands that are out now.

I put together a kit for mobile work, mostly of stuff I wouldn't cry if it got lost or stolen. It's HF sockets and extensions, some Taiwan made ratchets, Husky wrenches from a christmas special deal, cheap screwdrivers, some okay pliers (from my duplicates collection). A few specialty tools I bought for particular things, from whatever parts place I was buying the parts from.

For the most part, the tools are surprisingly nice. Sockets and such are okay. They're nicer than any of the US made easco/Danaher stuff I have, not as nice as my snap-on. the wrenches are quite a bit better than okay. They're better than the early 80s SAE snap-on I have, not quite as nice as early 2000s metric stuff, on par with my recent SK (which loses points for being too short).

i did a fairly substantial job last year using a $100ish blow molded kit of tools from a chain auto parts place. Had to supplement that kit, not because it lacked needed tools. The wrenches in that kit sucked, but worked fine, and were probably objectively better than the raised panel craftsman stuff I grew up using. I was surprised, I expected somethint would break when I started hitting the ratchet with a 10lb sledge.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Not sure if this was discussed yet in this thread but when we all built our tools it was probably 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago and the cheap tools were just downright cheap. Nowadays we have a lot more to choose from with inexpensive tools brands that actually hold up. Don’t get me wrong there’s still a lot of cheap brands out there. But there is no way that you can justify some of these big-name tools anymore with a lot of the brands that are out now.

Agreed. The quality gap has narrowed substantially between the top and middle tiers. If not the top and bottom tiers totally.

 

[dffay]

I’m with you on that. I have really decent power woodworking tools but I’ve been restoring old chisels, drawknives, etc. The project next up is building a Low Roman Bench with holdfasts and an ancient vise at the end.
I can’t wait. It’s exciting to do something in the craftsman style.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I use a bit of everything. As long as they don’t bust my knuckles then I’m ok with it. I have had good luck with just about every brand of tools I’ve used. My favorite sockets are still the Popular Mechanics from Walmart back in the day and Craftsman USA. People laugh at me but I don’t care I like them.

 

[alexbuz1992]

I used to buy tools separately, then I realized that I was always missing something. I decided to get a set at once, not very expensive. It's more convenient to have everything at hand and everything has its own place. I ordered a set Pittsburgh https://homemakerguide.com/pittsburgh-tools-review/. Now I always have everything I need nearby, I thought about replacing it with a cool set, but I like this one.

 

[9eight7]

I started buying tools in college when I worked on my motorcycles. Hand me downs from my dad, cheap singles or random sets here and there were purchased on an as needed basis. Just like alexbuz above, I was always missing something. A bit frustrated, I bought my first proper socket set in 1/2" and 1/4" this year. Maintenance and DIY is my hobby now so I don't mind paying for the mid range of tools in terms of quality. My first power tool was the M12 stubby a couple years ago and that has opened up a whole new world!

 

[McGR]

Back when I was 18 (1982) I rebuilt a small block Chevy with my various el cheapo tools I had at the time. Trust me, I had no good tools in my collection at that point. I had a machine shop take care of the block and crank and borrowed a beam type torque wrench and valve spring compressor to complete the job. When I think about it today, it seems amazing I pulled this off with the junk tools I had at the time. I guess I was too young and stupid to realize how ill-equipped I was. Nonetheless, the engine ran great after it was all done.

 

[gatewaysysop]

It's an interesting question and my answer is in general, no, I wouldn't downgrade any of my nicer stuff to something else purely to reap some financial gain through "tool brand arbitrage" or what have you. That said, for certain things, I will probably never pony up the monies for the truck brands, not because I can't afford them but because I just don't see the value (for me personally) at the margin.

I have my fair share of truck brand tools and European imports but my box is from Strictly and more than enough build quality for me. The money I saved went towards the tools in the box, among other things. No judgment to those that drop serious coin on a box, especially since I'm not using mine in a professional setting, but for me as a hobbyist it just didn't make sense. On the flip side, I would probably never give up my Snap On, Matco or Cornwell ratchets, but neither would I part with my Wright or SK. If I was forced to pare down, the absolute last ratchets I would sell off are my Craftsman RHFT though. So, in that regard at least, you could say I'd be going back to go back to basics, but not by choice.

I still use Craftsman raised panel wrenches (and the older US-made full polish ones) so in that sense I can't go back to basics, since that's essentially where I'm at now. Another one of those areas where I would probably never invest in anything better, because these do the job for me, as a hobbyist.

I have my indulgences, but I try to be a pragmatist now and then.

 

[jonshonda]

I have typically been buying used quality hand tools/corded power tools on FB and CL for a number of years now. My collection is to the point that I really don't have much to get excited about when searching any more as I pretty much have everything I need. I don't get excited about garage sales or estate sales any more, and I cannot even think of the last thing I bought used (unless I just plan to flip it!).

I do a mix of personal auto repair and do some carpentry jobs on the side for some of my wife's coworkers. I really don't need a large collection, which is nice because I can imagine that can get expensive and overwhelming.

With that being said, I do find myself looking more into high end versions of the tools I currently have, such as Koken Zeal sockets/extensions, or some tools from Japan. But that is not something I act on, and more of a daydream type activity for me.

 

[dnschmidt]

The very concept is blasphemy. I've got Milwaukee and Makita, I aspire to Mafell. You guys are heathens.

 

[billt460]

I'm finding myself more willing to get rid of duplicates and stuff I don't use, and toss broken, worn, or low-quality ****.

But the thing is, the bottom of the barrel is a lot better than it used to be.

For basic stuff, even the cheapest **** at Harbor Freight nowadays is light-years better than the truly evil soft scrap metal that used to be peddled at Kmart. Heck, the Hart stuff on the shelves at any Walmart is perfectly serviceable, and sometimes even pretty decent.

Plus, we have a lot more choice nowadays thanks to the intarwebnets.

Remember calling to order tools from blurry little ads in the backs of magazines, or from that horrible JC Whitney catalog, or the early days of Harbor Freight?

Yes, I remember both "J.C. Whitney" and Harbor Freight in the late 70's and very early 80's. Both were horrible! I once bought a $5 3/8" drive ratchet set from Harbor Freight in the early 80's. The first time I used it, the socket simply stripped out the metal was so soft. (3/4" 12 point socket). I returned it for another one, and that socket shattered like dropping a light bulb on a concrete floor. Early China tools had all but zero control of their heat treating processes.

Today most of Harbor Freight's stuff is quite good quality. Sure there are still a few bad low end products, but overall their quality has advanced light years ahead of what they used to be...... I'll never forget when I was a kid, I got lured into buying a set of, "Fire Injectors" from J.C. Whitney. They were nothing more than low end garbage surface gap spark plugs that ran like ****. My car wouldn't even idle with them.

 

[McGR]

Yes, I remember both "J.C. Whitney" and Harbor Freight in the late 70's and very early 80's. Both were horrible! I once bought a $5 3/8" drive ratchet set from Harbor Freight in the early 80's. The first time I used it, the socket simply stripped out the metal was so soft. (3/4" 12 point socket). I returned it for another one, and that socket shattered like dropping a light bulb on a concrete floor. Early China tools had all but zero control of their heat treating processes.

Today most of Harbor Freight's stuff is quite good quality. Sure there are still a few bad low end products, but overall their quality has advanced light years ahead of what they used to be...... I'll never forget when I was a kid, I got lured into buying a set of, "Fire Injectors" from J.C. Whitney. They were nothing more than low end garbage surface gap spark plugs that ran like ****. My car wouldn't even idle with them.

Ah yes, the Fire Injectors. They fire like a shotgun, not a rifle. The Splitfires of our generation.

 

[Hohn]

I don't consider it a step backwards at all to find that you can get excellent tools for less money. I've had great results lately with Tekton and Sunex stuff.

My box is hodgepodge or old Allied stuff I got from my dad, various Craftsman chrome socket sets, gearwrench wrenches, Sunex impact sockets, Tekton screwdrivers (bought to get rid of the puke-smelling acetate handles on the old Craftsman sets). Even the HF impact sockets seem to work just fine.

I'm taking the bookend approach now. Either I buy the very cheapest tool that could work for the job (infrequent use, niche tool, etc), or I will be the very best I can justify for a frequently used tool because it has some particular quality that makes it worthwhile (ease of use, safety, reliability, makes jobs much easier or makes impossible possible, etc).

I foresee more Sunex and Tekton in my future. They just work and they don't cost much. Taiwanese tools are the king of bang-for-buck these days (IMO). It's like getting American quality at Chinese prices.