Basic hand tools - which company to go with?

[Goliath]

New guy here and I'm getting ready to move into my first home in a few months (it's being built and they are currently putting up the insulation). Now I've always lived in apartments and have a limited supply of hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers, ratchets, wrenches, etc) and I would like to buy a tool chest and begin adding to the tool collection.

My question is of the big box retailers who should I go with (Sears, HD, Lowes)? I'd prefer to get Snap On from the dealer at the stereo shop I visit but they're a little too much right now (got to send that first mortgage check you know). So any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

[wilbilt]

If limited to a box store (assuming their credit line is important), I would suggest Sears. Some/most of the Craftsman hand tool line is still US made at this point, but will certainly be offshore soon.

Husky and Kobalt are already Asian.

 

[djjack]

Everyone has their favorite but it is tough to beat Craftsman for value. They have a wide selection, a professional series if you want high end tools, and an easy warranty system (for most). Father's day sales and the Craftsman club are good ways to get deals.

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

If you live in or close to Canada, I would say go for Mastercraft Maximum hands down. I'd say it's the best bang for the buck going, anybody who has used their stuff before will probably agree.

 

[kartracer55]

You mentioned snap on, so Im assuming you do automotive work.

My personal recommendation for balancing quality and cost would be craftsman sockets. I would not rule out SK, and some Used Matco/Snap On from ebay.

I dont know exactly what you will be working on or what your budget is, but 3/8 drive is Key for pretty much anything.

If your going to need SAE and Metric, and will be doing automotive stuff, This set is hard to beat.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...rtical=TOOL&subcat=Sockets&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive Deep sockets, 6pt, in Metric and SAE. Honestly, If you were to get this set, and pick up a few ratchets and a set of metric wrenches, you could be set.

Invest in a good 3/8 ratchet or two, and pick up 1/4 and 1/2 drive as well.

You can catch a set of Craftsman Pro metric wrences on sale for well under 100$, or a set or regular craftsmans for like 50$.

We really need to know more about what you want to do, and how much your looking to spend.

Jim

 

[boiler7904]

Welcome to the site.

I would also assume that you'll be buying some power tools - at least the basics like a cordless drill, circular saw, jigsaw, etc. for upcoming projects around the house. You want to make sure that they can get serviced somewhere closeby without mailing them away for weeks of months. I'd look into what dedicated tool stores are in your area. Most places that sell power tools also stock or can order a wide variety of hand tools.

I have a Berlands House of Tools that I drive by to and from work everyday - visible from the interstate and less than 5 minutes out of the way. Its great to be able to stop in and pick something up or order a part / drop something off for service without having to deal with the lack of service at Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, and Sears Hardware, and Horror Freight that are all less than 5 minutes from my house. Sure you pay a little to somewhat more, but everyone in the store (including the cashiers) is a tool freak and knows how to point you in the right direction.

Depending on where you're at, some of the these might be relatively closeby and have what you're looking for:

Coastal Tools is in Connecticut

Tool King is in Colorado

Heavy Duty Tools is part of Stickland Electric in North Carolina

7 Corners is in Minnesota

I've had good service with all but Tool King (which I haven't ordered from). I just wish I was closer to all of them to be able to go inside and look around a while. I've also noticed that if you find something not stocked but from a manufacturer they carry, it usually be special ordered if you have the time to wait.

 

[ImportTuner]

Go with Craftsman if you are on a budget; they are still made in the US, have a good warranty, and you can buy/exchage at Sears, K-Mart, Orchard Supply Hardware stores, Sears Tool Centers, Sears Online and they have good sales, so you can save money.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

For home use you don't need Snap On

 

[MAD]

I agree that it is hard to beat Sears Craftsman hand tools for overall value. If you are looking for a tool chest though, stay away from anything from Sears that is in the Home Owner line. If the description on the web site says "for the home owner," you will be disappointed when you load it up with the weight of a fair amount of tools. If you shop online at Sears for a tool chest, look for models that can be picked up at your local store if you want to save on shipping.

Wilbilt mentioned store credit line, (I believe as a speculation of why you are limiting yourself to big box retailers) the Sears credit card has very high interest rates. Sometimes it is worth using a Sears card to get a special deal like free shipping or no interest for 12 months on appliances etc.... Just make certain you pay your balance off in full in the prescribed time period to avoid the loan shark interest rates.

 

[KingPerformance]

For home use you don't need Snap On

No one needs snap on. You can do anything without snap on tools. However, the engineering and quality behind snap on is what makes them so nice. If you like having top tier tools that make the job you are completing easier, snap on hand tools are hard to beat.

If limited to a box store (assuming their credit line is important), I would suggest Sears. Some/most of the Craftsman hand tool line is still US made at this point, but will certainly be offshore soon.

Husky and Kobalt are already Asian.

So, buy an American tool now, when it breaks you will get it replaced with an import tool later under warranty? And we know tools DO break, so its certain he will end up with import tools in the end … sounds like a raw deal to me.

 

[eschoendorff]

Wilbilt mentioned store credit line, (I believe as a speculation of why you are limiting yourself to big box retailers) the Sears credit card has very high interest rates. Sometimes it is worth using a Sears card to get a special deal like free shipping or no interest for 12 months on appliances etc.... Just make certain you pay your balance off in full in the prescribed time period to avoid the loan shark interest rates.

I can personally attest to this. I have a Sears charge card and cannot wait to pay it off and get rid of it!!!!!

 

[TT66']

Welcome to the site. As far as tools for the home shop I'd buy the Craftsman sockets. Bob Vila keeps telling me to replace my older sockets with new ones, since the older I get the little numbers are hard to see. The new sockets are laser etched for visibility. Get the best ratchets that you can afford. You won't regret it. I have the older style Craftsman ratchets which are of good quality but I can't say that about the ones they give you in the sets. Have fun shopping fer tools!

 

[Uncle Buck]

No one needs snap on. You can do anything without snap on tools. However, the engineering and quality behind snap on is what makes them so nice. If you like having top tier tools that make the job you are completing easier, snap on hand tools are hard to beat.



So, buy an American tool now, when it breaks you will get it replaced with an import tool later under warranty? And we know tools DO break, so its certain he will end up with import tools in the end … sounds like a raw deal to me.

He does not know that, That is simply what he thinks will happen down the road! Remember opinions are like a_ _ holes, everyone has them, and do not believe everything you read!

 

[ba614]

My advice would be to buy Craftsman. I believe Craftsman gives you the best bang for your bucks.

One thing to be aware of though is that many of their sets skip sizes. Especially the sets that go on sale. If you want complete sets that cover every size you have to shop carefully. If you buy that half price deal and then have to buy a couple of wrenches to fill the set it can cost more than if you bought the full set at regular price.

If you want full wrench sets another thing to watch for is that some of the Craftsman Ratcheting wrench sets skip sizes and the missing size is not offered individually. That is when I start looking on the net for SK sets. SK offer's tools of similar quality as Craftsman pro. They cost a little more but usually have sets with the full range of sizes. Don't buy SK at Sears though, they are way over priced there. The ToolWarehouse.net sells SK at a better price along with several other online tool companies.

 

[-lecroix-]

Remember opinions are like a_ _ holes, everyone has them ...

And also remember, some of the most vocal opinions usually come from assholes.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

If limited to a box store (assuming their credit line is important), I would suggest Sears. Some/most of the Craftsman hand tool line is still US made at this point, but will certainly be offshore soon.

Husky and Kobalt are already Asian.

Husky is Asian, Kobalt is Mixed.

Sockets/ratchets and wrenchs are still USA Dahaner (same as Sears, with less selection). Screwdrivers and everything else I saw was an import.

But even some of the new gimmicky tools at Sears are imports.

 

[1320stang]

Most everything in hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets and pliers) I have is Craftsman, but I think I'm going to start buying Kobalt. There are 2 Lowe's closer than the Sears store and I don't have to deal with mall traffic. Getting warranty honored at Sears seems to be getting tougher and I'm not at all pleased with my replacement 3/8" ratchet with the thumb switch. I'd much rather have the twist back with the knurled portion back as the thumb switch has a mind of it's own. The price is about the same as Sears and their hours are longer. You can get credit there as well.

 

[flexysteve]

I have a hodgepodge of Husky, Craftsman and Kobalt and must say that I like the Husky the best. I don't have the deep pockets for the high $ brand but getting a nice ratchet is a good investment and save $$ by getting cheaper screwdrivers. My 2cents

 

[Uncle Buck]

And also remember, some of the most vocal opinions usually come from assholes.

Good thing some folks like me just don't care! By the way, one more vote for Craftsman from here.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Another vote for Craftsman, even if there is no Sears store near you. Good hand tools shouldn't break when used properly. Also, like somebody else said, buy the best ratchets you can afford.
Does your new house have a garage?
Oh yeah, Welcome Aboard!

 

[-lecroix-]

Good thing some folks like me just don't care!

Count me in too!

 

[Goliath]

Gentleman - thank you for the warm wishes to the site and for your recommendations. I only mentioned Snap On earlier b/c I used to have stereo work done on my car at the shop and most there used SO. I bought a few screwdrivers but they were pricey.

As far as the box retailers, they are all in close proximity to one another and to where I'm living. I was leaning towards Craftsman as that's what my dad used throughout years but just want to know what others were using. The guys at my local Sears are easy to get along with so I'm not worried about returns/exchanges.

@kartracer55 - thanks for the suggestions. Right now I'm looking to have the basics in the garage as I'm moving into a new house and can no longer "borrow" things from my dad.

It looks like I'll stay with the Cman line and head down to Sears and check out the weekly sales. Still have a couple of months before I move into the new house but just want to have the basics before I move in.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the info!

 

[eschoendorff]

I was in yoru same position not too long ago. I went with mostly Craftsman stuff, but have amassed a lot of other brands out of simple curiosity. I gotta say, that for ratchets and screwdrivers, I really dig the Snap On stuff. For wrenches Craftsman pro. everything else... Craftsman, without a doubt.

 

[Rickster]

I was in yoru same position not too long ago. I went with mostly Craftsman stuff, but have amassed a lot of other brands out of simple curiosity. I gotta say, that for ratchets and screwdrivers, I really dig the Snap On stuff. For wrenches Craftsman pro. everything else... Craftsman, without a doubt.

Agree! Also check out the lower roller cabinet from Harbor Freight.

 

[toolfreak]

I would recommend Snap on for screwdrivers, ratchets, and allen and torx sockets. As for sockets, wrenches, and most hand tools, I would go with Craftsman, especially if for home use.

 

[wilbilt]

Getting warranty honored at Sears seems to be getting tougher

I have been wondering about something. The laser-etched sockets in many sizes don't have any stamped markings at all. What happens when it wears off and you can't tell what size or brand it is?

Will Sears tell you "too bad" because it no longer says "Craftsman" on it?

It's just a question that's been rattling around in my head for a few days.

 

[KingPerformance]

I have been wondering about something. The laser-etched sockets in many sizes don't have any stamped markings at all. What happens when it wears off and you can't tell what size or brand it is?

Will Sears tell you "too bad" because it no longer says "Craftsman" on it?

It's just a question that's been rattling around in my head for a few days.

I have been told on more then one occasion that my craftsman tools will not be warranted and if I wanted a replacement go purchase a new one so I wouldn't doubt it. One thing to remember, etching doesn't rub off.

 

[wilbilt]

I have been told on more then one occasion that my craftsman tools will not be warranted and if I wanted a replacement go purchase a new one so I wouldn't doubt it. One thing to remember, etching doesn't rub off.

By definition, you would think not. The sockets I have (maybe 4 months old) are already showing "thin" spots in the "etching". In fact, some of them were poorly "etched" right out of the package.

It just doesn't look very permanent.

 

[-lecroix-]

The etching will "lighten" with age and handling, but should not "rub off."

This etching process is done with a laser and normally penetrates somewhere between .003-.005 deep and would actually require some very heavy buffing to light grinding to remove completely. Which will also destroy the plating.

 

[MAD]

The etching will "lighten" with age and handling, but should not "rub off."

This etching process is done with a laser and normally penetrates somewhere between .003-.005 deep and would actually require some very heavy buffing to light grinding to remove completely. Which will also destroy the plating.

I have noticed that the new Craftsman impact sockets are both laser etched and engraved/stamped . I wish they would do that with the chrome sockets too. Even if the laser etching does not rub off, they just seem cheap to me. Oh wait a second, they are cheap. Thats what I like about them. Never mind.

 

[GeorgeH]

I have mostly Craftsman power and hand tools and never had a problem but I do not use them professionally. However my wifes father owned a very busy transmission shop ( he actually had to turn down work ) and all he ever used was Craftsman tools. The onlt exception was some specialty tools that was not available from Craftsman.

 

[goodfellow]

I'm lucky enough to have my grandfather's Craftsman tools (1930's), my father's MAC and Craftsman tools (1950's and 60's) and my own MAC, MATCO and Snap On purchases from the 70's and 80's. To be quite honest, the best "feeling tools" (to me at least) are my dad's 1950's vintage MAC and Craftsman stuff. The look like new (chrome never wears off) and just seem to be made better than the more recent stuff I bought from MAC, MATCO and Snappy.

I had a real problem with Snap On chrome wrenches and sochets (chrome kept flaking off) and they were replaced in the 1980's under warranty. I tired to get a socket replaced more recently (chrome coming off) and the Snap On guy pretty much told me "where to go".


On the other hand, I had a 1/4" chrome flex socket break and when I called MAC, their customer service rep just asked for my address -- they sent a new socket within days. Didn't even have to show them the broken socket.

Now that's customer service -- MAC will get my business from now on.

 

[MarkH]

There is different tools that are good for different uses.

For the basic wrenches sockets
Pro - the truck brands - Daily User Industrial Wright - Proto
High end User Craftsman Pro - SK - Weekly User
User - Craftsman - Monthly User
Minimal User - What ever wonder tools is being hawked -Yearly to Never

Screwdrivers of various type

Add the Wihla's and a couple names into the top ends

Pliers etc

Add in the Channellock, Kliens and a couple other brands

Hammers

Skip the truck brands most of the times, use good Vaughs, Estwings, Craftsman for most work unless you need titatanium.

Power Tools, you again have levels, and have to decide.

The milwaukee's hilti's metabo's at the top end
The Dewalt, Bosch, Porter Cable and Mikitas still in the pro end for most tools but they do have a low end that drops into the high end user. Skills worm drive
Craftsman Pro - User
Craftsman B&D most other skill

Standing power tools, buy to do it once in a lifetime. My dad bough cheap like the lowest end table saw at sears. I bought at the high end of the low end, will need a new table saw. Tipping it is dangerous, I want out before I do it. Big boards need big saws.

Plumbing, drywalling, paint brushes all have this pecking order that involves some fun and research.

 

[wilbilt]

Paint brushes = Purdy for anything important.

Dollar Tree specials for dusting benches or brushing on anything nasty like resin.

 

[eschoendorff]

Paint brushes = Purdy for anything important.

Dollar Tree specials for dusting benches or brushing on anything nasty like resin.

Amen!!!!!

 

[Goliath]

I would recommend Snap on for screwdrivers, ratchets, and allen and torx sockets. As for sockets, wrenches, and most hand tools, I would go with Craftsman, especially if for home use.

This has been my feeling exactly, just wanted some confirmation. I didn't really think this thread would have evolved as it did. Thanks again everyone for the recommendations!