Best first tools

[Globy]

Hi,
I was wondering buy some snap-on tools ( wrench, ratchet and socket set ), but for first hobby tools I think that is too expensive.
And then I tought in craftsman tools, but seems they are made in China.
So should I buy facom, beta, bahco..??
Which are the best?It's for hobby but I like real stuff.

 

[diesel research]

What part of the globe do you live in, and what does your typical "hobbies" include (the ones requiring hand tools)?

 

[american lockpicker]

Facom, Beta and Bahco is all outsourced now.

 

[Wakefield]

A Wright or an SK (set) when SK gets up and running again?

 

[dankicksass]

And then I tought in craftsman tools, but seems they are made in China.

I don't think there's a full line tool brand that doesn't have at least some China-made units. Most Craftsman tools are still made in the good ole USA.

Stanley (Husky) makes a great first tool set IMO, if the SO cost is what you're hitting your head on. They work right, they look good, the price is fair and the warranty is easy. This set is on clearance now, I bought two of them in the winter just to have for kids, helpers or club members when they're visiting the garage.

 

[canuckian]

if you don't want to pay truck tool prices, a lot of people on this board swear by Wright tools for good bang for the buck. I don't own any personally but I am going to be picking up a couple of their compact head ratchets (fixed and flex head) from Ebay soon to see whatall the fuss is about.
If you're looking for screwdrivers as well, Wera makes really high quality ones and the prices aren't too crazy either. A lot of people also like Wiha.

but, to give you an effective opinion, you need to let us know what your needs are. Is your hobby working on cars or is it building bird houses???

 

[Joel 67]

I am not usually a fan of Craftsman but a decent set can be had pretty inexpensively.

 

[justanengineer]

If you want new, buy Craftsman. If you want the best bang for your buck, start visiting yard sales, flea markets, and auctions. Slowly your collection will grow it seems at first, then one day you will realize you have more than you need.

 

[Globy]

I'm a European guy, and I was reffering to hand tools. The hobby is about making the car maintenance, brake pads, oil change, and once in a while new pistons, crankshaft,etc..

you thinks this set(http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-...t=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item1e5fce4177) is good enough? and like the other around ebay.

 

[diesel research]

Oh man! now I know you are just messing with everybody
Comedian!

The hobby is about making the car maintenance, brake pads, oil change, and once in a while new pistons, crankshaft,etc

you thinks this set 8pc CM raised panel metric is good enough?

 

[Globy]

Oh man! now I know you are just messing with everybody
Comedian!

Why that? I have lots of tools, but in some sets are missing some tools, and to replace them I want better tools. What's wrong with that?
Who think that can change pistons,and etc.. with that wrenches set??
I'm just looking for better tools, if you could help, it will be helpful.

 

[diesel research]

http://store.harryepstein.com/merch...=CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=MetCombWr



http://store.harryepstein.com/c/WilliamsD.html

 

[SMKS]

And then I tought in craftsman tools, but seems they are made in China.

If you are in the US, The basic Craftsman hard line tools ARE NOT made in China.

The ratchets, sockets and raised-panel wrenches are all US made. (except for the black spline socket and ratchet set, that's made in Taiwan, I believe)

IMO, you won't find a better bargain for USA-made tools than one of the Craftsman socket and wrench sets. But, I would recommend ditching the raised panel ratchets and getting something else. You can easily find quality USA made ratchets in the $10 - $20 range in the classifieds or ebay.

 

[Globy]

and people starting posting here about their top 5 tool brand?

 

[Monte]

if you are from europe i would buy something from europe.... easier to get + warranty etc.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

if you are from europe i would buy something from europe.... easier to get + warranty etc.

Buy German; live happily ever after.

 

[Monte]

Buy German

as a german i can´t say that but there is the answer

 

[ibedayank]

williams is UK available

 

[Globy]

Humm like stahlwille, hazet or gedore ?
Can you tell me something about it, because I never heard nothing about...

 

[american lockpicker]

Buy Swiss; live happily ever after.

Fixed it for ya.

 

[onemore]

to start out I personally think a Craftsman tool set in a case is a great value. Gives you metric and standard, all 3 drives and a case to transport, and store in. Good luck



Craftsman 154 pc. Mechanics Tool Set Sears Item# 00937154000 | Model# 37154

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have been your typical shade tree mechanic/home owner for over 34 years. Most of what I own is Craftsman because the price is reasonable and if they ever do break I can quickly and easily get them replaced.

If your just starting your collection, skip the 1/2 drive sockets and ratchets for now. You are better off with a a good set of 1/4" and 3/8" drive sockets (skip deep 1/4") extensions (multiple lengths), universals, ratchets (love my 3/8 flex head). Add a set of combination wrenches and screwdrivers and a few pliers and you will be set for awhile.

 

[sscustom]

bahco is still avaliable heaps on socket set spanners ajustable wrenches etc

 

[Monte]

Fixed it for ya.

swiss wrenches, ratchets + sockets ?

 

[Globy]

Hey,
I found some Bahco tools at good prices near me, and searching for these tools i discovered that the owner is Snap-on.Anyone knows why they bought bahco?

 

[american lockpicker]

swiss wrenches, ratchets + sockets ?

Someone should really consider making those in CH...