Building a tool collection with different brands

[nicksnothereman]

Hello everyone. So this is my first official post but I have been a long time follower. So here goes.....

Since about last November I have been building up a tool collection. Mainly for working on my 91 Miata. Now I have the tool buying bug and there is so many brands to choose from. I started my collection with a set off with Craftsman sockets both SAE and metric that was a great Christmas time deal. I know most shy away from craftsman they are not American made and so on. That not why I am posting and it's what I can afford plus living in japan can make it difficult to get tools through the mail. Anyway now that I have my tool collection base, here is my main reason for posting. Do you build a tool set in all one brand or multiples? When adding socket sizes to a set do u try and only buy the same brand? For example I have a standard size metric six sided set but missing a few sizes would you buy the same brand or add a different brand and just have a complete set. I ask this cause I cant just go out a buy the same brand of everything. I kind of have to mix and match. This can go for any type of tool not just sockets. Also would it add more character to my collection having different brands? I'm just wondering what other Garage Journal members do when building a tool collection.

Tools are not for collection they're for use. So...what you should buy is the stuff you need and feel you will get use out of. Not everything in a tool line is of the same quality so it can make sense to buy things of varying manufacturers especially when it comes to ratchets, breaker bars, and impact. Ideally you should look in store and not blind buy online but if you have to order online it's best to limit your purchase by price and online review or recommendation. There's no real problem with buying "bad stuff", it might break you'll replace it with something else, but don't buy "bad stuff" if the cost doesn't match the quality. Importing is probably cheaper than paying the price for quality japanese tools honestly though they make excellent quality tools.

 

[kristina27]

A large assumption on my part would be that your stay in Japan is for a job or military and that you will wind up back in the US.

If that's the case I would go native and buy all of the best quality tools that Japan has to offer. This way you have a unique set when you get back to the states and the stories that goes along with these tools. Japan has a lot of good tools to offer.

Ideally everything would match but more importantly is to have a collection that when you reach for a tool you have it. Not necessarily worry out matching brands.

Military is right so I still have an actual US mailing address so importing from the states not not much of an issue. But I don't know why I didn't go native from the get go. I almost regret the Christmas deal on the set I got. I never anticipated the craving for tool buying that I now have.

Ok my two cents...

"When in Rome (Japan) do as the Romans (Japanese) do". Look at what tools they are using /buying and start buying those tools.

Woody

You don't know how right you are. Since I've been here I have been all about immersing my self in the culture. But sometimes the convenience shipping something to my US address can be easier. Though the guessing game of Japanese characters can be quite fun.

I use Ko-ken sockets on Snap On/Bahco ratchets, they are top quality sockets

I would love to be able to get KTC/Nepros stuff easily in the UK.

My experience of Japanese Tools is that they are great quality and good value.

I have boughten some KTC and love them. Used them on a timing belt change for my Miata

 

[kristina27]

I'm very particular when it comes to tools. I like my tools to be organized, and I don't like having different brands/types/styles of sockets, wrenches or whatever else in my "sets". For me it all has to match, but then again I'm not a professional and tools are more for garage decoration than actual use!

I am all about organizing. Always trying to find the best method or create a new one to aid in storage and convenience. I really like the Ernst products and found some awesome socket rails that won't let a socket budge unless you need it.

 

[kristina27]

Buy local (Japanese) and post the pictures up!

Good luck!

Transit tech I'm already planning move to Japanese tools. Just got a new toolbox and working on filling it.

 

[kristina27]

I'm curious cause I know there is a huge following for USA made Craftsman and any other quality US made tools and I want to sell the craft and metrics I have and unfortunately they are non US. Do you think anyone will buy them? I'm considering eBay of course and where I'm at we sort of have a classifieds Facebook group where everyone sells stuff. I'm hoping that I can make a little money to reinvest. Any suggestions?

 

[Gregg33]

I have countless brands of hand tools. The majority are Gray, SO, Danaher Kobalt and Channellock. It's not possible (not to mention not smart or cost effective) to have only 1 brand of tools.

Here are some of the brands I've had luck with in certain tools types.....

wrenches- SO (combos are the best) and Gray
sockets- SO and Gray
allen keys/ sockets- SO
pliers- Chanellock
locking pliers- NOS Vise-Grip or Grip On
adjustable wrenches- U.S. made Rigid
hammers- Estwing
screwdrivers- SO or any of the older brands, Craftsman and Fuller are great bang for the buck.
prybars and scrapers- Richard
punches and chisels- Gray
wood chisels- Fuller
knives and blades- Olfa
tape measures- Stanley FatMax
levels and squares- Empire
paint brushes- Purdy

 

[Gregg33]

I'm curious cause I know there is a huge following for USA made Craftsman and any other quality US made tools and I want to sell the craft and metrics I have and unfortunately they are non US. Do you think anyone will buy them? I'm considering eBay of course and where I'm at we sort of have a classifieds Facebook group where everyone sells stuff. I'm hoping that I can make a little money to reinvest. Any suggestions?

People will buy anything if the price is right lol. But to be honest there isn't much value to them. If they are in mint condition you might get 2/3 of the new on sale price if you are really lucky. If they look used expect to get around a 1/4of new at best.

 

[Outlawmws]

People will buy anything if the price is right lol. But to be honest there isn't much value to them. If they are in mint condition you might get 2/3 of the new on sale price if you are really lucky. If they look used expect to get around a 1/4of new at best.

You cannot predict what the market is in Japan. Some things have incredible "markup" due to scarcity and demand. others you can not give away...

Take a look at what others are asking and how fast the items disappear. That can give you a starting place. Also don't be afraid to start with your asking prices slightly high; it's easier to drop a price than to raise it...

 

[APEowner]

If you're really building a "collection" then having matching "sets" may be important. If you want tools to do a job then good quality tools are good quality tools and it doesn't matter if they are all the same brand. My tools are mostly Snap-On but there are other brands in my box and it's not uncommon for them to be intermingled within a type.

 

[lotsoftools]

I used to be brand specific, but now I don't really care. I have a list of what I need when I go to the store and buy whatever brand fits my needs. Today I got a handful of Northern Tool brand sockets on clearance for about .65 each.

 

[skruft]

I use various USA made brands. In most cases all the sockets in a set are the same brand. For an amateur and non-collector like myself they are all adequate. Using, say, a Snap-on ratchet with an SK socket is no problem.

The only wrench of a known brand I have found to be completely substandard is the traditional Craftsman 3/8 ratchet - and even that would probably be OK if people used a breaker bar as they should when removing stuck bolts and nuts.

 

[cburnscrx]

Hello everyone. So this is my first official post but I have been a long time follower. So here goes.....

Since about last November I have been building up a tool collection. Mainly for working on my 91 Miata. Now I have the tool buying bug and there is so many brands to choose from. I started my collection with a set off with Craftsman sockets both SAE and metric that was a great Christmas time deal. I know most shy away from craftsman they are not American made and so on. That not why I am posting and it's what I can afford plus living in japan can make it difficult to get tools through the mail. Anyway now that I have my tool collection base, here is my main reason for posting. Do you build a tool set in all one brand or multiples? When adding socket sizes to a set do u try and only buy the same brand? For example I have a standard size metric six sided set but missing a few sizes would you buy the same brand or add a different brand and just have a complete set. I ask this cause I cant just go out a buy the same brand of everything. I kind of have to mix and match. This can go for any type of tool not just sockets. Also would it add more character to my collection having different brands? I'm just wondering what other Garage Journal members do when building a tool collection.

This is what I could think of off the top of my head...

Craftsman
Stanley
Pittsburgh Pro
Kobalt
Husky
Snap On
Klein
Titan
Irwin
Knipex
Great Neck
Proto
Brigade
Channellock
Wilde
Proto
OEM
Utica
GearWrench
Fluke
Gardner Bender
Straight Line
Zircon
General
Empire
Johnson
Allen
Alltrade
Malco
Task Force
Weiss
Midwest
Arrow
Ridgid
Superior
Fuller
Ace
Nicholson
Crescent
Surebonder
Freeman
Porter Cable
DeWalt
Black & Decker
Makita
Genesis
Skil
Milwaukee

As you can see I am not loyal to any one particular brand for everything. Oh sure, most of my power tools are DeWalt, but I love my Milwaukee Sawzall...and my Genesis multi tool...and my Makita 1/3 sheet sander. I think you get the idea.

Good luck, have fun, and enjoy!

 

[crewchief888]

as a "pro" wrench, (30 years) most of my "working tools" were bought new off a tool truck, mainly snapon but with some assorted matco & mac as well.

i prefered certain brands & types of tools for certain reasons.

my "home" tools are mix and match, vintage SK, CM, truck brands, stanley, HF, gearwench, and kobalt.

in the past couple years i've been hitting the pawn shops, a "junk" flea mkt, and an occasional garage sale picking up truck & industrial brands and some vintage USA made stuff for $1-$5 each.

it occupies my mind on the weekends, and gives me something to do

 

[imom]

I am all about organizing. Always trying to find the best method or create a new one to aid in storage and convenience. I really like the Ernst products and found some awesome socket rails that won't let a socket budge unless you need it.

I have Koken socket sets in many sizes and I even find 1/2" 38mm sockets hard to take on and off with the Ernst Dura Pro twist locks. I still like Ernst, but I had to take some pliers and squeeze the dura pro twist locks to work them in so it was easy to take on and off.

I had the same issues with tiny 1/4" 4mm sockets. I really like Koken and I also like Ernst. Just FYI, I wouldn't get the magnet rails from Ernst I don't have any magnet version but regular version works well...and I am going to get the socket boss tray since I already had the dura pro rails already.

Koken sockets have a tighter fit than compared to SK and craftsman sockets I own. You'll like Ernst system...works well with my SO classic 42" toolbox. Gonna get the boss tray this week.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I'm curious cause I know there is a huge following for USA made Craftsman and any other quality US made tools and I want to sell the craft and metrics I have and unfortunately they are non US. Do you think anyone will buy them? I'm considering eBay of course and where I'm at we sort of have a classifieds Facebook group where everyone sells stuff. I'm hoping that I can make a little money to reinvest. Any suggestions?

Someone will buy them on craigslist but you're looking at 30-50% of original msrp.

Functionally the chinese and taiwanese craftsman aren't bad tools (well...most of them) and there's no real reason to sell them. I don't know about the entry level (10 dollar type) sets though. They used to be 1:1 with the other craftsman usa sockets, probably not so good nowadays. Dunno.

 

[Revere Cycles]

My stepbrother enrolled in a mechanic program at a local college and got the student discount through Snap-on. He has pretty much every tool they would allow him to buy. About a year later, he decided the program wasn't for him and went in a different direction. He kept all the tools, but I have a feeling that if he did not have access to that opportunity to begin with, his collection would be much different. It certainly wouldn't be all Snap-on/Blue Point.

I started off much differently, but I was careful about all of my tool purchases. To look at my tools on a case by case basis, one will see that I have carefully selected them based on value and performance. I generally buy the best tools I can afford at any given time. My jewelry tools are nearly all German and Swiss. Bicycle tools, USA and Italian. Hand tools, 90% USA, with some German and Taiwanese stuff in the mix. Most of the heavy power tools in my shop are USA; J-Line, (old) DeWalt, Delta, Rockwell, Buffalo, Wilton, Crown Top Craftsman, Parks etc.

Yeah, some guys really like having all matched sets, but in the end it doesn't really matter, it is whatever you are happy with. If I won the lotto, and could build a new shop from scratch tomorrow, I would probably do the same thing, pick the best of each category, instead of trying to stick to one brand.

 

[wvrailroader]

I am definitely not brand loyal. My tools are many different brands and I don't have very many "sets" of any one brand. Most of my sockets are mix and match. I buy quality when I can find a deal, usually on eBay, but also at pawn shops or garage sales. The Hot Deals section on here also helps me spend money, usually to my wife's chagrin lol.

Unless having all the same brand tools matters to you, go with a quality brand at a good price. Besides, some manufacturers do better at certain types of tools than others. You may not like Snap On screwdrivers, but love their sockets as an example. Go with what works for you and what makes you happy.

 

[Givl Reggin]

I'm really surprised by how many have mis-matched sets. Reading this thread gives me the impression that most here are more interested in bargain hunting than filling a toolchest.

While I enjoy getting a good deal (who doesn't) I don't go out of my way for one and I don't have the patience to wait for things to go on sale or finagle coupons.

It would drive me crazy not to have all the same brand sockets or wrenches or screwdrivers or whatever... For me cost is the least important factor in tool acquisition, I'm far more interested in getting good quality and filling in the kinds of tools I don't have.

 

[richfinn]

I'm really surprised by how many have mis-matched sets. Reading this thread gives me the impression that most here are more interested in bargain hunting than filling a toolchest.

While I enjoy getting a good deal (who doesn't) I don't go out of my way for one and I don't have the patience to wait for things to go on sale or finagle coupons.

It would drive me crazy not to have all the same brand sockets or wrenches or screwdrivers or whatever... For me cost is the least important factor in tool acquisition, I'm far more interested in getting good quality and filling in the kinds of tools I don't have.

I think your right with a little adjustment.

Most guys on here look for.

1. Quality

2. Value for money

I'm open minded on brands and retailers, it has to be top notch.

 

[stovebolt6]

Interesting thread. I'm of the opinion that tools are tools, and as long they get the job done and are of reasonable quality, then they're fine.

The biggest thing for me is sizes. I have full socket rails and wrench sets that have a few non-matched pieces (different brands) but all the sizes are there. I have wrench sets that I bought a long time ago that had missing sizes and had to fill with different brands because the hassle of tracking down individual wrenches of the same brand/model as those in the set was pointless/too expensive/time consuming.

Though, the styles are all similar. For instance Only 6 pt chrome sockets (no 12 pt) in a set, only full polished long pattern wrenches in a set, only standard length satin wrenches in a set, etc. But brand consistency in sets really doesn't matter to me. Seems like that would drive a lot of you guys nuts. To each their own though.

 

[MoboMac]

I think we are ALL just "tool collectors" and there are many different variations on the collection criteria....just depends on each individuals preferance.

Over the last 10 years,I've bought numerous "brand name" sets...but they always seem to stay in the original packaging as I end up using the "old stand-by" mix n match tools that are handy & familiar.....

And don't forget that collectors are really just HOARDERS that are still in denial or haven't come out of the closet yet....

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm sorry, but I just totally disagree with this fairly recent ATTITUDE, that anyone that has something they don't use, or collects something for fun, is AUTOMATICALLY a HOARDER, with all the negative connotations that implies. Too much watching TV with shows on the topic, and not enough real thought about the quality of life involved.

Denial? or abusive categorization on the part of the people making the accusation, with the intent to imply it's a negative? Pretty much stereotyping, if not outright discriminatory intent...

 

[MoboMac]

I'm not saying I agree about collectors being horders...but that seems to be the label we get....I believe there IS a fine line to be drawn,but that all depends on the bias of the "pencil pusher".

 

[Outlawmws]

Sorry, I wasn't aiming my comment's at you in particular esp. since I suspect you said what you said in jest/sarcasm. but you hit a nerve because I DO see quite a few with the attitude. the interior decorating world is rife with it, and you see it when they always start by getting rid of everything a person has accumulated in life without regard for what it might mean to the person.

I don't WANT to live in stark simplicity thank you very much. I LIKE antiques, I LIKE the pride of craftsmanship older stuff often exudes. And yes my house does resemble a museum in places, better that than resembling an IKEA store..

 

[MoboMac]

I'm behind you 100% on that.......Museum....I like that....can I use it?

It's really funny....the amount of woman that get into my house and say...you need to get rid of everything you don't use....I just smile and keep my mouth shut...because I'll STILL have all my "stuff"...LONG after they are only a lingering memory...

Back to TOPIC.

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm behind you 100% on that.......Museum....I like that....can I use it?

SNIP

Be my guest!

 

[spacedoutbob]

I probably have 90% Snap On in my tool set, the rest is made up of brands like, Mac, Stahlwille, Hazet, and Koken.

Bob

 

[Adam.C]

I'm sorry, but I just totally disagree with this fairly recent ATTITUDE, that anyone that has something they don't use, or collects something for fun, is AUTOMATICALLY a HOARDER,

Right! So am I a tool collector because I don't work on Asian cars and yet I still have 12 and 14mm sockets? Where do you draw the line?

I choose some tools by their color (yellow in my case). I find bright colored tools easier to find and easier to determine which tools go in which box etc. Does that make me an interior decorator? I could see other special interest forums (fine art painters for example) where being an **** retentive engineer type would be a bad thing. But that attitude has no place here.Throwing sockets loose into a drawer isn't just sloppy, it's inefficient.

 

[richfinn]

I can't speak for anyone else here, but after 29 years as a mechanic I've built up a reasonable "hoard" of tools/parts/books and other junk. Will I ever use it all?? No.

Will Bill Gates or the Queen of England ever spend all those Billions or live in all those houses?? I doubt it

Hoard away your in good company

 

[MoboMac]

Right! So am I a tool collector because I don't work on Asian cars and yet I still have 12 and 14mm sockets? Where do you draw the line?

I choose some tools by their color (yellow in my case). I find bright colored tools easier to find and easier to determine which tools go in which box etc. Does that make me an interior decorator? I could see other special interest forums (fine art painters for example) where being an **** retentive engineer type would be a bad thing. But that attitude has no place here.Throwing sockets loose into a drawer isn't just sloppy, it's inefficient.

Speaking of "bright yellow" tools......

One thing I REALLY like about the newer Craftsman sockets is the LARGE size designation.....YES it does look kinda tacky,but SURE makes it easier to find the right one....especially for the "visually impared"....

( I USED to be able to read the sizes stamped on drill bits,as well)

 

[James_B]

I'm quite OCD, and while I'd like all my sockets to match, I'm a realist and understand that it's just not going to happen.

My sockets are a mix of branded Sidchrome (mostly 40+ years old), Metrinch, Stanley, Mastercraft and Mastercraft Maximum (AFAIK, both the Mastercraft lines are made by Stanley), plus a few odd unbranded sockets that I bought when I needed a specific size in a hurry, and the unbranded was all I could get locally. I'm progressively replacing the unbranded sockets with branded equivalents, and the unbranded sockets go into my junkyard box.

The Sidchromes, Mastercrafts, Metrinches, and unbranded sockets are all chrome, the Stanleys and some of the Mastercraft Maximum are black chrome, and some of the Mastercraft Maximums are matte black. The socket drawer in my tool chest looks hideous because nothing matches, but the sockets do the job so I can accept that and ignore the aesthetics (well, not really).

 

[bushmechanic]

If I was to buy everything I've got now again, all in one shot, my shop would likely be more brand specific than it is, but that's not generally how tools are purchased.

I've got a little bit of everything, but my outdoor kit has slowly become more focused over time. It's nearly all SK, Knipex, and Gearwrench now. It's taken quite some time, I assure you, but this is the kit upon which I might actually need to rely.

The shop is well organized, but tools from a number of manufacturers are present. I've pretty much tried a little bit of everything. When one thing breaks or fails to operate, I try something else.

I try to retain full sets even if something breaks (if only to have extra 13mm wrenches on hand, which I can never find until I complete a project), but the one brand that just never sticks around is Craftsman. Warranties are nice, but a tool that doesn't break at 3am is nicer. On smaller or more conventional cars they are fine, but for many vehicle enthusiasts they fall short.

If you aren't breaking Craftsman tools, or finding them overly inconvenient, there's no reason to worry about the purchase. Use them as long as you can.

As for country of origin, I focus on U.S.A., Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. There's no particular order; it depends on what I'm buying. Obviously I try to buy U.S. made products, but sometimes a foreign product is either better or more available.

For the record: Taiwan isn't China. A lot of good products come from Taiwan.

If you are in Japan, you need to try some of those Panasonic cordless tools.

 

[crewchief888]

I can't speak for anyone else here, but after 29 years as a mechanic I've built up a reasonable "hoard" of tools/parts/books and other junk. Will I ever use it all?? No.

ive been wrenching for 30 years, and worked as a machinist for 7 years before that.

i typically dont buy tools i have no use for, every tool in my work boxes and home boxes has been used at some time or another.

i have tools from a lot of different brands, from tool trucks to HF.

for example angle head wrenches from 3/8"- 1 5/8" and assorted metrics, mix and matched over the years from different tool trucks.
flare nut wrenches 5/16" - 7/8" ( and assorted MM) all from different manufacturers, different styles, some double end some flare/open end.

i found out many years ago, (at times, the hard and expensive way) that not every manufacturer has the best tool for the job that I need.

to each their own

knowing what i know now 30 years into wrenching, i wouldnt change much as far as my tool selection goes.

 

[ez-duzit]

For someone just starting out, and needing some tools to maintain their car and home, beginning with one of the Craftsman sets, when it is on sale and substantially discounted, is usually a no-brainer. Those with no tools typically don't have decades of experience with which to judge the relative benefits of one tool over another. And, if the set contains a few items they can't use, they're easy to resell.

When virtually all Craftsman tools were USA made, this was an easy choice.