Building a tool collection with different brands

[kristina27]

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.

 

[Fretters]

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.

Personally, brand matters not one jot to me. If I don't have a full collection of a certain set of, for example sockets, that matters not a jot either. A lot of my tools I buy second hand or appropriate from people who don't want them, as I prefer older tools and work mostly with Imperial stuff, so in all honesty, a more eclectic collection I couldn't possibly hope to build, even if I actually tried. Provided you have the tools you need when you need them, what's stamped or cast into the metal won't make a jot of difference to its usefulness.

 

[AndrewV]

Welcone to the dark side lol.

For me, when i started getting tools, i got what i needed. Still don't care for brand specific loyalty. Get what works, and has a life time warranty. Only real things to worry about.

At work i have all brands. Deppended on the truck that came in, on a day i needed it. But at home it's kind of the same. But not nearly as high quality.

 

[larry_g]

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION. At 60+ years of age I've come to understand what that statement means. Its nice to have perty sets of tools but mismatched sets will get the job done. One thing I try to do is if I have to fill in a lost set is to get one of similar look and quality if the perfect match is not available.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[jim1987]

As a diyer, I bet I have 10 different brands at least. Let's see
Craftsman
Carlyle
Kobalt
Stanley
Snap on
Gear wrench
Duralast
Channel lock
Irwin
Proto
Mac
Blue point
Klein
Master hand
Pittsburgh pro
Ever craft
Power craft
Easco
Boschit


That's just off the top of my head. Deals are deals and what works works.

 

[kc-steve]

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION. At 60+ years of age I've come to understand what that statement means. Its nice to have perty sets of tools but mismatched sets will get the job done. One thing I try to do is if I have to fill in a lost set is to get one of similar look and quality if the perfect match is not available.

lg
no neat sig line

I'm about the same age and I thought that quote was "All form and no function."
AKA, "All hat and no cowboy."

Steve

 

[BK13]

living in japan can make it difficult to get tools through the mail..

If I was in Japan, I would be buying up all the Nepros and KoKen I could get my hands on... Check out the Tools of Japan thread...

 

[ctjohnson]

I don't care at all if it's mismatched. I bought nearly all these at yard sales and flea markets and also have a ton more rails like this. I just organize by 12 vs. 6 point and drive size. I have a list and replace the others brands with snap on as I find them cheap.

These 1/2 inch drive 12 point sockets consist of:
(smallest to largest)
Snap on, Bonney, SK, SK, Craftsman, SK, Snap On, SK, Snap On, Snap On, SK, Snap On.

The 1/4 inch drive 6 pointers are Williams USA, Snap On, Craftsman, Craftsman, Craftsman, Snap On, Snap On, Snap On, SK, Snap On.

I have many rails like this and just slowly fill them with snap on as I find them.

Funny thing is all my wrenches must match

 

[quattroJoe]

Buy the best tool you can afford for the job. I've got several different brands in my box, and I agree that it adds some character to your collection. Most tool brands do a few things very well, so if you try to build your whole collection from one company you're likely to end up with a bunch of stuff that's mediocre. Spend the money for nice brands on the important stuff, tools you use all the time, and save some money by going with more budget friendly brands on things you'll only use a few times a year. I do tend to try to put together matched sets when it comes to sockets or wrenches just out of personal preference, but sometimes you just have to fill gaps with other brands or take what you can get locally if you need a tool in the middle of a project.

And like BK13 said, I'd be all over some Koken tools if I was in your position!

 

[zkling]

Pfff about the only thing most of my sets have in common is USA made.

To each their own. Some people want everything matching color, edition and all. Nothing wrong with that either. Personally I think you are WAY over thinking this.

 

[General Geoff]

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.

What are you waiting for?? Stock up on Ko-Ken sockets! World class quality, and you can probably get them cheaper in the Japanese domestic market.

 

[ez-duzit]

Though I own many different brands of tools, I would never set out to intentionally mix up any set (like a set of 3/8" deep sockets, or a set of combination wrenches, or a set of 1/2" extensions--all one brand). And it is generally easy enough to find an exact replacement for a set which might be missing one item. My wrench sets, (including torque) are Craftsman and Snap-On; some I've had nearly 60 years. Sometimes a Proto or SK or Mac have been substituted, in a pinch. Additional sets include some imported tools.

Pliers and adjustable wrenches, though, I have found it necessary to include many brands, in order to get the best of them all. Diamond makes a most excellent Ford-type adjustable, for example. And Channelock slip-joints, and Vise-Grip locking pliers, and Ridgid pipe wrenches, ... Screwdrivers, too, to get a vast range, from the tiniest eyeglass screw to one which is 3' long, I've had to include many brands. But my 6-way gets the most use.

Many of my shop machines are older, US made, Delta/Rockwell, but there are many other brands and origins, including China, Taiwan and Italy. My Japanese saws are various brands, each selected for its own unique quality. Some of my chisels were purchased as sets.

Cordless tools are best kept within the same brand so battery packs/chargers can be shared.

My hand planes, mostly Record and Stanley.

 

[humber2]

I don't care at all if it's mismatched. I bought nearly all these at yard sales and flea markets and also have a ton more rails like this. I just organize by 12 vs. 6 point and drive size. I have a list and replace the others brands with snap on as I find them cheap.


Funny thing is all my wrenches must match

+1


Years ago I had different makes for Metric SAE and Whitworth wrenches to assist selection from my road box.

It wasn't long before all were switched over to Stahlwille as I've found their weight, feel and balance suited me best for consistent work.

 

[RivennHewn]

I kinda like a mis-matched batch. It helps me find what I'm looking for.

Like my wood chisels, I know my 1/4" has an Ipe handle and my 3/8 has a maple handle.

A matched set would mean I have to pay more attention.

My sockets are a crazy mess of everything. I did buy a nice set of Craftsman Industrial wrenches awhile back when they were on close out.

 

[NWphotog]

I definitely like the all the sockets in a set to be of same brand.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I have some matching sets (Williams USA with Snap-On fillers, Williams Taiwan with Blue Point fillers, Gearwrench), plenty of mix and match stuff, and plenty of old and new (I still have a (IIRC 1940s) Plomb/Plvmb 1/2" breaker I used daily in a truck shop up until I went back to school.

Don't NEED matching sets, although it is nice for us OCD folks, but just need what works.

 

[imom]

I have craftsman as backup, I have some SK tools, and I have a bit of koken for sockets. For wrenches I have SK and Proto. I understand about being on a budget..we all got to start somewhere...but I've bought cheap tools in my life and I soon realize I had to replace it with well made tools.

Since you live in Japan...I don't see why you don't save up and look for some Koken deals. I have a Wiha torx set that I don't really like...but it only cost me half of what they are going now and it has been only a few years. I know a lot of people love Nepros that have increased in the last few years as well.

Bottomline...if you can get koken tools in Japan...I believe they will last for a very long time. My friend's Dad is a machinists and I still see he had his tools (stahlwille and other German brands) from over 40 years ago...maybe longer.

I rather have less tools that are quality than a lot of crappy tools. Don't get me wrong, I bought stuff from Harbor freight from time to time for tools don't use often and don't care for much...they work...but I just recently had to return two torque wrenches...utter **** compared the the Armstrong, Proto, and CDI torque wrenches I've had.

I started to add my tool collection 4 years ago or so...I have a mix of 12pts mostly but some missing I have 6 pt. I won't get into that discussion about 6 vs 12pt...but I can only say if you live in Japan or near there...go with Koken and you'll be really happy. There's very few Koken tools that have thought another brand was better. I love my SK ergo screw drivers though...best I've used compared to Wiha (Wiha is overrated).

 

[countryroad82]

I have no problem with different brands of tools. Although my collection leans pretty hard on Snap On nowadays, I still have no problem buying different brands as long as it is a good tool. That is all I care about.

 

[Wamsutta]

When adding socket sizes to a set do u try and only buy the same brand?

Yes.

 

[kristina27]

WOW. I must say that I was not expecting this kind of excitement on this thread. Everyone is different and that is great keep it coming.From what I can tell the consensus is that I should buy some Ko-Ken sockets. I had no idea there was such a following here. The bad thing is I kinda just bought the craftsman set. Maybe I should ebay the set and replace with Ko-Ken especially the metric set. The other Japanese brand I'm looking into is Kyoto Tools. I have already bought some of there wrench and really like them.

If I was in Japan, I would be buying up all the Nepros and KoKen I could get my hands on... Check out the Tools of Japan thread...

The tools of Japan thread looks pretty promising. There are about three big Japanese brands I see at the tool stores. Kyoto Tools, Ko-ken and Tone

I don't care at all if it's mismatched. I bought nearly all these at yard sales and flea markets and also have a ton more rails like this. I just organize by 12 vs. 6 point and drive size. I have a list and replace the others brands with snap on as I find them cheap.

These 1/2 inch drive 12 point sockets consist of:
(smallest to largest)
Snap on, Bonney, SK, SK, Craftsman, SK, Snap On, SK, Snap On, Snap On, SK, Snap On.

The 1/4 inch drive 6 pointers are Williams USA, Snap On, Craftsman, Craftsman, Craftsman, Snap On, Snap On, Snap On, SK, Snap On.

I have many rails like this and just slowly fill them with snap on as I find them.

Funny thing is all my wrenches must match

I think mixing and matching brings character and maybe a story or two

Buy the best tool you can afford for the job. I've got several different brands in my box, and I agree that it adds some character to your collection. Most tool brands do a few things very well, so if you try to build your whole collection from one company you're likely to end up with a bunch of stuff that's mediocre. Spend the money for nice brands on the important stuff, tools you use all the time, and save some money by going with more budget friendly brands on things you'll only use a few times a year. I do tend to try to put together matched sets when it comes to sockets or wrenches just out of personal preference, but sometimes you just have to fill gaps with other brands or take what you can get locally if you need a tool in the middle of a project.

And like BK13 said, I'd be all over some Koken tools if I was in your position!

What are you waiting for?? Stock up on Ko-Ken sockets! World class quality, and you can probably get them cheaper in the Japanese domestic market.

Now I'm planning how to upgrade my Craftsman metrics for a Ko-Ken set though I don't think they are gonna be that much cheaper but who knows I may get lucky

 

[MoboMac]

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.

EXCELLENT question......you've created a GOOD thread.

I was in your position 40 some years ago...started out with a decent "Japanese" socket set.....got a decent department store brand wrench set....discovered Craftsman....and started buying some stuff from the Snap on and Mac truck....bought metrics from Hazet locally as they were the only one that had any inventory.

Still have most of it today......CraftsmanUSA is likely the most prevailing....but my tool box is really a "mixed bag" of everything...as long as it still works.

Buying NEW tools...I lean towards what has a warranty that is handy/locally available./affordable...for as much as I use it.......PLUS...I have to LIKE it....does it feel GOOD in your hand?

I'd say that alot of the guys that have to have only ONE brand in their tool box are more focused on what they HAVE rather than what it DOES....

Today,I much prefer buying OLD USA /Canadian made brand name tools....pawnshops,craigslist,swapmeets and garage sales....not knowing what you might find is half the fun...

 

[Adam.C]

I caution the "form follows function" crowd to be careful about dismissing functional differences between brands. I initially switched socket brands because I didn't like the way my craftsman sockets and extensions fit my snap on ratchets. The recess inside craftsman and snap on sockets are different. While a cman socket technically fits a SO ratchet, it fits differently and not as nice as each socket (or extension) fits its own brand of ratchet.

It could be that Snap On or Craftsman are different than everybody else and that these are the only 2 incompatible brands. Failing that, I would advise investigating the Koken (or whatever you chose) fits and possibly investing in koken ratchets, extensions, adapters.

I think I would be fine mixing brands of screwdrivers, possibly wrenches, but not socket sets. I think there is more than appearance different between makes.

P.S. The problem I encountered was exaggerated when using wobbles. Snap On wobbles fit Snap On sockets great. But Craftsman sockets (at least mine, which are now 25 years old and pretty long in the tooth) wobbled a bit too much for my liking.

 

[HaroRider]

I am OCD and keep my sets all the same. But I have tools from all different companies.

Example: My chrome soclets are all USA Craftsman, but I have HF impacts.

But all my sets match, if I lost or broke one I would want it to match as well.

 

[1930artdeco]

This is the way I look at tools. Most of my tools are craftsman because they were made in the US and I was working there at the time and got good deals. Since then, I buy tools that I know will last me 50 years. I bought one here and one there and eventually I got a sizeable tool set. I just bought a 1960's CM stud remover off of ebay for $25.

But since you are in Japan, try and find the really good brands and buy a little here and little there. You will be surprised at how fast your inventory builds up. Also, if your CM wrenches are made in the US, go ahead and keep them, it helps to have a second pair of certain things sometimes.

Mike

 

[Nephronracing]

I may be a little on the OCD side because I like matching and complete sets. As if, i wasn't the only person on here with that problem.

Anyway, many years ago when I started out, my dad got me a set of Snap-On screwdrivers. Which I still have today. He was a mechanic by trade but never had lots of money so he always had a mix. I picked up mostly decent brands like Craftsman because they were low cost and got the job done. Most of my tools were acquired when I needed to do a job. I'd get a quote for the job from a dealer/shop and set my budget for the job at around 60% of the quote. That gave me plenty of money to spend on tools. If I was doing it for a friend (never charged them for labor) and needed a tool, I usually would ask them to cover half the tool. Most times, they'd just pay for it in full…even Snap-On prices.

Over the years, my income went up and I started replacing things with Snap-On which is my preferred brand. I'll never replace everything with Snap-On but most of what I buy these days is Snap-On.

 

[FJ 432]

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 about matching brands.

 

[woody 73]

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

 

[richfinn]

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.

 

[Givl Reggin]

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!

 

[transittech]

Buy local (Japanese) and post the pictures up!

Good luck!

 

[imom]

Sell non USA craftsman and get Koken set and you'll be happy... it's hard to get in the States...so it's perfect that you are in Japan. Koken sockets are tight but are very nice...I don't have any issues with my Craftsman (US), SK, or Gearwrench ratchets... or the other torque wrenches I have... the only issue I had was to work my socket organizer Ernst to lock and unlock easily.

If you are able to source Koken tools easily...you can make a business out of selling them...Unfortunately I ran into a snag with another member here selling from Japan that I don't recommend. I'm very happy with Koken...I don't have snap on and I have seen some old ones and I'm more than happy with the discount I did receive from Rob @ southbay tools when he was good about shipping all parts.

Also the reality is that I believe if you buy Koken now...it'll cost you less than say you moved back to the US and bought them later versus buying craftsman set here in the US years from now. I haven't heard of anyone breaking Koken sockets I don't count on warranty...but I have heard a few craftsman breaking.

 

[orca8589]

I have a hodge-podge of different brands, and as much as I'd love to have nicely matched sets of everything, those aren't as much fun. I'll make the effort to keep a specific brand together on a rail - ie: all 1/4" drive Craftsman 6 pt. metric on one rail, all 1/4" drive S&K 12 pt. SAE on another rail, but even then I'm not worried about it. Kind of makes flea markets more fun, trying to find an old Craftsman ?/32" socket, or an old ?/32" wrench.

My father-in-law gave me his old Kennedy toolbox, and I've added a lot of his old tools to my own box and my son's box as well.

The way I figure, as long as you can find what you need, when you need it, that's the main goal.

---------------------------------------

A bumper-sticker I saw a last year:
"I have OCD and ADD; so everything
has to be perfect, but not for long."

---------------------------------------

~Chris

 

[richfinn]

I kind of like that old mis matched tools tell the story of your career, I like old toolboxes with stickers with a bit of patina.

I also like the fully colour co-ordinated perfectly organised one brand tool truck sets

Do it your way and enjoy using them

 

[2oolhound]

I started out with a real mix/match and then bought a used box of tools with an SK set of sockets and ratchets but the wenches remained mixed. I did a lot of work with them and it didn't ever cause me any concern. When I was out of town my home was ransacked and all my tools were stolen but I moved and started a new career and 5 years ago (25 years later) I got back into having a workshop and started collecting tools again. I did the same as you, bought a used set of craftsmen tools of about 250 pieces. Since then I have replaced them with brands that I prefer. I like having full sets of tool types all the same brand but will use an odd one until I find the proper one to complete a set. Wrenches are all 1 brand, sockets are all one brand etc.

Shipping small tools internationally is expensive specially with ebay's new global shipping scheme. A lot of ebay sellers will hold your stuff till you build up a bunch of tools and they are near the weight where a price change for shipping will jump so you get the most for your money. Members here have done similar things for me and I've shipped stuff for US citizens (on this site) to other Canadians where they had bought things so that person was able to ship my item combined with his items to the US guy. We all like tools here and I find members are more than willing to help you keep your costs down.

 

[treblarefils]

I don't care about brand and go for deals as long as its reputable stuff. Hanging around here will let you know whats decent and make your wallet lighter. I own everything from snap on all the way down to harbor freight. Although mismatched socket sets would mess with my OCD a bit lol. I am only a DIY. I found this site when looking up reviews on various ratchets to upgrade my old raised panel craftsman now I have 100 ratchets. tools has become quite the hobby for me thanks to garage journal...

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Generally when it comes to heavy use items, quality and warranty determine my purchase. Seldom or infrequent use items sway me a different way. I am not completely loyal to one brand vs another. I am a big fan of SK, but I don't have everything they make......yet.

 

[jwsia]

I'm for the mismatch but I guess I have both. My large toolbox in my garage has nice matching socket sets (USA Craftsman and Bonney some snapon). My carry box for the farm has all mismatched socket sets, all good quality USA stuff. I do this because a few of the sockets and wrenches from these sets tend to get lost in the dirt every year and never seen again. my farm box is my favorite to use because there is a story about lots of the pieces and I know by the look of them what size of a wrench or socket that is because none of them match.

 

[Outlawmws]

It depends on how OCD you are about it. I'm not particularly OCD about "A" brand for anything. It's nice to have a matching set in say a 1/2" drive set of std length sockets, But some of my sets are Craftsman, some are Proto, some are MAC, some are SO and some are mixed... Very mixed in impact and 3/4 or 1" drives.

Ratchets, near 30 different brands...

For pliers its insane. No one company make EVERY different combination (i.e old school Peterson Vise grips are hard to beat...), and some are excellent in one area, and not so great in others. While VG leads overall generally, my BEST pair of locking pliers are a pair of Channellocks... But CL only ever made one model and it has been out of production for ages...

Screwdrivers: The leading mechanics drivers are not made by the leading jewelers driver manufacturers...

Specialty tools like pullers: different designs make or break a puller in tight conditions... so I have Proto, SO, OTC, Craftsman, you name it

Overall I have over 200 different brands of tools, so no I'm not very OCD about it.

Buy what you like, pay attention to quality and performance for what YOU do; and enjoy the ride.

 

[rockinacummins]

I absolutely have an obsession with pawn shops. I love to go sit in the floor and dig through all the nasty, greasy wrench boxes. I typically walk out with 1, 2, or 3 handfulls of various brand wrenches. All USA, of course. Moral of the story - I buy used American made tools regardless of their specific brand. Amazingly, they all seem to get along when we get home!

 

[rshadd]

I think of my tools as a collection of sorts, therefore I prefer matching complete sets. I completed most of my USA Craftsman sets during the Sears Outlet 70% sale a couple of years ago.

I'll choose quality before brand, so these days I don't even consider the Chinese made Craftsman tools any more.