I don't know a lot about every type they make but only some basics I havnt steered far from. I could or should try a couple other flavors but I never work out of a single tool box and duplication is my lifeline. I buy a couple tape measures a couple razor knives and score another plier or 2 when I can but mostly in the same thing. They are predictable and some of the old standbys are priced right really and can be had on sale on occasion.
If I am working on or in something raid the box for it and often add to tool boxes in season, on golf carts, in a pickup or van. I have an outfitted heavy service truck but really don't need it like I once did back in the day where something always being fixed up, tailored or broke. Lots of stuff doesn't need service or we got it 100% or we take it home.
This has a lot to do with hand tools, went thru a set on a job a while back to get a grip on missing pieces out in the middle of nowwhere.
I don't need the perfect or the ultimate, I need one where I need it, not the whole set everywhere but the small sizes. 1/4 bolts for **** I built, 5/16 and 3/8 for clamps and **** stuck on engines with the occasional 7/16 tossed in for your pleasure. If I know I am working in it then will grab up an extra along the way or keep 2 of a size, etc what ever makes it the absolute easiest. .
It spreads the stress and use out a bit which is insurance of sorts along with a roll of black tape.
First 20 years collecting all the right stuff and at the end of the next 20 figuring out how to make it easier with a vise grip. A serious tool collector at one point,,, or set builder adds stuff. Having a tubing wrench or 2 fits your car is cool but its different than how I really service cars in a rust belt and actually took what may seem so brutal with a vise grip on a line nut in to an art form. I can fuk up, its rare, did it easily but not with a vise grip. But nothing beats a straight jaw vise grip.
I been using some of the same model tools for so long that I can feel the difference in them. Doesn't mean its worse but on occasion just not the same. They try this with Channelocks. They should and could and probably do sell 5 straight to every other model. The 400 Channelock is particular and some for size, depends on the job. I have some fittings a size larger than residential and the 440 can replace a pipe wrench.
I like the larger size and found I can do the same work with the 440 as the 430 and some work bigger too, so much more power and clamp reach. Number 9 pliers are this way to some extent. A guy should test the cut on a nail before he walks out the store. I took some Menards back. The best clones,,,, like the adjustable is an import with little or no markings on it and rebranded in to the rest of the stuff cept for some premium.
