DIYer automotive tool brand/quality?

[FrkyBgStok]

First post. I have searched and found old stuff, lots of different either or threads, and advice and great tool choices for different situations, but nothing that seems to fit so I will just ask. I also looked through the first 30 pages on the tool discussion with nothing fitting my question.

A little about me. In high school I started mechanic training and did a brand specific 2 year program to become a certified technician. In the last few months of my degree, the market started to go south fast and within the year of graduation, I got out of wrenching.

I ended up trying multiple different things while keeping up on automotive stuff as a hobby but eventually landed in the health care related path that required a significant amount of time and training. I sold many of my tools (kept all my snap-on/mac/matco wrenches and sockets as they will never go bad) and stopped doing it as a hobby. that ended up being about 10-12 years of not doing anything automotive related (except oil changes, breaks, and light repairs).

now that I am starting to get much of my time back, I am getting back into the hobby and am accumulating tools. my question for you all is which brands should I be looking at?

This will only be a hobby for me, will never be making the move back to professional mechanic or anything related, and will be doing standard stuff at home to start. Will plan on teaching my kids as much as I can regarding automotive items and would love to progress more into it over time. I will likely devote about 8 hours per week on average to the hobby. likely start as oil changes and breaks with hopes to moving on to modification, rebuilding, and possible restoration of a very small scale. I basically have the equivalent now of a beginner mechanic's set with some odds and ends so looking for sockets 1/2" drive, impact everything, and various non-standard wrenches (flares, stubbies, etc.)

I know the tool brand hierarchy but I am interested in ease of use, warranty, and value. Should I be looking more towards the HF, husky, kobalt, masterforce brands (including their professional stuff) or should I step it up? I live in an area where there is an abundance of Menards, Lowe's, Home Depot, HF, and northern stores but not many quality tool suppliers. I believe an Acme, Grainger, and Fastenal. I like the idea of breaking a tool and going to HF to get it replaced, but I also don't want to be spending my time driving to and from HF because they break. I also don't have a need to accumulate professional grade (SO, Mac, etc.) as I won't be doing this for income or going back to it.

I am a fan of mid grade but any tips on the brand regarding ease and warranty? Tekton seems nice and the warranty is great but if have a couple days off to wrench and a socket breaks, I don't want it to shut me down waiting for a new tool in the mail. I have read a lot about SK, Sunex, and Proto but the locations aren't close in the city for obtaining them or they seem to be focused online. They are also much more expensive than the cheap brands and if the value isn't there (in the context of what I will be doing), I question whether or not to spend the money. But safety is also a big issue for me as my teens will be using them as well. I will also have the luxury of taking days to weeks for a complete repair of an item.

Being that it will be me, my family, and occasional friends working this, the prestige of the brand is irrelevant to me, I just want a good value of tool. and I know I will not exclusively buy one brand, but if you were in my shoes, which tool brand/quality level would you focus on for a home shop? HF and HF pro series stuff (Icon and pittsburg pro) as well as big box stores that I can replace often and easily, a more expensive mid tier that it is more difficult to replace but much better quality, or professional series because....of a reason I cannot see right now? thanks all!

 

[DGersic]

As a home hobbiest, I don’t think you can beat HF impact sockets for price/performance/availability, and their Earthquake XT impact is a good value as well.

For chrome sockets, I like the Tecton big set 1/2”, no skips. The sockets are nice, the extensions too. The ratchet is so-so. I added a SO long ratchet and long breaker bar.

Most of my wrenches are US made Craftsman. Been using them for a long time.

Recently I replaced the Craftsman flare wrenches with SO from eBay. Hoping that makes for fewer rounded off brake fittings. But I live in Northern Illinois, where rusty parts are the norm.

HF has been upping their game with tools quality, but it comes with an increase in prices. They still have some cheap junk, but they have some good stuff too.

So, no firm answers. Shop around, buy locally when possible.



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[Mgdoug3]

If they're tools you're only going to use, HF will do fine. If they're tools you want to pass down, look at SK, Williams, Wright and Proto (perhaps Snap-on if you're willing to spend more).

 

[BrandoJames]

I basically have the equivalent now of a beginner mechanic's set with some odds and ends so looking for sockets 1/2" drive, impact everything, and various non-standard wrenches (flares, stubbies, etc.)... safety is also a big issue for me as my teens will be using them as well

Since you went to auto tech school and are pretty advanced for a DIYer, I doubt you'll be happy with random cheap tools. Some of the specific tools that I've used that work well for DIY use:

Safety: You mentioned “safety” since your teens will be working with you. I’d recommend Chicago Pneumatic jack stands. I have two pair—one 6 ton set, another 3 ton set. The CP jack stands come with a locking pin and large plated feet. Just excellent quality. 6 ton set = $100, 3 ton set = $50.

Sockets: Since you're looking for 1/2” sockets. I picked up a new 1/2” Mac 6 pt chrome metric set for $125 via eBay (Taiwan made), very nice set. For impact sockets, if you still have a Sears in your area, the 1/2” Craftsman 6 pt metric set (deep & shallow) has worked out well for me. Not sure regarding the quality of SB&D Craftsman.

Screwdrivers: if you own Asian made vehicles, then I’d recommend Vessel screwdrivers, they’re JIS and easily available via Amazon.

Ratcheting wrenches/Torque wrench: Go Tekton. The Tekton flex ratcheting box wrenches are terrific. I also own the Tekton 1/2” torque wrench—excellent quality, but make sure you lube that locking nut.

There's a large Harbor Freight contingent here, but it's really hit or miss with HF. I can recommend the following HF products from personal use: Daytona floor jack, U.S. General box, Doyle pliers—all excellent value. The Icon faction on this forum reminds me of a Doomsday Cult—ratchet recalls and terrible reviews don’t phase them one bit, so beware. If you’re going HF all the way, then you’re probably better off with the Pittsburgh Pro line of hand tools. Good luck.

 

[Parrothead]

For what you’ve described...Tekton

You’re not going to break much of anything, but if you should you’ve got enough local to buy a one off in a pinch. Much more likely to lose that 10mm socket. Tekton’s warranty is fast and painless from what I understand, though I’ve never had to use it. I’ve beat the snot out of their combination wrenches being in the rust belt with my weapon of choice being the 3lb mini sledge. They’re great.

The slip joint/groove joint pliers are made by Wilde, the screwdrivers and some specialty wrenches are made in the US.

Overall I’ve been impressed and they even have a rep on this forum.

 

[kd3pc]

you have kids...I would take them to larger flea markets and teach them a lot about tools and diagnostic equipment, listening intently to the old guys. They generally love to talk about tools and what they used/did/repaired with them.

Handle the used tools and see where they excel or fall short compared to the "new" tools available. Once you all see differences and advantages, you can buy what you need at the flea markets.

Kids will either let you know they are with you - or bored to tears with "tools".

I prefer older, used, quality made tools.

 

[lardy1]

You're building memories, also. If you can afford it, your tools will outlast you and be tokens of love for those kids you mention teaching to use them. I personally bought domestic tools while I was working and am now filling voids and wants with lower (in my opinion) brands. There are so many high quality, affordable tools these days. The net makes them a couple days away from our front door.

Good luck and enjoy those kids.

 

[MattVette89]

If you trained and worked as a tech even for a short time you won't be happy with cheap tools after using the good stuff. Buy used truck brand tools (or equivalents) on eBay / OfferUp / Facebook. The likelihood of breaking a tool doing hobby or side work is very low. If you do, the company will mail you a new one. You might even find a local driver and build a good relationship. Good luck.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

All good advice and I appreciate it immensely. All of it makes good sense and I want to avoid frustration, both for myself and for my kids. The HF stuff is nice when I am in a pinch but you guys are definitely right about rounding off bolts and messing up fasteners. So it sounds like a good plan is to spend a little more money on the tools I will be using every time I wrench (sockets, ratchets, wrenches, etc.) and save a little on those rare or less common tools. again, I appreciate everyone's advice!

 

[nichocha33]

My GoTo is Carlyle and Tekton with most of my sockets being Craftsman. I have fallen in love with Carlyle quality and price but still love my Matco ratchets. I say look to Tekton and Carlyle for the best bang for buck, I’m not impressed with ICON but do think Pittsburgh pro is decent stuff for the price


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[IndyGarage]

If I were starting as a hobby mechanic. I would start cheap then upgrade as my frustration and budget allows.

Actually that's what I've done myself - I now have pretty good tools. I started out with pretty crappy tools.

Buy cheap new stuff or even used stuff to get you started - A tool set from Craftsman, Stanley or Kobalt can do 90% of what a set from the best will do. Pretty quick you will see limitations from that set. Screwdrivers will be crappy. Buy a better set of screwdrivers. The ratchets will be loose - buy a better version of the ratchet you end up using all the time. You want a couple air tools - do the same and buy cheap then upgrade from there. You will also find supplementary tools you need.

The one thing I cannot stand is spending time fixing my tools. If I have a tool that needs fixing it will be one of the first ones that need replacing. I still have a few of my cheap tools that never needed replacement. I still have my cheap sockets. I've replaced all the ratchets, but the cheap sockets themselves have never given me any trouble.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

After joining this party, I did an inventory of my tools, I filled in with used and new.The quality of the better Taiwanese is pretty good, about where the best North American tools were 30 years ago. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as wrenches and sockets as we know them are approaching their century mark. I've bought both Tekton and Gearwrench, the Gearwrench is the nicer of the two. Neither have been disappointments .

 

[BrandoJames]

If I were starting as a hobby mechanic. I would start cheap then upgrade as my frustration and budget allows. Actually that's what I've done myself - I now have pretty good tools. I started out with pretty crappy tools...Buy cheap new stuff or even used stuff to get you started

Whoa. The OP isn't starting out as a "hobby mechanic"--he was in an auto tech program for nearly two years. As others have mentioned, someone like that is pretty advanced compared to a run-of-the-mill DIYer.

He's probably not going to appreciate wasting time and money on cheaply made tools.

 

[Minnesota Steve]

I think the internet is good and bad. I think one thing it is bad at is convincing people they need shiny pretty objects. Unless you are doing this professionally, you don't need to buy one of every socket ever made or dozens of ratchets or other unusual things. You just need the tools to get your particular job done. Maybe there's a thing you do where a ratcheting wrench would be helpful and there's nothing wrong with buying a single 10mm wrench for that one job.

Just buy locally as needed... Menards, Home Depot have the common stuff. Harbor Freight has some more specific tools for auto repair. Also check out your Autozone or other car parts stores for auto repair stuff. The guys there can answer questions on what tools would work, and sometimes they might have something you can rent/borrow.

Buy what you need to do the job. If it breaks, then maybe you need something better.

Honestly, I've never warrantied a tool so I just don't see this as a concern. It's either died from old age and I just figure that normal wear and tear. Or if it's broken on me(like some Craftsman screwdrivers I had) I figured it was a piece of **** and I didn't want another one anyway so I bought something better.

 

[PJNJ]

Just a few suggestions -
1. Flare wrenches - piece together a Snap On set from Ebay. Over the course of a few months, I put together both a metric and SAE set for about $150. They are used and don't all match in style (SO changed up the looks over the years). But they work just fine.
2. For impacts, look at Sunex and Grey Pneumatic. I recommend the Sunex magnetic 1/4 impact sockets. They are invaluable when under the hood with small nuts and bolts in tight quarters.
3. Taiwanese tool manufactured tools are generally very good. Carlyle (NAPA), Tekton, etc. Take a look.
4. Astro Pneumatic has a good product line of specialty tools and a presence on this forum for questions and product updates.
5. I found the best way to learn about various tools and manufacturers was to come on here once a day and check the recent posts to see what is being discussed. It doesn't take long and I learned a lot.

 

[Kc Dickey]

It really depends on what tools you are looking to buy. As a professional autobody repair technician, I can tell you that Snapon, Macto, Mac, etc. are great tools, but the price doesn't mean they are the best out there. Remember, you are paying for the service of having a tool salesman come to you every week.
I have hand tools from harbor freight, northern tool, and Kobalt and don't have complaints on any of them. The nice thing about having cheaper tools is that if I need to "customize" or "sacrifice" a tool, I didn't wreak a spendy Snapon tool to do it.
For Impact Sockets, however, I would recommend Grey Pneumatic. Great quality, slightly more expensive but still less then the big name brands. And they can be warrantied at most Autoparts Stores.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Don't let your PRIDE get the best of you ! When it comes to the basics, there is nothing wrong with the Pittsburgh brand of HF tools ! Just make sure they "fit your hand well" (I hate some to the cheap screwdriver). A touch of Fluid Film on HF pliers and cutters, works wonders ! Also, on the HF locking pliers, run a tap and die over the threaded parts,

I have bought some used Craftsman off of eBay, but lately the sellers think they are "collector items" if they were made in the USA, so you have to know your prices/values.

IMHO, skip the 1/2" drive stuff. 1/4" and 3/8" are all you need. If you are going to be rotating tires, you will need lug nut sockets and either a 1/2" torque wrench or a HD 3/8" impact with a 1/2" adapter and torque sticks. Stick with 6 point sockets. You are better off with buying non-matching extra large sockets for the few time you will need them.


I have been collecting tools for over 50 years ! The past 10 were more of "spoiling myself" than necessity (damn you GJ !) I am fighting the urge to get a Milwaukee M12 1/2" stubby. It would probably only get used once a year and neither my son or son-in-law have much interest in tools or using them !

 

[B_Bimmer]

I spent a lot of money at harbor fright on "tools". Very little of it I don't regret. If I had nothing now I would buy better quality of just what I needed at the time.

 

[IndyGarage]

Whoa. The OP isn't starting out as a "hobby mechanic"--he was in an auto tech program for nearly two years. As others have mentioned, someone like that is pretty advanced compared to a run-of-the-mill DIYer.

He's probably not going to appreciate wasting time and money on cheaply made tools.

My point is that almost all tools reach the threshold of servicable - even for a heavy DIYer these days - even the cheapest Stanley set from Walmart can fix a car and won't break. Can they fix 1000 cars? probably not. That's the difference between a cheap tool and a pro tool.

There's different ways to approach the problem. You can buy expensively made tools and spend too much or you can buy cheaply made tools and perhaps spend to little in some areas.

If there were a 50% difference in price between the cheap tools and expensive then I would recommend just going with the expensive and be done with it. But it's more like a 500% price difference. At that level it pays to be selective about what you spend the money on.

 

[AmericanMechanic]

I spent a lot of money at harbor fright on "tools". Very little of it I don't regret. If I had nothing now I would buy better quality of just what I needed at the time.

Same here, i went through a harbor freight phase when i was younger, and didn't realize there was so much better that's available and that I was, generally, throwing away money. Wherever possible, buy tools you need in good quality, vs buying a bunch of "stuff" from horrible freight.

 

[Starman2112]

Tekton. Considering their quality, pricing and warranty... hard to beat.

 

[PelicanPines]

Tekton. Considering their quality, pricing and warranty... hard to beat.

Like button pressed.

Vessel and Wera screwdrivers are the best for me.

HF for the specific car stuff, presses, pullers etc.

I prefer Milwaukee battery tools... freaking great warranty process.

 

[BrandoJames]

even the cheapest Stanley set from Walmart can fix a car and won't break.

Indy, I don't understand why anyone on a tools forum would recommend buying "crappy tools" (your term). Cheap tools may not break, but they're more likely to slip and damage fasteners--as someone here pointed out, that's also a safety issue. Garbage tools take up valuable space in your tool box. They're also a waste of money.

Telling people to run out to Wal-Mart and buy the cheapest tools they can find--why should they even bother to read this forum.

Now if you own a budget tool that's reliable, durable, and high value, then by all means recommend it here. I think that's the purpose of this forum--just my two cents.

 

[jgromada]

Some good suggestions in here. You don't have to buy everything at once. Take a good look at your level of expertise and what your budget allows and what kinds of things you might end up doing.

You may even just start with 1/4 & 3/8 ratchets and don't bother getting 1/2 in ratchet until you need it, like you have to do some suspension or brake work. You can probably use that same criteria to determine whether you need an impact as well.

I personally like SK hand tools, but i do have some Harbor Freight and it hasn't failed me.

 

[Robinson1]

I think the gap between high end and mid tier is shrinking every day. Heck even budget brands like Wal Mart Stanley and Harbor Freight Pittsburg has reached a level previously held by alot of US makers.

Gearwrench, Tekton, Carlyle, William's tiawan, Pittsburg Pro, Sunnex, ect and so forth. They all make good tools.

 

[_Riddle]

Like others have said I don't think there is one brand to rule them all. I love my Gearwrench ratchets and sockets, Wright combination wrenches, Trusty Cook Hammers, Harbor Freight breaker bar, Gearwrench hose picks, Milwaukee electric impacts, VIM torx set, Bondhus allen wrenches, Channellock pliers, and Lang thread cleaner set.

There are so many options so just pick the ones that offer the best value to you. I like to buy made in USA where possible but can't shell out the money for Snap On ratchets. The Gearwrench (84t, flex head, cushion grip) had all the features I wanted at a good price and was the best value for me. I could have bought a cheaper set of combination wrenches but I liked the thicker beams on the Wright Grip wrenches and don't mind paying a little bit more to support US manufacturing.

It all comes down to the offerings and features that YOU value. There is no shortage of great offerings from many companies.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Again, I appreciate the input. So what I am finding, I will largely be solid going to a place like Acme and utilizing Tekton for the majority to ensure I am in that middle quality brand. The main plan is to spend a chunk of money on the expanded basics and then continue to get more as I need them or as sales/deals come up. I will also utilize ebay and used tools and even still have a good number of friends in the business who can help me out with people selling tools due to injury or retirement.

regarding the warranty, admittedly I probably have a biased/skewed perception. Last time I dealt with a lot of tools, I was working in a shop of 20 mechanics so someone always had something broken, but it was pretty rare that a single tech had multiple problems.

thanks again everyone! I greatly appreciate the advice.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I'll never buy Stanley tools from Walmart ever again. The 1/4" socket set I bought was complete garbage. I didn't have to worry about breaking the ratchet because the crappy 12 point sockets would slip just looking at it wrong.

 

[BrandoJames]

I'll never buy Stanley tools from Walmart ever again. The 1/4" socket set I bought was complete garbage. I didn't have to worry about breaking the ratchet because the crappy 12 point sockets would slip just looking at it wrong.

The above isn't surprising. Of course, Stanley also owns Mac Tools and Proto--two outstanding tool lines. Stanley is quite capable of turning out quality tools, but not at a Wal-Mart price point.

To be fair, there are some budget tools out there that have solid value. One of my favorite ratchets is my 18" Titan flex 3/8" ratchet, which I bought off Amazon for $35 bucks. Excellent ratchet--I use it almost as much as my $100 Snap-on Dual 80 Flex.

 

[Leon67]

My approach to the subject would be a bit different: If you are willing to buy different brands I would go for a gradual decrease in relative price, quality and value. The 1/4' socket set should be of the highest quality, the 3/8' set a really good brand and go for a decent Taiwan made 1/2' set. Same for the wrenches: The smaller -from 5,5mm or 7/32" to 19mm or 3/4"should be from the best USA brands and from there on the quality and price can take some discounts as per sockets. For pliers Channelock or similar and for the screedrivers a set of Vessel or Wiha/Wera/ Witte -whatever you can find- will have you covered.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I am a little funny. I am strictly a DIY guy. Have never, and never expect to, make my living with my hands/tools. But there are some things where a little extra money is worth it for me. I have a few Snap-On ratchets. I have some other ratchets too. I reach for the Snap-On 100 times out of 100. They are just better. I have a hodge podge of mismatched sockets and extensions which I am in the process of replacing with Tekton, and screwdriver drawer is just a mess. I don't see the sense in spending big money for hand tools for a guy like me. But if my Snap On ratchets were to go missing I would buy a replacement. Maybe not tomorrow, but not next year either.

 

[sberry]

What I like is variety more than high end really. I have a few snaps, they been worth it and I use them onoccasion. I have another dozen of those same sizes, some 2 dozen like 1/2 and 9/16 etc. Got a few real old cman that are finely made and look them up on occasion, got a bunch simple like the MIT, some Sears clones, some Olympia of 2 types I bought as singles, long, offset, die a couple sets. I fine the little feature differences useful often.

 

[sberry]

Would be hard to collect at 30 a piece but at a couple bucks and finds its a working collection and different than starting with none or few tools. They make generic Asian like Cman that are really good and a great starting spot to get going, a guy can collect later along the way.

 

[sberry]

Mechanic Named John bought 5 grand of HF, said in a year replaced 1 thing , did it on the spot. There were some other guys work in a class 8 truck shop, logging I think and we're gonna strike if the boss didn't buy some new tools, said they passed it around and beat it hard, not I thing took a dump in a year.
The stuff will outlast a little diy car stuff. "Experience" really don't got much to do with it other than an experienced hand could likely manage without busting it or hurting themselves.

 

[Yarpo]

The above isn't surprising. Of course, Stanley also owns Mac Tools and Proto--two outstanding tool lines. Stanley is quite capable of turning out quality tools, but not at a Wal-Mart price point..

Weird, I've recently removed and replaced a power steering pump and an alternator on my car with Stanley black chrome sockets. I live in the rust belt, and my car has 299k miles. Since I've owned this car and these sockets they've seen use doing new head gaskets, intake gaskets, along with multiple sets of brakes, about 80 oil changes and 20 or 30 of them with the stanley set. I must be doing something way wrong.

Like others have said I don't think there is one brand to rule them all. I love my Gearwrench ratchets and sockets, Wright combination wrenches, Trusty Cook Hammers, Harbor Freight breaker bar, Gearwrench hose picks, Milwaukee electric impacts, VIM torx set, Bondhus allen wrenches, Channellock pliers, and Lang thread cleaner set..

This sounds exactly like my work box, almost to the T. I just have a duralast breaker bar instead of the HF. Great tools and great value in their respective categories.

 

[sberry]

Lots of work gang boxes have this stuff in them, beat like a rented mule. The biggest failure was the 3/4 ratchet in the flea market sets

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Yet another vote for Tekton, nice tools for the price. I have used and like their sockets wrenches and even screwdrivers.

Ratchets are really a personal preference, and while the Tekton ratchets are probably ok, I prefer SK. You may want to experiment with different brands or just stick with Snap On.

I also recommend checking out some of the smaller tool brands for things like pliers (Klein), punches, and pry bars (Meyhew).



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