Good investment?

[Boss_man]

Greetings folks, I've always used this wonderful site for help with any concern I've had regarding tools. But I've recently stumbled upon what I thought to be a good deal/investment and I feel now I'm having buyers remorse. I am 18 and recently I've been wanting to start collecting tools to for my home "garage"(just working on our cars really). It's not much, I don't make the most of money but I try to get the most out of my money. So I prefer to look on craigslist for used tools, and I've recently been looking for some air tools and stumbled upon a post. So enough chatter, here's the haul (keep in mind I have little to know knowledge on air tools,and couldn't find much to research on them online):
MAC AR-3000 3/8 Gear Head air ratchet

MAC AW234 1/2 impact gun

MAC AR777- 3/8 Reactionless air ratchet

CP-787 3/8 air drill

The model# on this MAC butterfly is really worn

MAC AR249 1/4 gear ratchet

I have no idea what this is,It has an N with a crest surrounding it.Nothing else

This is the sellers photo, there is also an Ingersoll Rand air chisel Model No.CCR and it also came with a Craftsman dual-action sander and some Taiwanese spray gun.

So I am happy to say this was a great experience, the seller was a honest kind man who recently retired as a Chevrolet Mechanic. He gave me a lot of great tips and helped me out with the pricing. So all in all I paid 250 for 10 great working air tools, I put some air tool oil in them and quickly tested them out and they seem to be working great. The only thing that has me on edge is the way they are all made in Japan, with the exception of two or three made in the USA. I was always told American made tools are the best, just to stay away from Taiwanese and Chinese made tools. What about Japan made tools?
I would love to hear your opinions on whether I made the right choice by purchasing these tools and how to care and make them last forever.
As well as some tips for a young man looking to improve his tool arsenal. What to look for and where to buy?
Also most the tools say to be used at 90psi, what would be a sufficient air compressor to do the job?
Sorry for all the questions, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

I'd say you got a fairly good deal. All are pretty old, but they should serve you long enough until you can afford to upgrade, and then they can live be out the rest of their life as back ups.


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[Cummins_Tech]

As far as the us vs import thing goes, I've had USA made tools (craftsman) that where not so great, and I've had import tools (gearwrench, Mac, matco) that worked great, and visa versa.


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[eyeball]

Also most the tools say to be used at 90psi, what would be a sufficient air compressor to do the job?

The tools usefulness to you will rely heavily on you being able to supply the necessary airflow, not just the PSI. I can generate 90 PSI with a bicycle tire pump but that won't feed a pneumatic drill...

Be very mindful in choosing a compressor that can provide the PSI as well as the CFM. The cost of a good quality compressor capable of sustaining the CFM necessary will be much more expensive than that lot of tools.

Since you are just now starting your tool collection you might want to think through all of your choices. With the leaps and bounds of progress being made by cordless tools, have you considered those as an alternative platform?

The key will be thinking through what tasks you'll most likely be tackling, the necessary tools and their availability on air or cordless platforms.

For example, there are many capable cordless drills, impacts, and ratchets. However die grinders, cut off tools, and sanders are much more plentiful as air tools.

There is a lot to think about but it is easier and more economical to do now rather than later after you have built a substantial set of tools on one platform or the other.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

You got a pretty good deal, in my experience the older air tools like those are really well made and last forever especially if youre not using them professionally. To buy the equivalent models of these tools today youd spend over $1000. Sure, you could probably get out of harbor freight with all that for less than $250, but put them side by side with those old ones and tell me theres not a difference in finish, feel, and quality. I started out with some horrible chinese tools i bought not knowing any better, for working on mowers as a kid. the neighbor (i think he felt sorry for me) came over and gave me a whole box full of his old mostly craftsman tools and a proto ratchet. I was like wow these tools are so mich nicer and immediatley threw the chinese tools in the trash. From there i graduated to trucks and learned to hit yard sales pawn shops and auctions to find better quality used tools. I built my first tool set this way and it really helped by not putting myself in massive debt just starting out in the trade at 18. You'll learn pretty quick the more stuff you work on what tools you like, and what tools are utter ****. Some of the newer offshore stuff is decent and cheap, and if it functions the same thats what really counts. Its really a matter of what you like and find commfortable to use. This forum is a great place to browse and learn what to look for and what its worth.

 

[Boss_man]

I'd say you got a fairly good deal. All are pretty old, but they should serve you long enough until you can afford to upgrade, and then they can live be out the rest of their life as back ups.


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Thank you sir, that was my original plan to use them as starting tools for learning. I plan on keeping them for as long as i can.

As far as the us vs import thing goes, I've had USA made tools (craftsman) that where not so great, and I've had import tools (gearwrench, Mac, matco) that worked great, and visa versa.


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I agree, that's just what I always hear from, now that I think about it not so bright guys. I feel if a tool was properly used and well taken care of, it will last forever, regardless of origin or manufacturer.

Welcome to GJ Boss man.

As long as they are all in good working order you got some good items at a fair price. You probably could have pieced the items together individually over time for less money but it would have taken more of your time to do so, so I think you did pretty good. All the brands are good quality. Every country produces some junk tools, so country of origin isn't everything. It is a good starting point though. Modern Japan is usually very good in terms of tools, air tools included. Modern Taiwan is usually very good for the price as well so don't edit out Taiwan by default. China tools as a whole are usually fine for occasional use items. Even with China made tools, there are some gems out there that can stand up to years of heavy use for a very reasonable price so try to keep a skeptical but open mind related to your tool purchases.

Thanks for the kind welcome sir, I am not so good when it comes to buying things. I often jump straight at them with not as much thought as I should put into it, definitely need to work on that. I also agree with what you have to say on tools origin, there's good and bad from all over.

The tools usefulness to you will rely heavily on you being able to supply the necessary airflow, not just the PSI. I can generate 90 PSI with a bicycle tire pump but that won't feed a pneumatic drill...

If it were me, I would be very mindful in choosing a compressor that can provide the PSI as well as the CFM. The cost of a good quality compressor capable of sustaining the CFM necessary will be much more expensive than that lot of tools.

Since you are just now starting your tool collection you might want to think through all of your choices. With the leaps and bounds of progress being made by cordless tools, you may want to consider those as an alternative platform.

Thanks for the tips, you're right I need to think ahead with what i buy. When buying these I had the thought of talking with my neighbor who has a large (60 gallons I believe) air compressor that he never uses and either buying it off him or trading services like lawn care or car washes for using it. I also have sockets and bits to look for but baby steps I suppose.
And I did look into the cordless power tools but the cost of one impact gun was the same as the 10 air tools that I got. I do hope to save up for some though.

Thanks again everyone for the kind words and help. It's great to see a helpful and active community

 

[deberly12]

Country of origin is really not as much of a big deal for quality as it once was. If you only buy USA for political reasons that is a totally separate issue. To be honest if all things are equal including price for two tools the taiwan made may be a higher quality than USA made because a little less is going toward some expenses (labor, taxes, ...) And more can go to other things like materials. Especially today the best value in tools (quality and price) is probably Taiwanese made tools. If you are on a limited budget the import tools are the way to go. Harbor Freight is probably the most well known value tool supplier. They got a bad name from back in the day. They used to be total ****. My dad had all three of their socket sets in the metal cases. I spun one of the 1/2 extensions just with a standard length ratchet. I am slowly increasing my tool inventory and I have some HF ratchets ( the cheap ones not pro) and such. I reach for them over my USA Craftsman any day of the week.

Biggest advice is research!!!! If you are going to invest any decent amount into a tool do some research first. There is probably a YouTube video or someone here that has used just about every brand of and tool that you would find. There is really good and really bad in every...yes every!!! Brand.

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[FSrepair&fabrication]

Choosing an air compresser really depends on what you plan to do, now and a few years down the road. If you see yourself getting into working on cars more id look to buy a bit larger of a compressor so you can run tools for light use without constantly waiting for it build air. A good starting point are emglo or quincy 8-10 gallon wheelbarrow compressors, theyre light, portable, available in gas or electric, and are over craigslist from $100-500 depending on condition. the electric ones make just enough air for hobby use, while the gas engine model can almost keep up with a snap on 1/2 gun running nonstop. If you only plan on doing work in your garage and run sanders or die grinders maybe a larger 220v stand up compressor would suit you better. Or go all out and get a tow behind diesel air compressor if you ever have the need to run 1" guns and jackhammers lol

 

[deberly12]

Thank you sir, that was my original plan to use them as starting tools for learning. I plan on keeping them for as long as i can.

I agree, that's just what I always hear from, now that I think about it not so bright guys. I feel if a tool was properly used and well taken care of, it will last forever, regardless of origin or manufacturer.

Thanks for the kind welcome sir, I am not so good when it comes to buying things. I often jump straight at them with not as much thought as I should put into it, definitely need to work on that. I also agree with what you have to say on tools origin, there's good and bad from all over.

Thanks for the tips, you're right I need to think ahead with what i buy. When buying these I had the thought of talking with my neighbor who has a large (60 gallons I believe) air compressor that he never uses and either buying it off him or trading services like lawn care or car washes for using it. I also have sockets and bits to look for but baby steps I suppose.
And I did look into the cordless power tools but the cost of one impact gun was the same as the 10 air tools that I got. I do hope to save up for some though.

Thanks again everyone for the kind words and help. It's great to see a helpful and active community [emoji481]

Sorry you replied while typing. Lurking around on here will increase your knowledge immensely!!! (And it's fun lol)

As far as a compressor goes. It would be very easy to spend a 1000 or more on an ideal compressor for those tools. (This is were the higher individual tool cost of cordless offsets it's self) Trust me don't skimp on cordless!!! I did and am now replacing everything with Milwaukee M18. I ended up giving up on air impacts and going with Milwaukee and I couldn't be happier. And it is cheaper than having to buy the big compressor. Remember buying used is great because if you change your mind you can probably resell and loose very little or even make money.

If you do want to head strongly into air tools I would give you this advice. There are two main factors for air tools, pressure (force) and flow(movement). These things at the tool are controlled by many factors. Pressure is usually the least important for selecting a compressor because basically all single stage pumps are between 125 and 150 psi. (There are exceptions) your tank size and pump flow control how well the tool works. A big tank and a small pump can power the same tool as a big pump but you may have to wait for the tank to fill. If you will be using it for a few seconds at a time with rest in between them that is fine. I you are under constant (sander or similar) use them your pump needs to out flow your tool. It is very easy and cheap to add additional tank space though. You may consider assembly of a Frankenstein compressor. Find a good pump and motor with a bad tank and add on your own tanks. Just watch your duty cycle. (A pump designed for a 3 gallon tank will over heat trying to fill a 60 gallon tank.)

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[sberry]

Get your neighbors 60 gallon unit. It may not be perfect but will likely get the work done. Nothing on 120V will run this stuff well. Don't lose any sleep as to where this stuff is made.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Dude you scored!!! That's a steal around here you **** so bad.It would be hard to get all that on eBay for less than 3-400 I'd say.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Most of my air tools are made in Japan and most others are made there as well with exception of Snap on.

 

[Boss_man]

You got a pretty good deal, in my experience the older air tools like those are really well made and last forever especially if youre not using them professionally. To buy the equivalent models of these tools today youd spend over $1000. Sure, you could probably get out of harbor freight with all that for less than $250, but put them side by side with those old ones and tell me theres not a difference in finish, feel, and quality. I started out with some horrible chinese tools i bought not knowing any better, for working on mowers as a kid. the neighbor (i think he felt sorry for me) came over and gave me a whole box full of his old mostly craftsman tools and a proto ratchet. I was like wow these tools are so mich nicer and immediatley threw the chinese tools in the trash. From there i graduated to trucks and learned to hit yard sales pawn shops and auctions to find better quality used tools. I built my first tool set this way and it really helped by not putting myself in massive debt just starting out in the trade at 18. You'll learn pretty quick the more stuff you work on what tools you like, and what tools are utter ****. Some of the newer offshore stuff is decent and cheap, and if it functions the same thats what really counts. Its really a matter of what you like and find commfortable to use. This forum is a great place to browse and learn what to look for and what its worth.

Amazing advice sir, really appreciated. I hope to learn what I like and suits my needs without breaking the bank in the future. I also like your story on how you built your collection and hope to do it similarly. What trade did you get into?

Country of origin is really not as much of a big deal for quality as it once was. If you only buy USA for political reasons that is a totally separate issue. To be honest if all things are equal including price for two tools the taiwan made may be a higher quality than USA made because a little less is going toward some expenses (labor, taxes, ...) And more can go to other things like materials. Especially today the best value in tools (quality and price) is probably Taiwanese made tools. If you are on a limited budget the import tools are the way to go. Harbor Freight is probably the most well known value tool supplier. They got a bad name from back in the day. They used to be total ****. My dad had all three of their socket sets in the metal cases. I spun one of the 1/2 extensions just with a standard length ratchet. I am slowly increasing my tool inventory and I have some HF ratchets ( the cheap ones not pro) and such. I reach for them over my USA Craftsman any day of the week.

Biggest advice is research!!!! If you are going to invest any decent amount into a tool do some research first. There is probably a YouTube video or someone here that has used just about every brand of and tool that you would find. There is really good and really bad in every...yes every!!! Brand.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the advice, I agree there is good and bad from all around. I was actually pretty stoked that they were made in Japan, I love Japanese products, mostly cars so I didn't really doubt their quality. I was just under the impression that MAC was made in America until recently.
And research is key as well, now that I finally made an account here I hope to use it to help expand my knowledge on tools and trades.

Choosing an air compresser really depends on what you plan to do, now and a few years down the road. If you see yourself getting into working on cars more id look to buy a bit larger of a compressor so you can run tools for light use without constantly waiting for it build air. A good starting point are emglo or quincy 8-10 gallon wheelbarrow compressors, theyre light, portable, available in gas or electric, and are over craigslist from $100-500 depending on condition. the electric ones make just enough air for hobby use, while the gas engine model can almost keep up with a snap on 1/2 gun running nonstop. If you only plan on doing work in your garage and run sanders or die grinders maybe a larger 220v stand up compressor would suit you better. Or go all out and get a tow behind diesel air compressor if you ever have the need to run 1" guns and jackhammers lol

I will definitely refer back to this when looking for a compressor, great advice. Thank you sir.

Sorry you replied while typing. Lurking around on here will increase your knowledge immensely!!! (And it's fun lol)

As far as a compressor goes. It would be very easy to spend a 1000 or more on an ideal compressor for those tools. (This is were the higher individual tool cost of cordless offsets it's self) Trust me don't skimp on cordless!!! I did and am now replacing everything with Milwaukee M18. I ended up giving up on air impacts and going with Milwaukee and I couldn't be happier. And it is cheaper than having to buy the big compressor. Remember buying used is great because if you change your mind you can probably resell and loose very little or even make money.

If you do want to head strongly into air tools I would give you this advice. There are two main factors for air tools, pressure (force) and flow(movement). These things at the tool are controlled by many factors. Pressure is usually the least important for selecting a compressor because basically all single stage pumps are between 125 and 150 psi. (There are exceptions) your tank size and pump flow control how well the tool works. A big tank and a small pump can power the same tool as a big pump but you may have to wait for the tank to fill. If you will be using it for a few seconds at a time with rest in between them that is fine. I you are under constant (sander or similar) use them your pump needs to out flow your tool. It is very easy and cheap to add additional tank space though. You may consider assembly of a Frankenstein compressor. Find a good pump and motor with a bad tank and add on your own tanks. Just watch your duty cycle. (A pump designed for a 3 gallon tank will over heat trying to fill a 60 gallon tank.)

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

Thanks again, I really wanted to pull the trigger(pun intended)on a Milwaukee gun but the gun is about 300 and then the battery is almost 200 (last i remember, don't quote me on that). With the air tools I have, multiple, 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 along with an air hammer and drill with the painting supplies. It is a bummer though, that I do have to spend an arm and a leg to get even a decent compressor. But with your great advice maybe it will be possible to Frankenstein a setup for a good price. Again thank you for the abundance of information.

Get your neighbors 60 gallon unit. It may not be perfect but will likely get the work done. Nothing on 120V will run this stuff well. Don't lose any sleep as to where this stuff is made.

Thats the plan my man, I really need to get his so I won't have to worry about transporting one and all the hassle of finding one on craigslist. The next concern will be the bits and sockets though.

Dude you scored!!! That's a steal around here you **** so bad.It would be hard to get all that on eBay for less than 3-400 I'd say.

THANK YOU!!! Finally someone as stoked as I was about getting these tools for the money, I mean the tools were essentially 25 bucks a piece (as oppose to 50-60 online each) and I also made a friend. The gentleman who sold them to me was very happy to help and gave me his number to keep in touch regarding tools and other things he's getting rid of. Thanks again for the kind words my friend.

Most of my air tools are made in Japan and most others are made there as well with exception of Snap on.

I'm all for it, Japan Is great.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I think you did well. That's a good supply of air tools to have, especially at such a young age.

 

[stikman56]

Some well made tools there. I'm fond of those Mac air ratchets, they're very good.