Hand Tool Advice?

[Greatwhitewing]

You guys have been awesome in my tool box search so here I go again with another question.

Looking to fill out some of my hand tools. Pliers, screwdrivers etc.

I know the best is Snap-on from reading here but out of my price range except for perhaps ebay deals which I will look for.

Sears Craftsman (or crapsman as some say) have done okay by me so far in 25+ years owning them. I looked at Matco and they seemed a bit too pricey too.

What would be better than Sears but not so costly? My "internal" budget is maybe about 50% higher than Sears prices. After that my internals get knotted up... or should I just stay with Craftsman?

harbor Freight looked like plastic ****..

Again- I am not a professional wrench turner, just a homeowner that does almost all his own wrencing.

 

[Jawn]

Screwdrivers: Look at Pratt-Read. They're not expensive, but they're great. USA.

Pliers: Channellock isn't terribly pricey, and is US made.

What else do you need?

 

[diesel research]

Wera Kraftform 6 Piece Chiseldriver Screwdriver set is designed with a pound-thru blade for hammering. Precision manufactured extra hard pound-thru hexagon blade facilitates zero-loss transfer of forces when struck with hammer and prevents splintering of handle or blade. Integrated impact cap extends service life and makes contact with screwdriver vibration free. Hexagon bolster provides extra torque transfer with use of open-jawed or ring spanner. All Wera hand tools feature the trademarked ergonomic Kraftform handle, with hard and soft zones, that fits the shape to the hand for the ultimate in comfort and high-speed torque transfer. Anti-roll protection at base of handle stops screwdrivers from rolling away at the workplace. Limited Life Time Warranty. Set contains 4 Slotted - 9/64”, 5/32”, 7/32”, 9/32” and 2 Phillips - Ph1, PH2. Includes wall-mounting rack for convenient storage and tool retrieval. Wera – The Best Tools For The Job

$47.75 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping

 

[nw2571]

Don't get me wrong, absolutely nothing wrong with Craftsman's main tool line. The majority of people on here like their USA made stuff and laugh at their gimicky tools. And be careful saying that Snap-on is automatically the best. They have good stuff, but each company has their strong points.

But if you have your heart set on non Craftman tools here are some brands I like that are reasonably priced.

Pliers: Channellock

Screwdrivers: Wiha, Pratt-Read, Wera, Klein (mostly depends on type of handle you like between these brands)

Mechanics tools: SK, Armstrong

Hammers: Estwing, Vaughan

Beyond that, if you are more specific about other types of tools you need we can help. Some advice I would give you though... if Craftsman is working for you, don't try to replace those tools for the sake of replacing them. But I would recommend filling out your set with other brands depending on the types of tools if you want to branch out.

Two exceptions to the above advice would be screwdrivers and ratchets. I'd recommend trying/buying some different screwdrivers until you find a handle you really like. You can buy a std P2 driver from several brands reasonably cheaply. The list above isn't comprehensive, but a great start. For ratchets, I'd recommend getting your hands on a professional-grade fine-tooth 3/8" ratchet and then hold on to your wallet! There really is a BIG difference on ratchets.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

"Don't get me wrong, absolutely nothing wrong with Craftsman's main tool line."

Good to know. I am NOT set on scraping my Craftsman stuff or am I unwilling to buy again if they are still a good value. I like the idea of quick replacements should the need arise.

"There really is a BIG difference on ratchets"

Oh Noooooo, there goes the budget. I ride a Goldwing and we always say to folks to never try one unless you're prepared to buy one... I guess the same holds true to good ratchets...

 

[Greatwhitewing]

"Look at Pratt-Read"

Looking now. Seems a reasonable choice too.

 

[wreckercologist]

Don't forget about Wilde. They've been making tools for every other tool company out there for years, including Craftsman. They are US made and have a superior cost v. quality ratio. Pliers, screwdrivers, prybars, ect. Sold by Epstein's among others.

http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=wilde

http://wildetool.com/

 

[jjjrmx5]

You guys have been awesome in my tool box search so here I go again with another question.

Looking to fill out some of my hand tools. Pliers, screwdrivers etc.

I know the best is Snap-on from reading here but out of my price range except for perhaps ebay deals which I will look for.

Sears Craftsman (or crapsman as some say) have done okay by me so far in 25+ years owning them. I looked at Matco and they seemed a bit too pricey too.

As many will mention, Snap-On is not necessiarily the BEST at everything they sell. Some of what they carry is rebranded tools from other mfgrs where you can buy and identical tool for a cheaper price and make it a win-win purchase.

As for Craftsman, many of what they currently (and I say currently and USA made) sell is very capable of getting most folks by.

Things like Ratcheting screwdrivers, ratchets and the like are often better if bought from the "truck" if used regularly as many companies do not offer comparable quality to the average consumer.

It's all a balance to me. If used regularly and if it's a tool that is unavailable in a less costly form, then I'm happy to spring for the $$$.
An example is pliers. My day in and day outs are craftsman and channellock, but I have a drawer full of Knipex to augment that set for what the mainline stores do not carry or offer. I see no need for Snap-On pliers but I am happy to pay truck prices for the F80 ratchets all day long.

Buy what you like, but there are many middle tier tools out there that are very good but don't break the bank.

 

[Repairman]

@Greatwhitewing

There are many excellent brands, not just Snap On, of pliers and screwdrivers at very reasonable prices. I would recommend the following:

Pliers: Knipex - Excellent German made quality and now available at Sears and Lowes.

Screwdrivers:

European:Wiha, Wera, Facom
Japan: Vessel - some of the best and most comfortable
USA: Klein

Any of the above manufacturers produce excellent hand tools at reasonable prices.

 

[Scout Driver]

Williams screwdrivers.

Scott

 

[Coach James]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C00BYM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have these and like them fine. Also Enderes 6 in 1 drivers.

Coach

 

[Monte]

Wiha

$25.98

http://www.wihatools.com/special_25.htm

 

[twincam00]

For pliers check out Channellock or Knipex, SK is nice for ratchets, sockets, extensions etc.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Good, not expensive, combination wrenches?

 

[Coach James]

Wiha

$25.98

http://www.wihatools.com/special_25.htm

Why did you have to post that up here?! I.....must....resist.....


Coach

 

[wafrederick]

Gearwrench is another good brand with a hassle free warranty.Sears does give good deals on Gearwrench ratcheting wrench sets.

 

[iroc409]

Why did you have to post that up here?! I.....must....resist.....


Coach

LOL I just bought the Microfinish and I want to buy those and the side cutters... Eek!

 

[Monte]

Why did you have to post that up here?! I.....must....resist.....


Coach

let yourself go

 

[nw2571]

Good, not expensive, combination wrenches?

For not expensive, it's tough to beat Craftsman raised panel wrenches.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

What's raised panel mean? The "Craftsman" panel on the handle?

For not expensive, it's tough to beat Craftsman raised panel wrenches.

 

[crewchief888]

channellock or knipex for pliers
SK screwdrivers are ok
sk, stanley, duralast, ratchets extensions

cruise the pawn shops, swap meets, and flea mkts for older truck brands, SK, and proto.

CM pro wrenches

 

[Jawn]

What's raised panel mean? The "Craftsman" panel on the handle?

Yep.

See these for an example.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947242000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

 

[pipsters]

channellock or knipex for pliers
SK screwdrivers are ok
sk, stanley, duralast, ratchets extensions

cruise the pawn shops, swap meets, and flea mkts for older truck brands, SK, and proto.

CM pro wrenches

I've had two sets of the Craftsman Pro polished wrenches stamped USA. Both were spec'd wider than my raised panels and spread under pressure. I returned the second set and kept my raised panels - great value and strong.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

Sooo, just to be clear. A raised panel is a high quality Craftsman and if the panel is flush they are crapier ones?

Yep.

See these for an example.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947242000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

 

[Hammer1963]

Spend the most money on what you use the most. I find it ok to purchase a Higher end (insert tool) if that's what you use most often. Then decrease the spending on relevence of usage per type of tool. You can always upgrade down the road for the other lesser used tools. Personally, I prefer Witte screwdrivers.

 

[Jawn]

Sooo, just to be clear. A raised panel is a high quality Craftsman and if the panel is flush they are crapier ones?

Originally, no. The raised panel was a "mid-level" line, but some are saying they've had bad experiences with some of the full polish (formerly "Craftsman Professional") wrenches which at one time were their "top of the line".