Hand tool recommendation ... (Proto, Snap-On)

[roachcoach]

Hi guys,

I am planning on building up my tool collection. I do not work as a professional mechanic, but I spend the majority of my free time working on vintage motorcycles. I really enjoy the experience of owning/working with high quality tools.

So far, I am looking at mainly Proto and Snap-On.

Proto is appealing to me because the quality seems to be really good, and I also get a large discount (Grainger) on tools through my work. I have read that several members have had problems replacing broken tools.

Snap-On quality is great, and the customer service seems to be outstanding. I have bought some Snap-On tools through the website, however I have a recently been contacted by a local rep that seems nice and easy to work with. The sticking point for me is that the tools are pricey.

Basically, I guess the order of my priorities is as follows

1. USA Made
2. High Quality
3. Great Warranty
4. Price

Do you guys think I can get all of the above with Proto?

I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

there is no need to go with only one company tools.

 

[Brownsfan]

If you get a good truck dealer for Snap On then that would be the best way to go. I have a great dealer and have a box full of Snap On to show for it. I have NEVER been denied a warranty from him. Ihave also never paid full price either. The best way tobet the most for your money is to take advantage of the BOGO deals and other promos they run. Also when buying tools dont be afraid to ask for a deal especially if paying cash. Trust me he knows what he can sell that tool for and still make money. I bought my tools because they made me money and good tools made me more efficient. Now that I no longer use them daily, I STILL call up my dealer if I need or want something. He even mails the monthly "hot tools" to my house. It is all about how good the dealer is when it comes to your buying expieriance with Snap On

 

[ChevyEFI]

You need to not be a brand-*****, although that is the m.o. for a lot of people here.

The front section of an auto store repair manual usually has a section on tools. Basically "Buy what you need. If it breaks or fails to do what is should, then bother upgrading."

Don't buy a set of wrenches because they're a good deal. Buy them when you need them. Buy screwdrivers because the handles work for your hands and the tips are quality in how they maintain grip on the fastener.

Grainger carries other brands besides Proto.

I'm considering Wright wrenches in the future, FWIW. Thanks to this forum.

An open mind to tools that work best for your hands and needs is best.

 

[young_buck]

I like the feel of proto wrenches and they are quality wrenches and have never broken one. As for snap-on their ratchets are really nice but matco is just as nice in my opinion. I agree with what was said above about the screwdrivers feeling good in your hand and having quality tips that will not round fasteners look into wiha, witte, proto, matco, snap on, wera etc. they have all been given good reviews. I like proto, snap-on and matco sockets as I have rounded to many bolts with chiwanese tools working on older vehicles that have some corrosion on the fasteners. For pliers I like my channellocks and I also like the gearwrench double x's for long reach. hammers I like estwing for club and claw but I have never had a problem with cheaper ones holding up to the use and abuse that a hammer goes through on a daily basis and stanley makes a nice dead blow and ball pein.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Proto ratchets have never impressed me; their pear-head stuff is astoundingly coarse and loose, and (at least the ones I have), the forward/reverse level is backwards compared to every other ratchet I own.

Sockets and wrenches are ok, but for hardline stuff (ratchets, sockets, wrenches) I like SK a hell of a lot more.

But, like everyone has said, unless you like to have all your tools to have the same brand, there's no reason to stick with just Proto or Snap-on. Wiha makes great screwdrivers; Channellock and NWS make great pliers; SK and Snap-on make great ratchets; SK, Armstrong, and Wright all make great sockets and wrenches.

 

[roachcoach]

Thanks for the opinions. I am not sure why I have the desire to go with one brand and stick with it. I guess maybe I am trying to identify with a brand, also I think I am just looking to get advice because it is hard for me to check out the tools before I buy (Grainger is far away, and I have to schedule a time to meet with the Snap-On dealer).

Thanks again.

 

[mattmankow]

Since you say that price is the last factor, you can't go wrong with SO.
They will last a lifetime plus. Ebay has some great deals on them, if you know what you're looking at.

 

[Conductor562]

I have a lot of Proto stuff and they are my first look for the vast majority of tool purchases. The quality is excellent and in most cases equal to Snap-On at a fraction of the price. The wrenches, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, etc. are all excellent. I've never been super impressed with the pliers but I'm quite partial to Channellock anyway. As the other poster mentioned, the Pear head ratchets are not of the "smooth as silk" variety that many today are accustomed to. They are 24 tooth and while they are very smooth for a 24T ratchet, they do not, nor are they intended to, be comparable to an 80T+ ratchet. They are extremely tough, easy to maintain, and simple to rebuild. Proto does make higher 60T and 72T ratchets that are very nice, but being an industrial tool it's the classic Pear Heads that pop in everyone's mind first. You can warranty Proto through Grainger and alot of the experience depends on them. I have made 2 warranty claims in the 15 or so years I've had Proto stuff and both were satisfactory to me. Snap-On is a fine tool, but if you aren't making a living with them and working in a shop where you have regular access to the truck, I don't see paying the Snap-On premium over Proto, Williams, SK, or Wright.