Help me choose a tool brand

[pioneer1]

I just purchased a new tool box and when I start to stock it with tools I would like to have most of them from 1 line? I know that 1 company can't / doesn't always make the best of everything. I wouldn't be using these everyday either, just occasional repairs.
Just DON'T want to have a mixture like I do now.
Want to open a drawer and it look organized and matching tools.

I am just looking for a good quality tool brand that isn't real expensive, good warranty.

Grew up on Craftsman, dad always bought Craftsman so its hard to think about going with a different line.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Something COO Taiwan is probably going to work well. People here seem to like Gearwrench, Tekton, Husky, Kobalt, etc for the basics without breaking the bank. Mine are mostly old Craftsman tools with some German screwdrivers/pliers, Sunex impact sockets, etc. I wouldn’t worry too much about a single brand, just buy the best quality you can afford of the stuff you use most often and fill in the rest with cheaper options.

 

[sberry]

Wanna be a polisher or a user. Having a mix actually makes it a lot easier.

 

[paulsomlo]

Kansas City? Just go down to Epstein's, they'll fix you up.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I wouldn't worry about having the same brand of everything. I can see maybe the same brand lines in certain tools, like screwdrivers all one brand or pliers all being Channellocks.

Most of my stuff is Cman that I've had for years. I have their screwdrivers but not real happy with them and have been buying other brands like Matco or Snap-on. However, I don't need to spend big bucks on a tool truck brand for everything as a DIYer.

 

[pioneer1]

Kansas City? Just go down to Epstein's, they'll fix you up.

Thanks, will be checking this place out for sure!!!!

They still show Craftsman on their website being made in USA, I didn't think Craftsman was being made in the USA anymore?

 

[Sevenhills1952]

Craftsman boxes (I just bought a third one)is made USA. Tools are starting to.

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[paulsomlo]

Thanks, will be checking this place out for sure!!!!

They still show Craftsman on their website being made in USA, I didn't think Craftsman was being made in the USA anymore?

I think they bought up a bunch of surplus Craftsman tools before they went offshore.

A lot of the guys here on GJ have a preferred brand for screwdrivers, a preferred brand for ratchets/sockets, for pliers, for wrenches, etc.. The ones that have all their tools from one mfg are in the minority, I would think.

Umm... you live in KC MO and you've never been to Epstein's? You're in for a treat - don't schedule any appointments for the rest of the day. And ask them if you can see the basement and upper floor.

 

[straps57]

I think someone on here posted about Teng Tools. I have no first hand knowledge of quality etc.

 

[Evan(CA)]

Gearwrench.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I ran C'man for years, cut my working teeth on them, and they worked, because if they broke, I'd go to sears and replace them And those breakages back then were rare.

Then I worked in a shop with a bunch of S/O snobs, and a really good truck. That got me liking some things about S/O. I still really like their sockets and ratchets, even tho they're platinum plated titanium. Their wrenches are nice, but I never did like the way they fit my hand over the old raised panel C'mans I had.

Then I was at a place where we had the big 3 stop by (S/O, Mac, Matco) and realized that each brand has it's good stuff and bad stuff.

Then I lived in Europe, and all that went out the window.

If C'Man was still good, I'd say go with that, and go to Sears for replacements when they break. If you were filthy rich, I'd say go with SO and don't look back. But in all honesty, you'll end up with a good combination of tools depending on what you do with them, and what you like about them.

And... um... what is this Epsteins that people are speaking of?

 

[Negen]

For sockets I really like proto and koken. Just bought a 10-32mm nothing skips for 119$. Proto ratchets are really nice too. Wright is also good sockets. Of course snap on is nice. So many good brands these days I couldn't imagine limiting my self to one brand. With tools made in Taiwan many times tools are the same. The 72 tooth roto heads for example Cornwell , Carlyle and a few others sell the ratchet but price is all over the board.

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[ez-duzit]

Buy vintage Craftsman in excellent condition.

 

[LB-1911]

Thanks, will be checking this place out for sure!!!!

They still show Craftsman on their website being made in USA, I didn't think Craftsman was being made in the USA anymore?

They purchased 60 pallets of tools from Western Forge in 2015

If you have just stumbled upon us in this vast world we call the internet, we aren't just another online retailer. What makes us different? Well...

We buy large liquidation deals from many US tool manufacturers, so we have killer prices on what we refer to as "closeouts".

Source -
https://www.harryepstein.com/

 

[LB-1911]

And... um... what is this Epsteins that people are speaking of?

Welcome to the Harry J. Epstein Co!

Annual Event since 2012
2012 EPSTEIN'S DAY! (THE FIRST)

 

[Sevenhills1952]

Yesterday we stopped at a large Ace hardware store where I got this Craftsman shop vac for $39.95! 6hp. I got it for the house, I have three in the garage. I also got some other things on sale.
They honor the tool warranty still, although a lot of the new ones are Chinese. Hopefully with better trade relations we'll see more Craftsman made in USA.
Side note that's funny. Years ago I remember some things marked "made in USA ", which was USA Japan!

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[Sevenhills1952]

Welcome to the Harry J. Epstein Co!

Annual Event since 2012
2012 EPSTEIN'S DAY! (THE FIRST)


[emoji481]

Man...what a place! I'd be there for five hours dragging two grocery carts, wife outside blowing the car horn.[emoji16]

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[Super Sport]

Years ago I remember some things marked "made in USA ", which was USA Japan!

This rumor has gone around for decades for various items and I don't believe it has ever been true. Craftsman did have some Japanese made tools, and even some from Taiwan, back in the 80s. The Japanese were all labeled as such (I have seen both wrenches and vises, both marked as Made in Japan). The Taiwan stuff wasn't stamped, but it was listed on the packaging (and made by Stanley).

Anyway, back to the OP. This question has been asked on here many times, and since Sears/Craftsman has gone downhill in the last decade, there really isn't any decent, affordable brand that offers a full line of tools. You're far better off doing some research and buying tools from different brands. Wrightgrip wrenches are a great example that comes to mind. Wright offers excellent wrenches, but has a very limited line of other tools, most of which are decent but also not the best. You'll end up with a mix of brands, but it doesn't really matter, and you'll have a set of better quality tools.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Welcome to the Harry J. Epstein Co!

Annual Event since 2012
2012 EPSTEIN'S DAY! (THE FIRST)

Thanks, pal.

You are just evil. Totally, unrepentant-type evil.



(Searching for 1 way air fare to KC)

 

[M6erfan]

If you really want all one brand I would take a serious look at Tekton (you said "not very expensive"). They offer a full line of hand tools, with a mix of COO, some made in Taiwan, some in U.S.A., some in China. Sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and accessories. Pretty much one stop shopping.

They are affordable with very good quality and excellent warranty/customer service.

A trip to Epsteins will be an eye opener for sure. A candy store for the tool guy. If you do end up buying there your probably going to end up with a mixed bag of tools. SK, C'man, Wright, Proto, etc... All made in the USA.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

This rumor has gone around for decades for various items and I don't believe it has ever been true. Craftsman did have some Japanese made tools, and even some from Taiwan, back in the 80s. The Japanese were all labeled as such (I have seen both wrenches and vises, both marked as Made in Japan). The Taiwan stuff wasn't stamped, but it was listed on the packaging (and made by Stanley).

Anyway, back to the OP. This question has been asked on here many times, and since Sears/Craftsman has gone downhill in the last decade, there really isn't any decent, affordable brand that offers a full line of tools. You're far better off doing some research and buying tools from different brands. Wrightgrip wrenches are a great example that comes to mind. Wright offers excellent wrenches, but has a very limited line of other tools, most of which are decent but also not the best. You'll end up with a mix of brands, but it doesn't really matter, and you'll have a set of better quality tools.

There truly is a Usa, Japan. It's near Kitakyushu South of Hiroshima. I wasn't referring to Craftsman, I meant in 50s-60s we got things like toys, household goods marked "made in Usa".

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[Wamsutta]

Snap-on would be a good brand for you.

Yes I'm that guy who has the nerve and audacity to say it.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I never understood the fascination with having matching tools. I'd rather have a Mish mash of what works the best for my needs.

My only requirement is no missing sockets in my rails and always clean tools when I'm done. Don't ever return my tools with a layer of Shmoo on em

 

[619DioFan]

Tekton is a really good brand. they have great customer service , great warranty. one of their reps is a member here as well.

 

[gatlibs]

I'd say that SK fits closest to what you are wanting because it has a pretty vast line. SK has a pretty strict adherence to the same color for hard line and rebrand. The only thing that offhand I can think is not green are the Trusty Cook hammers. Wright has a fuller collection of tools (if you want to buy all from one distributer/collection), but doesn't bother to rebrand. Like others have mentioned you won't have a complete exclusive brand.

If you are collecting non-impact sockets, then I'd suggest the SK and the blow molded cases. If you're collecting wrenches, then I'd suggest WrightGrip with cloth wrench rolls.

Pick which part or parts of the hard line of tools that you want to match the most. Try to buy from that one producer. You'll still likely find yourself buying some orange tools straight from Lang or some purple/red tools straight from Lisle etc cetera.

I found a great deal on Craftsman Industrial for wrenches, ratchets, extension, universal, & sockets (hex, spark, 6, 12, short and deep). I removed my drawers filled with Chinese Craftsman complete line of chrome sockets. That is now my core tools as one brand since I'm keeping the American screw drivers.

Since my Channellock pliers' blue doesn't match my Craftsman pliers' black handles I keep them in my bag for tools for electronics. Separating my SK ratcheting wrenches by drawer helps, too.

 

[M6erfan]

Snap-on would be a good brand for you.

Yes I'm that guy who has the nerve and audacity to say it.

Really?

"I am just looking for a good quality tool brand that isn't real expensive, good warranty."

 

[PNWguy]

I have a few Tekton tools, and am happy with them. Seems that it would fit your "not too expensive, but reasonable quality" requirements.

That said, I'd go check out Harbor Freight - some of their "high end" hand tools are high enough quality to fit your needs as well.

 

[brownbagg]

great neck

 

[gabeancounter]

Proto

 

[Wamsutta]

Really?

"I am just looking for a good quality tool brand that isn't real expensive, good warranty."

Yes I read that part; that's why it's an audacious recommendation for a brand of tools.

 

[Zewnten]

If you want made in the US then IMO proto is your best bet; easy warranty, prices are comparable to mid level Taiwan tools (if you order through Zoro and not Grainger). If you don't care about COO but you do care about warranty then Tekton would be my choice. If you don't care about COO and warranty isn't a high priority then I would vote Gearwrench, huge line it all matches and decent prices.

 

[LXCam]

I must be lucky. All of my brands get along nicely, I've yet to see any of them offended



Toptul, GW, SK, stahlwille, platinum and even some generic northern shorties thrown in for good measure. And that's just the metric drawer, we don't even want to discuss the socket collection, it's a real hodgepodge of mixs.


Brother you said it yourself, it's not always the case where one brand covers all your needs. I totally get the OCD thing but come on, a entire collection?

But!, if I were to fall down that slippery slope I'd recommend tekton as well. Cheap, decent, easily obtained and they all wear matching brown suits

 

[gatlibs]

I forgot that Proto makes many of the sets of tools that I have. If you are needing things like puller sets, then SK would not be a good choice provided that your biggest thing is all one brand.

 

[pioneer1]

Really appreciate all the input, Tekton is looking pretty good since they are sold at Home Depot and they seem to stock a lot of the tools

@lxcam "I must be lucky. All of my brands get along nicely, I've yet to see any of them offended" Nicely put, love it. And I am being a little OCD, just want MOST of the tools to match.

 

[Pateco]

I know I'm going to catch it for this, but I really like the Harbor Freight Socket Drivers. Way nicer than the Craftsman, and as good or better than the comparable Husky, Kobalt, or Stanley.

I also like their new Screwdrivers with the Hardened tips. Been using them daily in my work truck for over a year now. Their quite durable, and when I loose one, I don't freak out..

 

[Gmonkee]

I gave two family members and my boss some of those freebie HF screwdrivers and they love them. Other than the smaller handle really not bad at all.

It seems most folks do not set a standard beyond 'it works well' or really hate HF just for existing.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I just purchased a new tool box and when I start to stock it with tools I would like to have most of them from 1 line? I know that 1 company can't / doesn't always make the best of everything. I wouldn't be using these everyday either, just occasional repairs.
Just DON'T want to have a mixture like I do now.
Want to open a drawer and it look organized and matching tools.

I am just looking for a good quality tool brand that isn't real expensive, good warranty.

Grew up on Craftsman, dad always bought Craftsman so its hard to think about going with a different line.

The old Sears Craftsman tool line did not own a factory.. Their tools were made under contracts by a multitude of different tool manufacturers. So in reality; Your Dad's Sears Craftsman tools were a mix from different manufacturers. Sure; they were all branded as Craftsman, and Sears was a very convenient place to shop. Will the newfangled SB&D Craftsman of today ever replace the Sears of yesteryear?? It would be nice to see that happen, but I wouldn't hold My breath. I agree with the Folks who suggest to Pick a number of tool companies and tailor Your purchases to Your needs. But; if this isn't what You want; Your options are limited to Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, and possibly a few lessor known store branded lines.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I must be lucky. All of my brands get along nicely, I've yet to see any of them offended



Toptul, GW, SK, stahlwille, platinum and even some generic northern shorties thrown in for good measure. And that's just the metric drawer, we don't even want to discuss the socket collection, it's a real hodgepodge of mixs.


Brother you said it yourself, it's not always the case where one brand covers all your needs. I totally get the OCD thing but come on, a entire collection?

But!, if I were to fall down that slippery slope I'd recommend tekton as well. Cheap, decent, easily obtained and they all wear matching brown suits

If I fell down that slippery slope; I would hope for a nut house on the bottom with the door open. There is a new set of Tekton stubby wrenches next to My full length Snap-on
fractional set. To the side are Armstrong, KD, Allen, SK, Proto, Craftsman, Gear wrench, Industro, Duro, and Kobalt. I enjoy using these tools; and would go nuts thinking about parting with them.

 

[VinceG]

Check out Tekton Tools. Teckton.com, on Amazon, at Mijers, TSC. nice tools easy to warranty and get a replacement.

 

[Tallpilot]

If you really want all one brand I would take a serious look at Tekton (you said "not very expensive"). They offer a full line of hand tools, with a mix of COO, some made in Taiwan, some in U.S.A., some in China. Sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and accessories. Pretty much one stop shopping.

They are affordable with very good quality and excellent warranty/customer service.

A trip to Epsteins will be an eye opener for sure. A candy store for the tool guy. If you do end up buying there your probably going to end up with a mixed bag of tools. SK, C'man, Wright, Proto, etc... All made in the USA.

I agree with Tekton but also agree with the others that by avoiding mixing and matching you will be missing out since every brand has gems and junk.