Help me upgrade my tool collection

[mitch6]

I currently have alot of mid to lower quality tools as of right now. Stuff like Craftsman, Mastercraft, Stanley, etc. Although I do have some Channelock, etc. This stuff works great for me, as I'm only 18 years old and I just work on my own stuff as a hobby. I have never broken a tool, but I want to upgrade to stuff like Wright, SK, Proto, Gray, Williams, Knipex, Wiha, Armstrong etc. I know there are several threads on tool quality, which is better and whatnot but I am still indecisive. One of my dreams is to open up my own welding/machining/heavy equip. repair business someday, so I want some opinions on stuff that is industrial quality. I do not want any truck brands (mac, matco, snapon).

 

[billymade]

I think all of the brands you mentioned; would be excellent! I would start going to flea markets and garage sales; you would be surprised what industrial tool brands you can find for next to nothing! Many times; people don't recognize the value of industrial tool brands and only ask allot of money for the truck brands... capitalize on their ignorance and get professional/industrial quality for dirt cheap! Happy hunting!

 

[sberry]

Keep what you got if it works, get stuff you need but dont have.

 

[toolstools]

Proto is macs cheaper name, and stanelys more expensive name. Imo I say if it isn't broke, don't fix it. If it works for you, why upgrade? Tool fever? I myself would look y lawn shops or classifieds here for stuff like that. Blackhawk is also a nice tool. More expensive then Stanley and probably less then Proto, all they same line with different quality and price range

 

[mitch6]

Proto is macs cheaper name, and stanelys more expensive name. Imo I say if it isn't broke, don't fix it. If it works for you, why upgrade? Tool fever? I myself would look y lawn shops or classifieds here for stuff like that. Blackhawk is also a nice tool. More expensive then Stanley and probably less then Proto, all they same line with different quality and price range

Yes, tool fever LOL I know it makes sense to just upgrade stuff when I actually need it, but I just can't help myself.

 

[toolstools]

Sending you a pm

 

[crewchief888]

upgrade things like ratchets, screwdrivers, long pattern combo wrenches
add impact sockets, air tools as needed

some of the lower priced ratchets leave a little to be desired,
screwdrivers are a more personal "feel"

 

[sberry]

I can use about any screwdriver unless the tip is really boogered. I cleaned out a box the other day with the intention of sending some stuff to the trach, I think out of 30 or so found 1 screwdriver not service worthy, maybe tossed another phillips or 2 I cant remember exact. If I got something really demanding which is rather rare I search out one with a super tip.

 

[hemifalcon]

When you find that you "need" a tool--you buy one.. Don't go wasting money on extra tools just because of all the fancy stuff you see on here.. My toolbox is mainly Craftsman items and other things that I pick up very well used. Don't kill yourself stocking your tool box only to realize that you've spent all your money on a fancy "man's jewelry box". If you find yourself busting the "cheaper" tools--then maybe upgrade.. The great thing about tools purchased from local stores is that you can replace them very easily without waiting for a truck or the mail service. Pretty much all tools carry a warranty nowadays.. Enjoy that fact..

 

[BK13]

I'm starting to think that maybe I'm going about upgrading my tools a little backwards... Instead of getting more ratchets, sockets, and wrenches, I probably should be looking at screwdrivers... I use them a heck of a lot more (ever tried to use a 1/2" drive ratchet to open up a computer case for an upgrade?) and I think cheap screwdrivers are a lot more likely to damage a fastener than a cheap wrench or socket is.

 

[sberry]

to open up a computer case for an upgrade?) and I think cheap screwdrivers are a lot more likely to damage a fastener than a cheap wrench or socket is.

But the question here is are you opening a computer case? Is damaging a fastener a real concern at every turn? Many cars do not even have common screws anymore.

Part of being a mechanic is the decision process, is it likely to strip, is it damaged or rusted,,, these kinds of things should be obvious and spending 40$ on a screwdriver wont help observation skills.

 

[Texican]

I think all of the brands you mentioned; would be excellent! I would start going to flea markets and garage sales; you would be surprised what industrial tool brands you can find for next to nothing! Many times; people don't recognize the value of industrial tool brands and only ask allot of money for the truck brands... capitalize on their ignorance and get professional/industrial quality for dirt cheap! Happy hunting!

+1
Proto, Armstrong, Wright and Martin are great brands that can be found on the cheap because of lack of name recognition.

 

[SlowPoke-Canada]

If buying tools is part of your "hobby", I get the upgrade idea. I've upgraded most of my fishing gear from perfectly functional to nicely balanced, smooth & snazzy. I still get outfished by some of the 'perfectly functional' guys but it's part of the hobby. I get it.
Great tools don't make you a better mechanic. Not having the tool you need makes you no better than the guy paying you to work on his ****.
One of the best (diesel) mechanics I know probably has more modified/homemade tools than all of my tools combined and most of them started out as Mastercraft. The best tool he owns is between his ears.
Consider higher quality on your new tool purchases and upgrade the old ones only when it's smart to do so.

 

[robe5000]

As you get older and get experiaced in whatever you do, you'll know a quality as soon as you pick it up, don't get caught up in name brand bullpoo, I've had my craftsman sockets for 11 years working on heavy equipment, I've always thought I would need to replace them with a "truck brand" sooner or later, but it's been 11 years and they have yet to give me a reason so why would I bother

 

[young_buck]

I am in the same boat as you, I own mastercraft tools and use them in a diesel equipment shop and when using them daily they leave something to be desired. Though I am a fan of truck brands (and I am beginning to replace my mastercraft with them) I use Proto on a daily basis as well as Gray, they are great brands that I can personally recommend to you for any heavy use.

A couple of other industrial brands to look into are Procore (if you have a local Gregg's distributors) and Westward (Ackland's Grainger). They are made in China but they hold up very well and take a beating.

The only bad thing I can say about any of these brands is that Proto Impact sockets are made of a softer material and they warp with use. I would stick with mastercraft maximum impact sockets, they work about as well as any truck brand and the guys at work have used them for years and years without issue.

For pneumatic tools I would say go for Ingersoll Rand, they are the best that I have personally used, they have performed better than Snap-on, Mac and the rest.

Hope this helps. Happy buying

 

[BK13]

But the question here is are you opening a computer case? Is damaging a fastener a real concern at every turn? Many cars do not even have common screws anymore.

Part of being a mechanic is the decision process, is it likely to strip, is it damaged or rusted,,, these kinds of things should be obvious and spending 40$ on a screwdriver wont help observation skills.

Yes, I do semi-frequently open computer cases (tools aren't the only thing I go a little overboard about!). The point I was trying to make is that I use screwdrivers a lot more than I do sockets and such. I get you about the reuse/replace decisions on fasteners, but I've rounded far more screws than bolts or nuts (typically, if I damage a bolt, I break it rather than round it). I most frequently workon a mid-'80s Jeep, so I use a fair amount of Torx and Phillips. But I work on stuff around the house more.

Oh, and I only wish I had real mechanic's skills...

 

[richfinn]

You really don't need full sets of mega buck tools to fix cars and trucks start replacing stuff you wear out or break or need better access with better designed thinner wall sockets. Get decent power tools and diagnostic tools.

 

[cburnscrx]

I guess my question is...why? If something is worn out, broken, or not living up to expectations, then I get upgrading the tool. If it's working for you, then keep using it. I've got everything under the sun, from no name Wal-Mart tools to Snap-On. To me, getting more tools to make jobs easier would be far more important than switching names. That's one catagory where my father taught me well. We bought Stanley screwdrivers for the plant, and they worked great. No not the little cheapy ones in the bin, but the lifetime warranty version like these.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006Q4AV8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Now, am I recommending you go out and get those? Not necessarily, but my point is, if it works use it. If it doesn't replace it.

For our power tools at the same plant, we bought DeWalt...because that's what was needed for that environment. A cheaper tool probably wouldn't have done it long term.

There are a lot of people on here who will tell you otherwise, for what it's worth, I buy what I think will last ME a lifetime in my home/part time contractor world and try to use them to the best of my limited ability.

Good luck building your collection, it will be a fun and exciting journey.

 

[ChevyEFI]

If you break it, worry about upgrading it. I've upgraded pullers for this reason.

If your hands are sore from using it compared to another, worry about replacing it. Depending on how you use your hands, a comfort grip ratchet might actually be better than a chrome handle.

If you're actually noticeably faster by using it and you're paid flat rate, worry about upgrading or replacing it. In this case, you might find speed by use of a cordless ratchet or impact speeds you up and is worth it versus using hand tools. Or, a set of T-handle allen or torx tools is faster than chasing a 1/4 or 5/16 bit to fit a driver.

If it's just "the wrong brand," don't worry about it until it meets one of the above or similarly logical criteria.

 

[John in OH]

So, you've got Tool Fever! I get it ... been there ... still am! I doubt that it can be cured, but it can be controlled!

First and foremost is the question, "Can you afford to buy more tools?" If you have to borrow the money, delay the rent, or only make partial payments on your credit card, then you CAN'T afford it. If you believe you can afford to indulge your cravings, then step back and do it smart.

There's nothing wrong with many of the more humble tool brands. I've still got most of a set of Tru-Test screwdrivers (the #2 Philips died long ago) and Wizard sockets that I bought in the 1960's at the local Western Auto while in high school. So, if the tools you have are working fine for you, don't be in a hurry to replace them. As others have said, if you do need a new tool that you don't already own, then take your time and shop around for a "good" tool. Use the hunt for the "right" tool as substitution therapy for the immediate gratification of a quick purchase!!

If you already have all the main tools you generally use, then make a careful evaluation of their condition. Usually, there is some tool in your box that has let you down in the past or is wearing out. #2 Philips screwdrivers all seem to wear out eventually and cheap channel-lock type pliers are usually losers. So are cheap ratchets with coarse teeth and sloppy shifts. Once you identify some of these weak points, begin your slow methodical search for upgrades!

My personal favorite wrenches are Wright, but I've also got a lot of Proto, Armstrong, and Cman as well. I also like and have never had a problem with Cman pro screwdrivers. You're wise to avoid the truck brands .... they are good tools, but you pay a premium price for the name. The industrial brands you have already listed are, IMHO, equally good with equal finish for half or less the price.

I see you are in Canada, so this last opinion may not really apply, but I ALWAYS look for USA-made tools first. If I can't find what I want as a USA tool, then I'll look at other COOs ... China and India being the bottom of my list (but Taiwan is OK).

 

[Nitroinsane]

Well what kind of work do you do? What kind of vehicles do you like to work on?