If you could do it all over...

[ramblin_wreck08]

What ratchets and sockets would you have in your tool box?

Hey! I have been lurking for a while now and finally decided to join. I'm 24, recently married, and am just starting to build my tool collection. This forum seems like the perfect place to both share my excitement over hand tools and to learn from those who have more experience with them than myself.

As a car guy, ratchets and sockets are the clear winner in the "what must come first" when building my tool collection. I have a 123 piece Stanley set from Walmart that was given as a gift to me a couple years back, but am looking to replace that set with some quality tools. I do a lot of auto maintenance myself, which is the primary use for whatever ratchets and sockets I wind up with.

I am looking for advice on where to begin. I would ultimately like complete 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive sets, all USA made. If you could do it all over, where would you spend your money? I'm looking for overall value here for the weekend warrior. I don't make a living off my tools, but I expect them to work well every time I pick them up. I strongly believe in buying something once and only once. A tool for me is something that should last a lifetime. At the same time, I also look for value. Given my limited use, it doesn't necessarily have to be the "Rolls Royce" of tools. I would be happy with a Toyota - something that you can beat on time and time again and it never dies. Given a budget of $500-$750 for all 3 sets (1/4" drive, 3/8" drive, and 1/2" drive), where would your money go if you could do it all over again? Would you spend all your money on quality ratchets and get less expensive sockets? Or would you buy something like the SK sets you can find on Amazon that give you (reportedly) solid quality on both? Would you get standard head or flex head? Standard length or long handles? Etc.

I'm excited to get your feedback. Many thanks in advance.

 

[AndrewV]

I just did a wright up on what i would have done, as a tech atleast.
There's a lot of choices though. But in your budget coo is going to be the real battle.
Short/deep, of all drive sizes, and 12 point sockets. Ratchets, diffrent styles based on needs.
And impacts?

 

[jake00]

Sk"........

 

[Cope]

Any more, you can do well with some of the import brands and get a lot more bang for your buck. I have had primarily Snap On since 1965 and added a lot of Matco twenty years ago, but no way could I afford to do it again.

 

[ramblin_wreck08]

I just did a wright up on what i would have done, as a tech atleast.
There's a lot of choices though. But in your budget coo is going to be the real battle.
Short/deep, of all drive sizes, and 12 point sockets. Ratchets, diffrent styles based on needs.
And impacts?

I should have clarified more. Budget is just for 6 point sets, short and deep. No impacts. And just 3 ratchets. If I need different ratchet styles from this "base" later on, or if I need 12 point, that's fine. I'm just looking for my base, 6 point set at this time.

 

[jcbarry]

If I was a weekend warrior I would use gearwrench. I really like the feel of their ratchets and I have no doubt they would hold up well.

 

[Brownsfan]

SK all the way.
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91848.aspx.
Or Bigger 1/4" set
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91860.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-4147-6.aspx

Should get you under your budget and you will only buy it once. I have USA made Craftsman for all my sockets but if starting over it would be SK. Best bang for the buck in USA made.

 

[montanafordman]

I'd skip my early craftsman investments in individual socket sets and separate ratchets (this was in the early 2000s when Cman was still USA) and save to buy complete SK sets in each drive size. (i.e. a 3/8 set that includes shallow and deep, standard and metric). Instead I ended up buying all my shallow/deep sets and sae/metric sets separately over time and have spent much more money that way. Now my Cman stuff sits in the attic and I use my SK regularly.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Williams ~ Taiwan or US
Proto
SK

In that order for me.

 

[Wamsutta]

I'd buy all Cornwell ratchets, Proto regular sockets, and Snap-on swivel sockets.

 

[chris142]

I would have bought the matco metric wrench set along with my sae set. they are my favorite wrenches and no longer made.

 

[Deadsquiggles]

If I'd known I'd be where I'm at now, I would'nt have bought those 3/8" drive Kobalt ratchet and socket sets. I'd have invested in much better wrenches and sockets like Proto, Armstrong and Snapon. I buy Craftsman now since even though the quality has gone down, it's still more convenient to drive to the local store instead of waiting on a truck to come around.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I would buy a set of Snap On Dual 80 ratchets used off of Ebay for half price or a set of Armstrong MAXX 88 ratchets. In my opinion, I would rather have premium ratchets than premium sockets.

For sockets I would go with Williams USA from toolsdelivered.com. Williams is an industrial division of Snap On and I have found their sockets to be top tier. I can also recommend Proto or Wright for a premium or even Blackhawk or SK.

 

[DSM21]

I would have bought Craftsman's Ultimate socket set
Snap-on's 1/4,3/8, and 1/2 72 Tooth flex head ratchets.
just to start
Snap-on Sockets and wrenches are way over-priced.

 

[nanofrog]

Williams socket sets (Taiwanese) on Amazon will do it and stay within your budget, but you'd probably like nicer ratchets.

The Armstrong Locking Flex ratchets are quite nice, and all 3 sizes can be had for ~$200 from Epstein's, and would push the total to $775 - 800.

Socket set examples*:
1/4":
Williams 50672
JH Williams 30939
JH Williams 30924

3/8":
Williams 50666

1/2":
Williams 50619
JH Williams 32937
JH Williams 32951
JH Williams 32928

Armstrong Locking Flex ratchets:
1/4" Dr. 10-994
3/8" Dr. 11-994
1/2" Dr. 12-994

* Assumes you're after both SAE & Metric in both shallow & deep for all 3 drive sizes.

 

[wagon]

PROTO since you insist on USA. I had a ~2011 Craftsman set that was USA, and the ratchets sucked. They're not imported, but they're junk. I have some newer Williams 1/4" stuff, ratchet + sockets that are nice, but they're imported.

I've been more than happy with my proto stuff.

Don't be afraid to buy used - i got a MAC deep socket 1/2" up to like 1-1/4 (full set), with a set of retaining ring pliers, a WIGGY and some other **** [including a MAC partial set) for $60. It's so much cheaper to buy used, but that new chome sure is gorgeous. I'm 25 btw. Just starting upgrading from my CMAN a few months ago.

 

[n8n]

I'd be tempted to start with a good set of impacts in 1/2" and buy the chrome sockets later. The impacts will work for 90% of the jobs even if you have only hand tools, and you'll want them eventually.

Buy everything in 6 point first as you'll rarely *need* 12 point tools.

I like S-K sockets but anything Snap-On, S-K, Williams, Proto, etc. is worth consideration if offered for a good price. Main reason I like S-K is that's what my grandfather used. Yes, I know that it's not the same company anymore, but the sockets look the same and I sincerely hope the metal they're made of is the same or better... but any of the above will serve you well.

I like the old Williams ratchets but they're not made anymore. S-K has a following but I've drank the fine tooth kool-aid. If you can't afford a set of Dual 80's look for used Williams S-52, B-52, then whatever for 1/4" (I don't have the Williams 1/4", and I'm told it's not that special - I got some used Snap-Ons for 1/4" drive because the price was right) or else the round head DP Easco. No, those aren't made anymore either.

If you're willing to go offshore I've heard that the Gearwrench 120XP are nice but I haven't handled them.

If you don't need fine tooth the new Williams sealed head ratchets are basically the pre-Dual-80 Snap-On ratchets for a palatable price.

If you see the need for a long handle ratchet definitely consider making that one a fine tooth.

Don't forget breaker bars... your expensive Snap-On ratchet is no good to you while you're waiting for a rebuild kit because you reefed on it with a cheater pipe... I prefer Snap-On for breaker bars just for feel, even though it's an old knurled Williams I actually use. (******* me needed some $$ and sold my Snappy to a guy that would buy anything with the Snap-On name on it because I bought a lot of tools that had a Williams bar in it. The Williams is a fine bar but I prefer the SO handle to the traditional knurled style. Your opinions may differ after you wrench for a while.)

good luck, and don't forget that a lot of getting the right tools is getting the right tools for you. e.g. SO makes fine - actually excellent - combo wrenches, but I *prefer* SK because I work without gloves typically and the thin beams of the SO aren't as comfortable to me as the bigger, heavier SKs. Wright is definitely worth looking into for combos as well; had I to do it over again, my combos might very well be WrightGrips.

 

[BK13]

1/2":
Wright
3/8"
Wright standard and deep sockets
Snap On semi-deeps and Dual 80s standard, long, extra long, long flex, bent flex
1/4"
SK standard and deep socket
Snap On semi-deeps and Dual 80s standard and long

OR: I could substitute Hazet for anything they make.
OR: Nepros or KoKen for anything they make

I could very easily be talked into Proto, SK, Williams USA, Facom, Beta.

Honestly, the only tools I've broken is a 1/2" Craftsman ratchet (twice) that I was using to remove some U-bolts on my CJ5, and really should have been using a breaker bar or impact (if I would have had one)

Basically, buy once, cry once

 

[logical]

SK all the way.
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91848.aspx.
Or Bigger 1/4" set
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91860.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-4147-6.aspx

Should get you under your budget and you will only buy it once. I have USA made Craftsman for all my sockets but if starting over it would be SK. Best bang for the buck in USA made.

I had a mixed bag of Craftsman and Wright sockets but started over a few years back by buying full green case SK sets in 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2...all in 6 point. I really like them but wasn't crazy about the ratchets. I upgraded to a set of SK fine tooth (72 I believe) palm control ratchets that fit right in the case. I do have a few go-to ratchets I like as well or better but the fine tooth SK's are pretty good. I sold the SK ratchets that came with the sets and the old sockets moved to the basement along with some random craftsman ratchets. For the money... I'd recommend SK as well.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007DFZ5K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[amolaver]

don't bother with chrome sockets; just buy impacts. i posted actual dimensions of chrome vs impact sockets and found almost no difference. in different sizes of different brands, sometimes chrome was larger in diameter than impact.

if it has to be US, i would buy wright, williams, proto, or SK impact sockets. i have been thoroughly unimpressed with SK chrome, but their model #4080 3/8 metric semi-deep impact sockets are probably my most used. i would be happy to use any of those brand's impact sockets and would buy on price between them.

ratchets just aren't worth paying US-made prices IMO. the gearwrench ratchets are excellent, both chrome and comfort handle. dual 80's are nice, but the bahco ratchets are the exact same internals for much less money (and i think the handles are more comfortable). fewer variations, but with your budget, you need the 'standard' ratchet variants. when more $ / desire is available, go for the flex/long/swivel in the brand of your choice. give the (quality) imports a try - many of the 'US' brands rely on the taiwanese for ratcheting wrenches and swivel ratchets; they make some good tools. $83 gets you all three drive sizes in gearwrench's 120 tooth models - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009PJPL6A/?tag=atomicindus08-20. great ratchets.

ahm

 

[burke753]

If I was going to start over on ratchets and sockets, knowing what I know now. ( I have over $1000 just in ratchets) I wouldn't have bought chrome. Only impact.

But within your budget. I would get the SK sets and then Armstrong locking flex head 3/8, 1/2 and 1/4

I say armstrong ratchets because I'm very fond of my Matco 88tooth ratchets. But I do have the identical armstrong that works just as good. The gearwrench ratchets are the same ratchet too. But To me doesn't fit as well in the hand.
Even though the Snapon dual 80 is a better ratchet I don't like the thickness of it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[1950mercury]

Raised panel ratchets for life yo. Keepin it real dog

 

[Toymeister]

At the OPs age I would take a hard look on what he needs in terms of his occupation. A DIY needs far less than a mechanic. Next I would look at what avenues he has to get tools at discount. As an example in some parts of the country auctions are a great source for tools. Time line is also very important. Needing the tools for next week’s project is much different than a one year time line.

Having said all of that I have Armstrong sockets and ratchets from a variety of manufactures except Snap on. I do not travel in the same circles that the SO man does

 

[ramblin_wreck08]

Thanks for all the great responses. Tallying up the responses, there are a few things that come to the top:

SK sets
Williams sockets
Snap-On, Armstrong, and SK Ratchets
Anything Proto

Looking at the price of Williams socket sets, it would cost just as much to play "collect them all" as it would to just buy the SK sets. I was already leaning toward the SK sets, and your responses have confirmed that that is a good way to go for the sockets.

As for ratchets, $125 of the SK sets go toward the 3 ratchets. If I decided to go another way, I could sell these from the sets and recoup some of the cost. A set of Armstrong MAXX ratchets would be $172, and a set of Snap-On Dual 80's would be $330.

For the 1/4" ratchet, I can't imagine there is much benefit from a higher tooth count. For the more heavily used and longer-handled 3/8" and 1/2" drive ratchets, the question then becomes is the higher tooth count worth the extra money. SK's Master catalog says that the 3/8" drive has a 40 tooth count and the 1/2" drive ratchet has a 48 tooth count. Would the extra money be well spent for the higher tooth counts, or will it not be a big issue for most DIY jobs?

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

FWIW, I haven't touched my SK ratchets since getting my Dual 80's. I bought mine off of ebay for under $200 for all 3 sizes. The only SK ratchet that sees any use is the 1/4" when I'm feeling nostalgic.

 

[d.mcfarland]

For the 1/4" ratchet, I can't imagine there is much benefit from a higher tooth count. For the more heavily used and longer-handled 3/8" and 1/2" drive ratchets, the question then becomes is the higher tooth count worth the extra money. SK's Master catalog says that the 3/8" drive has a 40 tooth count and the 1/2" drive ratchet has a 48 tooth count. Would the extra money be well spent for the higher tooth counts, or will it not be a big issue for most DIY jobs?

I use 30 teeth ratchets and don't have trouble. The higher tooth count is a convenience, but actually helps more with the small 1/4 ratchet or the longer the handle of the ratchet goes. Make sense?

Also, for the budget, the Armstrong locking flex head will knock off long handle and flex head because it locks in the fixed straight position.

Buy smart, don't just buy.

 

[metalhead140]

Out of interest, what issues do you have with the Stanley stuff? Stanley ratchets and sockets are my good ones, and I've never had any dramas with them over 10 years of quite serious diy use. One of my 3/8 ratchets was the first ratchet/socket set I ever bought about 11 years ago, and the only ratchet I owned for ~6 years (had a half inch breaker bar, was poorer than dirt, and all spare cash went on cars/parts rather than tools). It has had a 2 or 3 foot bar off the end of it for leverage many times and still works perfectly. I have a couple of newer sets bought in the last few years and haven't had any problems with any of them. Have broken many of the cheap no-name ratchets during that time though. Just curious? Don't get me wrong, I'd love some nice USA/European/Australian made stuff, but I don't really see why I'd need it.

 

[CoryZ]

I'm happy with my Napa (gearwrench) ratchets and socket sets.

For a do over:

Can't say I'd bother with USA, maybe one of those Sears all sockets sets... Honestly, I'd just buy impacts. Pick up some of those composite HF ratchets people love. Breaker bars, and torque wrenches. Buy an orange dead blow, a ball pein, and one of those Honda rotor screw impact wrench things...

Then I'd call it a day.

 

[Michael]

There is not much I would change for I have been fairly satisfied with all of my tool purchases. But, adding a 3/8" impact much sooner to my box would be the main thing I would change. Also would not have purchased any other brand of pliers but Channellock or Knipex. And lastly, all of my 1/4" sockets would have been initially purchased from one of the big three or one of the industrial brands.

 

[Ruger_556]

I kinda wish I would have bought Proto ASD wrenches... Their XL series ratchets are very very nice also. Amazingly smooth and the handle fits "just so" in your hand.

If I could do it again I there would be a lot more SK and Proto in my box. As much as I like USA it hard to beat NAPA tools really, I have a ton of their stuff (Carlyle and Pro series impact sockets) and have been very happy with it.

 

[T_Roze]

I don't think this has been mentioned, but Genius makes fantastic sockets.

If I were to do it again (not that I am that far into it), I would buy all Genius Sockets, impact to start. I bought a 3/8 set of impact metrics from them for 35 bucks. Every size, 8mm to 22mm, deep and standard. Fantastic tough as nails sockets.

I would skip Chrome, at least initially. Impacts will cover 98%. There is such little difference in dimensions between the two.

I would save the money on the sockets, and get a good mid to high end 3/8" ratchet. Something with fine teeth and (my personal preference) a flex head. My favourite is my snap on 3/8" flex head bent handle.

And something I wouldn't change is my GearWrench ratcheting wrenches. Absolutely tough as nails. Love them.

 

[Manny2_0]

Get something reasonable
These guys work with their tools many hrs a day, so it would be retarded of them not to have the best...

However in your or my shoes, a premium socket is also retarded

It make more sense to upgrade your watch, shoes, or haircut than to have premium sockets

Thus that 49pc sk set from tooltopia is pretty good and sell the ratchet $30bucks

or this 52pc craftsman 3/8's usa set
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-52-p...p-00935747000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
sometimes you can get it for $71 bucks shipped use the save15 coupon code

ratchets get the best
so dual 80 go for under $60 shipped New on ebay they are a dime a dozen

There you are set
sk combo - ratchet = $120 + f80 =$180
craftsman 52pc = $71 + f80 =$131

should you decide your not happy, big deal you can sell that stuff for $.90 on the dollar
try that with a snap on socket

 

[MattPersman]

Find some snap on trucks with the BOGO sets laying around. Are buy them when they come up. Obviously this doesn't work if you need stuff with in the next couple days as it may take a little time.

I would just get sunex or gearwrench impact socket sets if I needed stuff today to replace what I have now and some snap on ratchets the ratchets will eat up a lot of the budget.

 

[rusty65]

I would buy the SK sets 1/4 3/8 and 1/2. Then buy locking flex ratchets as needed but keep the standard length ratchets because they are still very useful even with long flex heads.


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[sk farmer]

i would go with the sk socket sets and add armstrong maxx ratchets in standard and locking flex handles. a place to thin the socket herd may be to only go with deep sockets in 3/8 drive. a complete deep 3/8 drive set will overlap many of the 1/4 and 1/2 drive sizes. i rarely use deep sockets above 15/16 /19mm and below 1/4 /10mm and 3/8 deeps could cover those sizes. especially if you add a compact 3/8 ratchet to the mix.

 

[Adam.C]

I'm not 100% sure I'd agree with your starting point. Off the top of my head, had I to do it all over again, I would focus on better, safer jacks and stands, possibly a portable lift (no I'm not kidding). I think of all the times I've laid on my side to jack up cars in the dirty driveway etc.

I eventually bought a big Sears air compressor and a craftsman impact gun. That thing got me out of a lot of jams and allowed me to not sweat every stuck bolt I encountered. I currently use a 1/2" bosch impact which has about 500ftlbs of reverse torque. I have found it more than adequate. I wouldn't recommend living without one of these for too long. They make a huge difference in your jobs.

Before I swapped out tools I had for better versions of the same tool, I'd make sure I had a good basic MODERN set of tools. That means, torx, etorx, swivels, swivel torx, specialty hi performance wrenches in hand tools, and no shortage of electrical diagnostic tools (fuse buddy, a good DVOM, possibly battery tester, and something to help find shorts).

Otherwise, my vote is buy Snap On. You can get used, but like new socket sets (students who quit automotive school etc) for about 1/2 retail- easily under $100/set.

Ditto, I'd get used ratchets. They function as new with a rebuild kit. SO sells the kits for $10 delivered.

Crazy not to buy Snap On when you are young. These are exactly the tools you are looking for, US made, will last a lifetime. Only trick is buying them cheap and ebay or GJ are both good choices.

 

[Dust Devil]

If I could do it all over again I would buy all Snap-On......oh wait...

 

[ramblin_wreck08]

Out of interest, what issues do you have with the Stanley stuff? Stanley ratchets and sockets are my good ones, and I've never had any dramas with them over 10 years of quite serious diy use. One of my 3/8 ratchets was the first ratchet/socket set I ever bought about 11 years ago, and the only ratchet I owned for ~6 years (had a half inch breaker bar, was poorer than dirt, and all spare cash went on cars/parts rather than tools). It has had a 2 or 3 foot bar off the end of it for leverage many times and still works perfectly. I have a couple of newer sets bought in the last few years and haven't had any problems with any of them. Have broken many of the cheap no-name ratchets during that time though. Just curious? Don't get me wrong, I'd love some nice USA/European/Australian made stuff, but I don't really see why I'd need it.

I may have just gotten a bad set, but the ratchets have a ton of play in the head. If I'm around my dad's tools, I always reach for his over mine, because they just feel so much more solid (30 yr old Craftsman's).

Get something reasonable
These guys work with their tools many hrs a day, so it would be retarded of them not to have the best...

However in your or my shoes, a premium socket is also retarded

It make more sense to upgrade your watch, shoes, or haircut than to have premium sockets

Thus that 49pc sk set from tooltopia is pretty good and sell the ratchet $30bucks

or this 52pc craftsman 3/8's usa set
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-52-p...p-00935747000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
sometimes you can get it for $71 bucks shipped use the save15 coupon code

ratchets get the best
so dual 80 go for under $60 shipped New on ebay they are a dime a dozen

There you are set
sk combo - ratchet = $120 + f80 =$180
craftsman 52pc = $71 + f80 =$131

should you decide your not happy, big deal you can sell that stuff for $.90 on the dollar
try that with a snap on socket

Yes, the SK set is what I'm leaning towards. Have no interest in paying any more than that for sockets. Interesting that you point out the Craftsman sockets. That got me looking at their sets. Assuming the quality is ok, this set looks like a steal: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-176-...p-00934032000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Any experience with Craftsman's USA made sockets vs. SK's?

I'm not 100% sure I'd agree with your starting point. Off the top of my head, had I to do it all over again, I would focus on better, safer jacks and stands, possibly a portable lift (no I'm not kidding). I think of all the times I've laid on my side to jack up cars in the dirty driveway etc.

I eventually bought a big Sears air compressor and a craftsman impact gun. That thing got me out of a lot of jams and allowed me to not sweat every stuck bolt I encountered. I currently use a 1/2" bosch impact which has about 500ftlbs of reverse torque. I have found it more than adequate. I wouldn't recommend living without one of these for too long. They make a huge difference in your jobs.

Before I swapped out tools I had for better versions of the same tool, I'd make sure I had a good basic MODERN set of tools. That means, torx, etorx, swivels, swivel torx, specialty hi performance wrenches in hand tools, and no shortage of electrical diagnostic tools (fuse buddy, a good DVOM, possibly battery tester, and something to help find shorts).

Otherwise, my vote is buy Snap On. You can get used, but like new socket sets (students who quit automotive school etc) for about 1/2 retail- easily under $100/set.

Ditto, I'd get used ratchets. They function as new with a rebuild kit. SO sells the kits for $10 delivered.

Crazy not to buy Snap On when you are young. These are exactly the tools you are looking for, US made, will last a lifetime. Only trick is buying them cheap and ebay or GJ are both good choices.

Funny you mention a jack and jack stands. I'm picking these as soon as I get my bonus from work (should be any day now):

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200345429_200345429
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200305227_200305227

Then I'm undertaking a father/son project with my dad. We're going to make some nice ramps out of pressure treated 2x12's. Going to use the unneeded length from the boards to make same-height blocks (yes, with chocks on both sides of these) for the rear tires. This will allow me to jack up the rear, slide the blocks under, and remove the jack for a 100% safe, level lift for the car. I always work in the garage, and am going to put rubber on the bottom of these for stability.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Find some snap on trucks with the BOGO sets laying around. Are buy them when they come up. Obviously this doesn't work if you need stuff with in the next couple days as it may take a little time.

I would just get sunex or gearwrench impact socket sets if I needed stuff today to replace what I have now and some snap on ratchets the ratchets will eat up a lot of the budget.

My biggest "regret" or thing that I would change would be not wasting any of my money on Craftsman stuff...yes this goes back into the 90's when I started buying my own tools. Luckily i've been able to unload alot of my craftsman stuff, the rest will be toys for my son. I would buy tools off the truck..pick which brand you want...SO/MAC/Matco/Cornwell/Etc.. IMHO I believe this is a time/market where you go to either end of the extremes, Tool Truck or HF...pick one.
If you got NOTHING now, get HF Stuff and upgrade as deals come across the truck. If you figure the game out and play it well, you can end up with SO stuff for less then HF prices...

 

[crewchief888]

hmmm

i'd have to say i've been satisfied with my tool purchases over the years, and probably wouldnt change much if i had to do it over again.

99% of my work tools came brand new off a tool truck, with SO leading the way. most purchases were "influenced" by the particular dealer i had at the time. some dealers were just "better" than others.

garage tools are a mix of vintage SK, CM, husky, kobalt, truck & industrial brands, gearwrench, HF & stanley.

really have no complaints.