In Austria - Advice for hand tool purchase?

[Torque Matters]

Hey Everyone - Been lurking for a while and appreciating all the knowledge here.

I find myself in Austria and have been looking for high-end basic tools:

Ratchets
Sockets
Screwdrivers
Wrenches
Vice grips

Around here, brands I have found are: Gedore (Made in Austria, I think) & Proxxon.

Any advice on made in Germany or Austria tools I should be looking for? I am also able to go to Germany close by.

I'm basically looking for the best.

Thanks!

 

[drivesitfar]

first off welcome to GJ. glad to have another member from Europe join the group.

Now have you checked the HUGE thread of tools from the old world which might lead you to the kind of tools you are looking for. also in that thread and others you should find some members that don't live far from you and maybe send them a PM (private message) to see their opinion in case they don't see this thread you started.

I just saw that a new member that is living in Greece has a big collection of Craftsman he has been hauling around the world so you might have talk to a few members and take a long look before you figure out the best tools for the work you want to use them for and where to buy them.

good luck

 

[uart]

Hmm, this looks like a job for Monte. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=29746

I'm sure he will be along soon.

 

[Torque Matters]

Thanks very much for the replies.

I will check out the Old World link.

Im from California originally and am out here for a while.
Im basically looking for the "best of the best" to hand down to my now 1-year-old son when the time comes.

I once thought that would be Snap-On but Ive had some disappointments there.

I appreciate the help as I unfortunately dont speak German which is quite the handicap when looking at tools here.

 

[Monte]

here you can find Hazet dealers:
http://www.hazet.de/de/home/kontakt/vertretungen-international/

Gedore:
http://www.gedore.de/en/contact/locations.html

Stahlwille
http://stahlwille.de/en/distributors/find-a-distributor/


this seems to be a nice shop :
www.wb-brandstaetter.at

 

[Torque Matters]

Thanks!

In general, is one of these brands the superior one?

 

[d.mcfarland]

If you're shelling out the money, don't settle just because something in close by. If you want USA Snap-On, Cornwell, Matco, MAC, etc., they will ship it to you! Buy what you enjoy looking at and using.

 

[Torque Matters]

If you're shelling out the money, don't settle just because something in close by. If you want USA Snap-On, Cornwell, Matco, MAC, etc., they will ship it to you! Buy what you enjoy looking at and using.

Well, I hear you on that. It seems like the European stuff really is nicer these days, though.

Some of the Gedore tools I saw today in Austria were so beautifully made, I couldn't even believe it. Really.

 

[N.I.]

As Monte already pointed out, the top three european brands are Gedore, Hazet and Stahlwille.

Which one is better?

That is personal opinion. You just need to get out and compare them.

Personally I think they all all excel in certain areas.

Wrenches:

For a set of everyday wrenches - Hazet 600N
For a slim set - Gedore No. 7
Offset double box - Stahlwille

For sockets:

1/4" goes to Hazet. They are stunning.
3/8" - I have Wera, but they are not worth full retail. I haven't yet compared the big 3.
1/2" - Gedore. I love their knurling and they actually look better when they get a bit dirtier.
3/4" - Stahlwille are sweet.

For ratchets

The German companies now all offer fine tooth versions
Don't rule out Facom

Screwdrivers:

Gedore, Hazet, Stahlwille, Facom, Wera, Felo, Wiha, Witte, PB Swiss, Vessel.....................

Vise grips:

The Facom T5 are excellent
Any German made ones are good. Some of the big companies rebrand Rennsteig.

 

[JukeBox]

http://www.werkzeugmarkt.co.at/site/content/angebote.php

 

[Monte]

There are other brands who make nice tools like Heyco or Elora, but the 3 brands i mentioned are probably easier to get and are the most common brands in germany. There are more brands like WGB and Matador but it seems they mostly sell imported stuff nowadays which would be less appealing to buy i guess.

 

[Torque Matters]

Jukebox - THANK YOU - Fantastic link.
NI - thanks for the detailed info - very useful and appreciated.
Monte - fantastic info.

Many thanks for everyone's time. All info is very helpful and really invaluable.

Now to get out the credit card.

 

[Torque Matters]

Hey everyone - I'm looking at a bunch of different things.

Any opinions on this as a gift for a mechanic friend of mine?

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001CA8KMW/

 

[Torque Matters]

Also, this as an easy thing to take on the plane home:

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001C9VMXC/

 

[theknurl]

Torque Matters;

some advice.....

buy SnapOns off US Ebay...... have them sent to a friend here, have them send them to you using the USPS
USPS shipping price calculator;
http://ircalc.usps.com/Default.aspx?country=10395&MailingDate=1/20/2014&MailingTime=8:00 AM

that way, if nothing else, you're not paying VAT (I think it's 19%)

best deals on SnapOns, 2, 11 piece sets 6mm-32mm open end and box end as new in kit rolls marked "2nd set" from the same guy $162 total shipped
look up the big wrench in either set

most paid? $117, for 12 piece set, new Flexheads 8mm-19mm

Torque Matters;
and when you return to the USA and you need to warranty something.....there's always a SnapOn truck around



I ship for 3 motorcycle Forums.....3-5 days everywhere except Western OZ and the English Channel Islands

ask the Aussies and Kiwis where they buy everything.....the USA

the trade price for an Iridium spark plug in OZ is over $17AU, here its 4 for $26US

Dave, my Kiwi buddy, buys his Pirelli P-Zero tires for his Aston Martin here for $250 a PAIR, shipping is $156...

the catch? the same tires in NZ are $1000 EACH..

add it up he saves $1,438 by buying the tires here and having me ship them

there are 4 fronts at my Mother's house right now

those poor SOBs in NZ pay duty even on shipping

before anybody flips out, I lived in Europe for 5 1/2 years, so I know the tax problem

I buy tools off European Ebay, when I find what I want......best deal, 1.50 Euros for a new pair of 70 year old French tin snips......if you do metal work, and tried a pair.....you'd be crazy not to spend $500 for a pair......they turn tight right OR left

 

[N.I.]

Also, this as an easy thing to take on the plane home:

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001C9VMXC/

I have that exact set, except for a different ratchet.

Everything screams quality. Sockets are all knurled and the larger ones are turned down. Fit is exceptional on both the fastener and drive ends.

Comes in a very nice injection moulded case with a PUR foam insert ( more like a flexible rubber) that holds everything in place. The insert can be removed and placed in your toolbox if required.

I don't see how anyone can be disappointed with this set.

That being said, I do like the novelty of the stainless steel set. The last time I looked they were far, far dearer. But I wouldn't go out and buy the stainless set unless I had confirmation that the strength and durability doesn't suffer?

 

[N.I.]

some advice.....

buy SnapOn

warranty

Bit of a pointless rant imo.

Hazet 1/4" 30 piece set at 189 Euro

Vs a Snap On 1/4" 14 piece General service socket set in a crappy blow moulded tray at $272

Which works out to be, which works out at 199 Euro.

I know which one i would rather have!


You did raise a good point about the VAT, perhaps the OP can claim it back at the airport?


As for warranty, please list me how many 1/4" sockets you have broken?

My observation on this forum - you chaps in the states really are obsessed with warranty, whether you use it or not.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I find myself in Austria and have been looking for high-end basic tools:

I'd use the opportunity to go and try stuff in person. It's getting to be a rare luxury with all the buy online stuff we do.

Whereas I enjoy all the Facom stuff I got on sale through Sears years back, I don't feel like dropping $ on more of their stuff buuuut... if for example, their screwsdrivers were as ergonomic in person as the other stuff I have, I wouldn't mind.

And there is all kinds of nice German stuff on here but to check it out, I'd have to order it. Go find some local stores and enjoy the flavors you can't find at home.

My observation on this forum - you chaps in the states really are obsessed with warranty, whether you use it or not.

Can't disagree.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hey Everyone - Been lurking for a while and appreciating all the knowledge here.

I find myself in Austria and have been looking for high-end basic tools:

Ratchets
Sockets
Screwdrivers
Wrenches
Vice grips

Around here, brands I have found are: Gedore (Made in Austria, I think) & Proxxon.

Any advice on made in Germany or Austria tools I should be looking for? I am also able to go to Germany close by.

I'm basically looking for the best.

Thanks!

I thought stahlwhille is the best european brand.

I know gedore stuff is expensive (at least here) but it's made in a bunch of places. Pretty good but see above.

 

[Torque Matters]

All good ideas. I hear what's being said about Snap-On but I gotta say as a red-blooded, woman-chasin', corvette-lovin', Colt .45-shootin' American, that Snap-On has let me down so badly, so many times that I'm just not getting burned again.

I don't care that certain Snap-On items are great quality and others are ****. They have trashed their rep with $300 torque wrenches that break in two weeks and other assorted abominations.

I also agree that looking at these tools in person is the cool way to go. The Gedore's (Certain stuff), the Hazet's and Stahlwille's are all really nice. The Stahlwille ratchets seem REALLY nice.

In addition to all the Hazet & Gedore stuff, I'm looking at the : Stahlwille 512QR N (Fine tooth 1/2" ratchet - attached pic) and also the 3/8" version. (Can't find fine-tooth AND quick-release in 3/8")

The Hinox stainless kit is a definite for me, I decided. It's just so damn high quality! Reminds me of American stuff (cars, planes, guns, tools, etc) made in the 1940s-1970s.

I attach an image of an SW socket set (52/16/6QR) that has the 512QR N fine tooth quick-release ratchet in it as well. Seems sweet!

In general, it seems like these fine-tooth ratchets are the new wave but are still not common. Are these fine-tooth German ratchets really the way to go for general automotive / avaiation use?

 

[nowlan]

Not sure what Hinox means on Hazet.

I didnt think euro ratchets were very high tooth count.
A lot are still 36t, some new ones 72t.
Whereas snapon/gearwrench are 80+

 

[CanUK]

Not sure what Hinox means on Hazet.

Hazet + Inox = HINOX

 

[BK13]

Well, I claim no great knowledge of Euro tools, but if I found myself in Grrmany, I would be picking up Gedore ratcheting wrenches, Hazet combo wrenches, Hazet 3/8 sockets and ratchets. I would search out the various Euro brands of locking pliers and pick up as many as possible... Just read an old (3+ year old) thread where Monte posted a bunch of names of manufacturers. Then I would just look at what is available. I would get a bunch of Torx stuff, as others here claim that nobody does Torx better than Euros.

Too bad that the power tools available there would be a hassle to get to work here...

 

[Torque Matters]

Well, I claim no great knowledge of Euro tools, but if I found myself in Grrmany, I would be picking up Gedore ratcheting wrenches, Hazet combo wrenches, Hazet 3/8 sockets and ratchets. I would search out the various Euro brands of locking pliers and pick up as many as possible... Just read an old (3+ year old) thread where Monte posted a bunch of names of manufacturers. Then I would just look at what is available. I would get a bunch of Torx stuff, as others here claim that nobody does Torx better than Euros.

Too bad that the power tools available there would be a hassle to get to work here...

Indeed!!

 

[Monte]

Hazet + Inox = HINOX

and "Inox" means stainless steel. I think outside of Europe the word "inox" might not be known ??

 

[CanUK]

and "Inox" means stainless steel. I think outside of Europe the word "inox" might not be known ??

I assumed it was known and I'm Canadian

 

[Monte]

I assumed it was known and I'm Canadian

from the french part ?

 

[CanUK]

from the french part ?

Nope - a loooong way from there.

 

[theknurl]

N.I.;
most of the people on here on the Forum are obsessed with warranties, I'm not, I couldn't care less .......I buy Industrial/Commercial tools not DIYS ****

I'm 66, been wrenching for money since '59, my neighbor broke my 8mm deep 1/4" drive socket and I snapped a 3/8" Flex head torque wrench......that's it

you Europeans get totally bent over on prices.....and then taxes are even worse

I lived in Europe for 5 1/2 years.....so I know the price structure and taxes

 

[jensputzier]

I assumed it was known and I'm Canadian

It is actually the short form of "inoxidable" and "acier inoxydable", so you can't get out of that one

 

[tweedlestan]

Bit of a pointless rant imo.

Hazet 1/4" 30 piece set at 189 Euro

Vs a Snap On 1/4" 14 piece General service socket set in a crappy blow moulded tray at $272

Which works out to be, which works out at 199 Euro.

I know which one i would rather have!


You did raise a good point about the VAT, perhaps the OP can claim it back at the airport?


As for warranty, please list me how many 1/4" sockets you have broken?

My observation on this forum - you chaps in the states really are obsessed with warranty, whether you use it or not.

No, no. Logic does not apply to Snap on.

I own both Hazet and Snap on sockets and ratchets and am quite sure Hazet are better quality.

and "Inox" means stainless steel. I think outside of Europe the word "inox" might not be known ??

I assumed it was known and I'm Canadian

I'm American and I knew.

 

[Torque Matters]

Monti - are you possibly anywhere near Passau?

 

[CanUK]

I'm American and I knew.

An American knows?!! Surely only from snooping on all of our emails and phone calls

(kidding of course - no offence intended)

 

[Torque Matters]

An American knows?!! Surely only from snooping on all of our emails and phone calls

(kidding of course - no offence intended)

On behalf of our rulers-gone-monarchy, I apologize. When I'm around the world, I am no longer the welcomed-American anymore and it does not go unnoticed.

There was a time when you could go to the Americans for some kind of justice - at least most of the time. Maybe that ended after WWII, I don't know. Those were different days.

In that light, let's get some fantastic European tools and have a great time doing some quality work on cars, motorcycles and helicopters.

 

[Torque Matters]

One more question for Monti:

Can you tell me a legitimate online tool seller out of Germany for Stahlwille at a good price?
The Brandstätter place either does not carry Stahlwille or I'm too dumb to find it.

I found this place:

http://www.fluidonline.de/stahlwill...eferrerID=29&gclid=CIrloaHpm7wCFQ0K3godSF0AUw

Also, I checked out Hoffman group. Looks good and am trying to set up an account with them.

Many thanks.

 

[Hako86]

Hazet, gedore, facom, stahlwille, kraftwerk, unior, carolus, rahsol, bahco, belzer, etc. All those brands should be available in Austria I think

 

[Torque Matters]

Hazet, gedore, facom, stahlwille, kraftwerk, unior, carolus, rahsol, bahco, belzer, etc. All those brands should be available in Austria I think

Definitely but it seems like they are a slightly better deal in Germany, which is very close by. I'm still figuring it out but the retail outlets I've been to have been considerably more expensive than the online prices I've seen.

 

[Monte]

Nope - a loooong way from there.

I'm American and I knew.

ahh i thought it´s a Euro special like the german "V2A" for stainless

Monti - are you possibly anywhere near Passau?

nope far away on the other side

One more question for Monti:

Can you tell me a legitimate online tool seller out of Germany for Stahlwille at a good price?
The Brandstätter place either does not carry Stahlwille or I'm too dumb to find it.

I found this place:

http://www.fluidonline.de/stahlwill...eferrerID=29&gclid=CIrloaHpm7wCFQ0K3godSF0AUw

Also, I checked out Hoffman group. Looks good and am trying to set up an account with them.

Many thanks.

this here
http://www.werkzeuggigant.com/
never bought there but it seems they sell everything from Stahlwille with at least 20% discount

 

[Torque Matters]

ahh i thought it´s a euro special like the german "v2a" for stainless
nope far away on the other side


this here
http://www.werkzeuggigant.com/
never bought there but it seems they sell everything from stahlwille with at least 20% discount

thank you!