Let's build a value priced tool set.

[BWright]

With all the experiences that all the people have had on this site with different tools, manufacturers, etc.... I would think we could collaborate to create a list of all the value priced tools we have come across and build a "hypothetical" tool set. Something that people who are trying to build a tool set at home or mechanics just starting off there career could look to as a resource to help make their decisions. Value priced would be based on a best bang for the buck sort of thing. We can all agree that the truck brands often may have great quality, but I think we can also agree that they aren't often the best value and their are cheaper options out there. Now COO definitely plays a role in value, but I'm not saying all imported tools are junk. Most of us can agree things like the gearwrench ratcheting wrenches are an excellent value compared to the truck brands. I believe though that something made In the USA can be considered a value at a higher price point than say an imported tool of similar quality. So Here we go. Lets create a best bang for the buck tool kit.

Disclaimer: I fully expect this to become a flame war at some point, but lets see how far we can get. I think if everyone keeps there post limited to valuable, usable input this could be a great resource. Also, this should be based on only new tools, used tools often are a great value but there are too many variables to consider. I say we limit this to tools and not include toolboxes in the discussion, discussing value priced toolboxes and quality is just asking for trouble.

Ok so I will start it off.

Combo Wrenches: Cman Pro

Ratcheting Wrenches: Gearwrench ( Yes they are imported but they offer the most selection of styles and can be had cheap. Most have had great luck with them.)

Sockets: Cman or SK ( I know people have issues with SK, but most must admit that there socket sets and especially the ones in the green cases are an excellent value.)

Screwdrivers: Witte or napa branded witte?

Pliers: Channellock?

Ratchets: This will highly depend on preference, but I'll say maybe cman pro, gw, or my favorite armstrong. I'm sure there will be votes for williams or maybe proto as well.

Power tools: ?

Air tools: ?

Impact sockets: Sunex or Grey Pneumatic?



Ok, that should get the ball rolling. I'm interested to here what you guys have to say. Please keep the comments respectable and useful.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Air tools: IR

Impact Sockets: Gray Pneumatic

 

[Boiler]

I have almost all SK stuff, but for someone on a shoestring budget, craftsman still has to be the best value tool around, just have to watch what you buy:

Wrenches: Cman raised panel

Sockets: Cman

Screwdrivers: Cman Pro (at least mine were good 9 years ago...)

Pliars: I like Ideal (bought them at Lowes): mechanical strippers, cutters, needlenose...pretty much all I have in this line of tools except for junk stuff

Ratchets I'd say if on a budget, use the Cman's that come with socket sets, and buy a 3/8" Snap On fine tooth off ebay for $35. Has worked great for me.

Vise Grips, Pipe Wrenches, Adjustable Wrenches: hit the estate auctions that show a good amount of tools. google auctionzip. This stuff can be expensive for good stuff and most old guys have a good supply of them and they go dirt cheap. If you're using these tools very frequently, new ones might be in order, but I make do with my used, derusted ones.

Power tools: Milwaukee / Makita / Dewalt I feel must comfortable buying. I don't buy many used power tools assuming they are worn out. Except for big, infrequent use, expensive tools, like a 1/2" drill, etc.

 

[Danglerb]

HF has to put its nose into any value discussion of tools. Same thing for buying used tools. Good basis for any value collection would be buying a complete set of used tools and updating as needed.

Craftsman sockets in the big sets on sale with a coupon etc. can't be beat, but I don't care for their ratchets at all. Not a bad choice for screwdrivers.

HF has some nice cheap ratchets, the very light composites, and the swivel heads both get a lot of use out of my box. Same for the long pattern combo wrenches in SAE and metric. Dead blow hammers, sledge, and ball peen are decent too. Some of the pliers and cutters, but look them over. 3 pc set of visegrip type on sale for $6 can't be beat. Air tools with some discretion on specifics.

Power tools, hate to say it, but pick a house brand with a good warranty, Home Depot I think offers great warranty including batteries on Rigid.

****************************

Line in the sand I draw between value and cheap is that any tool I use a lot, or that makes the job substantially easier or safer etc. is money that needs to be spent.

 

[mjozefow]

Wiha for screwdrivers. They are top notch at a good price.

 

[hischj]

Ratchets - Gearwrench 60 tooth. Several styles and great quality at a great price.

 

[z28snksknr]

Ratchets - Wright.

I just picked up 2 of them for <$35 each and they are AWESOME quality, double pawl, fine tooth, and USA made.

 

[MotoDave]

I think you'd be remiss not to include Proto as an option for Sockets, they are still made in the USA and priced a lot closer to Craftsman than Snap-On. I have both, and am 100% happy with my Proto sets.

 

[Jeeper]

I don't think you can beat craftsman sockets for value. A few times a year, you can buy them when they are half off a set. For example a 3/8 SAE deep well for $20 instead of the normal $40.

 

[philw]

For a value plier it has to be Channellock. Made in USA and great quality at a competitive price even when compared to most decent quality imports.

The Craftsman branded Knipex if you can find them on sale.

Craftsman hose clamp plier....the one with the cable.

VIM hex bit sockets, OTC Torx sockets

 

[GDA]

Just from reading the board over the past year or so I'd throw this list out there....

Air tools - IR

Combo wrenches - Williams, Toptul or Wright

Screwdrivers - Williams (aka hard handled old SOs)

Ratcheting wrenches - Gearwrench

Ratchets - Snap On

Sockets - just buy the master sets of Grey Pneumatics impacts in all drive sizes

 

[Case]

Combo Wrenches: sk

Ratcheting Wrenches: armstrong

Sockets: SK

Screwdrivers: Witte or napa branded witte?

Pliers: Channellock

Ratchets:snap on or wright

Power tools: bosch

Air tools: IR

Impact sockets: armstrong

 

[lipadj46]

These are my "value" choices mind you so I will include HF.

Impact wrench: HF Earthquake
Air ratchet: ditto
Compressor: 21 gallon 3HP HF
Impact sockets and extensions: HF
Combo Wrenches: Williams USA
Ratchet Wrenches: gearwrench
Chrome Sockets and extension: cman set
ratchets: Williams USA or HF swivel head soft handles
Screwdriver: Williams black hard handles
Pliers: Shop the clearance section at Harry Epstein
Torque wenches: HF pittsburgh

I would fill out the rest of what I needed with made in taiwan HF pittsburgh tools.

 

[nexum1919]

screwdrivers, nutdrivers: KLEIN. the good old black cushion grip stuff. not the new 'journeyman' series. For the sizes that klein does not make, go bondhus

hex, torx drivers, bits, t-handles, fold-ups: bondhus

combo wrenches: gearwrench (or c-pro, anything long pattern)

double box offset: craftsman raised panel. get the 28 piece double box end set.

double box extralong zero offset (aka high performance): V8 Tools

flare nut wrenches: flex head gearwrench

chrome sockets, extensions, adapters, breakers: craftsman

impact sockets: Grey Pneumatic (or the laser etched made-in Taiwan Harborfreight stuff)

ratchets: gearwrench (their 4 pc set with long handle flex heads)
for regular length ratchets, get the craftsman pro thin profile on sale or go with swivel round head cushion grip HF.

slip-joint, groove-joint, long nose, mini, etc. pliers: craftsman black handle (they got it right with the flush rivet design)

side-cutters, end nippers and crimpers: blue handle channellock. just because they use the anvil style cutter.

air tools: aircat/nitrocat

vise grips: stanley max-steel (stock up from amazon)

hammers: stanley anti-vibe or fiberglass handle

pry bars: craftsman pro with red-black handle with strike caps (identical to matco)

adjustable wrenches: craftsman pro beak jaw or stanley max grip

center punch, pin punch: starrett

tap and die set: Irwin PTS (their new performance threading system line) made in usa. right now amazon have some crazy low pricing

toolbox: Harborfreight.

 

[woody 73]

I have never had any problems with the HF chrome Moly Sockets.
I like the older Craftsman chrome sockets.
Williams and armstrong make a good screwdrivers.
Channellock pliers.
Gearwrench wrenches.
I have never had any problems with CP air tools,but several members seem to like IR.
Proto makes a nice ratchet.
I like the older usa vise grips.
Estwing makes very good hammers.
sk makes very nice tools.
Hope this helps you out.

 

[Indy_500]

Sockets: Craftsman
Ratchets: Gearwrench or HF, Seriously
Pliers: Channelock
Screwdrivers: Craftsman
Combo Wrenches: Craftsman
Ratcheting Wrenches: Gearwrench

 

[loj]

+1 to the Wiha screwdrivers. The 3k series is probably the best bang for the buck out there.

Ratchets: Craftsman raised panel or the equivalent Kobalt. They're coarse and ugly as all get-out, but they're a good value.

 

[mjozefow]

Ratchets: Gearwrench or HF, Seriously

Not meaning to bash, but have you used the better ones? I used to think my Husky pro was awesome until I was given a Snap-on. (not old school good Husky, Home Depot Husky)

Maybe Gearwrench, but def not HF.

I vote Wright on ratchets. Or Proto makes some nice ones for reasonable money.

 

[Indy_500]

Not meaning to bash, but have you used the better ones? I used to think my Husky pro was awesome until I was given a Snap-on. (not old school good Husky, Home Depot Husky)

Maybe Gearwrench, but def not HF.

I vote Wright on ratchets. Or Proto makes some nice ones for reasonable money.

the good HF ones are good. I've tried my neighbors snap-on, nothing special. I've tried Craftsman, gearwrench, HF, and SK. Try one of the swivel head HF ratchets next time your there, you'd be surprised for $12

 

[lipadj46]

Not meaning to bash, but have you used the better ones?

I have and yes the HF 60 tooth ratchets that are made in taiwan are actually pretty good and compare well to gearwrench, bluepoint, williams imports etc. They are definitely above the regular cman ratchets.

I'm talking about these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96783.html

Are they up to snap on levels? no.

 

[philw]

+1 to the Wiha screwdrivers. The 3k series is probably the best bang for the buck out there.

Ratchets: Craftsman raised panel or the equivalent Kobalt. They're coarse and ugly as all get-out, but they're a good value.

Craftsman raised panel ratchets are the one US made tool I actually tell people to avoid.

If you are only spending a couple hours on a weekend then they may get you by but for a little extra you could at least get the Cman pro's which are a big upgrade.

Something I think is odd is that I don't hear a lot of complaints about the Kobalts like you do the Craftsman. I've never used a Kobalt but from appearances it looks a little more refined. It could be that there are probably at least 1000 Cman's to every Kobalt so their just isn't the same amount of failures reported.

 

[iandh]

I have and yes the HF 60 tooth ratchets that are made in taiwan are actually pretty good and compare well to gearwrench, bluepoint, williams imports etc. They are definitely above the regular cman ratchets.

I'm talking about these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96783.html

Are they up to snap on levels? no.

Who said they were?


The Action in the HF ratchets is better than a lot of USA ratchets I've used.. I think they're freaking awesome personally.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that anyone who didn't agree that they're great, is just plain in denial.

I worked at an Aerospace/R&D facility for a good while, turning wrenches professionally, and have used just about every brand known to man, foreign and domestic, so I have tried Snap-on and all of the others, just FYI.

Snap-on: 100% quality + 100% hype = 200% price.

Craftsman raised panel ratchets are the one US made tool I actually tell people to avoid.

If you are only spending a couple hours on a weekend then they may get you by but for a little extra you could at least get the Cman pro's which are a big upgrade.

Something I think is odd is that I don't hear a lot of complaints about the Kobalts like you do the Craftsman. I've never used a Kobalt but from appearances it looks a little more refined. It could be that there are probably at least 1000 Cman's to every Kobalt so their just isn't the same amount of failures reported.

I picked up some raised panel c-mans to check out and see if they're as bad nowadays as everyone says... they're WORSE. They are possibly the crappiest ratchets I've ever used, from any country of origin.

Add on top of that, the horrid plastic selector and ejector (whoever thought that a good idea should be SHOT), and you have one amazingly crappy tool.


They're usable, but the only "value" is in the fact that they're cheap and made in USA.


The sockets were just as bad... they weren't even washed before chrome plating. there was a bunch of **** stuck inside all of them underneath the plating. The surface finish was HORRID, and the chrome plating was greyish and dull. The HF sockets compared to the craftsman make the HF sockets look like freaking Snap-on.

I think it's the biggest dissapointment I've had in years. It made me so angry that I want to sell all of my other craftsman tools just so I don't have the damn name in my toolbox anymore.

 

[mojo_13]

Wow this post came up just as I was starting to think about getting a tool set. Keep the ideas coming I'm soaking it all in. Just picked up the Gearwrench ratcheting wrenchs from NAPA today.

 

[BWright]

I'm also going to add that vaughan makes a nice ball peen hammer at an excellent price. They are made about 15 min from where I live.

 

[lipadj46]

In fact, I would go as far as to say that anyone who didn't agree that they're great, is just plain in denial.

I am one of those people saying they are great for the money. I was just adding that no they are not snap on level but they are really good, as are most of the 60 tooth taiwan ratchets.

 

[iandh]

I am one of those people saying they are great for the money. I'm was just adding that no they are not snap on level but they are really good, as are most of the 60 tooth taiwan ratchets.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think they're the second coming of christ or anything as far as all tools available, but for the price, I'd say they're damn close to miracle status.

 

[mjozefow]

Don't get me wrong, I don't think they're the second coming of christ or anything as far as all tools available, but for the price, I'd say they're damn close to miracle status.

I have not tried those. I'm glad to see they finally got some that work right. My cheapos never did. End hijack.

 

[lipadj46]

Wow this post came up just as I was starting to think about getting a tool set. Keep the ideas coming I'm soaking it all in. Just picked up the Gearwrench ratcheting wrenchs from NAPA today.

Do yourself a favor and go to harry epstein and look through the clearance section, good deals to be had.

 

[Indy_500]

man this really got me thinking. i don't have my full craftsman set yet but i don't want to drop my money on that because i'm saving for a truck. I think i'm going to pick up that HF ratchet. I've used it at my friends house it rocks. i've tried it at the store and it rocks! i think the 3/8 drive is $12. plus, then i don't have to get a swivel ratchet when i do get my c-man set.

 

[Scout Driver]

Allen tools. Especially from Menards when they are on sale. Their sockets are well finished, fit very well and are reasonably priced. Ratchets are good too. Wrenches fit nice and tight. Lots of people will compare Allen to Craftsman, but from my own experience, the Allen greatly outshines the C-man tools.

Also: Harbor Freight breaker bars, tough and cheap enough to really abuse if you need to. Northern Tool ratchets have great feel, finish and action for cheap money. DeWalt power-tools (buy 'em on sale!).

Scott

 

[iandh]

man this really got me thinking. i don't have my full craftsman set yet but i don't want to drop my money on that because i'm saving for a truck. I think i'm going to pick up that HF ratchet. I've used it at my friends house it rocks. i've tried it at the store and it rocks! i think the 3/8 drive is $12. plus, then i don't have to get a swivel ratchet when i do get my c-man set.

I was an HF hater for a long time... at first when I saw the roto ratchet in store (I went in to buy a cheapo buffer), I couldn't believe how nice it looked. Then I felt the action, expecting a loose, cheap, tooth skipping piece of ****.

Instead, I got a clean, tight, fine toothed, precision ratchet.

Even the chrome is superb compared to many tools nowadays.

I didn't want to believe that I actually could LOVE an HF tool, because I'm one picky SOB, but I do love it. They're amazingly good ratchets.

Now I'm convinced that a better ratchet can't be had in the price range.

 

[autoace]

Value priced tool set, meaning good price, and quality!

I say GearWrench for just about anything. I have alot of truck brand tools(Cornwell mostly), I have alot of Craftsman tools, I have alot of Harbor Freight type tools......................I have a ton of GearWrench tools.

I feel GearWrench exceeds Craftsman quality by a long shot, even though GearWrench is imported, from pliers, to sockets, to wrenches, screwdrivers, etc..........bit sockets, GearWrench passes the gauntlet I expect from truck brand tools, at great prices, etc..............

With price no object Cornwell USA and Hazet are my prefered tools, but I love the GearWrench line, and would still have alot of GearWench even if I could afford all Hazet and Cornwell, GW has proven that good.

Craftsman still get a big honorable mention for alot of their tools, and warranty.

Basically Cman and GW.........................best bang for the buck..........

Alot of Harbor Freight tools are not bad, BUT...............they don't have the high precision and quality the GW tools have...............unfortunately Cman seems to be offering HF like USA tools in the past couple of years.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[iandh]

Value priced tool set, meaning good price, and quality!

I say GearWrench for just about anything. I have alot of truck brand tools(Cornwell mostly), I have alot of Craftsman tools, I have alot of Harbor Freight type tools......................I have a ton of GearWrench tools.

I feel GearWrench exceeds Craftsman quality by a long shot, even though GearWrench is imported, from pliers, to sockets, to wrenches, screwdrivers, etc..........bit sockets, GearWrench passes the gauntlet I expect from truck brand tools, at great prices, etc..............

With price no object Cornwell USA and Hazet are my prefered tools, but I love the GearWrench line, and would still have alot of GearWench even if I could afford all Hazet and Cornwell, GW has proven that good.

Craftsman still get a big honorable mention for alot of their tools, and warranty.

Basically Cman and GW.........................best bang for the buck..........

Alot of Harbor Freight tools are not bad, BUT...............they don't have the high precision and quality the GW tools have...............unfortunately Cman seems to be offering HF like USA tools in the past couple of years.

Just my 2 cents.

Honestly, I'd say Gearwrench is closer to Snap-on than they are to Craftsman.

It makes me angry, because craftsman just has no excuse. They're doing things right with USA manufacture, decent forging, and decent materials, and then cutting corners in the stupidest place, at the finishing step. They know how to make good tools, they've done it in the past. It's a good way to guarantee you dilute your brand's value, and go out of business as soon as possible...

They also need to remove themselves from the stone age and upgrade their professional ratchets to something with a higher tooth count than billy jo-bob. The new slim ratchets are a step in the right direction I suppose.

Now they just need to raise the quality of their latest sockets to match that of Harbor Freight... I HATE having to say that HF makes nice stuff than Craftsman. I never thought those words would leave my mouth.



Anyways, sorry for soapboxing the thread. I'll stop now.


I do like Cman Pro combo wrenches though, they're still pretty decent. The extensions and adapters are still good as well. For me the ONLY reason I'd still add Cman to the list, is that they do stand behind their warranty. That's a hell of a thing nowadays, even though the tool quality is falling faster than a car that drove off a cliff.

 

[hduc2005]

I'm in this boat now for me I shopped Ebay alot. He is what I'm starting with next week.

300pc craftsman Pro set ebay $350
97pc craftsman Impact socket set ebay $300
16pc Gearwrench flex wrenches metric $150
13pc Gearwrench flex wrenches SAE $150
2 craftsman dog bones on sale $19ea
HF hammers
HF prybars
HF screwdrivers
IR 2130 1/2"
IR 1105MAX D3
Montazuma 56" top & bottom

 

[MarcSeattle]

hduc2005, it's your call of course, as only you know what you need. What I see from the list is that you're spending twice as much on the box as the tools. I'd suggest a Costco or Harbor Freight roller cab (I actually saw a decent new style 56" roller cab there last week). Use the rest for better tools.

Also, the Craftsman sets are very repetitive. That 300 pc set has six 14mm sockets. Do you really need them all? The dog bones are too large to get access to most things unless you work on tractors and wagons.

HF screwdrivers are not worth buying even if the price is free. Try the WihaTools.com for the red & black handled screwdrivers. They're usually on sale and the quality is very good.

Rather than buying a $150 Gearwrench set, go to Napa auto parts this weekend and grab the Gearwrench flex sets on sale.

 

[autoace]

Honestly, I'd say Gearwrench is closer to Snap-on than they are to Craftsman.

It makes me angry, because craftsman just has no excuse. They're doing things right with USA manufacture, decent forging, and decent materials, and then cutting corners in the stupidest place, at the finishing step. They know how to make good tools, they've done it in the past. It's a good way to guarantee you dilute your brand's value, and go out of business as soon as possible...

They also need to remove themselves from the stone age and upgrade their professional ratchets to something with a higher tooth count than billy jo-bob. The new slim ratchets are a step in the right direction I suppose.

Now they just need to raise the quality of their latest sockets to match that of Harbor Freight... I HATE having to say that HF makes nice stuff than Craftsman. I never thought those words would leave my mouth.



Anyways, sorry for soapboxing the thread. I'll stop now.


I do like Cman Pro combo wrenches though, they're still pretty decent. The extensions and adapters are still good as well. For me the ONLY reason I'd still add Cman to the list, is that they do stand behind their warranty. That's a hell of a thing nowadays, even though the tool quality is falling faster than a car that drove off a cliff.

You can say that 100 times, GW is closer to Snap-on than Cman, sad but true.

 

[Merkava_4]

Klein and Proto.

 

[Danglerb]

Part of the value equation has to be warranty, and Sears and HF both beat others when this is considered vs Klein and Wiha which are dandy, but have fairly useless warranty policy.

Hduc2005, not sure exactly what you are getting, but thats about what I have spent on tools and a lot of what I have are premium tools like Snapon, SK, and Knipex. Sears has some crazy low sale prices a few times a year, my 154 pc mechanics set of all 6 pt sockets and no filler like allen wrenches or bits was $89.

 

[Skyline]

I DO like the idea behind this thread, but to me, I'd rather invest in used truck brand tools than new lesser quality stuff. The way to get a real value is to buy a complete collection of tools. If a new tech can find someone other than the Snap-on guy to lend them some money, this is the way to go. You can buy big KRL boxes filled with Snap-on, MAC, Matco etc for less than $.20 on the dollar. Now THAT is a value!

Here's some examples: KRL 29" deep double bank, top box, side locker, (all mint), filled with 85% Snap-on stuff (plus some KD, OTC, IR, Vice Grip etc)....$7k.

KRL 29" Triple bank, as new, full(but far from packed) of 100% Snap-on tools, $5,500.

Big old Matco double bank (pretty clean, but some stickers) with top box, crammed packed with various truck brand stuff plus about every specialty tool available. Box was so full stuff was 3-4 layers deep. $5,500.

 

[mojo_13]

Do yourself a favor and go to harry epstein and look through the clearance section, good deals to be had.

I will check them out and see what they have thanks for the tip.