Let's build a value priced tool set.

[nexum1919]

Let's not take the easy route by saying get everything Snap-on. I agree Snap-on is 100% quality. The aim of this thread is approaching that level as close as possible without the triple-quadruple pricing of Snap-on.

That being said, I must admit as far as 3/8 and 1/2 drive impact swivels, go with Snap-on, no matter how outrageously priced, those are worth their weight in gold. Effectively all impact swivels are 'consumable' items, they are designed and destined to wear out and break.
A home mechanic can get away with a swivel adapter, so this really applies to someone who uses tools to make a living. So here it goes:

3/8" and 1/2 impact swivels: Snap-on

 

[t100]

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.

I saw at least 10 of these(1/4" dr. version) used by the indycar mechanics last week.

 

[lipadj46]

I saw at least 10 of these(1/4" dr. version) used by the indycar mechanics last week.

Are you sure it was not a snap on or gearwrench? Both make similar tools:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...4&group_ID=228&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[t100]

yeah, I worked at both garage and pit lane over there for 4 days. believe me, I was as shocked as everybody else, I "LOOKED" really hard.

almost every indy lights team has couple of the HF aluminum jacks, most are modified to use on the rear end of the car.

 

[Garage_Mahal]

HF hammers
HF prybars
HF screwdrivers

All of these pretty much ****. Avoid. I like the rest of your selections.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

All of these pretty much ****. Avoid. I like the rest of your selections.

Yep...>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[Indy_500]

All of these pretty much ****. Avoid. I like the rest of your selections.

i will actually agree with you except for the prybars. the heads on the hammers typically come off of the handles, and other than the halfway decent pittsburgh professional screwdrivers, the rest pretty much ****. I have beat the heck out of my 4 pc. prybar set and they haven't chiped or bent yet. hard to find a 4 pc. set with a 24 incher for only $7.


Also, look what i got

 

[Indy_500]

Also, i wish you could make your own tool-set for a halfway decent price (maybe you can but idk) if i could, i would make a Craftsman set as follows:

1/4" drive: (all craftsman)
12 pt. shallow SAE (3/16-9/16)
12 pt. shallow metric (4-14)
6 pt. deep SAE (3/16-9/16)
6 pt. deep metric (4-14)
1/4" Craftsman Professional Ratchet

3/8" drive: (all craftsman)
12 pt. shallow SAE (1/4-7/8)
12 pt. shallow metric (6-22)
6 pt. deep SAE (1/4-7/8)
6 pt. deep metric (6-22)
3/8" Craftsman Professional Ratchet

1/2" drive: (all Craftsman)
12 pt. shallow SAE (1/2-1 1/16)
12 pt. shallow metric (9,10,12-19,21,22)
6 pt. deep SAE (1/2-1 1/16)
6 pt. deep metric (9,10,12-19,21,22)
1/2" Craftsman Professional Ratchet

12 pt. Craftsman combo wrenches SAE (1/4-1 1/8)
12 pt. Craftsman combo wrenches metric (6-28)

21 Craftsman piece drive tool accessory kit (adaptors, extensions, etc.)

14 pc. Craftsman T-Through Handle Ball End Hex Key Set- SAE
14 pc. Craftsman T-Through Handle Ball End Hex Key Set- metric

44 pc. Craftsman Screwdrivers Set

8 pc. Channellock Pliers Set

28 pc. Craftsman Punch & Chisel Set

 

[lipadj46]

I will add:

Pry bars: Wilde, eastwing (wilde makes cman prybars but cost less than cman, sure the HF bars are OK but no not compare. For $32 you can get a 4 piece set of the wilde with a 31" bar)
hammers: Nupla, eastwing

 

[TireTracks]

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.




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.

I'll take your unwanted tools! Not only will I acept them, I will charge you for the privlage of sending me your "crapsman" tools.

This is a deal you cant refuse!

 

[crewchief888]

Combo Wrenches: Cman Pro

Ratcheting Wrenches:

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: NOS SO hardhandle

Pliers: Channellock, klien

Ratchets: SO or NOS SK

Power tools: dewalt, hitachi, ridgid (ive had really good luck with HF 4 1/2" elec grinders also)

Air tools: IR

Impact sockets: CM or HF

Nut drivers : klien

Torx bits/drivers: SO
Allen Bits : SO, Allen

Tool Box: biggest box you can afford to pay cash for, and have room for.

if you want a new box, buy a new box, if you want a used "truck brand" box then buy a used box.

good deals on used boxes seem to very territorial. some places ya cant find a used box, other places seem to be flooded with them. prices vary by a W I D E margin.

 

[hduc2005]

I need to make some changes to my list... Stop at sears yesterday and got there 3pc prybar set for 19.99, some of there pro screwdrivers, a 28pc punch set and a couple of different hammers all at 20% off to match the on-line price and the Manager even gave me the 5off50 and the 10off100 too after he found out I was just starting in the trade.

He also said if any of it breaks be sure to bring it back it's all covered. Now that is service. Way to go Madison WI Eastside sears.