Let's talk tools!

[Joe Cim]

Hello everyone,

Please bare with me as I am new to both this forum and really all forums... So if i'm not down with the current lingo and or trends that's why... Prior to me posting this I have looked around on a lot of older threads here but really didn't get all that I was looking for so I'm just gonna start throwing it out there and see what you guys have to say... (Also no need to grade my grammar and spelling... At best I would get a "C" with all that... LOL...)

Well let's get right to it... I have been out of wrenching for about 10 plus years now because of a few injuries... Sadly a bit of a common tale but I still work on my own projects and such. Over the years I have gotten a lot of craftsman tools and they have been my back bone tool set... But wanting something a bit better I have been working on upgrading to Snap On tools... Now I know that everyone has their own opinion and so do I... I buy what I can used and what I can't I buy new on the truck WITH CASH at 60%-70% of list! But I won't pay the money for Snap On everything because if I don't make money with it and can make due with something 1/3 the price I'll do it... What is important to me is having a good solid tool that I can depend on(knowing that everything can fail)... If it's in my budget I want MADE IN USA and a LIFETIME warranty that I don't have to beg for something to be repaired and or replaced if needed... SO as I ramble a bit here I feel it is needed to get my point across... So I'm in the works of replacing all my hand tools with Snap On and the specailty stuff with other good brands(IMO)... Brands like OTC, Lisle, ATD, Gearwrench(apex), ect... I also look at how something is made... Like I'm in the market for a ball joint c frame set but want it to have a lifetime warranty and be made from forged steel not cast... Stuff like that doesn't HAVE to be made in the USA for me to still buy it but it does need to have everything else... I have a few brands that I want nothing to do with and the first one would go to harbor freight... If HF works for you that's great but for me not so much anymore... I'm also not a big fan of lisle anymore either but that is because of a minor CS problem...

What tool company can give me what I'm looking for to cover my non hand tool needs for automotive? Lifetime warranty with out hassle, Solid built tool, and if made in USA a bonus? But I also keep budget in mind...

If any of this has been covered in detail before I wasn't able to find it... I saw that a few things were touched on a bit but nothing to the detail I'm looking for... Feel free to slam me with lots of info... I welcome it in a big way and look forward to hearing from you guys...
Thanks for all your time.
Joe Cim

 

[Carla]

Hi, Joe,

Having good quality small tools will either 'cost money' or 'cost time'.

Some wrench-pullers have more spare $ than spare time, some don't. Those who do will buy Snap-On, Mac, Cornwell, etc, from their local truck dealer, and enjoy the convenience of having their tools delivered to their door.

Others, like myself, would haunt the flea markets, garage sales, and suchlike, and look for any of the old standard 'good makes' of small tools, of which there are quite a few.......you can read about those on the 'Alloy Artifacts' web-site.

I have various and sundry wrench/pliers/screw driver/puller, etc, etc, class of tools which turned up for 25cts. to $1 per each, with a bit of looking......but then, I don't at all mind glass-blasting and oxide-blacking a slightly rusted tool......once cleaned/refinished, an old Plomb, Armstrong, or Williams wrench will turn a fastener every bit as well as will a $30-40 gleaming pretty Snap-On......but, then, I'm not having to pull wrenches for a living, and don't have to impress clients with a huge box of fancy tools.

cheers

Carla

 

[SASORacing]

HF is lifetime on hard line tools. Craftsman still has a lot of usa for sale. I mean no offense but if you have been out of the trade for 10 years and have injuries I don't see a need for high end lifetime warranty tool truck $$$ products. How is your motorcycle or race car situation first?

 

[blackwire]

I know people on this forum like to rag on Craftsman, but Craftsman is more than good enough for home use. While their RP ratchets are not fine toothed like most of their modern competitors, there are far worse than USA Craftsman ratchets out there. Great Neck and Stanley are ones that come to mind as being worse than Craftsman. I once broke a Chinese Stanley round head ratchet while loosening an oil drain plug. I broke two Taiwan Great Necks while loosening exhaust bolts. I have used a USA Craftsman to do the same jobs with no problems. If you are looking for good DIY level tools other than Craftsman, I have been impressed with Tekton tools. The Taiwan ratchets, USA twist lock socket rails, and USA pliers are nice.

 

[SASORacing]

USA > Taiwan > China just remember this, Also Cman is good, USA Cman is even better. You can not beat Cman's warranty either...

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have been a craftsman tool person all my life, now that part of their line is over seas, I am looking more to s k brand, USA made and a life time warranty. Rich
Plus with s k days coming up here on GJ on the 23rd you also can get a price break by being a member here....

 

[Davefr]

What tool company can give me what I'm looking for to cover my non hand tool needs for automotive? Lifetime warranty with out hassle, Solid built tool, and if made in USA a bonus? But I also keep budget in mind...

So what you're looking for is specialty automotive tools, other then common hand tools, and made in the USA?

You won't find much of that from CM, SK, Proto, etc. You'll need to be looking at Lisle, OTC, HF and the tool truck brands.

I'd suggest you try and find what you want in the SO catalog and then determine the OEM so you can buy the tool cheaper without the SO brand name when possible. (I think there's a thread on here for tool truck equivalents)

Ebay might also be a great source since specialty name brand tools tend to go cheaper then hand tools.

Maybe you should be more specific and make a list of what you need other then a ball joint tool set.

 

[Joe Cim]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the prompt feed back...

The reason why I'm upgrading my hand tools to snap on is because with my injury I have to have an edge a little more now... It ***** when you start a project and in the middle have to clean everything up because the back tells you to... I gotta have hard working tools that can help me get in and get out... LOL... But I'm not saying that brands like Cman can't do that because for years they were my go to... I was never a tool snob so I used what worked... And about 60-80% of my tools are used from flea markets and swap meets... I'm not one to pay extra(20 times the price) just so someone can bring me tools... I don't understand that logic but for some I can understand how that goes... It's a bit of a treasure hunt finding those old tools used at yard sales and such...

I'm a bit old school with my vehicle choices so it's not like I need a whole lot of fancy tools... I have a 99 tahoe now but I plan to down size to an 85 silverado at some point soon and start a 71 chevelle project in about a year or so... SO with that said I don't need a lot so all the more why I want to invest in some solid equipment.

So let me throw out a list of what I'm looking for(but not limited to just these)
Engine
fuel & sensor
exhaust
brakes
measuring
steering and suspension
And any other general service

--------My needs are No hassle lifetime warranty and made of quality.
---------A bonus would be made in USA but not a must.

This might also be good to know so I'll throw it out there too... I own about 9 acres in rural TN but also live up north in DE now... My plan is to move down there at some point in the next year and might do a little side work here and there or restore a car or two down the road... I 'm a bit of a prepared person so having a little bit more tools and equipment is always a plus for me because who knows what I might have to work on down the road...

Thanks again everyone for all your feed back...
Joe Cim

 

[blackwire]

Affordable ball joint presses:

OTC USA or Taiwan http://www.otctools.com/products/ball-joint-service-kit

Alltrade/Powerbuilt Taiwan http://www.alltradetools.com/catalo...pc-ball-joint-u-joint-service-set-kit-46.html

Many of these tools you can rent from Autozone or Advance if you pay a deposit

 

[Joe Cim]

Thanks Blackwire... I have never used powerbuilt(alltrade) but I'm going to be checking them out... Sadly I became less of an OTC fan over the years for a few reasons but they still do make a good tool... When it comes to the ball joint press I'm looking for a forged steel not cast steel... I'm looking into the powerbuilt to see if it's a forged steel... Thanks again to you and everyone else and I look forward to more feedback...

Joe Cim

 

[espyking83]

If not a pro and you have a budget in mind, I'd say older USA Craftsman. But if you want new pro quality tools at a fraction of the price of truck brands and have warranties:

Wrightgrip wrenches.
Williams/Bahco sockets and ratchets.
Williams/Bahco/SK screwdrivers.

Check out the classifieds section on here, also Harry Epsteins tools (online). You really cant get better quality than Williams/Bahco for the price. I'm a mechanic and can vouch for their quality. Spend money on what you knkw you will use all the time, go to Harbor Freight for convenience tools like angle wrenches, crows feet, extensions/adapters, etc...

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I use anything from HF to proto, wright, snap on , sk etc daily. USA craftsman works just fine and I use everyday as well. You probably have rare instances where a superior tool is required for diy. I agree with espy's recommendations as well.

Upgrade a few select items. Not everything. Ratchets perhaps.

 

[Joe Cim]

Thanks... Awesome feed back guys... I'll do some more research on wright tools tool...
I have been working on forming a list of bands for those specialty tools... Here's my list...
KALequip,Powerbuilt,Performance,ATD,Lisle,OTC,OEM,Duralast, Apex tools, Astropneumatic,oldforgetolls,mitvac,sunex...
Any thought on any of these brands such as warranty and quality???

My goal with hand tools is already set in play and I do have a good bit of Snap On hand tools now... Maybe I'll take some pics to share with you guys to give a better idea... I know everyone likes pics... ;0)

 

[espyking83]

All of those tools you mentioned are more than capable in a home/garage type setting. As far as warranty, I could not tell you.

 

[bcradio]

For reducing wear on your body, I would take a hard look at getting a good selection of pneumatic tools and/or battery powered tools. Impacts of ALL sizes (yes not just 1/2") can do wonders when working on vehicles. Also air/battery ratchets are great for many areas. And a good battery drill/driver is good for little screws and such

Down the road you can get die grinders and air hammers as needed.

 

[chicane]

I know people on this forum like to rag on Craftsman, but Craftsman is more than good enough for home use. While their RP ratchets are not fine toothed like most of their modern competitors, there are far worse than USA Craftsman ratchets out there. Great Neck and Stanley are ones that come to mind as being worse than Craftsman. I once broke a Chinese Stanley round head ratchet while loosening an oil drain plug. I broke two Taiwan Great Necks while loosening exhaust bolts. I have used a USA Craftsman to do the same jobs with no problems. If you are looking for good DIY level tools other than Craftsman, I have been impressed with Tekton tools. The Taiwan ratchets, USA twist lock socket rails, and USA pliers are nice.

this ^.

 

[chicane]

For reducing wear on your body, I would take a hard look at getting a good selection of pneumatic tools and/or battery powered tools. Impacts of ALL sizes (yes not just 1/2") can do wonders when working on vehicles. Also air/battery ratchets are great for many areas. And a good battery drill/driver is good for little screws and such

Down the road you can get die grinders and air hammers as needed.

this to ^.

 

[woody 73]

I would not give up the older craftsman tools they are top notch, funny thing two weeks ago I paid something like $10.00 dollars and ended up with 70 items (back breaking work); 18 snap on, 7 mac,40 craftsman, 1 wright, 3 misc. and 1 Estwing hammer.

Are you upgrading because your old craftsman tools are failing you , or is there some other reason?

 

[sberry]

All of a sudden developed a golden arm.

 

[belvedere]

--------My needs are No hassle lifetime warranty and made of quality.
---------A bonus would be made in USA but not a must.

Since you value a no-hassle warranty, as do I, it's important to buy local. Sure, a guy can get good tools and save a few bucks by buying online, but if you have to mail off a broken tool and wait weeks for a warranty replacement, then to me that's not worth it.

There have been many good suggestions. I would add to check out Carlyle tools at NAPA. Made in Taiwan, but high quality, and lifetime warranty. Also, in my opinion, ratchets are one item where Snap-on can't be beat (Dual 80).

 

[Joe Cim]

I am replacing them because over the years Cman has turned a lot of stuff to import junk... I think they are in the middle of rethinking that one but for now when I keep things replaced they give me that import ****... It's no what I invested in but now it's what I'm being forced to take... Nothing wrong with the old Cman stuff and that's why I didn't care about using snap on for years now it's a different story... IMO old craftsman was the blue collared tool but now it's just not the same... As for the ratchets I do agree Snap on all the way... I have a few of those too... Napa does carry good tools too... I also agree with what you said about buying something local for replacement reasons... I don't want to wait 4 weeks and pay shipping to get a 1/2 wrench replaced... Places like Napa are in my area down south so it might have to be one of my main sources. Thanks for your feed back...

 

[Joe Cim]

I do have a small compressor with the 231 long shank IR air gun, Snap On 3/8 air ratchet, Mac angle air die grinder and a no name air hammer... I also have a Heavy duty Sawzall, Makita 5/8" drill and a few other things too...

My Tool box is a Snap On top and bottom box (5' X 5') from 1989...
Bought it back when I was 19 in 2001 for $2,200 cash (not tool truck) LOL...
;0)

I would also like to take this time to thank you guys for all your help... This is the first forum I have ever used and it's pretty cool... Thanks again and by all means please feel free to keep this thread going with all this great info...

 

[Haveblue]

Join the Carlyle club and get a discount. Your card number is entered at the counter as the account number. Let your NAPA know you are interested in tools, they may set you up an account to save you even more. Carlyle tools seem to be good quality, I use them everyday on the job. If you do break something they will replace it on the spot, if in stock, or usually have it early the next day.

 

[Joe Cim]

Hey Haveblue,
I'm checking out the Carlyle brand and am liking what I'm seeing so far... I signed up for the carlyle club too... Tomorrow I'm going to call Napa and try to get the full catalog sent to me too... My internet is hit and miss... They have a hammer they claim is indestructible... Maybe I will have to test that one... Thanks again for the heads up...

 

[Haveblue]

I am a tech at a NAPA autocare center, so my employee discount is better than the club discount...But I figured I would get a card to see how it worked. I had some downtime one day, so I covered for one of the counter guys. We weren't busy, so I did an experiment. I rang up several tools as cash customer compared to Club pricing. Single wrenches can be as much as three or four dollars less with the card. I said Carlyle seems good, actually, I'm going to say I push them pretty hard, and they hold up well. They advertise as being professional tools, so I put them to the test!! BTW, Welcome to the GJ Joe!

 

[Joe Cim]

I was trying to search but hit a wall looking for a few things... Does carlyle make specialty tools like brake calipers and tie rod tools ect or just basic hand tools? I tried to order some hard copies of the tool and equipment catalogs but I'm not sure if it went through... Like you said they are adveitised as pro so I'm sure they are made well... Based on what you have told me and what I have researched tonight I will be going to napa soon(tomorrow...LOL...) and seeing what I can find... I think part supply stores are very unrated for their tools and I'm sure napa is in that same boat... They sell good parts and have had good luck with them in the past... What tools do you have by carlyle? Feel free to go in as much detail as you want... Thanks again for telling me about them and also thanks for the welcome...

 

[Haveblue]

Carlyle is all hand tools. If you want specialty tools look for NAPA service tools. Don't bother with evercraft tools..there are some good, but mostly bad. I had a chance to compare an evercraft brake line flaring tool to a Napa service tools one..no comparison..the NST one was ten times easier to use, and made better flares easily.

 

[Joe Cim]

I wasn't able to make it to Napa today but I plan on going tomorrow or the next day... I just picked up two Snap On 1/4" drive ratchets and one 6" 1/4" Snap On extension today all for $50 used from CL... ;0)