looking for input

[young_buck]

Hello all, I am new to the forum but have followed it for some time now and check in daily just to read what some of you have to say and have decided to start posting myself.

I am 16 and my High School offers a program that gets you into the trades for a semester of your grade 11 and 12 year, earning a pay check, school credits and also your first year apprenticeship. I chose Diesel Technician as my trade because I have grown up around the equipment and I am mechanically inclined. In February I am off to work at the site I was placed at and all of our tools are supplied, which is great but the shop I want to be at next year wants you to have your own so I have been working on replacing my mastercraft tools with channellock pliers, Irwin vice grips, etc. etc.

on this note I am looking for opinions on tools that will hold up to constant use at the shop. Does anybody have information on NAPA tools (ultra pro) and how they hold up in a professional setting? I know snap-on is great and most will agree and I do plan on buying my ratchets and wrenches through them in due time but trying to save a buck now until I have the money so I am looking for some other brands that are comparable to snap on in quality but a bit lower in price, I get a discount on westward and proto tools between February and June (between 25%-50% off) any input would be great

 

[uniballer]

Proto is nice, do you know any SO dealers?

 

[kams1973]

Take advantage of any discount on Proto wrenches. You will not be disappointed.

 

[young_buck]

Proto is nice, do you know any SO dealers?

I like proto but could never justify the prices before now when I know i will need them, and I have heard there is a dealer around town but have never seen his truck around , we do have a mac truck that is in town all the time though

 

[gatewaysysop]

Take advantage of any discount on Proto wrenches. You will not be disappointed.

I'd second this, Proto makes some nice stuff. I'm also a fan of their ratchets, even the 24-tooth, old-school stuff. Tough as nails and easy to work on if something breaks. Also cheap and easy to rebuild if you pick 'em up used anywhere, although I've yet to find a used one that needed rebuilding.

 

[young_buck]

I was thinking proto for wrenches, I like the feel and quality of the build, i was looking at getting the swivel head SO ratchets ( http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674821&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog ) in both 3/8" and 1/4" drive but unsure if they are worth it or if I should go in the direction of the dual 80

 

[young_buck]

also looking at these klein screwdrivers ( https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AG...balProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=KLN85078 ) plus all of the proto tools I will be buying come from ( https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGIPortalWeb/WebSource/Main/begin.do ) as they give a discount to everyone at the shop I'm going to.

 

[Danglerb]

I really like my HF $12 swivel heads. Break a fastener loose, then stand it on end and spin it like a driver. Most used for me is the stubby 1/4, since anything larger and I am using a power tool.

Other than some tools you might find in a grocery store I don't think you need to worry about anything wrenchlike holding up, commercial use is not abuse, its just frequent.

The HF composite handle ratchets might be very nice where its cold, same for the cushion grip Snapon.

I can't see working your first couple years to pay the tool truck, find some good used sources.

 

[DesertRatAutomotive]

^^^ +2 that. paying the tool truck isn't something you want to do just yet. I know everyone is saying proto and snappy. but hf and crapsman will hold up. slowly work your way into the truck brands. cause giving half you pay check to three or four guys a week isn't fun. hf makes some real good wrenches ive upgraded my other craps man and hf tools but haven't seen the need to on those wrenches.


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[young_buck]

I understand what you guys are saying and I agree, but HF isn`t Canadian and I have a toolbox and a half full of mastercraft tools (I like them more than craftsman) and I am not buying everything snappy just a 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets and a nice set of wrenches as I have been planning to buy them for a while now, the rest of my tools will stay mastercraft as I slowly build up my kit. I will be making $160 a day at the shop and in the summer I may be hired as a summer labourer for $30+ an hour so the money is not an object especially since I dont have any bills to pay. I might pick up some klein screwdrivers and channellock pliers and a few other well known brands that hold up but the majority of my stuff will more than likely come from NAPA as it is just down the street from me and not very expensive.

 

[DesertRatAutomotive]

You asked for input and were giving it to you from the experience we have. 30 an hour? I haven't even seen experienced techs start that high.


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[young_buck]

in Fort McMurray Alberta the rates are crazy, some retail jobs here start at $15-$20, most of the techs here are making upwards to $65 an hour with $1500 a month living allowance, and I appreciate all the input I was just saying that I have had my lower end tools for a while and am just replacing with better as I go and get more experience and knowledge.

 

[Conductor562]

The truck brands are nice, however, you can get as good a tool at a fraction of the price by going with an industrial brand like Proto, Williams, Wright, or Armstrong. I'm big into Proto myself. I have the 15 piece ASD combo sets in both Metric and SAE and they are fantastic. As much as I love Proto, for someone starting out today I'd recommend SK. They are excellent quality and can be had for a good price. If you qualify for a student discount the truck brands might be worth a look, otherwise I wouldn't bite. And yes, those 24T Proto Pear Heads are tough animals. They have a smooth feel for a 24T ratchet, the can be had fairly cheap, and if you keep a rebuild kit handy you can rebuild it in under 5 minutes.

 

[Conductor562]

If your leaning toward a mechanical field don't go with those Klein Screwdrivers. That cushion grip is a pain in the *** in a greasy environment. Get yourself a set of hard handles from Wiha, Proto, or Snap-On.

 

[DesertRatAutomotive]

in Fort McMurray Alberta the rates are crazy, some retail jobs here start at $15-$20, most of the techs here are making upwards to $65 an hour with $1500 a monthu living allowance, and I appreciate all the input I was just saying that I have had my lower end tools for a while and am just replacing with better as I go and get more experience and knowledge.

Man they got it made there. See you got it right then I wish I had started with a lower end set and didn't rush into buying snap on and Mac right away. Would have had a fatter paycheck every week.



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[young_buck]

I like the few proto wrenches I have and can get them used for fairly cheap as people here are always bigger and better toolboxes and tools. I am a fan of any ratchet with the comfort grip, it makes using them for long periods of time easier especially in -40 degrees Celsius that we see almost all winter in Alberta.

 

[young_buck]

If your leaning toward a mechanical field don't go with those Klein Screwdrivers. That cushion grip is a pain in the *** in a greasy environment. Get yourself a set of hard handles from Wiha, Proto, or Snap-On.

I've never actually seen wiha screwdrivers in person but I have read a lot of good things about them on here,

 

[young_buck]

Man they got it made there. See you got it right then I wish I had started with a lower end set and didn't rush into buying snap on and Mac right away. Would have had a fatter paycheck every week.



Posted from Garagejournal.com App for Android

I know a lot of people who went into the field and spent all their money on a huge master set from snappy and other places and it makes it hard to get ahead, I have been buying tools since I was 12 or so (about 4 years) and have been upgrading and passing them down to my brother as I go

 

[Danglerb]

I'd still skip buying sets of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in ratchets or sockets in premium brands. Chances are good the tools you use 95% of time would fit on the top of a chair without overlapping.

I like a swivel ratchet in 1/4, a flex head long handle in 3/8, and never really use 1/2 except for torquing wheel lugs and I use a torque wrench for that.

If you are going to be doing diesel line work aren't you going to need to buy some expensive air tools etc? Big bucks I would look at spending on high quality cordless ratchet and impacts, plus some good air tools.

 

[young_buck]

Ingersoll Rand makes good impacts for heavy duty, the work I am doing is on buses, 18 wheelers, the odd tractor and side by sides for the most part so 1/2" drives are used extensively in most shops. I will only need one 1/2" air impact to begin with as most work they are needed for is wheel lugs, and a good set of impact sockets is up on the top of my list of must haves. I like swivel 1/4" and sometimes 3/8" but I do like the call on the long handle for more torque I think I might go for this ( http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682694&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog ) as I know someone who will sell it to me for around $100

 

[lbgradwell]

You sound pretty astute for a 16yo; already making good decisions...

Frankly, I see no benefit to going with the Ultra Pro as they are no upgrade from Mastercraft which is widely available and very cheap!

Consider investing in the Protos if you are enjoying a discount; they are a pro tool that will serve you well. But understand that Acklands Grainger is one of the most brutally overpriced suppliers in existence. A big discount there does not necessarily mean a good price!

You cannot go wrong with Channellock. For a Canadian, I think they are clearly the best tradeoff between quality & price considering they can routinely be bought at Crappy Tire at 25% off and were 40% off just a few weeks ago.

The Klein screwdrivers, as mentioned, are the wrong choice for you. (They're probably the wrong choice for an electrician these days, but that's another thread...) I'd strongly suggest a good German brand as they are very good and not significantly more expensive. They can be bought online too (as they are likely not available locally).

 

[young_buck]

You sound pretty astute for a 16yo; already making good decisions...

Frankly, I see no benefit to going with the Ultra Pro as they are no upgrade from Mastercraft which is widely available and very cheap!

Consider investing in the Protos if you are enjoying a discount; they are a pro tool that will serve you well. But understand that Acklands Grainger is one of the most brutally overpriced suppliers in existence. A big discount there does not necessarily mean a good price!

You cannot go wrong with Channellock. For a Canadian, I think they are clearly the best tradeoff between quality & price considering they can routinely be bought at Crappy Tire at 25% off and were 40% off just a few weeks ago.

The Klein screwdrivers, as mentioned, are the wrong choice for you. (They're probably the wrong choice for an electrician these days, but that's another thread...) I'd strongly suggest a good German brand as they are very good and not significantly more expensive. They can be bought online too (as they are likely not available locally).

I like my proto wrenches, and I am willing to pay full price for them at acklands because they are the only place I can buy them here but the discount makes it easier on my wallet. I like the channellocks that I have, they have held up well to the use I have put them through and the dipped handles feel good in my hand and are holding up. I also like proto and snap-on screwdrivers (they are the only ones I have used enough to give my 2 cents on) and I have never even used a German brand but I want to try Wiha. What brand of screwdrivers do you use and recommend?

 

[Cobra4B]

I know a lot of people who went into the field and spent all their money on a huge master set from snappy and other places and it makes it hard to get ahead, I have been buying tools since I was 12 or so (about 4 years) and have been upgrading and passing them down to my brother as I go

Smart... I'm not a professional wrench, but I'm astounded by the setups some feel the need to buy (and finance) to play the part. People do this in all aspects of life from education, to cars, to homes, to... everything. I.e. they take on excessive debt to have what they want right this second.

I can't offer you any input on what you need, but it's nice to see someone with 1/2 a brain who's not itching to buy a $5000 toolbox on credit from the tool dealer.

Actually... disregard that... go buy it all. I need a way to find good deals on high end pro wrench stuff

 

[pcos]

Don't forget Williams screwdrivers - USA made hard handles, essentially Snap-on. They are available through Amazon Canada as well:

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002NHI24E/?tag=atomicindus04-20

If you are not in a buying panic watch for Gray wrenches and sockets on Kijiji as well. Many good deals to be had.

Lots of large Proto combination wrenches here in Ontario as of late as well - not sure if Alberta is in the same "sell everything not bolted down" state as Ontario is . . .

 

[young_buck]

Don't forget Williams screwdrivers - USA made hard handles, essentially Snap-on. They are available through Amazon Canada as well:

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002NHI24E/?tag=atomicindus04-20

If you are not in a buying panic watch for Gray wrenches and sockets on Kijiji as well. Many good deals to be had.

Lots of large Proto combination wrenches here in Ontario as of late as well - not sure if Alberta is in the same "sell everything not bolted down" state as Ontario is . . .

I never thought about Williams, I will have to look into them as well, I have only used a few gray wrenches but you can't go wrong with "made in Canada" and I have been looking at their ratchets for a bit now and you can get them at http://www.thetoolstore.ca/index.asp

 

[young_buck]

Smart... I'm not a professional wrench, but I'm astounded by the setups some feel the need to buy (and finance) to play the part. People do this in all aspects of life from education, to cars, to homes, to... everything. I.e. they take on excessive debt to have what they want right this second.

I can't offer you any input on what you need, but it's nice to see someone with 1/2 a brain who's not itching to buy a $5000 toolbox on credit from the tool dealer.

Actually... disregard that... go buy it all. I need a way to find good deals on high end pro wrench stuff

I would love to get a nice new snap-on box but it is something that will have to wait I do need a bigger one but I can get them at Napa for now (around $1300 for a 7 drawer roller with a 7 or 8 drawer top) as mine are all full (my mastercraft (cheap waterloo) roller cab, ultra pro top and bottom i got for $75 and various tool bags all around the garage and house)

 

[young_buck]

I am also in the market for a nice pair of mechanics glove, I dont like using the big beefy leather gloves to try and pick up bolts and things, something that is durable and comfortable enough for everyday use.

 

[DesertRatAutomotive]

Check out matco band screw drivers. There german made and are the best I've used. For mechanic gloves go with mechanix there made for it.


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[lbgradwell]

I also like proto and snap-on screwdrivers (they are the only ones I have used enough to give my 2 cents on) and I have never even used a German brand but I want to try Wiha. What brand of screwdrivers do you use and recommend?

I have not held a Proto screwdriver made in the past 25 years, but the old amber-handled classics were excellent. Snap-on is good, but unduly expensive, so pcos' suggestion of Williams is a more affordable alternative.

I own Wera, Wiha and Felo and all are good, so it will come down to your preference on how they feel in your hands. The Matcos that DesertRatAutomotive recommends are Witte and while I've never held any, I am sure they're excellent too.

 

[96snma]

Check out matco band screw drivers. There german made and are the best I've used. For mechanic gloves go with mechanix there made for it.


Posted from Garagejournal.com App for Android

Matco isn't widely available in Canada.

Where in Alberta are you located? Also don't over look gray. They make really good stuff and I've had a good experience with them.

 

[young_buck]

Matco isn't widely available in Canada.

Where in Alberta are you located? Also don't over look gray. They make really good stuff and I've had a good experience with them.

I am in the Fort Mcmurray area, I love gray tools (especially that they are made in Canada) their wrenches feel nice in the hand and are at a nice price point

The ones in the picture are a 15 piece metric set for $328.36

 

[96snma]

Bolt supply house actually stocks goods. Most of the listed distributors can order it for you but I think it would be worth it to actually go and hold items to see if it fits well for you. Looking on their website there is one in fort Mac. For hard line items the pricing can get up there with snap on but they make many items that are really reasonably priced for the quality you get. And the sale flyer can have some decent deals

 

[young_buck]

Bolt supply house actually stocks goods. Most of the listed distributors can order it for you but I think it would be worth it to actually go and hold items to see if it fits well for you. Looking on their website there is one in fort Mac. For hard line items the pricing can get up there with snap on but they make many items that are really reasonably priced for the quality you get. And the sale flyer can have some decent deals

thanks a lot I have driven by the place 100 times but never even bothered to stop in or look it up to know they sold goods and gray at that! I'll have to stop in some day

 

[young_buck]

greggs distributors also carries pro core tools and Milwaukee Makita power tools

 

[96snma]

The one thing I would check out that they have are grip on locking pliers. Snap on re brands them and they are top notch. Picked up a pair for $24 from gray that was $32 on the truck.

 

[amitchell]

You can buy Proto at KMS Tools in Edmonton, I buy at their Victoria location. I buy when they go on sale (every month) which puts them inline with US prices.

 

[b1ghwx]

.....I may be hired as a summer labourer for $30+ an hour so the money is not an object especially since I dont have any bills to pay.

My advice - money is always an object. Dont be dumb. SAVE, save, save and then don't spend. Don't collect trophy tools. Get the tools you need to do the job and earn your $$

 

[Outlander]

Young_buck,

I have no tool advice for you, but I would like to commend you for having a head on your shoulders and taking the time to develop yourself properly into a career! Good on ya!

Regards,

Outlander

 

[young_buck]

Young_buck,

I have no tool advice for you, but I would like to commend you for having a head on your shoulders and taking the time to develop yourself properly into a career! Good on ya!

Regards,

Outlander

Thanks a lot

 

[young_buck]

My advice - money is always an object. Dont be dumb. SAVE, save, save and then don't spend. Don't collect trophy tools. Get the tools you need to do the job and earn your $$

I understand what you are saying about money always being an object, it is just less of an object for me as i have no bills to pay. With all due respect to what you have said, The tools are not being bought as trophy tools, they are being bought to be used to make a living and will get used, i would rather have a tool and not need it than need a tool and not have it. And quality tools are key because i would rather buy nice than buy twice.