Looking to start moving up into quality tools...

[65Riviera]

hello all,

my first post here, but I spend a lot of time on the sister site (HAMB). i've spend a while doing searches, but I think I still have an incomplete answer so here it goes... it's been a while since i did any serious wrenching (other than basic upkeep and maintenance), but I now am able to get back into it. i have a couple engine rebuilds and general restoration projects (also some fabrications) in my near future so I'm looking to slowly make my life easier by upgrading tools.

i've always been found of snap on, but my question is what tools should I be trying to upgrade first- absolute must haves. and then maybe suggestions on highly recommended, etc.. i currently have a good collection of craftsman and klein (screwdrivers and electrical whatnots) , but i'm sure i'll be upgrading that as i go also, so if i probably won't notice much of a difference in performance, i'll probably but craftsman to save money for the good stuff. i know off the truck tools are better. i guess i need bang for buck. i will be slowly replacing all tools, but i can't wait to start these projects, so what do you guys think?? i'm definitely going for some snap on ratchets, love those. but i've lead a craftsman life to this point so consider me a quality novice and if you can suggest specific tool no's because i will be looking on craigs/ etc. also so i'm sure there is an evolution of tools through the years and i'd like to spend my $ wisely.. i'm also on the lookout for a good mid sized used snap on box, any suggestions on that would also be helpful. i currently have 5 small boxes and a few buckets so it will be great to have everything organized...


sorry for the long winded question..

 

[HandyManny]

Welcome aboard,

There still are places to get quality tools without buying off the truck and going broke.
All my basic hand tools came from a variety of places. Auto parts supply stores, back in the day when you could buy high quality American made professional tools off the shelf. Industrial Suppliers. Better hardware stores. Specialized tools stores. With time and by shopping smart you can acquire a good collection of very high quality useable tools to work with, without going broke. Look at brands like Proto, Wright, S-K, Craftsman, Lisle, Bondhus, K-D, Channellock, Imperial Tool, etc. Also I have other quality brands that you can no longer buy new anymore, New Britain and the old Blackhawk tools comes to mind.

Things to avoid: Never pay high $$$$ for rebranded tools. Many professional grade tools have some lines of specialty tools that are not made by them, but are another companies product rebranded for them. Channellock supplies it's pliers to a few other tool companies, but these companies simply change the handle color and charge you almost three times the price for them. Lisle and OTC tools also are sold under other more expensive brands. Same goes for lots of stuff made by Western Forge, you are essentially getting the same product with the same specs, just paying more for a particular brand they make it for. Avoid this rip-off. Once you've been into tools long enough, you'll be able to spot this pitfall.

May not be the answer you wanted, but it worked well for me. I don't work in the trade anymore. Of course you are going to get many different points of view on this subject

 

[sk farmer]

put money in ratchets. it is amazing how handy flex head, stubby and compact ratchets can be. discontinued proto big dawg ratchets can be had dirt cheap on ebay. also, full polish long wrenches are great. pick the brand you like. i have snapon, cman, mac and matco versions. my favorites are my cman and the old matco ones.

 

[GDA]

Just my opinion but definitely go for SO for the ratchets, flank drive plus combo wrenches and screwdrivers. Pretty much everything else you can get similar or better quality in other brands for same or even much cheaper $$.

Other top quality brands to consider -

Wiha and Witt screwdrivers
Proto wrenches, sockets and breaker bars
Hazet and Stahlwille wrenches/sockets
Grey Pneumatic impact sockets
Knipex pliers

 

[vartz04]

how much are you going to be using these tools after these projects are finished?

if this is going to be it for a little while id say just go craftsman channel lock ect.

 

[LGMechanical]

For wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers I suggest the cheaper brands. For ratchets and air tools buy the good stuff.

 

[Joelfke]

Welcome aboard,

There still are places to get quality tools without buying off the truck and going broke.
All my basic hand tools came from a variety of places. Auto parts supply stores, back in the day when you could buy high quality American made professional tools off the shelf. Industrial Suppliers. Better hardware stores. Specialized tools stores. With time and by shopping smart you can acquire a good collection of very high quality useable tools to work with, without going broke. Look at brands like Proto, Wright, S-K, Craftsman, Lisle, Bondhus, K-D, Channellock, Imperial Tool, etc. Also I have other quality brands that you can no longer buy new anymore, New Britain and the old Blackhawk tools comes to mind.

Things to avoid: Never pay high $$$$ for rebranded tools. Many professional grade tools have some lines of specialty tools that are not made by them, but are another companies product rebranded for them. Channellock supplies it's pliers to a few other tool companies, but these companies simply change the handle color and charge you almost three times the price for them. Lisle and OTC tools also are sold under other more expensive brands. Same goes for lots of stuff made by Western Forge, you are essentially getting the same product with the same specs, just paying more for a particular brand they make it for. Avoid this rip-off. Once you've been into tools long enough, you'll be able to spot this pitfall.

May not be the answer you wanted, but it worked well for me. I don't work in the trade anymore. Of course you are going to get many different points of view on this subject

im fairly certain this is the best answer you could have ever hoped for....

its actually amazing to me how much is rebranded...

i have a deep offset 13mm x 15mm double box end wrench from cman pro....the A tech there has the same type of wrench from matco...they are IDENTICAL except mine was 11.95 at sears and his was 40 from matco...

same goes with an irwin bit set i picked up off amazon....SAME EXACT set except the case was matco red...was in the A techs box...i asked him how much he paid for his after i told him i paid 50 for my irwin set....he mumbled a couple swear words and said somewhere in the 200-300 range

insane!...do research...and borrow others tools ***ALWAYS RETURN THEM*** and find out what tools fit YOUR hands best....some like a mac wrench in their hand over a cman...some vise versa....just research before blindly buying

 

[65Riviera]

wow, thanx for all the replies... i've heard about the rebranding issue, i'm glad you guys brought it up. that's the kind've advice I was looking for... i'll keep an eye out for the proto's, etc...

as for how long I'll be using these, from now on is the answer. i'm just now getting back to some of my real passions in life and i doubt i'll make that mistake again.

as for borrowing tools, i come from a predominately craftsman/ whatever works crowd... i know it's not the tool that makes the mechanic, i just want to sort've reward myself for all the hard work i've done with a set of tools that will make my life easier...

through the years i've collected a bunch of vintage and oddly shaped wrenches that i don't use a lot but do come in handy when i need em...

any recommendations on a good medium size "starter" box?? like I said, I'm looking for a vintage so box, but are there any things in particular i should look out for?? just curious, my available space is about 6' wide ,

 

[Merkava_4]

Get some Snap-on 80 series ratchets and some Cornwell full polish combination wrenches.

 

[Danglerb]

You need tools to match the job, and rebuilding a motor could make for a very odd combination of tools depending on budget and how fussy you are about doing it right.

When I rotate my tires I use Harbor Freight, a $10 breaker bar, $25 set of impacts for lug nuts, and a $12 clicker torque wrench.

When I put an engine together I borrow my friends $500 Snapon Techangle electronic torque wrench.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=19918&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Unless you have a really fat wallet, you need to buy with care, Harbor Freight when it works, and SnapOn etc. when you need it, or just want it.

Here is a link to a list of tools for a trade school mechanics course.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12467

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

hello all,

1. it's been a while since i did any serious wrenching (other than basic upkeep and maintenance), ....
i have a couple engine rebuilds and general restoration projects (also some fabrications) in my near future so I'm looking to slowly make my life easier by upgrading tools.

2. i've always been found of snap on, but my question is what tools should I be trying to upgrade first- absolute must haves. and then maybe suggestions on highly recommended, etc..
3. i know off the truck tools are better. i guess i need bang for buck. i will be slowly replacing all tools, but i can't wait to start these projects, so what do you guys think?? i'm definitely going for some snap on ratchets, love those. but i've lead a craftsman

1. Upgrading tools, with projects coming up........hmmm
2. Must haves, well, the ones you are unhappy with of course. No reason to buy better if your happy. Put the money in the project!
As for recommendations, I recommend Snap-on for flare nut wrenches, if your dealing with a lot of rust.
3. No reason for apologizing for Craftsman, if they did the job for you. If you want to go into more detail about the projects and your current tools, you can get some better recommendations. Do you have things like a Tap and die set?(your fabrication comment) Rethreaders? (restoring damaged threads on anything) Brake tools? (doing a complete brake system?) Wobble sockets? (reaching inaccessible places)

I have a couple of friends who have built hot rods. One B&M's all the time about how much he spent in tools (did one vehicle, his dream vehicle), now most of them sit (and he paid retail in a lot of cases) and he could have done more with the money he spent.

Tools are a means to an end.

 

[65Riviera]

harbor freight really??? every tool i've bought from them just fell apart, bent or somehow became unuseful in a very short period of time. the only thing i still use is a hand brush to clean off my workspace...


yeah I definitely want to upgrade with a project coming up... there were many times when I would've paid anything to have the right tool to save me hours of frustrations!!! I do plan to take my time upgrading, I don't plan on buying everything off the truck. Since I plan to have many many projects, I don't think there will be a time to just focus on tools. i look at it like buying the right tools is part of the expence of a project. I do things the hard way, searching the internet and estate sales are how I buy almost everything, I only pay face value when I have to ... That is why i'd like to have a "list" of things to keep an eye out for.


just upgrading the tools i'm unhappy with may be tough considering in most cases i don't know any better so that's why I'm asking you guys your opinion based on trial and error and experience. it seems most of you have been able to directly compare various tools, something I'm not able to do...


thanx for the list dangler... I'd love to have that as a "start", but it's something to shoot for....

i have a craftsman tap and die set with a few misc extra taps. I do not have rethreaders or a full set of wobble sockets. in fact, i have an inadequate set of sockets. i have the basics (both impact and regular), but that's it. the majority of my deep sets and specialty sockets were stolen a few years ago from my garage, so since i plan on getting more, any recommendations??

 

[back2class]

Please don't buy tools from Harbor Freight!!!!!

With exceptions I can count on one hand they do not belong in any shop....

 

[Merkava_4]

Tools are a means to an end.

So are condoms, but that doesn't mean you can't at least get SOME enjoyment out of them.

 

[HandyManny]

wow, thanx for all the replies... i've heard about the rebranding issue, i'm glad you guys brought it up. that's the kind've advice I was looking for... i'll keep an eye out for the proto's, etc...

as for how long I'll be using these, from now on is the answer. i'm just now getting back to some of my real passions in life and i doubt i'll make that mistake again.

as for borrowing tools, i come from a predominately craftsman/ whatever works crowd... i know it's not the tool that makes the mechanic, i just want to sort've reward myself for all the hard work i've done with a set of tools that will make my life easier...

through the years i've collected a bunch of vintage and oddly shaped wrenches that i don't use a lot but do come in handy when i need em...

any recommendations on a good medium size "starter" box?? like I said, I'm looking for a vintage so box, but are there any things in particular i should look out for?? just curious, my available space is about 6' wide ,

I may sound like I'm talking from both ends of my mouth about Craftsman, being that I've been blasting Sears and Cman lately. But, truth is that there is nothing wrong at all with Cman wrenches, sockets, extensions, screwdrivers, and many of their specialized automotive tools. Contrary to what some other people will tell you, these tools do work and do hold up to professional use in a work environment. You'll find that in some instances with wrenches and even ratchets, Craftsman, Armstrong, and MATCO will be the exact same Danaher made product, just with different brand names stamped into them. I don't really consider many of Craftsman tools as a "whatever works" type tools, but as a tool that can and does hold up to professional daily use every day somewhere in this country.

 

[Art From De Leon]

With all the truck brand tools on ebay and CL nowadays, there is absolutely NO reason to buy DIY 'quality' or brand tools.

Start off with the best, and you will never regret it.

 

[sberry]

I have one small set of Snappy 6 pt end wrenches, there have been occasions where they did help, probably as much to do with being 6 as anything else, I have a ton of different brands, I never look, just dont figure that the bolt knows the difference.

Contrary to what some other people will tell you, these tools do work and do hold up to professional use in a work environment. You'll find that in some instances with wrenches and even ratchets, Craftsman, Armstrong, and MATCO will be the exact same Danaher made product, just with different brand names stamped into them. I don't really consider many of Craftsman tools as a "whatever works" type tools, but as a tool that can and does hold up to professional daily use every day somewhere in this country.

I will agree with that, I had some breakage from some new Sears sockets right out of the box though but once replaced not an issue. My stuff gets beat hard,,, wayyyyyyy beyond the service they would ever see at home/hobby shop.

 

[Joelfke]

But, truth is that there is nothing wrong at all with Cman wrenches, sockets, extensions, screwdrivers, and many of their specialized automotive tools. Contrary to what some other people will tell you, these tools do work and do hold up to professional use in a work environment. You'll find that in some instances with wrenches and even ratchets, Craftsman, Armstrong, and MATCO will be the exact same Danaher made product, just with different brand names stamped into them. I don't really consider many of Craftsman tools as a "whatever works" type tools, but as a tool that can and does hold up to professional daily use every day somewhere in this country.

absolutely...im still a rookie and an intern....but a couple of the techs i work with have cman for wrenches sockets and extensions...and snapon/mac/matco for specialty items...

they have broken some snapon swivel impacts before breaking a cman impact swivel...and the cman is a fraction of the price