Need new tools, seeking input

[madspeed50]

So now that I have y garage project nearing completion, I have my New Age cabinets installed and slowly filling. I'm think for a winter project I will pick up some kaizen foam and make some custom cutout inserts for my tool drawers.

Looking at my hodgepodge of tools acquired over the years, I'd like to start replacing many of them. Seeking some recommendations not as to the specific tool s(unless you have some that are must haves), but mor elike which brands to go with or stay away from for each segment, ie. Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches etc. I've been reading quite a bit here lately and it seems there really isn't a LIST of this type. I'd be greatly interested in hearing some input from you more experience tool gurus.

Hobby garage, household type work, no heavy mechanic stuff. Will be initially seeking:

1. Screwdriver set
2. Pliers set
3. Ratcheting wrenches
4. Miscellaneous must haves

Not really needing the best of the best, but want something that will last for years without worries of needing to replace.

 

[kythri]

There's no one list, because none of us agree on anything.

 

[madspeed50]

There's no one list, because none of us agree on anything.

How about a Good, Better, Best list per category?? Probably get at least a few things in common!

 

[nate_g_2003]

As a service tech for industrial water transfer pumps, I've been really impressed with Sunex impact sockets, and Genius combo wrenches. Probably a bit too heavy for what you need, but quality lasts.

I also have the Milwaukee 6 piece screwdriver set, and the 2 piece demo driver set, and love them. The demo flat blade doubles as a pry bar, and the phillips as a line up tool for flanges and the like.

Allen/hex keys: Wiha ProStars, and some cheap Husky folding sets for my field bag

Pliers are an assortment of Channellocks and Klein Tools.

I've also had pretty good luck with the individual Husky ratcheting combos sold at THD. Didnt have a need for a full set, so I just bought the few most commonly used sizes. Warranting them is a breeze at my local store, and buying a wrench at a time as the need comes has made it reasonable on the wallet.

 

[madspeed50]

I did stumble upon this topic with some good info

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431604&highlight=craftsman+pliers

 

[measuredtwice]

These topics usually pop on forums because a fellow doesn't want to wade through multiple posts and is looking for easy answers. And easy answers will lead you to a new hodge podge collection of tools instead of the best quality tools for your needs and budget. Trying to condense this entire section of the forum into one topic is just going to end up with a mess. And in the end you'll make poor choices.

Instead, why don't you provide some meaningful parameters with what you are looking for each of the individual tools that you want? For example -->There are lots of different types of pliers but you don't take the time to list something as basic as the type of pliers. And there are lots of particulars to consider for each type. Same with screwdrivers. You don't even list whether you want torx or phillips or flat... or soft handles are hard handles... parallel tip slotted, hollow ground slotted, or chisel tip slotted... insulated or not insulated... USA or foreign.

If you don't know what tools you want.. well... then you probably don't need the tools and won't use the tools.

 

[jimmyin3D]

So now that I have y garage project nearing completion, I have my New Age cabinets installed and slowly filling. I'm think for a winter project I will pick up some kaizen foam and make some custom cutout inserts for my tool drawers.

Looking at my hodgepodge of tools acquired over the years, I'd like to start replacing many of them. Seeking some recommendations not as to the specific tool s(unless you have some that are must haves), but mor elike which brands to go with or stay away from for each segment, ie. Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches etc. I've been reading quite a bit here lately and it seems there really isn't a LIST of this type. I'd be greatly interested in hearing some input from you more experience tool gurus.

Hobby garage, household type work, no heavy mechanic stuff. Will be initially seeking:

1. Screwdriver set
2. Pliers set
3. Ratcheting wrenches
4. Miscellaneous must haves

Not really needing the best of the best, but want something that will last for years without worries of needing to replace.

Alot of people stand by the edict of “buy once, cry once” and I definetley agree. Especially with certain tools you can get the “better” brands for about the same price of the cheapo brands.

Honestly you have to see what your budget is and what kind of work you’ll be doing. But start researching brands in America, Germany, and Japan you’ll find the price point to be very fair.

Here are some Examples:
Koken and their premium line Koken Zeal (Sockets, Ratchets, Extensions, Adapters, Sparkplug Sockets, Universal adapters: Made in Japan Quality)
Stahlwille (Deep offset box wrenches, Type 13 and 14 wrenches: German)
Trusty Cook (Dead blow hammers: USA)
Keiba (Special brass ring joint, makes amazing pliers Japanese Made)
NWS (German tool company similar to Knipex that make great pliers/cutters)
PB Swiss (Anything Hex or Torx related is awesome, screwdrivers have great fit: Swiss Made)
Facom (One of the best Oil Filter wrenches our there, there Series 500 Locking pliers are superb, also makes French pattern hammers: French company)
Vessel (JIS Type screwdrivers: Japan)
Sunflag (Small pry tools: Japan)
Vim (More extensive hex/torx sockets and super durable has complete sets: Taiwan)
Snap On (FD+ wrenches, zero offset long box wrenches, heavy duty torx removal sockets, huge line of ratchets in all types, pliers too: USA)
SK Tools (Decent quality sockets, ratchets are tried and true round heads, makes the best adjustable trim clip tool: USA)
Anex (Makes safety type trim clip pullers in different angles and styles: Japan)
Wiha (Affordable German screwdrivers, Has one of the best system 4 micro bit sets out there, Precision screwdrivers in all types are great)
KTC (makes great Oil Filter cups I believe the OEM for a few Japanese makers)
Top (Adjustable wrenches zero type with their worm drive is super secure:Japan)
Bojo (Plastic scrapers and trim tools: Made in USA and the OEM for SO)

The list keeps going on, most Tool brands don’t make the best of everything but rather a few select items. Lots of researching and trying different tools got me to have what I have today. Good luck!



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Check out my Tools for sale!

 

[_Riddle]

Channellock has an 8 piece tool roll that I think is a good set for the money and should cover most of what you need. I've been happy with mine and now starting to fill in gaps with Knipex stuff.

 

[Coach James]

There's no one list, because none of us agree on anything.

I think you're wrong about that.


Coach

 

[Dave455]

There are loads of good ‘mid range’ manufacturers you can chose from. You just have to work a bit harder, ‘cos the distributors tend to really push the stuff they make the biggest margins on (I.e, the imports)

Don’t get too hung up about buying sets either, just buy what you need. If there’s a big saving to be made buying a set, see above re margins!

Screwdrivers - for something with a reasonable life, get some with hard durable handles. The older Wilde, or Proto from Epstein’s, or the excellent U.S. made Williams from ToolsDelivered.com.

Pliers - can’t go too far wrong with Channellock. Again, just get what you need.

Wrenches - do you need ratcheting? If I didn’t have any, I’d start with some regular combination wrenches first. Wright, SK, whatever you fancy. Buying U.S. made wrenches in satin or black will be better value than buying imported.

Misc must haves. A ball pein hammer, soft face hammer, some punches and some hex keys! Vaughan or Estwing will sell you hammers that will last a lifetime and have a decent balance. Punches, buy according to use, you get what you pay for. Hex keys, Bondhus, Eklind etc are fine!

Have a look at Epstein’s website for further ideas, often U.S. made tools at reasonable prices. Maybe pick up the MSC catalogue too. Great for metalworking stuff and have some reasonable tools too!

Happy shopping!

 

[bczygan]

So now that I have y garage project nearing completion, I have my New Age cabinets installed and slowly filling. I'm think for a winter project I will pick up some kaizen foam and make some custom cutout inserts for my tool drawers.

Looking at my hodgepodge of tools acquired over the years, I'd like to start replacing many of them. Seeking some recommendations not as to the specific tool s(unless you have some that are must haves), but mor elike which brands to go with or stay away from for each segment, ie. Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches etc. I've been reading quite a bit here lately and it seems there really isn't a LIST of this type. I'd be greatly interested in hearing some input from you more experience tool gurus.

Hobby garage, household type work, no heavy mechanic stuff. Will be initially seeking:

1. Screwdriver set
2. Pliers set
3. Ratcheting wrenches
4. Miscellaneous must haves

Not really needing the best of the best, but want something that will last for years without worries of needing to replace.

4 items isn't a list worth worrying about.

What specific work do you do, and more importantly, what exactly do you intend to do.

Bill

 

[kythri]

I think you're wrong about that.


Coach