Need tools!

[Vicegrips]

Hay guys and girls, I know there’s probably a million of these threads and I could probably get all my answers by just reading all of them all, which I’ve read a bunch. But I figured I could introduce myself here as well.

First I’d like to say thanks to the mods/admin of the forum, I’ve lurked around for a while and got a lot of great info as well as some giggles, and I’d like to thank everyone for posting their experience. It all makes for a great community which I hope I can add too in time.

I’m in my mid 40s(feel like late 80s) and have mostly been in construction my whole life, learning much from working(slaving) for my father until I started up my first business when I was 20 which was house painting. Only other job I had was for a hvac company installing black pipe. I mostly painted large homes on the big lakes in and around NH. My father did lots of industrial coatings on power plants, institutions, hospitals and schools, but then we started tackling these monstrosity that people called weekend cabins, most of which you could get lost in for a weekend. I started a sprayfoam insulation and roofing business about 10 years ago which I still do as well as industrial coatings, mostly epoxy floors, showers but also polyurea(bed liner) on water tanks or anything really that someone will pay me to spray. I’m a Merc in its truest sense. Hopefully I can post some pictures of some of the garage floors we have done, they are probably what I’m most proud of. I love to mountain bike when I’m not dead tired or broken and doing wood carving with carving chisels. Sorry for the book

Im in need of some new/mechanic tools. Im not a pro mechanic by any means but I end up working on my equipment and trucks, because like in the most recent situation my leaf springs snapped in my f550 on the way to work. We were close enough to the project and we to limped to the job so we could finish because it was a stripped roof and it was going to rain that night. Got the job done but called every truck guy, within 40 miles and local wrenches and no one wanted to touch it. I don’t blame them the forecast called for rain the next four days and the truck wasn’t moving. It was not a fun project, which was made worst by just having undercoated the truck with oil. Nothing like handling a slippery 200lbs piece of iron while laying in a puddle of water. After driving two hours to get springs only to relies we were give the wrong lighter springs and not the HD package I had asked for. I needed the rig on a project the next day so I put them in to keep on schedule, STUPID! Truck drove like a wet noodle on the highway lol. Still couldn’t get anyone to do the springs even if I helped them at night or during the weekend so I again installed them.

So to put a cap on this drawn out story, we broke and lost bunch of tools in mud and snow and would like to get at least what I now no long have 1/2”, 3/8” ratchet 1/2” breaker bar and one or two impact sockets. I might find them in the spring after the snow melts but not sure they will be salvageable. But I’m also thinking of getting a 3/4 ratchet set as well as a new impact gun. I’m not a pro mechanic by any means, if I’m turning a wrench I’m losing money, but I find myself doing these big projects working on my fathers or my equipment. My dad now has a small sawmill which thankfully I’ve not had to work on but I’ve changed both tracks on my dads skid steer, the main piston on his excavator and other things I’ve had no business doing

So I need good tools that I can depend on but I can’t pay tool truck prices, sound familiar? I’m hoping to get mid tear tools, ratchets at least, I have no brand loyalty. What I have is a mismatch of tools any ways. So please if I can have your suggestion please I’d be much appreciated!!! I was going to gab a few duralast ratchets and breakers but are the new ones any good? Or did they get moved to China? But I won’t turn my nose up if they are still turning out a quality product. What are people using for 3/4 stuff? Thanks for your help
Vice

 

[buckwheat_la]

I think if you have researched here enough you already have the answers to your questions. Gearwrench, Tekton, Craftsman, dewalt, Stanley, Carlyle, (many things off Amazon) etc etc. All well serve your purposes. To me Tekton and Gearwrench fit the best for my needs.

 

[jd_1138]

I wouldn't worry about having mismatched brands. If there are huge holes in your sets, you can save money and buy sets. Make a list of the sizes in metric and SAE and get at least once of each (preferable 2) and at least get 2 lengths of sockets -- also impact and regular sockets.

HF even has some decent stuff for super cheap -- breaker bars, impact sockets, composite ratchets. Napa Carlyle house brand, GW, Tekton, SK are all good.

Get some Knipex Cobra pliers.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Pittsburgh pro, Tekton and Gearwrench. Stick to these and pick and choose what you want. No need to overthink it

 

[scubadoober]

My only advise would be shorter posts.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'd be on Craiglist, the classifieds, eBay, Amazon, and other other websites researching.

Nothing we can tell you that hasn't been said a million times. Buy something and if it doesn't work out long term, buy a better replacement. It's going to cost something to buy, so research and don't make decisions based on pictures of what's got the best chrome.

 

[marineman]

I would do harbor freight for ratchets and breaker bars, sunex or tekton for sockets and wrenches, channellock for pliers and wera for screwdrivers. The Tekton ratchets get good reviews around here but I haven't used one yet. Not saying they're better as I know my time is coming but I use everything on that list working on semis every day and the only tool I've ever had to warranty is a snapon flathead screwdriver (I told the driver I was using it as a prybar, he was fine with it).

I would hold off on 3/4 until you have a job that really needs it, it's not a real commonly used size for normal projects and even a cheap setup is expensive. In 3/4 you're generally talking torque values where cheap will get you hurt, pay the piper there.

 

[Vicegrips]

I wouldn't worry about having mismatched brands. If there are huge holes in your sets, you can save money and buy sets. Make a list of the sizes in metric and SAE and get at least once of each (preferable 2) and at least get 2 lengths of sockets -- also impact and regular sockets.

HF even has some decent stuff for super cheap -- breaker bars, impact sockets, composite ratchets. Napa Carlyle house brand, GW, Tekton, SK are all good.

Get some Knipex Cobra pliers.

I kinda didn’t think about sets, autozone is having 20% over $100 till the 10th
It’s funny how it doesn’t coast much more for a set that just a stand alone ratchet. I’m not sure any I saw had a flex head in them though, which I’d like to get in a short to standard length 3/8 and longer 1/2. Knipex pliers are soo nice! I’ve used them at the bike shop but never dropped the dough, that should definitely be a 2018 buy. Thanks for the reply

 

[John in OH]

If you are willing to spend a few extra bucks for US-made tools, check out Wright and SK. Excellent quality tools.

 

[Danglerb]

HF get it all at once, NO WAY. One tool at a time with a 20% off coupon and a free item. Stick to the basics, and upgrade anything you want a better tool.

 

[Vicegrips]

I would do harbor freight for ratchets and breaker bars, sunex or tekton for sockets and wrenches, channellock for pliers and wera for screwdrivers. The Tekton ratchets get good reviews around here but I haven't used one yet. Not saying they're better as I know my time is coming but I use everything on that list working on semis every day and the only tool I've ever had to warranty is a snapon flathead screwdriver (I told the driver I was using it as a prybar, he was fine with it).

I would hold off on 3/4 until you have a job that really needs it, it's not a real commonly used size for normal projects and even a cheap setup is expensive. In 3/4 you're generally talking torque values where cheap will get you hurt, pay the piper there.

I’ve never had good luck with everything I’ve bought from HF, it either broke or was so uncomfortable or what ever it never got used. There’s a store about a 1.5 hours away but. I’d like to see/feel some of these cheap wonders I’d never have considered before. A friend that drives trucks told me tonight, him and his son has had great luck with tekton. If their ratchets get the pass that would make it easier buying from amazon even though I’d prefer to deal with someone face to face if I do have a failure. I have about 3-4 projects a year where a 3/4 would make life’s a lot easier. I missed out on what seemed like a pretty good deal of used strap-on 3/4 ratchet and sockets for $300 locally. I did work with an old friend working on heavy equipment one summer that was an good mechanic and all around great guy, he had all truck tools. I really enjoyed using the SO stuff. I used to always prefer a quality used tool than a cheaper new tool. But this forum has swayed my thinking. I wonder if anyone has experience with this set on amazon, I can’t post the link but it’s the 3/4 tekton set on amazon

 

[Vicegrips]

If you are willing to spend a few extra bucks for US-made tools, check out Wright and SK. Excellent quality tools.

I would definitely spend more for local quality products. I really like the SK tools I have but those are older than I am from my grandfather. I never think of SK when I think of ratchet/sockets, only wrenches because that’s all I’ve ever used. The wright tools seem very interesting. I would love some flex head ratcheting wrenches. What kind of ment to ask was if anyone has bought a duralast ratchet lately that was up to the standards of 6-8 years ago?

 

[jd_1138]

I kinda didn’t think about sets, autozone is having 20% over $100 till the 10th
It’s funny how it doesn’t coast much more for a set that just a stand alone ratchet. I’m not sure any I saw had a flex head in them though, which I’d like to get in a short to standard length 3/8 and longer 1/2. Knipex pliers are soo nice! I’ve used them at the bike shop but never dropped the dough, that should definitely be a 2018 buy. Thanks for the reply

Yeah the flexhead wrenches and also ratchets (rotos too) are useful. Everyone should have at least a couple sizes of the Knipex. They are awesome. I think they have a lifetime warranty. Definitely worth it. I think the 3 size set is like $80 or you can get one pair for $30 or so.

 

[brooktre]

Do you need standard / metric / both?
Do you need sockets / wrenches / both?
How much do you want to spend?

 

[mowkep]

I would start by buying all the ones I have listed in the classifieds....lol

 

[marineman]

I’ve never had good luck with everything I’ve bought from HF, it either broke or was so uncomfortable or what ever it never got used. There’s a store about a 1.5 hours away but. I’d like to see/feel some of these cheap wonders I’d never have considered before. A friend that drives trucks told me tonight, him and his son has had great luck with tekton. If their ratchets get the pass that would make it easier buying from amazon even though I’d prefer to deal with someone face to face if I do have a failure. I have about 3-4 projects a year where a 3/4 would make life’s a lot easier. I missed out on what seemed like a pretty good deal of used strap-on 3/4 ratchet and sockets for $300 locally. I did work with an old friend working on heavy equipment one summer that was an good mechanic and all around great guy, he had all truck tools. I really enjoyed using the SO stuff. I used to always prefer a quality used tool than a cheaper new tool. But this forum has swayed my thinking. I wonder if anyone has experience with this set on amazon, I can’t post the link but it’s the 3/4 tekton set on amazon

Harbor freight has come a long way in quality the last couple of years but it's not worth an hour and a half drive to get them. It's rumored that Tekton ratchets come out of the same factory as the new harbor freight ones. From stories here Tekton warranty is pretty painless. Some farm stores and meijer carry tekton in store but usually not the full line. I also have a handful of gearwrench ratchets that don't give me any trouble but their warranty sounds questionable from others on here.

If you like SK tools there's nothing wrong with them just personal preference for the price I don't care for their ratchets, not much more to go for snapon dual 80's which I love.

Overall just buy whatever is convenient for you. In the mid level tool market nowadays there's about 100 companies selling tools from the same 3 factories in Taiwan/China and they're all decent. Chinese tools have come a long way since the days of broken knuckles from cheap round head ratchets.

 

[Vicegrips]

Yeah the flexhead wrenches and also ratchets (rotos too) are useful. Everyone should have at least a couple sizes of the Knipex. They are awesome. I think they have a lifetime warranty. Definitely worth it. I think the 3 size set is like $80 or you can get one pair for $30 or so.



It’s a thing of beauty! But I don’t think I I’d let it in one of my sprayfoam rigs, lots of unholy things happen inside that would give a high end tool owner nightmares, everything is such high pressure, high heat, with lots of vibration with a 7hp compressor, 85h diesel generator. I try to spot check every so often to tighten material lines but it’s all ways fun to step into the rig and find one of the hoses spraying everywhere on tools or components. Happened to a new extra large par of of channel lock pliers I just bought. It’s easy to clean off metal but when the unreactived A material which is basically gurila glue, gets all over the rubber handle of something it and doesn’t get cleaned right away it makes it hard and slippery

 

[Vicegrips]

Do you need standard / metric / both?
Do you need sockets / wrenches / both?
How much do you want to spend?

Yes,yes,yes
Yes,yes,yes
Lol
If all my tools were in one place I’d have a pretty comprehensive collection, but they are generally scattered between a job, a rig, my shop, and home
it’s incredibly frustrating at times to do what would be a relatively easy project only to have the tool that we need in an other location. That probably why a lot of tools get broken or modified. I don’t mind spending more to gain quality and performance. I should have mentioned I have a NAPA, autozone, oRelies close by

 

[ChrisLS8]

I was at HD yesterday and saw the new black husky erenches with the ASD open ends for 20 bucks. Seems everyone is going that route

 

[brooktre]

Tekton tools are decent and can be purchased online. One nice thing about their sets is they don’t skip sizes. The 1/2 set below was as low as $135 (now sold out but should come up again at a similar price). Tekton also has a 3/8 and 1/4 set priced together for $80 on Amazon (#s 13001 and 13101).

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=382969

 

[woody 73]

Part of me screams buy American tools and support American companies but if I were a young man again and I had to start all over again, then I would be buying tools from over seas in order to save money and not go into heavy debt.

I would be looking at carlyle Tools from Napa as they are in most towns and getting replacements should be very easy and out the door that day.

https://www.carlyletools.com/

Hope that helps you out.

 

[Vicegrips]

Part of me screams buy American tools and support American companies but if I were a young man again and I had to start all over again, then I would be buying tools from over seas in order to save money and not go into heavy debt.

I would be looking at carlyle Tools from Napa as they are in most towns and getting replacements should be very easy and out the door that day.

https://www.carlyletools.com/

Hope that helps you out.

I’m not really young, or definitely don’t feel it, I try to support all my local stores and supplier even though I can get my same material from across the country for much cheaper so I’d like to buy USA made tools, BUT I hate paying more for less quality and poor CS. When I was 18 and turned black pile, the America Pipe had something like 15-20% leak rate so we’d had to go back and take care of it. My boss was a vet, pretty crazy guy, someone I expected to see on the news. He wouldn’t let me use my dewalt drill or other tools because it wasn’t made here. He’d throw it outside. He only would want Milwaukee, only! But he finally went to the Mexican pipe one because it only was a 2% failure rate. He held out for as long as possible even though price was 1/3 less for the mex Pipe


I’m just clearing all my dept except one car payment so I’m not racking up a few cards just to have full box of snaps

I’ve bought a few wrenches from Napa, but I only modify to fix a specific problem on some equipment on the job where I couldn’t wait for a specialty tool, are you talking about Everlast stuff?

 

[OHMS LAW]

Get some harbor freight stuff. Cheap enough it won’t hurt when you lose them and quality enough to get **** done with out ruining fasteners. Any tradesmen worth his salt can do just about any repair with those tools. Refine your collection as you go but 1/2 drive impact socket set 20 bucks, 10 dollar rat 10 dollar breaker bar and 10 dollar set of pry bars can get your leaf springs changed

 

[Vicegrips]

Get some harbor freight stuff. Cheap enough it won’t hurt when you lose them and quality enough to get **** done with out ruining fasteners. Any tradesmen worth his salt can do just about any repair with those tools. Refine your collection as you go but 1/2 drive impact socket set 20 bucks, 10 dollar rat 10 dollar breaker bar and 10 dollar set of pry bars can get your leaf springs changed

Leafs are changed for the 2nd time and after I had a custom pack put together with an extra leaf and a four pack of helpers instead of just one, so I hope I won’t be doing them again any time soon but who knows. I don’t mind using cheap stuff for 1/4-3/8 stuff but I’ve never had luck using anything bigger from the junk store down the road that sells no name china garbage.
How dose a tool breakage work with HF when you can’t get to a store?

 

[Rickster]

Need to scroll down to the GJ Classifieds!

 

[Vicegrips]

Need to scroll down to the GJ Classifieds!

Wow you’ve got a lot! I guess you need to put me together a package

 

[M6erfan]

Napa's Carlyle brand hand tools are very good and when bought on sale a great value. If you have a Napa nearby I'd definitely check them out. Most is made in Taiwan, very good quality.

Edit: GJ member 1foxracing has a good video on Napa Carlyle sockets, wrenches, and ratchets

 

[OHMS LAW]

There’s a guy at work in our hydraulic dept that all he does is R&r cylinders and tear downs on all types of heavy equipment. Uses HF 1/2 sockets with some kobalt mixed In. Also uses craftsman wrenches. Been doing it for 20 years. Hasn’t broken anything that I know of. But either way HF impact sockets hold up great. I still have the first set of HF impacts I bought almost 10 years ago. I keep them in my emergency tool bag in my truck and hold up great to abuse.

 

[Vicegrips]

I forgot about a junk shop down the street that sells cheap tools and stuff for around the house. A buddy that drives semis buys his 3/4 impacts there and has had good luck so far. Not sure about the warranty. I’d rather stick to a larger company for when I break something. My local Napa is pretty pathetic, when I have to tell them about certain diesel additives and what not as well as all tools would be special orders because I have to walk down some stairs to the basement to see the what few tools they have on hand and wipe off a 1/8” of dust to see what they are, frustrating because I want to buy local but they don’t have very much. That’s why I started looking at auto zone in the first place. They’ve got a much bigger section anyways

 

[d.mcfarland]

It's extremely hard to recommend anything if we have no idea what you're looking for.