New Millwright: Gray, Mac, Snap on

[petrocan94]

Hello everybody,
Hope you are all doing great.
I am finishing trade school ( construction millwright) in few months and since I have student discount with gray (35%), Mac (50%), snap on(35%) (Canada,Montreal ) I’m looking to get better tools as I do not like the the current wrench and ratchet set I got it’s an old gray set probably 20 years old or more) wrenches are all rough with some wholes in chrome and rust spots. And the ratchet is probably like 20 teeth and have the biggest back drag ever.
Edit: all my gray wrenches that have the polished finish and that have a currently produced serial number flakes and are rusted. However the really old ones I have which looks all beat up with a hammer and have the forging seam are not rusted and did not flake ??


So I’m looking for some new shiny stuff. Mac stuff looks cool, however I am a bit confused about paying very high price for Taiwanese stuff knowing that might not get a warranty since I never seen a Mac truc in my area. The new RBRT wrenches looks awesome though but I can’t find it on Canadian website.

Also there is something bothering me with gray, it looks like they do not improve their products everything look almost the same as it did 30 years ago. They do not have anti slip design.

And snap on is just expensive hahahaha

Which brand do you recommend me ( also I like quality and ergonomic tools) for sockets, ratchet, wrench, screwdriver, for ratchet accessories. Can be all different brands

Thank you very much

 

[Ton ton]

Mac tool trucks are a bit under the radar. They don't seem to have the flashy graphics that snap on trucks have. Definitely go with gray pneumatic stuff if it's available locally.

 

[lardy1]

I don't see anything wrong with any of the options. Mac and SO are excellent tools. Gray I'm not real familiar with. I will add a tidbit of thought for a newer constrction worker to ponder. Construction sites can be smorgasbord for thieves. If you aren't going to be able to monitor your tools at all times I'd be hesitant to carry top tier tools onto the site. I would also caution you about investing heavily right out of the gate. /Stick with the required and add to it as needed and as affordable.

Good luck on your career. There is no shame in dirty hands.

 

[Tynee]

Congrats on your impending graduation, good luck as you start your career, and welcome to Garage Journal!!

You really can't go wrong with any of the options listed above as well as several others more known for their industrial tools, like Wright. My only real advice here is make a zero debt non-negotiable pledge with yourself. Regardless of the temptation to buy everything you could ever need while you have the sizable discounts available to you, you're going to come out WAY ahead in the long run to continue using the old beat up tools you currently have while you save cash for upgrades down the road. In other words, you're much better off to pay higher prices in cash later than to borrow money to buy at lower prices now.

 

[petrocan94]

Thanks for the replies.

You really can't go wrong with any of the options listed above as well as several others more known for their industrial tools, like Wright. My only real advice here is make a zero debt non-negotiable pledge with yourself. Regardless of the temptation to buy everything you could ever need while you have the sizable discounts available to you, you're going to come out WAY ahead in the long run to continue using the old beat up tools you currently have while you save cash for upgrades down the road. In other words, you're much better off to pay higher prices in cash later than to borrow money to buy at lower prices now.

I am currently a locksmith and I recently did A LOT of overtime so I can spend around 1200$ CAD. I do truly appreciate your recommendations regarding debt.
I plan to buy ratchet/sockets/wrenches and that’s about it for now the rest I will buy used or go cheap. Also wright looks pretty great however with student discount Mac is a bit cheaper and easier to get in Canada

Mac tool trucks are a bit under the radar. They don't seem to have the flashy graphics that snap on trucks have. Definitely go with gray pneumatic stuff if it's available locally.

Unfortunately it’s not gray pneumatic but Gray Tools . A Canadian industrial brand. However I called them regarding warranty for chrome flaking and they do not replace under warranty. Mac on the under hand will do if it happens.

 

[lardy1]

You are exploring a higher caliber of tools in your original post but be informed that Tekton offers student discounts as well. I'm not comparing or recommending. Just making you aware.

 

[Tynee]

Unfortunately it’s not gray pneumatic but Gray Tools . A Canadian industrial brand.

I'm in Kentucky, so relatively far from the border, but still ran across a Gray toolbox a couple years back. It's a beast!!

 

[petrocan94]

You are exploring a higher caliber of tools in your original post but be informed that Tekton offers student discounts as well. I'm not comparing or recommending. Just making you aware.

Thank you, that’s great to know !

 

[petrocan94]

I'm in Kentucky, so relatively far from the border, but still ran across a Gray toolbox a couple years back. It's a beast!!

Yes they were great !

 

[American Locomotive]

I'm just going to say that I used to work in both construction and then later manufacturing - and I never saw anyone ever use Tool Truck Tools like Mac or Snap-On. I'd routinely see people put together giant multi-million dollar machines with castings weighing multi-tens-of-thousands-of-pounds each and they used tools from industrial suppliers. Tools like Wright, Proto, Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore, Wiha, Wera and so on. That's not to say Mac and Snap-On tools aren't great - they are, it's just that they tend to be extra shiny and flashy with an exorbitant price tag to make newly minted auto mechanics lust after them. I rarely see industrial mechanics use tool truck tools.

You can get a Wright WrightGrip 2.0 wrench set (which are every bit as good, if not better than Snap-On FD+ wrenches) for about HALF the cost of Snap-On. You could buy twice as many wrenches for the same money, or ~25% more even factoring in the 35% Snap-On student discount.

IMO, stick to the industrial brands for industrial work. Their chrome might not be as polished, but they are every bit as strong and you'll save a ton of money. No one cares how shiny your chrome is when that production line or oil rig needed to be running 2 weeks ago. You're going to be extra sad when your coworker says you're going to have to cut-up and bend your super shiny $85 Snap-On 24mm wrench to fit in some tight space - because that's the reality of millwright work.

 

[Blackmarket]

I was a Millwright in a paper mill for quite a while. I started with a lot of 2nd hand tools and then upgraded as I went along. Here's my opinion:

Gray, Not available in my area so I'm not familiar with them.

Mac, good tools. But if there isn't a truck dealer nearby ( which there never seems to be in my area). I'd pass. Too hard to warranty if you have troubles or need something.

Snap On, I'm partial to as we had a truck come every Friday and they're great tools. I started out slow by buying tools that I knew I needed and were better than the competitors. Ratchets. The longer !/2"dr would come on sale occasionally and they're fantastic. All of the guys used theirs everyday. Prybars. Same thing. Wait till they're on sale. Punches and chisel sets. Probably the best I've used. Allen head sockets, the same. Now, if a truck is not available to you. All of the other industrial brands listed by the others are very good too.

Now, like I've said. If you're patient. All these items will come up on sale. You just need to pick at it when you can. No need to put the Snap On guys kids and grandkids through college. It's very easy to get in over your head with them as they have payment plans to lure you in.

Another great means to get tools is Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes a deal can be found on Ebay as well. Older Millwright's retiring will often sell most of their stuff as well.

A little at a time. You don't need it all right away.
Good luck.
P.s. I hope you have thick skin...us Millwrights are a rare breed!

 

[petrocan94]

I was a Millwright in a paper mill for quite a while. I started with a lot of 2nd hand tools and then upgraded as I went along. Here's my opinion:

Gray, Not available in my area so I'm not familiar with them.

Mac, good tools. But if there isn't a truck dealer nearby ( which there never seems to be in my area). I'd pass. Too hard to warranty if you have troubles or need something.

Snap On, I'm partial to as we had a truck come every Friday and they're great tools. I started out slow by buying tools that I knew I needed and were better than the competitors. Ratchets. The longer !/2"dr would come on sale occasionally and they're fantastic. All of the guys used theirs everyday. Prybars. Same thing. Wait till they're on sale. Punches and chisel sets. Probably the best I've used. Allen head sockets, the same. Now, if a truck is not available to you. All of the other industrial brands listed by the others are very good too.

Now, like I've said. If you're patient. All these items will come up on sale. You just need to pick at it when you can. No need to put the Snap On guys kids and grandkids through college. It's very easy to get in over your head with them as they have payment plans to lure you in.

Another great means to get tools is Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes a deal can be found on Ebay as well. Older Millwright's retiring will often sell most of their stuff as well.

A little at a time. You don't need it all right away.
Good luck.
P.s. I hope you have thick skin...us Millwrights are a rare breed!

Thank you very much for your answer

 

[Buckgnarly]

I get all the discounts being an auto instructor, so here goes......

Snap On is great, especially the weekly (used to be one day deals, now like week or more deals). Dual 80s cannot be beat IMHO. Flare wrenches are second to none along with hex bit sockets. Lots of good stuff on the SEP site, but not everything is on there. IF you work in an industrial environment after school, good chance your company will still get a discount. Our school rep is actually an industrial rep, and sometimes I think those guys get more products at discount.

MAC has the best knurled extensions, and the RBRT stuff is no joke, GREAT stuff, especially the hex. I have gotten LOTS of RBRT stuff and have been 100% happy with all. Almost everything "good" is available through PROTO, but prices don't compare to the MAC discount. Also, sometimes you have to email MAC to get the student prices, the website is not always up to date.

No clue on Gray, though I wish I could try them out!

Tekton is FANTASTIC with their student/instructor program. 15% off, no shipping, and 10% back on purchases. Tools have survived 3 years with my animals, a few broken sockets, pliers and ratchets. Replacements were about 3 days out even to VT with a simple picture. GREAT company to work with, period. I am probably going to buy one of their CA made boxes this year actually to augment my HF tool cart at work.

This all may not apply to Canada for the student discounts, it's just my experience in the US.



White Mountain CC in NH has a mill wright program, and every time they come to our school it makes me wish I as 18 and going into that. It seems like a wicked cool field that has a TON of opportunities out there. Good luck!

 

[steel 35]

Places I worked Replaced lost or broken tool's;
Always upgraded.

 

[petrocan94]

I get all the discounts being an auto instructor, so here goes......

Snap On is great, especially the weekly (used to be one day deals, now like week or more deals). Dual 80s cannot be beat IMHO. Flare wrenches are second to none along with hex bit sockets. Lots of good stuff on the SEP site, but not everything is on there. IF you work in an industrial environment after school, good chance your company will still get a discount. Our school rep is actually an industrial rep, and sometimes I think those guys get more products at discount.

MAC has the best knurled extensions, and the RBRT stuff is no joke, GREAT stuff, especially the hex. I have gotten LOTS of RBRT stuff and have been 100% happy with all. Almost everything "good" is available through PROTO, but prices don't compare to the MAC discount. Also, sometimes you have to email MAC to get the student prices, the website is not always up to date.

No clue on Gray, though I wish I could try them out!

Tekton is FANTASTIC with their student/instructor program. 15% off, no shipping, and 10% back on purchases. Tools have survived 3 years with my animals, a few broken sockets, pliers and ratchets. Replacements were about 3 days out even to VT with a simple picture. GREAT company to work with, period. I am probably going to buy one of their CA made boxes this year actually to augment my HF tool cart at work.

This all may not apply to Canada for the student discounts, it's just my experience in the US.



White Mountain CC in NH has a mill wright program, and every time they come to our school it makes me wish I as 18 and going into that. It seems like a wicked cool field that has a TON of opportunities out there. Good luck!

What do you think of Mac wrench, socket, and ratchet ? I’m looking for the knuckle saver USA made set. And the USA made socket set as well as the USA made ratchet. Or do you recommend me to buy the snap on ratchet? With the deals I have, Mac is 50% off so way. Less expensive than snap on which is only 35 % off. I will buy some snap on tools as I try to have a Canada and US made only tool box ( main tools ). However I do not want to end up always replacing the tools under warranty. Because even with student deal it’s still really expensive compared to something like tekton. So I don’t want to pay just for warranty because cheap tools also have warranty.

 

[Buckgnarly]

What do you think of Mac wrench, socket, and ratchet ? I’m looking for the knuckle saver USA made set. And the USA made socket set as well as the USA made ratchet. Or do you recommend me to buy the snap on ratchet? With the deals I have, Mac is 50% off so way. Less expensive than snap on which is only 35 % off. I will buy some snap on tools as I try to have a Canada and US made only tool box ( main tools ). However I do not want to end up always replacing the tools under warranty. Because even with student deal it’s still really expensive compared to something like tekton. So I don’t want to pay just for warranty because cheap tools also have warranty.

I REALLY like the MAC US made sockets, the chrome is great....they are the same as Proto however, so price accordingly. The one 90 tooth MAC flex ratchet I have has become loose, so I have to warranty it. It's a long 3/8 flex head, and was never really tight. The SO dual 80s have never left me wanting anything else so I'm really a fan of those.

Wrenches I like Snap On, especially the flank drive plus. I can't say I have any experience with the knuckle savers though, but lots of people like them. I REALLY like my long flank drive plus wrenches from Snap On, I like the extra length.

If I were building a box from start as a young person, I'd get SO ratchets, MAC knurled extensions in all varients, SO (or maybe MAC) wrenches, and SO or MAC sockets in normal sizes.

Tekton has some GREAT hammers (Trusty Cook rebrand, but with Tekton warranty), screwdrivers, impacts, crowfoot, angle wrenches, and some other stuff. Thier chrome sockets are OK as well as their wrenches, but not as good as tool truck brands IMHO. When you get to bigger sizes and impacts however, you can't beat Tekton for value.

 

[steel 35]

Wrenches and Ratchets warranty is no good with cheaters on em!
See Previous post.

 

[KnurledNut]

@petrocan94
Are you planning to join a union?

 

[petrocan94]

@petrocan94
Are you planning to join a union?

Yes the International

 

[msharley]

Yes the International

I think? You would be well served with used Wright or Williams tools...(EBay)

Most of the Millwrights I've seen over the years tend to use those (Craftsman, used to be a thing....)....

As you gain experience (and hours), you may "upgrade" certain tools...to meet your needs...

Also, you can get good used Snap On or MAC tools on EBay, as well...

 

[lardy1]

It was a few years ago but when I joined the carpenters union I signed a pledge to use domestic tools when possible. That stayed very deep seated in me for a long time.

 

[Ton ton]

Thanks for the replies.

I am currently a locksmith and I recently did A LOT of overtime so I can spend around 1200$ CAD. I do truly appreciate your recommendations regarding debt.
I plan to buy ratchet/sockets/wrenches and that’s about it for now the rest I will buy used or go cheap. Also wright looks pretty great however with student discount Mac is a bit cheaper and easier to get in Canada

Unfortunately it’s not gray pneumatic but Gray Tools . A Canadian industrial brand. However I called them regarding warranty for chrome flaking and they do not replace under warranty. Mac on the under hand will do if it happens.

I appreciate the correction.

 

[Zewnten]

Other than Snap Om ratchets I vote industrial brands. Only buy the basics until you know what you meed.

 

[LWB]

As far as wrenches go, I've used all three this week. Gray, Snap on and Mac. I like the chunkiness and heft of the Gray. Their line is more suited to machinery IMO. The Snap on has a thinner beam/head and will be able to get into tighter places. The Snap on are not mine. My Macs are brand new and I absolutely love them so far. For myself they have the best feel. I'll try to remember to take a pic of all three wrenches together for you. I'm unsure on length.

Chrome sockets, I'd go Snap on or Mac and impacts I'd go Gray for cost. You are correct when saying Gray hasn't changed much in the while. But, the made in Canada means a lot to me and I like to support them.

 

[Boogerman]

Not a millwright, nor a mechanic, but I'm in odd position where I do essentially milwright work, as an independent contractor. My preference would be buy Snap-on ratchets. Usability, durability and warranty they beat everybody else overall. I'd buy Proto sockets, preferably used from ebay or such, to save money. If get Snap-on at similar price, or USA Williams, go with them also. Wrenches, I like Snap-on but Proto oval beams are some of the best for millwright (non automotive) type work. I have both, use the Proto for rougher work because they're tougher and wear well. Wright is pretty much the same story; I'd use them as well. If you can get used SK, their wrenches are okay too. I don't like Williams wrenches. I'd stay away from MAC imports, only buy the USA MAC if truck convenient to warranty. Buy Snap-on screwdrivers used if possible, warranty them every time you need; they good investment for that reason.

I had full polish set of Gray wrenches, they noticeably lower quality than others and chrome rusted/chipped easily. I'd only buy if cheaper than lower tier import tools that they similar in quality to. (think similar to HF quality here in US)

 

[scooby074]

Mastercraft and Princess Auto. No joke. Cheap. Replaceable. Walk in-Walk out no questions asked warranty No worries if they "disappear" not that they would like the "high end" brands.

Gray was the standard industrial tool in Canada. Nothing wrong with Gray at all. Tough, durable, working mans tools. Many still made in Canada. Pricey though. Most times I saw a Gray tool box, they were company owned tools, until I worked as a HD mechanic.

2nd last place I worked (sawmill), the millwrights mostly all had Canadian Tire sockets and ratchets. Some had SO stuff, but there were no huge, full on SO sets like youd see at an auto mechanics. It was all employee owned tools.

Last big big place I worked that had company supplied tools used to be all SO Industrial, then, do to cutbacks, started to replace SO with Westward, work still got done.

As a Millwright, do you really need more than this? I keed, I keed. (I Trained and worked as a Millwright /Ind. Elect. )

 

[2ndGearRubber]

FWIW here in the states, Mac and cornwell are very rare, then more common matco, then snap on for best availability. Don't be buying Mac thinking you'll have good warranty service. The tools are fine, but you're paying for the truck value of the equation, which IMO isn't commonly available.

What is a millwright? Historically, a millwright was a mechanic that kept a mill's machines running smoothly. Today, the millwright definition has expanded. It includes industrial mechanics in all sectors who install, maintain, repair, and disassemble industrial machines.

I think any basic sockets would work fine for that. I would spend money on ratchets, and wrenches. I like snap on, and wright respectively. For bit and torx sockets and keys, spend money. I would buy decent quality stuff like channellock, mayhew, etc. for your other needs.


IDK how the environment is, but if theft is an issue drop the quality down. If you're hourly, this isn't the worst thing in the world. Overall as starting out, spend less and upgrade to your particular needs. For instance, you may buy high end hex and torx bits, only to find out your facility has zero torx fasteners, or only uses 3 main sizes.

 

[LWB]

Mastercraft is always a great buy!

 

[matthew]

Gray ratchets do tend to be coarser, like other industrial brands. They do still offer 20 tooth versions, but you can get 40 tooth models. From using a friends ratchet I found I quite like the feel of their handles. For something like a long 1/2” I’d definitely look at Gray.

I’d also look at Williams or Proto, depending on which items and where you’re looking you may do as well on those as on discounted SnapOn or Gray.

 

[petrocan94]

It was a few years ago but when I joined the carpenters union I signed a pledge to use domestic tools when possible. That stayed very deep seated in me for a long time.

I try to do too

 

[WAID]

Harbor freight and craftsman are probably the most common I've seen at industrial sites and what all my family members had that did industrial maintenance work. A small number of other brands. Proto is the most common of the higher end brands that I've seen. I've been working in heavy industry for around 15 years now and have never seen a tool truck show up, though to be fair I am not in maintenance.

 

[BarrelRoll]

My job title is "millwright maintenance mechanic" at a gold mine. I'm not a construction millwright, I don't do new equipment installs or major retrofits like most union construction millwrights do in the USA. My work is almost 100% repair in some pretty rough conditions.

Here's a thread on my tools that's pretty up to date. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/mining-millwright-tool-box.458918/

Here's some thoughts

I would wait/ only buy tools you'll use at home if you don't need them at work till you get a job. The job title/ trade is so diverse it's hard to figure out what you'll need till you actually start and have a chance to talk with your coworkers. A basic set of hand tools is all I'd buy till you figure out what you are going to be doing. Some employers provide 100% of your tools, some provide some, and some provide none. My work tools are a 20+ year collection, I'm lucky to make pretty good money and afford good tools with this job. They aren't going to expect you to show up with a pile of tools on day 1 right out of school. I have a lot more specialty stuff than my coworkers. I'm not planning on being here for ever and have been buying stuff while I can afford it with plans of either going out on my own or taking a pay cut to get out of mining. My specialty tools do make my life a lot easier and get me jobs easier on my body than my coworkers who aren't as tooled up though I wouldn't worry about this on day 1. Some of the unions may require domestic only tools though usually have pretty limited tool lists.

Are you planning on traveling/ moving or living where you live now? This is an important decision when buying tool truck tools. Odds are you won't see a tool truck weekly at work. Your rep is almost more important than the tools themselves. The only tool truck for 500 miles is Snapon. I like my rep, he's great with warranty. I send him a picture of a broken tool and he gets a new one coming if he doesn't have it on the truck. I meet up with him when I'm in town on my days off, he lets me have a truck account even though he doesn't see me weekly. I don't have a local harbor freight/ princess auto here to walk in and exchange stuff. The tool truck warranty is easy and takes maybe 5 minuets of my time on my days off if I don't get stuck BSing with my snapon guy. Tekton is easy, send them a picture, they send you a new tool.

My chisels, punches, air hammer bits, pry bars, brass drifts, picks, breaker bars and pullers are almost 100% snapon. These are the tools I usually break. If I didn't have a good rep I'd think twice about buying snapon. A lot of it has come from e-bay or bought on special on the truck at less than retail prices.

Standard wrenches are williams full polish super combos. I think they are the most comfortable wrenches out there. My bigger metric wrenches are Tekton, I couldn't justify spending a ton on them, I also wouldn't buy a no skips set of big wrenches, a 31mm wrench is pretty much pointless to spend money or waste tool box space on though I now have one. My ratcheting wrenches are mostly gear wrench, I haven't broken one in 3 years though am nice to them

Adjustable wrenches are a hodge podge, mostly proto. I haven't broken one in years though if I do I'm stuck buying another out of my pocket. I also like my ridgids though rumor has it they aren't making them in the USA any more

Angle wrenches are snapon off e-bay. I had a set of 15/60 williams made in USA I hated the fit and finish of, snapon and tekton are the main brands making bigger than 1" 30/60 angle wrenches. I didn't care for the feel of the Tektons and picked up the snappys 1 at a time for about the same price as Tekton.

Sockets are a hodge podge of everything under the sun. I bought a set of Tekton 1/2" metric impact sockets, they are decent for the price. I have a set of grey pneumatic 1/2" standard deep impact sockets I beat the ever living **** out of. GP is a pain to warranty, tekton is easy. I'll be buying Tekton or snapon off e-bay from now on. I use 1/2" stuff 90% of the time, 1/4" stuff is mainly for guards and hose clamps. I'd buy impact sockets instead of chrome to start with.

Ratchets are just about 100% snapon. Easy warranty, I like the blue handles and think they are comfortable. My extra long blue 1/2" hard handle flex head is my most used ratchet followed by my midlength 3/8" hard handled flex head.

Most of my pliers are Knipex, they hold up great. I'd consider buying them through a tool truck for easy warranty.

Screw drivers/ picks are mainly snapon with some williams hard handles, a snappy guy can put a blade on a williams hard handle (same thing) and may or may not charge you for the blade. Snapon pocket pry bar is a champ, I give mine no mercy and they take it beautifully.

Punches/ chisels/ drifts are 100% snapon. Easy simple no questions asked warranty handing him a broken chisel my apprentice tried to use as a pry bar or a bronze drift in the shape of a banana. I probably swap out 1-2 air hammer chisels a month, beating on hardened seats destroys them though he keeps handing me new ones.

Another thing to think about if you are traveling is blow molded cases. I love them for dragging tools up 4 flights of stairs 100 yards from the truck so I don't forget things. Grabbing a whole set of sockets or a tap and die set is something to think about when working in the field vs. 50' from your tool box in a shop, you don't realize some jerk jammed the wrong size bolt in till you are deep into the job and have to make a trip for 1 socket or wrench.

No skip sets are really nice for OCD people in their tool box at home, dragging around a wrench you never use because you had to buy a complete set for your OCD gets heavy. Bigger tools (1 1/4"+ wrenches, 3/4" drive + sockets) I'd wait on, many employers provide them and you can usually use an adjustable wrench in a pinch. You can also usually cheat and use a metric in place of a standard or standard in place of a metric. Good quality big tools aren't cheap.

I go through my tool bag every couple months and reevaluate what I'm dragging around. If you are buying a tool bag 100% buy a bag with a shoulder strap or a back pack.

I would wait till you find out what you are doing before buying a bunch of comfort grips/ soft handles, they don't like being covered in goo all the time which may or may not be a factor. Some of the ergonomic tools like Werra have a lot of nooks and crannies to clean goo out of.

Wow that's a book. Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[F-22]

I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty, if you buy decent stuff it'll last and if it breaks you can just buy something better then.

I don't mean that you need to buy the low quality tools, just be a bit conscious about it cause otherwise it's just a waste of money. Wright, Williams and Proto all make tools you most likely won't need a warranty for them. Maybe occasionally something breaks if you really push your tools, but it won't be the norm. Maybe look at some Japanese and European tools too, they are just as good and sometimes at a better price. Bondhus makes really nice allen keys. Koken is great for sockets and ratchets and I heard they have decent representatives in the USA. I'd suggest you get US made wrenches, like wright or williams, for heavy duty use, cause the European ones are typically on the smaller side. Hardly any brand can match Knipex pliers though. For screwdrivers the best deal is from Vessel by far, those are just awesome (lots of great screwdrivers out there, but vessel is among the best for the lowest cost).

Toptul are very high quality Taiwan tools for great prices.

 

[BarrelRoll]

I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty, if you buy decent stuff it'll last and if it breaks you can just buy something better then.

That's a solid take on things. His coworkers when he starts will also have some advice on this as to what they break/ destroy regularly. There are things I've bought twice if I had started out in this field when I bought them I should have bought higher quality from the beginning. My apprentice has a couple snapon 1/2" ratchets, punches/ chisels, and a 54" pry bar, everything else is cheaper/ hand me down tools. His snapon stuff is buy once, cry once instead of buy cheap and replace with good.

 

[rancherbill]

Congrats on getting near graduation. You have mentioned many great brands and I am sure you won't go wrong.

Don't forget Pro-Point. PA used to have a deal for grads that you could have anything in the store for the last sale price. That's a big saving as usually ProPoint is on for 35%+ off. You can fill your tool box at great prices. The you can finish with the name brand stuff. I have seen several grads with 2 to four years since graduation and 50%+ is ProPoint, 10% Snapon, and then brands you would see on a mac truck.

Tools are expensive and the last thing you want is to be working for your Snapon bill instead of building your new life.

 

[NDJ]

As a Millwright, do you really need more than this? I keed, I keed. (I Trained and worked as a Millwright /Ind. Elect. )

Close, But this is all a real millwright tool......

 

[F-22]

That's a solid take on things. His coworkers when he starts will also have some advice on this as to what they break/ destroy regularly. There are things I've bought twice if I had started out in this field when I bought them I should have bought higher quality from the beginning. My apprentice has a couple snapon 1/2" ratchets, punches/ chisels, and a 54" pry bar, everything else is cheaper/ hand me down tools. His snapon stuff is buy once, cry once instead of buy cheap and replace with good.

Yes... I'd still say Snap On is not the end-all of tools, most of the brands I mentioned are pretty much the same quality overall. There are some niche things Snap On does better , but some that others do better too too, e.g. knipex pliers or niche screwdriver handles from Vessel.

 

[LWB]

I didn't think to take a pic with the Mastercraft but they're around the same length as the Snappy - Mac

 

[petrocan94]

I didn't think to take a pic with the Mastercraft but they're around the same length as the Snappy - Mac

Thanks for the picture. Although the Mac set you have is a made in Taiwan have you tried the Made in USA ones ? And how the chrome holding on to your grays ?

 

[petrocan94]

Thank you guys to all of you. This community is great compared to Reddit. The comments quality, the advices, all great.