Punches and chisels

[kyrbz]

I was going to recommend the Wilde sets that Harry Epstein's sells. I have them and think they're excellent for the price. I also think the Wilde gasket scrapers and pry bars they sell are an excellent deal.

http://store.harryepstein.com/c/PryBars.html

http://store.harryepstein.com/c/GasketScraper.html

snappys are life time warranty. mushroom or break it--get it replaced. I bought my master set used for 100 bucks. well worth it.

i have some mayhew pieces too-- no compliant. yet most of their pieces i have are brass.

anyone use the Wilde punches that epsteins have on clearance? price looks good on them. made in usa too. thought about picking them up on next order for home use.

edit-

20 pc set
http://store.harryepstein.com/c/PunchChisel.html

diamond point set

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WildeChrome/CD5.html

round nose set

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WildeChrome/CR7.html

between those 3 sets i would think every situation should be covered for under $100 for 31 pieces.

 

[Steve_P]

I have starrett and mayhew punches and starrett are superior IMO- better steel. I also have a few Gray, PB Swiss, etc.

 

[Hammer1963]

Don't scimp on these. Buy a good set from Matco or Snap-on and you are set for life. Expensive, but worth it

 

[mtkst19]

I was going to recommend the Wilde sets that Harry Epstein's sells. I have them and think they're excellent for the price. I also think the Wilde gasket scrapers and pry bars they sell are an excellent deal.

http://store.harryepstein.com/c/PryBars.html

http://store.harryepstein.com/c/GasketScraper.html

the pry bar deal is pretty killer. I bought a set for home use. Had them shipped to work. Co workers seen them and now i gotta order 4 more sets. The wilde hose clamp pliers for 5 bucks rocks too. ill pick up the gasket scrapers on next order.

 

[biscuit141]

+ 1 on the Enderes. They are super tough.

I was about to ask if anyone heard of Endres. I was at Rural King tonight and they had this set for sale. Based on the quote above they may be a good choice. Anyone else have experience with them? I think the 8 pieces set was $30 or $35 dollars.

 

[PCO6]

http://www.graytools.com/toolcatalogue/?page=category&name=Punches and Chisels&itemNo=7&recPage=9

Top quality, made in Canada. These are what I bought, ordered new.

Another vote for Gray. I've used them for the last 40 years or so and have always been happy with them.

 

[Galaxie]

I found a set of the older Red Cman cold forged chisels for a good price ($24) from Cripes, got them today and so far am very impressed. Used the largest one for around an hour and hardly has a nick in it.

I noticed Snap On sets are going for $60-$70 on Ebay. I also ordered a set of red Cman punches today hopefully they are just as good as the chisels. Thinking about getting another set of the Chisels for my personal garage before they all are sold. Checked Sear's site and they don't have anything like them.

 

[White 99]

HF are OK for soft pine. Won't hold up to anything harder. Their number punches are the same.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

If you are looking at Mayhew, make sure you get their 150 line. They are a LOT better than their lower line of punches and chisels. I have a set of Snap-on's and my buddies 150 line Mayhew's look to be the same punch.

 

[garfunkle24]

If you are looking at Mayhew, make sure you get their 150 line. They are a LOT better than their lower line of punches and chisels. I have a set of Snap-on's and my buddies 150 line Mayhew's look to be the same punch.

SSShhhhh....Hiball will hear you.

IMHO, whilst there is lot's of interesting info and discussion here regarding the best punches and who re-labels for whom, if you're going to be using your punches and chisels professionally (or heavily), the only correct answer is this:

Buy them from wherever will warranty them readily/quickly/easily, even if that means paying a premium off the Snap-on truck.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Proto and Mayhew are good. Those PB Swiss look succulent.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

SSShhhhh....Hiball will hear you.

....Buy them from wherever will warranty them readily/quickly/easily, even if that means paying a premium off the Snap-on truck.

I did