Purchasing Full New Tool Set

[Raineman]

Thank you for your reply Raineman!

Can you recommend ratchets for me to look at? Do you like to match your sockets to your ratchet brand?

John

I don't necessarily need match sockets with ratchets. At my stage of life, I need a socket I can read.

If I had to start all over again from scratch, I'd be all over Tekton for ratchets/sockets and wrenches. Mainly because of their service, warranty, ease of buying from them, and fit and finish. Yes, call me a "fanboy", but I have all kinds of high end brands, and Tekton has earned major points for the reasons I mentioned. I like Williams sockets too, but I can't read their small print.

Screwdrivers I would go with the 7 piece Williams set and fill in from there as needed with whatever (anything but those godawful Wera pineapples).

Honestly, if you have fun researching stuff, I wouldn't be afraid to shop right here in the classifieds. macaxis has a killer set of MAC Precision Torque wrenches for a very fair price, but not sure if you need metric wrenches or SAE. Lot of great folks here with some top quality tools for sale.

 

[John Stephenson]

OK, this is starting to sound funny, but... answering EACH reply with "thank you for your reply (user name)" sounds... well, more like an AI and less like a people.

Your reply is appreciated, Lassen Forge. LOL

I appreciate the feedback an am just trying to be polite.

 

[John Stephenson]

Okay, I'm shutting down for maintenance, err, I mean lunch. I will be back on this evening to catch up.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I am very interested in the Craftsman V Series ratchets and wrenches and will research Tekton more.

John

 

[rust in the eye]

OK, this is starting to sound funny, but... answering EACH reply with "thank you for your reply (user name)" sounds... well, more like an AI and less like a people.

I just got "hey". I'm done here.

 

[neophyte]

Thank you for your reply neophyte!

Having multiple adjustable wrenches makes sense. I am familiar with the traditional type like Craftsman sells with the adjustable wheel. As I look at more tools I see other types such as Wera's self-setting wrenches. Can you make a recommendation for adjustable wrenches?

I will start looking at snap ring pliers, thank you for the suggestion.

Yes, precision calipers as well as a ton of other calibration equipment is on my list. I didn't want to bog this thread down with those goodies.

John

Just purchase the regular type of adjustable wrench.

Irega from Spain are high quality, and get rebranded by multiple manufacturers.

I would avoid Irimo and Bahco and others from Snap-On-Europe owned brands.
The quality of the machining can be inconsistent.
Top brand wrenches made in Japan are, or at least were well regarded as well, and dome of the other Japanese made adjustable wrenches may be decent.

The “wide jaw” versions might not be bad to have, but mainly you want sizes that can fit the fasteners on equipment.
The “thin jaw” adjustable wrenches are just adjustables that have had the jaws milled down by the manufacturer to be 3mm thick or thinner.
Irega and Top both make these.

Adjustable wrenches IREGA 4” & 6” XtraSlim (2,5mm) Jaws

Adjustable wrenches IREGA 4” & 6” XtraSlim (2,5mm) Jaws

THIN EXACT WRENCH - TOP KOGYO

www.toptools.co.jp

The larger size would probably be better.

I would also recommend having a small regular adjustable wrench for small nuts and bolts you may find in the corners of equipment.
Probably a 4” or 6” size.
A full set of Combination wrenches would be better, but you never really know what size fastener you might run into on equipment.
Some Asian machines use Whitworth for some fastener sizes.

 

[Dave455]

Thank you for the reply Dave455!

I am in Idaho.

I am starting to get the feeling I need to find another brand of ratchets to go with. Can you make a recommendation? Also, do you buy your sockets from the same manufacturer as your ratchets? I am only familiar with cheap socket sets and am lost the higher quality manufacturers.

Do you have a recommendation for wrenches? I am looking for both SAE and metric.

John

Ah, that’s useful!

Yes, if you’re U.S. based there is probably better value than Wera.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re not bad. I have a 1/4” drive Wera set, and use it for the same sort of thing you are proposing, for which it works well.

But, I‘m in the U.K. and I paid little more for the whole set than you would have to for the ratchet.


The question of “which ratchet”is probably one that folks (especially here) spend a lot of time debating.

If you want “the best” then you probably need Snap On (Made in the U.S.A) or Nepros (Made in Japan).

There are, however, numerous makers that come very close, for less money.

Here is my 1/4” Wera ratchet (far left) compared to (L to R) Stahlwille (Germany), Hazet (Germany) Facom (France / Italy) KoKen (Japan) and Snap On (U.S.A). Ignore the differing lengths as all are available in different sizes.


All of these tools have different features that I like, and I recommend them all to a degree, but you may find the European tools relatively expensive. If you can run to Snap On, go for it. Here is a Snap On compared to the Wera.


If you zoom in, you can see how much better the quality of the Snap On tools are.


If you can’t run to Snap On, or can’t justify it for the intended use (perfectly reasonable) consider Williams. If you go this route ensure you get the U.S. made tools (there is an imported range that is nothing special), but the U.S. tools are basically the older Snap On patterns, and are exceptional value. Here are a Williams (U.S) and Snap On ratchet compared.


Other considerations have got to be Wright (U.S.A.) and Proto (Mostly U.S.A). These can be obtained through industrial supliers so are good value straight away.

If you want to go less costly than that, you are probably looking at Taiwanese tools, the better of which are fine. In the U.S. Tekton seem to be good value, and offer nice sets.

You asked about sockets. These are probably more important than the ratchet. You don’t have to get them by the same maker, but I admit I generally do. This way I generally get the best fit between ratchet / extension / socket.

I have sockets by all the makers listed above. I’m quite satisfied with all of them for the prices paid - even the Wera (which are also among the better Taiwanese tools)!

 

[Dave455]

And you mentioned wrenches.

I could write loads about wrenches, and probably duplicate much of what I said about ratchets.

Instead, I‘ll just advise one.

These are Facom 440 series wrenches. French designed, and made in Taiwan as Facom were bought by Stanley Black and Decker. They are superb wrenches. Good steel, superbly made, beautifully finished, and a delight to use.

I don’t advise these, as they will be hard / costly to source in the U.S.

But…, I understand that Craftsman offer exactly the same wrench in their “V Series”. These will be a great buy in the U.S. - and available in SAE and Metric.

Note only that the box ends have no offset. I use these adjusting my router table and fitting my home made fences, but only you know exactly the features you need!

 

[RTM]

As a woodworker myself, I don't really do much to my machines which require a ton of tools. I have a US made lunchbox planer, vintage Craftsman 12" TS, and Bulgarian made Laguna BS. Most of these only need two or three sizes of wrench to do 90% of what's needed.

I personally wouldn't buy tools until the machines arrive. For each machine, I had a box with the 2-3 items needed for set up and running, the specific Allen key, screwdriver, or wrench. Garage sale Singles were placed there, putting the set back in the chest.

All of my mech tools are 80s era Craftsman, or earlier GS finds. Have a new set of Astro sockets, and some nice Grace and Proto screwdrivers.

With Austrian built machines, metric galore. Do you use metric fasteners in your furniture too? Removes one set of tools if you do.

Most of my vintage tools like planes etc are US made, with some import Woodies that only need a hammer. So not many tools required there.

 

[John Stephenson]

And you mentioned wrenches.

I could write loads about wrenches, and probably duplicate much of what I said about ratchets.

Instead, I‘ll just advise one.

These are Facom 440 series wrenches. French designed, and made in Taiwan as Facom were bought by Stanley Black and Decker. They are superb wrenches. Good steel, superbly made, beautifully finished, and a delight to use.

I don’t advise these, as they will be hard / costly to source in the U.S.

But…, I understand that Craftsman offer exactly the same wrench in their “V Series”. These will be a great buy in the U.S. - and available in SAE and Metric.

Note only that the box ends have no offset. I use these adjusting my router table and fitting my home made fences, but only you know exactly the features you need!

I like the looks and the price of the Craftsman V series Wrenches, thank you for the suggestion. Growing up we had a Facom ratchet set that I remember being great to use. I think I will replace the Were wrenches with these on my list.

 

[John Stephenson]

As a woodworker myself, I don't really do much to my machines which require a ton of tools. I have a US made lunchbox planer, vintage Craftsman 12" TS, and Bulgarian made Laguna BS. Most of these only need two or three sizes of wrench to do 90% of what's needed.

I personally wouldn't buy tools until the machines arrive. For each machine, I had a box with the 2-3 items needed for set up and running, the specific Allen key, screwdriver, or wrench. Garage sale Singles were placed there, putting the set back in the chest.

All of my mech tools are 80s era Craftsman, or earlier GS finds. Have a new set of Astro sockets, and some nice Grace and Proto screwdrivers.

With Austrian built machines, metric galore. Do you use metric fasteners in your furniture too? Removes one set of tools if you do.

Most of my vintage tools like planes etc are US made, with some import Woodies that only need a hammer. So not many tools required there.

You make a good point about placing my order before I have the machinery on site.

I think you and another poster are correct in that I may only need metric tools for the shop. Perhaps I will focus on getting a nice set of screw drivers, allen keys, and a few pliers now (to take advantage of Black Friday deals) and continue to research until the machines arrive.

 

[Dave455]

I like the looks and the price of the Craftsman V series Wrenches, thank you for the suggestion. Growing up we had a Facom ratchet set that I remember being great to use. I think I will replace the Were wrenches with these on my list.

You could do worse!

I sometimes set up a router table, and fit my home made fences. It’s these wrenches I use as I have them in my road box now.

If you wanted a slightly longer wrench, and U.S. made, one option is Wright.


Another is Williams “Supercombo”.

I have a few of these in larger sizes and absolutely love them.


Both of these have an open jaw designed for grip though, which probably isn’t what you want for machine adjusting. They’re great for all else though!

 

[Boogerman]

As a guy that does some of the work you're describing, and maintain the machines, I'd only buy one set of sockets, and that would be 3/8". I disagree that only metric is needed, you'd have to work really hard to only get metric hardware and machines; stuff is a real mix.

Personally, I'd buy Proto or Snap-on, but if you don't want the pride and pleasure of ownership of a better tool, you'd be 95% of the way there with Taiwan made Williams. I'd do this set:




I'd use the ratchet for a bit, and if I didn't like it I'd upgrade to a Snap-on or even an assortment of S-O.

Wrenches, I'd prefer full polish to keep them clean, I'm biased toward Snap-on, but there's a lot of others out there that would work for a lot less money.

 

[John Stephenson]

You could do worse!

I sometimes set up a router table, and fit my home made fences. It’s these wrenches I use as I have them in my road box now.

If you wanted a slightly longer wrench, and U.S. made, one option is Wright.


Another is Williams “Supercombo”.

I have a few of these in larger sizes and absolutely love them.


Both of these have an open jaw designed for grip though, which probably isn’t what you want for machine adjusting. They’re great for all else though!

Please excuse my ignorance. What is an "open jaw" design?

I have been looking at the Williams ratchets, is there a good way to know if they are the ones made in the USA? I also like the look of the Nero ratchets. Thank you for mentioning them.

 

[John Stephenson]

As a guy that does some of the work you're describing, and maintain the machines, I'd only buy one set of sockets, and that would be 3/8". I disagree that only metric is needed, you'd have to work really hard to only get metric hardware and machines; stuff is a real mix.

Personally, I'd buy Proto or Snap-on, but if you don't want the pride and pleasure of ownership of a better tool, you'd be 95% of the way there with Taiwan made Williams. I'd do this set:




I'd use the ratchet for a bit, and if I didn't like it I'd upgrade to a Snap-on or even an assortment of S-O.

Wrenches, I'd prefer full polish to keep them clean, I'm biased toward Snap-on, but there's a lot of others out there that would work for a lot less money.

Based on other comments I have been trying to reduce my initial purchase. One of my questions was going to be 1/4" or 3/8" ratchet set. Thanks for beating me to the punch. I think starting with a 3/8" set makes the most sense.

The kit you posted looks very affordable. Do you know if it USA made Williams as Dave455 mentioned?

 

[John Stephenson]

Just purchase the regular type of adjustable wrench.

Irega from Spain are high quality, and get rebranded by multiple manufacturers.

I would avoid Irimo and Bahco and others from Snap-On-Europe owned brands.
The quality of the machining can be inconsistent.
Top brand wrenches made in Japan are, or at least were well regarded as well, and dome of the other Japanese made adjustable wrenches may be decent.

The “wide jaw” versions might not be bad to have, but mainly you want sizes that can fit the fasteners on equipment.
The “thin jaw” adjustable wrenches are just adjustables that have had the jaws milled down by the manufacturer to be 3mm thick or thinner.
Irega and Top both make these.

Adjustable wrenches IREGA 4” & 6” XtraSlim (2,5mm) Jaws

Adjustable wrenches IREGA 4” & 6” XtraSlim (2,5mm) Jaws

THIN EXACT WRENCH - TOP KOGYO

www.toptools.co.jp

The larger size would probably be better.

I would also recommend having a small regular adjustable wrench for small nuts and bolts you may find in the corners of equipment.
Probably a 4” or 6” size.
A full set of Combination wrenches would be better, but you never really know what size fastener you might run into on equipment.
Some Asian machines use Whitworth for some fastener sizes.

I had no idea how many adjustable size wrenches there could be. Is there a site online where you purchase your Irega tools?

 

[IRQVET]

OK, this is starting to sound funny, but... answering EACH reply with "thank you for your reply (user name)" sounds... well, more like an AI and less like a people.

I had the EXACT same thought. Then ask another question that someone kinda already answered. Its just weird.

 

[John Stephenson]

I had the EXACT same thought. Then ask another question that someone kinda already answered. Its just weird.

Are there regularly AI bots that post to this forum? I do not understand why the continued accusation. What on earth would possibly be gained?

I appreciate the thoughtful feedback from members like Boogerman, Dave 455 and neophyte. I have been able to discover many better options for my current research.

Thank you for your reply, IRQVET

John

​

 

[John Stephenson]

I am curious about suggestions for locking plier options. My original list included one set from Knipex, but I am thinking I would like a medium and small pair. Does anyone have a suggestion for locking pliers?

 

[RTM]

Are there regularly AI bots that post to this forum? I do not understand why the continued accusation. What on earth would possibly be gained?

​

Some thought on where people are coming from. May add a few more as I find them.

One time posters who are never seen again ?

Seems like lately there are more and more people who sign up,ask a question and then disappear ? A bunch of others will waste their time answering but the original poster is never heard from again and never checks in again. Maybe there should be a way to weed them out ? Possibly a 1 hr wait...

www.garagejournal.com

Sheathing on the inside

Husband wants to build a metal home and garage. Can we put the sheathing on The inside of the studs and not use drywall. Is this doable.

www.garagejournal.com

 

[GeoBruin]

I am curious about suggestions for locking plier options. My original list included one set from Knipex, but I am thinking I would like a medium and small pair. Does anyone have a suggestion for locking pliers?

John, I have to apologize on behalf of the forum members here. It's not that bots or spammers are that common, but they do show up from time to time. Also, Garage Journal is often the destination people find when they Google a question about tools, which sometimes leads them to make an account and ask a question. The problem is, they really aren't part of the community so once they have their answer, they're often never heard from again.

It's things like this that make the members here gun shy. Add to that some unique but in all likelihood innocent things about your post, and I think everyone is just a little extra quick to hedge against the possibility that your post are something other than genuine.

You haven't done anything wrong, you have been very polite, and if you can bear with us, you will find this place has a lot to offer.

Regarding locking pliers, the recent releases by Malco sold under the Eagle Grip name are very, very nice. Some argue too nice to use! They are somewhat expensive and they have been discontinued by the manufacturer but are still being sold by several retailers. Harry J Epstein's, which is a beloved retailer with a presence here on the forum, is currently running a special on the Eagle Grips. I recommend you take a look there.

 

[Dave455]

Please excuse my ignorance. What is an "open jaw" design?

I have been looking at the Williams ratchets, is there a good way to know if they are the ones made in the USA? I also like the look of the Nero ratchets. Thank you for mentioning them.

A combination wrench has two ends - a “box end” which surrounds the nut and contacts it at 6 points, and an open end which you can slide on from the side, but only contacts the nut on two corners.

Most open ends are smooth, but some modern designs have what look like teeth, the purpose of which is to contact the nut away from the corners, so reduce the risk of rounding.

In many applications, these are superior, but they do mark the nut, so perhaps not ideal for machine adjusting.

The U.S. made ratchets have a distinctive style (smooth handles) which you get to recognise.


Other ways you can tell are by looking at the part numbers (U.S. made tools have letters and numbers in the part number, Taiwan ones just have numbers), or by looking at some vendors websites.

These are all U.S. made.

 

[bobg03]

OK, this is starting to sound funny, but... answering EACH reply with "thank you for your reply (user name)" sounds... well, more like an AI and less like a people.

AI gathering intelligence for data collection...

 

[Robinson1]

I have a small woodshop set up in my basement and I've done some assembly and maintenance on them over the years.

Most of what you need doesn't need to be high end. Your machines aren't going to be rusted, especially if they're new. I imagine a 3/8" ratchet/socket/wrench set from Tekton/Gearwrench or even Kobalt/Craftsman/Husky will do the majority of what you need without any issues. Hex keys are certainly a good idea. You may want hex key sockets if you're having to use them frequently. If you're machines are all new/newer you can probably skip SAE and get only metric versions of everything.

I keep an adjustable wrench (think Crescent wrench) in my shop and use that most of the time unless I know there's a lot to work on. If you're getting machines with carbide cutters that you can rotate you might want to look at getting a torque wrench.

Same.

The mechanics tools in my wood shop pretty much consist of a cheap basic 3/8” socket set, a handful of random wrenches, some hex keys, a T25 T handle and a pair of small channellocks

 

[VolvoRyan]

I actually really like all my Wera stuff. Screwdrivers are awesome. L-keys are good. The little tool check is fantastic. It's a fun brand. I use this stuff purely for automotive. It's been good. All three metal ratchets have been nice.

Mind you, Wera is a German company.... but most everything is made in the Czech Republic.... except the sockets. Sockets are made in Taiwan. The sockets are only OK. Aesthetically, they're groovy, and the knurling is quite handy.

Wera wrenches (Jokers) do not get much love anywhere. They haven't really spoken to me either.

Wera is certainly not the most cost effective brand, but they may inspire.... because they're different. Wera is just a novelty in the tool box for me. I tend to have all the snobby USA-only tools for most things.

Personally, I'd just go with what tickles your fancy. Knipex and Wera are fine for your uses. If you hang out in this forum long enough, you'll find that we all have a different kinds of sticks up our bums about tools.

-Ryan

 

[VolvoRyan]

Funny additional Wera thing: they tout their screwdrivers as being anti-roll. I was replacing tailgate hinges on an old Volvo (a boxy car if there ever was one).... put my Wera driver down on the roof..... and it rolled away. I yelled at it that the box says it's not allowed to do that!

-Ryan

 

[richfinn]

After years of messing around with tools and reading thousands of threads on GJ I now like to stick with brands that specialize in a particular line of tools.

Knipex for pliers

Ko-ken for sockets

Vessel/P B Swiss for screwdrivers/bits

Stahlwille for spanners

I personally think you can get better value for money/quality by going to known brands rather than buying sets of anything from one brand that tries to sell everything.

I have a fair bit of Snap-On stuff and as good as it is, I only buy it used nowadays if it is a clear winner over other brands.

 

[AEAdam]

Woodworking tools are expensive. You don't need to buy tons more tools. Save your money for tools that will produce woodwork for you. In terms of basic hand tools, this is what I would do given your situation:

Electrical Tools:

• Set of Klein screwdrivers. You will need screwdrivers for lots of jobs including electrical. Klein makes good, quality made in USA screwdrivers. Sets are pretty darned cheap.
• Electrical circuit tester/DMM. You are going to be messing with cords and electricity no doubt. My pick for DMM is the Fluke T5-600. You don't need extensive DC capabilities if you aren't messing with automotive or electronics. I like mine a lot.
• Cutters, crimpers/strippers, Needle nose pliers - I'd stick with Klein. I like the auto strippers a lot. I have an ancient Radio Shack! pair. Klein make a new version which I've only messed with but seemed just as good as mine.

Mechanical tools:

• Set of Taiwan (ICON?) ratchet wrenches in SAE and metric.
• Knipex pliers wrench (or ICON)
• Klein or Channel lock set of arc joint pliers (aka Channel locks) - you might need big ones for dust collection joints. You can get any makers really.
• Set of 1/4" hex nut drivers, metric and SAE and Allens that fit your impact driver. You will find these invaluable for assembling stuff.
• Cheap set of 1/4" drive sockets. You probably won't need/use 3/8" drive if you have ratchet wrenches. I'd hold off on the other bigger drives.
• You don't need a fancy ratchet. I'd choose the composite HF ratchet - its very light weight, has low back drag which is perfect for assembling new things. You don't need better and more expensive won't be better for you.
• Tee handle Allens and maybe Tee Handle Torx - These are absolutely invaluable in a wood/metal shop. I never use my right angle Allen keys anymore. You'll need these for adjusting router tables etc.
• Hacksaw and files with good handles, not the really cheap plastic things you can buy already on cheap files. Try to find US made files or Grobet or ask around here. A good couple files will last your lifetime.

A couple things you may not be thinking about:

• As a DIY homebuilder, I use the heck out of my Trust Cook S3 slimline dead blow. These Slimline hammers are different from the ones at HF, in that they have long heads that work a little easier for benchwork. I use mine to drive chisels, tapping wood together, you name it. I think if I were you, I'd order the S3, S1, and S0. You will need them all.
• Pica Dry carpenters pencil - 2.8 mm lead. Super nice. Love mine
• Starrett #13A and #13C double squares. Thank me later. I also use a Starrett #11H-6 all the time. Bought it on eBay.
• 123 blocks - you don't need brand named ones, but I'd buy from a reputable dealer. I like Littlemachineshop.com. SHARs has more questionable Chinese stuff which might be okay for you.
• If you are ordering from SHARS, consider a 12X18" surface plate. If you don't know why you'd ever need one, wait a few years and you will find out.
• Also from SHARs consider picking up a dial indicator and a mag base for it. I'd also consider a test indicator, which should be cheap. Just beware, the Chinese dovetails on dial test indicators don't fit every brand of mag base. They specifically do not fit Nogas, Usually the stems are also not compatible. Mitutoyo is really best.
• I think I'd pick up a 6" or 8" digital caliper as well. Again, Mitutoyo is head and shoulders better than others. The new Starretts are also fantastic.

 

[John Stephenson]

John, I have to apologize on behalf of the forum members here. It's not that bots or spammers are that common, but they do show up from time to time. Also, Garage Journal is often the destination people find when they Google a question about tools, which sometimes leads them to make an account and ask a question. The problem is, they really aren't part of the community so once they have their answer, they're often never heard from again.

It's things like this that make the members here gun shy. Add to that some unique but in all likelihood innocent things about your post, and I think everyone is just a little extra quick to hedge against the possibility that your post are something other than genuine.

You haven't done anything wrong, you have been very polite, and if you can bear with us, you will find this place has a lot to offer.

Regarding locking pliers, the recent releases by Malco sold under the Eagle Grip name are very, very nice. Some argue too nice to use! They are somewhat expensive and they have been discontinued by the manufacturer but are still being sold by several retailers. Harry J Epstein's, which is a beloved retailer with a presence here on the forum, is currently running a special on the Eagle Grips. I recommend you take a look there.

I can understand the frustration if you spend the time to try to help or answer a persons questions and never hear another peep form them. I can relate.

Other than spending a lot of time on VW Vortex about 20 years ago I am not a regular forum user. The only other forum I use, everyone uses their full name as I have, and most know one another outside of the forum. I appreciate and can understand your sentiment about the community.

I appreciate your encouragement, as members here have made me think of other questions that I would like their advice on.

I am unaware of Harry J Epstein's, I will check the site and the Eagle Grip pliers out. Thank you for the tip.

 

[John Stephenson]

A combination wrench has two ends - a “box end” which surrounds the nut and contacts it at 6 points, and an open end which you can slide on from the side, but only contacts the nut on two corners.

Most open ends are smooth, but some modern designs have what look like teeth, the purpose of which is to contact the nut away from the corners, so reduce the risk of rounding.

In many applications, these are superior, but they do mark the nut, so perhaps not ideal for machine adjusting.

The U.S. made ratchets have a distinctive style (smooth handles) which you get to recognise.


Other ways you can tell are by looking at the part numbers (U.S. made tools have letters and numbers in the part number, Taiwan ones just have numbers), or by looking at some vendors websites.

These are all U.S. made.

Thank you for the explanation Dave455, I was unaware of this style.

I wish you had not told me about Nepros ratchets. Their tools are beautiful! The Williams are probably beyond good enough for my needs, but I can't stop thinking of the Nepros ratchets.

 

[John Stephenson]

Same.

The mechanics tools in my wood shop pretty much consist of a cheap basic 3/8” socket set, a handful of random wrenches, some hex keys, a T25 T handle and a pair of small channellocks

I guess I should clarify this point. I have been running my own small woodworking shop since 2013. Recently I have been contracted to establish a new commercial millwork shop that caters to a high end clientele. They have asked me to put together my "dream shop" on a large scale.

 

[John Stephenson]

I actually really like all my Wera stuff. Screwdrivers are awesome. L-keys are good. The little tool check is fantastic. It's a fun brand. I use this stuff purely for automotive. It's been good. All three metal ratchets have been nice.

Mind you, Wera is a German company.... but most everything is made in the Czech Republic.... except the sockets. Sockets are made in Taiwan. The sockets are only OK. Aesthetically, they're groovy, and the knurling is quite handy.

Wera wrenches (Jokers) do not get much love anywhere. They haven't really spoken to me either.

Wera is certainly not the most cost effective brand, but they may inspire.... because they're different. Wera is just a novelty in the tool box for me. I tend to have all the snobby USA-only tools for most things.

Personally, I'd just go with what tickles your fancy. Knipex and Wera are fine for your uses. If you hang out in this forum long enough, you'll find that we all have a different kinds of sticks up our bums about tools.

-Ryan

I have gathered that people here do not like the Wera Joker wrenches, but am not sure why. Can you elaborate?

I like different, that is one thing I'm going after with the new shop.

My mentor has a Wera screwdriver set that I like using. I though getting myself one would be a good way to thing about him. Unfortunatly I do not have a beautiful boxy Volvo to do the roll test.

 

[John Stephenson]

After years of messing around with tools and reading thousands of threads on GJ I now like to stick with brands that specialize in a particular line of tools.

Knipex for pliers

Ko-ken for sockets

Vessel/P B Swiss for screwdrivers/bits

Stahlwille for spanners

I personally think you can get better value for money/quality by going to known brands rather than buying sets of anything from one brand that tries to sell everything.

I have a fair bit of Snap-On stuff and as good as it is, I only buy it used nowadays if it is a clear winner over other brands.

Dang! some of the Vessel screwdrivers look amazing. Do you have an online source for them?

I had originally though about sticking to as few of brands as possible but as you and others have pointed out going with multiple manufactures based on their strengths makes sense to me.

I will have to check out Ko-ken. Like many of the other manufactures recommended here I have hot heard of them. Same with Stahlwille.

 

[richfinn]

Dang! some of the Vessel screwdrivers look amazing. Do you have an online source for them?

I had originally though about sticking to as few of brands as possible but as you and others have pointed out going with multiple manufactures based on their strengths makes sense to me.

I will have to check out Ko-ken. Like many of the other manufactures recommended here I have hot heard of them. Same with Stahlwille.

I'm in the UK, but you will find Vessel on Amazon USA and Ko-ken at PALMAC (US importer). Stahlwille might be a bit harder to find outside Europe but Primetools in the UK have good pricing and ship international.

 

[richfinn]

I have gathered that people here do not like the Wera Joker wrenches, but am not sure why. Can you elaborate?

I like different, that is one thing I'm going after with the new shop.

My mentor has a Wera screwdriver set that I like using. I though getting myself one would be a good way to thing about him. Unfortunatly I do not have a beautiful boxy Volvo to do the roll test.

The original ratcheting Jokers are flat, you flip them over for reverse, later models are reversible and have an 10-15 degree angle (which are better) but they are a little too chunky and overpriced.

The most popular ratchet wrench on GJ is the KABO/Mountain style with flex head and an offset (very useful and reasonably priced)

Just search KABO

For a more conventional combination wrench, I like the Stahlwille 14 series (Snap-On are great too but $$$$$$$$)

 

[bpwoodworking]

I have mostly German, English, Italian and Japanese woodworking machines, the machines are heavy and complex enough to warrant a stockpile of serious tools.

They’re often built with a similar approach as early American, back when they built it heavy so it would run smoothly and quiet.

No one mentioned it so far but a good set of pullers will be absolutely mission critical at times.

I buy mostly older equipment so I work on all of it, but even with the new stuff I’ve had to repair more things than I ever expected to.

I’ll echo the Ko-Ken, PB Swiss, Stahlwille recommendations.

Buy good pry bars which seem to have endless uses for making life easier.

European Woodworking tools tend to use a lot of Allen (internal hex) drive hardware, so buy accordingly.

They also very much love the hook spanner, especially in German tools.

 

[cannuck]

I would start with a big hammer, pair of channellocks and a roll of duct tape.

He said he was doing woodwork, not an electrician.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I have gathered that people here do not like the Wera Joker wrenches, but am not sure why. Can you elaborate?

I like different, that is one thing I'm going after with the new shop.

My mentor has a Wera screwdriver set that I like using. I though getting myself one would be a good way to thing about him. Unfortunatly I do not have a beautiful boxy Volvo to do the roll test.

Wera screwdrivers are a love/hate thing. I really like them. They fit my hands well. The tips seem strong, and grab the fasteners well. They look a bit goofy, and that makes me smile. I've wailed on the bits from my metric Tool-Check, and have been impressed.

The Joker wrenches don't do well on the Torque Test Channel with the open ends. The need for a 12-pt open-end is really hard to justify. Add in that the wrenches are just plain expensive in the USA, and you have a product that just doesn't work. The most basic set of Joker wrenches is $200-ish. I'm not a stranger to paying at least that for a good set of wrenches.... the tools have to measure up, though.

-Ryan

 

[John Stephenson]

The original ratcheting Jokers are flat, you flip them over for reverse, later models are reversible and have an 10-15 degree angle (which are better) but they are a little too chunky and overpriced.

The most popular ratchet wrench on GJ is the KABO/Mountain style with flex head and an offset (very useful and reasonably priced)

Just search KABO

For a more conventional combination wrench, I like the Stahlwille 14 series (Snap-On are great too but $$$$$$$$)

Do you have an online source for KABO wrenches? I have been looking at the Wright brand wrenches mentioned by Dave455 and though they would be great. How do the KABO and Wright wrenches compare?

 

[Dave455]

Thank you for the explanation Dave455, I was unaware of this style.

I wish you had not told me about Nepros ratchets. Their tools are beautiful! The Williams are probably beyond good enough for my needs, but I can't stop thinking of the Nepros ratchets.

The Nepros are gorgeous. I don’t have a lot, mainly because I have so many other choices.

They are fairly unique, in that they actually look better for real than they do on the advertising!

With regard to Vessel screwdrivers, they make several styles. By far the best are the “Powergrip”. These relatively hard handles are easy to keep clean.


Their “Megadora” drivers (below) are probably more common, but the Powergrips are a notch up in quality!


richfinn’s advice about buying from makers who specialise in a particular type of tool is hard to fault!

 

[richfinn]

Do you have an online source for KABO wrenches? I have been looking at the Wright brand wrenches mentioned by Dave455 and though they would be great. How do the KABO and Wright wrenches compare?

I got my Mountain Brand (all made by KABO) from Tooltopia, they are great for Automotive work, I don't bother with combo style ratchet spanners anymore.

We don't have Wright Tools in the UK unfortunately.