Quality Tools Help

[RemzRR]

Looking to complete my tools collection
In future I will be building an engine for the first time.
What I wanted to do and not interested in having someone build it for me
With that said
I have acquired some tools from Craftsman and looking to branch out for
Specialty tools. Please help me to decide

Digital Caliper: Mutitoyo Brand
Digital Micrometer:Mutitoyo Brand
Torque Wrench:Craftsman Click Type (No Angle Meter) whats better ?
Reversible Combo Ratcheting Wrench set Matco S9GRRCM12 (Seen a review here)
Piston Ring Filer ?
Compression Test Kit ?
Preference:USA/Elsewhere as long as quality is good
Any suggestions would help and wanted to know whats better than craftsman versions. I can get discounts from Matco

 

[DaniM]

Have you looked at the Compression Test Kit by Mityvac. They make a great one and this one comes with lots of adapters.
http://www.etoolcart.com/compressiontestkitmtyy-5530.aspx

 

[Dave455]

Are you sure you need a Digital Caliper and Micrometer?

In my experience the digital stuff doesn't last long, and the build quality isn't as good as the mechanical.

If you decide to go for mechanical, then it's probably got to be Starrett! It'll last you a lifetime and, more importantly for the occasional user, it'll still work when you pick it up next year! Don't be afraid to buy used, especially micrometers, as they are easily adjusted if required, and there's not a lot to go wrong. Bear in mind that if you have trouble reading a conventional vernier you can always get a dial vernier, but I'd probably save for a new one!

If you really want digital, then I'd go with the Swiss Tesa! I particularly like their digital micrometer - much more rugged than the digital verniers and all the electronics are protected and waterproofed!

Many of the ratcheting combination wrenches are made, at least in part, in Taiwan. I'd spend the money buying the very best conventional combination wrenches I could afford (Snap On, Stahlwille, Hazet or whatever) as I found out the hard way that it's the tools you use most that need to be the best quality!

 

[2oolhound]

I've seen some bad reviews on the cman torque wrenches. Norbar torque wrenches are good and often rebranded by big name tool manufacturers.

Compression tester should be threaded adapters and have a pressure release button so you can dump the pressure between readings when you want.

A good dial indicator is a necessity and a bore gauge is worthwhile. (there have been recent threads on these 2 tools so try a search on them)

 

[RemzRR]

Are you sure you need a Digital Caliper and Micrometer?

In my experience the digital stuff doesn't last long, and the build quality isn't as good as the mechanical.

If you decide to go for mechanical, then it's probably got to be Starrett! It'll last you a lifetime and, more importantly for the occasional user, it'll still work when you pick it up next year! Don't be afraid to buy used, especially micrometers, as they are easily adjusted if required, and there's not a lot to go wrong. Bear in mind that if you have trouble reading a conventional vernier you can always get a dial vernier, but I'd probably save for a new one!

If you really want digital, then I'd go with the Swiss Tesa! I particularly like their digital micrometer - much more rugged than the digital verniers and all the electronics are protected and waterproofed!

Many of the ratcheting combination wrenches are made, at least in part, in Taiwan. I'd spend the money buying the very best conventional combination wrenches I could afford (Snap On, Stahlwille, Hazet or whatever) as I found out the hard way that it's the tools you use most that need to be the best quality!

Thanks for the reply.
Wanted to go with Digital being its easier to read and less mistakes
Searched and seen Mutitoyo was a great brand Ill be sure and check out Swiss Tesa

How does the Matco Combination wrenches compare to Snap On, Stahlwille, Hazet ?

 

[celticbhoy]

Torque Wrench: CDI.
Compression Test Kit: Craftsman. Great kit.

 

[RemzRR]

I've seen some bad reviews on the cman torque wrenches. Norbar torque wrenches are good and often rebranded by big name tool manufacturers.

Compression tester should be threaded adapters and have a pressure release button so you can dump the pressure between readings when you want.

A good dial indicator is a necessity and a bore gauge is worthwhile. (there have been recent threads on these 2 tools so try a search on them)

Thanks for the reply.
Looking at the Norbar website ..I can only download the lite catalog and everything else is individual pages. Any model in particular???
And would u recommend the Cman Compression tester.. I think it has
threaded adaptorsIll be sure to search for the dial indicator and bore guage
Thanks again

 

[RemzRR]

Torque Wrench: CDI.
Compression Test Kit: Craftsman. Great kit.

Thnx had my eye on the craftsmen compression tester kit..thnx
Does the CID include angle tester for their tq wrenches??.

 

[celticbhoy]

Could get this model: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LA1EDO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and add this to it: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STSW6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or go for something like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LA1EDO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

First option will cost you around 160 as opposed to 500 (assuming you go through this website.)

 

[RemzRR]

Have you looked at the Compression Test Kit by Mityvac. They make a great one and this one comes with lots of adapters.
http://www.etoolcart.com/compressiontestkitmtyy-5530.aspx

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947089000P
Looks nearly identical to stock photo so is crafstmen a rebanded mityvac ??