Rank' em

[Bryan Burns]

Snap-On
M. Klein
J.H. Williams
Armstrong Bros
Kraeuter

 

[jeffmoss26]

Also in no particular order:
Channellock
Klein
Snap-on
Knipex
OLD Craftsman

 

[darkk]

I'm going to catch all hell but, my choices for tools I've used.

#1) SK: comfort, price, warrantee, availability, probably not listed as the Top brand but I've this brand in my profession used all my life.

#2)Armstrong/Williams/several others old U.S.A. tool companies: comfort, price, warrantee, availability.

#3) Craftsman: comfort, price, warrantee, availability, a cheaper tool than SK, not as heavy duty, good home owner tool.

#4) Snap On: Uncomfortable in my hands, to skinny, way overpriced, considered the best,*matter of opinion* availability, warrantee

#5) Mac/Matco/Cornwell: Uncomfortable in my hands, to skinny, way overpriced, considered one of the best,*matter of opinion* availability, warrantee

 

[b7labelle]

I am surprised to see Proto on some peoples lists. Recently bough a set of punches/chisels and they are already looking pretty nasty. I have a 2nd CM set that has held up very well.

Obviously punches are not in the same category as ratchets or sockets...but...not a good first impression

 

[Thedroid]

For my line of work which is heavy industrial repair
Proto
Wright
Williams
Craftsman

For home use/Auto repair
Snap on
Matco

 

[bob15]

Bonney
Snap On
Wright
SK
Mac

 

[ricleh]

Nepros
Snapon
Stahlwille
KTC
Koken

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

SK, Channellock, Wiha, Snap-on, Craftsman.

SK makes truck-quality tools for much lower prices, all US-made.

Channellock makes exceptionally solid pliers, all US-made.

Wiha makes the best screwdrivers I've ever used, and makes Snap-on screwdrivers look like toys.

Snap-on's 80-tooth ratchets are the nicest I've ever used.

US Craftsman were very respectable tools at reasonable prices.

 

[Conductor562]

I am surprised to see Proto on some peoples lists. Recently bough a set of punches/chisels and they are already looking pretty nasty. I have a 2nd CM set that has held up very well.

Obviously punches are not in the same category as ratchets or sockets...but...not a good first impression

Right off the bat I give my punches and chisels a coat of Krylon Industrial. Keeps them looking much nicer for much longer. Proto is top notch in most categories.

 

[Conductor562]

Also in no particular order:
Channellock
Klein
Snap-on
Knipex
OLD Craftsman

I agree on Channellock. I ranked only full line manufacturers, but Channellock makes the best pliers as far as I'm concerned.

 

[transittech]

As most companies have "maximized value" I think some parts are still good, but you have to pick and choose. Therefore:

1. Snap On (except pliers and screwdrivers)
Knipex for pliers, Witte for screwdrivers

2. Mac USA (excludes most of their current line)
Their imported stuff can usually be had much cheaper elsewhere

3. Cornwell hardline USA only (no electronics or air tools)
HF for air tools, Fluke for meters

4. Proto (can't think of any exceptions, but limited selection)

5. Kent/Moore (number 1 in my book for specialty)


We need a thread on the top tools 30 years ago!

 

[Kurn]

Snap on
Gearwrench
Channellock
Blue Point
Matco

Also rans-Craftsman,Kobalt,and yes,even HF.

 

[robe5000]

GearWrench
Craftsman
Snap-on
Blue Point
MasterCraft Maximum

No Mac, SK, Cornwell, Matco Dealers around my way, but i've used SK and i like it, I own a bit of MAC stuff i got for free, i also like them

 

[daddy2coull]

Snap-on For pretty much everything, I used to buy Mac before I stepped on
the Snap on van, I gave all my Mac to my old apprentice when he
started out

Bahco Great adjustables

Vise Grip I think they are made by Irwin, but I think these are better than any
other equivalent

Halfords Pro Ok, you wont see those in the USA, but basically they are cheap,
basic tools with lifetime warranty that are sold from auto stores
of the same name.

Sealey Another cheap and cheerful brand that sell pretty much everything
you will ever need. Some of the tools are identical to Blue Point
but at a third of the price.


I'd love to visit America just to go tool shopping, but I fear the cost of shipping would be far too expensive.

 

[ddawg16]

Harbor Freight
Task Force
Tool Shop
Astro Pneumatic
Mountain

What about Princes Auto?








I guess the guys didn't bite.....I got it though...

 

[jebutler]

Professional mechanic

1 Snap on
2 Mac(KS2)/Matco(88's)
3 Cornwell
4 Sk
5 Craftsman(older)

 

[CWP1616L]

Snap-on
Cornwell
MAC
Proto
JH Williams

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Lets see,

I have in my tool boxes, snappy, crafty, bahco, armstrong, channel lock, klien, kd, proto challenger, wright, s&k, carlyle, gearwrench, knipex, otc, Lisle, harbor freight, and some others I'm sure I'm forgetting, and after around 35 years of using them, my conclusion is there really isn't any significant difference between them all.

There are some things that I prefer of a certain brand for instance, snappy universal swivels (the exteriors are welded at the pin), crafty raised panel wrenches ( they stay in my hands well when my hands are full of transmission fluid or grease/oil) and I really like the locking armstrong flex ratchets.

But I guess if it wasn't for threads like this, all that would be left to talk about is, COO, how over priced snappy tools are, or how much sears *****. Wait a minute, that happens anyways. Oh well never mind

 

[Monkey Milk]

Older Mac- that's what the shop had (driver was bosses friend)
Snap on- What we did have I liked (special tools that mac didn't carry)
Craftsman- that's what I bought 20 years ago
Proto- some passed down to me (never broke one)
Matco- never came around the shop
Corwell- never seen a truck