Reccomended purchases

[HillbillyHilux]

Hey all. I'm new to turning wrenches professionally and am looking to upgrade my tools from mostly cheap **** to better tools now that I am using them professionally. My current inventory is a basic socket set from Northern Tool, an IR 1/2inch air impact, a 1/2 Milwaukee impact, 3/8 Milwaukee impact, a Milwaukee m12 ratchet, and an m12 impact driver. I know using my cheap **** compared to my dads snap-on stuff (he was a Mercedes tech for 30 years) I end up hating mine more and more. I bought all my Milwaukee stuff through my local cornwell truck when I was busting tires so I know I like working with him. Great service. But I know I like the snap on combination wrenches and screwdrivers. So that leads to a couple of questions. What tools would you recommend I be better off going with cheaper non-tool truck brands, and what should I definitely get off the tool truck. And is there anything I should definitely go cornwell or snap on respectively. And what should I get to start to make my life easier

 

[kbeefy]

What sort of work will you be doing?
Spend some extra money on the tools you use most (if their sub-grade). But don't guess thinking you might use something alot unless you have an unlimited budget.

Keep an eye on others doing similar jobs and see if there are any tools that make the job easier that you don't have.

I like tool truck combination wrenches but they are spendy. Theres a recent thread about wrench reviews and comparision that would probably be worth checking out, I think it showcases some non-truck tools that do well.

I use my 3/8 impact for alot, and so I like to have a lot of impact sockets and extensions for it. Having the right extension instead of stacking a few can often mean the difference of an impact getting it done vs having to break it loose by hand.
I also have a 19" 3/8 Mac locking flex ratchet that I'm really fond of.

 

[vwpieces]

The Truck Tool Equivalents Thread 2.0 - Expanded with Part Numbers

The purpose of this thread is the same as the original "Tool Truck Equivalents" thread; To provide information on the original manufacturers of many of the "Truck Brand" re-badged tools, so they can be bought without the markup. The original thread has been in major need an update with all...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Xcursion88]

Must have tools for general auto repair work...
The what is more important than the who...

#1
1/2" stubby electric impact

#2A
1/2" swivel impact sockets

(I say half inch because there are many times in the rust belt working on a variety of aged stuff that I need 1/2" power)

#2B
Imlact sets shallow and deep metric and SAE

#3
Wrenches... any
MAC KNUCKLESAVER..SO FD+...whatever you like in your hand is what's important here.

#4 flare nut wrenches
SK, MAC, SO...or again whatever you like. Know this...gearwrench is definitely the biggest sum ******* in line wrenches. SAE and Metric

#5 extra extra long double boxed end wrenches zero offset
10-19mm set of 5 will do

#6 SO hammer with shot. That hits ridiculously hard

#7 decent chisel/punch set

#8 air powred die grinder and rice cakes
(Chicago Pneumatic or IR)

#9 screwdriver set. Any that you like

#10 knipex cobra plier set and vice grips
The absolute best in the plier business
Made in Germany

#11
Side cutters and battery cable cutters

#12A wire stripers and crimpers...(not the junky ones with numbers) real crimpers
And strippers


#12B
Electrical connectors, shrink tubing

#13 impact screwdriver/torx/hex etc

#14 cutoff tool or grinder with cutoff wheels

#15 air hammer with attachments

#16 dial calipers

#17
Infared temp gun

#18
Hub tamer

#19
Brake caliper compressor

#20 wheel hub sockets

#21
Any decent set that includes a bunch of triple square/ big hex / square...etc

#22 good torque wrenches

#23 drum brake tools

#24 pick set

#25 ring nose pliers seceral sizes

#26
Cotter pin pick

#27 sone kind of damaged fastener socket set. You'll definitely cone across some WTF fasteners by some previous hacksaw artist


You'll be able to tackle about anything with those

Good luck

 

[Legion Prime]

An IR 1/2 air gun is hard to beat, I've had mine 20+ years and it's still going strong and the only things I can think of I couldn't break loose with it was stuff I couldn't physically get it on. Xcursion88 has a real good list there. All I would add to it is instead of the SO crimpers try the ChannelLock 909's, I used them to crimp more wires than I can count. Those automatic wire strippers I could never get to work very well for me. I've got some real nice Klein ones that have worked well. I'd give the Knipex 12 62 180 Automatic Insulation Stripper's a try also as I've seen guys get good results from that style and in my experience there aren't many brands out there that can beat anything I've used from Knipex

 

[HillbillyHilux]

What sort of work will you be doing?
Spend some extra money on the tools you use most (if their sub-grade). But don't guess thinking you might use something alot unless you have an unlimited budget.

Keep an eye on others doing similar jobs and see if there are any tools that make the job easier that you don't have.

I like tool truck combination wrenches but they are spendy. Theres a recent thread about wrench reviews and comparision that would probably be worth checking out, I think it showcases some non-truck tools that do well.

I use my 3/8 impact for alot, and so I like to have a lot of impact sockets and extensions for it. Having the right extension instead of stacking a few can often mean the difference of an impact getting it done vs having to break it loose by hand.
I also have a 19" 3/8 Mac locking flex ratchet that I'm really fond of.

I am working in the shop for Trans Am Trucking. The company does a deal where they buy all the tools and you pay them back over a year out of your checks but it's all harbor freight or Milwaukee for electric tools, which is why I'm leaning towards the tool truck brands since if I'm going to spend thousands of dollars might as well get good ****.

 

[Southern83]

Invest at a pace your comfortable in. PAY for it as you go. If you have a set of tools now that make you efficient in what you do than I would start upgrading as you go. If it's something lacking that's holding you back, work towards filling those gaps with quality tools while continuing to use the current tools.

 

[Zewnten]

Tool trucks aren't the best. They are reliable quality with great service. Mac and Snap on both own industrial brands listed in the equivalent thread. Same-ish tool different badge, much better price.

I also recommend to newer guys to stick with the cheaper brands; HF tekton, etc until you have few years under your belt. So many guys get into get into debt, quit and try to sell their stuff for pennies on the dollar (if it sells at all) and you end up working only to put money in the tool truck guys pocket and none in yours.

Also I'll warn the Snap On of your dad's tools is not the Snap On of today.

 

[CS454]

FIRST OFF ALL ONLY BUY WHAT YOU NEED! A good deal isn't a good deal if you don't need it.

What does the shop supply?
Are any consumables your expense?
What type of work are you actually doing?
Are you eventually going to be graduated into other work?
What do your coworkers have? Or more importantly don't have?

The tool trucks (especially Matco) private label a lot. Tool truck wrenches are nice, but unless you're rounding off bolts left right and center what you've got is probably fine for now. Don't worry about things like semi-deep or nano sockets, deep and shallow is fine. You don't need a Fluke 88, but spend a bit on your meter.

As for must haves:
- 7" and 10" Knipex cobras.
- 10" Knipex sidecutters, your new best friends.
- Screwdrivers that your hands like, not your eyes.
- A GOOD QUALITY torque wrench.
- 1/2" drive, 24" ratchet. When it happens you'll know.
- Tap and Die AND thread chaser set. Not the same thing.
- Deadblow hammer, steel faced. Save your arm.
- Good earplugs, buy a box of 3M foamies if you gotta and wear em.

 

[ATC]

Stay off the damn tool trucks! Be smart, and don't pay for the name stamped on the tool.

My friends have wrenched for 5-15 years on everything from cars to Class 8 OTR trucks with Craftsman, GW, Pittsburg Pro, etc...

Yes, some rare occasions may warrant the trip to the tool truck, but be smart about it. Specialty tools, maybe something you use a lot every day, something you keep breaking, etc...

Ebay is your friend too. Don't pay S-O $160 for a ratchet when you can get the same thing on Ebay lightly used for $90...

 

[CGarage]

I am working in the shop for Trans Am Trucking. The company does a deal where they buy all the tools and you pay them back over a year out of your checks but it's all harbor freight or Milwaukee for electric tools, which is why I'm leaning towards the tool truck brands since if I'm going to spend thousands of dollars might as well get good ****.

That is really dumb and I am willing to bet they are shafting their employees with this “deal”.
They probably have a corporate Milwaukee account and get to buy at a discounted rate that they do not pass onto you.
I have yet to see a tool truck electric tool that could not be bettered by something made by a major power tool brand.

 

[CGarage]

#4 flare nut wrenches
SK, MAC, SO...or again whatever you like. Know this...gearwrench is definitely the biggest sum ******* in line wrenches

What do you mean by this?
“Gearwrench is definitely the biggest sum ******* in line wrenches???

#8 air powred die grinder and rice cakes

What are rice cakes???

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I would start with impact sockets as most hand tool sockets will work fine from whatever company. Upgrade your ratchets, to whatever you find you like and that has a decent price.
For my needs (and because I found a deal), a couple of tools that I regularly used was a 3/8" ratchet in a 1/4" body size, with a Mac extended length spark plug socket.
I have multiple flare nut wrenches. I started with Kobalt ones that were made by JH Williams and bought on clearance. They match Snap on. I picked up via Ebay Snap on open end flare nut wrenches later. My goal for them was based on an old timer telling me get dual box end wrenches and dual open end wrenches, when starting out. (two wrenches for when working on the same size bolt head and nut) They became part of my to go kit with some Armstrong box end Gear wrench end wrenches.
Screwdrivers, you need to figure out what you like and how many of them you want. I like Wera, Felo, JH Williams and Tekkon. I started with Craftsman (still have), and bought Williams off of Amazon (hard handles like Snap on, with hex bolsters).
For better wrenches, if you want a set and not to build up individually, Wrightgrip is a good one, but there are others (have several sets).

 

[Legion Prime]

What do you mean by this?
“Gearwrench is definitely the biggest sum ******* in line wrenches???

This I have NO clue

What are rice cakes???

Buuut, this I'm reasonably sure means the 3m scotchbrite roloc discs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B8UPLU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I used the bristle discs more than the scotchbrites myself but to each their own and scotchbrites I am sure are better for some uses.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002P55TX6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[d.mcfarland]

Gearwrench flare nut wrenches don't get much love so I'm assuming they are saying it's not worth it.

 

[richfinn]

Sockets - Ko-ken

Screwdrivers- Vessel

Wrenches - Stahlwille

Pliers - Knipex/NWS

We seem to discuss this a lot on GJ

Go for pro-quality at half the cost!!

 

[Xcursion88]

What do you mean by this?
“Gearwrench is definitely the biggest sum ******* in line wrenches???


What are rice cakes???

Gearwrench flare wrenches...line wrenches...are physically very big compared to the top brands of
Mac, Snap-on, and SK

Rice cakes.....

 

[908Jim]

Sockets - Ko-ken

Screwdrivers- Vessel

Wrenches - Stahlwille

Pliers - Knipex/NWS

We seem to discuss this a lot on GJ

Go for pro-quality at half the cost!!

Buying core tools that can't be warrantied with reasonable ease (not saying the truck, but at least with a trip to a local store) is probably not the best move for somebody that makes a living with them. Having worked in a shop for several years, there's absolutely value in having truck brand sockets and wrenches from whatever truck stops by most frequently (with a long track record of sticking around) if you're not VERY close to the store that will warranty these items.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Stuff has gotten expensive across the board. US-made tools are incredible and I love them (Hell, I just spent a chunk of change at HJE for Wright stuff), but for one reason or another they have increased in price more substantially than imported tools outside of the higher tier Taiwan tools which are also getting very pricey. The value at the moment is in the Euro/Japanese-made tools. The only real negative is that the customer support isn’t really there nor do these brands carry much of a warranty for either repairs or replacement.

As for truck vs non-truck, I couldn’t say. It’s all so relative to your access to said trucks. The shop next to ours uses all HF and Napa tools. The other has an extensive Euro collection their guys use. The tool trucks don’t visit and the guys there seem to make out alright without them. Our shop survives off of whatever guys bring in.

 

[vavet]

Talk to the quiestest, most productive, guys in your shop who have the smallest or least fancy tool boxes. Does anyone have a Craftsman or HF box? Those are the guys you want. Those are the ones who know how to stretch their tool dollar. I'm not saying the guy with the $25k Snap-on box can't teach you anything. I'm just saying that quiet productive guy has learned how to stretch things.

This does two things. It gets you information about where to spend the big money and where to go cheap. It also builds rapport, shows that you have an interest is buying things smartly, and they are probably going to be more willing to help show you time saving tips and loan you tools when you haven't gotten around to buying a particular thing yet.

 

[CGarage]

1) Talk to the old guys always......Very fortunate to have wrenched with some real old timers in the past on weekends.....I learned some great lessons from them.

2) If you are not being stupid I think it is pretty hard to break modern tools. Make sure you have breaker bars in various sizes, including 1/4”. Your ratchets will thank you for that.

3) With that being said, it is probably better to have two of something than have to wait for a tool truck to show up. The savings from buying outside of the truck should let you “double up” on commonly used tools. I.e. Having two sets of 3/8” sockets is useful.

4) Spend your money wisely. Be aware that the tool companies change prices for tools across the course of the year and they do offer sales. If you are buying items when they are not on sale off the truck, you are overpaying and wasting money that could be used to buy other tools that will increase your capability.

 

[mike93lx]

I am working in the shop for Trans Am Trucking. The company does a deal where they buy all the tools and you pay them back over a year out of your checks but it's all harbor freight or Milwaukee for electric tools, which is why I'm leaning towards the tool truck brands since if I'm going to spend thousands of dollars might as well get good ****.

If you think the only good stuff is on a tool truck, you will spend your career in debt to said truck

 

[Bubba Fett]

I recommend these brands for basic hand tools:

Wrenches and Sockets: Budget: Tekton, Sunex. High End: Proto, Williams.
Ratchets: Budget: Tekton, Sunex. High End: Used Snap-on, Williams, Proto, SK
Adjustable wrenches: Channellock (made in Spain)
Pliers Wrench: Budget: Icon. High End: Knipex.
Screwdrivers: Budget: Tekton. High End: Proto, Williams, Klein, Vessel, Grace
Nut Drivers: Tekton, Klein/Vaco.
Allen (Hex) Drivers: Eklind and Bondhus.
Precision Screwdrivers: Wiha, Wera (don't bother with budget brands)
Ratcheting Screwdrivers: Megapro.
Pliers and Cutters: Channellock, Wilde, Klein, Knipex.
Locking Pliers: Bremen (HF), and Malco for really nice ones.
Wire strippers and crimpers: Klein or Ideal.
Pry Bars: Budget: Hypertough (the made in USA ones). High End: Mayhew.
Punches, chisels: DascoPro, Wilde, or Mayhew.
Taps, Dies, Extractors: Irwin
Hammers: Estwing, Vaughan, and Nupla - for soft-face hammers.
Clamps: Irwin and Bessey are the go-to brands.
Hooks, magnets, pick-up tools, inspection mirrors: Ullman and/or Wilde.

For specialized hand tools, OEM Tools, and Lang have a lot of good options.

For battery power tools, stick with the big three: DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee.
For Drill bits: Irwin, but most brands are fine. For really good ones, go with Norseman.
For Driver bits, DeWalt, Irwin, Milwaukee are all decent, but these are consumables.
For saw blades: Lenox, Milwaukee, and Irwin are usually fine.

I would only mess with tool trucks for things that no one else has.

 

[Odd-job]

Welcome to GJ. Lot's of good advice above. Would only add if you are buying Milwaukee stuff check this thread out:

Milwaukee Power Tools Deal Permathread

well, it seems like the 2017 thread was popular enough to make it permanent. acmetools.com is offering 10% off, code CHEERS. that USB pocket flood everyone is talking about (2112-21) is 54$, ends up as 48.60 in the cart, although there still is shipping. happy new year to you and yours.

www.garagejournal.com

Guessing it will be 50% off what you are paying the Cornwell guy. Spend that saved money on something else from the Cornwell guy... like the USA made hardline stuff.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Buy tools as needed so you don't go into debt. As others have already mentioned, tool truck tools aren't necessarily the best all the time. A lot of Snap on tools, especially specialty tools, are rebranded. I'll take Milwaukee's cordless tools any day over Snap on's overpriced garbage cordless tools. There are plenty of other high end and affordable options you can go with. Get acquainted with them.

 

[belvedere]

I think it's worth it to pay the money for high-end wrenches, ratchets, and screwdrivers, but these are highly subjective as far as preference. You need to hold them in your hand and see which feels the best to you.

 

[CGarage]

I think it's worth it to pay the money for high-end wrenches, ratchets, and screwdrivers, but these are highly subjective as far as preference. You need to hold them in your hand and see which feels the best to you.

That said, just buy quality and learn to love it.
I have never gotten rid of a tool because of not liking “how it felt”. Lack of performance or metallurgy (Hazet screwdrivers with weak tips) I have gotten rid of.

 

[BarrelRoll]

Check out williams supercombo wrenches. I think they feel better than sanpon wrenches for a lot less money for a quality wrench.

 

[belvedere]

That said, just buy quality and learn to love it.
I have never gotten rid of a tool because of not liking “how it felt”. Lack of performance or metallurgy (Hazet screwdrivers with weak tips) I have gotten rid of.

But there are many quality brands. Why not choose the one that feels best in your hand? IMO, that's much better than randomly choosing a tool and then just dealing with it.

 

[CGarage]

But there are many quality brands. Why not choose the one that feels best in your hand? IMO, that's much better than randomly choosing a tool and then just dealing with it.

Not enough time and not enough resources to test them all.
Vessel Screwdrivers are easy to love. Problem solved.

 

[richfinn]

Buying core tools that can't be warrantied with reasonable ease (not saying the truck, but at least with a trip to a local store) is probably not the best move for somebody that makes a living with them. Having worked in a shop for several years, there's absolutely value in having truck brand sockets and wrenches from whatever truck stops by most frequently (with a long track record of sticking around) if you're not VERY close to the store that will warranty these items.

I would disagree with that to some extent, if your financial outlay on pro quality tooling is significantly lower you can afford to replace the odd broken tool here and there out of your own pocket or through the manufacturers warranty (online within 48hrs in most cases) and still be way ahead on cost.

I have been a "pro-mechanic" for almost 40 years (and started off with the tool trucks pre-internet), I've broken a few tools over the years (and waited weeks sometimes for a Snap On/MAC dealer to make good) its nowhere near enough to make the initial prices of the tool trucks worth the warranty benefits.

I'm not knocking the quality of the Tool Truck stuff (maybe the business model is a bit dated) or saying you can buy everything outside that arena, what I'm saying is you can have equal quality for far less money and get the job done (and enjoy good quality).

If I break a Ko-ken socket, I can just buy another for a few $$/££ and it will be on my doormat within 2 days (this is aerospace quality stuff BTW) and still be way in front.

I still buy the odd Tool Truck item where there isn't a good enough alternative available (never warranty them though) usually from ebay either used or from a "tool collector" that is upgrading to purple handles or something equally crazy (but it has to be a really good deal because I have other interests besides tools that soak up funds).

I think what I'm trying to say is spend it wisely and do your research, whatever you save use to pay extra on your mortgage or pension fund. Be frugal and don't believe the hype from marketing people aimed at junior technicians, listen to old codgers, we've BTDT in most cases

 

[M635_Guy]

I would disagree with that to some extent, if your financial outlay on pro quality tooling is significantly lower you can afford to replace the odd broken tool here and there out of your own pocket or through the manufacturers warranty (online within 48hrs in most cases) and still be way ahead on cost.

I have been a "pro-mechanic" for almost 40 years (and started off with the tool trucks pre-internet), I've broken a few tools over the years (and waited weeks sometimes for a Snap On/MAC dealer to make good) its nowhere near enough to make the initial prices of the tool trucks worth the warranty benefits.

I'm not knocking the quality of the Tool Truck stuff (maybe the business model is a bit dated) or saying you can buy everything outside that arena, what I'm saying is you can have equal quality for far less money and get the job done (and enjoy good quality).

If I break a Ko-ken socket, I can just buy another for a few $$/££ and it will be on my doormat within 2 days (this is aerospace quality stuff BTW) and still be way in front.

I still buy the odd Tool Truck item where there isn't a good enough alternative available (never warranty them though) usually from ebay either used or from a "tool collector" that is upgrading to purple handles or something equally crazy (but it has to be a really good deal because I have other interests besides tools that soak up funds).

I think what I'm trying to say is spend it wisely and do your research, whatever you save use to pay extra on your mortgage or pension fund. Be frugal and don't believe the hype from marketing people aimed at junior technicians, listen to old codgers, we've BTDT in most cases

I wish there was something better than a Like button for this.

The only thing I'd modify is the last bit to "whatever you save use to pay into your retirement fund." There is no substitute for starting early when it comes to saving for retirement (even in a down market. Hell, especially in a down market). Even $20-$30 a week in an IRA in your 20's can wind up meaning a lot when it's time to put the tools down (or stop doing whatever it is you do). I got this lecture when I was getting ready to graduate from college from a half-drunk guy who was probably my age now (It wasn't a very friendly lecture - lol. He noticed some of the guys were drinking fancy beer and told us all we were idiots for not putting money in the retirement accounts none of us had yet, told us to start putting money away immediately, said even $50-$100 a month was worth doing, etc.). Thirty-something years later, I'd love to find that guy and buy him a nice dinner.

 

[Xcursion88]

That said, just buy quality and learn to love it.
I have never gotten rid of a tool because of not liking “how it felt”. Lack of performance or metallurgy (Hazet screwdrivers with weak tips) I have gotten rid of.

I disagree with this....

Someone turning a wrench all day long or ratchet or whatever...it's in the hand all day. If it annoys the user that's bad for personal morale.
Nothing ***** worse than using a tool you absolutely hate how it feels in the hand.

SO FD+ wrenches are great. In my hand, no.
SK x-frame ratcheting wrenches feel 10x better.
MAC KNUCKLESAVER wrenches feel better in my hand than the Snap-on FD+
I love SO ratchets and they're my favorite in the hand.
I hate SO chrome sockets in 3/8 because they can be impossible to remove with bare fingers. Add a little oil to them or the fingers and fuhgetaboutit . Not enough knurl on the finish to help with removal. SK had a couple undercut lines on their sockets fkr decor but they help witj grip.

I think it's far more important whomever buys what feels right to them.

 

[M635_Guy]

I am working in the shop for Trans Am Trucking. The company does a deal where they buy all the tools and you pay them back over a year out of your checks but it's all harbor freight or Milwaukee for electric tools, which is why I'm leaning towards the tool truck brands since if I'm going to spend thousands of dollars might as well get good ****.

I don't blame you for not wanting to go through their program unless they are completely transparent with costs and not charging you any interest at all. But that said, I wouldn't dive into the truck tools right away.