OP
nick.koehler6
Member
Thanks for all the great advice! I am going to start saving up for snap - on tools. I plan to go to college for a diesel mechanic. It will be worth it. If you have any tools for sale. Let me know
Snapon or Craftsman?
- Thread starter nick.koehler6
- Start date
e30bradley
Well-known member
I am a professional, I buy mostly snap on tools. I would recommend you buy any unless you plan on wrenching for a living.. Buy some used ratchets, and wrenches maybe but don't go overboard.. They are $$$$$
Outlawmws
Well-known member
That says a lot: hes been in the trades for near 30 years. having the truck come to him is important.
Those that are saying "buy used" have it right IMO. Spend some time just reading some of the tool threads; Take walk through the Garage sale thread, and compare what can often be had on the cheap (literally pennies on the dollar).
Just a couple of years ago I'd have have told you to pick up one of the Craftsman sets on sale for the basics. heck it was just about 8 years ago I bought such a set for my son as a "get him started set" I wouldn't do that today with the off-shoring Sears has done. (unless I found a NOS set).
You WILL hear "buy the best" (meaning SO) from many on this board. there are many tools just as good truth be told. As mentioned with SO you are buying a LOT more than "just the tool" but you are 15, not a pro, the truck doesn't make stops to your door, etc. etc.
Older USA (generally) made tools can be a hug bargain. - in no particualr order: Barcalo, Blackhawk, Bonny, Channellock, Craftsman, Crescent, Diamond, Duro/ Indestro, MAC, New Britain, P&C, Peterson (Vise Grip), Proto/Plvmb, , S-K, Snap-on, Thorsen, Vlichek, Williams, all made for the most part good tools many others did also for niche markets.
Ratchets: yes, you get what you pay for, but there are many good to great ratchets besides SO. Some have fine tooth actions. one of the earliest was the Craftsman RHFT, at 90 teeth. (45-double pawl) I bought mine new "back in the day", and they still work fine, and the rebuild kits are still available. Other very fine Ratchets: SK, Proto/Plvmb, Williams, MAC.. the list goes on.
Keep an open mind, and don't let anyone tell you "there can only be one", because even the best tool makers sometimes lay an egg...
Those that are saying "buy used" have it right IMO. Spend some time just reading some of the tool threads; Take walk through the Garage sale thread, and compare what can often be had on the cheap (literally pennies on the dollar).
Just a couple of years ago I'd have have told you to pick up one of the Craftsman sets on sale for the basics. heck it was just about 8 years ago I bought such a set for my son as a "get him started set" I wouldn't do that today with the off-shoring Sears has done. (unless I found a NOS set).
You WILL hear "buy the best" (meaning SO) from many on this board. there are many tools just as good truth be told. As mentioned with SO you are buying a LOT more than "just the tool" but you are 15, not a pro, the truck doesn't make stops to your door, etc. etc.
Older USA (generally) made tools can be a hug bargain. - in no particualr order: Barcalo, Blackhawk, Bonny, Channellock, Craftsman, Crescent, Diamond, Duro/ Indestro, MAC, New Britain, P&C, Peterson (Vise Grip), Proto/Plvmb, , S-K, Snap-on, Thorsen, Vlichek, Williams, all made for the most part good tools many others did also for niche markets.
Ratchets: yes, you get what you pay for, but there are many good to great ratchets besides SO. Some have fine tooth actions. one of the earliest was the Craftsman RHFT, at 90 teeth. (45-double pawl) I bought mine new "back in the day", and they still work fine, and the rebuild kits are still available. Other very fine Ratchets: SK, Proto/Plvmb, Williams, MAC.. the list goes on.
Keep an open mind, and don't let anyone tell you "there can only be one", because even the best tool makers sometimes lay an egg...
sonvolt
Well-known member
Excellent advice right there, well spoken.
Farhaj
Member
Amen
sberry
Banned
There is nothing wrong with Sears tools today except for the ratchet which can be replaced HF and the flare wrenches. It may be China but it works fine and is cheaper than ever. I would still start with a set, the 309 and the 358 on sale are hard to beat. I am also a professional but I aint got such a golden arm that most any wrench actually works. 20 in the hand here (or more) is worth 1 in the bush and it brings you up to speed fast. No good to only have 6 wrenches cause that's all you could afford.
There is enough stuff in one of those sets to change an engine in a car, do most common jobs to it.
There is enough stuff in one of those sets to change an engine in a car, do most common jobs to it.
sberry
Banned
You can get started fast with an affordable set, you are young, if you lose the stuff or someone steals it you are not crushed. Don't have to squeeze yourself or go in debt.
crewchief888
Well-known member
i've been wrenching on const eq for 30 years or so.
i make my living using and abusing tools.
98% of my working tools came off a tool truck brand new, the rest are select CM, kobalt, gearwrench and HF that actually do what i need them to do.
my home tools are a mixture of CM, SK, GW, kobalt, truck & industrial brands.
sometimes places like HF are my friend,
sometimes not
my advise is to buy better ratchets, and couple of good screwdrivers, then use and abuse what you already have.
if you find yourself breaking the same socket/wrench/ratchet/ect all the time, then it's time to upgrade.
it takes time ( and smart money) to build a fairly complete selection of tools.
i've spent my fair share of paychecks on a tool truck.
i make my living using and abusing tools.
98% of my working tools came off a tool truck brand new, the rest are select CM, kobalt, gearwrench and HF that actually do what i need them to do.
my home tools are a mixture of CM, SK, GW, kobalt, truck & industrial brands.
sometimes places like HF are my friend,
sometimes not
my advise is to buy better ratchets, and couple of good screwdrivers, then use and abuse what you already have.
if you find yourself breaking the same socket/wrench/ratchet/ect all the time, then it's time to upgrade.
it takes time ( and smart money) to build a fairly complete selection of tools.
i've spent my fair share of paychecks on a tool truck.
n8n
Well-known member
Start saving, but if you go to a trade school don't buy any Snappy new until you get there. They have a discount program for students.
ibedayank
Well-known member
yep can tell he has never lived in the rust belt where cars less than 7 years old can be already 1/2 ruated out
n8n
Well-known member
As a driver of a '99 XJ I respectfully disagree. Maybe it won't break a Snappy 12pt. socket, but I felt more comfortable using my impacts to drop the skid plates, change the rear springs, etc. Also had to replace the nut plates and Helicoil the rear bumper captive nuts due to rust. This is a vehicle that I believe likely lived out west somewhere before spending ~5 years in Pittsburgh as a winter beater. It actually is pretty rust free overall, but yeah, rust is an issue. Unless you live well south of the Mason-Dixon line and away from the coast...
n8n
Well-known member
+1 on this. Better to spend a couple Bens on a complete set of tools that will get the job done for a while while you're shopping for your "lifetime" tools.
I still have some Craftsman sockets that I bought 15 years ago. Haven't replaced them because I haven't broken them yet. If I find some S-K or Snap-On for an affordable price I'll retire them, otherwise they'll keep getting used until I need to replace them.
Buy the best you can afford. There are professionals on this board making their living with every brand. Some have every tool Snapon offers and some have every every tool from Harbor Freight. They are all making money. Is a $12000 really that much better than a $1000 box? Is a $50 wrench that much better than a $15 one. 99% of the time they will both get the job done for you. Buy the tools you need for the jobs you are currently taking on. Add more as you need more. For folks like me who just work on our own stuff Craftsman tools perform just fine and if there is a Sears outlet near you there are still plenty of bargain USA Craftsman tools available. My dad made his living for forty years with Craftsman tools.
Before the internet nobody knew Craftsman wouldn't do
If you must buy Snap-on, buy used. If you get a good deal, especially if they don't have owner ID marks on them, you won't lose money, because you could always get it back out, minus shipping cost
Might have too much *******, but that's better than lost.
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carterbeauford
Well-known member
if I were a tech starting out I'd buy a ton of Gearwrench, happy medium between the two. affordable and high quality like Craftsman used to be, yet with the feel of Snap-On.
Snap-On takes advantage of new techs by convincing them they need the absolute best tools starting out, then offering easy credit. I used to run a shop and I'd hire a guy and a week later he was $5,000 in debt for a box. if you're just starting out in any career, learn to save, not spend. you can buy the best stuff later.
Snap-On is somewhat controversial but damn do they make the best punches and chisels and screwdrivers I've ever used. they also do some pretty good brainwashing.
Snap-On takes advantage of new techs by convincing them they need the absolute best tools starting out, then offering easy credit. I used to run a shop and I'd hire a guy and a week later he was $5,000 in debt for a box. if you're just starting out in any career, learn to save, not spend. you can buy the best stuff later.
Snap-On is somewhat controversial but damn do they make the best punches and chisels and screwdrivers I've ever used. they also do some pretty good brainwashing.
Im 21 sorta starting off. Will enroll in diesel school in about a year or so. When I was 16 I bought a cm 2 piece box and the 309pc set. It got me rolling and over the years I've been buying more and more. Still use the craftsman sockets out of that kit today. My opinion dont wrap your mind around "I NEED SNAP ON", dont get me wrong damn good tools but you pay for the name. Do your research before you buy, alot of tool companies make the same extra tool or service kit but with a different logo stamped on it. I personally dont buy very much snap on from the truck, he's a real A hole.
ihateminimumwage
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2012
- Messages
- 3,960
Exactly. Don't buy any Snap-On or Matco until you get into school, can't beat the 50% student discount.
In the meantime (as said before) look into Gearwrench (ratchets, chrome/impact sockets, specialty tools) and Williams (USA sockets are Snap-On without the price, and Williams Taiwan are Blue Point).
SK is one of the most solid USA brands out there, I've been buying a lot more recently. Incredible quality for the price.
Just don't get caught up in the name brand (Snap-On/Matco/MAC) contest that plagues a lot of shops/techs (same ******** as the Ford/Chevy/Dodge or Cummins/Powerstroke/Duramax **** measuring bull). Spend your money wisely the first time around.
85FourEyedGT
Well-known member
I personally use all Craftsman sockets, extensions, wrenches,and pliers, dykes etc
I Have Snap On ratchets, Torque Wrench and breaker bars
I use Wera for screwdrivers
For impact sockets and related items, prybars... I just go with Harbor Freight
I think you could build a real solid toolset using these companies and do it for a few hundred dollars, good luck and remember...
You can never have enough tools!!
I Have Snap On ratchets, Torque Wrench and breaker bars
I use Wera for screwdrivers
For impact sockets and related items, prybars... I just go with Harbor Freight
I think you could build a real solid toolset using these companies and do it for a few hundred dollars, good luck and remember...
You can never have enough tools!!
n8n
Well-known member
Agree on SK. I have beat the ever-loving snot out of a set of S-K combo wrenches for the past while and they just come back asking for more. Dead nuts reliable tools that I will put up against anything. I mean stupid **** like using a larger combo wrench hooked box end over open end for double leverage, hammering on them with an engineer's hammer, etc. They love that ****.
My grandfather's 3/8" Sherman-Klove socket set was my go to until I actually researched it and realized how old it was.
That said I was slightly disappointed in the 3/8" metric deep socket set that I just purchased. The sub-10mm sizes have some really nasty looking broaching. But, those are low torque sizes so it probably doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. The other sockets are all fantastic. S-K probably is the least expensive true made in the USA tool brand these days.
Shipfittin
Well-known member
I would highly recommend that you just get the best value for your money. There is nothing wrong with Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky, Pittsburgh Pro, etc., especially for someone that is only 15.
I fix ships for a living and have a tool box full of tools that are abused in ways that you would never believe. There are a few Snap On's in that box but not many. I have a wide variety of wrenches, sockets, etc. from store brands to various truck brands.
That old saying, it's not the tool it's how you use it, is really true. There are times though that you will run into a situation which may require a high quality tool, but I highly doubt you are going to run into that scenario for quite some time.
I fix ships for a living and have a tool box full of tools that are abused in ways that you would never believe. There are a few Snap On's in that box but not many. I have a wide variety of wrenches, sockets, etc. from store brands to various truck brands.
That old saying, it's not the tool it's how you use it, is really true. There are times though that you will run into a situation which may require a high quality tool, but I highly doubt you are going to run into that scenario for quite some time.
Shipfittin
Well-known member
I have to agree with you on that one. Everything I have from SK (sockets, wrenches, etc.) stands up to abuse like no other tool I've ever used. That's not to take anything away from my Snap On's, Cornwell's, Mac's etc., I've just always had nothing but great experiences using my SK tools.
Ya'll are plain crazy lol.
You are 15. I am assuming you don't make a regular income, and if you do save it. Get a cheap set of decent tools. You have zero need for anything snap on unless you find it cheap at a yard sale/ swap meet/ flea market. Do not go out and go balls to the wall spending everything you have on tools. Your parents aren't going to want them sitting at the house while your off to college and you will probably lose more than a few in the moves you have coming up sooner than you think. Get a combo set that has wrenches, sockets, and the other doodads they stuff in there and learn.
Snap on is topshelf and absolute overkill for you. Snap on is better by a lot, but not worth the extra investment to you at a point in your life when your future is open and your idea for a profession will change... a lot. I'm the last person to bash snap on, I love the tools, but I'm a pro. Snap on/ Mac/ Matco costs are only justified by the requirement of the tool to perform everyday 8 to 12 hours a day. You are also buying into a service agreement with these tools that is only worth it if you have a tool truck stopping by every week. College is not cheap, dating is not cheap, gas is not cheap, but your tools can be and will serve your purpose just fine.
Have a parent take you to a harbor freight if you can once you've saved up some cash and get yourself a nice little set up. New craftsman is not much better if any than the hf offerings and you can save some money. There is a whole thread on here dedicated to good and bad hf tools that can set you up.
You'll need
ratchets
wrenches
sockets
hex wrenches
screwdrivers
Pliers
That will set you for a few years. If you decide to pursue a job in a job that requires tools you will be able to buy truck brand tools at deep discounts through the purchasing program. Focus on your good tools there.
Don't get me wrong if you want to save up and buy a set of snap on screwdrivers, a ratchet, or whatever, do it. Just don't make the mistake of thinking you can't survive without name brand tools as a hobbiest. Learn to complete tasks and properly use your tools before jumping off the deep end of tool cost.
You are 15. I am assuming you don't make a regular income, and if you do save it. Get a cheap set of decent tools. You have zero need for anything snap on unless you find it cheap at a yard sale/ swap meet/ flea market. Do not go out and go balls to the wall spending everything you have on tools. Your parents aren't going to want them sitting at the house while your off to college and you will probably lose more than a few in the moves you have coming up sooner than you think. Get a combo set that has wrenches, sockets, and the other doodads they stuff in there and learn.
Snap on is topshelf and absolute overkill for you. Snap on is better by a lot, but not worth the extra investment to you at a point in your life when your future is open and your idea for a profession will change... a lot. I'm the last person to bash snap on, I love the tools, but I'm a pro. Snap on/ Mac/ Matco costs are only justified by the requirement of the tool to perform everyday 8 to 12 hours a day. You are also buying into a service agreement with these tools that is only worth it if you have a tool truck stopping by every week. College is not cheap, dating is not cheap, gas is not cheap, but your tools can be and will serve your purpose just fine.
Have a parent take you to a harbor freight if you can once you've saved up some cash and get yourself a nice little set up. New craftsman is not much better if any than the hf offerings and you can save some money. There is a whole thread on here dedicated to good and bad hf tools that can set you up.
You'll need
ratchets
wrenches
sockets
hex wrenches
screwdrivers
Pliers
That will set you for a few years. If you decide to pursue a job in a job that requires tools you will be able to buy truck brand tools at deep discounts through the purchasing program. Focus on your good tools there.
Don't get me wrong if you want to save up and buy a set of snap on screwdrivers, a ratchet, or whatever, do it. Just don't make the mistake of thinking you can't survive without name brand tools as a hobbiest. Learn to complete tasks and properly use your tools before jumping off the deep end of tool cost.
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n8n
Well-known member
^what he said. The one and only real exception to the above is flare wrenches. A less than pro quality flare wrench can ruin your day. But for most stuff lesser is still acceptable for most jobs. Compare prices from craigslist, GJ classifieds, etc. to HF. If you can get "truck brand" stuff for only a little more than HF pricing then do it. If not then buy the HF stuff to get you buy until you're sure you're going pro.
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
You might want to just save up for better brands then and just wait till you get in college to purchase your tools. Snap On and the others all have discount programs. And depending on what you go into the program may provide tools...the program I am interviewing for right now provides your tools, $4500 worth of quality tools (proto and snapon), for a $100 payroll deduction.
I'm a pro and use duralast flare nut wrenches. Not saying they are as good as snappy, and they will be replaced when I get around to it... but they work and haven't opened up on me. I work on small airplanes that live outside and fly in the bush as well as antique restorations. These planes are full of lines, an and ms fittings. My duralast el cheapo's have never let me down, not that they won't, but he will be fine even without flare nut wrenches.
The only thing constant in your teens is that your mind will change. My best friend went to an auto school after high school, graduated top of his class and direct hired into a very nice dealership on the nice side of town. He ended up hating it and now he has 6k worth of tools sitting in his parents garage
. Your money is not well invested in tools at this point in your life. That diesel school is going to be expensive. I got my education in the military and used my gi bill after getting out of the air force to pay for my a&p school. The end bill for 18months of school was 43,000, that is a house in the midwest. I didn't have to spend a dime but damn the guys i graduated with are going to be paying student loans for years. Your starting wages as a mechanic are low, so the more you have back now the less pain you'll have later. Tools will come, but your most important tool is your mind. A guy with a box full of truck brand tools is worthless without the know how. The tool will not tell you how to use it properly, and if you break a few cheap ones you'll better know how to use a nice one. Not to mention the respect you'll gain once you get the good tools
Wakefield
Well-known member
Just a couple wrenches or a ratcheting screwdriver might not break the bank in Snap On but also there are brands such as Wright and S*K that don't cost as much as Snap On and might be better than the current Craftsman.
If you go on to a tech school you might possibly get a chance to buy Snap On or Matco at a substantial discount.
OSHM707B set of nice combination wrenches with 6 point costs $224 ! And doesn't have 18 or 19 mm
Might be worthwhile for prospective college students to research the Student Loan crisis/issue and the hiking of college costs which seem(s) to be becoming a different world than it was back in the Viet Nam War era.
If you go on to a tech school you might possibly get a chance to buy Snap On or Matco at a substantial discount.
OSHM707B set of nice combination wrenches with 6 point costs $224 ! And doesn't have 18 or 19 mm
Might be worthwhile for prospective college students to research the Student Loan crisis/issue and the hiking of college costs which seem(s) to be becoming a different world than it was back in the Viet Nam War era.
mechanicalmoron
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2014
- Messages
- 178
Snap-on are gougers, but make great tools.
Craftsman have cheapened their stuff, and have no benefit over a generic store brand with a warranty - I feel like my (unmarked, probably tiwanese) duralast is generally at LEAST as nice as my US craftsman - if not more so. The only downside of them is they have the sort of warranty that shows that they don't REALLY believe in, or stand by, their tools, and really just want to weasel out of replacing them if they break. I've never had a duralast break and have abused them heavily (stacking wrenches and hanging off them to break suspension bolts, etc), BUT you must be the original owner, and must remember the phone number you gave when you purchased the tool, which is total bull - disrespectful to the customer, and their own reputation. BUT if you can live with that, they're great tools for the price, and my suggestion if you don't want to spend enough to buy a car, just to own a basic socket set.
I don't have a dealer here, and never really knew about them, but recently got an SK roundhead with some used tools - it feels great, and people say their customer service is really great - considering the ease of online purchase these days, I'll probably be trying to buy more from them in the future. But autozone is super close and easy, so they get my business when I need something right away.
when buying used tools, I'll jump at craftsman. New, I wouldn't give them the time of day.
*edit* remember that harbor freight literally hates america - they are throwing america under the bus, and sending all the rewards that they don't reap strait to china, and giving you steaming **** in return. Also, when I say store brand, I mean reasonable store brand that actually costs SOME money - I have a no-name box store socket set, haven't looked at it in years - things don't fit right (the drive OR bolt sides), I stripped both ratchets in a matter of months of light use, the sockets are soft, have crooked tops/bottom edges, etc. I keep it around in case I need sockets to use as drifts, or grind down to fit something, or give away to someone in real need - I only ever meant it as a "starter" and might not appreciate quality now if I had not bought it, but nevertheless, I wish I'd just bitten the bullet on duralast the first time - after all, how big a bullet is like a $30-$140, depending if you want just the metric or sae basics (according to your vehicle), or an ENTIRE set that does about everything?
Craftsman have cheapened their stuff, and have no benefit over a generic store brand with a warranty - I feel like my (unmarked, probably tiwanese) duralast is generally at LEAST as nice as my US craftsman - if not more so. The only downside of them is they have the sort of warranty that shows that they don't REALLY believe in, or stand by, their tools, and really just want to weasel out of replacing them if they break. I've never had a duralast break and have abused them heavily (stacking wrenches and hanging off them to break suspension bolts, etc), BUT you must be the original owner, and must remember the phone number you gave when you purchased the tool, which is total bull - disrespectful to the customer, and their own reputation. BUT if you can live with that, they're great tools for the price, and my suggestion if you don't want to spend enough to buy a car, just to own a basic socket set.
I don't have a dealer here, and never really knew about them, but recently got an SK roundhead with some used tools - it feels great, and people say their customer service is really great - considering the ease of online purchase these days, I'll probably be trying to buy more from them in the future. But autozone is super close and easy, so they get my business when I need something right away.
when buying used tools, I'll jump at craftsman. New, I wouldn't give them the time of day.
*edit* remember that harbor freight literally hates america - they are throwing america under the bus, and sending all the rewards that they don't reap strait to china, and giving you steaming **** in return. Also, when I say store brand, I mean reasonable store brand that actually costs SOME money - I have a no-name box store socket set, haven't looked at it in years - things don't fit right (the drive OR bolt sides), I stripped both ratchets in a matter of months of light use, the sockets are soft, have crooked tops/bottom edges, etc. I keep it around in case I need sockets to use as drifts, or grind down to fit something, or give away to someone in real need - I only ever meant it as a "starter" and might not appreciate quality now if I had not bought it, but nevertheless, I wish I'd just bitten the bullet on duralast the first time - after all, how big a bullet is like a $30-$140, depending if you want just the metric or sae basics (according to your vehicle), or an ENTIRE set that does about everything?
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1950mercury
Well-known member
Go to harbor frieght and buy there composite ratchets and Pittsburgh pro sockets. You cant beat them, there is nothing close to there quality for there price. Then up grade from there.
Thats what i did 25 years ago but bought usa craftsman.
I know all the cool kids have snap on....
Thats what i did 25 years ago but bought usa craftsman.
I know all the cool kids have snap on....
k1rodeoboater
Well-known member
It's already been said. Get yourself a starter set of tools and save up/replace with nicer as things break, get lost, or get stolen.
Lowes has a kobalt brand 40pc 3/8" SAE/metric set for $20, go buy that. It'll do most things you need for routine maintenance and has a lifetime warranty as well as replacement sockets for life (though it may be cheaper to buy a replacement at the store rather than pay their handling fee). I got my breaker bars from lowes as well. They are a step up from my HF which I liked but the rivet holding the head on broke.
For 1/2 go to harbor freight and get a set if impacts and a composite or HD ratchet. I recently got their swivel heads and they seem decent enough, I got all 3 for less than $30. Never pay full price (which also includes their sale prices) for anything there. Get a 25% off coupon and use that, slickdeals.com has a great coupon thread. I almost never buy anything from there without a coupon.
Lowes has a kobalt brand 40pc 3/8" SAE/metric set for $20, go buy that. It'll do most things you need for routine maintenance and has a lifetime warranty as well as replacement sockets for life (though it may be cheaper to buy a replacement at the store rather than pay their handling fee). I got my breaker bars from lowes as well. They are a step up from my HF which I liked but the rivet holding the head on broke.
For 1/2 go to harbor freight and get a set if impacts and a composite or HD ratchet. I recently got their swivel heads and they seem decent enough, I got all 3 for less than $30. Never pay full price (which also includes their sale prices) for anything there. Get a 25% off coupon and use that, slickdeals.com has a great coupon thread. I almost never buy anything from there without a coupon.
aaronrkelly
Well-known member
I agree with this. I have Craftsman wrenches and sockets.....but I spent the money and bought a SnapOn 3/8 ratchet.....huge upgrade and your likely to spend alot of time with THAT tool in your hand.
I also have a set of Gearwrench wrenches....just the non-reversible set - got them on sale for $50 for SAE and METRIC. I use them alot.
Pliers....I have some Crafstman but I prefer Channellock and the Irwin Grip Locks (Knipex Cobra knock offs). Get a 7 and 10 inch pair of Vise Grips while your at it.
This is a 15 year old kid. He can probably get by with cheap or no flare wrench's.. even if the "less the pro quality" wrench does round something off.. I am guessing he will have vise grips(which should be purchased way before good flare wrenchs)..
Big thing get what you need and just that.. If you just need a 200 piece husky kit from the HD to work on the jeep dont worry about your buddy with his snappy tools..
OutsideMachinist
Well-known member
Nick/OP, please dont go out and buy all snap on stuff. Worry about buying a full set of tools first and learning to use them properly. Depending where you are in Il, a lot of people around your area have had great luck finding good quality used tools for pennies on the dollar of new. If you insist on having snap on only buy it used and make sure you research prices first. I dont know your financial situation, but I promise you will have expenses in the near future that are more important than keeping up with your buddies/ the joneses.
Get a full set of all the basic hand tools first. Get USA craftsman if you can, they will work just fine for your needs. You can upgrade later as you use them and get a feel for what you use more often and what needs to be better quality. This is all subjective and depends on the individual and the work they do. You are not turning wrenches for a living. Even if you decide to go that route you don't need snap on right out of the hole. HF/Northern has many acceptable tools especially for starting out. USA craftsman/Kobalt would suit your needs just fine. I started with Craftsman RP ratchets and wrenches and still have them as backups did just fine for me.
I have been using a lot of the USA Blackhawk by Proto stuff especially combo wrenches I upgraded to that I really like. Start off ''cheap'' and look for more tool for your money and then upgrade as you go. There are plenty of guys here in this area, some I know and went to school with who have 50 grand in debt to a tool truck like snap on and they cant diagnose their way out of a brown paper bag. They also are lucky to make 500 a week and then have to pay at least 100 a week to tool man.
Start out cheap and get a full set and then reevaluate your needs as the years go on. You are 15. Full Snap on is not necessary.
Get a full set of all the basic hand tools first. Get USA craftsman if you can, they will work just fine for your needs. You can upgrade later as you use them and get a feel for what you use more often and what needs to be better quality. This is all subjective and depends on the individual and the work they do. You are not turning wrenches for a living. Even if you decide to go that route you don't need snap on right out of the hole. HF/Northern has many acceptable tools especially for starting out. USA craftsman/Kobalt would suit your needs just fine. I started with Craftsman RP ratchets and wrenches and still have them as backups did just fine for me.
I have been using a lot of the USA Blackhawk by Proto stuff especially combo wrenches I upgraded to that I really like. Start off ''cheap'' and look for more tool for your money and then upgrade as you go. There are plenty of guys here in this area, some I know and went to school with who have 50 grand in debt to a tool truck like snap on and they cant diagnose their way out of a brown paper bag. They also are lucky to make 500 a week and then have to pay at least 100 a week to tool man.
Start out cheap and get a full set and then reevaluate your needs as the years go on. You are 15. Full Snap on is not necessary.
OP
nick.koehler6
Member
Sorry for no reply, I am going to list the current tools I have.
Metric set of Craftsman Wrenches 8mm-19mm
Metric set if Craftsman Impacts 14mm-27mm
Irwin bolt extractors
220 Piece Craftsman box with 6 and 12 point sockets/deepwells
Craftsman 33 gallon quiet air compressor with Craftsman air hose
Craftsman 1/2 Cordless impact.
Various pliers/screw drivers
Craftsman various sized extensions.
Craftsman 3/8 IN.LB Torque wrench
Craftsman tool chest(Small, 3 drawer)
Metric set of Craftsman Wrenches 8mm-19mm
Metric set if Craftsman Impacts 14mm-27mm
Irwin bolt extractors
220 Piece Craftsman box with 6 and 12 point sockets/deepwells
Craftsman 33 gallon quiet air compressor with Craftsman air hose
Craftsman 1/2 Cordless impact.
Various pliers/screw drivers
Craftsman various sized extensions.
Craftsman 3/8 IN.LB Torque wrench
Craftsman tool chest(Small, 3 drawer)
Nick, for a young man, you have a great start on a collection. Just build on what you have already.
Is this the Cman 220 set you have ?
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-220pc-mts-set-with-case/p-00936220000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
If you plan on going into wrenching full time, don't get rid of your cheaper tools, they are perfectly fine to get stuck in the box at home for when you wrench after hours.
I'd get yourself a good ratchet like many of the others have said. Buy it now and it will be the "last one" you buy. Depending on your flow of cash, full time job or part time and how make you can/care to spend will make a difference on what you buy. After the ratchet, start buying a snap on screw driver here/there or buy yourself some Channellock brand pliers.
Don't be afraid to search out the used stuff, if you look, you will find them. I picked up a 1/4" dr SK ratchet at the neighbor's garage sale for $2 a few years back. Keep in eye on the Hot Deals thread too.
One thing you might have an issue with at your young age is hooking up with the Snappy guy if you start piece mealing a tool collection. Look on the SO site, find the tool you want and check out the price. When you do find a SO tool truck and you tell the driver what you want, you'll have the cash to pay for it and not waste his time "window shopping".
Best of luck to you on building your tool collection and welcome to GJ.
Is this the Cman 220 set you have ?
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-220pc-mts-set-with-case/p-00936220000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
If you plan on going into wrenching full time, don't get rid of your cheaper tools, they are perfectly fine to get stuck in the box at home for when you wrench after hours.
I'd get yourself a good ratchet like many of the others have said. Buy it now and it will be the "last one" you buy. Depending on your flow of cash, full time job or part time and how make you can/care to spend will make a difference on what you buy. After the ratchet, start buying a snap on screw driver here/there or buy yourself some Channellock brand pliers.
Don't be afraid to search out the used stuff, if you look, you will find them. I picked up a 1/4" dr SK ratchet at the neighbor's garage sale for $2 a few years back. Keep in eye on the Hot Deals thread too.
One thing you might have an issue with at your young age is hooking up with the Snappy guy if you start piece mealing a tool collection. Look on the SO site, find the tool you want and check out the price. When you do find a SO tool truck and you tell the driver what you want, you'll have the cash to pay for it and not waste his time "window shopping".
Best of luck to you on building your tool collection and welcome to GJ.
Jrsixx
Well-known member
Nick, lots of good advice here. You already have a pretty decent start, but the big question is what do you NEED right now? I've been doing this professionally for 30 years. I started with a Craftsman top and bottom box, and a Craftsman "mechanics" set. Then as my needs became apparent, i upgraded what was necessary. One thing I will say, don't get caught up in buying complete sets of something...like sockets, I didn't buy a full set of 1/2" metric swivels, only used 13, 15, 18 all the time so I just got those 3. I know guys who spend a fortune getting full sets in every configuration possible, and there's 6 or 7 pieces that are brand new 10 years later...money wasted I think. Screwdrivers for me (auto and light truck shop) are pry bars most of the time, the only one i use regularly is my SO ratcheting, had it for over 20 years and its never failed me. If you do go to school. and pursue it as a career, by all means buy SO and Matco with the discount. 30 years later, I'm still buying tools, although now I'm more apt to look on CL, Ebay, or Tooltopia than go out to the truck. All in all, buy the best you can afford that fits your current needs every brand has it's upside and downside, and I have just about all of them on my box.
Buy good brand Used tools like Snap-On, SK, Matco, etc. and a really cheap box to put them in. Buy impact sockets in 1/2" first then chrome later. I am thinking, for $2,000.00 I could put together a really nice general set . So what if they are a used, mismatched set with some engraving.