starter tools for future mechanics

[crazeesal]

hopefully this coming fall im going to school to become a mechanic and get certified does anyone have any input on which tools to go with i've worked with Snap On and craftsman and dont see why Snap On is so much more expensive I own a decent amount of craftsman right now for home use but would invest in much more for the future. being a student I would get up to a 50% discount on Snap On and Mac (not sure about anyone else)but even with this discount craftsman is still cheaper. can someone with experience help me out

Thanks
Sal

 

[Zeroek]

A few things I can tell you about Tool truck brands. They come to you. When they break you won't have to drive to Sears. Tool truck will come to you. Snap on is just a widely now brand. Incredibly reliable nice tool. You use it everyday. If you do invest in anything I'm going to suggest Snap ons wrenches. They are smoooooooooth. You really don't have to go with the tool truck brands. A few other good brands that aren't that expensive are SK and Napa. I like Napa pretty well.

 

[Deafautotech]

Crazeesal: you did double post....

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15646

 

[Deafautotech]

A few things I can tell you about Tool truck brands. They come to you. When they break you won't have to drive to Sears. Tool truck will come to you. Snap on is just a widely now brand. Incredibly reliable nice tool. You use it everyday. If you do invest in anything I'm going to suggest Snap ons wrenches. They are smoooooooooth. You really don't have to go with the tool truck brands. A few other good brands that aren't that expensive are SK and Napa. I like Napa pretty well.

my work started to get Napa guy stop by when i order the tools... even i bought 3/8dr 21mm impact swivel socket for 21 dollars from napa while snap on dont sell it...

same time i bought the 1/4dr 5.5mm impact swivel socket (lot of Ford use 5.5mm socket) for 16 dollars while snap on dont sell it

snap on retail the 22mm impact swivel socket for 42 dollars and 6mm impact swivel socket for 33 dollars...

i used a lot of 21mm socket so i would like to use swivel while i can get in tight area because i did use 1/2dr 21mm impact swivel socket and it is ok but keep grind as contact with frame because it is too bulk...

if snap on guy want price that retail then i check on napa to see if it is cheap... unless snap on guy want make deal with me then i would do if it is too good to buy...

 

[crazeesal]

I have afew old sockets from SK they are way older than me but still are in good working condition, ive seen them believe it or not in the sears/craftsman catalog I will have to do a little research on them to try and find a dealer their prices seem to be in between craftsman and snap on so they may be a good compromise of quality and price,but I dont think they have a truck ,maybe instead of going to school I can start a tool truck business for Craftsman and SK.

 

[Deafautotech]

I have afew old sockets from SK they are way older than me but still are in good working condition, ive seen them believe it or not in the sears/craftsman catalog I will have to do a little research on them to try and find a dealer their prices seem to be in between craftsman and snap on so they may be a good compromise of quality and price,but I dont think they have a truck ,maybe instead of going to school I can start a tool truck business for Craftsman and SK.

there is no craftsman tool truck... i know there is very small S-K tool truck but i hate it... they are very limited and will say yes or no on warranty.... even one tech who had S-K socket (18mm deep socket 3/8dr) was on impact wrench a lot and got cracked... i did read the S-K warranty on hand tools and said wont cover it if it is used by impact wrench....

 

[wrenchr]

Once you go full time you will see the quality difference.

 

[crazeesal]

so I guess I will probably stay away from SK if their warranty isnt that good. speaking of warranties I heard craftsman doesnt take back rusted tools, so i asked an employee and they said its true if the rust is the cause of the problem, ive never had a rusty craftsman tool but this still sounds fishy just think of all the other things they dont like to tell you, im going to have to hunt down a warranty sheet before I even think about putting money on their tools

 

[Deafautotech]

so I guess I will probably stay away from SK if their warranty isnt that good. speaking of warranties I heard craftsman doesnt take back rusted tools, so i asked an employee and they said its true if the rust is the cause of the problem, ive never had a rusty craftsman tool but this still sounds fishy just think of all the other things they dont like to tell you, im going to have to hunt down a warranty sheet before I even think about putting money on their tools

no, i had rusted craftsman socket and i already cracked it... my sears store did replaced it at no problems... it is unlimited lifetime warranty as to me... but all sears store can said no.... but to me as no problems since so far...

 

[Abodyracer]

speaking of warranties I heard craftsman doesnt take back rusted tools, so i asked an employee and they said its true if the rust is the cause of the problem, ive never had a rusty craftsman tool but this still sounds fishy just think of all the other things they dont like to tell you, im going to have to hunt down a warranty sheet before I even think about putting money on their tools

Thats beacause the warranty is for breakage not finish. If a person takes good care of there tools rust should never be an issue.

 

[crazeesal]

thanks for the input ,this stuff can get confusing ,thankfully Ive got time to decide before I have to take out a loan, I like the idea of starting out with what I can afford(craftsman) and later when I make some $ buy better quality tools if for some reason craftsman doesnt work out for me

 

[DavidtheDuke]

same time i bought the 1/4dr 5.5mm impact swivel socket (lot of Ford use 5.5mm socket) for 16 dollars while snap on dont sell it

That's strange, I own a SO 1/4" dr 5.5mm swivel impact.. They probably stopped making them.. oh that helps on my warranty if I'll ever need it (probably not).

Personally I a little out of ignorance bought a Blue Point starter set from my SO guy. I don't own any of it and have gradually converted to the truck brands. I don't think you NEED the truck brands if you work in a relaxed, independent shop. But sometimes the tools from the truck brands simple do the job faster and better. The only thing is they're usually multiples higher than Craftsman.