Starting from scratch.

[Next]

I haven't bought any tools in a loooooong time. Haven't had time, so I am basically starting over.

I will be working on a 2000 Mustang and a 1969 Impala plus our Daily drivers.

I have a garage, a Snap-On box and roll cart.....and that is about it.

I want S-K and other American made tools for most of it, with a mix of Koken and HF.


I'll document my buys here.


Suggestions on American made screwdrivers?

First ratchet/ratchets?

 

[Lx460]

Suggestions on American made screwdrivers?

First ratchet/ratchets?

Williams hard black handle. Basically the same as the older Snap-on but without the price tag.

As far as ratchets, I really like the Snap-On F80 for 3/8" drive

 

[devoncoolman]

I prefer snap-on for most of my drivers. But the red and black craftsman pros were great for the money. But witte would be my second choice. For ratchets i prefer snap-on and sk.

 

[jim1987]

Yellow proto/blackhawk/ stanely

 

[KamiCrit]

Buy industrial brands, buy used, buy smart!

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

Williams screwdrivers (I haven't used the Williams ones themselves but I've used the older hard handled Snap-On version of them), Bondhus for torx/hex screwdrivers (or T-handles).. People seem to like Pratt-Read screwdrivers but I haven't touched them. Don't go SK for screwdrivers. Proto has good screwdrivers that I think are made here?

For wrenches, check out Wright or Proto or Williams USA (they have Taiwan stuff too).

For sockets, SK and Wright should both serve you very well, and Proto probably as well.

For ratchets, used Snap On or Armstrong MAXX.. Some people like SK ratchets but they don't attract me, personally. Snap On ratchets can be very inexpensive on Ebay.

For torque wrenches, I only like split beam type (because micrometer types lose calibration way too easily) and that basically means Precision Instruments or Snap On rebrands of PI.

 

[Askme42]

SK or wright sockets. For usa screwdrivers I'd go williams or snap on but I love my craftsman pro (same as SK and armstrong). Ratchets without a doubt I'd get the armstrong locking flexheads.

Oh yeah wrenches wrightgrips for sure. Also I forgot about the proto duratek screwdrivers. Those would probably be my choice.

 

[Brownsfan]

Screwdrivers. Proto Duratek hands down. Here is 2 sets I would get.
http://www.zoro.com/i/G5291194/
http://www.zoro.com/i/G5291167/
I have a 6pc mixed set and love them. VERY durable tips and handles. Second choice would be Klein for one reason and that's ease of purchase and warranty from Home Depot. Klein drivers get a bad rap from some but I have had mine for years in my field service bag with ZERO failure and not one worn out.
For sockets ratchets and wrenches I would be all over some SK if I was starting over again. I would also look very hard at Wright. Wright and SK would get the bulk of my tool purchases if I were to do it all over.
Pliers , cutters etc. Klein, Klein and more Klein. I own Klein, Snap On and Knipex and Klein is my favorite pliers in cutters Crimpers and long nose. Slip joint Channellock or Knipex. I would recommend Snap On for everything above if money is no object.

 

[BK13]

I think that Armstrong MAXX ratchets are what I would choose if starting over.

Sorry, the best screwdrivers I have tried are German(ish) Felo/Wera/Wiha. I HAVE NOT tried the Protos or Williams, though.

 

[MrJason]

I haven't bought any tools in a loooooong time. Haven't had time, so I am basically starting over.

I will be working on a 2000 Mustang and a 1969 Impala plus our Daily drivers.

I have a garage, a Snap-On box and roll cart.....and that is about it.

I want S-K and other American made tools for most of it, with a mix of Koken and HF.


I'll document my buys here.


Suggestions on American made screwdrivers?

First ratchet/ratchets?

To respond, I need more information. If you're working in a specific budget range, please let us know.

There are ways to get the best according to what your budget dictates.

Thanks
Jason

 

[PJNJ]

I'll agree with the prior posters - Proto Duratek screwdrivers. Almost impossible to destroy the handles with grease, grime and solvents.
Check out the video review and demo by member Woodstockva -

In a few months I hope to buy a set (no rush as I already have a fair amount of Cman pros).

I'll also agree with prior posters - SK and Wright make very good tools. You can't go wrong with their sockets. Right now I have two full sets plus of Cman USA sockets (I didn't pay for either set - one was a thank you and the other good karma). If I was starting over it would be SK and Wright.

Many don't like round head ratchets but I purchased four Wright ratchets last year, two new and two used, and they are very good. One is a Flexhead 3/8 - the chrome was so good I almost wanted to just display it. Very good ratcheting action.

For those fill-in tools, in addition to HF, I would look at Gearwrench. I have the 1/4 roto which has become a go-to ratchet when I need a 1/4. It can loosen and then be straightened to spin off a fastener like a screwdriver.
I also have the 120xp 3/8 and 1/4 flex - very nice ratchets also. I picked up their 3/8 metric swivels along with their mid-length 3/8 and 1/4 metric sockets and for the money they are very good.

If you need wrenches look at Wright with their Wrightgrip. The open will twist the head off a 9/16 grade 8 bolt just like a Snap On. Another video review by Woodstockva shows it -

 

[kctyphoon]

i predict this thread getting nowhere fast and doing nothing other than having everyone nominate their own brands..

but anyway - if it were me buying everything over again for home and hobby - id go gearwrench for all my wrenches

craftsman ultimate socket set - (insert ANY ratchets here - they make little to no difference IMO and i think HF ratchets are the most for your money)

for hand tools i think id be going with a mix of channel lock , cresescent , Milwaukee ..



OR

just open the sears website - and buy the biggest tool set you can afford in one shot an be done with it. supplement with HF and or Tekton impact sockets - and either husky / M7 air impacts, or milwaukee electrics..


or better yet - just buy a Kobalt tool set on clearence and just start working.. i personally view purchasing professional type / priced tools to work on 2 cars and your home as a huge waste of money..

 

[Next]

To respond, I need more information. If you're working in a specific budget range, please let us know.

There are ways to get the best according to what your budget dictates.

Thanks
Jason

I do not have a Snap-On budget. The box was given to me and if I spend all my money on tools, I'll have nothing to work on.

S-K prices I'm comfortable with.

 

[geojag]

If you have need for impacts, the HF Pittsburg Pro are a good buy for the money.
I have a lot of sockets but the most used are SK 3/8 shallow, Gearwrench 3/8 semi-deep, and the HF 1/2 impacts (shallow).

 

[arz71]

Screwdrivers. Proto Duratek hands down. Here is 2 sets I would get.
http://www.zoro.com/i/G5291194/
http://www.zoro.com/i/G5291167/
I have a 6pc mixed set and love them. VERY durable tips and handles. Second choice would be Klein for one reason and that's ease of purchase and warranty from Home Depot. Klein drivers get a bad rap from some but I have had mine for years in my field service bag with ZERO failure and not one worn out.
For sockets ratchets and wrenches I would be all over some SK if I was starting over again. I would also look very hard at Wright. Wright and SK would get the bulk of my tool purchases if I were to do it all over.
Pliers , cutters etc. Klein, Klein and more Klein. I own Klein, Snap On and Knipex and Klein is my favorite pliers in cutters Crimpers and long nose. Slip joint Channellock or Knipex. I would recommend Snap On for everything above if money is no object.

Are the DuraTek ones better than the MAC hard handled ones?

Been looking at them if you had any pics of them would be great, they don't have the bolstered shank do they?

 

[sk farmer]

if you want new us made ratchets, the complete line of armstrong maxx ratchets is tough to beat. same internals as the matco. you can get the standard handle ratchets and locking flex in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2. epstein hardware is your friend. those 6 would cover almost every ratcheting scenario.

if coo is no matter the gearwrench versions are also available. i have been very satisfied with my armstrong and gearwrench versions with 60, 88 and 120 teeth.

 

[Lx460]

I do not have a Snap-On budget. The box was given to me and if I spend all my money on tools, I'll have nothing to work on.

S-K prices I'm comfortable with.

I don't either but I've gotten some really great deals on used SO stuff. I personally would never buy new off the truck. For example: I got a FR80 ratchet like new for $30 shipped of ebay. Sure I have to wait to get what I want but deals are out there.