Stepping up from basic tools

[FuzzyTiger]

I'm finally reaching the point where I have pretty much every tool (including a ton of specialty tools) but I'm realizing that just because I have the right tool for the job, it doesn't mean that it'll get the job done or it won't make my life miserable in the process. Right now I just have a mishmash of Mastercraft, Maximum and assorted cheap Chinese brands.

I want to start gradually upgrading my tools or purchasing things with a little more thought than just what was available at my local stores when I needed it at the last minute.

What are some good brands I should be looking at for upgrading piece by piece? I know there's lots of great brands out there, but not all of them are economical or have options when you're upgrading one socket, wrench or screwdriver at a time.

I've chased down my local Snap-On truck for an item or two or I've been forced buy from NAPA at their $30-50 CAD for a single socket pricing when I've been in a bind. But I'd like to gradually accumulate a consistent high quality set.

So far I've been eyeing Nepros and their $12/socket, $25/screwdriver, $25-50/wrench (after converting to CAD) seems like decent value considering even an individual Craftsman or Tekton socket is $10-15 CAD. Is there something I'm missing in terms of their pricing? Shipping will hurt for sure but the way they price it seems to work out okay when you're buying multiple lower priced items.

The Snap-On and Matco people don't really want to deal with a hobbyist and are kind of a hassle to deal with or even look up prices on; Koken seems pretty hard to get in Canada for reasonable pricing; and most other brands only want to sell full sets. As far as I can tell Nepros seems to be the cheapest option for mid/high quality tools.

I guess I can also just save up and buy complete sets from nicer brands but even those are usually missing sizes like 18mm and I work on a lot of German vehicles where they seem to have an odd fascination with using every unusual size or socket they can.

Asides from that - does anyone know if Nepros pricing is any different in Japan? I was planning on going there for vacation and will still go in a year or two once covid is under control. If there's a big savings to be had that might be enough to convince me to save up and buy one of their master sets.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I think you would be well-served by some Grey Pneumatic or Sunex or Williams Taiwan sockets. Or go a step up with a brand like Wright or Williams USA. Put the savings (compared to expensive brands) into a Snap On ratchet or two. Or don't. Maybe get a Proto ratchet or something - pretty nice stuff still.

For screwdrivers, I really like and recommend Vessel JIS screwdrivers for anything Phillips-like. The JIS cross screwdrivers work VERY well in Phillips, but Phillips drivers don't work well in JIS cross screws that some Japanese stuff uses/used to use. Otherwise, if you want a ratcheting screwdriver check out a Williams WRS-1; if you want fixed blade you can check out brands like Williams, Wera, Wiha, Witte, PB Swiss. I still recommend Vessel as my first choice for Phillips drivers though.

For pliers I like Williams, Proto, Grip On, Knipex, Wiha, Channellock, Klein and various other brands. For locking pliers specifically, Grip On (or Proto which are rebranded Grip Ons).

For wrenches, similar brands as other categories Wright, Williams, Proto etc. For adjustables, you can find good ones made by Irega from the Channellock brand.

I don't think any of the prices you listed seem reasonable for your needs.

I see a Williams USA 1/2" 24-piece 10-36mm socket set (sockets only, no ratchet or anything) for $152 USD at ToolsDelivered, which includes 16mm and 18mm. About $6.30 a socket. CAD shouldn't be twice USD.

The Taiwanese brands will be even more affordable than that.

 

[Robinson1]

William's, Proto, SK if buying USA


Williams Tiawan is alot of tool for the money and is my choice for sockets when buying non USA brands.

If you need 1/2" drive SAE sockets cruise eBay. Tons of sets and singles on there. No one wears out 1/2" SAE sockets anymore unless you are a serious farmer of heavy equipment mechanic

Impact sockets? Sunex all the way

 

[Jmo371]

I'm finally reaching the point where I have pretty much every tool (including a ton of specialty tools) but I'm realizing that just because I have the right tool for the job, it doesn't mean that it'll get the job done or it won't make my life miserable in the process. Right now I just have a mishmash of Mastercraft, Maximum and assorted cheap Chinese brands.

what are you having issues with, if you have pretty much every tool for the job.

What I think is a game changer are the m18 fuel impacts specifically the mid torque and even the m12 fuel stubby, such a compact package and gets rid of air hoses and stuff.

Sounds to me like if you already have chrome, and impact sockets and stuff a good set of ratchets from say snap-on and some Milwaukee electric tools might make your life a bit easier. I doubt just buying all new chrome, impact sockets and new wrenches will make turning the wrench any easier, or less of a hassle.

 

[Ralf11]

for automotive work?

buy a 3/8" Snap On ratchet used - some are for sale here

same for 1/2" if doing suspension work

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I guess I should have clarified - I'm not necessarily looking to throw out all my tools and upgrade just for the sake of having fancier tools.

Its more along the lines of - replacing sockets/bits/individual tools as they break, wear, or disappear. I guess its the philosophy of buy cheap and then replace what breaks with nicer versions. That's why I'm looking at individual pricing rather than set pricing. I could buy a full set of Taiwanese sockets for $50 but I'd really only need 1 of them and thats the point where paying $10-20/socket is more economical for me.

I have impact sockets in standard, mid and deep, and chrome in standard and deep. I'm missing a couple sizes here and there along with a T40 bit which broke on me a few days ago.

I also have a Rigid 1/2" electric impact and I have been eyeing the Milwaukee M18 line but I've never really met a seized bolt my impact couldn't get where I felt it was appropriate to just hit it harder rather than apply heat and ease it off with less force. Plus the last time I priced out switching to Milwaukee's M18 line, it was going to cost a little over $1000 after the tools, chargers, batteries etc which is more than I want to spend right now.

I guess the most immediate needs would probably be a T40 bit, screwdrivers (I'm down to 1 flathead which is chipped, and 1 Philips which isn't in much better shape), followed by a hammer or two (I recently cracked the head of my big hammer popping out a ball joint). Then maybe 18mm and 24mm wrenches.

The problem is basically shopping for all those tools in sets will end up being quite expensive since I don't need the majority of the set and I'll end up with drawers full of extra clutter. Buying them individually, means that most brands are within a few dollars of each other but not every brand's tools are easy to purchase individually. So if I'm paying the premium anyways - I'd rather just consistently get the 'best' of that tool from one brand so some day I might just end up with a complete set from that brand rather than a complete set composed of 10 different brands.

 

[richfinn]

I don't know too much about Canada (besides what AvE teaches me about stuff)

I would Imagine Facom (French) would be readily available, I like mine as much as the Snap-On and Mac stuff I own

I also really like Koken sockets

Dont waste big money on screwdriver I like Wiha

Pliers I like NWS and Knipex

I like older Fluke meters best

 

[white91formula]

If you want tool truck brands, you can buy on thier websites too, easier than truck.

If you are looking to upgrade gradually and have time /patience, I'd suggest firing up ebay because they can be found much cheaper and still almost new condition. All of the snap on, Mac, etc in my box is from ebay and I paid a fraction of what things are new.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

Dont waste big money on screwdriver I like Wiha

They aren't that expensive unless you're trying to buy like 20 drivers. You can get a good screwdriver in "normal sizes" for ~$5-10. The big ones might cost $15. How many screwdrivers do you need? (I get having a lot, but you don't have to buy "a lot" at once and having one really good core set isn't a bad idea)

 

[sberry]

Its different today, would run what I brung if it works, why toss more at it, insure it, worry about and pay for it, reduced the rate of return which will never get any better than with tools you already own. I am with a couple the other guys here, buy stuff you dont have or need. Decent battery tools, some kind of welder if you font have one, a torch. Extra of well used tools, we recewntly bought a few things including 6 new razor knives, dozen screwdrivers,,, we didnt need better,,, we needed more.

 

[sberry]

What do you catch yourself looking for? I got no problem with modest treats, little better set of sockets if a guy really leans on them but my stuff aint nothing to write about as individual pieces but as a collection its a different matter. 1 1/2 Snap wrench, 25 other ones of various flavors I use 100x. Bought 3 extensions from Auto store, 12$, work so good got another set. Got a 1/2 deep impact set for the road in a box, super good, very heavy duty, ATD but that was b4 there was HF on every corner. I use Channelocks a lot, they are the real brand and priced right, buy at fleas and Walmart.

 

[sberry]

I know a couple guys bout 999$ Sears sets back in the day and never got much since. I use Sears. I bought stuff to go with it. **** like that was a good start. As you described, bought some stuff as needed hwd or auto parts, even couple things Walmart and figured to upgrade and 20 yrs later still works. I probably overpaid 13$ for a set of metric hex on a Sunday for a job Monday, remember thinking, give them a try, still use them to this day.
Not everything I own is like that but looking back am real impressed and the stuff beat my expectations by a dozen times, some way more. Wouldnt have made another nickel if I spent 20X.
None of my stuff matches or is in a real set. Simply dont care. Never really bought an organizer

 

[sberry]

I aint got a whole lot of use for those Sears plastic box set orgainzers but they got their place. A friend bought some Sears, couple sets of stuff like that, said she was just tired of fussing looking for a complete set, the stuff works, the price was right to cover some bases. She was another that needed more rather than better. Nothing she could do she couldnt do with that.

 

[richfinn]

They aren't that expensive unless you're trying to buy like 20 drivers. You can get a good screwdriver in "normal sizes" for ~$5-10. The big ones might cost $15. How many screwdrivers do you need? (I get having a lot, but you don't have to buy "a lot" at once and having one really good core set isn't a bad idea)

Wiha stuff is cheap over here I use maybe 5 or 6 regularly

I wouldn't buy tool truck screwdrivers

Maybe a Snap-On ratchet screwdriver those are worth the £€$

 

[sberry]

25 yrs ago a cheap screwdriver was 1.50, modest 3 or 4$ and a Klein 8. The 1.50 and 2$ HF screwdriver has really come of age. As good as a good one ever was and 20% the cost. I actually like them as good, maybe better.
I am a convert, can get a whole fist full of these for the cost of one premium. I just wouldn't "bother" with all that expensive stuff today. People worry the day they buy it, agonize over the price, the warranty, insurance, all that **** so not worth it.

 

[richfinn]

What do you catch yourself looking for? I got no problem with modest treats, little better set of sockets if a guy really leans on them but my stuff aint nothing to write about as individual pieces but as a collection its a different matter. 1 1/2 Snap wrench, 25 other ones of various flavors I use 100x. Bought 3 extensions from Auto store, 12$, work so good got another set. Got a 1/2 deep impact set for the road in a box, super good, very heavy duty, ATD but that was b4 there was HF on every corner. I use Channelocks a lot, they are the real brand and priced right, buy at fleas and Walmart.

I've taken to organising my everyday tools vertically like you do

Toolbags and bits of plastic tubing etc (traffic cones even)

Works great very cheap, don't miss opening toolbox drawers one bit

"First order retrevabilty" they call it, good idea

 

[jgromada]

I have a hand full of Snap On and frankly i agree. I can't see what the extreme premium to purchase Snap On buys you. I guess if i were a professional automotive technician it might be a different story.

I really like Proto & SK and a lot of my stuff i bought used, but it still works great. I have heard Snap On ratchets are among the best but have never really tried them.

 

[Danglerb]

Brands don't mean as much as they used to. Now days I buy a variety usually used, and just see what I like over time.

 

[richfinn]

I have a hand full of Snap On and frankly i agree. I can't see what the extreme premium to purchase Snap On buys you. I guess if i were a professional automotive technician it might be a different story.

I really like Proto & SK and a lot of my stuff i bought used, but it still works great. I have heard Snap On ratchets are among the best but have never really tried them.

Snap-On's chrome tools are top notch

They do make some excellent mechanics tools

Just dont get carried away, nobody needs a set of £250 screwdrivers

 

[mc4life27]

Wow this is a change of pace. Someone that is herring into tools more kinda like a novice and comes to a great website to get info and doesn’t just start off by going what brand tools should I get. He has done some research and done some leg work on the info he is looking for. Not saying it hasn’t happen before. It’s just been awhile that a person just getting in to doing their own work and interested in buy a true tool collection and is not expecting everyone else on a forum to do all their leg work for them. If that makes any sense.


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[sberry]

I agree snap may be the best, not sure if it makes much difference to the bolt. Economy is an asset, a guy can tool fast vs waiting and collecting. I have bought a lot of 10$ screwdrivers back in the day, won't ever do it again. They are now worn out and the replacements are not with the same. They are generic today. Only a few pieces are the exact same as added and most of that is more vs better not cause they worn out.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I would say if you’re breaking the brand you have then warranty it out and buy a better brand complete set. For instance if hr sockets break then replace with sk or Carlyle or something like that. I picked up some gear wrench screwdrivers and they when my craftsman wore out and i got a multi bit screwdriver and hardly use the gearwrench ones. I just replaced my hf flex head ratchets with Carlyle. Now those are nice and i hear they are the same as matco or mac. Im really liking the Carlyle stuff. Also just upgraded my free hf multimeters to klien. Im just a diy guy but i do help others with there vehicles to. Im heading away from hf stuff and getting name brand stuff. Get a yard sale app on your phone and pick up some used tools. I picked up a some snap on stuff for 25 cents before. 1/2in drive Sk sockets for 50 cents each. Just got to stay away from the suburbs for good stuff at good prices

 

[csnow]

I am a newbie here but have lurked the site for probably ten years. All of my diesel trucks and automobiles are metric, so my go to stuff in metric is mainly Snap On, Williams, Mac, or Wright in chrome and impact. On the other tools I have a mixture of anything from HF (pry bars, alignment tools), all Craftsman USA for sockets and wrenches in SAE, OTC for various kits, Sunex/GP on smaller impact kits, and some Gear Wrench sprinkled in for good measure. I much prefer the snug fit of the Snap On sockets, swivel sockets, line wrenches, etc. and the drive tech of their ratchets is second to none, so I spent a bit more for that stuff. I buy 99% of all my Snap On tools used. Used Snap On isn't much more than SK, Proto, etc. new. I don't mind used tools, but I guess others may want it shiny and pristine. Figure out what you use most and buy top shelf branding for that. If your patient and send best offers messages on eBay, Craigslist, etc you can get some great tools for decent prices. Many of the Taiwan brands are top shelf in my opinion. It doesn't have to say USA for it to be quality.

 

[jonshonda]

You could easily go broke spending money on all the cool tools people post here. GJ has inspired me to make some very good/wise purchases, as well as inspire me to look for quality used tools.

What I have found is that if there is project I am going to work on (saving lots of money by doing it myself!) I will think the project over to get a better understanding if I need a tool I don't yet have. Example, I did the wp/tb/plugs/wires/etc on our 94 miata. I knew there would be lots of small bolt wrenching, so I treated myself to a Milwaukee 3/8 M12 ratchet. It made my life so much easier on that job, and continues to make my life easier on a weekly basis.

So if you apply that type of tool buying practice you can have a lot of fun buying new tools, and getting the instant gratification of using them right away.

 

[csnow]

Example, I did the wp/tb/plugs/wires/etc on our 94 miata. I knew there would be lots of small bolt wrenching, so I treated myself to a Milwaukee 3/8 M12 ratchet

Following your lead on this one. I am getting ready to install a twin-disc clutch on my vette. It has a torque tube cover that has a gazillion small bolts that run from the back of the engine to the transmission in the rear of the vehicle. I am planning to buy an M12 for that project. I have always used air ratchets but as I age I hate their piercing scream. This will be my first electric automotive tool.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I see you are in Canada. Some Mastercraft is nice, some is plain nasty. Keep the nice, it's likely Gearwrench. I would avoid Snap-On, they cost 3x what a Canadian made Gray or an American made Proto cost. Quality wise it would be a wash. From experience, in Canada, Proto and Gray warranty so much easier to get. And it's for the tool not the purchaser life. If you drive an European car, I found the specialty tools needed from Hazet are both cheaper and better than Snap-Ons. For wrenches and sockets I would check the 'net for Stahlwillie . There are discount tool retailers that will ship from Germany.

Get a Gray flex head breaker bar, they are a step or two above everything else.

 

[setfocus]

Buying sockets individually is pretty expensive in the long run. Some sizes you'll likely never break and will never end up with a full set of replacements.

It it were me, if I started breaking certain sockets that are part of sets that saw a lot of use, I would replace just those sets/socket rails with something better. Then you get to enjoy using better tools now and save in the long run.

on a side note, torx bit sockets break no matter the brand/price, I'd get whatever isn't complete junk and is easiest for you to warranty. I have both matco and mac in certain sizes, so that I have backups that can be warrantied during different parts of the week

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

SK, Williams USA, Proto, Gearwrench, Sunex and Gray Pneumatic are all great also if you can find any NOS Craftsman USA or find some used they are great also and Kobalt makes excellent sockets and wrenches I use them professionally and they are amazing and I use all the brands listed above too I have a few Snap-on and Mac and Matco but really can’t see a difference in them and the brands listed above. Just don’t get Kobalt pliers they leave a lot to be desired I just bent a pair about 25 minutes ago removing a cotter pin so I have to go to Lowe’s after work. SK has amazing tools for everything. Stay away from Husky though I break that stuff all the time also the new Craftsman stay away from that too. And honestly for Sockets Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro are amazing I have them as my home set and my impact set for work and haven’t broken one going on the 5 years I have had them been using them professionally for almost 3 years now no issues. I have heard mixed things on the Icon brand that they offer though. And Stanley isn’t too bad just be sure you are careful using it I used it on brake caliper bolts and rounded them off because the size was loose fit I just couldn’t break it loose with 3/8 drive so I had to get the 1/2 drive and I only had a 14mm 1/2 drive at home in Stanley and it was very loose fit so just be careful on some of the less expensive ones like that.


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[Jmo371]

I would say if you’re breaking the brand you have then warranty it out and buy a better brand complete set. For instance if hr sockets break then replace with sk or Carlyle or something like that. I picked up some gear wrench screwdrivers and they when my craftsman wore out and i got a multi bit screwdriver and hardly use the gearwrench ones. I just replaced my hf flex head ratchets with Carlyle. Now those are nice and i hear they are the same as matco or mac. Im really liking the Carlyle stuff. Also just upgraded my free hf multimeters to klien. Im just a diy guy but i do help others with there vehicles to. Im heading away from hf stuff and getting name brand stuff. Get a yard sale app on your phone and pick up some used tools. I picked up a some snap on stuff for 25 cents before. 1/2in drive Sk sockets for 50 cents each. Just got to stay away from the suburbs for good stuff at good prices

IIRC Snap-On does not warranty tools to someone who is not the original purchaser....deal breaker for me.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Thanks for all the comments everyone! Lots of great tidbits here and I've found a lot of things to add to my wishlist. I think I am going to give up on trying to have a consistent set of tools from one brand because the more I spend looking at all the options, the less I feel any one brand is worth the loyalty (as painful as it is to just accept that my toolbox will never look beautiful and pristine ).

Just a comment regarding Snap-On - Honestly I don't like snapon or matco. And before I spark a debate, it has nothing to do with the quality of the tools or even the price. I just don't like them. They look and feel very spartan and thats probably a plus for a lot of people; just not my preference. Will I get in trouble here for admitting that given the choice, I'd spend snapon money on a tool that performed 90% as well but looked and felt a lot more special?

A bit part of this thread for me is building my list of go to brands for different types of tools for whenever I need something rather than just continuing to buy whatever I happen to find at the spur of the moment.

My list so far I think:

Hammers:
Gedore Engineer's Hammer in 800g or 1000g with wood handle. It just speaks to me and I need a BFH after breaking my last one. I might have to remove the branding/text on the handle though.
Picard 1E Square Face Riveting Hammer with Hickory Handle in 300g or 500g. Beautiful design. Probably with the gift box because why not?

Sockets:
Hazet or Nepros for the odd sockets that I absolutely want the very best of (Torx T40). Asides from that, I just discovered that Acklands Grainger is clearing out Westward sockets of all different kinds. Its hard to pass up <$5/brand new socket. Many under a dollar even. I'm probably going to pick up a few to round out my sets and fill any gaps I have right now. Especially the hard to find u-joint sockets and even rarer impact u-joint sockets. Those are absolute life savers on cramped German cars.

Screwdrivers:
This was/is tough. Every one of the brands mentioned have some great screwdrivers but they all also seem to have something missing in my eyes. Right now I'm thinking one Vessel Philips or JIS for general use. I'll stick with cheap Chinese flatheads for poking, prodding, prying and generally abusing (I don't see any reason to spend money on a non-precision tool) and finally 1 Nepros Wood handled philips for light duty work inside the house just because I love the way they look.

One thing I'm curious about regarding screwdrivers though - how do the interchangeable bits/blades compare to the standard screwdrivers? At least when it comes to what I've used so far, I've noticed that the quality of bits is absolute garbage compared to even cheap regular screwdrivers. Is that not a concern with these nicer brands?

And when it comes to screwdrivers with interchangeable bits/blades - are there any others with a simple design like the PB Swiss interchangeable handles? At least from the pictures their design adds no extra bulk compared to a traditional driver. I'm wondering if its good enough to just be the One screw driver for everything. At $10 for the handle, and $10/blade - that seems like a decent value. Wera's interchangeable handle seems bulky, gimmicky and expensive. Vessel doesn't seem to have one? Wiha seems to be hard to get in Canada.

Ratchet:
My least pressing need I think since I've never lost/broken a ratchet. I'm mostly satisfied with my cheap Canadian Tire brand ones. All but one are pretty lousy to be honest with switches that get stuck, or terrible uncomfortable grips but I also don't think a fine 90 tooth count ratchet will improve my life mostly wrenching on decades old rusty bolts. I've been known to abuse them but my collection keeps growing to the point where now I have dedicated ratchets for common size sockets. Though... a Wera KOLOSS ratchet/hammer combo could be quite satisfying...

One thing though regarding ratchets - I'm not very big/strong. I find I constantly have to use 3/8 adapters on my 1/2 ratchet to be able to compensate especially if I'm even slightly out of position. That might be something I could add to my list. Tekton has a nice 90 tooth quick release 18" handle 3/8 ratchet. Thats the longest 3/8" ratchet I've seen I think.

--------------------------------------------------

What do you catch yourself looking for? I got no problem with modest treats, little better set of sockets if a guy really leans on them but my stuff aint nothing to write about as individual pieces but as a collection its a different matter.

I actually thought about this a bit and realized that on my cars, I run into Torx quite a bit and I dread it each time because it feels like a 50/50 chance of either breaking the bit or stripping the fastener. I don't know what idiot at BMW thought it was appropriate to use T40 torx on suspension bolts that get torqued to 160Nm and red loctited. Add rust into the mix and its just a mess. I just went ahead and ordered a couple titanium nitride torx sockets from Hazet. Lets see how they do because so far they're the most common things that fail me and I've been using Chinese and Taiwanese sockets there.

Get a yard sale app on your phone and pick up some used tools. I picked up a some snap on stuff for 25 cents before. 1/2in drive Sk sockets for 50 cents each. Just got to stay away from the suburbs for good stuff at good prices

I don't know where you are but where I am, its been many years since I found any real tools at yard sales. Its all just baby clothes every time I look around. What I've noticed is that there seem to be 'professional' shoppers who hit up every yard sale, classified listing or even eBay listing at reasonable prices and then turn around and flip the items. Its getting hard to find anything on eBay at any sort of discount. The remainder is just the occasional retiring mechanics selling off their tool truck stuff but expecting that to fund their retirement - I don't care how good a Snapon ratchet is, I'm not going to pay $150 for a 10 year old ratchet. Maybe I just need to be more aggressive with negotiating but I don't know if its even worth the hassle.

What I have found is that if there is project I am going to work on (saving lots of money by doing it myself!) I will think the project over to get a better understanding if I need a tool I don't yet have. Example, I did the wp/tb/plugs/wires/etc on our 94 miata. I knew there would be lots of small bolt wrenching, so I treated myself to a Milwaukee 3/8 M12 ratchet. It made my life so much easier on that job, and continues to make my life easier on a weekly basis.

So if you apply that type of tool buying practice you can have a lot of fun buying new tools, and getting the instant gratification of using them right away.

Oh absolutely. That's how I accumulated almost all of my tools. Unfortunately its also how I ended up with all the odd specialty tools too (inner tie rod tools, various pullers, testers, and so forth) - they end up killing my budget. You guys are lucky in the US where your parts stores will actually loan out tools. Where I am, no one is willing to loan out anything and if you try to pull a buy it/use it/return it they will often reject the return if the tool looks used or is out of it's shrink wrap. Thank goodness for cheap Chinese tools or I'd have given up on half my projects.

Sometimes if a friend or relative needs something done on their vehicle and there's some tool I've been eyeing - I'll just tell them outright "Get me X and I'll do Y for you". Thats probably how I'll be getting a lot of the things off the wishlist I'm building.

If you drive an European car, I found the specialty tools needed from Hazet are both cheaper and better than Snap-Ons. For wrenches and sockets I would check the 'net for Stahlwillie . There are discount tool retailers that will ship from Germany.

Ugh. I've experienced the worst of both worlds. A specialty socket made by Hazet and only available through Snap-On.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I think good bits last as long as a good screwdriver, but most people cheap on bits. If you bought them at Home Depot, they're garbage. If you bought them at Harbor Freight, LOL. ("You" as in a generic person, not OP specifically)

I have some bits from like PB Swiss that are lasting as well as any quality individual screwdriver I have (so far).

Main downside of bits is that you can't fit them in as many places as a normal driver, since the shaft of the bit driver has to be very large to envelop the bit. Even if you have one of the slim ones with the 1/8" bits (I have one of those Xiaomi-branded Wiha sets), it still takes up much more room than a slim non-bit screwdriver.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

IIRC Snap-On does not warranty tools to someone who is not the original purchaser....deal breaker for me.

I've heard that depends on how much the particular franchise owner likes you. But to be honest I've never really seen much value for the Snapon warranty as a hobbyist. The truck isn't going to come to your home so you need to chase it down where ever it might be. Its probably only available during business hours on weekdays and only when the truck owner is willing to squeeze you in.

In comparison Canadian Tire or Harbor Freight or whatever you have is probably open something like 8am to 10pm 7 days a week and only closed on holidays. They'll have more locations than there are tool trucks and you can walk in whenever and where ever it's convenient for you and get your tools swapped out.

My SnapOn dealer likes me well enough I think since I dealt with him for a multi-million dollar purchase order for my work but I always wonder if another dealer would pickup the phone for me if I was in their territory.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I think good bits last as long as a good screwdriver, but most people cheap on bits. If you bought them at Home Depot, they're garbage. If you bought them at Harbor Freight, LOL. ("You" as in a generic person, not OP specifically)

I have some bits from like PB Swiss that are lasting as well as any quality individual screwdriver I have.

Main downside of bits is that you can't fit them in as many places as a normal driver, since the shaft of the bit driver has to be very large to envelop the bit. Even if you have one of the slim ones with the 1/8" bits (I have one of those Xiaomi-branded Wiha sets), it still takes up much more room than a slim non-bit screwdriver.

Thats why I was interested in the PB Swiss ones actually. Their design is pretty darn obvious and I don't know why it isn't the standard. They swap the entire blade so there's no need for a shaft with a large diameter. Unless I'm missing something, it seems like their design would have an identical profile to a standard screwdriver? The other part of it though is how secure is the locking mechanism because if it wobbles or can slip out, then it won't cut it.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

Ah, that type is probably fine for most situations. I don't have one myself to say for sure though. I was thinking the short bit type of course. Do they have the bit selection you need? It should be fine if so. Some of those "nonstandard" bit drivers have better bit selections than others. I like the brand but haven't used that product.

 

[Jmo371]

I've heard that depends on how much the particular franchise owner likes you. But to be honest I've never really seen much value for the Snapon warranty as a hobbyist. The truck isn't going to come to your home so you need to chase it down where ever it might be. Its probably only available during business hours on weekdays and only when the truck owner is willing to squeeze you in.

IMO the hobbiest/pro-light brand tools have gotten, really good...they are definitely closing the gap between real pro tools and we have options, you do not necessarily have to be brand loyal, you can like certain things from different brands.


for instance, my choices

Chrome Sockets- Tekton
Wrenches- Gearwrench for ratcheting and regular combination
Ratchets- GW 120XP or the new Tekton 90 tooth ones are slick(but unproven)
Power tools-Milwaukee M18 Fuel
impact Sockets- Sunnex
Pliers-Knipex
Storage-HF Series 2.

and if you break any of these tools, you can get a new one in the mail without much of a hassle, its a no brainer. Also frees up a lot more money to buy the right tool rather then the most convenient tool at the time.....I have broken numerous Snap-on tools using them improperly...it really is the money, not the wrench.


So instead of buying one set of say 3/8ths chrome sockets in 6 or 12pt from MACor snap-on, with GW or Tekton or whoever really you could literally get both in SAE/metric and different drive sizes...for the cost of one Pro set of 3/8ths or 1/2 sockets....its a no brainer, and as a homeowner if you care for your tools they will last a lifetime.

 

[Kodiak]

Since you mentioned you have a large assortment already and are trying to upgrade gradually, and are closely watching prices, why not keep an eye on Craigslist, Market Place, flea markets, estate sales, etc.? I've seen large toolboxes filled with high quality brand tools on some of these sites, and even better is that they sometimes need to sell quickly making for a better deal. Buy from the guy who's already dealt with the Snap On truck! I only mention this because it seems you're focusing on new/retail. Just something to consider.

 

[Avenging Bankroll]

nothing

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Since you mentioned you have a large assortment already and are trying to upgrade gradually, and are closely watching prices, why not keep an eye on Craigslist, Market Place, flea markets, estate sales, etc.? I've seen large toolboxes filled with high quality brand tools on some of these sites, and even better is that they sometimes need to sell quickly making for a better deal. Buy from the guy who's already dealt with the Snap On truck! Just something to consider.

Oh for sure I am. I'm keeping an eye out and I have a relative who owns an automotive business in Japan and I'll be asking them to keep an eye out as well. If I get lucky and a great deal comes along then I'll go for it.

If it doesn't, then I'll continue to upgrade gradually.

 

[Ralf11]

Screwdrivers: This is not tough. PB Swiss with Swiss grip; maybe Snappy Instinct handles for some larger ones; maybe Vessel Impacta for one you ca hit with your new hammer to get an impact twist out of

Snappy has nice long handled ratchets for you - several size choices; I buy used

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

There are two schools of thought when it comes to screwdrivers.. My youngest son leaves them lying around, the 22 screwdrivers for 19.99 at Canadian Tire work well for him. My oldest son and I both look after our tools , so one good one of each size works for us. Electricians in Canada swear by Wera except for Robertson, if you can find Fullers, they are still good and recommended. Screwdrivers, even Wera are cheap enough, that buying the best doesn't hurt too bad.

Understand there are two tool companies with the same name, Gray Canada and Grey Pneumatic, an import brand sold in the States.