The Frugal Tool Shopper Thread

[mrholeshot]

I've been wanting to start this thread so I finally decided to give it a go. We all know the value of tools such as Snap-On, Matco, Corwell and other major brands. I made a living with those tools my entire career. I don't have the income or need to spend that kind of money anymore. I'm a firm beleiver that sometimes value is out there if you look. That doesn't mean it always has to come from Harbor Freight either although I know good deals are there if you look. I know there are a lot of young people looking to find things that work at a cost they can afford without the big brand owning your soul.

I know the value of high end tools for the pro so no need to bash in with the thought that the whole world should live and breath mega dollar tools. I love those tools but I also love to see a tool that offers a lot of bang for the buck. If you know of something I want to see it along with what it cost and your opinion of it. I don't care where it comes from as long as it can be purchced new by anyone. I hope to see a lot of intrest in this thread. I'll start this off in my next post.

 

[mrholeshot]

Home Depot has a Husky 4 pc double box end offset wrench set that runs from 5/16-3/4 (they also have it in metric) They have a flank type drive, really nice finish and appear to be a quality wrench. I took the 1/2 inch and broke the head off a 5/16 grade 5 bolt so they are pretty solid and didn't damage the head itself. The wrenches are comfortable, smooth, highly polished and even come with a tool roll if you like those. My opinion is if you can snap the head off a grade 5 bolt it's doing a decent job. I took photos of the biggest one so you can see it better. $11.97

 

[arkangel06]

Corwell WTF?


So what you have started here is a buy these chinese tools thread?

 

[mrholeshot]

Corwell WTF?


So what you have started here is a buy these chinese tools thread?

No it's not about that. It's just about buying tools that will get the job done without breaking the bank. It doesn't matter where they are made. It's hard to argue the quality of some tools coming out of Asia. The fact you can get them for less than 1/4 the cost of a big name tool can give young people and retired or anyone on a limited income access to a quality tool that gets the job done. I didn't start this thread to bash or support any brand or support other nations. It isn't politics but just bang for the buck.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I'll add the CMan thin profile ratchets. I like my 3/8" just as much, if not more than my F80. The fact that it costs about 1/3 of the F80 also helps out a lot. I wish they would start making that ratchet with a comfort grip handle already. That and lighten the 1/2" a bit.

The set is $79.99 and the 3/8" is $32.99. You can get both for much cheaper if you watch the sales. They are also a bit cheaper on ebay.

 

[Bolster]

So basically, the thread is "new, cheap tools"? But there's so many of them available everywhere...Target, Kmart, Sears, Dollar Store, HF, HD, Lowe's. Everybody's throwing cheap tools at ya. Now if your focus is "top quality cheap tools," which is a pretty small crossover, then that would be interesting.

Sorry, just a little confused about what the topic boundaries are, exactly.

 

[mrholeshot]

I'll add the CMan thin profile ratchets. I like my 3/8" just as much, if not more than my F80. The fact that it costs about 1/3 of the F80 also helps out a lot. I wish they would start making that ratchet with a comfort grip handle already. That and lighten the 1/2" a bit.

The set is $79.99 and the 3/8" is $32.99. You can get both for much cheaper if you watch the sales. They are also a bit cheaper on ebay.

I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on the 1/4 module set that comes with this ratchet. I want to take one of the 3/8 apart to see how it looks.

 

[Indy_500]

I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on the 1/4 module set that comes with this ratchet. I want to take one of the 3/8 apart to see how it looks.

just don't bend the spring inside

 

[Indy_500]

I'll add the CMan thin profile ratchets. I like my 3/8" just as much, if not more than my F80. The fact that it costs about 1/3 of the F80 also helps out a lot. I wish they would start making that ratchet with a comfort grip handle already. That and lighten the 1/2" a bit.

The set is $79.99 and the 3/8" is $32.99. You can get both for much cheaper if you watch the sales. They are also a bit cheaper on ebay.

For some reason, at my sears the set is $100. But i got the ratchets + 180 sockets + 50 wrenches + 6 Screwdrivers + 40 Hex Keys for $180

 

[mrholeshot]

So basically, the thread is "new, cheap tools"? But there's so many of them available everywhere...Target, Kmart, Sears, Dollar Store. Now if your focus is "top quality cheap tools," which is a pretty small crossover, then that would be interesting.

Sorry, just a little confused about what the topic is, exactly.

The title says it all. Frugal is buying without being wasteful and getting the most out of what money you have. Some cheap tools have no value as far as I'm concerned and are good for nothing but scrap steel. This is about buying good tools at a good value. The most quality for the least amount of money. Thats all

 

[arkangel06]

For some reason, at my sears the set is $100. But i got the ratchets + 180 sockets + 50 wrenches + 6 Screwdrivers + 40 Hex Keys for $180

Try and buy all that at HF for that price.

 

[Indy_500]

well now i know what frugal is....

302 piece Craftsman mechanics set = $200 on closeout + $20 gift card with any purchase over $100 = $180

 

[Moose-LandTran]

No it's not about that. It's just about buying tools that will get the job done without breaking the bank.

It's good. Good thread. You got to use what's best for all your needs, getting the job done, price, etc. Just a thread for members to share their experiences on tools that are cost-effective and work well.

Anyone who doesn't like that should stay the hell out the thread.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on the 1/4 module set that comes with this ratchet. I want to take one of the 3/8 apart to see how it looks.

If you are in need, I would strongly recommend it. I haven't heard anyone with anything but good to say about the 1/4" and 3/8". Some say the 1/2" is too big, but it doesn't bother me any. I use these more than any other ratchet I own, unless I'm going to get them dirty.

 

[Indy_500]

Try and buy all that at HF for that price.

the 301 piece mechanics set there is orignally 200 always on sale for 180. My set absolutly rapes HF's set for the same price.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

For some reason, at my sears the set is $100. But i got the ratchets + 180 sockets + 50 wrenches + 6 Screwdrivers + 40 Hex Keys for $180

Now, I'll have to look into that. I wonder if they have went up.

*edit
After checking sears.com it looks like they are different model numbers. So they are $99.99 for the ones I have. Still a great deal IMO. I wonder what's different about the other set?

 

[arkangel06]

the 301 piece mechanics set there is orignally 200 always on sale for 180. My set absolutly rapes HF's set for the same price.

There you go then.

 

[chevy302dz]

Craftsman sockets, and Channellock pliers. Craftsman sockets have by far the best range of sizes available in their price bracket, and both the sockets and pliers are a excellent value when considering quality vs price and availability. I will also second the Craftsman thin profile ratchets.

 

[Bolster]

Anyone who doesn't like [this thread] should stay the hell out the thread.

LOL!! Wouldn't that be something?!?

 

[1969]

Quote: Anyone who doesn't like that should stay the hell out the thread. I agree 100%.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

LOL!! Wouldn't that be something?!?

wishful thinking, huh?

 

[mrholeshot]

well now i know what frugal is....

302 piece Craftsman mechanics set = $200 on closeout + $20 gift card with any purchase over $100 = $180

Thats absolutly frugal!!

I bought the 204 pc set for my cantilever road box. I also caught the 3 pc kobalt adjustable wrench sets and 3 pc Kobalt Channellock type plier set for 9.99 each. I bought the Kobalt 50pc 3/8 SAE/Metric Deep/Standad socket sets at 19.99 (super deal). When I buy things like this that if it's good I buy a dozen sets because I give out 11 sets to my 9 sons and 2 son in laws. This year they will be getting a 3/8 50pc socket set, 3 adjustable wrenches, 3 Channellock (type) pliers, 1/2 ratchet 8 dollar HF the mops the floor with a Craftsman standard)and a 4 peice SAE and 4 pc Metric double open end wrench sets. Total cost about 75 dollars each. I normally spend about 50 but got carried away this year. If I can swing it I'm going to buy them all a 1/2 9.97 torque wrench from HF (have price match) to use on wheels. While it may seem cheezy it beats the hell of a cheese basket. I put a lot of thought and work into it.

 

[PurdueSD]

I'll add the CMan thin profile ratchets. I like my 3/8" just as much, if not more than my F80. The fact that it costs about 1/3 of the F80 also helps out a lot. I wish they would start making that ratchet with a comfort grip handle already. That and lighten the 1/2" a bit.

The set is $79.99 and the 3/8" is $32.99. You can get both for much cheaper if you watch the sales. They are also a bit cheaper on ebay.

My favorite 3 ratchets are my craftsman thin set!

 

[supertooljunkie]

wishful thinking, huh?

Never happen.

 

[...rohit]

Thats absolutly frugal!!

I bought the 204 pc set for my cantilever road box. I also caught the 3 pc kobalt adjustable wrench sets and 3 pc Kobalt Channellock type plier set for 9.99 each. I bought the Kobalt 50pc 3/8 SAE/Metric Deep/Standad socket sets at 19.99 (super deal). When I buy things like this that if it's good I buy a dozen sets because I give out 11 sets to my 9 sons and 2 son in laws. This year they will be getting a 3/8 50pc socket set, 3 adjustable wrenches, 3 Channellock (type) pliers, 1/2 ratchet 8 dollar HF the mops the floor with a Craftsman standard)and a 4 peice SAE and 4 pc Metric double open end wrench sets. Total cost about 75 dollars each. I normally spend about 50 but got carried away this year. If I can swing it I'm going to buy them all a 1/2 9.97 torque wrench from HF (have price match) to use on wheels. While it may seem cheezy it beats the hell of a cheese basket. I put a lot of thought and work into it.

i wish i had a father-in-law like that

 

[filtered]

Shop off hours on ebay. I picked up 37 Armstrong tools for $33.45 including a ratchet, 2 extensions, a universal and 33 sockets. Couple weeks back I scored a set of Matco SAE extra long combo wrenches, Craftsman pro metric combo wrench set, and Grey Pneumatic SAE and metric universal impact sockets for $68.97. And i'm waiting on a brand new Armstrong long handle 3/8" drive ratchet for $24.99.

Frugal doesn't mean buying **** tools cheap to me. It means shopping for good tools smartly. I do buy used tools, once I get them they will get used anyway so what's the difference. I can't see spending 2 or 3 or more times the amount on tools just to get the pleasure of taking them out of the box. Besides if you buy warrantied tools used if there is an issue, use the warranty.

My 127.41 i've spent bought me 2 ratchets, 2 complete sets of wrenches, 33 sockets, 2 sets of universal impact sockets, and 3 other items. All made in the USA except the GP impacts. You can't even buy one set of chrome wrenches from Snap-On for that.

 

[mrholeshot]

While I agree with your thinking it isn't readily available to the general public. Only the winning bidder gets that deal. There really are inexpensive tools that are quality peices that can be had for little money. This thread isn't about "**** tools" It's about getting the most out of your money especially those on a limited income or those that don't want to make a huge investment. A lifetime warranty is a mandatory thing when tool shopping.

 

[sberry]

Was that 12$ for the whole husky set of 4?

 

[mrholeshot]

Was that 12$ for the whole husky set of 4?

Yes the entire set. They look better out of the package. They were 11.97 in our store

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[DHS]

Yes the entire set. They look better out of the package. They were 11.97 in our store

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

That does seem pretty good. I will have to look to see if they have some stubby wrenches.

 

[Thirsty]

I like looking for inexpensive "decent" tools. I have craftsman and also look for other brands as well. I only wrench on my old car and a few motorcycles, I don't need nor can afford truck tools.

 

[sberry]

I have a couple Mac ones like those, well worn but use one a lot. Hard to beat that price. Worth snatching up another set or 2, I like the offset.

 

[mrholeshot]

That does seem pretty good. I will have to look to see if they have some stubby wrenches.

They have some really nice stubby sets for around 20 dollars a set (7 wrenches). I have a set of each in my Macsimizer. You will never break a stubby and these are built remarkably well. If you didn't look at the name you would swear they were Snap-On. I'll post some photos tommorow.

 

[mrholeshot]

I like looking for inexpensive "decent" tools. I have craftsman and also look for other brands as well. I only wrench on my old car and a few motorcycles, I don't need nor can afford truck tools.

You can't convince some people to that way of thinking.

 

[babzog]

Canadian Tire often has good deals on hand tools. I picked up the Mastercraft Maximum combo wrench set (sae and metric) plus bonus stubbies (sae and metric) for $60. They run, once or twice a year, the GearWrench flex head set for $40. Their screwdriver sets often go on sale for 75% off so $20-$30 will get you all the drivers you need. Their bit driver set which includes short and long bits is often deeply discounted for $7.50. Their impact sockets are also deeply discounted at various times through the year (stick with the individual sets, ie: shallow metric, deep metric, as the combo sets appear to be missing various sizes depending on the set). The Mastercraft Maximum 250lb-ft torque wrench occasionally goes on sale for around $60 (give or take a few dollars, I forget the exact price right now), roughly half price. All of these tools appear very well made and all have lifetime warranty.

Toptul makes excellent sockets which don't break the bank. A full set of metric (shallow and deep, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2) in mirror chrome cost me $94 shipped in Canada.

HD, a couple of weeks ago, had a 3pack of Stanley tape measures (30', 25' and 12') for $10. Can't have enough tapes... keep one in each car now for "just in case".

 

[Bull]

Never happen.

I might make it happen.

I am getting right sick and tired of all the brand arguments. I am actually a serious patriot, but all this senseless, dogmatic bickering that comes up in these threads makes me angry.

Jim: it's a great thread idea.

My nomination is for the Titan line of tools. What I can speak to so far are the 1/4 and 3/8" stubby gearless ratchets and their folding Torx driver sets. Small money, great tools.

 

[lilredex]

Another HD frugal buy............last fall they had (Husky) combination sets 5/16 to 11/16" and 10MM to 17MM (14 in total) for $9.99 Cdn. Did a bunch of my Christmas shopping right there. Yes, there is no 3/4" and they were made in China...............but still good enough for the girls I go with.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I might make it happen.

I am getting right sick and tired of all the brand arguments. I am actually a serious patriot, but all this senseless, dogmatic bickering that comes up in these threads makes me angry.

You know, I'm probably guilty as anyone there. The posts that go like this "This brand is better than Crapsman" with no explanation of why really piss me off. I don't mind when some one doesn't like the tools I buy, but it isn't productive at all to shoot your mouth off about something you don't own with out giving a reason why. I guess I should just get over it, haha.

Anyways, to stay on topic, I also have to recommend Craftsman Professional pliers and combo wrenches. 6 piece pliers are $109.99 and the 26 piece wrench set is $179.99. Both are great buys and both are excellent quality.

 

[Bull]

I am with you, Snow. Crapping on a tool with no reason other than origin is silly. If you haven't owned or used a particular tool you shouldn't talk about how crappy (or great!) it is.

I think someone mentioned them already, but I will throw Toptul into the ring as well. Their ratchets are cheap and very, very nice. I have a comfort-grip, flex-head, quick-release 1/4 version that is just sweet as can be!

 

[expatriated]

My nomination is for the Titan line of tools. What I can speak to so far are the 1/4 and 3/8" stubby gearless ratchets and their folding Torx driver sets. Small money, great tools.

Bull, are you referring to something like these (the gearwrench version)?
http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/bit_sockets/torx/setdetails.jsp?part=82420

If so, where do you get Titan tools? I'm looking for a set like this to carry on the bike.