Thoughts on some offbrand tools

[hsnedigar]

I've been a tractor tech for several years and have obtained a sizeable set off tools some Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky, Matco, Allied, Evercraft, Tactix, and Gearwrench, but a large portion of my tool are Mac just because he's been a really good rep. but I've been looking at some tools that aren't main stream as it where. V-8, ATD, VIM, American Presto (Wisdom), Toptul, Kincrome, Westward, Sunnex. just to name a few. Just wondering if you have some and like them or if you wish you didn't buy them or if you know of anything else I didn't mention that you really like.

 

[AndrewV]

Sunex should be in there.

 

[hsnedigar]

literally just added that to the original post. I'm looking for angle head wrench's as wells as random odds ends to fill the holes in my socket and wrench sets. and I know I didn't put SK in there but they have a hefty price tag too

 

[619DioFan]

I have some sunex impact sockets that are very good. and I really like the ratchets from Titan tool co. my favorite is the long reach 1/2 drive with the offset handle. real knuckle saver.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

literally just added that to the original post. I'm looking for angle head wrench's as wells as random odds ends to fill the holes in my socket and wrench sets. and I know I didn't put SK in there but they have a hefty price tag too

A coworker when I was at the truck shop has the Sunex angle wrenches and loves them.

 

[mototexas]

Yeah i have the sunex angle wrenches and i absolutley love them!

 

[woody 73]

Funny but some time ago I bought some used tools and one of the ratchets was called benchtop from K-Mart. Never gave tools from that place any thought; but after using that sucker I must say it is very nice!

If you ever run across one at a junk type sale buy it and clean it up and give it a dab of Super lube, I think you will like it very much.

 

[92integra]

sunex is good for sure got some of there extra long needle nose pliers, hose pliers, 1/2" drive quiet impact. they are bang for buck. also i belive alot of guys like VIM, maybe some one else will post about them. as for V8 tools all i have gotten are there super thin wrenchs for holding the back side of caliper bolts and they look / feel flimsy but get the job done non the less.

 

[radrush]

V-8, ATD, VIM, American Presto (Wisdom), Toptul, Kincrome, Westward, Sunnex. just to name a few.

For daily professional use: ?

Sunex: maybe. Those others,

 

[hofdc1972]

Yeah i have the sunex angle wrenches and i absolutley love them!

Roger That!

 

[quattroJoe]

I've had nothing but good experiences with VIM. I've got their XZN sockets, magnetic and hollow shaft nutsetters, and a bunch of misc hand tools. Some of their stuff is rebranded for Mac and Matco.

I recently started picking up some Titan tools too. Got the 1/4 mini ratchet based on a recommendation here, then picked up two more ratchets and some odds and ends as fillers for coupons at Northern Tool and Autozone. I've only got a few months of use on them, but so far so good.

Astro Pneumatics makes some decent stuff too. Not sure if they're considered 'off brand.' I originally gave them a shot due to their rep posting here (that level of engagement between the company and the customer goes a long way for me,) and so far I'm happy with them. Got their ratcheting crimper set, a bit insert set, interior panel poppers (more expansive than most sets out there and definitely more durable than the last set I had,) and probably a few other pieces I'm forgetting.

I tend to avoid any type of no-name specialty tools from auto parts stores, often their private labels. I used to look at it as if it gets me through one job in a pinch then I'm happy. However there have been a couple times where I've gone through three or four of their **** stamped Chinese tools in one day. I also avoid Lisle like the plague after some bad experiences with their sockets. I know some of their stuff is decent, but after experiencing some of the **** that they deem acceptable to put their name on I don't want anything to do with them.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I've been a tractor tech for several years and have obtained a sizeable set off tools some Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky, Matco, Allied, Evercraft, Tactix, and Gearwrench, but a large portion of my tool are Mac just because he's been a really good rep. but I've been looking at some tools that aren't main stream as it where. V-8, ATD, VIM, American Presto (Wisdom), Toptul, Kincrome, Westward, Sunnex. just to name a few. Just wondering if you have some and like them or if you wish you didn't buy them or if you know of anything else I didn't mention that you really like.

Vim is real good (also look at some "cal-tool" old stock). Some of the sunex is good (the cr-mo impact), wasn't real impressed by their magnetic impact (assumed chinese) fairly cheap but I can source better.

The rest...well depends if it's critical or not. If not then I can deal with the chinese stuff without much of an issue, if it's something you're using everyday I'd say taiwan or better. I just say that because taiwanese stuff is pretty standardized fit & finish wise nowadays and it's pretty good. Some of the chinese stuff is better than it needs to be to tell you the truth but you gotta look at it in person.

 

[CJM8515]

Dont laugh, but Ive used stanley/husky (when they were made by stanley) for 10 years as my road toolbox with daily use. besides wearing out the ratchets Ive broken nothing.

 

[gagreen]

I'm a fan of tekton for my cheap stuff. I bought their sae angle wrench set and use the hell out of them. I don't trust them tho, I keep track of what my knuckles ate aimed at before putting any beef on them.

 

[hsnedigar]

Huh I've heard of cal-tool and I've looked a little bit of there stuff but I've never seen it in person. I've got a couple Tekton lights there ok but I never knew they made wrench's. I'm just now starting to retire my husky tools at work and bring them home or give some of them to the other guy I work with cause he's just starting out. However I've broke several pliers, sockets and ratchets but that was over the course of ten years though.

I've seen a big swing in stuff coming off the Mac truck saying made in china, WTF!!!! Don't now about snappy stuff as of lately cause our rep is useless and don't show up at the shop.

I know that there cheap but I've had really good luck with my Tactix wrench's but they are 1 1/2" and up and its pretty hard to break a wrench that size. Felo makes really good screwdrivers haven't really seem anything else from them.

Any one ever hear or Proxxon there baton wrench looks interesting