Tool Brand "Personality"

[njc41980]

Let me try to make this simpler.

Example:
I personally like Dodge cars and Trucks. You could say that it's "my" brand. Dodge is (basically) an American company. They have a reputation for, or at least market themselves as being known for, big power, bold straight-forward designs, and a little bit of rebel attitude. I like those things, so Dodge suites me. There are plenty of auto brands that make vehicles that can get you or your load from point A to point B. Dodge certainly doesn't make the best vehicles in the world, and may not even be a great value at times, but the "personality" of the brand appeals to me, so it's one of my favorite brands.

Most all of us have preferences and get excited about certain brands from time to time. There are more than enough pictures and posts about tool collections here to prove that most of us are passionate about them, and that passion comes from more than just "Is it the best?" or "Can it get the job done?" Tool brands have personality just like auto brands have personality, and it should be a fun (non judgmental) topic to discuss.

Honestly, I'm a tool noob. I'm not a professional mechanic, and I'm just starting to think about expanding upon the collection of basic tools that I accumulated as a kid. I frankly don't know much about the various brands, so I'm asking to hear opinions from all the knowledgeable tool experts here, and I'd like to know a little more than just what tool is the best. I want to know about the "personality" of the various brands.

Anyone can go out and get tools from the best-valued brand, most expensive brand, or most respected brand. I want to know why tool guys are passionate about the brands that they are passionate about.

 

[Sunset_Z28]

My dad and grandpa primarily owned SK and Proto tools. I own and use those tools now and have always felt that if they were good enough for them, then they're good enough for me. Doesn't stop me from buying other brands though. I try my best to stick with American when possible.

 

[Slinger646]

My impressions only, no intention to incorrectly stereotype anyone or offend…

Snap-On: Pro mechanics in neat, white uniforms. Think Leonard Wood circa 1963.

Craftsman: Walt Kawolski, also my grandfather. Get off his lawn.

SK: A refined Walt Kowalski, works on his car and his neighbor's cars too.

Other US brands from the golden age: Harry Homeowner and other shadetree mechanics.

The beat up box with all sorts of tools from all sorts of manufacturers. Some have been modified to do god knows what: Smokey Yunick types. They can do strange and interesting things with anything that is mechanical. Their genius is only eclipsed by their mystery. Given the proper equipment and shop, they could send a 51 Hudson from coast to coast using 4 gallons of gasoline and a cap snaffler.

 

[Strouty]

My personality can't understand why you can't just start a tool thread about tools. Are you a head shrinker or something else? Maybe a troll?

 

[48RON54]

I was very passionate about Craftsman for a long time. My dad was a huge fan of craftsman so that is really where that stems from. I also grew up in the 80s/early 90s so back then exchanging a broken tool took no work at all. I would get so excited that I would ask my dad if he had any broken tools just so I could walk to sears and exchange it for him. I was amazed by this transaction to be honest, and it made me feel like a grown up in some way.

 

[gdocktor3]

What you said about Dodge, goes for Snap On, Matco, etc. It's mostly personal preference. I like made in USA, the color red, and lifetime warranty...

 

[SantaAna12]

AiiYiimotherfinYii!

Rant over.

 

[6PTsocket]

Dodge is owned by Fiat, an italian company. Before that it was owned by Daimler Benz, a German company. The Dart is a rebadged Alfa Romeo, a Fiat brand. The little SUV is also a Fiat. The trucks are pretty good, I have one but the consensus is that the cars are not very reliable. I owned a long string of Mopars with only a few exceptions. They spend a fortune on image, "Ram tough". It is all advertising BS. They all do it to foster custoner loyalty. I try to make more rational choices.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[928'er]

Before that it was owned by Daimler Benz, a German company.

I had a friend who used to recommend the Chrysler 300 to anyone who was "looking for an old Mercedes E-class, but with poor build quality...."

 

[-Brent-]

The marketing around creating/developing/managing a "brand" is fascinating to me. I've read a lot about it over the last couple years and my eyes have been torn open to how much we're manipulated by marketing practice and strategy.

I still have "aha moments" where I'm seeing just how deep it goes. What's worse is I see it infused in the things my children watch, too. It starts so early.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap-on is the Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter of tools. How's that?

 

[njc41980]

I was very passionate about Craftsman for a long time. My dad was a huge fan of craftsman so that is really where that stems from. I also grew up in the 80s/early 90s so back then exchanging a broken tool took no work at all. I would get so excited that I would ask my dad if he had any broken tools just so I could walk to sears and exchange it for him. I was amazed by this transaction to be honest, and it made me feel like a grown up in some way.

Cool story.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[sberry]

The marketing around creating/developing/managing a "brand" is fascinating to me. I've read a lot about it over the last couple years and my eyes have been torn open to how much we're manipulated by marketing practice and strategy.

I still have "aha moments" where I'm seeing just how deep it goes

I have seen the same wrench sold in 3 different stores at 3 different prices, saw them slap a Napa sticker on the identical box with a wheel bearing and jump the price from 40 to 90.

 

[T45]

keep the marketing to the people that get paid money to deal with it

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Here we go again...

 

[wolf_from_wv]

The beat up box with all sorts of tools from all sorts of manufacturers. Some have been modified to do god knows what: Smokey Yunick types. They can do strange and interesting things with anything that is mechanical. Their genius is only eclipsed by their mystery. Given the proper equipment and shop, they could send a 51 Hudson from coast to coast using 4 gallons of gasoline and a cap snaffler.

Beat up box: not so much

All sorts of tools from all sorts of manufacturers:

 

[zendriver]

My "personality" is about value, with everything

IMO most Harbor Freight seem the best hand tools - for the money, at least for now. Future competition might prove otherwise.

I have a few Snap ON, Cman, other old school misc tools, that are fine as well.

If I was a professional, I'd probably have all Snap On, since they seem to buy a lot of clout, in the industry.

Can't see spending any more money than necessary, on tools or anything else for that matter.

 

[Gmonkee]

Today at the shop we had five unhappy folks with broken cars desperate to get the boss to look at them. One acted like it was our fault for not wanting to stay up all night and fix his junk.

They don't give a rat's *** what tools we use to fix their junk, or if we want to eat or go home.

The car is broken and it needs fixed NOW or a comfortable lifestyle needs adjusting. That isn't good.

Only other mechanics care about the tools it seems and at that passing curiousity. They either have better or can't see why we spent so much when another works to do the same.

The real world and tool forums are very differnt here, but I seen in the US where some shops the guys compete tooth and claw to be the first with the shiny new baubles.

 

[Strouty]

I wonder if this thread will get erased like the last one? He did use his thesaurus for the title, so it is a totally different thread, right?

 

[bushmechanic]

I like S-K because, while you'll find Snap-On in some of the nicest shops around, you'll find S-K in some of the most beat up, ragged out overland vehicles in quite a few of the more abusive environments available.

S-K fits my previous experience and attitude. I suppose things have changed, but they're still big, comfortable, highly resistant to corrosion, and will work just fine when it eventually happens.

You'll find Snap-On in the bush, but it won't be in vehicles that spend months in dangerous areas. It'll be in day-trip "Safari" vehicles.

Nothing wrong with it, but some of that precision works against them, and I suppose there is price to consider, as well as the fact that S-K embraced that type of use overseas extensively. Snap-On never did.

You also tend to find S-K more often on oil platforms than Snap-On.

As for the rest of the brands, I prefer Gearwrench. The buggers are tough as nails, which is impressive given the price.

 

[PelicanPines]

I'm too shy and quiet to have a personality... but if i did... it would be German made.

 

[jdlong]

Judging one's character by the vehicle he drives or tools he uses is rather juvenile.

 

[Al Borland]

If it's im my toolbox, it works. if it doesn't work, well, it's gonna have a short lifespan.
I do have some older tools that don't work as well as when they were new, but they are "retired".

 

[bcradio]

I wonder if this thread will get erased like the last one? He did use his thesaurus for the title, so it is a totally different thread, right?

Here's hoping

 

[cherrybomb]

Proto Tools,tough,rugged and reliable,made in U.S.A.for 100 years.This is my motto,my tools.

 

[njc41980]

Proto Tools,tough,rugged and reliable,made in U.S.A.for 100 years.This is my motto,my tools.

Thanks

I like that

 

[njc41980]

can't understand

Here we go again...

I wonder

rather juvenile.

Here's hoping

If you're so annoyed by a a noob that wants to know why people like the brands that they do, then please kindly just move along.

 

[njc41980]

I like S-K because, while you'll find Snap-On in some of the nicest shops around, you'll find S-K in some of the most beat up, ragged out overland vehicles in quite a few of the more abusive environments available.

S-K fits my previous experience and attitude. I suppose things have changed, but they're still big, comfortable, highly resistant to corrosion, and will work just fine when it eventually happens.

You'll find Snap-On in the bush, but it won't be in vehicles that spend months in dangerous areas. It'll be in day-trip "Safari" vehicles.

Nothing wrong with it, but some of that precision works against them, and I suppose there is price to consider, as well as the fact that S-K embraced that type of use overseas extensively. Snap-On never did.

You also tend to find S-K more often on oil platforms than Snap-On.

As for the rest of the brands, I prefer Gearwrench. The buggers are tough as nails, which is impressive given the price.

Thanks.

I did not know that.

Where is S-K made?

 

[Zeke]

Judging one's character by the vehicle he drives or tools he uses is rather juvenile.

And that is what this thread is NOT about.

I never considered that tools could take on a personality until the thought was presented. Maybe I'll take some time to reflect.

Meanwhile, a dirty misused and abused dull screwdriver is a homeless bum living in the nasty drawer while a nice clean one with a crisp tip is a sharply dressed CEO in an Armani suit with cuff links on the sleeves.

 

[speed bump]

I buy Ford's because I am a cheap masochist (if I wasn't cheap Dodges or British cars could be discussed), I have several other brands of vehicles at my house because I'm a **** and they got the job done.

When it comes to tools I buy what gets the job done in a manner that I think the least about using the tool and the most about the job.

 

[VintageOkieDriver]

Agree Dodge is not an American company. A certain government administration pushed the sale through that might have never happened had it been part of our military industrial complex. I had a DC regional manager in my office a few years back who termed one of their particular cars a "throw away". Look under the sheet metal when you look at a Dodge truck - "Ram Tough" I think not..I agree marketing hoooey.
Ok let's hear the outrage.

 

[bobbricks789]

I primarily use stanley, irwin or kobalt. Those tools are good for a beginner like me

Noobs dont belong here

 

[Gmonkee]

I use all the Mexican equivilents of those homeowner brands and get by just fine.

I am not a new kid by far, bought some bling along the way but regular use stuff is all mid range good stuff.

Noobs have a voice here too.
If it does what you need without breaking it is good stuff.

 

[-Brent-]

If you're so annoyed by a a noob that wants to know why people like the brands that they do, then please kindly just move along.

Yeah but based on the title of this thread, you're not asking them why they like the brands they do, you're leading folks into a thread titled with tool brand "personality."

A tool is an inanimate object, the "personality" comes from the marketing department.

The reputation comes from folks like the users here.

The GJ has added to the allure of certain products, thus creating a desirability. For example, the Craftsman block grinder, Knipex Cobras, or Wilton bullet vises are among items that garner a following/reputation.

As far as your dig on the quoted folks telling them to move along, it's ironic since they're pretty much telling you the same. You could have read the first 5 pages of threads in the General Tool Discussion forum and had a decent idea about who likes what.

However, here's the great thing about this forum, there are guys here you can disagree with and a day later they'll save you $ by having the answer to a problem you may have. There are members that are pretty damn kind, too. The type of guys that will send you a care package or a tool that could help you out with a project you're working on.

That said, soak in what this place is about. Be willing to listen without being overly sensitive and you could make a few decent friends here.

 

[zendriver]

I'm not a psychological genius, but it seems like the OP is wondering whether proclaiming "I'm a Ford man!" (where one has disdain for a Chevy or Dodge owner) follows the same context, as to say "I'm a Snap On man!" and when your wife, gets you a really nice Cman hammer, for your anniversary, you want to hit her over the head with it.

 

[VintageOkieDriver]

Ok I confess. I am a "Ford Man"

 

[Ryan]

Guys, threads like this do two things:

1. Piss people off for some reason (I don't at all understand this one).

or

2. Bore the **** out of people (I get this for sure).

So, let's move on...