Tool brands ranked by quality.

[nbruno]

I would like to get peoples thoughts on their top 2 tool brands for each of these categories.
1. Screwdrivers
2. Sockets
3. ratchet handles
4. Pliers
5. Wrenches.

Must be from real world experience and not marketing /word of mouth /etc.

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[uncwstudent]

I'm no professional, just shade tree. So my tastes may be a little different from others:

Screwdrivers:
1. Wera
2. Facom

Sockets:
1. Snap On
2. SK

Ratchet Handles:
1. Facom
2. Snap On

Pliers:
1. Channellock
2. Craftsman USA

Wrenches:
1. Craftsman Professional
2. MAC (old school MAC)

 

[packet]

Anything you get is going to be entirely subjective. No one around here is doing a metallurgical analysis on tools or buying enough to a statistical analysis of tolerances.

That said, here's my favorites:

Screwdrivers: Wiha, Wera

Sockets: Gedore, Stahlwille, Hazet. US made would be Snap-on, Proto, or SK in no particular order.

Ratchet handles: I like Gedore's best. They're the most comfortable and fit in my hands the best. I like Stahlwille's high tooth count ratchets the best though.

Pliers: Knipex, NWS, or Wiha (seriously underrated for pliers)

Wrenches: Gedore, Stahlwille, or Hazet. Hazet and Gedore long pattern are nice.

 

[L.Cheapo]

1. Snap On, I don't really like any other screwdrivers
2. Snap On, Wright
3. Snap On,
4. Snap On, Knipex
5. Snap On, Wright

Jeez, I sound like a fanboy, but I really just like the quality and ergonomics of their tools. Having a really good dealer helps too.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Screwdrivers:
1. snap-on
2. Wera

Sockets:
1. Matco
2. snap-on

Ratchet Handles:
1. snap-on
2. Matco

Pliers:
1. Knipex
2. snap-on

Wrenches:
1. snap-on
2. Matco

 

[Hollow Idol Eyes]

Screwdrivers
1) Wiha
2) Vessel

Sockets
1) Snap-on
2) Proto

Ratchet handles
1) Wright (Knurled)
2) Armstrong

Pliers
1) Knipex
2) Snap-on

Wrenches
1) Snap-on
2) Williams USA (or Proto)

 

[Hiball]

Screwdrivers
1) Snap On
2) Sk

Sockets
1) SK
2) wright

Ratchet handles
1) Snap On
2) Cornwell

Pliers
1) Snap on
2) Channel Lock

Wrenches
1) Wright
2) Cornwell

 

[nbruno]

Anything you get is going to be entirely subjective. No one around here is doing a metallurgical analysis on tools or buying enough to a statistical analysis of tolerances.

That said, here's my favorites:

Screwdrivers: Wiha, Wera

Sockets: Gedore, Stahlwille, Hazet. US made would be Snap-on, Proto, or SK in no particular order.

Ratchet handles: I like Gedore's best. They're the most comfortable and fit in my hands the best. I like Stahlwille's high tooth count ratchets the best though.

Pliers: Knipex, NWS, or Wiha (seriously underrated for pliers)

Wrenches: Gedore, Stahlwille, or Hazet. Hazet and Gedore long pattern are nice.

Yes, entirely subjective... That's what I'm looking for. Most "tool guys" have used at least a few different brands of each of these tool categories and although using maybe only 3 different manufacturers of each category, a large sample size can be demonstrated by a group users.

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[noid]

Screwdrivers:
1. PB Swiss
2. Wiha

Sockets:
1. Koken
2. Hazet

Ratchet Handles:
1. Nepro
2. Snap-on

Pliers:
1. Knipex
2. Keiba

Wrenches:
1. Nepros
2. Craftsman Made in USA (specifically 6 point) - my set just fits so damn tight.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Screwdrivers:
1. Wera
2. Williams

I find Wera LaserTip to be easily the best general purpose screwdriver that money can buy; easily. Their handles are not real tough, so the dedicated auto-mechanic may or may not tolerate that. But when it comes to turning a screw, NOTHING compares. The lasertip digs in, turns the screw, the tip doesn’t slip out and strip a fastener.
For a full time auto mechanic, I would still have the Wera’s but I would back them up with the Williams. The reason I list Williams and not Snap On is because I like the feel of the hard handles, and if you’re going to have hard handle screwdrivers, you might as well save 40% and have the Williams. If you like the soft handles, then pony up for Snap On.

Sockets:
1. Snap On
2. SK
These two are just so darned close in quality, I have never been able to bring myself to pay the difference for Snap On for sockets. I have had SK sockets my whole life, and I’ve broken a grand total of ONE. My ½” SAE socket set was my grandfathers that he bought in the late 1940’s…I still have all but one of the original sockets. I replaced the ¾” not because it broke, but because I lost it (still pissed about that). Actual performance in use, it's a draw. I will say that Snap On's chrome is deeper and nicer in appearance. But I also have many 70 year old SK's where the chrome hasn't chipped on bit in 70 years...that's impressive.

Ratchet Handles:
1. Bahco
2. Snap On
Okay same ratchet, but Bahco wins because the handle is more comfortable than the Snap On (at least for me).

Pliers:
1. Knipex
2. Snap On
Knipex just owns this category; they’re the ****!

Wrenches:
1. Proto JSCV Ratcheting
2. Wright
Okay I’m cheating by putting a ratcheting wrench in there…but I think all around it’s the best wrench money can buy period. The design of the wrench is very well thought out, the I beam design is very comfortable and strong. The open end has a stupid simple Anti-Slip design that works amazingly well, yet rarely marks up a fastener…something you can’t say about the Wright or Snap On design. The ratcheting side is BRUTE strong, and will shear a Grade 8. The spline design is very unique in that the splines are faceted. Those facets are amazing at grabbing onto an old rusty fastner like a WrightGrip open end, by digging in and just holding the fastener without rounding it off. I have the Taiwan made black chrome version of these wrenches which are out-freaking-standing. The US version is the same, but with a more comfortable beam design, and it’s properly bright chromed like a combination wrench ought to be.
For a full time auto mechanic, if he doesn’t want the Proto’s (they are God awful expensive, I’ll give you that…even the Taiwan ones), then I personally would take the WrightGrip over the Snap On’s…I think the Wright is just a slightly nicer wrench, and less money.

 

[shockwave]

Screwdrivers
Snap on hard handle (acetate)
Witte/matco

Sockets
Snap on
Hazet

Ratchet handles
Snap on hard handle
Matco chrome or the round (acetate)

Pliers
Knipex
Snap on

Wrenches
Hazet
Snap on

 

[Davefr]

I would like to get peoples thoughts on their top 2 tool brands for each of these categories.

1. Screwdrivers
Proto Duratek
PB Swiss

2. Sockets
SO
SK

3. ratchet handles
SO
SK

4. Pliers
(too broad a category)
SO
Klein

5. Wrenches.
Wright
SO

 

[crf450x]

1. Screwdrivers
Snap On
Wiha

2. Sockets
SK
Snap on

3. Ratchets
Snap On
Gearwrench

4. Pliers
Snap On
Channellocks

5. Wrenches.
Snap On
Facom

I hate to sound like a snap on worshiper but a lot of their stuff is just simply the best...in my opinion.

 

[yost69]

1. Screwdrivers
Snap-On

2. Sockets - I mostly use impacts, My chrome are craftsman and some snap-on.
Snap-On
Mac Edge

3. ratchet handles
Snap-On soft grip

4. Pliers
No preference as long as they work. I have snap on that I use but the screw in the middle seems to wear loose and make them feel sloppy.

5. Wrenches
Snap-On Flank Drive
Gearwrench ratcheting

 

[Wamsutta]

Screwdrivers:
1. Snap-on
2. PB Swiss

Sockets:
1. Snap-on
2. MAC (with R at end of part number)

Ratchet Handles:
1. Snap-on
2. Cornwell

Pliers:
1. Snap-on
2. Knipex

Wrenches:
1. Snap-on
2. Cornwell

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Screwdrivers
1) Snap On
2) Felo

Sockets
1) Mac
2) Snap On

Ratchet handles
1) Snap On
2)

Pliers
1) Knipex
2) Snap On

Wrenches
1) Snap On
2) Mac

 

[KnurledNut]

1. Screwdrivers
P&C
Rosco

2. Sockets
Plomb
Indestro

3. ratchet handles
J. H. Williams
New Britain

4. Pliers
Forged Steel Products
Utica

5. Wrenches
Bluepoint/Snap-on
Bonney





(Someone had to do it.)

 

[toolaholic]

Default Re: Tool brands ranked by quality.
DIY tool collector

Screwdrivers:
1.wiha
2. Craftsman pro

Sockets:
1. Proto
2. SK

Ratchet Handles:
1. Armstrong
2. Wright

Pliers:
1. Knipex
2. Channelock

Wrenches:
1. Stahlwille
2. Hazet
__________________

 

[firworks]

1. Screwdrivers
- Felo
- Wera
I like the handles better on the Felos, I like the tips better on the Weras.

2. Sockets
- Toptul
- Williams
The Toptul are by far my favorite sockets to use, but surprisingly I think my next favorites are my Williams Taiwan sockets which are the ones rebranded as Blue-Point. Strong showing for Taiwan on sockets I'd say.

3. ratchet handles
- Cornwell
- Wright
I don't know why but I just love the feel/use of the Cornwell coke bottle shaped ratchets.

4. Pliers
- Knipex
- Wiha
I think Knipex is a fairly obvious pick. As stupid as they look though I use my Wiha Ergo Inomic whatever pliers all the time. They are surprisingly handy.

5. Wrenches.
- Wright
- SK
Wrightgrips are great wrenches, though short, with a nice meaty beam to not dig into your palm. I don't have a full set of SK X-Frames but I do wish I did!

 

[hangfirew8]

no objective facts in this thread

 

[firworks]

no objective facts in this thread

He asked for experience, not "Hey all you guys who spend all day doing lab tests on tools, what kind of data have you gotten recently?"

 

[hangfirew8]

He asked for experience, not "Hey all you guys who spend all day doing lab tests on tools, what kind of data have you gotten recently?"

It's still a hen fest.

 

[tonyciambrone]

Not everything is about objective facts. Not all things can be quantified and compared easily.

Screwdrivers:
1: Wiha
2:Witte

Sockets:
1: Snap-on
2: Wright
3: Grey Pneumatic

Ratchets:
1: Snap-On
2: Pittsburgh Pro
3: Flame me

Pliers:
1: Knipex
2: Gedore
3: NWS
4: ChannelLock
IMO all the top quality pliers are really close to each other. almost just personal taste. Knipex needle nose **** until proven otherwise.

Wrenches:
1: Snap-On
2: Wright

Note that I really like TOPTUL, and in value they would easily take sockets, ratchets and wrenches but in pure quality I will take other options...especially using someone else's tools or spending their money

 

[Hiball]

no objective facts in this thread

The Op simply asked for the members "thoughts" on the best brand for each category based off there personal use. It's unlikely every member has used every brand out there, so there will obviously be some personal bias. If you don't like it, or wish to participate, Start your own thread. I'm sure you will agree, starting threads like that, generally turn into members imposing there opinion as facts and normally don't turn out to well, unless that is your thing. It's been a good thread thus far, Sometimes you learn the most with simply answers, versus 1200 word essays of Why someone is right and the other person is wrong.

 

[plinker]

1. Screwdrivers
1a; Snap-on ratcheting types
1b; Snap-on, some preference to the hard handled versions.
2; everything else as long as it works/fits properly. I typically use 1/4" bits anyway.

2. Sockets
1; Sunex impacts/S-K chrome
2; Any other socket that is a decent name from Craftsman to Snap-on, No real preference here as long as they work.


3. ratchet handles
1; Armstrong/S-K (tied)
2; Gearwrench,Matco,Napa metal handle ratchets

4. Pliers
1; Channellock/Snap-on
2; Klien/Tool-aid (Both for electrical mainly)
I have other brands I use a lot but these are the most common ones in my box.


5. Wrenches.
1, Matco
2; Williams supercombo (slightly prefer them, but dont use them at work much, home set)


I have a many different brands in my box, these are the most common or preferred ones for the category listed.

"best" is subjective to the users frame of reference. < Qoute from the Red Green show pertaining to the best car.

 

[M6erfan]

Screwdrivers:
1: PB Swiss (slotted)
2: Vessel (PH)

Sockets:
1: Hazet
2: everyone else

Ratchet handles:
1: Ko-ken (knurled)
2: SK (classic knurled)

Pliers:
1: Snap On
2: Knipex

Wrenches:
1: KTC
2: Old style Williams Superrench

 

[anetode]

1. Screwdrivers
   PB Swiss
   Wiha
2. Sockets
   Stahlwille
   Nepros
3. Ratchet Handles
   Nepros
   Snap-On
4. Pliers
   Gedore
   Knipex/Orbis/Will
5. Wrenches
   Snap-On
   SK

 

[Bacon Man]

Screwdrivers:
Proto Duratek
Greenlee

Sockets:
Wright
SK

Ratchets:
Proto new style, don't remember the number.
Armstrong Maxx

Pliers:
Channellock
Klien

Wrenches:
SK
Wright
Gearwrench

I could go on and on about preferences, but will add one more.
Adjustable wrenches:
Irega. "Channellock"
Western Forge.

I personally feel that Irega makes the best adjustable wrench available.

 

[Finky198]

What I use is mostly USA CM, Snap on, Sunex, Knipex and Wiha with some select stuff from HF. Plus a ton of others specialty tools from Lang otc nes etc.... I feel like I bought stuff that fits my needs as I very rarely break tools and for the most part they accomplish whats needed and more with little thought. I’ve saved here and there on things when I can, but my core tools that I rely on and put my hard earnd $$$ have held up very well throughout the years and I expect they will do so for years if not decades to come...

I think I’ve had less then 10 failures in about 7 years 1/2 due to heavy use the other material defects or cold weather. Of the stuff that has broken theirs no rhyme or reason to which brands or when. **** just happens. So just make sure you wear your PPE.

My top few the ones I don’t own we have in a shop box or my partners box.

Screwdrivers:
1. Wiha
2. Snap on

Sockets:
1. Snap on
2. SK

Ratchet Handles:
1. Snap on
2. Mac

Pliers:
1. Knipex
2. Snap on

Wrenches:
1. Snap on
2. SK

 

[Wamsutta]

no objective facts in this thread

You can't have facts with human perception.

Which ice cream tastes best? I would say WinCo mint chocolate chip.

 

[Finky198]

Lol well same here ^^^ not necessarily winco but I’m a mint chip guy myself...

 

[packet]

Yes, entirely subjective... That's what I'm looking for. Most "tool guys" have used at least a few different brands of each of these tool categories and although using maybe only 3 different manufacturers of each category, a large sample size can be demonstrated by a group users.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

In that case, what you're going to get is a proxy for market share for the higher end tool companies, which isn't necessarily related to the quality of the tools.

 

[Unruh]

1. Screwdrivers
Witte-Matco
Snap-on

2. Sockets
Snap-on
S-K

3. ratchet handles
Snap-on
S-K

4. Pliers
Channel Lock
Knipex

5. Wrenches.
Snap-on
S-K

I don't have a lot of brands. I find one or two I like and kinda stay with them.

 

[Roberts210]

S-K for wrenches, sockets and ratchets. Craftsman made-in-US for screwdrivers. Channellock for pliers.

 

[ssdave]

I've owned and used a lot of nice tools. Here's my preferences and what I've kept.

1. Screwdrivers
Snap-on
Lots of others, Proto, SK, Mac

Insert Bits, Zephyr are the best.


2. Sockets
Snap on
Proto

My preference on sockets changes based on drive size. I prefer Proto for 1/2"; in 1/4" I prefer Snap-on. 3/8", I like both

3. ratchet handles
Snap-on
Lots of second place contenders, but only for specific ratchets. SK, Proto, Indestro, Cornwell, Williams are some that come to mind. Snap on is great across the board. I went through a lot of ratchets to arrive at mostly Snap-on, with a few favorites from other brands.

4. Pliers
Knipex and Snap-on, depending on configuration.
Klein

Lots of good pliers brands, depends on the style. Some styles others make better than Snap on and Knipex. I have a lot of precision pliers, some very excellent channellock, german makes, excelite, and a few japanese ones. No-one owns the pliers market, there are a lot of good makers that make the best of one particular style.

5. Wrenches.
hard to pick top two, I think 3 tie for first:

Snap-on, SK superchrome, Proto 500

Old Bonney is the equal of any of these.

Mac comes in second, an there's a lot of others that are close

 

[Schurkey]

I would like to get peoples thoughts on their top 2 tool brands for each of these categories.
1. Screwdrivers
2. Sockets
3. ratchet handles
4. Pliers
5. Wrenches.

Must be from real world experience and not marketing /word of mouth /etc.

How about top 2 FEATURES?
1. Screwdrivers
A. Bolster shaft
B. Comfortable handle (example: Ancient Snap-On Comfort Grip (3-corner style)

2. Sockets
A. Radiused drive corners (Snap-On invented Flank Drive, now everyone and their dog advertises something similar.)
B. Internal clearance in the female square drive for the spring-ball retainer of the male drive tool. It's cheaper to drill one damn hole in the side instead of carving clearance in all four sides of the square drive hole. Drilling a hole makes sense for impact sockets where a retaining pin might be used, but it's hateful on chrome sockets that can be expected to be used with spring ball retainers.

3. Ratchet Handles
A. Low back-drag which typically means relatively high tooth-count (high tooth count doesn't guarantee low back-drag.)
B. Ergonomic--meaning comfortable handle AND the ability to retain a socket or extension without retaining it so tightly that it takes a screwdriver to pry the socket off.

4. Pliers
A. No or minimal slop or friction in the joint
B. Hardened jaws suitable for the type of pliers. Nothing worse than side-cutters with dull cutting edges, or gripping pliers with worn-out teeth.

5. Wrenches
A. Radiused open-end. A V-cut open end is a stress riser.
B. Wide variety of lengths and offsets, a style for every purpose

 

[packet]

How about top 2 FEATURES?
2. Sockets
A. Radiused drive corners (Snap-On invented Flank Drive, now everyone and their dog advertises something similar.)
B. Internal clearance in the female square drive for the spring-ball retainer of the male drive tool. It's cheaper to drill one damn hole in the side instead of carving clearance in all four sides of the square drive hole. Drilling a hole makes sense for impact sockets where a retaining pin might be used, but it's hateful on chrome sockets that can be expected to be used with spring ball retainers.

To add to this - Flank drive #1 for me, good knurling #2. It makes all the difference in a lot of situations and I'd never go back to sockets without knurling.

 

[WittHay]

Screwdrivers:
1. Snap-on Instinct
2. Snap-on or Mac hard handles

Sockets:
1. Snap-on chrome
2. Proto impact

Ratchets:
1. Snap-on
2. Mac Axis

Pliers:
1. Snap-on
2. Klein

Wrenches:
1. Proto
2. Snap-on

 

[JohnDeere1]

Screwdrivers
1.Matco/Witte
2.Snap on
3.Mac/proto
All equal

Sockets
1.Snap on
2.Matco
3.Mac
4.Wright
5.Williams USA
6.SK
All equal to me

Ratchets
1.Snap on
2.Mac
3.Matco
4.Carlyle
Equal as well

Pliers
1.Snap on
2.Knipex
3.NWS
4.Klein

Wrenches
1.Snap on
2.Matco
3.Mac
4.SK
Equal
I own many brands in the same tools and like them all the same except for pliers it's very hard to choose only 2 when I like them all and all deserve recognition sockets are sockets to me and they perform and look great equally well same for the other tools in other catagories.
How could anyone pick one brand and stick with it when there's so many nice choices all pro brands make an awesome hardline.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

Screwdrivers:
1. Wera,Whia,Felo
2. SK

Sockets:
1. SK Chrome
2. Wright Impact

Ratchet Handles:
1. SK,Craftsman RHFT, Williams Superratchet
2. Proto pearhead

Pliers:
1. NWS, Channelock
2. Klein

Wrenches:
1. SK long pattern, Snap On
2. Bonney