Tool brands ranked by quality.

[Fbmoose48]

Screwdrivers:
1. PB Swiss
2. Felo

Sockets:
1. Stahlwille
2. Snap On

Impact Sockets
1. Proto
2. Snap On

Ratchet Handles:
1. Snap On
2. Proto

Pliers:
1. Knipex
2. Wiha

Wrenches:
1. Stahlwille
2. Snap On

Ratcheting Wrench
1. Wera Jokers

 

[Finance Guy]

I've enjoyed this thread more than I expected to. Moreover, I've been surprised at the:

1) substantial number of votes for Snap-On and, to a lesser extant, SK;
2) relative few number of votes for Mac and Proto; and
3) absolute and relative few number of votes for NWS pliers.

 

[noid]

I've enjoyed this thread more than I expected to. Moreover, I've been surprised at the:

1) substantial number of votes for Snap-On and, to a lesser extant, SK;
2) relative few number of votes for Mac and Proto; and
3) absolute and relative few number of votes for NWS pliers.

I too was surprised by all the SK love. This thread is about tools people have tried, so naturally on a US forum you'll get more US based tool answers.

For Proto and Mac, its all about pre and post Stanley acquisition. Its got that volkswagon effect, where you buy an Audi but then end up finding VW stamped parts all over.

 

[turnthewrench]

1. Screwdrivers

Klein
CM Pro

2. Sockets

Snap on
Proto

3. ratchet handles

Snap on
Proto

4. Pliers

Knipex
Klein

5. Wrenches

Stahlwille
Snap on

 

[nomade]

Screwdrivers
PB Swiss
Wera

Sockets
Snap-On
Williams USA

Ratchet Handles
Snap-On

Pliers
Knipex

Wrenches
Snap-On
Wright

 

[nbruno]

I too was surprised by all the SK love. This thread is about tools people have tried, so naturally on a US forum you'll get more US based tool answers.

For Proto and Mac, its all about pre and post Stanley acquisition. Its got that volkswagon effect, where you buy an Audi but then end up finding VW stamped parts all over.

When I started this thread I wanted to gain a little insight into what tools tool guys love. I didn't expect this much participation but I'm really glad that it's moving along so well.
At some point I may do a most preferred list of each category.
Thanks for everyone's participation.

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[yamaha0343]

Screwdrivers
Wera
Wiha
Klein
Craftsman Pro
SnapOn

Sockets
SnapOn/Williams
SK
Wright
Ko-Ken

Ratchet Handles
SnapOn
SK
Ko-Ken

Pliers
Knipex
Klein
Channellock

Wrenches
SnapOn
Wright
SK


*HF BEATS all above mentioned brands of course.

 

[banjopete]

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.

But what came first the chicken or the egg? Market share is earned by quality I assume, sure there's slick marketing but most of the brands people get excited about are the ones that have been around for a long time.

 

[Gmonkee]

Not being US based in my labors I tend to prefer European design or the Asain copies of better quality. Wrenches I can state a preference for Hazet but have only one. Otherwise DIN standard wrenches by any name.

Not a lot of name brand Euro bling makes it to the local retailer or I would have some.

 

[KM223]

Screwdrivers:
1. PB Swiss
2. Snap-On

Sockets:
1. Snap-On
2. Nepros

Ratchets:
1. Snap-On
2. Nepros

Pliers:
1. Knipex
2. Snap-On

Wrenches:
1. Snap-On
2. Mac (before Stanley)
________________

 

[packet]

But what came first the chicken or the egg? Market share is earned by quality I assume, sure there's slick marketing but most of the brands people get excited about are the ones that have been around for a long time.

Market share has little to nothing to do with product quality, and everything to do with the quality of your marketing team, and your ability to price correctly. There a thousands of products out there that were technically better than the competition, but went bankrupt in the face of better marketing.

 

[nbruno]

Market share has little to nothing to do with quality, and everything to do with the quality of your marketing team, and your ability to price correctly. There a thousands of products out there that were technically better than the competition, but went bankrupt in the face of better marketing.

Whatever you say... The thread is moving forward just fine, no need to troll it.

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[Mecha]

All this is based on what I have owned or used:

Screwdrivers
Wiha (Phillips)
SK

Sockets
US Made
Taiwan Made

Ratchet Handles
SK
US Made - Bonney, Wright, Snap-on, Williams, Blackhawk (old)

Pliers
Channellock
Klein
Knipex

Wrenches
Wright
SK

 

[packet]

Whatever you say... The thread is moving forward just fine, no need to troll it.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I'm not trolling? Someone replied to me saying market share is a proxy for quality, which factually isn't true.

Look at HF. My guess is on a volume basis, they sell WAY more tools than Snap-on, and thus have a much higher market share on a volume basis. Doesn't mean they're higher quality at all.

 

[regguy1]

Screwdrivers:
1. Snap-on (second for Snap-On)
2. PB Swiss

Consider that Snap On screwdrivers have a metal hex on the blade near the handle for attaching a wrench, this is often quite useful when you need more rotational force than just your hand can provide.
see them here at the 1:15 mark:

 

[noid]

Marketing is a huge factor, its hard for a new unknown company to compete with decades, or centuries of marketing regardless how good their tools are.

Its the same reason a company like coca cola has such continued success, literally every alternative is called just that, an alternative.

 

[PJNJ]

Based solely on what I own and use:
1. Screwdrivers -
Vessel
Cman Pro (USA)

2. Sockets -
SK
Gearwrench

3. ratchet handles -
Armstrong 88 locking flex (3/8)
SK - (1/2)
SK/Carlyle tie for 1/4

4. Pliers -
Channellock - overall
Cman Western Forge 8 inch flush rivet pliers

5. Wrenches -
Wright
Cman Pro/Armstrong USA
Snap On (flare nut wrenches)

 

[sqaurelizard]

is anyone whos favoring the snap on screwdrivers talking about the newer soft handle screwdrivers, I have a set of the soft handles and of all the snap on stuff ive bought through the years its the only tool that have been very disappointing . Fit on Philips is poor and the tips of the flat heads is very brittle

 

[Unruh]

So "not it" to go through and make a running tally.

 

[nbruno]

When we get to 50 I will do a compilation

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[plinker]

is anyone whos favoring the snap on screwdrivers talking about the newer soft handle screwdrivers, I have a set of the soft handles and of all the snap on stuff ive bought through the years its the only tool that have been very disappointing . Fit on Philips is poor and the tips of the flat heads is very brittle

I have hard handles in green for my work screwdrivers, The only instinct handles are the mini tip's which are ok for those, I do have mini tips in three styles Hard handle, Soft grip ( gen 1) and instinct. The only other soft grips I have are ratcheting types.

I will say the blades on the Snap-on screwdrivers aren't quite as good as they once were. But I prefer insert bits anyway. Disclaimer: YMMV, IMO and all that.

 

[Unruh]

When we get to 50 I will do a compilation

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Sweet.

 

[maico]

Screwdrivers:
1. PB Swiss
2. Wiha

Sockets:
1. Hazet
2. Stahlwille


Ratchet Handles:
1.Snap-on
2.Stahlwille 80 tooth

Pliers:
1. Knipex (Schmitz for small precision)
2. Hazet

Wrenches:
1. Nepros
2. Stahlwille

 

[anndel]

1. Screwdrivers = Snap On (old hard handles), newer Instinct Grips are ok but the tips don't last as long but the grips are comfortable
2. Sockets = 1. Snap On, 2. SK
3. ratchet handles = 1. Snap On, 2. Carlyle
4. Pliers = 1. Channelock, 2. Knipex
5. Wrenches = 1. Snap On, 2. SK, 3. Gear Wrench

 

[Bryan Burns]

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.)

I've never seen ROSCO mentioned before. I have a ROSCO screwdriver and always thougt it was rather beefy and well made for brand most people have never heard of.

Regarding best pliers, my vote is Snap-on and Klein. I think Snap-on is too expensive for the building trades though. Not many tradesman use Snap-on probably because it's field work and the chances of losing a tool are much higher compared with shop work.

 

[four.cycle]

I've never seen ROSCO mentioned before. I have a ROSCO screwdriver and always thougt it was rather beefy and well made for brand most people have never heard of.

ROSCO went out of business years ago.
My father started buying ROSCO factory direct in the 1950s. They came in big cardboard barrels - 30 inches in diameter and 40 inches high - bulk stock - all mixed sizes. We sold them for 39 cents or three for a buck.

I bought a mess of them in the mid-1970s. One of my favorite (and still most reliable) #2 phillips is an old ROSCO.

If you find any decent ones at garage sales you might want to give them a second look.

Rosenberg Bros. & Co., Smithtown, L.I., N.Y.

see also: http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2012/10/vanished-tool-makes-rosco.html

 

[bcexplorer]

As used by me, and I havent come close to sampling everything out there...


1. Screwdrivers

Wera
Facom

2. Sockets

Snap on
Sk / proto tie

3. ratchet handles

Craftsman ancient rhft
Sk / proto pearhead tie

4. Pliers

Knipex
Channelock

5. Wrenches.

Stahlwille type 14
Proto

 

[Tynee]

I’d say my response is “bang for your buck” more than straight Quality, but these are the best I have experience with:

Screwdrivers
1) SnapOn
2) Klein

Sockets
1) Snap-On
2) Vintage Craftsman
I actually prefer these in reverse order in a deep well socket because I like them broached full depth.

Ratchets
1) Snap-On
2, 3, 4, 5, 6......) Snap-On. Haven’t found anything else close. Would probably buy Pittsburgh as soon as anything else. Like their ergonomics better than others.

Pliers
Channel lock
Klein
I’m sure there are higher quality brands, but I don’t have experience with them, and I really like these 2 brands.

Wrenches
Snap-On
Vintage Craftsman
Only 2 Quality brands I’ve used. Would really like to get my hands on some acorn wells for a test drive.

 

[VH5150]

Screwdrivers:

1. Craftsman Pro
2. Ace Pro

Sockets:

1. Stanley 3/8" Deep 6-point set from Wal-Mart (China)
2. Pittsburgh Pro 1/4" Deep 6-point set

Ratchets:

1. SK
2. Pittsburgh Pro

Pliers:

1. Wilde
2. Stanley Fatmax

Wrenches:

1. WrighGrip
2. SK SuperChrome Long Pattern 6-Point

 

[nbruno]

Screwdrivers:
1. PB Swiss
2. Wiha

Sockets:
1. Hazet
2. Stahlwille


Ratchet Handles:
1.Snap-on
2.Stahlwille 80 tooth

Pliers:
1. Knipex
2. Hazet

Wrenches:
1. Nepros
2. Stahlwille

Those PB bits[emoji7][emoji7][emoji7] I'm in love

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[psychoclaw84]

1. Screwdrivers
- PB Swiss
- Wera

2. Sockets
- Snap On
- Nepros

3. ratchet handles
- Matco/Cornwell
- Snap On
The Cornwell ratchets are a lower tooth design, but very smooth and love the feel/use of the Cornwell coke bottle shaped ratchets.

4. Pliers
- Knipex
- NWS

5. Wrenches.
- Snap On
- Bonney/Nepros

 

[toolman9w]

1. Screwdriver
Witte/Matco
2.sockets
Matco
Grey Pneumatic
3. Ratchets
Matco
Gearwrench 120xp
4. Pliers
Knipex
5. Wrenches
Napa/Easco era
Old stock Thorson

 

[davethorik]

Screwdrivers:
Wiha, Wera

Sockets:
Wright, SK

Ratchets:
Cornwell, Wright

Pliers:
Knipex, Klein

Wrenches:
Wright, Blue Point USA

 

[kctyphoon]

I respectfully abstain since every other thread does this.

 

[dan360]

They all make winners and they all make junk. Can't pick one company for each tool 'type' because too many variables.

 

[FastJ]

Screwdrivers:
1: Wera
2: Vessel

Sockets:
1: Hazet
2: Ko-ken, Stahlwille

Pliers:
1: Knipex
2: Keiba

Wrenches:
1: Hazet
2: Stahlwille

 

[Ji m]

Screwdrivers:
1: Tekton, I like hard handle Snap Ons but not the price for something that's a consumable to me
2: HF (so I don't mind losing them at work)

Sockets:
1: Matco for regular & impact
2: honestly, USA Craftsman because that's what I have the most chromies of
2b: Snap On is my #2 for impacts

Ratchets:
1: Snap On (I don't mind spending the $$ here)
2: Matco (older USA stuff)

Pliers:
1: I never owned Knipex, so Channellock
2: USA Vice grips for vice grips, Klein makes great needle nose, assorted other Snap On, and Matco depending on the type.
Jonard makes some high quality pliers considering the price and COO

Wrenches:
1: Matco
2: Tekton (cheap but good)
honorable mention:
Crescent for even cheaper but still good

while I'm at it,
wrench holders are Ernst, Kershaw for knives, Thorogood for boots, Fords for daily drivers, and Carhart for everything else

 

[four.cycle]

I respectfully abstain since every other thread does this.

yes. me too.

 

[OKIEtyler]

Screwdrivers
Cornwell
Snap on

2. Sockets
Cornwell
Snap on

3. ratchet handles
Snap on
Cornwell

4. Pliers
Knipex
Channel lock

5. Wrenches
Cornwell
Snap on

 

[JR7]

Screwdrivers: I like my Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver and it's the one I use most. As for non-ratcheting probably Snap-On as well. If I had to pick a second brand it might be Proto.

Sockets: Snap-On and SK.

Ratchet Handles: SK, Wright, Cornwell all seem pretty good to me. My go-to ratchet at work is a 1/4" SK and at home I like my Wrights without any grips.

Pliers: Knipex. Maybe Channellock or Snap-On second.

Wrenches: Snap-On, Wright. Snap-On is probably better quality and nicer design and finish but I think the Wrightgrip works as well as the FDP and is less expensive. Can't really go wrong with either I think.