Tool Brands you cannot stand . . .

[2ndGearRubber]

Totally agree. I would rather buy online than from a branded tool truck, especially these days.

I'll buy from snap-on, as the warranty support has proved to be there for me even if I have to call them. The other trucks, not so much. Not saying they're bad tools, but I'm not buying something like a ratcheting wrench at tool truck pricing unless I can infinitely replace as required.

Maybe I'm a fan boy, but IMO snap on is differentiated enough for me to buy some of their stuff. Like 30/60 wrenches with FD+ open ends. I do like Matco ratchets, the kabo brass-plug equipped ratcheting wrenches, stuff like that. But I think my main tool truck will always be snap on. I absolutely adore my Zeus scan-tool, and It's $99/month to keep it on current software, so they'll have my business for a while.

 

[Steve_P]

I have never gotten good service from MAC Tools, sadly. They cannot put me on the phone with a local rep and the website is always out of stock on things I would order.

Unless something has recently changed, Snap On corporate will not put you in touch with a local rep either; because they'd rather you buy from them and they keep the dealer's profit. But you can search on Google or FB and find a dealer. I'm not excusing it, just pointing it out that Mac isn't different in that regard.

 

[LWB]

Both our Mac and Snap On dealers are great. No complaints. I don't buy a lot but.

 

[IRQVET]

Only tool brand I can I say I will 100% stay away from is (anything) Bauer from Harbor Freight. Few years back I bought an orbital sander for a project I was working on. Went threw 3 in a single afternoon. Each once burned up in short order, 1st one work for about 2 minutes, 2nd about half that amout of time, the 3rd burnt up in 5-7 seconds. I remember getting so pissed, I went to Home Depot and picked up the Dewalt (at full price/ no sale price) which is very unlike me cause I’m a tight wad. Been usuing that Dewalt ever since with zero issues. So Bauer is the one brand I HATE and refuse to mess with anymore. . .

 

[vwpieces]

Only tool brand I can I say I will 100% stay away from is (anything) Bauer from Harbor Freight. Few years back I bought an orbital sander for a project I was working on. Went threw 3 in a single afternoon. Each once burned up in short order, 1st one work for about 2 minutes, 2nd about half that amout of time, the 3rd burnt up in 5-7 seconds. I remember getting so pissed, I went to Home Depot and picked up the Dewalt (at full price/ no sale price) which is very unlike me cause I’m a tight wad. Been usuing that Dewalt ever since with zero issues. So Bauer is the one brand I HATE and refuse to mess with anymore. . .

I have the Bauer corded round 5in orbital sander and have used it for sessions hours long at a time. Had it several years now, and I have spent a couple hours locating a replacement hook pad for it as I actually wore out the hooks to retain the sanding disc. Bout a year ago it started to squeel a bit and I opened it, repacked the lower bearing and it's still been surviving. I ended up buying it for $25 and seen it as low as $20 since. Main reason for buying it at the time is was it had a round port for the dust collection. I have a hose that fits... No $20 adapter needed.
Only other Bauer tool I have is the corded angle grinder. No complaints with that one either so far. Better than the $10 Drill master or $15 Warrior. Not saying much but I keep many grinders on hand, with various discs or wheels. Not worth changing out when you can have 5-6 ready to Go.

 

[CGarage]

Never had issue with Bauer electric tools. I only own 2 or 3. I bought them for messy jobs or for sacrificial use when I didn’t want to potentially screw up a premium tool.

 

[neophyte]

Only tool brand I can I say I will 100% stay away from is (anything) Bauer from Harbor Freight. Few years back I bought an orbital sander for a project I was working on. Went threw 3 in a single afternoon. Each once burned up in short order, 1st one work for about 2 minutes, 2nd about half that amout of time, the 3rd burnt up in 5-7 seconds. I remember getting so pissed, I went to Home Depot and picked up the Dewalt (at full price/ no sale price) which is very unlike me cause I’m a tight wad. Been usuing that Dewalt ever since with zero issues. So Bauer is the one brand I HATE and refuse to mess with anymore. . .

This sounds like an issue with a particular batch of sanders, rather than the brand as a whole.
While I can understand your annoyance,
three sanders that were the same model,
and from the same store,
would likely have been from the same batch,
so presumably there was some issue with some component used in that batch of sanders,
or maybe some issue with the way the sanders were assembled.

Dewalt, Bosch, Festool, Milwaukee, etc. have all had batches of tools that got smurfed due to some bad component or other issue, although not always as quickly.
Fein had a batch of vacuums a decade or two ago, were the vacuums were all dead right out of the box due to dome screw up.

 

[IRQVET]

It very well could be, a bad batch. But three burning up in a single afternoon did not inspire much confidence and make me want to take additional risks wasting my money on anything else Bauer makes. Contrast that by saying I have a $10 Chicago Electric grinder I bought from HF 12-15 years ago, and it still runs like a champ and I have beaten the ever living hell out of it. HF is funny like that, some unexpected tools are awesome, others you expect more but they turn out to be absolute turds.

 

[velorider562]

I'm not brand loyal and buy a variety of hand tool brands. Bought hand tools from Milwaukee, Williams, Capri, Duratech, Vessel, Icon, Tekton, Gearwrench, Blackhawk, Channel Lock, Pittsburgh, Neiko, Sonex, Craftsman, Mountain, Bondhaus, and SnapOn to name a few.

Fit and finish of the tool is what I noticed most. When used correctly they've all perform the tasks they where designed for.

So the tool brands I hate most are the one with business models aimed at professional mechanics, SnapOn, Matco, Mac, etc. I'm just paying extra for a business model that's not geared toward me. If your a professional mechanics, who benefits from that business model, I appreciate why you have the opposite opinion, for everyone else I wondered. Don't make this a made in America thing. I honestly think, they only reason they sell to the general public is because there so much profit it's worth them selling outside there main business model.

I have a SnapOn long handled ratchet and it's fantastic but not 5x better then all my other ratchets. Tools are a cost center so I can DIY and not pay someone else to do it. If you've got spare cash please buy the Louis Vuitton ratchet.

 

[lookin4tools]

I had a Black and Decker toaster oven that spontaneously combusted and ever since then I've been paranoid of Black and Decker tools. I only get Black and Decker tools if its cheap and if I can keep a close eye on it.

 

[landrover bodger]

i would never buy anything from Facom again. i have bought a few things over the years but when it needs replacing the lifetime guarantee only count if you have the original receipt. who has the receipt for a screwdriver they bought 15 years ago?

 

[C44]

Gearwrench, if for only the reason that I hate the name.

 

[CGarage]

i would never buy anything from Facom again. i have bought a few things over the years but when it needs replacing the lifetime guarantee only count if you have the original receipt. who has the receipt for a screwdriver they bought 15 years ago?

They will only warranty items in their current lineup as well. I bought a lighted magnetic pickup tool from them 15 years ago. The light never worked properly. Asked to warranty it. They told me since it was discontinued there was no possibility to warranty or replace.


This is a prime reason why I would rather buy tools on Amazon at a good price than pay a premium price for a tool and the warranty “up front” for something that likely will not be available or made the same way into the future.

 

[joendoodle]

Dislikes / Disappointments:
Bosch, I paid big $$ for a Bosch orbital sander, it was fine at first.. except over time the velcro that holds the sand paper / mesh loses it's grip, throwing the disc around my shop requiring a (hard to find) $10 replacement velcro pad.. after buying 3 of these (replacement velcro's) I bought an on sale Bauer variable speed orbital sander for $19. In 3 years, it out performs the Bosch by every measure, it has never let me down, the velcro still works AND it is a perfect fit to my shop vac. The Bosch just sits in the orbital sander drawer taking up space because I cannot bring myself to throw away a $100 tool, even though it is a PITA to use.

Black and Decker, in the past B&D was a descent consumer grade product, but they (in my experience) have dropped to the bottom of the quality ranking, yet they demand mid quality pricing... The B&D (battery) drills and weedwacker I own are some of the weakest tools I own. I reserve them for use by young kids in my shop, so they don't hurt themselves.

Other brands of cordless tools.. I resurrected my old (large) collection of Craftsman 19.2 NiCad tools by getting a Bauer (20v LiIon battery) to Craftsman 19.2 adapter. DeWalt is my go to 20V LiIon set of tools, and as mentioned I have jumped on the Bauer bandwagon.. the above mentioned inferior B&D LiIon tools, I DO NOT desire to get more (kinds of) batteries and chargers, therefore I balk at getting any other brands of cordless tools.

​

 

[F-22]

Black and Decker, in the past B&D was a descent consumer grade product

That was 80's and older B&D tools. At least here in Europe, I think 90's B&D was already low quality.

 

[dnschmidt]

In the 1970's Black and Decker was a TOP OF THE LINE PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT on the level with anybody including Milwaukee USA, Makita and German Bosch. And then **** went to hell in a basket.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Channellock. I just don't get the hype around them. They're not bad tools, they're just...not good.

 

[F-22]

Channellock. I just don't get the hype around them. They're not bad tools, they're just...not good.

Must agree. I ordered a pair online cause they're somewhat iconic and made in USA (but largely unknown over here in my part of Europe). They're okay but not much more than that. They're the dedicated walnut crushers now and live in the kitchen.

Other "tool" I was always disappointed with were walnut crushers. All weird 20€ pot metal cast crushers aren't worth a damn. The channellocks do a great job though. So I'm only disappointed in them for their intended use, but otherwise satisfied.

 

[MichaelP]

The only tools I absolutely despise are those made in India.
I normally hate Chinese stuff, but there are many exceptions. No such exceptions with Indian ones.

 

[Lassen Forge]

The ONLY tools I hate are the ones you find in the auto parts store, like the full 3/8 socket set (including extensions) for $19.99, with some name like "Glorious Sunflower Mechanic Tool", and made by the "Glorious Revolutionary Peoples Tool Works #19"... I've had to buy them when on a road trip and realize I forgot to pack my socket kit back into my travel box, they almost lasted exactly long enough to fix whatever was broken (I think I was installing a fan belt on the Oldsmobuick powered Mo'Home, "Brunhilde") on the side of the freeway. Fortunately, the auto parts store had a second one on the shelf, (so now I'm 40 bucks in) and just as I was tightening up the last bolt IT crapped out.

The sockets DID make good ammo for my Pocket Rocket, tho...

 

[jives]

I'll chime in. No hate, just will no longer buy. Stanley, Black & Decker, DeWalt. I saw all of these brands crash and burn ('80s?) from prime tools to junk. DeWalt was a go-to industrial brand (e.g., radial arm saw) that seemed to disappear from the scene, then seemed to reappear as junk. They seemed to have regained their reputation, but there are too many other brands to consider.

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

I can’t stand Great Neck, simply because of the name.

Otherwise, could care less

If I purchased a Bauer sander that quit after the first few minutes, I would’ve just got a refund and get a different brand.

The only Bauer tool I have is their demolition hammer which I think is kick ***.

Didn't read through all the posts so maybe this has already been mentioned. Great Neck Tools was purchased by Samuel Jacoff. Would you rather buy tools named Jacoff! I would, just for the name! Maybe Great Neck and Jacoff fit together somehow?

 

[bpwoodworking]

In the 1970's Black and Decker was a TOP OF THE LINE PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT on the level with anybody including Milwaukee USA, Makita and German Bosch. And then **** went to hell in a basket.

People are often surprised to find out that Makita and Ryobi stuff in Japan is often industrial equipment or high quality equipment for timber framing. It's a stark contrast to the stuff in the US market. I think Hitachi has a pretty good reputation here since more people are aware of the fact that they make such a broad variety of things.

 

[chris142]

Matco.... Because our guy is an idiot. Won't warranty anything and has an empty truck.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Tekton.

I bought a couple of hand tools and will not spend another dollar on them.

 

[KnurledNut]

Tekton.

I bought a couple of hand tools and will not spend another dollar on them.

I’ve never been too excited over Tekton but they do seem to be customer-conscious and focused on improving quality. Many here speak highly of them. What’s caused the dislike? Any particular item or issue?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I’ve never been too excited over Tekton but they do seem to be customer-conscious and focused on improving quality. Many here speak highly of them. What’s caused the dislike? Any particular item or issue?

Not that I will mention here.

 

[Sweetcorn]

Tekton.

I bought a couple of hand tools and will not spend another dollar on them.

Same here.

I've bought a few of their items and wouldn't consider any more.

There are some very rabid and vocal fans of their stuff around and I can't figure out why.

 

[four.cycle]

^ probably because almost everything is top-notch.. although I was not at all impressed with the "locking pliers" I ordered on a close-out and forwarded them to another member here as part of a "Secret Santa" package.
really curious what the item was that turned you off to the entire product line.

 

[Steve_P]

Channellock. I just don't get the hype around them. They're not bad tools, they're just...not good.

I'm not to the "can't stand" level, but your last sentence sums it up. If you're over 50 there's a nostalgia connection because your dad used them when you were a kid, so you grew up seeing those blue handles and want to like then decades later- but the reality is that it's difficult with all the superior competition. And I do have quite a few Channellock, various styles, that I bought new ~15 years ago. But after using Knipex, NWS, Tsunoda..... Channellock is now at the bottom of all the different brand pliers that I own - and demoted to being in the travel toolkits.

 

[dnschmidt]

You will not consider Great Neck because of the name???? If she can take it down her neck you've seriously got a keeper pal!!! WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO?

 

[dukefx]

Apart from the China junk rebranding companies (*insert about 150 brands here*) I have issues with...

Beta: used to be good (until the 90s), now it's total garbage or relatively good, but costs twice as much some other best in class tool.

Bosch: similar to Beta, used to be the go to power tool brand until the end of the 90s, now it's dead at the end of the warranty period, if not, you had to claim warranty several times.

Wera: their hex plus stuff is great but everything else is gimmicky, plasticy, overpriced and quality is going downhill. Made in Germany is history, but made in CZ is almost also history. While I have no issues with good Taiwan made stuff Wera seems to be telling them to fk quality control, lets make it cheap because hurr-durr profit margins

Irwin/Channellock: I'm going to get a lot of hate for this from the Americans, but here's my question: how can you stand that huge pile of dung they dare call tools? I know, you are 70 and Channellock was all you had, now you can't use anything else, but seriously... the quality and design... I have seen better China garbage.

In general: daughter companies of known quality tool brands like Vigor (Hazet) and quite a few more. Just because they are the daughter company of some known quality tool brand doesn't mean they are any better than the no name garbage. I'll go even further, the no name garbage is at least cheaper and you get twice the quality from good TW companies like King Tony, Hans, or Toptul for roughly the same price.

 

[Steve_P]

^ probably because almost everything is top-notch.. although I was not at all impressed with the "locking pliers" I ordered on a close-out and forwarded them to another member here as part of a "Secret Santa" package.
really curious what the item was that turned you off to the entire product line.

Agree. I have Tekton ratchets, extensions, bit sockets, sockets...... picks.... and all of it is excellent quality for the $. And there are quite a few people here that use Tekton professionally. Same with Capri, Vim....

While I don't think any of Tekton's products scream "unbelievable innovation" or "nobody makes anything like this", it's all just basic hand tools, excellent quality, fair price. IMO. Of course, if Tekton made the exact same product in Switzerland or Germany, and it cost 3X as much, then OMG it'd be 10X better loved on GJ

 

[Beemer]

I never had a tool that I couldn't stand. If there ever was an angry moment with a tool it would be my fault for picking the wrong tool for the job, but that didn't happen much. To the amazement of riding buddies, I once used a glass classic coke bottle to straighten a bent shift lever on a trailbike about 20 miles away from the trailer.

I have to admit that my tools are all in the "Craftsman" cost category so if something breaks or wears out it just gets tossed and a replacement of any comparative brand in the class replaces it, so no tears are shed. That also didn't happen much.

 

[jabberwoki]

Not too much of a fan of Matco.

 

[rust in the eye]

I have the Bauer corded round 5in orbital sander and have used it for sessions hours long at a time. Had it several years now, and I have spent a couple hours locating a replacement hook pad for it as I actually wore out the hooks to retain the sanding disc. Bout a year ago it started to squeel a bit and I opened it, repacked the lower bearing and it's still been surviving. I ended up buying it for $25 and seen it as low as $20 since. Main reason for buying it at the time is was it had a round port for the dust collection. I have a hose that fits... No $20 adapter needed.
Only other Bauer tool I have is the corded angle grinder. No complaints with that one either so far. Better than the $10 Drill master or $15 Warrior. Not saying much but I keep many grinders on hand, with various discs or wheels. Not worth changing out when you can have 5-6 ready to Go.

Typically I don't buy HF power tools as my experience has been they are short lived, poor performers.
I DID BUY what I assume to be the same one you mention, corded 5" orbital~$20, for a specific project figuring it to be disposable. I ran it pretty much non-stop for the better part of a day. It got hot enough to be uncomfortable to hold but soldiered on through my work. It still sees ocassional use and always works just fine. My only beef is the dust collector box falls off with amazing regularity.

 

[Sumboodie]

Those stamps "tools" that come with some equipment. Had a Jinma that even came with the crappiest grease gun ive ever seen.

We had a big box at work from tractors, been taking up spaceport 20+ years. I got yelled at for tossing it... "might need those some day"

 

[Beerhippie]

Any tool made after 1980 is ****.

And I hate mayonnaise.

Now get off my lawn, punks!

 

[bpwoodworking]

Apart from the China junk rebranding companies (*insert about 150 brands here*) I have issues with...

Beta: used to be good (until the 90s), now it's total garbage or relatively good, but costs twice as much some other best in class tool.

Bosch: similar to Beta, used to be the go to power tool brand until the end of the 90s, now it's dead at the end of the warranty period, if not, you had to claim warranty several times.

Wera: their hex plus stuff is great but everything else is gimmicky, plasticy, overpriced and quality is going downhill. Made in Germany is history, but made in CZ is almost also history. While I have no issues with good Taiwan made stuff Wera seems to be telling them to fk quality control, lets make it cheap because hurr-durr profit margins

Irwin/Channellock: I'm going to get a lot of hate for this from the Americans, but here's my question: how can you stand that huge pile of dung they dare call tools? I know, you are 70 and Channellock was all you had, now you can't use anything else, but seriously... the quality and design... I have seen better China garbage.

In general: daughter companies of known quality tool brands like Vigor (Hazet) and quite a few more. Just because they are the daughter company of some known quality tool brand doesn't mean they are any better than the no name garbage. I'll go even further, the no name garbage is at least cheaper and you get twice the quality from good TW companies like King Tony, Hans, or Toptul for roughly the same price.

Amazing that they're missing the giant flashing red light of a warning sign that the American brands provided for them. Wera is definitely heading the Wiha route for sure. I have a bunch of their stuff and it wears out quickly in my experience, I moved onto PB Swiss and Felo a few years ago and have been happily replacing Wera stuff as it wears out. They must spend many-fold of what similar brands do on marketing.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

westward.

It's garbage, all of it!