Tool investment

[djwyman]

Well guys over the past few years I've started tinkering more with small engines my vehicles etc. At the age of 29 I decided I'd like to be able to fix things myself and not rely on others. At any rate, I'm ready to start investing in quality tools. /QUOTE]

Taking the word 'investment' seriously...one way to go is to camp out on eBay, and get a good handle on Snap-on pricing.

For your $1000, you can buy quite a few socket sets, pliers, screwdrivers, and the like and have no doubts about the quality. You can argue about whether they are really enough better than Craftsman (or HF) to be worth all the fuss, but the real advantage here is that you can sell the stuff back on eBay for roughly what you paid if you bought it at market value.

The real cost of an object, after all, is the difference between the purchase and sales price.

I don't get that logic. I don't buy stuff because I ever intend to sell anything. i buy stuff because i want to use it and plan to use it until it breaks, I lose it, or I die which ever comes first. The good thing about good tools is they come with a good warranty so even if it breaks it will last until i loose it or die. why even buy a tool if you plan to sell it unless you are a reseller?

 

[wmartin]

I don't buy into this logic in an item that has a utilitarian use. Your not buying a crock pot because it has a good resale, your buying it because it has a consistant heat that will prepare food well. Tools your buying so you don't have to replace, You can buy tools with intent of reselling but your operating in a totally different manner. Going to estate sales etc not scouring ebay where the resellable deals are almost non existent at this point in the game.

If I could buy a crockpot that I could resell at no loss, then that's the one I would buy even if it cost somewhat more.

The one area of nonconsumables that I haven't found a way to do this with (ie. besides food, clothes, cleaning supplies, all that kind of stuff) is books. The buy/sell split is super high on them for some reason. One nice side effect of buying nice stuff at a market price is that it's, well, nice.

In any case, there's plenty of reasonable Snap-on sets, for main line kinds of things, on eBay. You won't make any money on them, but wouldn't lose much if you needed to raise cash, move, or whatever. I think the place where the killer deals are pretty much gone is Amazon.

 

[wmartin]

djwyman sez
"I don't get that logic. I don't buy stuff because I ever intend to sell anything. i buy stuff because i want to use it and plan to use it until it breaks, I lose it, or I die which ever comes first. The good thing about good tools is they come with a good warranty so even if it breaks it will last until i loose it or die. why even buy a tool if you plan to sell it unless you are a reseller?"


Then don't do what I suggested. I was thinking you were asking for ideas. Mea culpa.

Personally, I've found that nothing is permanent.

 

[gagreen]

There is absolutely no need for your to pay quadruple for used Snap On stuff for a driveway mechanic. You're not working on cars 10 hours a day, 365 day a year. My entire tool set is Harbor Freight and Sears. In 2 years, nothing has let me down. Save your money, b/c there will be many tools you need after you've blown the $1000.

I get what your saying but he wants them. People don't need to buy cadillac's but they do. I don't need to drive a mercedes but it kills driving a cavalier. I don't get the chime in when an op says he wants a certain level of tools let them get a certain level of tools.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sears has the 255 piece tool set with box on sale for 179 right now. Made in the USA.

I started with a 300 piece set but I wouldn't walk away from buying a decent USA Cman set to start with. Get that and then start finding the other pieces one by one. I'd go with some blue stuff (Channellocks) for your pliers to start working from there.

You're going to need a place to store them to, I'd suggest buying a HF 44" box as it has a decent reputation around here. While you might think it's big, you will fill it over time.

 

[scarney1988]

Understood gentlemen. I have some blackhawk tools in my lineup, produced within the last decade, and they perform very well to this day.

I try to buy made in the USA, but supplement with Taiwanese where necessity dictates (price, availability, etc...).

 

[Brownsfan]

If I was starting out today and buying the first set of tools, I would buy mostly SK. Most of my tools are USA Craftsman and Snap On. SK has a really nice line up of socket sets, wrenches and even pliers and screwdrivers. You can have a VERY high quality set of tools for a decent price and 100% USA made. I have also heard they have a ratcheting wrench coming out soon as well. I am the type of tool buyer that likes to hold and try it before I buy. It ***** I do not have a SK retailer near me right now. I have a Williams and Wright retailer very close to me so I have bought a few pieces. When I had my shop I bought a LOT of Snap On and Cornwell. Starting out today with the help of the net you have a ton of options that I did not have when I started out.

 

[Lexus]

Scout for deals on ebay. For work I have mainly Snap on but I am building a set of tools for home so I am browsing for Koken and Nepros.

My advise is since it seems you are going to be using these tools at home get sets when they go on sale. Figure out what brand you like that feels good to YOU. You have a lot of time to wait for the deals so your tool collection will be what you want it to be.

 

[gagreen]

If I was starting out today and buying the first set of tools, I would buy mostly SK. Most of my tools are USA Craftsman and Snap On. SK has a really nice line up of socket sets, wrenches and even pliers and screwdrivers. You can have a VERY high quality set of tools for a decent price and 100% USA made. I have also heard they have a ratcheting wrench coming out soon as well. I am the type of tool buyer that likes to hold and try it before I buy. It ***** I do not have a SK retailer near me right now. I have a Williams and Wright retailer very close to me so I have bought a few pieces. When I had my shop I bought a LOT of Snap On and Cornwell. Starting out today with the help of the net you have a ton of options that I did not have when I started out.

I really like the look of sk but my snap on dealer comes so close to matching their prices I can't justify ordering any. They look great tho.

 

[Brownsfan]

If I could get Snap on at SK prices regularly I would have a TON more Snap On. I have a lot of it now but some Craftsman would start getting replaced. My dealer is really good and does give deals sometimes but not all the time, and any time he has shirt, hats, bottle openers, ice cream scoopers etc. he saves me one every time. I have actually considered replacing my USA craftsman sockets with USA Williams because every thing I have found points to them being IDENTICAL to Snap On for a 1/4 of the price.

 

[ol'Red]

My advise would be to find tools that could be warrantied easily. If you have a retailer in your area find tools that you like from them.

 

[cburnscrx]

One thing I would recommend is the Craftsman 299pc socket set. This will likely be all the sockets you will ever need, as it's Craftsman's complete list of sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

As for ratchets, I would highly recommend the new Husky 72t Apex based ratchets (Made by the Gearwrench/Armstrong/Craftsman thin profile. Difference? $19.99 for a 3/8 ratchet.

Wrenches? I'd probably get the Craftsman RP if you can still hunt down USA made versions, tough to beat in the bang for the buck catagory.

Screwdrivers? Williams hard handles or Craftsman Pro's

Pliers...whatever you can find. Channellock, Knipex, Craftsman, (get the Craftsman versions of the Cobra's...way cheaper).

 

[BK13]

I really like the look of sk but my snap on dealer comes so close to matching their prices I can't justify ordering any. They look great tho.

I wouldn't either, if I could get Snappy for SK prices...

 

[theknurl]

Well guys over the past few years I've started tinkering more with small engines my vehicles etc. At the age of 29 I decided I'd like to be able to fix things myself and not rely on others. At any rate, I'm ready to start investing in quality tools. There is such a wide spectrum out there and after hours of research I'm not much farther in my decisions then when I started. I'm basically looking for input from weekend warriors and pros alike. My budget while limited has room for quality tools. I'm looking to start with enough to do basic mechanic work. I have some old craftsman items with many holes in the line up to say the least. Thanks in advance, I know I left the question fairly open ended, but any input is of course appreciated.

Start on ebay looking for like new or even new snap on. You will get a nice discount on quality tools.

Ebay Snap On prices are way up over a year ago....~3x
a year ago I snagged 2, unused 6mm-32mm wrench sets from the same guy both tool rolls were dirty and marked 2nd set

that's an open end set and a box end set for $162 total, free shipping


Dummy(me) missed the 2, 6mm-36mm NEW combo sets BIN $340......I went and made a cup of coffee somebody grabbed the 1st, the 2nd, some IDIOT BID on it and it went to $1,100+

 

[gagreen]

One thing I would recommend is the Craftsman 299pc socket set. This will likely be all the sockets you will ever need, as it's Craftsman's complete list of sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

As for ratchets, I would highly recommend the new Husky 72t Apex based ratchets (Made by the Gearwrench/Armstrong/Craftsman thin profile. Difference? $19.99 for a 3/8 ratchet.

Wrenches? I'd probably get the Craftsman RP if you can still hunt down USA made versions, tough to beat in the bang for the buck catagory.

Screwdrivers? Williams hard handles or Craftsman Pro's

Pliers...whatever you can find. Channellock, Knipex, Craftsman, (get the Craftsman versions of the Cobra's...way cheaper).

The 299+ piece sets have been chinese for a while. It would be tough to find a usa made set. CHinese craftsman is just not worth the cost. We have all bought the craftsman sets at one point or another but with all the repeats, allen keys in a sack unorganized, **** ratchets, mish mash of interchangable nut drivers... I regret the set i bought and I know I'm not the only one. My craftsman stuff for the most part are in the beggars box at work that I lend out and don't care whether or not they come back. I couldn't be happier with the quality of the blackhawk sockets and price point. (beating a dead horse) They still stamp the size coo and brand deep into the socket making them super easy to read.... I am certain they are unbeatable even by many more expensive offerings.

Nothing wrong with the american made raised panels or chinese necessarily, but being chinese now they are overpriced imo. Sears does offer the DeWalt wrench sets that are an outstanding value for imports. I'd still recommend grabbing a snap on set. They are expensive but if your looking for an investment, they are a tool you will be much happier with in the long run.

Channellock is a good cheap american plier. The hard part for me with chlocks is that after using knipex i am constantly replacing my chlock's and sending them to the beggar box or home. No problem with them just not quite knipex quality. There is no cheap way to go knipex other than watching amazon or a few vendors here for specials.

I have a set of armstrong rats, I like them... but again once my snappy dealer put up some snappy rats on the special rack I've all but retired them. The bad part of going to a higher quality tool is going back. I notice the little differences the wobble of the matco/armstrong ratchet mechanism really bugs me although doesn't affect performance. The click engagement is noticeable as well. Still good rats that will probably outlive you by a generation or two.

I don't want to come off wrong here, many jobs can be done with the cheapest of tools, but doing a job and enjoying the job are two different things. Nothing beats the feel of a quality hand tool doing a quality job. I may not have kids or plan on it but my tools will be passed down to someone who will appreciate them.

I also come off as a craftsman hater, well because I am. I think sears is participating in a mass deception of the public with their snake in the grass tactics of swapping the craftsman line to chinese. I have no problem with chinese tools and have a few harbor freight goodies, but i knew what i was buying and hf is often a good value for a light use tool. Craftsman on the other hand is switching lines to china advertising made in the usa online and delivering chinese. Majority of the population wouldn't care and don't that is why many of the tool descriptions on sears. com has gone unchanged since the offshore production move. It's my soap box and I'll step off it lol.

Last parting statement if your still reading, the key to good deals on a tool truck is building a relationship with the driver. If you need a lot of tools buy a few a week and continue to show the driver your going to be a solid customer and the discounts will roll. Pay cash or card and don't instantly ask to get on truck credit. Don't flood the driver with requests to meet you off his route, they are on a schedule and those trucks don't fuel themselves. Not all drivers will work with you tho its a person to person thing.

Good luck and keep us updated with your new tools. I've never regretted buying a quality tool, but I often regret a cheap one, usually at the cost of some knuckle flesh.

 

[Tuscani2718]

Thanks again guys for all the great input. Its given me a lot of options to consider. I will definitely start posting my purchases.

 

[GoodEnough]

I have one of the 255 piece Craftsman sets, and it's been great.
$179. Wrenches, sockets, Torx, Allens, extensions, etc.
Can't imagine spending $179 on like 6 Snap-on sockets.

Yea, so it's Chinese. Pretty much like everything else we all buy, including the computer you're using to read this forum.

 

[SMKS]

For a non-pro, I think usa craftsman sockets (among other things) are perfectly acceptable and will perform well.

This.

There are still lots of larger USA-made sets of Craftsman sockets at my local Sears stores. Craftsman USA sockets are basically the best bargain in sockets, IMO. I know a few people here like to complain about cosmetic things like a slightly different coating inside some sockets, but the fact is they work and work well.

I would urge you to buy a larger, new, complete socket set. It's not too easy finding complete sets sometimes when you're searching ebay or local pawn shops. Buying single sockets to fill gaps quickly eats up much of the savings.

The same sockets can also be had under the Masterforce brand at Menards, with a lifetime warranty. And, unlike Sears, Menards is currently keeping USA-made Apex tools for their core hardline tools. That's assuming you have Menards in your area.

For ratchets, wrenches and screwdrivers you've got too many good choices to count. You can search for deals on brands like Williams, Wright, Blackhawk, etc. This is where you can hunt for deals, but be careful that used wrench sets aren't missing any sizes.

 

[wmartin]

Ebay Snap On prices are way up over a year ago....~3x

I have to respectfully disagree. I have seen some climbing, but not a whole bunch.

I've been using the PB99A 1/4 socket sets (among other items out in the world) as a proxy for inflation, as a kind of indicator to watch for when prices start jumping up on everything.

They've always centered around $300 for new, and have climbed a little bit.

Those 10 and 11 combo wrench sets look like they've gone up maybe 30% since a couple of years ago.

The 5 and 6 flare wrench sets (SAE and metric) look to be about the same.

The thing I've seen pretty much go away is smoking deals on German stuff. There used to be way more Wiha, Wera, Wurth, Stahlwille, Gedore sets...not so much now.

 

[sberry]

He is entitled to buy something if he wants it,,, or is the want inflated by having smoke blown up his ***? I made it this far with 1 snapon ratchet I lost 20 yrs ago, he doesn't need any of that stuff. Go to Walmart. Sears, Harbor and peek at the tools on occasion at the building stores for 99% of it, when it breaks dowmn the line andf you figure out you really need it replace.

There is no reason worth a pinch of **** for a guy to buy that premium stuff, there are a small handful of cases where ite just the right deal but the diy guy way over estimates his use and need. Sell the ratchet from a sears set to a fool and get one from HF, my bet is 10 yrs from now come back and tell us its not half worn out.
I rarely use a 3/8 ratchet but for minor spark plug on occasion, its power drive or a simple combination wrench if humanly possible or practical.

A guy could spend a couple 3 hundred on a few pieces, 12 inch 430 channelocks, a 6 and 10r vixce grip, an 11r, a pair of 9 inch lineman, 8 inch dykes, wire stripper and crimper. Maybe a few small tubing wrenches

There are difficult occasions, a pro can tailor the tools vs just tossing cash at it. Find a place to buy a torx bit set for 15$ so you DONT need to do without and its not a gut wrenching tooth pulling decision to get something you should and can have when you need it.

 

[sberry]

I am a Sears ratchet basher and its obvious all the other stuff they do but,,, there is huge value and many,, probably most started off with a Set from Sears just fine and were glad to have it. I know a couple guys bought them 30 yrs ago and havnt spent 50 since.
The stuff is near scrap price really, you wouldn't be out a dollar a day if you tossed it in the trash at the end of the year. Its not worth spending 100 a week on a truck. Pro or not, its about like the argument about engine oil. The user couldn't measure but an infintismal pinch of **** difference in a lifetime.

I bought a small handful of 6 pt snaps and they have been worth it, got them at a time when we were knee deep in damaged fasteners. I actually keep them with the tubing wrenches.

 

[cburnscrx]

The 299+ piece sets have been chinese for a while. It would be tough to find a usa made set. CHinese craftsman is just not worth the cost. We have all bought the craftsman sets at one point or another but with all the repeats, allen keys in a sack unorganized, **** ratchets, mish mash of interchangable nut drivers... I regret the set i bought and I know I'm not the only one.

I think you're confusing the Mechanics sets, and the 299pc "ultimate socket set". The ultimate socket set is nothing but sockets, no filler, and there have been no reports (to my knowledge), of them being anything other than USA made. That's on GJ or on Sears/Craftsman reviews.

 

[Flivver250]

Buy top quality and buy it once. The Snap-Ons I bought in 1978 are still good as new. A broken tool can = a broken hand. Snap-On, Mac, Wright, and S-K are all great tools. I have gained huge respect for Wright tools from Ohio. Not well known and not the most costly, but their quality is the equal of any IMHO. My advice is to stay away from imported tools. If you have buy import, let it be the drip pans and tool caddies. I don't have any MATCO, but hear they are okay. I do have a few US made Craftsman, they are okay and certainly adequate for the hobbyist. Watch Craigslist and Ebay. Deals appear all the time. BTW, $1000 is wishful thinking. Once you embark down the path of tool addiction, there is no turning back.

 

[seagullplayer]

I would greatly consider where you are going to keep your tools.
Do you have a garage of your own?

I have sent a mint on tools over the years, I have worked in industrial maintenance and engineering for 30 years and a DIY'er even longer. I have "lost" far and away more tools than I have ever broken or warn out.

Figure out how you are going to hang onto them and how you are going to keep them safe.

I agree that there is a difference between the quality of tools needed as a pro and those us "shade-tree" guys need. But there is a lot to choose from between junk and the elite...

(Never throw a tool away just because you have a "better" one, hide it away. That's the tools you can loan out to your BIL)

 

[bentwrench54]

I started with a craftsman box set, 200ish piece tool set. I have since added gearwrench, sk, cornwell, sunex, lisle, and HF tools as well. I do ok with what i have.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Tuscani2718]

I have a very secure shed to store my tools. I do have a craftsman tool chest and just invested in a harbor freight tool cart. (very impressed with it) Just lacking the tools to fill them. I do appreciate the different views presented as it throws man different spins on the tool purchasing endeavor.

 

[NWphotog]

He is entitled to buy something if he wants it,,, or is the want inflated by having smoke blown up his ***? I made it this far with 1 snapon ratchet I lost 20 yrs ago, he doesn't need any of that stuff. Go to Walmart. Sears, Harbor and peek at the tools on occasion at the building stores for 99% of it, when it breaks dowmn the line andf you figure out you really need it replace.

There is no reason worth a pinch of **** for a guy to buy that premium stuff, there are a small handful of cases where ite just the right deal but the diy guy way over estimates his use and need. Sell the ratchet from a sears set to a fool and get one from HF, my bet is 10 yrs from now come back and tell us its not half worn out.
I rarely use a 3/8 ratchet but for minor spark plug on occasion, its power drive or a simple combination wrench if humanly possible or practical.

A guy could spend a couple 3 hundred on a few pieces, 12 inch 430 channelocks, a 6 and 10r vixce grip, an 11r, a pair of 9 inch lineman, 8 inch dykes, wire stripper and crimper. Maybe a few small tubing wrenches

There are difficult occasions, a pro can tailor the tools vs just tossing cash at it. Find a place to buy a torx bit set for 15$ so you DONT need to do without and its not a gut wrenching tooth pulling decision to get something you should and can have when you need it.

Nailed it. Tools don't make the mechanic. The mechanic makes the tools.

 

[theknurl]

I have to respectfully disagree. I have seen some climbing, but not a whole bunch.

I've been using the PB99A 1/4 socket sets (among other items out in the world) as a proxy for inflation, as a kind of indicator to watch for when prices start jumping up on everything.

They've always centered around $300 for new, and have climbed a little bit.

Those 10 and 11 combo wrench sets look like they've gone up maybe 30% since a couple of years ago.

The 5 and 6 flare wrench sets (SAE and metric) look to be about the same.

The thing I've seen pretty much go away is smoking deals on German stuff. There used to be way more Wiha, Wera, Wurth, Stahlwille, Gedore sets...not so much now.

I disagree with you

look at the;
6 piece metric flare nut wrench sets $85 then to lowest $140 usually ~$200
11 piece open end and box 6mm-32mm then low $80s now $250-300

best example;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-too..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item4acc364002&vxp=mtr

BIN $400 2 watchers and its got 29 days to go, 10mm has a "light strike"??, bought the same set mint (not even tool bag marks) for $117 a year ago

even real estate is back up

don't buy too many European tools

I have the little Wiha screw drivers
a Knipex side cutter
a 70year old pair of Swedish Berg side cutters
Swiss Tesa calipers and micrometers
Swiss hollow, nested rat tail files
a Swiss Kern theodolite
my kitchen knives are all JA Henckels
my butcher's steel is a 14" F.****
my Uncle's '27 Lempke tin snips from Berlin

and my Father's pair of '28 French tin snips.....I have quite a few of them, I give them to my friends

the last pair was $1.93 + shipping......virtually new, out of France, the pair before that came from England

if you find a pair of tin snips that cut left OR right PM or call me......don't tell me about the usual pair of 'duckbills' made by;
PEXTO, Blue Bird, Diamond, Crescent, Wiss......etc

my custom made 'Pete' Peterman's will cut perfectly straight or turn left in a 3/16" radius.....

try that with ANY other tin snips.....


sometimes the tool does make it possible

try breaking concrete with a Bosch/Makita/Hitachi electric jackhammer

then go rent a 100 year old CP or IR 95 pound, AIR POWERED jackhammer

its the tool

 

[GoodEnough]

He is entitled to buy something if he wants it,,, or is the want inflated by having smoke blown up his ***? I made it this far with 1 snapon ratchet I lost 20 yrs ago, he doesn't need any of that stuff. Go to Walmart. Sears, Harbor and peek at the tools on occasion at the building stores for 99% of it, when it breaks dowmn the line andf you figure out you really need it replace.

There is no reason worth a pinch of **** for a guy to buy that premium stuff, there are a small handful of cases where ite just the right deal but the diy guy way over estimates his use and need. Sell the ratchet from a sears set to a fool and get one from HF, my bet is 10 yrs from now come back and tell us its not half worn out.
I rarely use a 3/8 ratchet but for minor spark plug on occasion, its power drive or a simple combination wrench if humanly possible or practical.

A bit disjointed, but I love this pragmatic real-world voice of reason.
But what's so bad about CM ratchet heads? Mine work great.

Also, why do you prefer combination wrench over ratcheting?


There is huge value in Sears, Walmart, HD, HF stuff. HF is awesome for 1 big reason: There are many tools I would never have justified buying for 1 use (or maybe I'll never use period), but at 10% of the cost of Craftsman, I said why not. At $25-$50, no way. But, at $5 and under, I'll toss one in the box. And none of this stuff has broken after 1 use, as many people imply. Be smart with your money. You can overspend and get ripped off every step of the way.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Don't buy anything new....yet. Hit yard sales and swap meets. Start grabbin stuff at dirt cheap prices. Come home and learn about those items, and it will spawn off to other items you did not know about. You will learn what you like and dislike on the cheap. Then later on, you can upgrade and get new if you want. My two pennies....

 

[sberry]

Also, why do you prefer combination wrench over ratcheting? This is habit and I like simple as well as duplication. Its cost and sheer numbers and cheap wrenches can be planted everywhere, carry well in pockets, don't have a fear of loss and I an a whiz with them anyway, most of my stuff is 1 or 2 turns to tight. I have a set of ratchets, use them mostly for problem solvers. I had a thing in the frame of a truck the other day and it was perfect, the other 99.5% of the time don't need ratchet feature or use power drive socket..