Tool investment.

[Brad.Sandman94]

Hi all,

I am currently looking through what I currently have for tools already and what I need to purchase I have a budget in place but is somewhat irrelevant as I hit yard sales, flea markets and ebay frequently. I am a stickler for quality I want it to last and not be left hanging in a job while the customer and the boss man is paying for work to be completed in a timely manner. I have done some research so far I have a idea of what I feel will serve well till I can afford all snap on, gear wrench and mac tools.

My current set of tools is limited because I break tools easily ratchets, screw drivers and combination wrenches. I plan on purchasing a array of brands due to cost and more so I do not wish to spend a lot either.

Ratchets- Snap-on 1/4-1/2 non padded and Gearwrench padded in the same sizes

Sockets- I already have a lot of craftsman and for my 3/4 set it is a really old challenger set so I need more sockets I plan on upgrading and adding on as they break plus I need more sizes.

Files-Need some high quality ones preferably U.S.A., Swiss or Canadian

Precision measuring set- Mitutoyo 64PKA071 package set

The tool box I was thinking about one from strictly tool boxes because the box does not make the money they hold the tools that do.

Then some electric tools IR cordless impact or one from Milwaukee same with a sawzall and grinder.

This is a basic Idea of the big ticket items, tools I break easily or tools that I will use frequently.

-Brad.

 

[92integra]

So do you have question or what I'm confused on the point of this thread

 

[BDT/NWMN]

If you are breaking that many tools, the first thing I would recommend is a book on the proper use of tools.... It will be easier to make wise tool choices if you are better educated as to which tool to use, and why..... Not trying to be a smart ***, just bluntly stated a fact..

 

[ravenzfusion]

How do you break so many tools?

 

[JDon99]

I would start off with some quality breaker bars.

 

[jd_1138]

I would start off with some quality breaker bars.

I have a 1/4 breaker bar, a 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4. I think somewhere down the line speed got in the way of quality and people just stopped using breaker bars and want the ratchet to do all the heavy lifting.

 

[Fretters]

If you are breaking that many tools, the first thing I would recommend is a book on the proper use of tools.... It will be easier to make wise tool choices if you are better educated as to which tool to use, and why..... Not trying to be a smart ***, just bluntly stated a fact..

I'd say that's good advice. Saying that though, just generally gauging a tool during use is enough. You can generally tell when something is reaching its limit before it actually does. That's the time to switch to something beefier.

Can only ever recall breaking one tool, (barring stuff like screwdriver tips), personally. That was a ratchet spanner. Working blind and thought the bolt was giving way, when in reality I'd allowed the spanner to move slightly and was merrily bending one half of it.

 

[Brad.Sandman94]

I kinda over exaggerated the breaking tools but for ratchets I go through at least one a month and on occasion I break a socket at the point or shear it in half. I go through a few screw drivers and extractors. Dealing with New England loctite adds to the wear and tear on tools so I need some heavy duty stuff to break stuff free I was thinking 1" drive sk. I meant to include what tools should I really spend the money on I know screw drivers become pry bars quickly so I will buy hf and cheap ones for that. I meant to include what would you put your money towards to get the best bang for your buck.
Warranty and availability to access it are key I am going towards the brands I am because of the local dealers we have around.

 

[JDon99]

Sounds like you could really benefit buying quality tools and use them for what they are designed for, buy a set of pry bars and put down the screwdriver!!! You may be amazed at how long your tools will last if used PROPERLY.

 

[Tronyadorable]

A tool box needs a "bust it" drawer. Breaker bars, impact stuff(mechanical), penetrating oil, good hammers, torch tips,pry bars etc.Don't forget screw extractors/ez-outs for when that inevitable and unwelcome sound hits."KAhhh----TINK" OH DAMN ! Here we go........

 

[Askme42]

I kinda over exaggerated the breaking tools but for ratchets I go through at least one a month and on occasion I break a socket at the point or shear it in half. I go through a few screw drivers and extractors. Dealing with New England loctite adds to the wear and tear on tools so I need some heavy duty stuff to break stuff free I was thinking 1" drive sk. I meant to include what tools should I really spend the money on I know screw drivers become pry bars quickly so I will buy hf and cheap ones for that. I meant to include what would you put your money towards to get the best bang for your buck.
Warranty and availability to access it are key I am going towards the brands I am because of the local dealers we have around.

You should not be breaking quality ratchets that often. Sounds like you need breaker bars or bigger driver ratchets.

 

[Zrexxer]

My current set of tools is limited because I break tools easily ratchets, screw drivers and combination wrenches.

Is this you???

 

[Youngguns]

Hi all,
I have done some research so far I have a idea of what I feel will serve well till I can afford all snap on, gear wrench and mac tools.
-Brad.

I feel as though one of those does not belong.

Anyways, +1 on proper use.

 

[Brad.Sandman94]

The gears keep going out does anyone make a coarse gear my 3/4 has like 20-40 teeth gear drive old and heavy duty. If a 3/8 or 1/2 came like that I would buy them in a heart beat for most work then the fine tooth for tight stuff.
What is the general consensus on wilton bash hammers, f.****/grobet files and sk ratchets?
I am debating box size 55" 21 drawer 15,825 ci and 300/600 pound drawers $4250 and
72" 17 drawer 11,285 ci 300/600 pound drawers $3595
Both are from extreme tools I am leaning towards the 72" because I can just add on to it when I need more space.

 

[Brad.Sandman94]

Is this you???

Some days I think so when the how the hell did that break....... look is given.

I feel as though one of those does not belong.

Anyways, +1 on proper use.[/QUOTE

So putting two combination wrenches together and a pipe on a ratchet is not proper?

 

[crewchief888]

i have a couple pieces of pipe that i break ratchets with..

a BFH i used to break wrenches with..

other than that i'm good.....

you dont mention what you are working on,
but 1" drive ?

but seriously, if you're breaking that many tools,

a) you're buying crappy tools
b) you're abusing what you do have


spend money on good quality ratchets, your knuckles will be happier in the long run

 

[JDon99]

I have read the Proto course-tooth rats are pretty damn tough. I have a few I got used and they are very smooth, haven't tried to whale on em though.

 

[ttpete]

What exactly do you work on? If you're looking at 1" drive stuff, it must be bulldozers and such.

NEVER use a cheater on a ratchet. If you must, use a sliding type breaker bar. It's the strongest. Better yet, a slugging wrench that you put on and strike with a sledge hammer.

If you're breaking sockets, you should use thick wall impact sockets with a larger drive size. If it's really rusty, get the torch out and use heat.

Using the correct tools, you should be able to twist a bolt off before the socket breaks.

 

[Brad.Sandman94]

Yeah I am working on equipment from mini excavators, d4, d9, skid steers, 980k, graders, forestry and large haul trucks then transitioning into electric power generation units once I get trained. Yes I am doing things that are not proper and yes they are the newer crapsman. I looked at the coarse tooth proto industrial ratchet heads they have a 24t and 36t design would be worth the money.

I think I will go with snap-on, Gear wrench and proto for ratchets a extreme tools 55" 11-drawer, snap-on and gear wrench for pry bars, gear wrench breaker bars, Wilton bash hammers, peddinghaus brass hammer, add on to my socket set then replace as needed and grobet/f.****/vallorbe files.

 

[bcradio]

You need to seriously be looking into a very good impact setup. Both 1/2" and 3/4" drive impact wrenches and impact sockets. And get quality impact wrenches that hit hard.

 

[hamilton2]

for my work tools i use mostly gearwrench and kd(same thing). ive never broken a ratchet or socket with impact or otherwise. my 1/2 impact is the snap on mg725. love it. all other air tools are ingersoll. my air hammer is the irt118max. i like it better than the matco air hammer. better control/modulation. ive stood on my gearwrench 1/2 breaker bar without the lugnut giving. breaker bar is still good. had to get a 3/4 impact to break the lugnut loose. imo stick with kd and gearwrench. cheaper compared to overpriced truck tools. i still buy specialty tools off the truck but rarely.

 

[JKennedy]

I work on industrial shredders/balers/compactors and other recycling equipment and I never break anything...(unless it's from harbor freight)
I hardly even have to use 3/4 drive but the infrequent occasion.
Sounds like you need a can of kroil.

 

[Brad.Sandman94]

You need to seriously be looking into a very good impact setup. Both 1/2" and 3/4" drive impact wrenches and impact sockets. And get quality impact wrenches that hit hard.

IR and Milwaukee buddy, I already have a 231g and will be getting grey pneumatic impact sockets. IR student program offers kits two of them starter and a pro hd I dislike they come with a QI series instead of the standard TI non-baffled.

 

[Tronyadorable]

I have a 1/4 breaker bar, a 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4. I think somewhere down the line speed got in the way of quality and people just stopped using breaker bars and want the ratchet to do all the heavy lifting.

That would be "stupid people". My breaker bars are the first thing to come out if I'm working on something....especially a suspension, engine or transmission.
A good ratchet will generally take it but a burr from over force can take away the smoothness and really piss you off in tight spots. I want my ratcht$ to remain flawle$$.

 

[sberry]

When I was a kid wore out a couple ratchets, today one will outlast me. We broke some stuff but the more we went to impact and power drive the less its an issue.

 

[sberry]

We all went thru this with tools and I got a fair amount of stuff that is under utilized, mostly big ticket items I no longer need. I remember the first bulldozer final drive I did,,, with hand tools,,, hahaha. Had a big Sears set but it was a lot of work and actually I limped a long time with pitiful stuff and should have scored a couple new guns way sooner.
Tool shopping is so different today with fast service, used and so many vendors. You are student so you are full of steam but if you want to get some old timers respect go slow and I woudnt be in a rush to fill a box until I needed it regular and cherry pick the hi use items in to a 400$ HF box.

I got a retired master works part time for me, he was a bit older when he entered auto as a profession and worked 30 yrs from a Sears box. He has a few snap tools he got from some other poor sap at 30 cents on the dollar when they came along and would buy one socket vs a whole set if it came up.

I would buy cheap specialty bit sets first and find if and where they fell short. I bought a set of 15 metric bits from Walmart 15 yrs ago with the intent of "upgrade" they still work as do torx. At the time they were a couple bucks more than HF but shopping was easy and not so financially painful that I had to do without the next day.

 

[metaldad]

the only time i break tools is when they are improperly applied, screwdriver as a chisel, chrome socket as an impact, geared wrench as the 'breakaway' tool, cheaters used, etc.

 

[-Brent-]

You may be amazed at how long your tools will last if used PROPERLY.

Quoted for absolute truth!

 

[sberry]

People look at what we do and I never have anyone pick thru my tools to check the brand, never had anyone ask. I don't have every wrench ever invented, due to the nature of the biz I have a lot of duplication.
I know guys are pretty proud of saying the got a big box and 100 large in to it and you see collections for sale for half what the guy paid ofer 30 or 40 years.
I got a gob of stuff, probably fill 4 boxes of hardline and bet I don't have 10 in it and bet I could get it out at an auction.

 

[Brad.Sandman94]

We all went thru this with tools and I got a fair amount of stuff that is under utilized, mostly big ticket items I no longer need. I remember the first bulldozer final drive I did,,, with hand tools,,, hahaha. Had a big Sears set but it was a lot of work and actually I limped a long time with pitiful stuff and should have scored a couple new guns way sooner.
Tool shopping is so different today with fast service, used and so many vendors. You are student so you are full of steam but if you want to get some old timers respect go slow and I woudnt be in a rush to fill a box until I needed it regular and cherry pick the hi use items in to a 400$ HF box.

I got a retired master works part time for me, he was a bit older when he entered auto as a profession and worked 30 yrs from a Sears box. He has a few snap tools he got from some other poor sap at 30 cents on the dollar when they came along and would buy one socket vs a whole set if it came up.

I would buy cheap specialty bit sets first and find if and where they fell short. I bought a set of 15 metric bits from Walmart 15 yrs ago with the intent of "upgrade" they still work as do torx. At the time they were a couple bucks more than HF but shopping was easy and not so financially painful that I had to do without the next day.

That's my problem I am always up for a challenge to learn something new all the time I love the feeling going home that I learned something new or I accomplished something new that I have never done before. I am going with a extreme tools 56" box and snap on, gearwrench and a multitude of brands to start off with. A lot of manufactures offer a student discount of like 50-60% off and special sets and crazy discount prices for hand tools it comes out to the same as a set from sears.