Tools more consistent than HF in quality

[Lelandwelds]

There is so much written here about tools "search" is nearly worthless.

I am not a "tool guy". I use them with a goal in mind. I won't call anyone "tool snob" or bash harbor freight. Just not interested. "Biggest bang for the buck" is my thing.

I am building out the new place and "buy tools" is one of the boxes on my checklist. I dont need them to match or all from one source. I dont care what color. Warranty is worthless. No frenemies to impress. Designs were perfected a century ago. I just need expertly heat treated hunks of steel.

Where should I look?

 

[fsae0607]

I've had good results with Kobalt and Husky.

 

[CallumRD1]

Take a look at Tekton's line of tools. Most of it is very high quality for the quite reasonable price.

 

[American Locomotive]

I am really enjoying my new SK ratchet.

 

[General Geoff]

Sunex or Grey Pneumatic for impact, Tekton and/or GearWrench for chrome if budget and economy are key.

 

[pdxgearhead]

Gearwrench.

 

[ganymede]

I like Mossberg Tools. Made in Attleboro Mass.
Hinsdale tools are also good. Their logo is "Hinsdale. Tools Of Quality"

 

[Codejack]

Hmmm, a few thoughts.

I am not a "tool guy". I use them with a goal in mind. I won't call anyone "tool snob" or bash harbor freight. Just not interested. "Biggest bang for the buck" is my thing.

I am building out the new place and "buy tools" is one of the boxes on my checklist. I dont need them to match or all from one source. I dont care what color. Warranty is worthless. No frenemies to impress. Designs were perfected a century ago. I just need expertly heat treated hunks of steel.

Where should I look?

If you're not a tool snob, then most HF stuff will work for you, you just have to do a little research (i.e. the Harbor Freight Pass/Fail thread).

My only issues with HF are the lack of larger size sockets and wrenches (20mm for example), and that some stuff is overpriced.

Their ratchets and sockets, for example, are no cheaper than Stanley, Craftsman, etc; they are actually VERY good, though.

Their impact wrenches, cordless and pneumatic, though, are not much cheaper, if at all, than high end name brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ingersoll-Rand and Aircat.

But then, their wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers are not high quality; well-priced, though, and for things that don't have to be top-notch, it's fine, e.g. I have their long-reach bent-nose pliers for getting at hard-to-reach hose clamps; they're not amazing, but they do the job, and were $4 each.

--------------------------------------

"Warranty is worthless"

I tend to agree, on the theory that if it broke in the first place, it wasn't good enough, anyway. That being said, sometimes you use a tool for something it isn't really meant for, or it wears out, or.... stuff happens

I don't prioritize the warranty, but most decent stuff will have it, anyway.

"Designs were perfected a century ago."

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THEY WEREN'T!!!!!!!

I'm literally trying to think of an example where that is true, and failing. Sockets, wrenches, ratchets, pliers, hammers... I guess chisels and pry bars haven't changed much, but everything else is radically different.

Off-corner loading, pear-head ratchets, ratchet wrenches, anti-vibe hammers, groovelock pliers...

I guess screwdrivers are more-or-less the same, if you don't count the 57 different types of head they have come out with.

 

[bcradio]

Hmmm, a few thoughts.




If you're not a tool snob, then most HF stuff will work for you, you just have to do a little research (i.e. the Harbor Freight Pass/Fail thread).

My only issues with HF are the lack of larger size sockets and wrenches (20mm for example), and that some stuff is overpriced.

Their ratchets and sockets, for example, are no cheaper than Stanley, Craftsman, etc; they are actually VERY good, though.

Their impact wrenches, cordless and pneumatic, though, are not much cheaper, if at all, than high end name brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ingersoll-Rand and Aircat.

But then, their wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers are not high quality; well-priced, though, and for things that don't have to be top-notch, it's fine, e.g. I have their long-reach bent-nose pliers for getting at hard-to-reach hose clamps; they're not amazing, but they do the job, and were $4 each.

--------------------------------------

"Warranty is worthless"

I tend to agree, on the theory that if it broke in the first place, it wasn't good enough, anyway. That being said, sometimes you use a tool for something it isn't really meant for, or it wears out, or.... stuff happens

I don't prioritize the warranty, but most decent stuff will have it, anyway.

"Designs were perfected a century ago."

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THEY WEREN'T!!!!!!!

I'm literally trying to think of an example where that is true, and failing. Sockets, wrenches, ratchets, pliers, hammers... I guess chisels and pry bars haven't changed much, but everything else is radically different.

Off-corner loading, pear-head ratchets, ratchet wrenches, anti-vibe hammers, groovelock pliers...

I guess screwdrivers are more-or-less the same, if you don't count the 57 different types of head they have come out with.

I'm very impressed with how much you have learned since joining this forum Codejack. This is a very well written response and I do agree with everything in it for the most part.

 

[AirJunky]

As with any search, I would use terms more specific than just "tools".

Like "compound miter saw" or "tig welder" or "shaft packing wrench'. No brand will cover all those types of tools. And often times no single place would carry them all either. And that search would not reveal ANY of them unless the poster actually said "tool" in the post.

And if you add "review" to the search, then you might get some reviews of that specific tool.

Even your request is a bit vague. What kind of tools are you looking for? Are you OK with online sales? New or used?

BTW, I've had pretty descent luck with HF tools. I've had their sliding compound miter saw for 10+ yrs, trimmed out two houses, built the frame of a garden shed, and countless other projects with it. I have tons of their wrenches, sockets & a handful of their ratchets with no failures. Their cordless drill/drivers however... not so much luck there.

 

[Codejack]

I'm very impressed with how much you have learned since joining this forum Codejack. This is a very well written response and I do agree with everything in it for the most part.

Thanks!

Yea, I'm in this weird position where I've been more-or-less out of the game for 20 years, so coming back in I had to find out what had changed.

The cars have just kept going down the path we saw back then: More computers, more diagnostics, but the same old rules still apply; spark, time, fuel, air, compression. Figuring out what is wrong is just a little harder

----------------------------------------

The tools, though, have changed incredibly. I grew up with round-head ratchets, raised panel wrenches, and metal-handled hammers that numbed your hand from the vibration.

The new stuff I am getting, even the cheap HF stuff, is simply amazing from that perspective.

 

[EchoOfGecko]

Another vote for Tekton, I'm consistently impressed with their tools for the price point.

 

[woody 73]

Op if you have some free time step into a napa store in your area and have a look at their tool line up you will like the quality very much.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Start out with some basic tools (example: 16 oz hammer, screw drivers, pliers, tape measure, combination wrenches).
Look for the rest as you need them. At first your collection will build quickly. It won't take long for you to learn which tools you use most, what features you find important, and how to judge quality.
Some of the best bargains I've found are used tools. Garage sales, auctions, resale shops, flea markets.....

IMO HF quality is fairly consistent, and reviews are easy to find.
I avoid their "bargain" tools and anything with a cord if I plan on using it more than once.
Their regular wrenches are not a tight fit on fasteners. They probably won't round off bolts/nuts or break unless the fasteners are rusted.
Their Air tools are hogs for air vs. power, but seem to work OK.

 

[jd_1138]

snip....
But then, their wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers are not high quality; well-priced, though, and for things that don't have to be top-notch, it's fine, e.g. I have their long-reach bent-nose pliers for getting at hard-to-reach hose clamps; they're not amazing, but they do the job, and were $4 each.
snip.....

HF's pliers (the Pro red handled versions) are decent for the money. I think they're like $3 each or something. The cheaper orange handled ones are pretty yucky. I wish they had a set of the pro version, but they're only sold separately.

Their screwdrivers aren't horrible, but then again you can buy a better American made set for $25 or so off ebay. I bought a 6 piece Vaco set for $24 shipped. And I added the Vaco torx set for $15. Both were NOS still in their original packaging. So really there's no reason to buy cheapie screwdrivers, as they might chew up fasteners.

Williams, SK, Wiha, Wera, etc. are also decent and can be had for decent money.

 

[turnthewrench]

Where should I look?

You didn't say the magic word!

That's: Price.

From SO & Hazet down to Tekton & HF you will find "expertly heat treated hunks of steel", the question is: how much are you willing to pay. Though, by the "feel" I get reading your post, I would say HF Pro would fit your needs - some of their tools are really good.

If you have a beef with them, then Sunex, Tekton, Toptool, Gearwrench are the way to go.

My 2 cents.

 

[jessesandy]

Start out with some basic tools (example: 16 oz hammer, screw drivers, pliers, tape measure, combination wrenches).
Look for the rest as you need them. At first your collection will build quickly. It won't take long for you to learn which tools you use most, what features you find important, and how to judge quality.
Some of the best bargains I've found are used tools. Garage sales, auctions, resale shops, flea markets.....

IMO HF quality is fairly consistent, and reviews are easy to find.
I avoid their "bargain" tools and anything with a cord if I plan on using it more than once.
Their regular wrenches are not a tight fit on fasteners. They probably won't round off bolts/nuts or break unless the fasteners are rusted.
Their Air tools are hogs for air vs. power, but seem to work OK.

I've found the HF to avoid is things with a battery.
Their corded drill , angle grinder (blue), recip. saw (orange), still work after years of abuse.
Unfortunately, there are as many bad experiences as good ones.

But the battery powered tools, forget a bout it.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Walk into Lowe's or home depot. Good prices and normally no questions asked warranty. Though we did get asked about our pry bar that was round instead of straight after they gave us a new one. I'd say Lowe's and home depot great for hand tools and for power tools too.

Sent from my P027 using Tapatalk

 

[Davefr]

"Biggest bang for the buck" is my thing.

I am building out the new place and "buy tools" is one of the boxes on my checklist. I dont need them to match or all from one source. I dont care what color. Warranty is worthless. No frenemies to impress. Designs were perfected a century ago. I just need expertly heat treated hunks of steel.

Where should I look?

For what you describe, you're going to get the biggest bang for the buck buying used.

Perfectly good name brand quality tools (like SK, older CM and SO) can be had for deep discounts if you don't mind previous owners marks, signs of use or mixed sets. Try the classifieds or Ebay.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Hmmm, a few thoughts.

If you're not a tool snob, then most HF stuff will work for you, you just have to do a little research (i.e. the Harbor Freight Pass/Fail thread).

--------------------------------------

"Warranty is worthless"

I tend to agree, on the theory that if it broke in the first place, it wasn't good enough, anyway. That being said, sometimes you use a tool for something it isn't really meant for, or it wears out, or.... stuff happens

I don't prioritize the warranty, but most decent stuff will have it, anyway.

"Designs were perfected a century ago."

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THEY WEREN'T!!!!!!!

I'm literally trying to think of an example where that is true, and failing. Sockets, wrenches, ratchets, pliers, hammers... I guess chisels and pry bars haven't changed much, but everything else is radically different.

Off-corner loading, pear-head ratchets, ratchet wrenches, anti-vibe hammers, groovelock pliers...

I guess screwdrivers are more-or-less the same, if you don't count the 57 different types of head they have come out with.

My HF problem:
A. Identical parts from different sources. Some great. Some ****.
B. ID great tool by part number and return to buy more. Not available.
C. Buy multiples of item. 75% acceptable quality. Bal fail at almost first use.

+1 on your warranty views
A. I'm not making a special 60 mile trip.
B. When I pop in, if I kept the POS anyway, I dont have it with me.

Ok, maybe I should have said 52 years ago "good enough" was achieved. I am both trying to fire up some spirited responses and avoid the excited posts because somebody came out with a $300 titanium framing hammer.


I left this post a little vague because I am learning new stuff not finding people who agree with me. There are many things in which I am not the authority and I know it. Also, in the first few hours, I have learned of five new companies to research. More detail limits responses.

I can offer a bit more detail. I am in my 50s and might have more tools than you do. Problem is, there are lots of holes in my toolbox. I cant remove anything which needs a 3/8, 10mm, 7/16, 1/2, or 9/16 by any method other than crescent or stillson wrench but I have enough soapstone I need never buy any again. Ever. Stuff I know I packed did not survive the move.

I mostly do welding and forging related work with a little woodworking thrown in. I try to limit my wrenching to the basics. I can invent excuses to avoid concrete and fencing.

 

[jshillin]

With that being said, I'd go with Gearwrench for ratchets, sockets and ratcheting wrenches. Then I'd watch the amazon deal thread for deals on Knipex pliers and Wera screwdrivers.
You can also do pretty good if you watch craigslist and get used truck brand tools or older craftsman.

 

[Lelandwelds]

For what you describe, you're going to get the biggest bang for the buck buying used.

Perfectly good name brand quality tools (like SK, older CM and SO) can be had for deep discounts if you don't mind previous owners marks, signs of use or mixed sets. Try the classifieds or Ebay.

+1
I do the same. Broken stuff I reforge into knives or whatever. Almost never find what I actually am loking for. Last auction some one in the crowd stole heavily from my lot. I had tried to get the SOB auctioneer to move the lots with related stuff together. He refused.

 

[Shark Pilot]

I would check out Toptul:https://www.toptul.com/index.asp?lang=2. It can be bought on ebay:https://www.ebay.com/sch/schmidtdn/m.html?item=122723676339&hash=item1c92e6b0b3%3Ag%3AibkAAOSwgZ1Xshoh&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562. They even have a chart to list out their tool specs to the relevant DIN requirements:https://www.toptul.com/s/2/factory-5623/Super-Torque.html. Toptul looks like (and is) an actual tool company compared to the likes of HF and Tekton, but with competitive prices.

I just need expertly heat treated hunks of steel.

Where should I look?

I've had USA made Craftsman for 40+ years but lately I have been replacing/adding to my tool set with Carlyle from NAPA. I will say that I am very impressed - it just "works" and is definitely a noticeable step up from my old CMAN stuff.

I also added a few pieces of Koken which is really nice and pricing isn't crazy I guess because of the weak Yen. Check out the "Tools of Japan" thread for Koken and some other interesting tools. Another idea is to buy German tools off of Amazon.de with prime for shipping with great prices. You could look into Stahlwille or Hazet at prices which are decent relative to the quality.

Sometimes you're better off using google to search this site than the search function. There are a lot of great tools out there if you know where to look - so look around and let us know what you are interested in and I'm sure you'll get plenty of opinions.

 

[hangfirew8]

I had tried to get the SOB auctioneer to move the lots with related stuff together. He refused.

Of course. They split pieces between lots on purpose. Then if you buy the one lot with half, they will have their shill bid against you for the lot with the other half.

-HF

 

[Lelandwelds]

I

Sometimes you're better off using google to search this site than the search function. There are a lot of great tools out there if you know where to look -

I am forgetting how to use google to search here." site:www.garagejournal.com.ratchet " from Google page. I cant get it right.

Thats my other problem. If I have never heard of "torque multiplier", its hard to google. How would you phrase a google search for " great tool brands I've never heard of".

 

[Lelandwelds]

Of course. They split pieces between lots on purpose. Then if you buy the one lot with half, they will have their shill bid against you for the lot with the other half.

-HF

They can keep it. I am not getting excited and insisting to "win" a bidding frenzy. The theft soured me so much I havent been to an auction for six maybe seven years.

Buyer's premium and the junk fees are bad enough.

 

[Shark Pilot]

Thats my other problem. If I have never heard of "torque multiplier", its hard to google. How would you phrase a google search for " great tool brands I've never heard of".

Yes, I understand the dilemma. As to types of tools, i.e. "torque multiplier", what I do is occasionally pick up the large tool flyers they have at the counters at various auto parts stores like NAPA or Carquest which will give you a good idea of what specialized tools are out there in the market. I would also look online at some the large tool companies' website where they have pdf files of their catalogues. Also google NAPA "Real Deals".

As to tool brands, really it depends on which market in terms of consumer/retail, industrial and "tool truck". For example Stanley/Black & Decker sells to all 3 markets with a variety of brands. Bear in mind the whole question becomes more category specific than brand specific. In other words, "great tool brands I've never heard of" for pliers will be totally different than "great tool brands I've never heard of" for sockets, if that makes sense.

Tell us which categories/types of tools you need and what your budget is and I'm sure we can help (or at least confuse the heck out of) you.

 

[Gmonkee]

I am a long time Stanley fan. The hardware store in town always got me the tools that would start and finish the job.

Decades later I am buying Stanley again as a new arrival to owning a home. Completely new designs but still more than adequate tools.

Also the generic Asain design stuff has been doing great at keeping me going in an indy shop playing mechanic. The names could be any of a million and they all turn bolts.
Low risk factor in loss and not breaking nor causing life threatening injury, ever. (except cheap ratchets, those broke)

Better ratchets were not out of reach so I just moved on leaving the rest in the past.

Look around the area you live and buy what the locals carry. Do the used market some too to 'try before you buy' a full set and discover if they are for you.
I had dozens of mixed brands and types of wrenches in a bucket two years later. All that eventually were resold as singles after I made my choices.

I pulled a small profit so it worked out.

 

[cja245]

Tekton or Gearwrench or Toptul if your not looking to spend a lot and want a consistent level of quality.

SK, Wright, Proto if your wanting no compromise high quality without paying tool truck prices.

Klein, Channellock for good pliers.
Knipex for great pliers.

Dont overlook used truck brand tools. I have a lot of really nice barely used Snap on tools in my box that I bought for less than half retail.

 

[visionguru]

There is so much written here about tools "search" is nearly worthless.

I am not a "tool guy". I use them with a goal in mind. I won't call anyone "tool snob" or bash harbor freight. Just not interested. "Biggest bang for the buck" is my thing.

I am building out the new place and "buy tools" is one of the boxes on my checklist. I dont need them to match or all from one source. I dont care what color. Warranty is worthless. No frenemies to impress. Designs were perfected a century ago. I just need expertly heat treated hunks of steel.

Where should I look?

Everywhere. No need to focus on one brand/store. I'd buy those I might need right now and buy the rest when I need them.

I appreciate quality tools, but don't look down upon lower end tools. I have a plier which I bought at a dollar store when I was a poor student 20 years ago. The quality is so bad that even Harbor Freight looks a huge upgrade. Rusty, softer metal...you know what? it still works! still way better than not having tools.

For a non-"tool guy", tools from name brands like Craftsman, Stanley, Gearwrench,..... should be more than good enough.

 

[Citation]

LW, what stores are near you? Tekton stuff is decent but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. HF doesn't look that great if you have to drive an hour to get there. Cman would be of my personal list for a similar reason. Husky and Kobalt are both decent if you have a HD or Lowes around.

 

[wmm2]

Ok, maybe I should have said 52 years ago "good enough" was achieved. I am both trying to fire up some spirited responses and avoid the excited posts because somebody came out with a $300 titanium framing hammer.


I can offer a bit more detail. I am in my 50s and might have more tools than you do. Problem is, there are lots of holes in my toolbox. I cant remove anything which needs a 3/8, 10mm, 7/16, 1/2, or 9/16 by any method other than crescent or stillson wrench but I have enough soapstone I need never buy any again. Ever. Stuff I know I packed did not survive the move.

I mostly do welding and forging related work with a little woodworking thrown in. I try to limit my wrenching to the basics. I can invent excuses to avoid concrete and fencing.

I do the same. Broken stuff I reforge into knives or whatever. Almost never find what I actually am loking for. Last auction some one in the crowd stole heavily from my lot. I had tried to get the SOB auctioneer to move the lots with related stuff together. He refused.

So auctions are out. Are you interested in trying flea markets and yard sales? I used to find some great deals there. The last few years, not very much. It can take a lot of time for very little result. But if you enjoy the chase, now and then you can find some great deals on used stuff.

Do you have any need or interest in SAE sockets and/or wrenches? As far as sockets go, I've never broken one that had ANYBODY's name on it. HF/Craftsman US or Chinese, all held up, even when working them hard. No impact, or 10 foot cheater bars on a front loader, but I have used 30" cheater bars and jumped on them. Any that had any brand name on them survived. The no-name sockets from Taiwan died when I stood on a 16" breaker. My point? Unless you're doing heavy duty professional wrenching, you probably won't break sockets or wrenches if you don't abuse them.

I'm a fan of Wright and SK, but the other brands that have been mentioned would probably meet your needs as well.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I am both trying to fire up some spirited responses and avoid the excited posts because somebody came out with a $300 titanium framing hammer.

Probably not a tool to start out with, but nice to have if you do a lot of framing. Also a good example of a tool to look for used.

I can offer a bit more detail. I am in my 50s and might have more tools than you do.

Doesn'y soundlike it.

Problem is, there are lots of holes in my toolbox. I cant remove anything which needs a 3/8, 10mm, 7/16, 1/2, or 9/16 by any method other than crescent or stillson wrench

Common sizes. Any basic combination wrench or socket set will have these.

but I have enough soapstone I need never buy any again. Ever.

One is usually enough, providing you can find it. Any variety sizes/shapes/colors?

I mostly do welding and forging related work with a little woodworking thrown in. I try to limit my wrenching to the basics. I can invent excuses to avoid concrete and fencing.

Most concrete work can be done with a few special tools. Also regularly found used, in almost new condition.
I really can thing of any specialty tools for fencing. I do have a home made post driver. Your welding skills will get you one of those in a few minutes.

 

[PFSard]

(1) Make a list of what tools you wish to acquire
(2) Make a list of the brand recommendations in this thread
(3) Figure what hasn't changed in a century. Buy these at estate, garage sales etc
(4) Figure out which brands are best (price, quality, extent of usage etc) for the specific tool that you want to acquire new.

Unless you have a big chunk of cash, prioritize (as best you can) what you need first.

I've gotten great deals at estate sales aorund this area. Saved me big bucks.

 

[JohnDeere1]

HF's pliers (the Pro red handled versions) are decent for the money. I think they're like $3 each or something. The cheaper orange handled ones are pretty yucky. I wish they had a set of the pro version, but they're only sold separately.

Their screwdrivers aren't horrible, but then again you can buy a better American made set for $25 or so off ebay. I bought a 6 piece Vaco set for $24 shipped. And I added the Vaco torx set for $15. Both were NOS still in their original packaging. So really there's no reason to buy cheapie screwdrivers, as they might chew up fasteners.

Williams, SK, Wiha, Wera, etc. are also decent and can be had for decent money.

Vaco makes nice screwdrivers I have some and nut drivers they're owned by Klein which also is a fine choice for the price im happy with both but they are my back ups ,I just bought the new Matco set and have 3 snap on instinct sets.
Tekton pliers are a good choice for the money and some are USA made.

 

[Codejack]

My HF problem:
A. Identical parts from different sources. Some great. Some ****.
B. ID great tool by part number and return to buy more. Not available.
C. Buy multiples of item. 75% acceptable quality. Bal fail at almost first use.

Fair enough; I'm mostly buying hand tools, not consumables, so generally not needing to buy more or multiples.

+1 on your warranty views
A. I'm not making a special 60 mile trip.
B. When I pop in, if I kept the POS anyway, I dont have it with me.

Yea, I live out in the boonies, too; not so far away, but "you can't get there from here."

Ok, maybe I should have said 52 years ago "good enough" was achieved. I am both trying to fire up some spirited responses and avoid the excited posts because somebody came out with a $300 titanium framing hammer.

No, no nonsense here; I don't go for gimmicks or "new" just for the sake of being new.

But ratchet wrenches literally did not exist the last time I had a professional mechanic job; a little more than 20 years.

I left this post a little vague because I am learning new stuff not finding people who agree with me. There are many things in which I am not the authority and I know it. Also, in the first few hours, I have learned of five new companies to research. More detail limits responses.

Heh, go read through the arguments I had trying to spec out some tool sets:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=365989

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=369875

Seriously, go read through it; you might get some valuable information out of it. I did.

I can offer a bit more detail. I am in my 50s and might have more tools than you do. Problem is, there are lots of holes in my toolbox. I cant remove anything which needs a 3/8, 10mm, 7/16, 1/2, or 9/16 by any method other than crescent or stillson wrench but I have enough soapstone I need never buy any again. Ever. Stuff I know I packed did not survive the move.

I mostly do welding and forging related work with a little woodworking thrown in. I try to limit my wrenching to the basics. I can invent excuses to avoid concrete and fencing.

Well, then I can offer more detailed thoughts

I am 40, and you may well have more tools than I do; right off the bat, though, I've got you beat on sockets and wrenches

Frankly, if you needed most of this stuff badly enough, you would have bought it by now. I've had respectable socket and wrench sets since I was 17, but then, I do mostly auto work. If you just need to fill holes with stuff you rarely use, go to Wal-mart and buy Stanley sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hammers... They are fine, and about the same price as HF or cheaper.

Really, though, it sounds like you need to make a list of the tools that you need, and look for or ask about them, specifically.

 

[DadsTools]

Of course. They split pieces between lots on purpose. Then if you buy the one lot with half, they will have their shill bid against you for the lot with the other half.

-HF

I have been known at estate sales to 'correct' the lotting 'mistakes' made by estate sales companies. I call it Picker's Revenge. Auctions ****.

 

[kctyphoon]

Hate to state the obvious, but it's all a matter of what you wanna spend, and EXACTLY what you wanna buy. Cordless, it only makes sense to stay with one brand.

As far as sockets go, the biggest bang for your buck will be something like craftsman's ultimate socket set. If it's still on sale, it's like 300 sockets for $299 or something. The gearwrench socket promo is anther great buy. The bigger HF mechanics set is another one to consider..

Again, it's kinda tough asking other people, cause you'll get 30 different answers.. you'll need to decide what fits your needs best, what cost is acceptable, and go from there. As long as you stay away from the dirt cheap $1 store type tools, anything will work when the alternative is nothing.

You can probably start by posting something like, "I wanna spend $400 on hand tools and get the most for my money" or, "I have $400 to spend on cordless tools, what's the best 4 tool combo kit for my needs"

 

[JazzBlueRT]

There is so much written here about tools "search" is nearly worthless.

I am not a "tool guy". I use them with a goal in mind. I won't call anyone "tool snob" or bash harbor freight. Just not interested. "Biggest bang for the buck" is my thing.

I am building out the new place and "buy tools" is one of the boxes on my checklist. I dont need them to match or all from one source. I dont care what color. Warranty is worthless. No frenemies to impress. Designs were perfected a century ago. I just need expertly heat treated hunks of steel.

Where should I look?

Sears.com. Join the SYW program and use points wisely. Order online, pick up in store. They will even put the stuff in your trunk.

SYW means free tools. Fridge needs to be replaced, stall the wife until they give a 10 or 20% points bonus and while the Wife is picking out the fringe, you will get a new impact driver or wrench set for free a few days later.

Christmas time is the best, the often have 100% back in points on every day items. Buy a years supply of TP from Kmart and get enough points to get a free cordless weed-whacker.

I got $700 in free tools over the past few years simply by buying stuff I would normally buy at Walmart.

None of my Craftsman tools have broken under normal home-owner and home-mechanic use.

And finally, what a powerful name for a tool, Craftsman!!! Snap-on, sounds like one of those snap together models I had as a kid! Husky, do they come with blue eyes? Do you tell your buddy; hey get me the Wright wrench! What, did you expect him to get you the wrong one? How about Toptul (top tool): sound like either a poor marketing joke, a bad translation or something a kid would name a tool set.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

But ratchet wrenches literally did not exist the last time I had a professional mechanic job; a little more than 20 years.
.

I have had a set like these since early 1990's.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-D...f=#1a0000000000^&_trksid=p2489528.m4335.l8656