Upgrading tools. What to upgrade?

[va aviator]

Been using craftsman all my life. Aquired a few kobalt things here and there.

But i finally started buying some snap on stuff. Mainly, ratchets and wrenches. Without a doubt, both are superior to anything i've ever owned.

Now, i'm starting to get curious about my sockets. I have a complete set of 1/4 to 1/2 drive, deep and shallow.

If their "flank drive" wrenches are so wonderful (and they are well worth it in my opinion) are their "flank drive" sockets just as good/better? I've had my fair share of stripped fasteners, it's aggravating as hell but from what i've seen I can't blame the tool but so much.

So can someone give me a compelling argument one way or another as to why it would or would not be justifiable to spend $1200 to upgrade my metric stuff alone?

And on the same train of thought, I've never owned any impact stuff although I would like to change that. Can the same be said for impact sockets, or am I served just as well by the harbor freight set?

 

[pipsters]

From my understanding Snap-On initially owned the patent for "flank drive". Since it expired, every tool company makes the same sort of off corner engagement in their sockets.

 

[wreckercologist]

If you don't mind my asking, what is wrong with your current tool set?

 

[Super Sport]

So can someone give me a compelling argument one way or another as to why it would or would not be justifiable to spend $1200 to upgrade my metric stuff alone?

Unless you use your tools every day, I could never justify that purchase unless I had some really deep pockets.

But if you feel compelled to buy SO, have you looked at used? This is beating a dead horse, but used SO can be had for pennies on the dollar.

 

[GoBlue]

Im a big snap on fan, but honestly the two areas where i would not spend the money are on chrome sockets and even more so on impact sockets. Your Craftsman sockets are fine. You would not be gaining anything of note by switching. I have sockets made by Matco, Craftsman, Snap on, Mac, Kobalt, and Wright...they all work about the same. The number one thing imho are ratchets. Once you have those, get flare nut wrenches, hex, and torx bits and your on your way. Extensions, sockets, pliers...not worth the money imho.

 

[kippieland]

I have mostly C-man stuff but I have upgrade my most used tools. I have upgraded all my ratchets etc. I don't think theres anything wrong with C-man sockets. I couldn't imagine spending top dollar on a Truck brand sockets when I'm just a DIY'er....I have 170+ sockets....I can't even imagine what that would cost! That would be my recommendation.

 

[bobcatdan]

Craftsman sockets are the one thing they make that I never saw a problem with. I would spend your money eles where unless you wanted to turn your current set into a car kit or something. As far as impact, if you use impacts a fair amount, then impacts are worth it. Personally I like sunnex impacts, very complete range. If you want upgrade something, if your still running classic craftsman sockets, get yourself some SO's, hardhandles are back!

 

[sberry]

Read down all these threads,,, you really want all the constant worry,,, issues and mental anguish that comes with shiny new tools as well as paying for that pleasure? Just the buffing and polishing compound alone will break most people, good supply of rags too.

 

[va aviator]

If you don't mind my asking, what is wrong with your current tool set?

I aquired most of my hand tools when I was in high school ~10 years ago. My dad was always loyal to craftsman, and that rubbed off on me.

However, since then a few things have gone missing, and in recent years I've not needed to use my tools that much, however that has changed.

So now that I'm finding myself needing them more and more, I'm starting to replace things that have gone missing, upgrading stuff I wasn't impressed with, and buying stuff that I've always borrowed when I needed it.


Of course, I'm not in high school anymore, so I can afford nicer tools, and although I am usually a cheap SOB i'm realizing the shortcomings of cheap tools.

 

[pipsters]

I went exclusively with Craftsman, my box is filled with it. I have personally been happy with the quality save for a few items which I've swapped out. The only reason to upgrade to something else from even Harbor Freight level is to get US made product. Honestly Harbor Freight, Northern, etc., really any Asian especially Taiwanese product is good. Taiwanese in fact probably some of the best out there right now.

I also really like the laser etched Craftsman sockets, I prefer them over the stamped kind.

 

[SINISTER]

Any and all brand name sockets are virtually the same. Snap on spends a lot of money making a socket that is only marginally better than craftsman sockets ect...Thats why they are so expensive. Save money in your pockets and go with craftsman sockets, get 12pt and 6pt of all sets.

Ratchets, and wrenches are the two top things I would buy from snap on. Flank wrenches are awesome. Also snap on extensions are great with the knurling and the newer wobble plus. Once you upgrade all of that and you have the courage to spend 250-400 on the hex and torx bit sets, get them they are better than anything else right now. I will jot a quick list of my must have SO tools.

3/8dr. dual80 4 7/16" ratchet
dual80 Locking Flex Head, 3/8" drive, 11 1/4"

Dual 80, Locking Flex Head, 1/2" drive, 17 5/8"
Dual 80, 1/2" drive, 12"

Ratchet, 1/4", Locking Flex Handle, 6"
Ratchet, 1/4", 4 7/16"

Wobble plus knurled extension set, 1/4", 3/8"
Standard knurled extension set, 1/2"

Master torx set(in case)
Master hex set (in case)
Forget the P# on these but they come in a double sided opening blow molded case. I got them on promo for 400 or so each.

Actually I lied, I do use some snap on sockets. I have a 1/2" impact swivel set. I have used HF, they broke one by one. And the craftsman set is just dollars cheaper than the SO set. Still have them all after 2+ years.

 

[sberry]

and buying stuff that I've always borrowed when I needed it.

This is a point and well worth taking in to consideration. First, we got some real legit professionals on this forum that use cheap tools. I have some, have a lot of Craftsman, a few snappy, about a dozen pieces (which are great and I think every serious rust fighter should have a handful of 6 pt wrenches in small sizes).
Gone are the days of cheap meaning 40 piece socket set in tin tray for 4.95. For common hand tools almost none of this matters, most people need more rather than "better" and the quality level of Walmart tools has surged so hi and the price so low it makes replacement and additional tool cost almost irrelevant. Piss away 75 dollars out to dinner or stroll up to Wallyworld and plunk down 75 in their tool dept and see what you can walk home with.
My take, spending 1200 on some new metrics to see the shine when I have some that work and could buy an off the shelf replacement for 3$ is A waste when I might really need other things to make my life productive, its a hobby like golf or gambling at that point, if I am regular doing where I need it I buy, if I am armstrong bolts on a regular basis I am looking to get to power drive as fast as possible even if it is with HF sockets.
For particulars where durability is a concern I pick brand name, usually on sale, I was strolling HD last weekend, bought 2 new pairs of Channeloks, already spent 100's figure wtf is 25 more, they will be daily used. But,, in my common hard line most additional have been China lately, 30$ or less for whole impact sets and even the parts store carries Duro at about 3$ a piece in singles, lifetime, in stock, billed to me, delivered, any day of the week. So cheap and so good, if a guy needs extra cant even buy a Mac for that vs 20 or 30$ off a truck I got to kiss up to.
I have worked this stuff hard,,, for long time, thousands of cycles, beat it like a rented mule with hi power air guns. I can count the busted impact sockets on one hand, 30+ years, a couple 1 1/8 and a couple 3/4, maybe a 15/16. The avg mechanic probably has at most a couple dozen tools he regularly beats at that level over a career, most of them sit in a box. Suspension guys, tire changers, some of the specialists use a few pieces they ever could wear out or damage, repeated hi stress, some sockets in sets almost never get used, bought them to ride a tool box.
I would get basic and then suitable duplicates where frequency of use was high. Every once in a while a guy has to reach back for 11/32 socket but I use 7/16 500x times, its a rare day I need 1/2x1/2 impact socket, I got a couple if needed but have 6 or 8 9/16 and 3/4 that I use daily. In todays world I would take the 6 or 8 China impact sockets over 1 premium one in a heartbeat.
Takes a long time, got to do a lot of work to pay for end wrench set at 30$ a piece or more, consider initial investment, depreciation, insurance, loss, return on investment, etc makes a set of Stanley's or even Kobalt, or Craftsman sale look pretty good.
A guy could make enough changing a starter out to pay for the set vs 1st payment. You could be in the black on many tool investments in hours, days.
I wouldn't speculate on everything you "think" you need but rather look down at my hands during the day and see whats in them or the things I found myself looking for during the day.
Over the years I bought a few screwdriver sets, lots of singles for wiring but a couple 19.95 flea mkt things, as I look out there there are still some pieces in circulation we still use, run across a couple WT Grant end wrenches still working. I bought a couple combo wrenches off the shelf a while back, 15/16, singles, one was full polish like 6$ and another some generic USA maybe 8$, at that cost makes no sense not to have it where we need it.

 

[byoungblood]

Probably 85-90% of my sockets are Craftsman, and with the exception of some Wright sockets I've picked up off the classifieds here for a good deal, I don't really plan on replacing them. For DIY use, they're just fine.

I'm on the lookout for some Torx sockets that won't break the bank, I've got a Taiwanese set that I've been using for the better part of the last 10+ years, and while none have broken yet, some of them are getting rather worn.

I really like the Wright Grip wrenches, they do feel much better in my hand than Craftsmans, and are about 1/2-3/4" longer per wrench if that matters to you. I have a couple of Snap On flank drive plus wrenches I picked up at yard sales and I prefer the Wrights over them. Hell of a bargain too at the prices they ask for them.

I upgraded from Craftsman ratchets long ago, I had a Cornwell 1/2" drive, S-K and Snap On 1/4" drive ratchets I aquired from my grandfather years ago, and bought a Snap On flex handle (36 tooth) in 3/8" drive after I finally got tired of warrantying Craftsman ratchets. On the other hand, I do have one of their premium (84 tooth) 1/4" drive ratchet and it is a pretty nice tool.

I also like the Craftsman Professional screwdrivers. Definitely a few steps from from their normal drivers, and I'd dare say even a bit nicer than the Kleins I have.

 

[sberry]

I use a ratchet with some frequency but not lots long time. I bought couple ATD 3/8 wobbles, knurled like 12$ a set of 3. I am not super demanding of specialty bits but got some from Wally world and a set from ACE hwd for 14$ when I had a jam because of my hi dollar ones, they still going, figured I would have had to replace, so far still in service. I might have twisted up a Wallyworld metric but abused and will likely replace with a sears single.
My sears here *****, one an hour away but they have great singles, replaced a missing one the other day for about 8$, I happened to be up there and swung over about 5 miles for a 13mm 3/8 swivel we missed and could use immediately. They had it in stock, less than 1/4 of a truck cost, worked well.

 

[sberry]

This whole question is vague anyway, I need some tools more and should I replace the ones I got is about saying I need a truck because I want to haul something.

 

[Blacksn95]

I was having the same dilemma as you a while ago. But talking to a few friends that work as mechanics and machinists they recommended that i replace my ratchets over to Snap On or Mac and keep my craftsman sockets as they are decent quality.

 

[SMKS]

From my understanding Snap-On initially owned the patent for "flank drive". Since it expired, every tool company makes the same sort of off corner engagement in their sockets.

I've heard this rumor other places, but I think it's just that, a rumor.

Bonney started making off-corner engagement sockets right about the same time Snap-On did. So, Snap-On wasn't the only company making flank-drive style sockets.


To the OP-

Craftsman sockets are still a bargain. They're still (for the moment) USA made. I've tried different brands but really didn't notice any benefit over my Craftsman sockets.

I'd say upgrade your ratchets, but keep the Craftsman sockets.

 

[RRmech]

I started wrenching on cars in the 60's, and retired as a train mechanic in 2008.

Being thrifty (read: cheapskate), the great majority of my tools were bought USED at flea-markets, yard/garage sales, and pawn shops.
Older American-made tools....IF.....not worn out or abused can be great bargains!
Brands like Duro-Chrome, Indestro, Proto, Fleet, S-K, Plumb, Wright, Armstrong, Williams, etc., are solid workingman's hand tools.
I even managed to score a bunch of decent condition Snap-On sockets for $1-a-socket.
Part of the fun in finding good, bargain tools, is often the hunt.

Good luck!
Steve

 

[pipsters]

I've heard this rumor other places, but I think it's just that, a rumor.

Bonney started making off-corner engagement sockets right about the same time Snap-On did. So, Snap-On wasn't the only company making flank-drive style sockets.

You might be right. Either way the sockets you buy these days offer to advantage in that regard.

 

[kippieland]

I think the OP needs read some more posts to find what tools are worth spending the money and which ones Craftsman are fine with. This thread should help:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78451&highlight=craftsman+pass/fail

I have one SK 10mm socket and while I love looking at it for its high quality chrome, I can't really tell a difference compared to the Craftsman socket. But on the other hand, I have an SK long 1/4 ratchet and there is no comparison to the 1/4 RP ratchet....10 time better.

The more you read on GJ, the more you will find out which things are good for less and which things to spend the money on. Everyone is right about quality being very high.....

 

[ls1dreams]

This thread I made might be helpful:

What tools are worth spending extra on?

 

[twincam00]

I have a 1/2" impact swivel set. I have used HF, they broke one by one. And the craftsman set is just dollars cheaper than the SO set. Still have them all after 2+ years.

Show me this set that is 2 bucks cheaper

 

[va aviator]

Thanks to all for the replies....

As mentioned by others I think I'll keep my craftsman sockets, and continue to upgrade/procure a few other things, mainly wrenches, hex/torx sockets, etc.

The tool world can be funny. I read the "what tools are worth spending extra on" and I've had the opposite experience for a few. My set of Ryobi cordless tools works great, but any time i've bought expensive drill bits or punches, i've just ended up buying more drill bits or punches... LOL.

 

[sberry]

One of the best mechanics I know actually has very few tools and kind of a collection of junk although he doesn't routinely ram a bunch of auto parts in and out. There is no pre determined way to figure out the tools a guy really needs but than to add as needed.
I could probably use a couple sets of impact swivels yet but most things can be ran straight up with a little imagination.

 

[FXDawg]

If it ain't broke, why replace it?

 

[MechManiac]

My first socket set was an inexpensive Chinese set. I upgraded to Craftsman as my needs for more tools grew. Then I joined GJ and all hell broke loose with the tool devil telling me to upgrade, upgrade, upgrade.
Someone here suggested that when your Craftsman tool breaks, it's time to upgrade (probably to S/O). I've stuck with this upgrade technique so far and I've only had need to buy a select few S/O and Wright sockets, and ratchets as the Craftsman ones wore out a bit or broke.
If you own a lower quality breaker bar, upgrade that! I'm a weekend DIY'er with no impact tools; PB Blaster and muscle works for me for engine and suspension work. When I come across a real stubborn bolt, I'll immediately buy impact tools.

 

[Brad54]

I've got Craftsman sockets and Craftsman professional wrenches and ratchets. I don't have any Snap-on ratchets, though I do have an old breaker bar that was my dads, a 3/8 speeder that was his that got replaced several years ago, and a 1/2-inch speeder I picked up at the swap meet for next to nothing.

Over the years, when I've seen them cheap, I've grabbed Snap-on 6pt sockets at swap meets, garage sales and pawn shops. Mac, too. I've got one tray of 1/2-drive 6pt shorts, mostly impacts, and 12-pt Craftsman, with a few snap-ons.
Got a few Snap-on 3/8-drive sockets mixed in with my 3/8 and 1/4 inch sockets... My socket collection is probably 65/35 Craftmsman/Snap-on and Mac.
Do I see a difference? Not really.
For impacts, I have a set of Craftsman 1/2-inch deepwells. I don't have non-impact 1/2-deep. No reason I can see for having two sets of deepwell sockets, one impact, one non-impact. 3/8 impacts just don't make sense to me... if you need an impact, get one size that will do everything... that's 1/2-inch.

For wrenches, I've got a few Snap-ons and Mac in with my Craftsman Professional, in long and short lengths, and my reversible Gear Wrenches. On the wall, I've got a little of everything hanging: Cornwell, Mac, Proto, Bluepoint, but the vast majority is Craftsman raised panel or polished. I have at least three of every size from 3/8-inch to 1 inch, and two from 1 1/16 to 1 1/2. (Sabina Mac and vintage Cornwell)

Again... never, ever had an issue.
If I KNOW a fastener is going to be a *****, I got to a six-point box wrench, and at that point, I really don't think it makes a lick of difference who's name is on the beam.
For sockets, I have 6 and 12 point sizes in everything but 3/8 and 1/2 deep--those I have a single set of 6 points.
The only time my 12 points ever come out is if I'm wrenching with someone else in the shop. Otherwise, I always use 6 point.

So, that's my long, drawn-out version of "I wouldn't spend $1200 on Snap-on sockets or wrenches. I'd spread that $1200 around at swap meets and put together multiple sets of sockets and wrenches."

I do like the quality of Snap-on body hammers, and they made a lot of them in unique head shapes. Every man needs at least one dedicated sheetmetal body hammer.

-Brad