What to buy from sears?

[garfunkle24]

Hey guys

Haven't been on the board much lately as I've been crazy busy, working all over the country. I have been lurking a lot though to keep up with the ongoings of the board using my data phone, but it's time-consuming to try and make a decent post, especially with pics.

Does anyone know how difficult it would be with the bulletin software to implent a mobile friendly version?

Anyway, I'm rambling now.

I have all my best tools in my top chest (all metric) ready to go on the road. I would really like to have duplicates of a lot of stuff for my bottom box, so I could leave my Road Chest loaded on the truck. I cannot afford to fill my roll cab with the same quality of tools I have in my top box. So far I have pliers and screwdrivers, standard combo wrenches (Candian Craftsman) and standard ratcheting wrenches. I have set of 3/8 snappy regular and deep metric sockets, but all the rest of my sockets are Canadian Craftsman (Taiwanese at best).

The things I need still include Pry bars, hex 'allen" sockets, metric sockets and flatwrenches, ratchets (might go with snappy for those).

Until recently I unfortunately wasn't able to order from sears USA but now it is not a problem for me.

So guys, I have a few specific questions for you:

1. Should I just get CMAN/CMAN pro in all of the above?
2. Is it worth upgrading my Craftsman Taiwan (in my good set) to Craftsman USA, bearing in mind I want to upgrade to snap-on sockets when I'm less broke than I am now.
3. Does anyone know how often some of this stuff goes on sale? For example, the CM Pro metric combo wrench set
4. Any and all suggestions for mid-high level tools that won't entirely destroy my pocket book are very much welcome.

I really need your help on this one guys. I'm going to run into an issue with trucks being unavailable if I don't get a working roll cab going quickly. In the meantime, just means a lot of tool moving. I know there's a vast amount of Craftsman and general tool knowledge aroud here, now show me!

Thanks in advance geniuses of all things tool related

 

[speed bump]

The Cman regular pry bar sets often go on sale for $20 I would suggest those as they seem to work pretty darn well.

Metric sockets, I wouldn't replace what you have but if you can get the Craftsman on sale unless you really really wail on them they should survive just fine.

Flat wrenches I would suggest the Cman pro or else Proto (these can be had pretty cheaply on Ebay or reasonably elsewhere.)

As far as mid-high level stuff thats well made and inexpensive Proto (especially second hand), Armstrong, Williams and if you know what your doing you can basically get good stuff without spending a lot of money it just takes patience to find out what works well for who and realizing that no specific brand makes the best tool for everything.

 

[garfunkle24]

The Cman regular pry bar sets often go on sale for $20 I would suggest those as they seem to work pretty darn well.

Metric sockets, I wouldn't replace what you have but if you can get the Craftsman on sale unless you really really wail on them they should survive just fine.

Flat wrenches I would suggest the Cman pro or else Proto (these can be had pretty cheaply on Ebay or reasonably elsewhere.)

As far as mid-high level stuff thats well made and inexpensive Proto (especially second hand), Armstrong, Williams and if you know what your doing you can basically get good stuff without spending a lot of money it just takes patience to find out what works well for who and realizing that no specific brand makes the best tool for everything.

Thanks for the advise, but I very much realise that no specefic brand makes the best for everything. I have Snap-On, Craftsman, Mac, Hazet, PB Swiss, Knipex, wera, wiha, Grip-on, Mastercraft, Blue-point....etc. It's just that I'm used to buying the best tools (regardless of cost) rather than looking for more value from tools that are good enough for, and will hold up to, regular pro use.

 

[r0meyrome]

I believe my sears still has the craftsman pro 8 piece or something wrenches metric on closeout for $45 or so it retails at 65-75 let me know if your interested.

Also you might wanna check out Toptul from Mike..wrenhandtools.com...he gives GJ members 20% off! Im in the process of changing my CM stuff to Toptul right now.

 

[billymade]

You might want to buy one of the mechanics tool sets that come in a plastic case in the 90-190 piece range; they go on sale all the time. Some even go 50% off from time to time; I think they are a good deal and you get allot of tools. If you have someone in the USA as a contact; keep your eyes on the Craftsman club sale flyer and have them join the club if they aren't already. Seems many of the good deals are mentioned on here as well... keep your eyes peeled. Toptul is a option as well... aside from prybars and sockets what else do you need?
Maybe you should make a list of your needs and post it in the classifieds section; who knows... you might just be able to buy everything from GJ members!

 

[RRmech]

While everyone likes to trash flea-bay, there is quite a bit of NOS American-made tools that pop up.
While some sellers are totally delusional in their pricing, you can get some pretty sweet deals on occasion.
Even better deals can be found on used American-made tools, from companies that are still in business and have lifetime warranties.

Steve

 

[Joelfke]

I believe my sears still has the craftsman pro 8 piece or something wrenches metric on closeout for $45 or so it retails at 65-75 let me know if your interested.

Also you might wanna check out Toptul from Mike..wrenhandtools.com...he gives GJ members 20% off! Im in the process of changing my CM stuff to Toptul right now.

is Toptul good quailty? the prices seem pretty cheap, and i havent heard of them previously, im just wondering i dont mean to insult "mike"

 

[r0meyrome]

IMHO Toptul is way above craftsman price and quality wise. I have the full 1/2, 3/8. 1/4 deep and shallow metric set, 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 72 teeth Ratchets, 1/2,3/8,1/4 wobble extensions, as well as universal joints. To me they are perfectly good and ready to purchase a full metric combination, box, and stubby wrench set. Im just starting to get into the trade and have used them sparingly at school when I get the chance. But if you look in the product vendor section they have tremendous reviews and comments about Toptul. As you can see Im slowly inching my way towards a Toptul collection. Price and quality cannot be beat plus Mike is a hella of a nice guy. Give him a call and ask if you can get a sample or something. Hes definitely willing to help out.

 

[Joelfke]

IMHO Toptul is way above craftsman price and quality wise. I have the full 1/2, 3/8. 1/4 deep and shallow metric set, 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 72 teeth Ratchets, 1/2,3/8,1/4 wobble extensions, as well as universal joints. To me they are perfectly good and ready to purchase a full metric combination, box, and stubby wrench set. Im just starting to get into the trade and have used them sparingly at school when I get the chance. But if you look in the product vendor section they have tremendous reviews and comments about Toptul. As you can see Im slowly inching my way towards a Toptul collection. Price and quality cannot be beat plus Mike is a hella of a nice guy. Give him a call and ask if you can get a sample or something. Hes definitely willing to help out.

Sounds pretty good. Im studying GMASEP at school so im gonna need tools eventually. All the stuff i have now is CM except for a few select items i pulled cheap off ebay like a couple snapon ratchets