what tools have you actually broke while using?

[Robbie UK]

Torx 40's for some reason and I can't be the only one as a couple of companies over here will not warranty the T40. Other sizes yes, but not the T40.

Weird.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I've broken plenty of screwdrivers and drill bits over the years. Mainly when trying to pry something...oops!

 

[Trucky]

Countless flathead Craftsman screwdrivers using them on flat screws (I really think this is due to the ribs that are etched in the head that makes them weak because they shear off straight with them please correct me if I'm wrong.) And an SK #2 phillips on a phillips screw that hadn't moved in 40 years. Not bashing the Craftsman stuff at all but it seems I have broke more of that stuff. Oh and in my early days when I had some Tiawanese no name junk I would snap that in a heartbeat.

I'd be more inclined to say that from a technical standpoint, the ribs could somewhat lower (realistically not much) the size of the cross section of the steel in the tip, lowering it's resistance to plastic deformation... but I'll just go ahead and say that the steel used for them ain't the best quality around. But they're decent units at a decent price with a darn good warranty so no one really bothers with that much.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I split a cheap Taiwanese socket years ago while trying to take a lug nut off with a breaker bar on my old truck. It was a part of a set given to me by my parents as some of my first tools.

Other than that I break the occasional drill bit. Broke two recently at work while destroying some hard drives. I finally decided that Im no longer going to drill them with the big dewalt, instead I'm going to drill em at the range with some .223

 

[Rivethead]

twisted the hex part of a 3/8 drive stanley hex socket, size 1/4
broke the hex part of a 3/8 drive HF hex socket, size 1/4 (used the new 1/2 drive matco cordless impact on it)
HF impact step down from 3/4 to 1/2 twice. (once while using 1 inch impact, second with 3/4)
HF 3/8 drive impact swivel (spring came undone)
broke part of the head of a big craftsman flathead screwdriver (used it prying)
stripped the threads on a MAC puller set with my old 1/2 drive HF earthquake impact
HF drill bits
HF channel lock pliers (junk)
HF magnetic pick-up tools
BluePoint 3/4 flex head ratchet wrench (ratcheting part got dirty & i think that was part of it)
Blackhawk 3/8 ratchets (the new kind. abused the hell out of them but i still think they're junk)
helped break a Snapon 3 inch chrome extension, 1/2 drive (i was standing on it)

 

[bimmerZ5]

i've cracked several Craftsman sockets (old USA ones) while working on really rusted old front end suspensions. got them replaced under warranty at Sears.

i've broken the lock ring of the Craftsman click-type torque wrenches, also while working on front end suspension on old car. this is when i found out that the warranty is only 90 days or something like that. was pretty pissed... and now i'm careful to read the fine print on Craftsman stuff... don't trust the "lifetime warranty on craftsman tools" moto any more...

i've broken the HFT plastic bar clamps.. the plastic gets software as it ages and eventually the handle gave out. i repaired it with some nuts and bolts and drilled a hole through the plastic to hold the handle in with the bolt.

i've broken a husky 3/8" ratchet... it just blew up one day, can even remember what i was doing.. just remember that as I was about to use it, all the internals just popped out all over the floor. called the 1-800 number and they mailed me a new one.

i'm sure there are others but that's all that comes to mind right now...

 

[V70R]

Cornwell from a month back:

<a href="http://s632.photobucket.com/albums/uu44/Tylervr6/?action=view&current=IMG_20120113_161406-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu44/Tylervr6/IMG_20120113_161406-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"></a>

Zero damage to the gear, pawl. 3/8'' long flex

 

[Your Father]

Its the tools' soul escaping. Snap-On usually captures 2 souls for each tool so you might get 2 puffs when one of those break. Try to capture them in a bottle next time! They have trade in value on the truck.

Thats funny.

 

[bcook07]

hex sockets, regular sockets, a tail pipe expander form the zone to name a few

 

[W650Mike]

1/2" drive 5/8' C-man socket on a short ratchet just last week. The socket was older, somewhat worn and had probably seen the end of the impact gun a time or two before I could afford black sockets.

I bent and broke flat blades of all brands - probably not by turning screws.

 

[nnySk]

Proto 3/4 drive rachet on gang bolt
Sk 3/8 rachet snapped the head off
Sk 3/8 wobble extension sheared off the wobble part
Gedore 15/16 wrench bent pretty bad
A couple Thorsen USA wrenchs broke 1/2 and 5/8
Two snap on impacts sockets 1 1/16 and 1 1/4 split

 

[91bronc300]

I broke a 20 bridge crane while changing a mold in an injection molding machine. Had D-rings bolted to both sides of the mold, had the bridge crane hook through both D-rings, instructed the machine to open the mold. BOOM!

 

[humpdawg]

I've got only one so far.
I broke one of my snap on mini picks.
Broke the hell out of it, too. Snapped off right at the handle so an easy blade replacement was impossible.
Co workers have misused and broken my tools.

I once leant out my mini hook to a jer-gof. He used it as a damn prybar. It was returned bent back 90 degrees. He told me to straighten it and be ok, flabbergasted, I replied "you know its HSS, right?". This guy could break an anvil with a rubber mallet.

Recently, he asked to use my instinct handle clip tool, out of pure reflex I felt my face make a wierd expression of disbelief as I questioned "Where's yours?!"

I'll just say im the only one allowed to use my tools these days. I make an exception for my old brother or my dad but only because I love them. Anyone else will be very lucky to get a ball peen hammer from me.

 

[ssblood]

A couple of Matco 1/2" extensions, Matco 1/2" long ratchet, several impact wobble sockets, a 3/8" and 1/2" Ti series IR impacts (junk IMO, only buy SO now), screwdrivers, pry bars, SO puller jaws, a bunch of adapters, all kinds of things. I'd rather break the tool than a bolt most of the time though. Really hate when I break a tap or extractor though.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Before I started buying good tools, I had the guts launch right out the back of a Powerbuilt socket wrench while trying to break loose a flexplate bolt on a seized engine. I'm sure the 4 feet of cheater pipe didn't help any...

 

[va aviator]

Craftsman ratchets... I now own snap on.

Punches tremble at the mention of my name. I should start selling them as art.

Many a cheap screwdriver, they're versatile.

A $15 pittman arm puller, made by autocraft I believe. A $40 puller, a torch, and a BFH solved the problem..

 

[jtfc]

Forgot about this one. I had an evercraft 3/4 ratchet grenade itself while being commandeered/abused as a hammer out in a rice paddy. It is now welded in to a breaker bar call it the circle of life or something .

 

[peteyvw]

SO panel cutter in a PH3050 air hammer cutting a panel off a bluebird school bus. Droppped my IRT RA air die grinder from the top of box truck - cracked the AL body. Brand new pair of SO AWP65 pliers - XMas gift - used the first time - crushing my knuckles - GD channel lock style pliers: I can never, ever trust them - even SO! Many, many 12pt Chrome Craftsman sockets: shallow deep - even the mid-depth. Craftsman Ratchet Wrenches: Brought 'em all to the store and got cash for them after bloodying myself for the last time with the plastic repalcement parts that's now being used. I bought all SO ratchets & Luv 'em, specially the dual 80 ratchets!!

End of my horror stories

 

[chumley360]

I'm not going to go into all the screw driver tips and allen keys that have sheared. I've cracked a few sockets taking out rusty bolts. The only impact socket I've ever cracked happened while I was taking apart a Volvo B23t, those head bolts must have been in since 83. Some picks, pry bars and alignment pins have all lost it on various jobs. If you use your tools they're gonna break one day.

 

[Rye425]

Tried to use a 10mm 12pt C-man socket to wrench a broken sparkplug out. All 12 teeth sheared off and fell out of the socket, looked like chrome rice lol. Ended up welding on a hex nut to what should come on every ez-out already...

 

[twofifty]

I have broken more T40 torx bits then i can remember, they all get broken when removing/replacing front drive shaft bolts on a ram 3500 diesel. I am looking into getting a set of impact style torx sockets now lol.

I think i've broken a few screwdrivers in my time and ofcourse the 1/2 impact swivel.

Oh and i have several cman sockets in my toolbox that need returning. They're cracked also.....

 

[mayhemman]

stupid craftsmans 3/8" ratchets reversed on me alot. i finally gave up and slowly bought some snap on ratchets and now don't have that issue. i also have some armstrong and round head craftsmans that are ok.

i have not had issue with my 1/4" or 1/2".

ive broken a couple punches being foolish and not knowing better. i don't think ive ever broken a wrench of decent qaulity. i know ive broken a few no names or cheap stuff here and there.

broken a few cheap screwdrivers, bent more flat head craftsmans then i care to know. broke a few claw hammers,shovel handles ect.

broke two breaker bars, one a penncraft,one a duralast.

i can't think of anymore off the top of my head.

 

[monster1]

Funny thing that this thread popped back up. Today I broke a Cman USA rp ratchet. You're not supposed to put a four foot cheater on those are you?

 

[karrbass4life]

Shattered a 6 point Snap-On 19mm deep socket and broke my MG725 trying to take off OE tires on an expedition with 35k miles. They were never rotated before either.
Snapped my 1/2 to 3/8 HF adaptor once.
Shattered my 19mm HF tightening lug nuts.
Snapped two ratchet straps this week holding a hydraulic cylinder up in place.
Shattered two LED drop lights of Terra-Lux brand.
Broke a free HF air drill.
Broke a few Craftsman sockets over daily use. 13mm, 10mm. 1/2" all are 3/8" drive deep chrome sockets
Broke a 5/16 Craftsman wrench dropping and axle on a truck
Stripped out my Craftsman new generation 1/4" ratchet 3 times in one month doing trans work.
Stripped out my Craftsman new generation 3/8" ratchet twice due to daily use.
Stripped out my 10mm, and 13mm reversible Gearwrenches.
Snapped my Mac T30 socket once.
Bent a handful of cheap HF punches.

Luckily my employer replaces our tools for us with tools of equal or greater quality. Most of my broken HF stuff was replaced with GP or CP. Example: Turned in a worn out HF twin hammer impact and got a new IR in return.

 

[03protege]

Craftsman Rp 3/8"- had a good long life.
Craftsman Rp 1/2"- barely used but abused

Many HF Drills- Please don't buy that ****

No name 6" 3/8" extension- twisted like a barber pole

Countless flat head screwdrivers - used for prying and such

An allen key

 

[Brownsfan]

Couple Taiwan Kobalt sockets, craftsman 3/8 ratchet and a 19mm Gearwrench ratcheting flex head wrench. That's it but I am not a conventional pro mechanic. I only do automotive electrical troubleshooting and repair. Also remote starters

 

[William Payne]

There is a brand down here called Powerbuilt. They are an asian brand. I used to have the worst luck with their ratchets, the gears would fall out of them as I was using them.

 

[Ign]

Cheap pitman arm pullers!!

 

[Ign]

There is a brand down here called Powerbuilt. They are an asian brand. I used to have the worst luck with their ratched, the gears would fall out of them as I was using them.

Powerbuilt is here, too. Used to be sold thru Checker Auto or CSK= Checker/Schuck's/Kragen. All our Checkers became O'Reilly and I can't remember if they still carry Powerbuilt. I've got 2 Powerbuilt floor jacks which have been good.

 

[Monte]

T-45 bit from "Brüder Mannesmann"

 

[Dan5speight]

I snapped the legs off a chain puller butnthat was only because I was trying to extract a big *** circlip with it

 

[JJThrasher]

Oh boy.....

Craftsman ratchets - too many to count
Line wrenches - several brands and too many to count
I made my FX80 skip a few teeth earlier this week
Had a T72 give out while tightening a grounding nut. It just kind of seized up.
Extensions. A couple of the HF wobbly ones just break at the wobble. Had a Craftsman shear in the middle
Brand new air drill blew a seal on the first hole, sapped it and the new one is great
I broke the M4 bolts I was using on a harmonic balancer puller once.
3 AC Delco jacks before I bought a couple HF ones


Probably some more stuff I can't recall right now.

 

[InsanePyro]

I've broken a few of those socket adapters. I've sheered out the internals of a few ratchets as well. More drill bits then I care to admit. I think I snapped a sawzall blade at the junkyard too. Snapped off a number of flat head screw drivers or bent them real good. I really need to get a cats claw or full blown prybar/crowbar

I've also killed many torx drivers and torx bolts. Whoever invented those is a real SOB

 

[DeliveryGuy]

I got a flat one day, in my Chev Express work van. I had my 1/2 Napa brand breaker bar trying to take off the lugs, but the shop that recently mounted the summer tires torqued the wheels on full power with the air gun. I lifted on that 24" breaker for all I was worth, the head pivots snapped and shrapnel hit my hand, giving me some very serious cuts.

Then, I put a pipe on the factory supplied wheel wrench, and twisted it 45 degrees...as in, the "hex" steel that the wrench is made out of now has a 45 degree twist to it.

They got their mobile truck to come out for free and change my flat, AND check the other three wheels lol.

 

[NissanTechWill]

We broke two one-way security screw removal bits this week. Stupid Nissan loves using those inside the dash.

What bits security screw removal bits are you talking about? I am a Nissan tech and have no idea what you are referring to.

-Will

 

[bond0087]

Sockets:
As far as sockets go, I've only broken one brand of sockets before: SK

I had a set of SK 6 point 1/2 drive sockets as my primary 1/2 drive metric sockets, both deep and shallow well. They seemed nice; shiny chrome, a bit thick walled, but I figured that must mean that they are really strong.

The first that I broke was a 17mm deep well socket, while using a 24" breaker bar trying to loosen one of the four bolts securing the wheel hub on my Suburban. I should have been using a 2" extension and a shallow socket, but I had the deep well close by. Given that, I gave SK somewhat of a pass there, despite their horrible return policies.

Fast forward to trying to loosen a body brace on a Grand Prix. It is usually a job for 3/8" drive, but one fastener was stubborn so I grabbed my 1/2" 13mm SK socket on the end of my 15" long handle Snap-On ratchet, and proceeded to break the socket. I grabbed an impact wrench and buzzed the bolt right off. Maybe my expectations are unreasonable, but I expect a 1/2 drive socket to be stronger than a rusty M8 bolt.

That was the last socket that I've broken because I immediately replaced those SK's with JH Williams that night.

Wrench
For some reason I broke my rule of only buying quality (usually only USA made) hand tools, and I bought a set of Harbor Freight flare nut wrenches. The same day, I was using the 3/8" one to loosen the bleeder on the back of the rear drum of my Suburban, and, like an idiot, I turned the wrench the wrong way, tightening instead of loosening. Fortunately, the good folks at Harbor Freight designed that flare nut wrench to snap off before I could do any real damage . It was a good easy reminder of why I have my "don't skimp on hand tools" rule.

Ratchets
My 1/4" drive Craftsman ratchet was pretty much broken from the box, it reversed itself constantly. What a POS. I don't know that I'd say that I broke it as much as it was never not broken, though.

 

['52Chevy]

I've broken a few screw drivers, and Cman ratchets..

I'll post a picture later, but I broke a 3" 1/2" Drive extension just exploded basically from the female end, there wasn't that much torque on it either..

 

[rival904]

Broke the wrist pin in a SO 1/2in universal impact swivel
My HF air ratchet of 4yrs lost an and all power today.
Matco "silver eagle" 3/8th swivel

 

[Farmall450]

Some cman screwdrivers, which really aren't meant to be prybars...

Rounded off 1/4 drive 12 point 5/16 because I throw it on my Milwaukee impact or drills and the occasional corroded bolt in electrical tears them up real fast...why I use 6 point now lol.

Surprisingly that's it.
Have seen a few impact sockets split but not my doing.

 

[Farmall450]

Cheap Torx too. Or even Phillips.