what tools would you upgrade

[joelowrider]

I see alot of snap on mac and matco tools out there.

What is worth the money to upgrade from cheaper brands.

I have a tool box full of a fair amount of tools I was just wondering if anything is worth upgradeing

I am really thinking of a dual 80 snap on ratchet

 

[spongerich]

You hit the nail on the head.
The Snap-on 80 tooth ratchets are an absolute pleasure to use. I have a few, but the soft handle is my favorite.

Snap-On and Mac wrenches are pretty nice to use. I've built up a decent collection by picking up the ones I use most first and just keeping an eye out for deals.

Sockets, yeah the truck brands are nice but I'd put them low on the list.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Don't spend money just spend it. If what you have works, keep it. If something does not preform when you need it to, then upgrade. Unless you have craftsman raised panel ratchets, then replace it with literally anything else.

 

[jn50308401]

Big ticket tools for me. I'm happy with my hand tools, a cats and dogs mix of new and used, brand name and none.

Air compressor, better shop lighting/electrical are really my goals now

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[d.mcfarland]

Why ask a question when we have no idea what you have now or what you do with them?

 

[PJNJ]

Why ask a question when we have no idea what you have now or what you do with them?

I agree. What brand of sockets and ratchets do you have now? And do they do the job for you now or are there problems you are having with any of them?

 

[Mccool]

Don't spend money just spend it. If what you have works, keep it. If something does not preform when you need it to, then upgrade.

Very well said

 

[BMack37]

I'm one that doesn't mind using HF tool for a lot of things but the one tool that I think EVERYONE should upgrade is their adjustable wrenches. Cheap or even "decent" adjustable wrenches are awful and frustrating to use. I haven't used one better than the Channellock Wideazz wrenches, they don't back off at all. If you aren't physically turning the adjustment screw, those jaws aren't going to move on you.

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

Ill put it this way....

I own the Duralast sockets in 1/4 and 3/8. They serve me well, i have had to warranty a few of them for chrome chipping and i believe i broke one or two sockets. Do you think i should exchange them for another brand? Ill admit the chroming on the metric 3/8 drive set is ****, but i dont see a point in upgrading something that is working perfectly fine for my needs, and im in diesel.


Unless you get some CRAZY deal and it would be stupid to not accept.

The only time i have done that with is with wrenches.

 

[iScream]

I think you need to upgrade all your sockets, wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers.

 

[Finky198]

One word. RATCHETs

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Quality ratchets, pliers, and screwdrivers are a must in my mind.

 

[Moose364]

I upgrade or add too when I run across really good deals, like a couple of weeks ago I was in a pawn shop and ran across a full set of the snap-on snap ring pliers in the case for $49.00 so I added them to my collection and I still have the old craftsman that I have had for years

 

[lightning02]

If I had to upgrade something of mine. It be my wrenches. I have just about every usa wrench from CM and size. I never have broken or bent one. They have done there job without fault all these years. Only reason I would upgrade is bc It would be nice if they where longer and polished. Other wise they do there job just fine.

 

[1950mercury]

I think you need to upgrade all your sockets, wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers.

Wow I'm surprised at that smart *** answer when you posted a similar post about a week ago

 

[rockinacummins]

Quality ratchets, pliers, and screwdrivers are a must in my mind.

Ditto ^^^

 

[Wamsutta]

That all depends on whether you can tell the difference between a cheap tool and an expensive tool. You'd be surprised by the amount of people who can't tell the difference.

 

[92integra]

.... I really like a quality wrench, there is really something to be said for fd+ and wright grip. I really like a nice ratchet as well.... My sockets are grey pneumatic and gear wrench, hammers are hammers, pliers the more the merrier, pry bars are whatever holds up. Happy where I'm at for hand tools.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

I've been upgrading/expanding my hand tools a bit lately. I find that I'm usually after better screwdrivers, pliers, ratchets, socket extensions and my core set of frequently used wrenches. The first two on that list made the biggest difference when I went to better quality.

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[joelowrider]

i upgraded my screwdivers I think I am going to go after some ratchets seems like that has been brought up alot

 

[Davefr]

Very well said

^^^+1.

You upgrade for these reasons:
1. Increase your efficiency
2. Be able to perform more/newer tasks
3. Eliminate problems

By upgrading, what would you gain? If you can't come up with an answer then wait and the opportunities will present themselves over time.

 

[crewchief888]

i think upgrading ratchets, 1/4" hex bits, allen/torx sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers are probably the "best" things you can do.

i'd rather have 1 or 2 quality tools, than a drawer full of ****.


quality before quantity.

just my $0.02

 

[theoldwizard1]

The only thing I can thing of is getting rid of my cheap *** propane torch and replacing it with a nice acetylene (no oxygen) torch on a 10' hose with a B bottle.

 

[FigureItOut]

^^^+1.

You upgrade for these reasons:
1. Increase your efficiency
2. Be able to perform more/newer tasks
3. Eliminate problems

By upgrading, what would you gain? If you can't come up with an answer then wait and the opportunities will present themselves over time.

I had the same questions as OP and this has answered it simply and sensibly. Thank you.

 

[speed bump]

Buy tools that expand your capabilities or make stuff go faster. Unless a tool is slowing you down there really isn't much reason to replace it.

 

[iScream]

Wow I'm surprised at that smart *** answer when you posted a similar post about a week ago

I'm surprised so much advice is being given without knowing much at all about what the OP already has. I don't think it was an overly smart *** answer to a question with so little context.

In the thread I started, I asked about specific tools and for specific reasons to upgrade, and showed what I already own.

Chris

 

[ruffryder]

I don't think it was an overly smart *** answer to a question with so little context.

He didn't say overly, just smart ***, which it seems you agree with.

 

[shoggoth80]

Always a hard question to answer without details. I almost always vote for ratchets. It's great to have *nice* ratchets. Eliminate the boutique factor. Higher end ratchets tend to just be easier, and more pleasant to work with. I personally am a fan of longer ratchets with comfort handles 9 times out of 10 (unless you NEED to use a shorty, but those times nothing else will do).

 

[iScream]

He didn't say overly, just smart ***, which it seems you agree with.

Uh huh. Regardless of whether you or 1950mercury approve of using sarcasm to make a point, I told the OP to upgrade the most fundamental tools.

Do you disagree with upgrading any of the tool categories I mentioned? Do you actually have any advice for the OP?

 

[heytrid]

my list in order:

1. screwdrivers
2. Pliers (these move lower on the list if you already have usa made)
3. Allen Keys (USA made, snap on ones are cheap but they are just rebranded bondhous so whatever is cheaper or on sale)
4. ratchets (most used first, I personally do not like the comfort grips on anything as I find they flex in my handle when tightening things, breaker bars however I like them)

Ratchets are a slippery slope because once you upgrade one you will want to upgrade them all.

 

[ruffryder]

Uh huh. Regardless of whether you or 1950mercury approve of using sarcasm to make a point, I told the OP to upgrade the most fundamental tools.

Do you disagree with upgrading any of the tool categories I mentioned? Do you actually have any advice for the OP?

Advice would depend upon what the OP already has... lol. I would say most people cheap out on screwdrivers when first getting their tool collection started, so that would be my first choice, along with allen and torx bits / keys / whatever.

Ratcheting wrenches are also awesome as well, so if you have standard wrenches, getting ones that ratchet are a big benefit.

I have a full set of craftsman sockets, standard, metric, and impact for 3/8 and 1/2. I don't see a need to upgrade from them at all. If the sockets fit, what else is to be gained?

I would also say tool box. I love having a bigger tool box. It allows all my tools to be neatly displayed, making it easy for me to find exactly what I am looking for, and to find what is missing. It just makes the experience easier and more enjoyable. Though I am a hobbiest.

 

[zkling]

Quality ratchets, pliers, and screwdrivers are a must in my mind.

To me in reverse order listed would be order of importance. Cheap screwdrivers ****, slipping or springy pliers are terrible (knipex, my eyes were opened).

i'd rather have 1 or 2 quality tools, than a drawer full of ****.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

In order to offer any advice on the contents of a tool box: I would prefer to know more about the single most important tool;; and that is the owner himself. His experience and knowledge, what tools he currently has, any future plans, and budget would all be a factor.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

i think upgrading ratchets, 1/4" hex bits, allen/torx sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers are probably the "best" things you can do.

i'd rather have 1 or 2 quality tools, than a drawer full of ****.


quality before quantity.

just my $0.02

Agree: quality tools that hold up.. vs the "tooloids" that impersonate them..

 

[Fugio]

If it works, why replace it?

If I break something, I upgrade it (or the entire set).

If a tool breaks something, like wrenches that round off fasteners), I upgrade it.