When you can't afford SO...

[foreverfalcon40]

This topic has been covered before, but as time changes so does the manufacturers.

I am in the market for some nice size (I mean leverage) wrenches and a few other MISC. items.

I have 3 brands in mine...correct me if I am wrong of course all of these will be second hand pick ups.

1) MAC I had a great experience with their warranty department, wrenches have a polished finish very similar to SO. My fear is that they will be going out of business. I do not want to be left is the dark in the event of a warranty issue. (I have about 30 years of wrenching ahead of me.

2) Blue Point, Price, I can warranty them out on the truck once a week BUT their wrenches are not a high polished finish. Seems the term is called "Satin Finish"

3) Williams or JH Williams Due to a great experience with MAC mail in warranty program I am not afraid of doing so with other companies. I see some wrenches are the Satin Finish and some are polished. I do like the polished finish due to the fact they are easy to clean and look great too!

I have OCD in which I clean every tool I use. Is Satin Finish hard to clean? I co-worker has Blue Point Satin Finished Combo Wrenches but we are not talking terms b/c he voided my tool borrowing policy. "They you barrow it (clean) is they way you return it."

 

[jeffmoss26]

Here we go...

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Here we go...

I own SO wrenches in my job box, now it is time to upgrade my wrench arsenal at the home box. I scored a few months ago 12 Pc. sets OEXN model's for $150 but I just can not find anything else that close!

 

[Loscaldazar]

SK

/end thread

 

[CNGsaves]

Here we go...

Classic . . .. wned:

I've heard that Walmart is coming out with brand OP will love . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . . . ShinyCleanWARRANTYtool.com

 

[foreverfalcon40]

SK

/end thread

The reason why I opted of SK is based soley on theri tool warranty program. You need to go to a vendor and they will warranty it out, hear a lot of vendors demand a receipt which is hard to do when purchasing second hand.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Classic . . .. wned:

I've heard that Walmart is coming out with brand OP will love . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . . . ShinyCleanWARRANTYtool.com

I am not sure what you are trying to get at. One of my biggest pet peeves is down right dirty tools. A few co workers of mine do not even wipe down tools that they use. If our in house cleaners did not wipe down our tools boxes then I guarantee you they would be just as dirty. Oil, grease, dirt grime, and any other fluid builds/gunks up fast. Seeping into the drawliners and spreading. I take pride in having NEAT & Organized box, just not having tools even worse dirty tools piled into draws and compartments. If you need to barrow tools and kits from me, I can tell you exactly where they are.

 

[MattPersman]

Wait till the snap on go on promo sale again they do quite often or buy a used set

 

[rsanter]

Used snap on
Williams
SK

All good options

 

[itsvegas]

used snap on
sk
gearwrench

 

[signcrafter]

Here we go...

Yep this post sounds really similar to a couple of other ones from a few weeks ago that disappeared.

The reason why I opted of SK is based soley on theri tool warranty program. You need to go to a vendor and they will warranty it out, hear a lot of vendors demand a receipt which is hard to do when purchasing second hand.

I also hear some vendors won't let you buy one set of tools at regular price and then buy another set of tools on sale and mix and match to keep what you want out of each set and return the more expensive set to get US made tools for china price. Also heard some vendors don't like it when you try to return china made tools in a package that says Made In The USA. Them crazy vendors that try to keep dishonest people from cheating them.

Harbor freight has polished wrenches and a no question asked warranty.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Wait till the snap on go on promo sale again they do quite often or buy a used set

I bought 2, 12 piece sets used with no owner's marks for $150 (each) to my front door and were in great shape!

My SO guy is a little old school, never mentions sales compared to other fellow mechanics in different areas. I ask him what is on sale and he pauses for a minute then just starts throwing out ridiculous (in a bad way) deals. He has been my rep since February and I have spent up to $500 (Cash) thru him up front with no payment plan. Instead of me giving him $25 a week, I save it buy something second hand. More money I save, More tools I can have. BUT if the price difference is $15 or less, I go through him.

What type of promo sale? How many pieces with price please.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Williams is up there on the list due to the fact they do offer a polished finish.

But if I end up getting a Satin Finish wrench set, my concern is ability to clean. One wipe of a polished wrench and it is as good as new. Depending what I was working on I will spray it Screwloose (form of lubritcant) wipe it again and place in draw.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

used snap on
sk
gearwrench

Honestly, I never thought of Gearwrench as a Combo used wrench. I do own a few sets (Stubby, Regular, Flex, and XL Box in Metric and SAE) of their ratcheting wrenches and I am very pleased. Anything ratcheting in GW line is superior and that is their bread and butter. Seems be that a few members are running into quality controls issues with items other the ratcheting wrenches. I could care less for scratched up tools, but I will not tolerate rusty and poor machined tools (ex: 15mm wrench that won't a fit 15mm as it should).

 

[Gmonkee]

I used both satin finish and polished chrome tools. They clean up the same, I've not noted a difference. Knurled handles on ratchets are about the toughest to keep clean.

Trying to get warranty, low prices and premium brands all in one basket is asking a lot. Short of scamming it under the radar it can be very difficult.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

I used both satin finish and polished chrome tools. They clean up the same, I've not noted a difference. Knurled handles on ratchets are about the toughest to keep clean.

Trying to get warranty, low prices and premium brands all in one basket is asking a lot. Short of scamming it under the radar it can be very difficult.

Thanks for clarifying Satin VS Polished as for as keeping them clean!

Surprised no one mentioned MAC...eek

Off to Ebay I go!

 

[oldldh]

Gearwrench...

Buy shiny, and NEW!!!

 

[ChevyEFI]

Have you never owned an ergonomically terrible, yet ubiquitous Raised Panel handle Craftsman wrench? Non-polished finish all about the handle.

 

[theamcaddict]

SK

/end thread

Beat me to it. end the thread

 

[nine4gmc]

I like Williams and Proto personally, for the longer style wrenches. Satin over chrome any day for me. If you use a wrench like it should be used, shiny chrome will scratch or wear eventually and looks worse than a worn satin wrench imo.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I second williams or proto, if you ask me. Especially if you can get ahold of some superrenches! They ran long from what ive seen

 

[bimmerZ5]

The reason why I opted of SK is based soley on theri tool warranty program. You need to go to a vendor and they will warranty it out, hear a lot of vendors demand a receipt which is hard to do when purchasing second hand.

that's not true. I sent them a broken ratchet in the mail and they mailed me a new one. never asked to go to a vendor nor a receipt.

 

[moronmountain]

I don't like the open ends on Gearwrench, because they spread too easily. SK wrenches are nice, and cheap enough that there is no real reason not to buy new IMO. Having said all that, I won't give up my SO FDP combos or my Cornwell extra long combos for anything else.

 

[bimmerZ5]

My fear is that they will be going out of business. I do not want to be left is the dark in the event of a warranty issue. (I have about 30 years of wrenching ahead of me.

If that statement is a serious concern, then I would not put my money on any USA manufacturer. We've all seen the turmoil that SK went through. Rather, I would then go Gearwrench; they have innovative stuff, priced really well, being manufactured in Taiwan and China means they are likely to be a viable business long term. They have a full line of tools. Their quality is pretty decent. In spite of what some may say, I've never had a problem with their warranty department; although they will ask you to go to a retailer first I just tell them I did and the retailers won't help me and Gearwrench will mail me a new one. Most of the time, I don't even have to mail in the broken tool.

 

[SlowAl]

I've got mix of satin and polished SAE Williams Supercombos and I haven't noticed any additional effort in cleaning up the satin vs. the polished. The polished sure do look pretty, though.

 

[AV tinker er]

All these threads on here about which tool company is better will never get resolved. It is difficult, if not impossible, to but a numerical value on personal preference. Sure you can check the hardness of a wrench's steel and thickness to come up with a ratio of how hard the wrench is versus clearance, but that does not take into account preference.

I previously held a job where I had to buy my own tools. I prefer MAC sockets, I like the way they feel, grip a bolt, lasted me my entire time I worked there. However, the SO driver,we had pulled up outside the hanger twice a week and if he knew you (ironically after you made a few orders) he would make special trips to meet you somewhere. So I bought more SO, even if I preferred the MAC equivalent. Doesn't mean one is really "better" than the other.

Find what tools work for your situation. There is a "feel" that a user has with his/her tools, although you can't statistically take that into account, it does matter to the end user.

Then there is the difficult task of calculating value of a tool. People knock Chinese tools all day but in the end it is the end user who decides whether it is worth it or not. Are the chinese to blame for the poorer quality in manufacturing or is it the corporate conglomerate in our own back yards to blame for wanting to increase the stock price? If Chinese tools were total junk then why is Harbor Freight doing so well? The market responds to the demand.

I will use the example of the HF 44" toolbox. That thing has fantastic reviews on the website (I have one in my garage now because of said reviews). The value of the HF box and a similarly equipped truck box cannot really be debated either. How many HF boxes must one go through until he reaches the cost of a truck brand box? 5? 10? More? So the point I'm trying to make is the time value of money involved when making these purchases. Is one better off buying a truck brand box and that box lasting their career? Or are they better off buying a cheaper box then saving the difference in a retirement account? That is up to each individual and should be made by the individual.

 

[poprockcrusher]

more dissing of SNAP ON ...

 

[AV tinker er]

Edit: not worth the effort....

 

[richfinn]

Warranty??

How is it possible to f*ck up a spanner?

I've been a mechanic for 25yrs and never have I had to warranty a wrench/screwdriver/plier. I've broken the odd socket or breaker bar, but spanners??

 

[basspro]

You gave an explanation, but I will beat on the horse some more... S-K!

 

[JFBURLINGHAM207]

Warranty??

How is it possible to f*ck up a spanner?

I've been a mechanic for 25yrs and never have I had to warranty a wrench/screwdriver/plier. I've broken the odd socket or breaker bar, but spanners??

I agree, in 20 years I broke 1wrench and it was clearly abused, as for the question posed blue point is nice for the money, and who cares if its satin

 

[Gmonkee]

ForeverFalcon......

Just let us know what you found, its all academic if the steel doesn't exist.

I have and use wrenches that span 80 years of time in just about every common brand it its own time. They all turn bolts. Top Euro moderns to 1920's USA brands.

Just get what inspires you to enjoy using them.

 

[nine4gmc]

Warranty??

How is it possible to f*ck up a spanner?

I've been a mechanic for 25yrs and never have I had to warranty a wrench/screwdriver/plier. I've broken the odd socket or breaker bar, but spanners??

I've broken a wrench twice, both times using them to hold the bolt head while the shaft is leveraged against a suspension part and I am leaning on a breaker bar and socket on the nut end. I had the closed end on the bolt head and it shattered sending chunks of shrapnel everywhere. The last one was a HF special, I think the first one was an AC Delco

 

[ChevyEFI]

Warranty??

How is it possible to f*ck up a spanner?

I've been a mechanic for 25yrs and never have I had to warranty a wrench/screwdriver/plier. I've broken the odd socket or breaker bar, but spanners??

OEXLM18 used to loosen suspension nuts & bolts.

It's the only combo wrench I've had to warranty.

 

[alinc100]

How about this set:

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=WRI958

 

[richfinn]

OEXLM18 used to loosen suspension nuts & bolts.

It's the only combo wrench I've had to warranty.

That's not bad going, 1 wrench in a lifetime.

Assuming your an old codger

 

[ChevyEFI]

That's not bad going, 1 wrench in a lifetime.

Assuming your an old codger

I think I'm now the same age as that wrench cost me in USD back when I bought it.

Figure that out.

 

[Conductor562]

I like Williams and Proto personally, for the longer style wrenches. Satin over chrome any day for me. If you use a wrench like it should be used, shiny chrome will scratch or wear eventually and looks worse than a worn satin wrench imo.

Proto and satin finish.

Mac isn't going anywhere. Even if Stanley divest themselves of Mac someone will pick it up. The Mac name is to valuable to die.

Then again, I don't see any Bonney or New Britain stuff rolling off the line

Seriously though, Mac isn't going out of business.

 

[shockwave]

I would go with gearwrench or sk for price and ease of warranty or look at used matco or snap on also look at cornwell used

 

[Loscaldazar]

Official SK warranty policy:

"SK Hand Tool LLC products, except as otherwise specified, are warranted under normal use and service against defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the tool. This warranty does not cover wear from normal use, or any problems caused by misuse, abuse, modification or improper maintenance of the tool."

Official Snap On Warranty Policy:

"During the applicable duration of the applicable personal use warranty, at its option, Snap-on will repair or replace its Products which fail to meet the personal use warranty standards, or provide a refund by repaying or crediting Customer with an amount equal to the purchase price of such Products. Repair, replacement or refund shall be at the election and expense of Snap-on, and is Customer's exclusive remedy in place of all other rights and remedies. This warranty only extends to the original Customer and cannot be transferred or assigned. To obtain warranty service contact the Snap-on Customer Care Center via telephone at 1-877-762-7664 or e-mail [email protected]. The following information will be required with the customer’s warranty request: (1) date and proof of purchase, (2) where customer purchased the product, (3) full name, (4) shipping address, (5) phone number, (6) e-mail address, (7) item number(s) or approximate weight of return package. Warranty requests that do not include all of the required information will not be processed. Once the warranty request is validated, the customer will be provided an RGA number and will be sent a shipping label either electronically thru e-mail or thru the U.S. mail, and must ship the product to Snap-on. Upon receipt of the product, the warranty claim will be reviewed and the product will be inspected. If the warranty request is found to be valid, the product will be repaired and returned to the customer or a replacement product or refund will be shipped to the customer. If the warranty claims is found to be invalid, the original product will be returned to the customer. By repairing or replacing a Product, or providing a refund, Snap-on does not waive a claim that a Product nevertheless has been subject to abnormal use. You can obtain further information regarding the personal use warranty by writing: Snap-on Tools Company LLC, Consumer Warranty Information Center, 2801 – 80th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53143. This address cannot be used to obtain warranty service. Any product mailed to this address will be returned."

Matco:

"Any tool or part branded with the Matco Tools (MATCO) name is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. Matco, or one of its authorized representatives, will, at Matco's option, repair, or replace, any tool or part bearing the MATCO name, without charge, if the defective or malfunctioning tool or part is returned to Matco or one of its authorized representatives. Please be sure to include your name and address with the tool or part, and describe the nature of the problem.

To return a product through matcotools.com you must first Register as a user. You can then Login.

Once registered and logged in, returns can be processed through the Your Account link in the upper right corner of any matcotools.com page.

Matco shall have no obligation pursuant to the Matco Warranty with respect to any tools or parts which in Matco's sole judgement have been altered damaged, misused, abused, badly worn, lost or improperly maintained. This Warranty is null and void if the customer, or any other person other than an authorized representative of Matco, has made any attempt to service or modify the tool prior to its return to Matco under this Warranty.

All products sold by Matco to its Distributors are assigned a warranty code in the Matco Price List. The limited warranty provision with respect to each such product shall be the limited warranty designated in this warranty code agreement and may be amended by Matco from time to time in its sole discretion.

Matco Tools reserves the right to make periodic changes in construction or tool design at any time. Matco specifically reserves the right to make these changes without incurring any obligation or incorporating such changes or updates in tools or parts previously distributed.

The Matco Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, and sets forth the sole and exclusive remedy in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise. Under no circumstances shall Matco be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages. "

SK doesn't require any proof of purchase, while Snap On does (although in my experience, Snap On has never asked for proof). SK is still a good bet!