Your good tools, your less good tools, what do you reach for?

[Fender1325]

For some reason, when Im out working a messy job, I reach for my cheaper tools first before my better tools. I dont mind them getting wet and dirty as much compared to my better tools. Other guys I know, a tools a tool, its meant to get beat and work hard and if it breaks F it.

How about you?

 

[bobcatdan]

My best tools are at home. My good tools are at work. My craftsman tools final resting place is in my truck box. My best tools have a fairly relaxed life as home shop work no matter how difficult, is generally easy going because working at home is fun and involved beer. Tools at work, well I'm union. The ones in the truck probably have it the hardest as they are used in the field to get **** done and get it back and running now.

 

[Fender1325]

Isnt it funny, its just like pick up trucks. The old, beat to **** ones usually are working the hardest, and the pretty new ones pull a bale of hay

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Best stuff first and always.
I only have good / best tools at work. I had cheap junk when I started, but they all got replaced over time with good stuff. Very little mid-level stuff at home - I take most work beyond light stuff to the shop anyway.
Grease, **** (literally), diesel, hydraulic oil - whatever - it just wipes off when I get done.
I sometimes do cringe a bit when my tools get soaked in water - dropped inside a water tank, or working out in the rain or a pump leaks all over me / them. The rust possibility or shorting out electric tools is a consideration. I also notice it a bit when fire / sparks / weld spatter starts flying around, but they don't stay wet long enough to matter and the other fire / sparky stuff may leave some battle scars, but money and time is more important. As much as I do like my tools, I don't get paid for the shine / pristine cleanliness....but using good stuff does make the work go better, IMO.
When I have to pack up for road service, I take all my regular shop tools I think I will possibly need. No second set of road tools for me so far, though I'd kinda like to setup a box for it, but not 'till I have dedicated service truck of my own.

I guess it is a consideration of what what is "best" - to me it's best quality. My 20 YO SO wrenches with the chrome wearing off getting used everyday at work are still "best" over the shiny, like-new, CM set that only gets used for weekend oil change work at home......

 

[Richard Cranium]

I always grab my best stuff first. I don't want to take a chance on some thing failing or rounding a bolt head off

 

[skeletonizer]

I'm only selective with my screw drivers. I use my scrub black handle Snap on drivers for most jobs like wrenching on the Jeep. I save the tips on my good Wihas for the SRT and the Slim or any job I feel is critical to not mar the screw. The Phillips Snap on #2 has never fit a screw right.

 

[Greg85mcss]

For me it really depends on the tool. I have many of the same tools at work & home. 2 300+ pc craftsman socket sets for example but one is older usa made while the other is chinese. The difference is night & day so I keep the good ones at work. My favorites are my 3/8 gear wrench that were the go to on my service cart but I don't have the receipts & advance won't warranty them so they're at home now. I only use my matco 88 locking flex when needed & the fixed head for everything else. Other than that I usually go for the best first. In my old shop things grew legs & I always kept the good stuff locked up. Nice change of pace.

 

[egnorant]

I used to not care! Then ya'll turned me into a tool snob with OCD. I did feel extra bad when I broke my Walden 1/4 ratchet though.

Bruce

 

[jerseykat1]

2 of My Favorite ratchets.

My other favorite ratchet / impact.

 

[JJThrasher]

At work I am 90%+ Snap On sockets and I really don't want to spend that kinda cash for home use also, so you could say the good ones are at work and the less good are at home. That said I have quality tools in both places and they both get abused to get the job done, then cleaned up, fixed, or replaced. I maintain all my tools and avoid the bottom of the barrel **** everywhere.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I reach for my good tools every time, I do have a junk yard bag of mid level tools, and a pile of older USA stuff I've picked up for cheap at pawn shops/garage sales/flea markets that I won't hesitate to modify if I need to. I only wrench as a hobby now or to get my daily driver back operational when it lets me down.

 

[Ponchoguy]

I have multiple sets and setups, mostly all Cman USA. So, 9 times out of 10, that's what I'll go for when I need to do something.

 

[ssdave]

I use tools that are closest to the place I'm working, generally, and the best tools first, unless it's a job that is going to ruin a tool, and then I use a sacrificial one of just good enough quality to get the job done. (like where I have to heat next to a tool and ruin the steel temper, or weld next to it and get it all splattered, or use it in an acid area and ruin the chrome).

The one exception to this is that I have a new set of snap-on full polish wrenches and a new set of SK full polish metrics on the wall of my basement workbench. Those only get used there, and have a soft life.

 

[toolslut6.0]

I just use my best stuff all the time except for my sockets. I have this set of 3/8 drive shallow metric sockets that just say China on them and I use them over my snap ons that are in the same drawer right next to each other. They were a gift from my dad when I fist started working at a shop before tech school and they just feel right and fit bolts well. As far as getting stuff dirty I just bathe it all b in ensolve after the job is done.

 

[Cato]

Isnt it funny, its just like pick up trucks. The old, beat to **** ones usually are working the hardest, and the pretty new ones pull a bale of hay

Yes, I am thinking the same thing. Guys bad mouth Craftsman, Husky, Harbor Freight, but when you need to pound or misuse a tool, Craftsman, Husky, Harbor Freight are the go to tools. Their "emergency" tool kits, the ones they will depend on to save their lives when they are stuck in a blizzard or teetering off the edge of a cliff will be their "2nd" rate "junk tools."

Snap On is always reserved for enjoyable, easy jobs where a guy has time to enjoy the moment.

 

[alpaca]

I only buy snap on tools nowadays but I just hate getting them dirty. I have quite the collection but they are mounted in glass windowed cases around my garage. They don't get used though I do polish and admire them smuggishly quite often.

 

[iajonesy]

When I retired in March, I brought all my work tools home and put them in my truck boxes and gave my youngest son my former truck plus some nice stuff too. My home box is full of nice, mostly truck brand tools so they are the ones I grab unless I'm about to murder a tool, then I go to my old tools in the truck. They, by the way, are 40+ year old Craftsman and still get the job done.

Mike

 

[ssdave]

Yes, I am thinking the same thing. Guys bad mouth Craftsman, Husky, Harbor Freight, but when you need to pound or misuse a tool, Craftsman, Husky, Harbor Freight are the go to tools. Their "emergency" tool kits, the ones they will depend on to save their lives when they are stuck in a blizzard or teetering off the edge of a cliff will be their "2nd" rate "junk tools."

Snap On is always reserved for enjoyable, easy jobs where a guy has time to enjoy the moment.

I guess I'm the exception to your comment. My truck box is now very close to 100% Snap-on, which recently replaced the part snap-on/part proto set that was in it. I think the opposite; your road box needs to have the best as you can't run to the store to replace the broken one. The only way I would have any of the cheap brands you mentioned in my truck box is if that was what I could afford and that was the only way to have tools. But, I'm near the end of my life, not the beginning, so have more disposable income and less tolerance for failure in my tools. Years ago, my truck box had my best stuff in it, and it was Craftsman and SK. It did the job.

Here's my truck box:

Here's most of what's in it:

 

[barneyim26]

mid level and up at home and work and in the truck. if one tool is best for x job then it is the best no matter where i use it for that job.

i don't have all snap on or all craftsman ect. i have a mix of everything but my basics are mostly craftsman and i throw in upgraded tools for stuff i use the heck out of or something that just works the best.

even harbor frieght has its place sometimes, i use a harbor frieght ratchet at work all the time as my go to. those composite long handles are the bomb!

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I try to only use them at work, so it's always my good ones. I try not to abuse any tool but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do....always warranty if they're sacrificed lol


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[jerseykat1]

Yes, I am thinking the same thing. Guys bad mouth Craftsman, Husky, Harbor Freight, but when you need to pound or misuse a tool, Craftsman, Husky, Harbor Freight are the go to tools. Their "emergency" tool kits, the ones they will depend on to save their lives when they are stuck in a blizzard or teetering off the edge of a cliff will be their "2nd" rate "junk tools."

Snap On is always reserved for enjoyable, easy jobs where a guy has time to enjoy the moment.

i will beat that Snap-on socket onto that rounded off or rusted off bolt without a second thought to get that job done. the closest socket or tool to me usually gets the beating, screw drivers are not excluded from becoming chisels when convenient. How else will you know if it's good or junk.. lol ... 12 point sockets sometimes become wheel lock removers when the tools designed for the job fail to do the job. lol.. Get the job Done and warranty the tool later.

i know i shouldn't use my 1100ft-lb air cat 1/2" impact gun with 3/8 sockets and extensions but sometimes it's the only thing that fits in that tight space.

 

[Hondarancher4435]

That's the worst part about being a mechanic best tools are at work and if you can only afford one set then all the old tools are at home

 

[Empty Pockets]

I dont mind my good tools getting soiled with petroleum based liquids. If it's water or mud, it's the lesser quality tools.

 

[spacedoutbob]

I always reach for my good tools first, I don't really have any Cheap Quality Tools.

Bob

 

[Greg85mcss]

i will beat that Snap-on socket onto that rounded off or rusted off bolt without a second thought to get that job done. the closest socket or tool to me usually gets the beating, screw drivers are not excluded from becoming chisels when convenient. How else will you know if it's good or junk.. lol ... 12 point sockets sometimes become wheel lock removers when the tools designed for the job fail to do the job. lol.. Get the job Done and warranty the tool later.

i know i shouldn't use my 1100ft-lb air cat 1/2" impact gun with 3/8 sockets and extensions but sometimes it's the only thing that fits in that tight space.

X2 At one time I had 4 12 point 19s with wheel locks stuck in them.

 

[goldie lox]

was just thinking about this today when i was cleaning some of my craftsman's off. i use them when i am working on filthy stuff, out side where i could lose one, or when i am going to be a little abusive. when working in the garage i use my good tools

 

[jerseykat1]

I buy low cost screw drivers because I loose more of those than anything and those HF screw drivers are not half bad. I have beat the S*1t out of them and I haven't Busted a handle yet.. But I did break a tip ounce.. Lol

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[Cato]

I guess I'm the exception to your comment. My truck box is now very close to 100% Snap-on, which recently replaced the part snap-on/part proto set that was in it. I think the opposite; your road box needs to have the best as you can't run to the store to replace the broken one.

That makes perfect sense.

But I'm guilty of carrying cheap tools for emergencies. I drive well maintained newer cars (well under 15 years old) so I have never had any kind of emergency. My tool kit is mostly Chinese Husky. I find my car tool kit is more often used for non car issues like when I'm out somewhere and no one has a hack saw or screwdriver.

 

[drink]

For some reason, when Im out working a messy job, I reach for my cheaper tools first before my better tools. I dont mind them getting wet and dirty as much compared to my better tools. Other guys I know, a tools a tool, its meant to get beat and work hard and if it breaks F it.

How about you?

I have a few sets I use on a regular basis nowadays. My workshop has a set of made in USA Craftsman I use a lot. A few loose Craftsman tools are usually left on top of my work bench like a screwdriver and wrench. They get grabbed all the time and have a lot of wear from scuffs.

 

[LXCam]

I've spent far too many years dependent upon making a living with my tools. I use the best I got if I got to do it. Now if the job requires a sacrificial tool, it all depends and what will happen if it breaks. Recently I needed a 13/16" socket to fit a recessed nut and a regular thin wall was too thick. So I chucked up a SK deep in the lathe and tool more then a few cuts out of it. After taking half the wall thickness out of it I figured for sure it'd split but it didn't.

But I do have certain wrenches and sockets that never see anything but perfect brand new fasteners and fitting I use when I do finish work. That way there's less of a chance they leave a mark or scratch. I'm kind of a freak about those not seeing just your average project.

 

[Fender1325]

My father in law beats the **** out of his tools.....picks up power tools by the power cable, tosses them around. Even brand new makita stuff. If it lasts a week with him, he'll use it for years and years. If not, it goes back.

I find lately I reach for the cheap stuff with my angle grinders. Mr. Metabo stays unused unless I need more power.... but otherwise the HF junk comes out, or my milwaukee (not really a fan of that one but it works). While I'm on the subject - the power switch on my milwaukee 4.5" angle grinder pisses me off. It rarely stays on when you first try to engage that damn switch! arg! Oh well. Thats the kind of tool I dont mind beating on, because I'll happily replace it with another brand when its cooked.

I dont have too many high end tools. Mostly mid grade craftsman.

I find with cheap tools I just go ah well whatever and work them hard. If they break I'll replace it no biggie. Turns out a lot of them take more of a beating than would seem.

If you use something every day for your job, then comfort and response is paramount. Some guys are rough on tools.....I'm pretty gentle....I put them down, I let them do the work without forcing them hard. I guess thats why some cheapy stuff lasts me well. My HF angle grinder ate it after 7 months, but it was like 12 bucks.

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

Best tools at work. I don't really keep tools at home, because I have a couple hundred pounds of tools in my truck box and in the backseat that are always with me. Those are a mix of all the older 'junk' I've replaced over the years with fancy Snap On stuff, mostly Craftsman, Carlyle and some HF, plus all the cut-down 5 gallon buckets full of those sockets that don't have a brand or coo stamped on them...

 

[FigureItOut]

I reach for the most EFFECTIVE tool for the given task at all times. Other than not being near enough, I can't think of any reason I'd do otherwise.

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[methomas70]

"hey can I borrow xxxxxxxx?"

I'm reaching for a "less good" tool.

 

[unslow1]

"hey can I borrow xxxxxxxx?"

I'm reaching for a "less good" tool.

I have a large bottom drawer full of loaner/giveaway/sacrifice tools.

When doing something messy like bleeding brakes on an old car a few months ago I used an older Craftsman ratchet. I did use a brand new 6-pt wrench to crack it loose with.

 

[T_Roze]

At work, it's the best I have. I buy good for a reason. I didn't spend money to have a trophy. If I am grinding a tool down, or bending a wrench, it will generally be a cheaper tool.

I guess I look at it like cars. I buy as good as I can afford, and then drive it. Otherwise, what did you spend the money for? Not withstanding classic cars. Which I guess in my tool box would be my long handle 1/4" snap on ratchet. Only for nasty intricate jobs. So I guess I do have one....


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[ajchien]

Yeah, it depends for me too.

If I know I'm going to be working with salt or chlorinated water, cheap tools. If I know I'm going to use a tool for an unintended purpose, cheap. (Uh, not always ... I just smacked an 11mm snap on wrench with a hammer last week). Cheap screwdrivers are more likely to be pry bars. Cheap pliers are more likely to hold something close to a grinding wheel. And cheap tools are more likely to be loaners.

 

[Fender1325]

Hell i'll hit a wrench with a hammer if a bolt needs a good crack. If my chinese crapsman can handle it, the snap on can

 

[Ponchoguy]

I have a large bottom drawer full of loaner/giveaway/sacrifice tools.

When doing something messy like bleeding brakes on an old car a few months ago I used an older Craftsman ratchet. I did use a brand new 6-pt wrench to crack it loose with.

I'm the opposite. I don't loan out tools, that's just me. If I need them, I buy them, not borrow them.

I have it figured out what I need to duplicate my tool set at both of my garages.

 

[sberry]

I reach for the most EFFECTIVE tool for the given task at all times. Other than not being near enough, I can't think of any reason I'd do otherwise.

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In the quest for convenience some cheaper tools worked their way in and they worked better than we thought they would.