Buying Tools... Q's
12-01-2002, 08:43 PM
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Burning Brakes
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Buying Tools... Q's
I am looking into investing a significant amount of money into tools, but I must consider the rising costs of my tuition fees 
.
Basically my question is - What brand of tools do you guys use? I was looking at stuff from Snap-On, Klein, MAC, Craftsman... Any other good ones out there? I have heard that Craftsman has turned into Crapsman, but the price of the Snap-On would have me scrambling for a REALLY good summer job...
Also, suggestions on specialty tools as well as socket/wrench sizes would be greatly appreciated. I know to stay away from 12 pt. sockets and wrenches as I have already stripped numerous bolts (thankfully not on any cars) and tools in the past. One of life's lessons learned, I guess... <img src="graemlins/oops.gif" border="0" alt="[oops]" />
Andy
. Basically my question is - What brand of tools do you guys use? I was looking at stuff from Snap-On, Klein, MAC, Craftsman... Any other good ones out there? I have heard that Craftsman has turned into Crapsman, but the price of the Snap-On would have me scrambling for a REALLY good summer job...
Also, suggestions on specialty tools as well as socket/wrench sizes would be greatly appreciated. I know to stay away from 12 pt. sockets and wrenches as I have already stripped numerous bolts (thankfully not on any cars) and tools in the past. One of life's lessons learned, I guess... <img src="graemlins/oops.gif" border="0" alt="[oops]" />
Andy
12-01-2002, 09:50 PM
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I got a set of "AC Delco" brand tools that have been pretty good, but then I only use them about every other weekend. Some people here have liked Kobold tools from Lowes; supposedly they are made by SnapOn or another professional tool maker. Unless you are going to get a lot of use from your tools, I would hesitate to invest so much money right now on expensive tools. You might want to check out the classifieds in your newspaper to see if someone is selling tools.
You've named some major "professional grade" tool brands. You're going to need the whole range of metric wrenches, socket sizes and drives, plus deep well too. Some good screwdrivers, pry bars, and 1/2" and 3/8" drive torque wrenches is what I have.
You've named some major "professional grade" tool brands. You're going to need the whole range of metric wrenches, socket sizes and drives, plus deep well too. Some good screwdrivers, pry bars, and 1/2" and 3/8" drive torque wrenches is what I have.
12-01-2002, 09:52 PM
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I must have purchased Craftsman's last metric-only "Mechanic's" (combo wrenches, sockets, bit driver, allen keys) toolkit. Now they make you buy a bunch of SAE stuff you will never use or spend twice as much getting everything separately.
The wrench box ends and half-inch drive sockets are 12-pt, but I have never damaged a fastener by using them. The advantage of 12 points is nearly null when it comes to sockets, but where you can't swing a wrench 60 degrees, 12-pt helps.
The three-eighths ratchet's reversing switch broke off. Its lifetime guarantee was quickly and painlessly exercised at the nearest Sears. They seem to keep a reconditioned supply of these right at the checkstand, for whatever that tells you.
7,8,10,12,13,15,17,19, and 24mm are just about the only hex sizes you'll come across (maybe 27 and 36?). If you have nice new lugnuts, a 19mm soft socket is a must.
I have the Lisle cheesehead tools - 6,8,10,12mm.
The trans drain plugs are 17mm allen. Pick your poison here; I got a three-eighths drive "socket" from my FLAPS for $6 or so.
A Dremel Moto-Tool is a wonderful addition to anyone's toolset. The cordless one is handy, too, but does not replace the real deal.
I'd like to know what kinds of jacks and jackstands people are using. I have been using the cheapest-available 2.5 ton hydraulic floor jack and wooden blocks. There may be room for improvement here.
The wrench box ends and half-inch drive sockets are 12-pt, but I have never damaged a fastener by using them. The advantage of 12 points is nearly null when it comes to sockets, but where you can't swing a wrench 60 degrees, 12-pt helps.
The three-eighths ratchet's reversing switch broke off. Its lifetime guarantee was quickly and painlessly exercised at the nearest Sears. They seem to keep a reconditioned supply of these right at the checkstand, for whatever that tells you.
7,8,10,12,13,15,17,19, and 24mm are just about the only hex sizes you'll come across (maybe 27 and 36?). If you have nice new lugnuts, a 19mm soft socket is a must.
I have the Lisle cheesehead tools - 6,8,10,12mm.
The trans drain plugs are 17mm allen. Pick your poison here; I got a three-eighths drive "socket" from my FLAPS for $6 or so.
A Dremel Moto-Tool is a wonderful addition to anyone's toolset. The cordless one is handy, too, but does not replace the real deal.
I'd like to know what kinds of jacks and jackstands people are using. I have been using the cheapest-available 2.5 ton hydraulic floor jack and wooden blocks. There may be room for improvement here.
12-01-2002, 10:00 PM
#4
Long time Craftsman user here. Definitely not the best you will find, but for my purposes, they have always done well. I tend to be pretty careful about wrenching, so I don't round too many things off, and when I do, I always replace the offending bolt/nut. Generally speaking, when that happens, I seldom think its the fault of the tools I am using.
If you are planning on being a professional wrench, I would look at Snap-on, but if you are at the hobbiest level and money is tight, Craftsman does fine.
Regards, ...Scott
If you are planning on being a professional wrench, I would look at Snap-on, but if you are at the hobbiest level and money is tight, Craftsman does fine.
Regards, ...Scott
12-01-2002, 11:25 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by sh944:
<strong>If you are planning on being a professional wrench, I would look at Snap-on, but if you are at the hobbiest level and money is tight, Craftsman does fine.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Having a unique perspective (was a casual wrench, decided to fulfill a dream and become a factory trained wrench) - I have to say that the differences between my uber high dollar $nap-ons (I got them for ~1/2 price through the school.. to bad there was a $3000 retail price cap) and the Craftsman/Kobalt(Lowes)/Husky(Home Depot) is comfort when using them for 8 hour shifts. I sure do love my $nap-ons, but I'm never going to work as a professional wrench again (lol, satasfied that curiousity/dream) and can't justify buying those tools with what litle expendable cash I do have. Lately, I've been buying a lot of Husky tools (lifetime replacement, etc..) just because there's a Home Depot about a block away.
I'd say, save your money and skip the $nap-on, Mac, Matco, etc tools and stick with Kobalt, Husky, Craftsman (though with the Sears stuff, make SURE you're buying tools that do have a replacement warentee - they have a low end that's total crap and is non-replaceable).
Good luck, and enjoy..
<strong>If you are planning on being a professional wrench, I would look at Snap-on, but if you are at the hobbiest level and money is tight, Craftsman does fine.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Having a unique perspective (was a casual wrench, decided to fulfill a dream and become a factory trained wrench) - I have to say that the differences between my uber high dollar $nap-ons (I got them for ~1/2 price through the school.. to bad there was a $3000 retail price cap) and the Craftsman/Kobalt(Lowes)/Husky(Home Depot) is comfort when using them for 8 hour shifts. I sure do love my $nap-ons, but I'm never going to work as a professional wrench again (lol, satasfied that curiousity/dream) and can't justify buying those tools with what litle expendable cash I do have. Lately, I've been buying a lot of Husky tools (lifetime replacement, etc..) just because there's a Home Depot about a block away.
I'd say, save your money and skip the $nap-on, Mac, Matco, etc tools and stick with Kobalt, Husky, Craftsman (though with the Sears stuff, make SURE you're buying tools that do have a replacement warentee - they have a low end that's total crap and is non-replaceable).
Good luck, and enjoy..
12-02-2002, 12:52 AM
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Burning Brakes
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I found this set, only available online through Craftsman: 225 pc Mechanics Set - Pit Crew... It is entirely comprised of 6-pt sockets and wrenches. I think I'll just get an extra set of 12-pt metric wrenches. It is a nice set, but I haven't decided yet. I think I'll go see some of my local tool dealers and Lowe's the next time I'm in the US (three weeks).
944Play, thanks for the info on the sizes that I would need... <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> As for metric sets, you are absolutely right - there are none to be found.
Rod, those would be Kobalt tools and are made by Williams, the same foundry that makes $nap-on (I did a little research
)
944Play, thanks for the info on the sizes that I would need... <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> As for metric sets, you are absolutely right - there are none to be found.
Rod, those would be Kobalt tools and are made by Williams, the same foundry that makes $nap-on (I did a little research
)
12-02-2002, 04:20 AM
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Burning Brakes
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If you have access to European suppliers:
- Hazet
- Gedore
- Stahlwille
- Elora
In decending order of reputation.
Price level in europe: Hazet /Gedore is at about 80% of Snap-On, Elora is about 70% of Gedore.
As non=professional you basically need a couple of good sockets: 10 / 13 / 17 mm. The other sizes are used less frequent so can be a lesser quality.
The 6 sided sockets will last longer and can be used on pneumatic impact wrences.
(dont try an 12 sided there, BTDT)
TakeCare
- Hazet
- Gedore
- Stahlwille
- Elora
In decending order of reputation.
Price level in europe: Hazet /Gedore is at about 80% of Snap-On, Elora is about 70% of Gedore.
As non=professional you basically need a couple of good sockets: 10 / 13 / 17 mm. The other sizes are used less frequent so can be a lesser quality.
The 6 sided sockets will last longer and can be used on pneumatic impact wrences.
(dont try an 12 sided there, BTDT)
TakeCare
Trending Topics
12-02-2002, 06:45 AM
#8
Andy,
Looks like you got some pretty good input. My 2 cents worth. As a profesional aircraft technician
I prefer Snap-On, primarily due to the quality but also the fact that they are usually slimmer
than most other brands and therefore fit in tight
places easier. I have a fairly complete set of
Crafstman tools that I keep at home/on my boat for
work here and they have always been more than
satasisfactory. You may want to pick up a few
Snap-On speciality tools as they have a wide
selection, such as tri-square 8mm for the CV joints, ect. For the rest use you own judgement, but quality usually pays for itself in the long
run.
Good luck and happy wrenching <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />
Bill
Looks like you got some pretty good input. My 2 cents worth. As a profesional aircraft technician
I prefer Snap-On, primarily due to the quality but also the fact that they are usually slimmer
than most other brands and therefore fit in tight
places easier. I have a fairly complete set of
Crafstman tools that I keep at home/on my boat for
work here and they have always been more than
satasisfactory. You may want to pick up a few
Snap-On speciality tools as they have a wide
selection, such as tri-square 8mm for the CV joints, ect. For the rest use you own judgement, but quality usually pays for itself in the long
run.
Good luck and happy wrenching <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />
Bill
12-02-2002, 09:19 AM
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Burning Brakes
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I'll agree with the Craftsman bits above and add that I've found a number of sale-type prices for Craftsman stuff at <a href="http://www.craftsman.com" target="_blank">www.craftsman.com</a> when I search and sort by price (including metric sets). Also, when I'm sure I need a particular tool with particular specs, I look on ebay to see if anyone is getting rid of a Craftsman - knowing that it's garunteed for life.
Might try those two sources.
Might try those two sources.
12-02-2002, 04:12 PM
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Burning Brakes
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Thanks for all the input guys... I guess I'll wait for the after Christmas sales and take advantage of the money I may get from relatives. 
Right now, it looks like I may settle for a rather large set of Craftsman tools as they are probably enough for what I am going to use them for...
Cheers,
<img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />
Andy
Right now, it looks like I may settle for a rather large set of Craftsman tools as they are probably enough for what I am going to use them for...Cheers,
<img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />
Andy
12-02-2002, 04:41 PM
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Andy,
I just picked up a set of Craftsman for around $200 (I bought the tools two months ago). It was one of their intermediate sets--a couple hundred pieces, but it came with a four drawer Craftsman tool box I like Craftsman, because there is a Sears EVERYWHERE, and they worked just fine on my Jeep alternator/water pump/belts/ replacement project. Also just picked up a 2-PC strap wrench set for $10--Sears sale, and was contemplating buying a $90 combo that included 3-1/2 ton floor jack, 3-ton jackstands, creeper seat, jumper cables, wheel chocks, lug wrench, and fender cover--great price, Iw as just unsure of the jack would fit under the turbo 
Anyways, for me--Craftsman is my choice.
I just picked up a set of Craftsman for around $200 (I bought the tools two months ago). It was one of their intermediate sets--a couple hundred pieces, but it came with a four drawer Craftsman tool box
I like Craftsman, because there is a Sears EVERYWHERE, and they worked just fine on my Jeep alternator/water pump/belts/ replacement project. Also just picked up a 2-PC strap wrench set for $10--Sears sale, and was contemplating buying a $90 combo that included 3-1/2 ton floor jack, 3-ton jackstands, creeper seat, jumper cables, wheel chocks, lug wrench, and fender cover--great price, Iw as just unsure of the jack would fit under the turbo Anyways, for me--Craftsman is my choice.
12-02-2002, 05:21 PM
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Well, for my money (and quite a bit of it over the years)you can't beat SnapOn if you need your tools to earn a living. But for your purposes, I think you'll get much more bang for the buck with one of the Craftsman sets. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
12-02-2002, 10:11 PM
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everyone is making a similar point and just to reitarate, I would say just get the Craftsman or Husky because they are good (not great) tools with hassle free replacement warranties and stores everywhere, then when you need specialty tools or just want nicer stuff buy the Snap on stuff one at a time, believe me you will never have too many tools so start with a nice basic set that will get the job done and then treat yourself once in a while to something special.
12-03-2002, 01:54 AM
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Although you already have about 10 good (fairly similiar opinions) I would like to get my 2 cents in; as a former body tech, and a current hobby mechanic. I have used a wide variety of tools, from Snap-On and Mac to Craftsman. Snap-On tools are like fine pieces of jewelry, and if you can afford them, I would highly recommend them. However, their price is very high, and if you don't work in a shop that a dealer visits, I would venture to say that you won't get much of a discount. Craftsman on the other hand, are good, inexpensive tools, with a GREAT warrantee. Ask anyone who has ever returned something, you will get no hassel. As someone already suggested, buy a few of the common tools from Snap-On (you will really enjoy them!) but for the most part stick with Craftsman. One final suggestion, don't be in a rush to buy alot of tools. The foreman at the bodyshop I used to work at was a great guy, and gave me some really good advice, when I first started. He basically told me to buy tools as I needed them. There is no reason to buy a huge set of largely specialty tools, when in reality there are only a few you need. As you become more mechanically inclined, and decide to tackle more advanced jobs, you can then buy additional tools.
p.s. If you can afford the $15,000 Snap-On toolbox and $10,000 Snap-On master mechanics set, GO FOR IT
p.s. If you can afford the $15,000 Snap-On toolbox and $10,000 Snap-On master mechanics set, GO FOR IT
12-03-2002, 03:01 AM
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Hmmmmmm, It almost sounds like you Yankee boys could do with some European help in getting Metric only stuff.
Let me do a bit of surfing today, and see if there's any way we could possibly help you out with this sort of thing!
Obviously I know roughly what's needed in a complete kit, but does anyone have any so to say 'special' requests for something that would be extra useful?
Let me do a bit of surfing today, and see if there's any way we could possibly help you out with this sort of thing!
Obviously I know roughly what's needed in a complete kit, but does anyone have any so to say 'special' requests for something that would be extra useful?