John Welch

Once again I am faced with getting a new tool set. I'm thinking of taking a step up from Sear's, but I don't want to spend too much. Can anyone recommend a moderate quality tooler? Snap-on?

Also, I was browsing the Eastwood Company site and saw they had the Metrinch tools. Are these for real?

Thanks,

Dave H.

Snap-On "moderate" quality"? they're a lot better than Sears Craftsman tools and you'll pay for it. Snap-On and "don't want to spend too much" don't go together. most snap-on combo wrenches run up to about $20 each.

haven't use the metrinch tools but equate them with pretty much anything from an infomercial: crap.

[quote]Originally posted by John Welch:
<strong>Once again I am faced with getting a new tool set. I'm thinking of taking a step up from Sear's, but I don't want to spend too much. Can anyone recommend a moderate quality tooler? Snap-on?

Also, I was browsing the Eastwood Company site and saw they had the Metrinch tools. Are these for real? </strong><hr></blockquote>

Shane

If you want Fudged up fasteners buy the metrinch. There is a guy who works for me at the Power Plant that bought some metrinches, I forbid the use of them after seeing the results of his first job with them. Don't do it. Buy some Armstrong Tools or Proto. Same quality as snap-away with out the expence. S-K makes a good set of wrenches, for a decent price. I bought Craftsman starter set 12 years ago and they do just fine....as long as you have a Sears close buy. All my specialty tools are Armstrong, Proto, Mac and even some snap-away.

<a href="http://www.armstrongtools.com/" target="_blank">http://www.armstrongtools.com/</a>

<a href="http://www.northerntools.com/" target="_blank">http://www.northerntools.com/</a> (for S-K tools)

<a href="http://www.mscdirect.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mscdirect.com/</a>
(For Proto, Armstrong, and many other good tools)

Snowball the 81 white 928

here's a good'n

<a href="http://www.autotoolexpress.com/" target="_blank">http://www.autotoolexpress.com/</a>

Shane

Hey thanks for the Link Snowball!

Got decent prices on S-K wrenches.
No Proto or Armstrong though.
Arstrong makes a nice reversible ratcheting wrench, that puts gearwrench to shame.

WallyP

For those who want the basic tools (no specials) on a budget - WalMart sells Stanley metric tools for about half Sears prices. They are lifetime warranty. I used a WalMart socket on my crank bolt, and snapped a 1/2" Craftsman extension bar - the socket was as new afterwards!

V-Fib

Quality tools are not cheap (although there are some expensive cheap tools out there!). Most quality tools will provide a lifetime of service and actually outlive the owner if properly cared for (yes, I clean them after every use). Having the right tool for the right job is critical (at least for my sanity). The tolerances of most inexpensive wrenches will give you many hours of entertainment with stripped heads ect. While inexpensive tools may get most jobs done, Do not buy cheap torque wrenches. I don't buy generic food, take generic medications or buy generic tools! Just my 3 1/2 cts worth.

Anthony Tate
79/928 Silver Metallic <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />

Thom1

Hi John,

Are you starting over from scratch? SnapOn, Mac, and S-K have very good reputations. I have some S-K and Klein tools that have never failed. I use a lot of Craftsman tools. A very few sockets and ratchets have failed. I just turn them in for new replacements. Most last forever, and have good precision. Craftsman has a huge variety of tool set variations. That is a quick and easy fix. Many Craftsman prices have gone too high. Lately, I have gone to AutoZone for really good prices on good Great Neck tools. No problems with Great Necks yet. Harbor Freight has great deals on dial indicators. Stanleys have served me well. Thanks for the WalMart tip Wally.
<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

John Welch

Thanks for the tips guys...