Hi Greg,
It is my experience that the need for a high-quality tool has to do with what tool it is and how it is used:

--6 Point sockets any brand will work, deep sockets are useful

--12 Point sockets and wrenches quality may matter a bit as the tolerances needed are a bit tighter and the strength of the metal matters.

--Hydraulic fitting wrenches quality is a big deal as the inexpensive ones mutilate the fittings, luckily on our cars, two sizes fit almost all the applications.

--On the very small size sockets, the chamfer at the open end of the socket if too large will cause the socket to not be able to grasp the fastener. So for small sockets take a look at the brand you are considering and observe the chamfered end.

--Also, certain special size sockets/tools are only available in the better brands. things such as the smallest open end forged box wrenches or specialty rachets.

I guess I am saying one can optimize quality by not buying an all in one kit but purchasing classes of tools paying a premium when it produces functional benefits.
Andy

 

On a related note, what does everyone recommend for non-hand tools. So impact wrenches and the like. Basically all those ******** that force you to buy the same brand because of batteries, which ******* is best?

 

Dewalt is fine.

I have a view that if it does not have an air line or a a cord it’s not as good (which is true for impacts, saws, grinders), but dewalt cordless seems to work fine and has held up for the stuff I have. I use the little cordless impact driver I have a ton.

 

Looks of good advice in this thread. After being extremely frustrated with Snap On's process for exchanging tools (they are not setup to deal with the non-pro mechanic who doesn't have access to a tool truck), I've started going with Tekton. The exchange process is super easy when something breaks (which it will, regardless of brand).

 

I have mostly gearwrench myself. A Snap-On guy told me they were probably the best value in mid-tier tools out there. I believe the primary difference between cheap tools and Snap-On level tools is hardening. Cheap tools simply aren’t hardened steel.

 

For best performance use an air tool.
A suitable compressor is less than $100 one with added capacity $150 and air tools are so inexpensive $15 to $50 at Harbor Freight that one can consider them disposable although I have yet to use one up as a shade tree mechanic. A portable small compressor from Harbor Freight turns out to be a very useful item for painting, filling tires, chiseling, nailing walls, floors or other carpentry, and lots of other chores. I have had mine for 10 years now and it still is going strong so for home use I see no reason to buy a commercial-grade one. I purchased one with a floor nailer as it was much less expensive than renting one. It sat around for years before I put it in the garage, Turns out to be a great item I use all the time now. An air impact wrench will dislodge stuck fasteners in many cases where using a hand wrench can't or will damage the fastener or what it is attached to before it can be released. I use inexpensive impact-rated sockets from Harbor Freight. They serve me well & no batteries involved.
Andy

PS and using a hole saw to remove a stuck Air injector check valve is a few seconds work when used on an impact wrench.

 

Connex

 

Fast forward 25 years and here we are.

Milwaukee makes great battery tools. Both their M18 and 12 are great.

I also have other Ryobi 18V tools for stuff around the house. Here is a quick mod to use Milwaukee 18V batteries for Ryobi 18V tool line.

 

Most of mine are Craftsman collected over a 60 year period of wrenching. Sears had a policy that, if a Craftsman hand tool broke, they would replace it, no questions asked. So much for that warranty!

 

Thanks, Andy. Good advice.
all the best

 

Chu74, that is very cool. Thanks for posting that video. So Clever.

 

I have not run into any bolt that my dewalt could not loosen. Its maybe a bit big for some bolts, but now the companies make smaller hi torque impacts. I was in the market for a compressor and air tools, but I so no need any longer. Not having to deal with air hoses and compressor noise and maintenance has been great and with a 5ah battery, by impact lasts absolutely forever. I hardly ever think about the battery.

Also, the Milwaukee electric ratchets are freaking awesome.

 

The only air tool I have not been able to replace with electric is the air chisel. I have looked but have not found an electric power chisel, not sure why.

 

+993 for Wera. Their socket sets come in a neat, compact metal box with a foam insert to conform all the tools. Their Joker end wrenches are great--ratcheting box on one end, open end on the other with a gripper to hold a nut while you reach in a blind spot--great innovations from this manufacturer, including some new self-adjusting spanners. Details here: https://www-de.wera.de/en/

 

Another vote for Wera. Bought this set four years ago when I bought the 911. I'm not a neat guy, this forces me to have an organized set ready anytime. Easy to throw in the car for a roadtrip.

Have used it on all my cars many times.

I did break the ratchet while working on the Benz, had to mail it to Wera Support site in the USA, no issue replacing it with a new one, no charge.


dave
95 C2
03 540i6
84 380SL