Rate your hand tools for vehicles and other?

[Scorpio]

How about rating or discussing hand tools for vehicles and the like,

Check the poll for comparisons

 

[historyrepete]

Craftsman tools have gone down hill. Generally they still have the lifetime warranty but alot are made in China now. I've got a cabinet full of snap on that are good tools. Done old blue points were good too.

 

[Goldhedge]

I use Swiss made chisels and gouges.


Got a craftsman table saw that works well because I upgraded the fence to a Delta and the cranks to cast iron spinners.
Also recently removed that tiny switch and replaced it with a BIG off button which makes it easy to find. Delta grinder and jig saw.

Jet joiner, Harbor Freight drill press and reciprocating sander (same as some of the brand names btw).

LieNielsen block plane - sweet

Bunch of 'other stuff' too numerous to mention.

 

[searcher]

Most of my work tools were Snap On with the rest a combination of Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Craftsman, SK, KD, Bonnie, etc. Boxes were a combination of Snap On and Matco. Power / air tools were Snap On, Blue Point, Craftsman and Ingersoll Rand. Various meters / gauges, were Snap On, Realistic, Fluke & Robinair.

Most of my tools were a bit old and were very good quality so no complaints with the actual tools. Did have a few problems with Snap On as the years went by. They had quit making some of the tools I owned so if I had something that needed to be replaced the tool guy would replace it with something of similar value but not the same quality. Glad it would be replaced but missed the quality.

Several things to consider when buying tools. Yard & estate sales are probably your best bet for some good tools on the cheap. And there are a lotta people getting out of the business or retiring. Some really good deals can be had there. Good deals can also be had if a shop or business closes. If you have to buy from a dealer you will pay top dollar and will be paying his mortgage and putting his kid through college.

 

[BeefJerky]

Hands tools are a pride thing. A wrench is a wrench to a certain extent for most. Personally, I'm buying the Pittsburgh at Harbor Freight vs. the shiny Snap on or Matco at 10x the price. Screwdrivers have tip quality issues so be careful in the selection. Any kind of cutting tool needs to be of a high quality steel and you get the performance you pay for in my opinion. Big differences for those that live by their use vs. the tinkerer. Funny thing is the tinkerers tend to have more of an opinion than the professional when it comes to what brand. Although many mechanics are fleeced by the SnapOn and Matco man. Guy is making $30 an hour and pays on installments for a 7K toolbox to put 30K worth of hand tools into on installment to impresshisself and coworkers when he could have got the same functionality and performance for 4K.
Husky and Kobalt have great warranties and are the Craftsman of today.

 

[Scorpio]

Yep BJ, I buy no Matco or Snap for the guys,

Everyone is right on Craftsman quality, not to mention the warranties have again changed, and they cover less and less as time goes on.

There is nothing left at Sears other than 4 walls and some people standing around,

So many tools get stolen or lost, I do the same with harbor/etc, on non mission critical types,

don't have much for Kobalt around here to try them out, starting to show up a little bit in the home improve centers, but not in great selections

 

[Sampson]

Up here in Canada I buy a lot of Mastercraft tools from Canadian tire. They are usually decent quality and have great warranties. I have had so many tools replaced with no questions that it more than covers any lesser quality issues.

Last replacements were a small drill that fell off the scaffolding onto concrete from about 35 feet up and snapped in half along with about 20 little pieces. Handed it to the girl at the counter and said "I dropped it" and she immediately send a guy to grab me a new on with no questions asked. Before that, I left a fold up multi allen key set on the garage floor and drove over it with my diesel 3/4 ton pickup. Flattened it pretty good and when I brought it in and she asked what happened I just said "I squished it" and a new one came my way no questions asked.

One caveat about this store is that you rarely want to buy anything at full price since they are always having huge sales on items that are like 50-75% off. It is a great store to browse and just pick up things you will need when you see them for 70% off to stash away for later when you need it. Like other stores though many of their products are now made in China but with their great return policy and the fact there is one in almost every major city up here it makes it a no brainer to buy from them.

 

[ttazzman]

i have had a set of craftsman for years.......but lately i bought a full set of harbor freight wrenches mainly because every now and then i need to modify a tool to fit the situation and i dont mind cutting ..heating ...bending... HF wrenches at all.....its made some jobs infinately easier...

bought me a Ingersol Rand 1/2 electric impact gun and it has changed my life in the shop and on the farm......~1100 ft/lbs of torque in a handheld 100% portable impact wrench has made life easy when having to work on a piece of equipment out in the field....and i dont drag out the air impacts anymore in the shop

 

[searcher]

Nothing special here.................just a trip down memory lane (for me.)

Snap-on 84" Epiq Toolbox Tour Update
(zcamaross09)

https://youtu.be/nLjpIAcdnXs

Published on Oct 12, 2014

 

[glockngold]

Nothing special here.................just a trip down memory lane (for me.)

Snap-on 84" Epiq Toolbox Tour Update
(zcamaross09)

I like the latches on that box. Everything I've bought & sold has the sliding plastic finger strip underneath the drawer lip.
Lots Of cash in that scanner up in the hutch.
I like the look of the Matco relay buddy. If it works, seems like a good idea. (relays gave me a fit on my old Ranger)
currently have this one for sale.. any takers?



https://youtu.be/nLjpIAcdnXs

Published on Oct 12, 2014

message too short

 

[searcher]

message too short

My boxes were a bit older and more along these lines.............

 

[oldgaranddad]

If you have to go with imported sockets, wrenches, etc. try to go with the ones marked "Made in Taiwan" instead of "Made of China" the metallurgy is a lot better and they are more resistant to cracking and breaking than their Chinese counterparts.

Many manufacturers such as Kobalt (Lowes) have their tools made by Taiwanese sub-contractors for Danaher but now Kobalt hand tools (screw drivers and such) are made by Great Neck (aka Buffalo at one time if I remember correctly) based in Mineola, NY a few miles away from me. The rest of the Kobalt line is the Steelman brand by JS Products OEMed by Lowes. From what I know JS also makes a lot of socket sets for stores like Advance Auto and AutoZone (though suppliers can and do vary).

 

[searcher]

Thought some members might enjoy looking around here http://toolguyd.com/category/hand-tools/mechanics-tools/

 

[searcher]

Just a little bump..............

Big-Time Boxes: Roberto Rodriguez Yanez, Snap-on
http://www.vehicleservicepros.com/article/12141003/big-time-boxes-roberto-rodriguez-yanez-snap-on

 

[searcher]

The comments below the vid are pretty good.

Snap On Tools - Worth The Money?
The Savage Garage

Published on Jan 10, 2016
So in this video I bring up a touchy subject revolving around snap on tools, I share my views and opinions, and ask for yours. Enjoy!

 

[searcher]

TOOLBOX TOUR - Dec 2015
The Savage Garage

Published on Dec 28, 2015
So after about 5 months I decided to film another toolbox tour. Lots has changed and I hope you enjoy :)

 

[searcher]

It's mad scientist time..............lol

Money For Nothing 1
oxtoolco

Published on Oct 17, 2015
Snap-On Tools VS Harbor Freight Tool Shootout.

Snap-On SN24C Breaker bar goes head to head with a Pittsburgh Professional - item#60819


http://www.oxtoolco.com

 

[searcher]

Torque wrench calibration check Harbor Freight vs Snap On
Shane Conley

Published on Sep 17, 2015
This video was filmed in the lab at Western Iowa Tech Community College Motorcycle and Powersports Technology Program. If you would like more info on the program feel free to contact the instructor @ 712-274-8733 ext 1204 or email shane.conley@witcc.edu or dirk.bak@witcc.edu

 

[searcher]

lol....................This brought back a few memories.

SNAP-ON tool truck experience.
TheCohesiveGarage

Published on Mar 8, 2016
weekly snap on visit for ya~!

 

[mtnman]

Here's how I keep my tools, It's a mishmash of brands, mostly american made. I like Craftsman screwdrivers cause Sears eats the ones I tear up with a smile. When too many empty hooks appear, it's time to clean my shop. The sockets sets I use stay under the table next to my drill presses, Weird tools I've made stay in a couple of drawers under the work bench, files, pullers and chisels are in a couple of drawers by my lathe. Threading tools are on the shelf behind my mill. Looks like hell, but I know where everything is.

 

[Scorpio]

around here, sears no longer warrants screw drivers, or torque wrenches,

now for ratchets, they give you a old beat up rebuilt one (rebuilt by retail counter people), instead of a new one

the hedge fund brat is running that place into the ground

last time I was in there, I told them

'why don't you guys go bankrupt already, so we can get someone else to buy out and own craftsman?'

 

[searcher]

It's a shame about Sears. They were an American Icon. Really neat to look through the old catalogs and see some of the stuff they sold back in the day.

 

[Usury]

Last set of tools I bought were Stanley from Walmart. Decently priced and lifetime warranty and made in America. So far the quality has been excellent (except some of their cheaper screwdrivers which are made elsewhere--check the labels carefully).

 

[searcher]

Kinda reminds me of some of the guys I worked with over the years.....................

Tour of my snap on toolboxes and shop tools
Kris Morse

Published on Nov 6, 2014
Tour of my snap on toolboxes and shop


Snapon toolbox tour, part 2
Kris Morse

Published on Dec 18, 2015
snapon toolbox tour

 

[mtnman]

Well that was purdy, but does he know how to use them? Those weren't the hands of a mechanic, no stained black cracked skin or scabbed knuckles. More the hands of a tool collector. That shop has never seen a piece of greasy grungy broken equipment in for a repair...

 

[searcher]

Well that was purdy, but does he know how to use them? Those weren't the hands of a mechanic, no stained black cracked skin or scabbed knuckles. More the hands of a tool collector. That shop has never seen a piece of greasy grungy broken equipment in for a repair...

Don't know anything about the guy. Here's a link to his youtube channel if you're interested: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncQ5z59oIbT6zJpJqNBKmw He does have a few interesting vids.

On a different note.........

Always kept my shop and workspace pretty clean and orderly. Much safer, easier to get around in and find things that way. And I always wore nitrile gloves when I worked. So did all the other guys in the shop. No reason to walk around with dirty hands just because of a job.

Have been in a few shops that were shit holes and where the guys didn't wear gloves. Actually felt sorry for the employees.

 

[searcher]

MYTH BREAKERS #1 Use & Abuse of Crescent Wrenches tubalcain
mrpete222

Published on Apr 15, 2016
Watch me bust the myth about turning an adjustable wrench in a specific direction.
Sorry, I cannot respond to all comments. But you should read all the comments for some good info & laughs.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE

 

[nickndfl]

My grandfather had a Delta table saw, radial arm saw, ban saw and drill presses in his basement. They were precision made, you could hear the quality. He used to place the sawdust in the road in the winter in Pittsburgh to help some of the cars get up and down the hill.

 

[rte]

I started one piece at a time as needed.
I have most useful tools BUT still don't own a pipe wrench or ball peen hammer.
The 300+ cars I've had over the years paid for every last one of them.

 

[ErrosionOfAccord]

One thing for the under 40 people reading this. Back in the day I had 20/15 vision, better than perfect. Now it's 20/20 but I still need reading glasses. As you age the lens hardens and the muscles quit stretching the lens far enough for up close vision. What I am getting at is, buy tools with large size markings. It sucks to be dunking around in The garage and have to go get reading glasses to see your sockets.

 

[glockngold]

One thing for the under 40 people reading this. Back in the day I had 20/15 vision, better than perfect. Now it's 20/20 but I still need reading glasses. As you age the lens hardens and the muscles quit stretching the lens far enough for up close vision. What I am getting at is, buy tools with large size markings. It sucks to be dunking around in The garage and have to go get reading glasses to see your sockets.

A trick for being able to read sockets:
First of all, keep them on a rail if they are under 1" (easier to find if they are in order)
But either way, take a dab of paint & smear it in the size stamping.
Then wipe it off leaving the paint to dry in the lower lying stamp indentations.
I see this a lot on tool lots that I buy from old timers.

 

[searcher]

Cont'd from post #27

MYTH BREAKERS #1 (pt 2 of 2) Use & Abuse of Crescent Wrenches mrpete222
mrpete222

Published on Apr 19, 2016
Watch me bust the myth about turning an adjustable wrench in a specific direction.
Sorry, I cannot respond to all comments. But you should read all the comments for some good info & laughs.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE

 

[searcher]

SK "X-FRAME" Ratcheting Wrench Review & Demonstration!
ChuckE2009

Published on Apr 21, 2016
These wrenches on the SK website:
http://skhandtool.com/SKXFRAME.aspx

These wrenches for sale:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=SK+x+frame+ratch...

 

[glockngold]

Time will tell on that puppy that took off the alternator bolt.
But If I come across a set of those... I'll keep em.

 

[searcher]

Is Zeb a tool freak????????????

Big-Time Boxes: Zebulon McNichol, Mac Tools
http://www.vehicleservicepros.com/article/12166298/big-time-boxes-zebulon-mcnichol-mac-tools

 

[southfork]

Ive used them all over past years, Ive rebuilt car engines, transmissions both manual and automatic and fixed about anything there is to fix, when working property cant make a legitimate claim that ones any better than the other, any new needs today I buy husky or the one lowes sells. The only true difference I can note is using an open end wrench the cheaper ones tend to spread on tight bolts and strip the heads.

 

[southfork]

Just as an after thought this would be a good thread for a show me your tools/workbench pictures.

 

[searcher]

Craftsman vs Craftsman Professional vs Harbor Freight vs Matco vs Mac vs Snap-on -ETCG1
ETCG1

Published on Jan 5, 2015
I get asked about tools a LOT. In this video I talk about my opinions on some of the most popular tool brands out there both for the professional and the DIY. Please keep in mind these are my opinions and just because you have a different one, that doesn't make me, or you for that matter, wrong. It's a discussion people. That said, after years of working as a former DIYer and professional, these are the opinions I've formed about these tools. I hope you enjoy my review.

Thanks for watching.

EricTheCarGuy Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/EricTheCa...

Intro music by Eric Cook "ETCG1 Intro".

Related Videos.

What's Inside ETCG's Tool Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FXTb...

What's Inside ETCG's 'Home' Tool Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeiJ6...

ETCG's Air Tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5EvL...

Clutter In the Tool Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTvaV...

ETCG Shop Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSRpT...

Tool Company Links.

Craftsman: http://www.craftsman.com

Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com

Matco: http://www.matcotools.com

Mac: http://www.mactools.com/en-us

Snap-on: https://store.snapon.com

Not featured in video.

Cornwell: http://www.cornwelltools.com

SK: http://www.sktools.com

Other useful stuff.

Discussion about this Video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/1...

 

[searcher]

Just as an after thought this would be a good thread for a show me your tools/workbench pictures.

Sold my work boxes about 3 years ago but still have a few pics of them in the shop with some of the stuff I worked on. I'll see if I can scan them into the computer and post them.

 

[searcher]

Stuff I Get From Harbor Freight -ETCG1
ETCG1

Published on Apr 25, 2016
I see Harbor Freight as a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that it's convenient and affordable. A curse in that half the time the stuff either doesn't work or it breaks.

There are certain things that I think Harbor Freight does very well, and some things it doesn't. In this video I explore my experiences with both.

As always, I look forward to your comments.

The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com

Intro music by Eric Cook "ETCG1 Intro".

Thanks for watching!

Discussion about this video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/1...

YouTube Channel with Wood Signs: https://www.youtube.com/user/oldave100

Make Wood Signs Website: http://makeawoodsign.com

Harbor Freight Website: http://www.harborfreight.com/#