Tools?

[mdmmd]

Does anyone have an oppinion on a good set of mechanics hand tools. I would love to know what you use and if you like it or not. I've been looking at some of the craftsman sets from sears. I know they are high quality with a lifetime warranty but are they the best bang for the buck? Thanks

[duneslider]

I have craftsmen and am very happy with them. Local easy access is important to me. If I need/want something it is nice to be able to just drive down the street and get it rather than call/wait for the rep to come.

I left a ratchet laying in the driveway behind my jeep and ran it over which kind of messed it up. I stopped by the local sears and got a replacement. No questions asked, just handed me a new one.

[whatroads]

I use Craftsman too. I've had my issues with some of the quality. However, Sears has always been very good to replace.
As for getting a set, I built my own over time. I don't like buying tools I won't use. Also, I would strongly suggest 1/2 drive for everything. I've broke enough 3/8 ratchets and sockets that I simply do not waste my money on them any more.
Don't forget you will need sockets and wrenches for both SAE, metric and Torx, (sockets only). Having a selection of very small wrenches is also necessary for U-joint replacement

[deanthemachine04]

you can get a craftsman set at sears for 200. i love my set, it is so useful. plus you cant beat the lifetime warranty!

[scouter4life]

Craftsman all the way, yea you pay more, but I've never had an issue with them and the warranty is great.

[JK JEDI]

craftsman are good, but invest in a snap on screwdrivers and ratchet.

[riverzendz]

I've got a mix of Craftsman, Snap-On, and S&K.

Do yourself a favor and go for the Craftsman. It's a good price and a good warranty. You'll pay out the ears for Snap-On and it's simply not worth it. My $90 5 piece Snap-On screw driver set and my Snap-On impact gun is as good as any other I've used. I want my money back.

[NE Wrangling]

I've got a mix also of Husky, Craftsman and snap-on. Only buy lifetime tools.

I buy in this order also.

[jkkat]

We have a mix of Craftsman, Channel Lock and other specality tools.

[Mark Doiron]

Does anyone have an oppinion on a good set of mechanics hand tools.
I love Craftsman hand tools. Some of their tools have gotten a bit cheap lately, but in general the hand tools are still quite excellent. Examples of the cheapening of certain Craftsman tools: I bought a tire filler (you know, the thing you connect to your air compressor and fill your tires with that has a built-in gauge) the other day to keep in the JK (have PowerPlant). I have one that I bought a few years ago in my garage. The new one has a cheap, plastic cylinder for the gauge, where the old one was all metal. Same thing with almost all of their power woodworking tools--plastic is replacing much of the metal previously used. The biggest problems with plastic, other than obvious durability, is the tools are larger in order to recover some of the strength lost. I bought a plastic Craftsman tool box to keep in the JK and one of the drawers no longer locks--the weight of the tools broke the locking tabs on the rear of the drawer. Also, folks are reporting here that their torque wrenches don't have durable labeling--silk-screened rather than engraved. Also, they tend to get a bit gimmicky with some of their tools. Tools with built-in lights? Give me a real light . . and a break!

Bottom line: Great hand tools, but you should be a bit picky.

Finally, join the Craftsman Club. Doesn't cost anything, and you get great prices not available to the general public on their tools--sale almost every month.

[mdmmd]

Thanks for all your replys. Im gonna go with a craftsmans set for straters and then see what else I need as the need arises. Does anyone have their torque wrenches? or is there a better one to get at similar cost. Sears has a digital 1/2" drive torque wrench for around $95. seems like a good deal if its a good product.

[Woods]

A slight variant from a general tools topic, is what to carry with you when wheelin. To start, I don't know of any SAE sizes on the JK. I carry a set of Metric sockets only. When you buy a smaller socket or wrench set, it most likely will not come with an 18mm socket or wrench. This is a common size on the JK. You'll need to have it. Here's what I have in my JK:
- 1/2" driver breaker bar, with a 6" extension and a 3/4" socket for lug nuts
- 35mm 1/2" drive socket for the axle nuts
- 3/8" ratchet
- 3/8" 6" extension
- 11mm - 19mm sockets (a 10mm socket would be good to have too). I also added a T-50 Torx bit for door removal. I also have a 7mm Alan bit, that I needed once, but don't remember what for.
- Lowes sells a double sided ratcheting wrench set. The brand is gearwrench. Two wrenches covers 9mm, 10mm, 12mm 13mm, 16mm - 19mm wrenches
- 13mm 12 point wrench for break caliper removal.
- 14mm and 15mm wrenches
combination ratcheting screwdriver. I made sure to have a T-40 Torx tip, for hardtop removal.
- I also have a general tool role with the likes of vice grips, channel locks, screw drivers, adjustable wrenches, wire cutters etc.
- 3lb. stubby handle sledge - I've used it several times to seal leaking stock differential covers.

The important JK oddball tools are:
13mm 12 point closed end wrench for break caliper removal
35mm axle nut socket
18mm socket (just because it's often not included with standard socket sets)
7mm Alan wrench (not sure what for)
T-40 torx for hard top removal
T-50 torx for door removal

P.S. I couldn't find the 35mm socket at Sears (I checked 2), HD or Lowes. I found it at Kragan - auto parts store

[berg]

I know I'm going to get booed for this but there are some pretty good tools at Harbor Freight.

I know that they are all Chinese made but you must consider what you are doing with them.

If you are wrenching all of the time go Craftsman or such. But some of their speciality tools like spring compressors and bearing tools that you will only use once in a long while don't need to be the best.

You can even get larger tools such as hydaulic presses or transmission jacks for a third of what you would pay for the name brands. I have them and they work ok for the limited use that they see.

One tool I highly recomend to carry in the Jeep is a torque multiplier kit for wheel lugs (also bought from Harbor Freight for $19.00) It will break loose tight wheel lugs with little effort.

Go online and check out some of their stuff.

[Rogue]

I just bought a set of craftsman tools and loving it. It does make a difference in my opinion with my experience of using cheaper brand tools. I did my shocks and quick discos. I'm not much of a mechanic, but simple stuff I like to learn on my own and I think craftsman is great. I plan on collecting more tools from craftsman every 2 weeks to start my own personal garage :D

[yetibear]

Great list Woods, took it and dove into the tool bag. I ended up needing one or two things, but I think I removed 50lbs of stuff that was either redundant or simply useless (like SAE socket sets:crazyeyes:).

Really helpful list.:thumbsup:

[Offroadme]

i have a shit load of snap on and mac tools but have a lot of craftsman cause if you break em you bring them back and they give you new ones... got to love it.. every time i snap a screwdriver i bring it back and they give me a new one.

:bleh::bleh:

[GreytSilly]

I've made my living with hand tools as an industrial mechanic and machinist for the past 30 years. I use lots of Craftsman tools and have generally had excellent luck with them. They are also easy to get replaced if you do break one. Sears stores are everywhere so even if you are on the road you can get it replaced. The big name truck delivered tools are nice but when you break one you have to track down one of those delivery truck guys which can be a real hassle. One of the things I dislike about SnapOn wrenches is that they are so thin that they literally hurt your hands when you pull on them all day long. I like the thicker handles on the Craftsman wrenches. When my son needed a tool set I just watched the Sears ads and caught a full 250 piece set at half price and now he has almost everything he needs. You really can't go wrong with the Craftsman stuff with the guarantee they carry.

[mjolnir]

18mm socket or wrench. This is a common size on the JK.

you're right about them not being in most small kits, I ended up just buying a single 18mm impact socket, it's all over the place in these Jeep's

[riverzendz]

Thanks for all your replys. Im gonna go with a craftsmans set for straters and then see what else I need as the need arises. Does anyone have their torque wrenches? or is there a better one to get at similar cost. Sears has a digital 1/2" drive torque wrench for around $95. seems like a good deal if its a good product.

I have both Craftsman 1/2" and 3/8" drive Torque wrenches. I don't have digital though. Just like most of their other tools, I give them a :thumbs:

[DFW Rusty]

I use what ever is in my tool box!

I have been using a husky set of sockets and ratchet(3/8" drive) that I got from Home Depot about 4 years ago, and still use it to this day. I like it cuz it's small and it has most standard sized 6 point metric and standard sockets! I have a set of Martin wrenches that I think are just to weigh my tool box down, I use my cheap husky wrenches. I pretty much have a lot of craftsman, snap on, and martin, but I use mostly Husky. Can't go wrong with Husky! I have a Martin roll around tool box with like 10 droors, and 2 small Craftsman carry boxes. All of which are full of misc tools. Like I said, I use my Husky over most of my name brand stuff any day.

P.S. I use cheap screw drivers, stanley, or what ever is cheapest(unless I get as a gift). I loose, and break them all the time so I dont go big $$ on screw drivers!

[Mark Doiron]

A slight variant from a general tools topic, is what to carry with you when wheelin. To start, I don't know of any SAE sizes on the JK. I carry a set of Metric sockets only. ...
Good list. Regarding SAE sizes: I carry them because I never know when I might need to help out someone else.

[Saharicon]

I have to say I'm on the Craftsman bandwagon here.

I bought a set for around $800 and recently bought a closeout 3 tier tool box (also craftsman for a great price - 7 drawer base on rollers - 3 drawer middle - 3 drawer "portable" upper) There are some tools in there I don't have much use for for personal projects, but as I have other Jeepers that come over for wrenching days with different models, I'm finding everything is being put to use.

I have added some pieces since the kit purchase.

Someone said it earlier, 1/2" drive is invaluable.

A couple other MUSTS.... a good solid breaker bar, PB blaster, Anti-Sieze, and Lock-Tite. and a late but important add is a Torque wrench that you both store properly (take hte load off of it) and maintain well (regular calibrations/lubing).

My trouble now is making a trail- bag'o'tools without packing the entire chest!!

[riverzendz]

and a late but important add is a Torque wrench that you both store properly (take hte load off of it) and maintain well (regular calibrations/lubing).
!

That is great advice as this is easily and often forgotten. However, the Craftsman Microtork wrenches do not require any lubrication as per the instructions and when in storage the wrench has to be set to 25% of capacity. Many will tell you it has to be zeroed out but that is not the case according to Craftsman. If it is put away for, say hours, with load on the wrench it must be zeroed out and left sitting for a few hours.

[seer1]

I have to say I'm on the Craftsman bandwagon here.

I bought a set for around $800 and recently bought a closeout 3 tier tool box (also craftsman for a great price - 7 drawer base on rollers - 3 drawer middle - 3 drawer "portable" upper) There are some tools in there I don't have much use for for personal projects, but as I have other Jeepers that come over for wrenching days with different models, I'm finding everything is being put to use.

I have added some pieces since the kit purchase.

Someone said it earlier, 1/2" drive is invaluable.

A couple other MUSTS.... a good solid breaker bar, PB blaster, Anti-Sieze, and Lock-Tite. and a late but important add is a Torque wrench that you both store properly (take hte load off of it) and maintain well (regular calibrations/lubing).

My trouble now is making a trail- bag'o'tools without packing the entire chest!!

X2 except I do have a few Snap Ons and Husky's floating about. I'm up to 2 bags now as I can't figure out what to leave behind.

BTW the tool I use the most on the trail? The BFH.

[Saharicon]

X2 except I do have a few Snap Ons and Husky's floating about. I'm up to 2 bags now as I can't figure out what to leave behind.

BTW the tool I use the most on the trail? The BFH.

Did I fail to mention the value of the BFH??? :blush:

[seer1]

Did I fail to mention the value of the BFH??? :blush:

Nawww, that's a given.:yup:

[myklt8]

I got a nice set of Craftsman when I turne 15..I have added to it regularly.
But I picked up a nice Husky Pro at HD. use it most of the time now, my torx bits are also Husky. It just seems that there are more HD's around than Sears.
The bad thing is that you cannot get the individual black Husky Pro sockets. I have not broke one, but I did have one disappear on me

[sn4cktime]

My $0.02. I'm a welder and used to work in a truck fab shop. Within my first two months there I probably bought about $2-3K worth of tools. Majority of them Craftsman. Giant toolbox, metric/ imperial ratchets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, impact...) metric/imp wrenches (normal, stubby, ratchet), screwdrivers, hammers, bars, measuring/layout tools, pliers, clamps, punches chisels, and a wack of airtools. Other crap I can't even remember is in that box.

The only thing I regret getting from sears --> airtools. For the price they are (which still isn't bad) you could pay a few dollars more and get a Chicago Pneumatic, or low end Snap on "blue" line. Don't get me wrong, they all worked great, just longevity wise ....:naw: . 1/4 impact, 3/8 drill, 1/4 ratchet, 1/2 drill, 3/8 ratchet, etc all stripped out at some point. My 1st 1/2 impact's housing exploded, and the second one internally exploded. Die-grinder shit out. Only original air tools I have from sears that still work are my cutoff wheel... actually that's it, and that's because I've only used it a few times. And the airtools - NOT lifetime warrantied. :thinking:

I'd put it this way: 2 drops of oil every day + cleaned em nice at end of day = 8 months hard usage lifetime average survivability. If they're occasional use tools, they'd probably last forever, mine were work tools, and work tools they are not!


Every other tool though MASSIVE :thumbsup: never had a problem.

[bluerubicon08]

A slight variant from a general tools topic, is what to carry with you when wheelin. To start, I don't know of any SAE sizes on the JK. I carry a set of Metric sockets only. When you buy a smaller socket or wrench set, it most likely will not come with an 18mm socket or wrench. This is a common size on the JK. You'll need to have it. Here's what I have in my JK:
- 1/2" driver breaker bar, with a 6" extension and a 3/4" socket for lug nuts
- 35mm 1/2" drive socket for the axle nuts
- 3/8" ratchet
- 3/8" 6" extension
- 11mm - 19mm sockets (a 10mm socket would be good to have too). I also added a T-50 Torx bit for door removal. I also have a 7mm Alan bit, that I needed once, but don't remember what for.
- Lowes sells a double sided ratcheting wrench set. The brand is gearwrench. Two wrenches covers 9mm, 10mm, 12mm 13mm, 16mm - 19mm wrenches
- 13mm 12 point wrench for break caliper removal.
- 14mm and 15mm wrenches
combination ratcheting screwdriver. I made sure to have a T-40 Torx tip, for hardtop removal.
- I also have a general tool role with the likes of vice grips, channel locks, screw drivers, adjustable wrenches, wire cutters etc.
- 3lb. stubby handle sledge - I've used it several times to seal leaking stock differential covers.

The important JK oddball tools are:
13mm 12 point closed end wrench for break caliper removal
35mm axle nut socket
18mm socket (just because it's often not included with standard socket sets)
7mm Alan wrench (not sure what for)
T-40 torx for hard top removal
T-50 torx for door removal

P.S. I couldn't find the 35mm socket at Sears (I checked 2), HD or Lowes. I found it at Kragan - auto parts store


Nice comprehensive list, Thanks!:thumbsup:

[acelockco]

I have a Met-wrench set. It is not the best set of tools around, but they are great for the back of the Jeep. I have used them for some pretty heavy work and have never had an issue. The nice thing is you only need one set for SAE and metric, so it is less to carry on the trail or wherever you may be going.

[Leave Town]

Blue Point has a really nice setup in a plastic case that has most of what you need. I bught mine from ORW new store. I have a ton of Snap-On stuff from previous emplyment, but I'll take the impact and a few other nice things along. I have the Kilby air boss setup so air is not a problem (just so long as the motor is running)...:)

[TwoMileHigh]

I use Craftsman tools and OTC myself, they both can take a beating.

In my box I have:
Metric wrench set 5mm-26mm
12 point 1/2" drive deep and shallow sockets 10mm-21mm
24" Breaker Bar
200flb torque wrench
Phillips and a Flathead
Torx Keys and Allen Keys
A small buzz box welder and sticks

Last but not least.........
1 BFH

[JKJosh]

Cant go wrong with Craftsman-wait until they go on sale and stock up.

[WitchKing]

mostly craftsman here..(too much to list)

super happy with them:ya:

[tomb raider]

Craftsman all the Way, Can't beat the guarantee:thumbsup:

[doc307]

Mostly craftsman here, have only had to return a couple of pieces and never had any problems with getting a replacement

:clap:

[macanto66]

I had a sweet large tool box of proto and snapon tools in my truck, took me 20 years to get it just right:yup:. It took 10 minutes for someone else to get a perfect tool box setup.:sad2:

[Catzilla]

Gotta love havin the tools handy. I hate riding with friends that end up breaking down, only to find out that they didn't have their tools in the truck. *hates walking when a crescent wrench could've done the job*

[Strong Bad]

Snap-On or Craftsman - you can't go wrong!!:rock:

[Gokracer1]

I keep Craftsmen in at all times. But when I am going on one a run far away. I bring along my Matco, Snap-on stuff

[kleinrider]

good thread; I keep various, but mostly Craftsman and some Klein that I borrow from myself (used for my work).

[hawgrider1200]

I know from experience leave that Jap crap alone if you like your knuckles. Sure a Craftsman wrech will slip if u aren't using it just right and sure a snap-on costs a lot more and are harder to find unless u are working at a shop they come to regularly. The blue point and all the rest of that Jap Crap oughta be melted down for scrap and let the japs make toyotas outof em.

[XJHammer]

I also have to say that craftman tool are the way to go for the price. But if I had the money I'd have a nice set of snapon tools.

[Red]

After some 2 decades of being a mechanic, I have to say I like Craftsman. Given the option, I would buy Snap On in a heartbeat, but they are expensive. I do like it that the truck comes to me and drops off the tools, but when you factor in cost and warranty, Craftsman is hard to beat. Take in the broken tool, walk away with a new one, no hassle, no questions, no problems, and a lot less expensive than Snap On. On the trail, I tend to take a cheap set from Wal Mart or Auto Zone or wherever I gan get them on sale because I have a tendency to drop them in mud and am too lazy to look for them. I figure a cheap set is good enough to get me home, i.e. one use, if I break down and I don't have any heartburn about loosing a tool.

[walker]

A slight variant from a general tools topic, is what to carry with you when wheelin. To start, I don't know of any SAE sizes on the JK. I carry a set of Metric sockets only. When you buy a smaller socket or wrench set, it most likely will not come with an 18mm socket or wrench. This is a common size on the JK. You'll need to have it. Here's what I have in my JK:
- 1/2" driver breaker bar, with a 6" extension and a 3/4" socket for lug nuts
- 35mm 1/2" drive socket for the axle nuts
- 3/8" ratchet
- 3/8" 6" extension
- 11mm - 19mm sockets (a 10mm socket would be good to have too). I also added a T-50 Torx bit for door removal. I also have a 7mm Alan bit, that I needed once, but don't remember what for.
- Lowes sells a double sided ratcheting wrench set. The brand is gearwrench. Two wrenches covers 9mm, 10mm, 12mm 13mm, 16mm - 19mm wrenches
- 13mm 12 point wrench for break caliper removal.
- 14mm and 15mm wrenches
combination ratcheting screwdriver. I made sure to have a T-40 Torx tip, for hardtop removal.
- I also have a general tool role with the likes of vice grips, channel locks, screw drivers, adjustable wrenches, wire cutters etc.
- 3lb. stubby handle sledge - I've used it several times to seal leaking stock differential covers.

The important JK oddball tools are:
13mm 12 point closed end wrench for break caliper removal
35mm axle nut socket
18mm socket (just because it's often not included with standard socket sets)
7mm Alan wrench (not sure what for)
T-40 torx for hard top removal
T-50 torx for door removal

P.S. I couldn't find the 35mm socket at Sears (I checked 2), HD or Lowes. I found it at Kragan - auto parts store

I think this list should be a "sticky", thanks for the list Woods! :thumbsup:

[BadDrivr]

Cratftsman or Husky for darn near everything. I do like the silky smmoth ratcheting screwdriver from Snap On though.

Has anyone tried replacing a Craftsman tool at a K-Mart that carries them?

[gt4660]

You get what you payfor. How many times have you heard that. Overall Craftsman is a great tool. Good price and quality. I have to LARGE tool boxes with Mac, Snap-on, and Craftsman mixed throughout. Buy the best you can affoard and it will last. My .02

[bombguy2336]

I love whenever you break a tool, just go to Sears and they just hand you another. On another heartbreaking note, Craftsman tools are no longer COMPLETELY made in the USA. Father in law told me that some components are now made in Mexico, or overseas. But enough is still made here that they still rate the, "MADE IN USA" on the box. Might be why some people have issues with quality. Definitly why you can get them relativly cheaper now than in the past. My dad and grandpa would be spinning in their graves.

[red08rubicon_tx]

In my opinion (and thats all it is) unless you are a mechanic and work at a shop were a rep for MAC, Snap-on, etc... comes in regular buy Craftsman. I have a mix of snap-on and craftsman but the snap-on I only have because they were my grandfathers that he bought over 25 years ago and I got them when my grandmother died last year. But even if snap-on is better when you do finally break one and your jeep is down because you have to have that oddball size wrench you will have to go buy a cheap one from the store just to get up and running until you catch up with the rep, on the other hand if you have craftsman you can run to sears and have it same day!

[n6on]

Gotta say Craftsman although I still have some old Proto and Snap-on that I use regularly.

[jeff@zina.com]

In my opinion (and thats all it is) unless you are a mechanic and work at a shop...

And that's usually the key. Snap-On et. al. are professional grade tools. At a professional price. If your living depends on your tools, you buy them. I have a few oddball Snap-On tools and they're extraordinary, but I got them at pawn shops, garage sales, etc. I'd hate to buy one and lose it on a trail somewhere. Lord knows I've littered a few lake bottoms with tools when I was into boating... :sad2:

Jeff

[Until2004]

I am a mechanic and have to provide my own tools. I have a mix of Matco, Snap-On, Craftsman, Pittsburgh and other no name ones and have not broken one yet. So, if it is a set of tools you are looking for, find what you can afford and use it, but use the right tool for the job and you won't have many breakage problems. If it is a set for the trail and will be sitting in your rig waiting to be used, I went to Harbor Freight and got mine, they work well and they did not break my bank. That is my opinion...:wave:

[ricrac12525]

As everyone else has stated , Craftsman tools are well made and have a lifetime replacement warranty, just go to any sears store and they will replace any broken hand tool (usually no questions asked). But no matter what brand you get , I would avoid anything made in China, Taiwan. or India, all known for making knuckle buster tools.

[doc307]

I just purchased a couple of tools for my lift install. Craftsman torque wrench, and air tools (impact & ratchet). I felt it was justified since I was not paying someone several hundred dollars to install the lift.

[Frozenman]

I love my various types of tools /some expensive and some at middle of the road depending on the application/ my advice is if you're gonna use and abuse get craftsman the stores are everywhere just waiting to give you a free replacement:clap:

[nosmr2]

Don't forget to get one of these. It has paid for itself many times over.

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/small/secondskin/s_panelpopper.jpg
Panel popper

[J5627617123]

Go to cosco, and get the largest set of tools you can afford. They are usally some off brand like cresant... but they are just as good as the other tools I use. I use craftsman, and I use snap on.

Its more important to have the variety and choices, than the quality.

[nosmr2]

Just don't buy anything Craftsman that plugs into the wall or has a battery.

[walldo]

I have Crafstman hand tools and some specialty Snap-on hand tools, air tools are Ingersoll Rand, and comperssor is a Crafstman. DeWalt cordless 18v drill and impact. All have stood up to the abuse very well. :eek2:

[justinstoffregen]

I know I'm going to get booed for this but there are some pretty good tools at Harbor Freight.

I know that they are all Chinese made but you must consider what you are doing with them.

If you are wrenching all of the time go Craftsman or such. But some of their speciality tools like spring compressors and bearing tools that you will only use once in a long while don't need to be the best.

You can even get larger tools such as hydaulic presses or transmission jacks for a third of what you would pay for the name brands. I have them and they work ok for the limited use that they see.

One tool I highly recomend to carry in the Jeep is a torque multiplier kit for wheel lugs (also bought from Harbor Freight for $19.00) It will break loose tight wheel lugs with little effort.

Go online and check out some of their stuff.

If you buy junk tools (as I have) make sure they don't get left in your jeep or rained on...cause they rust and become a hassle.

[nosmr2]

You get what you pay for and you pay for what you get.

[KenB1010]

Good list. Regarding SAE sizes: I carry them because I never know when I might need to help out someone else.

I carry SAE sizes, because much of my aftermarket stuff is in SAE.

[jmat1980]

My biggest issue with hand tools is buying tools that were made in the USA. The crap from china is just that...crap.

Carftsman is not the best, for that I would go snap-on, that being said, the craftsman hand tools are made in the US and the sears warranty is the best I have seen, no questions asked. As long as your not a mechanic working on cars 10 hrs a day, you really dont need snap-on...go with craftsman:thumbsup:

[Spytec128]

I would have to say Craftsman because if it breaks, just take it back to Sears for a new one.

[jbuck]

I have been using craftsman, but recently spent about $300 on a couple of Snap_on ratchets. It didn't work out so well. My first project putting a TBE in my Dodge i snaped my snap-on tightining up the trans crossmember back in. The 3/8's drive broke off the head. (=busted knuckles)

Never broke a craftsman. They always just strip out

[NE Wrangling]

I've got a mix also of Husky, Craftsman and snap-on. Only buy lifetime tools.

I buy in this order also.

I'm quoting myself because the 1/2 rachet wrench crapped the bed. Went to HD to replace and they said if I can get one from the shelf. Only problem is they don't sell them as an individual piece. SOOOOOO i'M OUTTA LUCK.

[Sarbatche]

For the solid tools like wrenches and sockets: Snap-On, Blue Point, Pittsburgh. Its a good thing that Sears has a lifetime warranty on their non-power tools cause the quality dropped in the last 50 years.

I'm really fond of PEC measuring tools, but I also use Starret.

For power-tools I usually stick with electric, because a large compressor/tank is too much to take between duty stations, and I don't own a single things that's not DeWalt.

[sclan]

I know I'm going to get booed for this but there are some pretty good tools at Harbor Freight.



I too put them on my list of goto places when looking for a tool. True, you get what you pay for, so my rule is this, "If it doesn't have the potential to cause the loss of life or limb, I'll go there." Ex. Jack and jack stands...I would probably by-pass. And I'll recheck, but I think their Pittsburg tools were Made in the USA and they have the "you break it, we'll replace it free"

[Dwikto]

I have a craftman set my dad bought me when i graduated from HS and it is still top notch. Broke the 3/8 ratchet once and walked into sears and they handed me a better $40.00 one for free, no prob since, i use breaker bars for leverage to no prob. Husky actually has been good as well, I pick up some of those at HD when they are on sale.

I try to be set up with at least two of everything for nuts and bolt applications

[ECHO]

I have a Mix as well, Mostly Craftsman or MAC Tools.. Love the lifetime replacement warranty :thumbsup:

[GoodysGotaCuda]

At work, its all snap on, mac, or matco for me. I am a professional tech for a living, i pay to play with the best tools. At home i have gear wrenches and craftsman tools. EXCEPT i spent the money on snap on's 80 tooth ratchets. Hands down the ratchets are worth the money. They are the cat's meow and can take a hammering. I have about a half dozen craftsman ratchets i've yet to use (come in random kits). I love my snap on ratchets and home, the rest speaks for itself at work..