Capricious
Platinum Member
If I can't borrow (steal) good tools, then I buy cheap ones.
Buying tools: used vs. new, whatcha think?
- Thread starter motownbrowne
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OP
motownbrowne
Elite Member
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- river falls, wi
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- Kubota mx4700 HST, New Holland TC-29D
I've got mostly Craftsman stuff. A few things I have are S-K, Snap-On and Mac. I'm a deal-hunter by nature so I now usually buy tools used. This is after initially getting started with various Craftsman socket/wrench sets to end up with a very comprehensive set.
The advantages of Snap-On in particular were lost on me initially. Over time I realized there are a few good things about them. They do push the envelope for innovation, coming up with ratchets that need very little degree movement to work or the shapes of socket walls etc. They do something new that works, then they are copied (nature of the world). Also, in general and over a long time the ratchets & wrenches are more comfortable in the hand. For someone that doesn't wrench for a living though I'd see no reason to go with Snap-On, Mac or any other tool sold primarily through a for-profit middle man (truck vendor).
I recently picked up a Mac 3/4" drive set with extensions and drive adapters for very little ($85) though craigslist. I didn't need the set, but bought them anyways after coming across them. When it comes to hand tools, I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I'd say buy a known brand for what you can afford from a store that's close to you. Replacing broken ones won't be difficult at all then. Generally, getting a warranty through a truck vendor can be a pain, as they don't make money from you and don't have a good incentive to help you because you don't give them weekly profits. Truck vendors will have access to some very specific, very useful and impressive tools. If you ever need one of those, they may be the only source...but it's doubtful you, the OP, will be in a situation like that.
Sometimes, what I do for sizes I don't use often is buy a cheap HF set or similar. Then, if I ever break or wear one out I replace just that one with a higher quality name brand. But I always look at craigslist, garage sales etc for tools and buy things I could use or replace cheapies with. Many times older tools were made better, even basics like hammers. I'll buy a cheap head of an old used hammer and put on a different handle than what I have to make things like mini-sledges and other useful "custom" pieces. Also, sometimes having a cheap wrench is great, as you can grind it to fit some unique clearance and not feel bad.
The advantages of Snap-On in particular were lost on me initially. Over time I realized there are a few good things about them. They do push the envelope for innovation, coming up with ratchets that need very little degree movement to work or the shapes of socket walls etc. They do something new that works, then they are copied (nature of the world). Also, in general and over a long time the ratchets & wrenches are more comfortable in the hand. For someone that doesn't wrench for a living though I'd see no reason to go with Snap-On, Mac or any other tool sold primarily through a for-profit middle man (truck vendor).
I recently picked up a Mac 3/4" drive set with extensions and drive adapters for very little ($85) though craigslist. I didn't need the set, but bought them anyways after coming across them. When it comes to hand tools, I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I'd say buy a known brand for what you can afford from a store that's close to you. Replacing broken ones won't be difficult at all then. Generally, getting a warranty through a truck vendor can be a pain, as they don't make money from you and don't have a good incentive to help you because you don't give them weekly profits. Truck vendors will have access to some very specific, very useful and impressive tools. If you ever need one of those, they may be the only source...but it's doubtful you, the OP, will be in a situation like that.
Sometimes, what I do for sizes I don't use often is buy a cheap HF set or similar. Then, if I ever break or wear one out I replace just that one with a higher quality name brand. But I always look at craigslist, garage sales etc for tools and buy things I could use or replace cheapies with. Many times older tools were made better, even basics like hammers. I'll buy a cheap head of an old used hammer and put on a different handle than what I have to make things like mini-sledges and other useful "custom" pieces. Also, sometimes having a cheap wrench is great, as you can grind it to fit some unique clearance and not feel bad.
gasnutte
New member
I am a tool collector I have more tools than I need but they are like jewelry to me I collect mostly used American made high quality tools from garage sales
flea markets. If you have the time and and an eye for quality and extra cash doesn't hurt ether, you can get a good collection in a few years. Luck doesn't
hurt ether. You to can end up with more tools than you know what to do with. Regards Gasnutte
flea markets. If you have the time and and an eye for quality and extra cash doesn't hurt ether, you can get a good collection in a few years. Luck doesn't
hurt ether. You to can end up with more tools than you know what to do with. Regards Gasnutte
Great point. Speaking of luck, I managed to scoop up a used Snap-On torque wrench from another CL ad. It turned out that the wrench had been in US Military service. It still has it's stocking number on the wrench and the matching number on the case. The seller didn't realize this, and I would not have known it if I never went to see it in person. This was because the ad only showed a crummy picture of the wrench, yet when I went there, he then showed and included the original metal box it came in, along with it's original replacement lens and instruction manual/warranty card. I looked on the warranty card, and it dates the wrench to (IIRC) the 40s. I happily gave the seller their meager asking price and went on my merry way with it!
Rocky Hoffler
Platinum Member
I work with tools for a living and have mostly snap-on but to have some for the house its hard to beat craftsman sears has sales every thanksgiving and Christmas. but there is a difference in quality and fit if you make your living buy quality. If just for personal use then you can pick up name brands Mac Matco Snap-on at flea markets yard sales ebay . I don't but tools with some one name engraved on them unless buying from that person. when it comes to large wrenches and sockets espically for home or personal use buy the cheap ones from harbor freight or northern tool theres enough meat in them to do most jobs
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