Buying tools: used vs. new, whatcha think?

[motownbrowne]

So, i'm a vegetable farmer by day, and I have a few side gigs that keep me busy whenever I'm not picking kale or boxing onions. I'm not a professional mechanic.

That said, I am the guy on the farm who fixes stuff. We have a couple old Fords, our new Kubota, some mowers, a Troy-bilt Horse, lots of old implements, a couple Honda cars, a Mazda minivan for deliveries, and my F250 for heavy stuff. So, plenty of things that need fixing.

I have a decent collection of tools, mostly used, but some new stuff, and for the most part I get the job done with what I have. My question is, when I find something I need, am I better off buying new American made tools like "Masterforce" from Menard's, or Allen brand, craftsman, etc, or should I be buying used Snap-on, Mac, Matco, etc.

I can't afford the top-end stuff off the truck, and I'm not wrenching for a living, so I don't really need it, but I'm wary of the new tools on shelves today. It seems like the quality has really gone downhill, and compared to the nice stuff, craftsman type tools feel a little rough and clumsy.

That said, buying used tools isn't as convenient as buying what I need when I need it right off the shelf. Dealing with craigslist sellers isn't always pleasant, and there's no guarantee that the tool i need is available in my area. Also, I'm curious about warranty issue. It seems that the high-buck stuff is higher quality, but if it's used, does that hold up? If I buy craftsman, I can swap it out if it breaks. What about used snap-on? I know that stuff has a lifetime warranty too, but how difficult is it to redeem?


Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Professor Marvel]

People seem to know the value of Snap On stuff so don't expect any bargains. Plus I have noticed that you usually don't happen to have a selection USED of just what you are looking for. However, if you just look and find something that is for sale that is what you are looking for go for it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Harbor Freight wrenches have a lifetime warranty and are reasonably priced. Kobalt tools from Lowes seem to be good and have a lifetime replacement warranty also. I would never spring for snap-0n or other high dollar tools for my personal use and even if I were a mechanic, I don't think I would pay that much for tools when these others are available and work well. I might spring for a high dollar ratchet but not sockets, breaker bars etc.

 

[Professor Marvel]

I agree with Gary

 

[boggen]

So, i'm a vegetable farmer by day, and I have a few side gigs that keep me busy whenever I'm not picking kale or boxing onions. I'm not a professional mechanic.

That said, I am the guy on the farm who fixes stuff. We have a couple old Fords, our new Kubota, some mowers, a Troy-bilt Horse, lots of old implements, a couple Honda cars, a Mazda minivan for deliveries, and my F250 for heavy stuff. So, plenty of things that need fixing.

I have a decent collection of tools, mostly used, but some new stuff, and for the most part I get the job done with what I have. My question is, when I find something I need, am I better off buying new American made tools like "Masterforce" from Menard's, or Allen brand, craftsman, etc, or should I be buying used Snap-on, Mac, Matco, etc.

I can't afford the top-end stuff off the truck, and I'm not wrenching for a living, so I don't really need it, but I'm wary of the new tools on shelves today. It seems like the quality has really gone downhill, and compared to the nice stuff, craftsman type tools feel a little rough and clumsy.

That said, buying used tools isn't as convenient as buying what I need when I need it right off the shelf. Dealing with craigslist sellers isn't always pleasant, and there's no guarantee that the tool i need is available in my area. Also, I'm curious about warranty issue. It seems that the high-buck stuff is higher quality, but if it's used, does that hold up? If I buy craftsman, I can swap it out if it breaks. What about used snap-on? I know that stuff has a lifetime warranty too, but how difficult is it to redeem?


Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

*laughs hard* ughs,, masterforce... masterforce... bought a portable table saw / jobsite table saw, and was missing a couple parts, they ended up shipping me the "craftsman" version of the entire large plastic housing that everything fits to (sides of a table saw). rebranding out of hand! all there is to it.

i have obtain a few craiglist tools, and my mom is a garage sale maniac, so some tools come that way. it is a lottery drawing, some stuff easy to tear apart and fix, while other stuff is a complete wipe, and get tossed into garbage.

 

[motownbrowne]

Oh, forgot to mention, I won't buy any tools made overseas (okay, maybe Germany or Japan) if I can at all avoid it. I think that rules HF out.

 

[varmint]

I have a motley assortment of HF wrenches and sockets, and I really can't fault them... their screwdrivers, some of which you get for free, are pretty much worth just that... For occasional use, HF hand tools seem fine, considering the cost when they are on sale. Like the long 1" open end wrench I used to use to tighten my adjustable links... it cost me a buck on clearance. Ratchets and screwdrivers- I'd go for the real stuff, like Proto, Snap on or one of the other mechanic's tool companies.

 

[Professor Marvel]

Myself, I refuse to buy HF tools but in reality machining of wrenches (even Chinese) should have advanced sufficiently that they are accurate and strong enough for all normal use. Moving part tools might be another story. I have always bought Craftsman because I think they were good when I grew up and I like my tools matching but I am pretty sure they are also now made in china. Not sure if I care about a lifetime warranty anymore since I have never broken and open end or combination type wrench ever.
I am sure you will get all sorts of opinions here and I will get amusement out of the responses. Good luck in your choices and thanks for the thread.

 

[DJ54]

The majority of my specialty tools came from auctions. Sometimes you can buy them at a decent price, other times buyer's pay more than they are new. And this was back before Mac & Snap-On were made in China.

I have lucked out several times over the years, and bought Snap-On & Mac ratchet & wrench sets by the box full for $5 -$10 a box, but not often. All 4 shops here have double sets of combination wrenches, 2 with the jumbo sets. I can do a minor fix at anyone of them. Beats dragging wrenches from one, to another.

Never had any problems getting something replaced from being bought at an auction, but it has only been a couple of times. A Flea Market is a good place to pick up odd wrenches. I try and pick up all the thin wrenches I can find. They do come in handy..!!

 

[Clint S]

I go with Craftsmen for many hand tools, that are in my garage toolbox . It is just nice to be able to use them hard and if you break them a 20minute drive has them replaced. Who hasn't used a screwdriver for a prybar or put a section of pipe on a ratchet. For many things I keep on the tractor or in my boat that may get lost I go with the cheaper HF tools, that way if I lose them I am out little $$$$$. If I lose a socket, I go to the fleamarket on Sunday and can usually replace a craftsman socket for .50 to a $1.00 or a wrench for $1.00 $2.00. If they are rusty just take them in and exchange for new.