Hand Tools

[Bird]

<font color=blue>Many hand tools are made by the same manufacturer but marketed under different brand names</font color=blue>

Hand tools and power tools, too. I don't know for sure about Snap-on, but I know that the only thing Matco actually makes themselves, owns the factory, etc. is their toolboxes. And I'm pretty sure Mac is the same, and of course Sears doesn't make Craftsman themselves either. I suspect the others do the same as Matco. When a supplier makes, or proposes, a new item for them, they have their own testing facility, which I've visited, to see what it takes to break it./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Hand ratchets are so easily broken, or worn out, and so easily repaired, that some of the tool trucks carry the new parts and the distributor just fixes them on the spot.

Bird

 

[bpence]

I have a tool box full of Craftsman hand tools - wrenches, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, other stuff - and really have no complaints. I've broken a few wrenches through the years and Sears has always just handed me a new one when I took the broken one into a store. I also have a set of 1/2" drive SK sockets that my Dad bought in the 50's. These are great. The ratchet has been rebuilt twice - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Bob Pence

 

[ERNIEB]

Bob, I have a couple of SK sockets. I don't remember where I got them from, but they seem to be pretty good. I'd like to look at some of their stuff, but have no idea who might be selling it.

Ernie

 

[Bird]

Ernie, try http://www.autobodysupply.net/SKhandtools/skhandtools.htm

Bird

 

[ERNIEB]

All kinds of neat stuff on that site Bird. Have you ordered anything from them?

Ernie

 

[Bird]

No, Ernie, I don't know anything about them; just found their web site is all.

Bird

 

[bgott]

If I could get by with only using 1/4" drive sockets, I would. I have 1/4" sockets up to 5/8" and 15 mm. If you get to working on todays rinky-dink little FWD cars you need all the clearance you can get. The small stuff is a lot lighter, too.

 

[PBMAX]

hey I keep a few cheapies around for the wife.She tends to leave them out side on occasion and as you could imagine this keeps my eyes from bulging when she does it.She isn't big enough(patete)(sp?) to break them any way.5'4" and 100lbs wet...I tend to buy craftsmen my self.Had good use and luck over the yrs.Even changed a flat tire on a pontiac with a sparkplug socket and ratchet using a pipe bender for leverage.Off and on no sweat...have broken a few cheapies,sockets mostly.Always kept a cheap set in the trunk when I was in the NAV...Theft was often high in the areas around base and didn't want some but head to get my good set along with a stereo...

Laziness is the Father of invention.../w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
Lil' Paul
Proud owner of TC21D

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Much of Snap-On sales is credit sales to mechanics where the dealer carries the note. The price is way high so that the dealer still makes a profit even if the mechanic skips town, and a whole bunch of them do.

I have a lot of Snap-On, and I also think they are way over priced. The chemical company I work for buyes a snap on screwdriver for less than $2.00 through a contract. The local truck driver dealer sells the same screwdriver for almost $8. Go figure.

Good brands include, in order of my perceived quality, :
Snap-On, Armstrong, Mac, Matco, Proto, Cornwell, Craftsman.
SK is OK.
All tools made by Cooper group companies are well made.

The Chinese are making inexpensive junk right now, but you can buy a complete 3/4" set for what Snap-On askes for one socket. If you use them for a hobby they usually will get the nut off.

I shop for tools at some pawn shops. Just don't go to a pawn shop looking for a 19mm Snap-On deep impact socket.

ebay also has a lot of tools.

pokey

 

[scruffy]

Ernie, a lot of Automotive parts houses carry S&K tools. I used to buy them across the street at one when I had my shop. Good tools.