Name Brand on tools

[marhar]

What tools are worth paying extra to buy the name brand? I can think of several but the one that stands out the most is a Nicholson File. The flat b. file by Nicholson is on another level when compared to files bought at HF or any other retailer. If I am taking the time to use a flat file I want one that will make a difference. The Nicholson file is substantially harder than other files and cuts better.

Name just one tool and let us know why.

 

[5030]

My 'tool' because it still works after 70 years.

 

[Torvy]

Sounds painful, 5030

 

[notaz3]

I know the big three tool trucks have the same tools you can get at a brick-n-mortar "premier industrial supplier" under different name.

 

[marhar]

I know the big three tool trucks have the same tools you can get at a brick-n-mortar "premier industrial supplier" under different name.

First hand, when they were made in the USA, I know that Craftsman, Kobalt, and NAPA sockets were the exact same product except for the name stamping. Depending on size some MATCO sockets were also the same. The sockets went through the same forming, heat treatment, and plating process.

 

[Paystar]

I've never got into the tool truck thing. When we used to still have Sears stores I always bought Craftsman tools and now still just buy Canadian Tire Mastercraft tools.

Both are good quality and both stores had free replacement. Only difference is instead of the over priced tool truck coming to your shop, you had to go to the store yourself.

 

[oldballs]

I just bought a Nicholson 14 " mill ******* file.........It looks "good" but was made in Brazil....if that makes any differance.

 

[rScotty]

I just bought a Nicholson 14 " mill ******* file.........It looks "good" but was made in Brazil....if that makes any differance.

I have nicholson mill ******* files that I bought new back 50 years ago and they are still fine. I have used them often - but mostly on brass and bronze. If I use them on steel it has to be mild steel & carefully.

Just found some more in a used store and they seem as good.

 

[Rdrcr]

My 30 year old craftsman tools still work great (only broke a couple over the years). I do prefer SnapOn. But, when I buy SnapOn, I buy used on eBay from newly retired mechanics. Save a ton of money that way.

Mike

 

[bmg88201]

I always bought Craftsman tools way back, life time transferable guarantee. But now Craftsman is sold at Lowes and are made in China. Snap on is too dang expensive for what I do. Klein tools are good, I think Proto makes good tools. Years back I would buy broken Craftsman tools and take them to Sears for a new one, no questions asked. The new Craftsman tool boxes are now crap, my old ones will last the rest of my life.

 

[5030]

Not 'Craftsman' any more, it's Crapsman'.... Stuff is junk and that includes their cordless electric tools as well.

 

[kf4uda]

I have used SK tools for years. Their tools have always done the job for me. Most of what I have I bought over 30 years ago and still going strong.

 

[scootr]

Skilsaw #1 in worm drive electric saws
Snapon - I have some of snapon hand tools for 50 yrs now

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Have a collection of Proto, SK and Klein tools. Most were purchased over 40 years ago. Never had a tool break when I was actively turning tools.
Well, with the exception of an SK rachet I had to replace because a helper used it for a hammer to persuade some 3/8" bolts. The helper didn't last, so the rest of my tools did!
Kind of funny though in retrospect, I asked him if they were his tools what would he be using to pound the bolts. His reply I will never forget, "a hammer of course, you think I'm stupid or something"?
I felt no response was needed.
The hammer was 6 feet away on the scissor lift.

 

[camshawn]

Old craftsman are ok. Never broke a ratchet, wrench or socket. Boss bought me a set of Fuller 3/8 sockets, deep sockets and a ratchet. Used them almost every day, even using an extension on the ratchet. Still my favourite ratchet. Klein has always been good for me as well and Knipex is a good brand for new tools. Cam

 

[bmg88201]

I used to like going to Sears many years ago and trolling the tool department. I have had to improve my supply of metric tools in the last few years. I have bought a few tools at HF like a set of metric deep 1/2 inch drive impact sockets. Yeah they are cheap, but I figure they will last the rest of my life. If the USA would have converted to the metric system a century ago I wouldn’t need two sets of tools. Oh well, the world has gone to s@#$ and the US has gone to s@#$.

 

[dodge man]

I also have a lot of Craftsman tools, most of those were bought over 25 years ago. The Kobalt stuff seems OK but I don’t have much of it. I bought two sets of 3/4 drives off of Amazon a few years ago, one metric one in English. Some random name on them, probably made overseas but no more than I use the big stuff they work.