Mechanics tool recommendation wanted

T

TOOLTOWN

Festool Dealer
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Feb 15, 2010
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505
Hello all,

I'm looking for recommendations for mechanics tools for my personal use.  I don't need anything quite at the price point of Snap-On, but I would like a brand that's a bit more refined than Craftsman.  I have many craftsman tools from back in the day, but the new ones seem to be of lesser quality, and with the sale to the Stanley conglomerate I question the future consistency of the brand. 

I need to re-outfit myself with some new ratchets, sockets, breaker bars, box end wrenches, combination wrenches, etc.

A good warranty is a must, lifetime is even better.  And as much as I want to say made in USA, Germany, etc, I may be able to bring myself to buy from China etc given a good product.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Ken
 
Off the top of my head:

Channellock (adjustable wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers)

GearWrench (ratcheting wrenches)

Proto Industrial Tools

SK Tools
 
You could go  with used and get Snap-On , MAC or Matco tools at bargain prices compared to new. That's how many techs starting out get tools. Craigslist, Letgo, or Pawn Shops or even Estate Sales.
If new is what you're set on, Gear Wrench makes great ratcheting wrenches in flex and non-flex head versions.
You can mix and match. Buying Snap-On Ratchets but Craftsman or Husky sockets.
 
Kobalt sockets are decent.  Think these are made in Taiwan?

The 1/2-inch Kobalt torque wrench (click type, vernier adjustment) that sells for around $80 is a good buy to use on lug nuts.
 
I used to be a tech for benz and used craftsmans/snapon, but now for home use i prefer wera sets along with their super cool and affordable screw driver set. So I ditched most of my snapon ratches/sockets/wrenches for and replaced them with wera. i just love the feel and quality of them better.
 
TOOLTOWN said:
Hello all,

I'm looking for recommendations for mechanics tools for my personal use.  I don't need anything quite at the price point of Snap-On, but I would like a brand that's a bit more refined than Craftsman.  I have many craftsman tools from back in the day, but the new ones seem to be of lesser quality, and with the sale to the Stanley conglomerate I question the future consistency of the brand. 

I need to re-outfit myself with some new ratchets, sockets, breaker bars, box end wrenches, combination wrenches, etc.

A good warranty is a must, lifetime is even better.  And as much as I want to say made in USA, Germany, etc, I may be able to bring myself to buy from China etc given a good product.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Ken
Click to expand...

Hi Ken

I appreciate that this may be a bit too expensive but if I were buying some really good mechanics tools I would start by looking at Wera. They are a German brand and I have a number of their smaller kits. I have been to several shows where I have looked carefully at the larger socket sets and so on and it is all very desirable. I will probably replace my large Proxon socket set at some stage.

I have made a video about the smaller stuff:


Good luck.

Peter
 
The majority of my mechanics tools bought over the last few years are Wera, Wiha, Felo, Knipex and NWS.  German Amazon, Zoro, Chads Tool Box and KC Tools have been my major sources the last three only used when I had significant coupons. 

I have found the ergonomics are much better with the German tools than most American brands and do my best to avoid Chiwanese except in the case of one use tools when I may even call upon Harbor Freight for my needs.
 
Ken - You might want to head over to the Garage Journalhttp://www.garagejournal.com/forum/ and ask that question there.

It a great forum with folks ranging from pro mechanics to extremely talented amateurs. It is more mechanics tools focused and that question comes up a lot. There are also posts on good deals on these types of tools.

Ryan, the administrator was recently over here asking a similar question about outfitting a Festool kit.

Ron
 
  I am interested in this topic too as I am looking to add/ complete/ improve my hodge podge. Lately I have been diving into ratchets, wrenches, sockets, etc. I have just started to buy some "try them out" items after a bunch of research. I am after a complete set of sizes. EX- I am tired of maybe having a 12mm socket but needing an open end wrench only to find that the metric wrench set I bought 20 years ago (Craftsman) skips over the 12mm. That sort of thing combined with a variety of quality has prompted me to get a better set up.

  I don't use tools of this type all that much. That fact plus wanting a really complete set moves me away from Snap On and probably away from SK, Wera and some others too. Thought about going for used Snap On but getting a complete set that way can still be expensive and more of a hassle to get say all open end wrench sizes. The Craftsman products aren't what they used to be and seem to be hit and miss. Not all bad though. There are definitely some that I am planning to get.

    So far the winner standing at the crossroads of completeness, bang for buck, and seemingly quality, features, etc. looks like Gearwrench.
 

Seth
 
Ken, if you ask on Garage Journal please link it here.  I have found a bunch of useful topics on GJ by using google searches.

Seth
 
Check out www.tekton.com. I bought a number of their ratchet and combination wrench sets.  Guaranteed for life.  Got a problem, take a photo and email it and they send you a new tool.  VERY responsive.  Made in Taiwan with a nice finish and features.  Good reviews on Amazon and in YouTube videos.  I learned about them in Garage Journal.

I looked at big box brands and even higher end brands but found them to be a good alternative for non-professional use.  Still prefer Wiha and Wera for screwdrivers, but have been happy w Tekton for wrenches.
 
I would say the same on screwdrivers  ...... it is hard to beat the Wera, Wiha, etc. even when comparing price  barring cheapo screwdrivers.

A very nice alternative to Knipex and the like for pliers is Channellock.

Seth
 
Lot's of great responses here.  Thank you to all that responded. 

I have some GearWrench ratcheting combination wrenches and I do like the fit and finish of them, along with the lifetime warranty.  I've broken a couple and have had good experiences with getting them replaced.  That may be the way I go.

I will pose this question over at the Garage Journal and link back over here for all who are interested. 

If anyone else has any input I am open to all of it.

Ken

 
I am going through the same thing.  I moved my craftsman screwdriver set into my truck / RV toolbox and am just picking out the Wera's I want.  I bought a SK ratchet set for the truck.  I have a few knipex tools and they are fantastic.  I am shopping for a new torque wrench and breaker bar.  The Knipex stuff is expensive, so I am replacing things as necessary.  GJ is a great forum.  I lurk there all of the time
 
A note on the Gearwrench ratcheting combination wrenches. There are several different variations. The standard length original have a lower tooth count/ higher swing arc than the XL version. And there are two versions of the XL. The newest has red / blue filled size stamps and small 3 degree swing.

In any case be sure of what you are ordering. You will find sets for as little as $50 but those are almost all the original version. Previous XL is about $75 and the current is about $100.

Same for ratchets and socket sets with ratchets.  There are previous version 84 tooth and the current 120XP which have a 60 tooth double pawl. They look exactly the same except for 120XP markings.  Again be sure of what you are ordering.

Seth
 
I tend to prefer certain brands for certain types of tools (and in some cases do NOT like some brands).  I'm just a DIYer though, so I don't have experience with everything, but I'll summarize my preferences below.

Ratchets - Snap On, I really like their ratchets.  I haven't tried the high tooth Gearwrench ratchets, but heard very good things and would try without hesitation if I needed more ratchets.  Nepros is another interesting brand, hard to get, beautiful quality (toolbox jewelry), not cheap and completely unnecessary considering what we readily have access to, but I have one ratchet and one adjustable wrench and love them!  I tried a Wera and didn't care for it much.  I think it was too short (but not short enough to replace my short craftsman ratchet), the odd handle and plastic bits didn't sit well with me.  For some applications that swiveling head can be useful, but for auto work, this didn't appeal to me. 

Sockets - Williams USA made if that floats your boat, or their Taiwan line.  Easy to discern what's what from the part numbers.  Wright Tool is also good.  I've not been pleased with SK (finish is a little rough, chrome plating flakes off).  Koken (Japan) makes some really nice sockets for a reasonable (but not cheap) price.  I prefer 6 sided sockets for fasteners under 13mm.  Koken makes an interesting lobed profile socket to avoid rounding over fasteners, but it certainly makes it interesting when you're not sure whether the fastener is SAE or metric because that socket will always have a little more play than a standard straight walled socket (so many will not like this). 

Impact socket sets - Sunex or Gray Pneumatic (both Taiwan I think)

Socket bits - After breaking a few torx, I ponied up for Snap On (gold colored bits) and they have been really great.  I would spend money on good torx if you encounter them frequently.  VIM Tools (Taiwan) offers some good quality socket bit sets.

Screwdrivers - Snap On, Wiha (their heavy duty version).  I also have some older Craftsman Professionals that are very good, no idea if they still are?  There is a lot of personal preference in the handle design and ergonomics.  As an example, I can't stand my Wera's.  The handle design isn't all that appealing and the tips aren't durable either.  Vessel (Japan) also has some nice screwdrivers. 

Ratcheting screwdriver - I like my snap on, but mostly because of the handle shape. 

Pliers and Cutters - Knipex, Channellock.  Durability of Knipex is outstanding and some of their pliers are truly unique.  Channellock is high quality USA made stuff.  Grip On makes some nice locking pliers (I think they make them for Snap On).  For slip joint pliers, I have a set of Snap On's that have a cross hatch pattern in the jaws that are terrific!

Ratcheting wrenches - Look for something with a low swing angle.  I have Snap On's, but they are stupid expensive and I know you get Proto, SK's or other good quality at a better price.  The Gearwrench pieces I have are okay, but don't have a low swing angle. 

Picks and hook sets - I got some from PB Swiss that haven't broken on me, even the miniature set.  I would get them again if they were lost.

Pry bars - Craftsman Professional when it's on sale.  They will take a beating and the handles are nicer than the non-Pros for a little more money.  But the non-Pros are also good. 

Torque Wrenches - I have a precision instruments split beam with a flex head for the larger bolts (which I love) and an all metal SK clicker for the 3/8" stuff and a Snap On for the 1/4" stuff.  All are great.  The plastic locking rings on many of the craftsman's wear out, I gave mine away after 20 years of faithful service.  Harbor Freight actually has cheap all metal clicker style torque wrenches and they are accurate and consistent!  At $10-12 they are a bargain and a fraction of the cost of the others.  Usually this isn't a place you want to economize, but I know several people that have bought these and I checked every one. 

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.  If there are specific types of tools you're interested in, post that and I can add more detail. 
 
The Gearwrench 120XP (double pawl 60 tooth that equates to having 120 teeth) ratcheting wrenches have a 3 degree swing which is much less than the original ones. I have a set on the way. I will post about them when they arrive.

I noticed on the Tekton  ratcheting wrenches that they are 6 point rather than 12 point. I get that this may have a better grip on the fastener but seems counter to part of the purpose of a ratcheting wrench, that being access and convenience getting the tool on to the fastener in a tight space. Yes, you can just turn a couple clicks but that still seems like a nuisance in tight quarters to have to mess with it.

Seth
 
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