Popular Mechanics Tools

I'm assuming you're like me and don't want the "best" quality tools just because of the theft loss, but need tools that suffice for the least amount of monetary investment. If you have a "cheap tool" store locally that carries MIT (Michigan Industrial Tool) brand, you should look at these. Imported just like the store brands and not the best quality or best looking but they work. Definitely won't get the use from them you will from top end tools like Wright or Snap-On but when you can get a whole set for $15 who really cares? Personally, I have a hard time taking a hammer to a snappy wrench on a stuck nut/bolt but won't hesitate to beat the snot out of an MIT wrench and not think twice about it. The sockets ain't that bad either, cheap and work, even had them hold up to some impact duty in a pinch. The ratchets leave a lot to be desired in the ratchet mechanism but I have yet to have one fail, even the 3/4" drive that repeatedly gets the torque multiplier pipe on the handle. The extentions are a differnt story, the 3/4" and 1" drive ones are ok but smaller than that and they are weak and will twist off easily, go with the impact extentions instead of the chrome ones.

So, if you liked the old tools, the Stanleys should be similar. I have had good luck with the PM tools that I own.

Not sure how good the PM/WalMart guarantee actually was, as I never had to test it, but I don't think the Stanley guarantee is worth squat. Having said that, they seem to be decent tools for the money, so if they meet your needs, who cares about the warranty? As you can attest, the tools are more likely to be stolen or lost than to be broken from occasional use.

My guess is the marketing agreement to use the PM name (owned by Hearst) by WalMart expired and wasn't renewed.

Thanks again.