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Tools ( what brands do you like )

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Rick

07-15-2003 17:59:37

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The tools that i like are craftsman and SK, I do get a lot from harbor freight also. Snap-On will not sell to me. I am not a Garage, I only restore so that does not count. When i go to auctions i dont buy anything from snap-On, my boys say that i should buy, but they won't sell to me , i don't want there tools. Am i wrong, let me know what you think.

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Anthony

07-28-2003 19:56:17

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

Anything made by J. H. Williams or Blackhawk are my favorites, i used a 3/8 blackhawk flex head to break head bolts loose on a 302 without failure.

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Bob

07-21-2003 19:35:23

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

There are very few tool companies these days.

KD, NAPA, Craftsman, Matco, and one other I dont recall are all the same tool from Danaher. They also own Armstrong, but contine (so far) to make them in the old dedicated plant in Chicago. They also own Allen wrench, Jacob chucks, and a few others.

Mac, Stanley, and many private brands, such as John Deere labeled are the same.

Even Snap-On 2 yrs ago got into the game and they make the Kobalt(spelling?) tools that are sold at Lowe's Home Centers.

Yes, I am sure you can pick a tool or two that you can only get under one label, but for 90% of what you will have in your box, they are all pretty much the same.

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Rick

07-17-2003 15:38:13

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

Thank you every one.!!

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Rauville

07-17-2003 05:25:00

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

I think that I could find any brand in my toolbox. From Snap-on, Craftsman, SK Wayne, Blackhawk, Proto, Industro Super (One of the best cheaper tool lines), to Powercraft (Wards) and Artisan (Gambles)...I have a set of big box end wrenches by Vlchek (1 1/4" to 3") that probably date back to the 1940's, that have seen lots of abuse, but work as good as new. I agree with you about Snap-on dealers. I have a coffee can of broken Snap-on sockets that can't be replaced because of a lack of proof that they were purchased from an offical Snap-on outlet.

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Trevor

07-21-2003 12:30:11

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Re: Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rauville, 07-17-2003 05:25:00

Rauville,

That is crap!!!! The Snap-on guy is just screwing you. Contact Snap-on direct and tell them your issues. If it says Snap-on it is good for life, regardless of who bough it.

Let me know if you have any more problems and maybe I can help get them exchanged. Where are You?

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john d

07-16-2003 18:06:56

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

My tool cabinet likely has one of the most mis-matched bunch of tools around. My favorites are some old Herbrand sockets my Dad got during WWII and some Craftsman boxend wrenches nearly that old. They have lots thinner handles and walls than the modern Craftsman stuff, which I also like. I've also got Mac, some Proto, Blackhawk, and various cheap import wrenches. I've got one 1/2" combination wrench that was made in India that I found in a bin of wrenches for about $1 each over 20 years ago. I wish I had an entire set of those, as it has a very slender handle, thin walls, fits bolts precisely, and is the one I always reach for first when needing that size. I have used and abused that wrench, and it equals anything else I have in utility and durability!

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wdTom

07-16-2003 17:45:59

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

I use Craftsman wrenches and sockets. Reasonable price, easy warranty, readably available. I like Vicegrip brand vicegrips, and Chanel lock pliers. I have a bunch of Stanley screwdrivers I got when they had 3 lobe handles that I love the feel of and the blades are as tough as can be. I don't know if they still make them. Think the blade was stamped "boron steel". Have some Craftsman dykes that seem to just keep getting looser and looser in the hinge joint. Cheap.

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TimV

07-16-2003 12:41:40

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

My grandparents started me and my two brothers out with a Craftsman tool box and a few tools in 1978, and then added a tool or two every Christmas. Gramp died in 1998, but we can still count on a little something from our grandmother (88 and still going strong!) come Christmas. I've still got 90% of these, and use them frequently. Other than that, I think I've got one of everything--Mac, Snap-on, Proto, Armstrong, S-K, "dollar store specials", etc. etc. I like Craftsman ratchets, but prefer Snap-on screwdrivers, Makita power tools, and have a bunch of Northern Tool and Cummins "big stuff" for when I can't justify paying name-brand price for seldom-used large tools. I've got literally dozens of pairs of cheap-o pliers and screwdrivers--no sense letting a $30 pair of pliers rust away in the trunk of the car, toolbox of the truck, back of the ATV, down by the water pump, etc., and I've found that a cheap pair of pliers beats the tar out of NO pliers when something breaks smack-dab in the middle of nowhere! With regard to the Snap-on guy, I'm puzzled that he won't sell to you. Our local guy is more than happy to make cash-and-carry sales to anyone who happens to be in the same place at the same time as he is, particularly after they've proven themselves not to be a waste of his time (browsing and not buying, trying to haggle on everything, etc.). If you have a friend in the repair business, maybe you could run a couple of deals through him first, and then see if the guy will go direct.

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Scott Williams

07-16-2003 09:00:32

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

I agree with several of the other posts. Any time that I need a specialty tool that Craftsman doesn't make, I wait till I catch the Mac or Snap-On trucks at one of the local shops. Every time I have asked them about something they are always very helpful and willing to sell me anything I want. I've done this enough that I almost know what their schedules are at a couple of places so I can find them.

The salesman you are dealing with is an A** and I don't blame you for having hard feelings towards him, but I can assure you that is not the attitude of most of their representatives.

As for what I like----

I only turn wrenches for hobby, and part-time farming, so I just can't justify the price difference between Snap-ON and Craftsman. I have a Craftsman box, full of craftsman tools, with a handful of Snap-on specialty tools scattered throughout.

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hay

07-16-2003 06:58:22

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

maybe snap-on dealers have different rules depending on where they are, but even though i am no longer working as a mechanic, if i see one of their trucks and i need something they are always glad to sell to me. i don't think they would sell to an individual on a time payment, but for cash they should be glad to sell to you.

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max

07-16-2003 06:54:34

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

Rick
If you can get MIT (Michigan Industrial Tools), get some. Made in Grand Rapids. No frills heavy tools that don't break. Can buy a whole set of 3/4
drive sockets for about 30 bucks at the B&G Discount in Scoolcraft. Less expensive than any advertised name brand tools.

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Revredneck

07-16-2003 05:21:24

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

Rick, Your question is "What brand do you like?" In answer to that, my preference is Snap-On. I have been a mechanic for over 25 years and have found that the fit and feel of a Snap-On tool is almost always the best, even though a bit pricey. As far as what works, I have a tool box full of tools of almost every brand and price range. I have to agree with the guys who suggest pawn shops for the best prices. Also, I have gotten great deals at yard sales, flea markets, and auctions. If you are buying sets, it's hard to beat Craftsman for the price. The main idea is the same as everyone else said -- use whatever you're happy with. Good Luck and God Bless, Tommy

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Nolan

07-16-2003 05:09:50

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

The brand of tool depends on what the tool is.

My 3/4" and 1" socket sets are some no-name chinese stuff. Ugly, but they've got the strength. Cheap too.

For regular wrenches and sockets, I like Craftsman. They feel good to my hand. Easy replacement if they break. Warrantied no matter what I do to them.

Screwdrivers, I like Snap-On, but like you, I find the company and their contractors to be terrible to deal with. Overpriced, lousy service, weak warranty. But they have the nicest screwdrivers. If I find them at a yard sale, I'll buy them. Otherwise, I tend to use Craftsman screw drivers.

For allen wrenches and such, I like the real cheap Buffalo tools. They hold up better then just about anything else I've ever tried. I don't know why, I just know they do.

Drills and other electric power tools, I tend to like the DeWalt brand. I'll buy any ole bit and sharpen it as needed. But for precise drilling, I like Bosch bits.

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Harold Hubbard

07-16-2003 04:53:05

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

Do you mean the Snap-on guy won't sell to you, or he won't come to your shop? I don't have or buy enough Snap-on to make it worthwhile for the guy to stop here, but if I need something, I can always catch him at one of his regular stops and he is happy to deal with me.

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Wayne

07-15-2003 21:43:21

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

Well Rick, just think, the Snap-On Dealers are independent businesses, and if this guy doesn't want to sell to you, it's just money out of his pocket, not to mention bad publicity for him and in the long run Snap-On as a whole. You on the other hand can buy any brand you want. As a full time heavy equipment field mechanic I have a little bit of everything on my truck from Snap-On, Mac, Craftsman, S-K, Proto, HER brand, Husky, you name it, I've probably got at least one of everything. Some brands I have just because I happen to like the design/feel of a particular tool from one maker than from another. For me though, the main thing is to weigh the "quality" of a tool and it's price against it's usage. Smaller wrenches,5/16, 3/8, 1/2, etc that aren't likely to break you can use a good brand like Craftsman. When you get above a 3/4 to say 1 1/2 or so, then go with something a little bit better like Proto, S-K, or whatever. Then for the really big stuff say 2" plus that only get used once in a blue moon and could cost you $100 or more for one wrench, then your better off to get 3 of the "made in China" versions for $75. You'd be suprised at how good these off big off brand wrenches will hold up, and for the price, if you break all 3 and have to buy another one your still not hurt. Also like one of the posts said, keep an eye out in pawn shops. I bought a set of 5 Proto wrenches from 1 5/8 through 2 1/2 a few years back for less than $100. The cost of one of these wrenches by itself was right at $75. With a deal like that you can't go wrong. Just be sure you know what your looking at, especially with air tools, because that's one thing that hasn't changed with pawn shops,everything is almost always "as-is". The main thing is despite all the skint knuckles and colorful words thrown at the machines for being stubborn while we're working on them, is to have fun turning whatever wrench you do have.

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JOIE

07-15-2003 21:26:26

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

I probaly have around 30,000.00 worth of tools (bodyman for 31 years)I have Snap-on, Matco,Cornwell,Mac, Craftsman & Harbor Freight.The only good point about Snap-on is that make a realy strong ,thin wrench, with Matco a close 2nd, at a lesser price. I will say I have never broken a hand or air tool purchased from Harbor Freight. They have a set that looks like Snap-on for $19.99. I keep a set in my tractor shop & a set in each truck.Good Luck

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Mike

07-15-2003 20:19:11

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

All the brands mentioned are good ones,I have my dads tools box and it has a little bit of everthing but alot of Snap-On.There are tools I am using he bought after college in the late 50s
and they are in fine shape.He turned wrenches about 15yrs and another 15yrs used them as a hobbiest and I will pass them on to my nephews.
The Snap-On dealer you dealt with is a JERK!
been there dealt with JERKS,but I have also dealt with extremely nice and helpful dealers too.
Nothing makes me madder than working on something on a Sunday afternoon and a tool breaks and the ony alternative is use another piece of crap or wait till you can get a decent tool,thats why I by good brand name tools.
If you don't mind mismatched sets watch at pawn shops, they get alot of decent tools at pennies on the dollar.

Blah Blah Blah and yada yada yada

Did not mean to ramble on so long but to me good tools are important and NEVER have to be justified.Hope this helps.

Mike

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George

07-16-2003 08:36:48

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Re: Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Mike, 07-15-2003 20:19:11

You wrote, "If you don't mind mismatched sets watch at pawn shops, they get alot of decent tools at pennies on the dollar."

You need to hang on to that pawn shop. I have yet to find one around here that will sell used tools for pennies on the dollar -- it is more like "dollar on the dollar." They get the tools for pennies, but sure don't sell them that way. I've bought new tools at Sears cheaper!

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Mike

07-16-2003 18:45:13

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Re: Re: Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to George, 07-16-2003 08:36:48

Any pawn shop I have ever been to will deal,some more than others. Yep they are buying for pennies on the dollar and we both know it. If I am interested in something and really shopping not just looking I'll make an offer just to bust his chops and if he does'nt like the offer let him counter, you ever go to swap meets or garage sales
ya gotta start somewhere and ya can always go up but not down.

Not trying to be a smarta*& just realistic.
Mike

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Rick

07-15-2003 19:48:09

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

No you are not wrong. Use whatever YOU like and don't worry about any one else. I have always used S&K most. Still using sets I had i n junior high school. Rick

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Dick2

07-16-2003 06:53:07

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Re: Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 19:48:09

I liked the S-K tools that I bought when I was in high school about 50 years ago, but some SOB stole them. Replaced them with a real variety of brands. I did have a couple of HF small cheap wrenchs that never fit a nut right, so I pitched them; a more expensive set from HF is O.K.

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Mac

07-15-2003 18:58:19

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

Rick: I got a few snap on tools but they are to expensive for me. I have no problems with craftsman, SK, K-D, williams or for that matter proto tools. My tools dont need to have the chrome plating for the extra bucks. Snap on always sold me what ever I wanted years ago when I was a maint person in a large factory. Like I said tho, they were to expensive for me. I never had any problems with craftsman replacement either.

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Bill C.

07-15-2003 18:41:35

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Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Rick, 07-15-2003 17:59:37

Rick, Don't know where you are, but my Snap-On guy would be happy to sell you anything you need. He's even repaired and/or replaced Craftsman and SK ratchets for me as customer service, and he'll answer the phone at 2 AM if I'm really in a bind. As for my preference, I want/need a tool to do the job. I don't mind spending good money for good performance. Part of the enjoyment to me of working on this old iron is using the old tooling or making tools if required. BUT if the tool doesn't do the job, it doesn't matter what name is on it. Use what YOU like so long as it does the job!

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Dusty

07-18-2003 04:45:12

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Re: Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Bill C., 07-15-2003 18:41:35

I have a 1/2" socketset my dad bought in the 40s. They have PLUMB on them in triangler shaped letters. Any body ever hear of them? Someone once said that they though that after many years of making them they were sued for name infringment and changed to Proto. Not sure about this. Dusty

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JRN

07-18-2003 09:40:27

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Re: Re: Re: Tools ( what brands do you like ) in reply to Dusty, 07-18-2003 04:45:12

Dear Rick,

Don't deal with your "local" Snap-on guy in the truck get them from the guy in the brown UPS truck!!! Buy them online at Snap-on's web site. Make sure to let the "local" jerk know he lost the sale too!

Click Here For Snap-on

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