Folks, I gotta make an apology. I googled "chinaman". Turns out it really IS offensive... I had no idea. I just thought it was archaic and kinda funny. So I sincerely apologize to any that I might've offended, or who were offended on someone else's behalf.
Originally Posted By: sprintman
Don't buy a cheap torque wrench, you will regret it for a long time.
Well, I've had a cheap torque wrench for several months of daily use... approaching a year. I don't regret it yet. In fact, I'm quite happy with my China torque Wrench.
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Be careful guys, on my last purchase of Redwings about 1 year ago, the salesman said that Redwing was moving production of some of it's "U.S." line to China. They already have the "Worx" line made in China.
Disclaimer....I haven't confirmed the salesman's comment.
My brother has some "Worx" boots that he says have held up quite well for a year so far. I might give them a try at some point if I can't find a screamin' ebay deal on redwings next time I need boots. I don't care if they're made in Iran... none of my concern.
Speaking of ebay, here's how to get a good deal on Redwing boots. Go on ebay and find which boots are up for sale soon at a good price. Write down the model numbers and sizes that you're considering. Now go to the Redwing store and try'em on. Tell the store clerk that they don't fit too good... then leave. Go back on ebay and buy the ones that fit. I got my last two sets of Redwing boots this way- both times I paid about $60 for a $180 pair of boots.
I also bought some factory seconds years ago- never did figure out what was wrong with them. But the redwing store around here never seems to have any.
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Snap-On tools, whilst not in everybody's budget, are definitely the best, hands-down.
I have a variety of them that I inherited from my Grandfather, who bought them new in the 1950's and 60's. They are all made in Canada.
I could not afford to replace them even if I had to. Exceptional quality. But the price is insane.
I agree in general that Snap-on tools are SOME of the best. But I wouldn't go so far as to say that that's always the case.
I don't care much for their 3/8" short chrome sockets. They fit the bolt kinda loose... and they ain't short enough.
Snap-on impacts are mediocre at best. Ingersol Rands are cheaper, smaller, lighter, and more powerful. And I've abused/nelected mine for years with few problems.
Lots of (not all) snap-on ratchets have a very coarse (but no doubt durable) ratcheting mechanism. I much prefer my cheap craftsmen in tight spaces.
A borrowed snap-on Flank Drive wrench has saved me some trouble TWICE within my 13 years of mechanicin'. On two occasions I've loosened bolts with Flank Drives that I simply couldn't get out with any other wrench- I was really impressed both times. But I'm just not willing to pay $250+ for a set of wrenches that would cost me $40 at Sears. If those flank drives hadn't been around... I would've just got out the torch.