So i am thinking instead of buying snap on which even with my half off discount is still insane amount of money that. I would be better off buying craftsman tools. Now i am not saying craftsman are better i am i am saying that finacially they would be the best bang for my buck until i can afford snap on. I can honestly say i have never broke a craftman tool unless i was abusing it and in the cases that they broke a snap on would have or did break as well. So i dont see the logic in spendin the 10 times more for snap on whats say you?
is this smart or stupid
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As a former mech, I used Craftsman exclusively (back in those days they were still 100% US made), with a few Mac tools on hand. I opt out of snap-on due to costs (most of my colleagues were big on Mac/SnapOns) but at least I'm somewhat getting my moneys worth by (a ) I have used/abused my craftsman tools the same way as the others, and none of my tools break on me except a couple of 3/8" ratchet head exchanged, #2 phillips screwdriver swap, etc.
(b ) I don't see the benefits of paying more for snapons, unless you are making a living out of them on a daily basis.
Bottomline: if you don't use your tools to make a living, craftsman, stanley, etc. will work fine and can last a long, long time.
Q.
(b ) I don't see the benefits of paying more for snapons, unless you are making a living out of them on a daily basis.
Bottomline: if you don't use your tools to make a living, craftsman, stanley, etc. will work fine and can last a long, long time.
Q.
Craftsman are good enough, actually they are pretty well made tools. I have returned a tool for replacement, can't remember the details, but it was no hassle.
I will be counting on them everyday. Thats the things are craftsman good enough i personally think they are but ive been wrong before
Are you going to use the tools every day to support yourself and family?
Even if you are the Craftsman still have a very good warranty.
Maybe not all of the speciality stuff that Snap-On may have.
I found a Craftsman 3/8 drive ratchet on the street that had a screw missing.
I used it for a while and wanted one with a longer handle, took it to Sears and got a new one no questions asked and no charge.
Even if you are the Craftsman still have a very good warranty.
Maybe not all of the speciality stuff that Snap-On may have.
I found a Craftsman 3/8 drive ratchet on the street that had a screw missing.
I used it for a while and wanted one with a longer handle, took it to Sears and got a new one no questions asked and no charge.
Just found this in my inbox...Craftsman tools on sale
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-154-pc-me...p;blockType=G42
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-154-pc-me...p;blockType=G42
I use more Craftsman than anything else, I will occasionally have something break or wear out, but they are (still) an excellent value.
I've got 3 Craftsman ratchets: 2, 3/8, 1, 1/2 inch. All work fine. I've got 2 SnapOn 3/8 ratchets. Both are broken, and while the repair parts are available, they want a stupid amount for them. I'd say Craftsman, or the overseas version of SnapOn, Kobalt.
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You'll get tons of people chiming in that Sears is done for, the new tools are poor quality, etc. I don't buy any of that...Craftsman tools are still great.
Only advantage I have ever seen with Snap-On tools is that they sometimes have a slightly slimmer profile.
Only advantage I have ever seen with Snap-On tools is that they sometimes have a slightly slimmer profile.
If you're not a tool nerd you may not know about the other pro and industrial brands that are nearly as good, or as good, as Snap-on but frequently cheaper.
Just a few off the top of my head:
-Wright
-Proto
-Armstrong - But only the ratchets and wrenches. The sockets are identical to Craftsman, so no point in buying Armstrong sockets.
-SK
-Williams - Williams has two tool lines, a USA and imported line. Williams is owned by Snap-on. It's SO's industrial brand.
If you do some reading on Garage Journal, your head will be spinning in a few minutes, most likely.
I'm no Craftsman hater. The Craftsman sockets are definitely the best bargain in USA made sockets. The wrenches aren't horrible, either. They're not pretty and they sometimes have quality control issues, but they're easily exchanged and all the regular raised panel wrenches are still made in the USA. The fully polished wrenches are now Chinese, though.
Skip the Craftsman ratchets, though, except for the USA made premium and 60 tooth ratchets. NOTE - all the single ratchets are now imported, except for the Preimium ratchets. The ratchets in sets are still USA made, but I'd still avoid the regular 36 tooth ratchet, unless you just want something cheap.
I would also skip anything made in China from Sears. USA made Craftsman tools are often a great value, but the imported tools aren't a good value, IMO. I prefer USA made tools, but I don't hate all imported tools. I generally like tools from Taiwan, for example. If you want to save money and get imported tools, there are better options than Craftsman. Gearwrench is one great example. They have Chinese and Taiwanese tools that are very nice.
I recently bought this Craftsman box wrench set and was happy with it. The two smallest wrenches did have cosmetic issues, but I got them replaced.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2677352
I guess if I had the info I have now and USA made was a priority, this is what I'd choose:
-Wright, Proto or Armstrong wrenches, depending on what deals I could find. I also like the Wright dual pawl ratchets.
-Craftsman sockets
-Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchets
-Wilde or Channellock pliers
That's just after thinking for a few minutes.
Just a few off the top of my head:
-Wright
-Proto
-Armstrong - But only the ratchets and wrenches. The sockets are identical to Craftsman, so no point in buying Armstrong sockets.
-SK
-Williams - Williams has two tool lines, a USA and imported line. Williams is owned by Snap-on. It's SO's industrial brand.
If you do some reading on Garage Journal, your head will be spinning in a few minutes, most likely.
I'm no Craftsman hater. The Craftsman sockets are definitely the best bargain in USA made sockets. The wrenches aren't horrible, either. They're not pretty and they sometimes have quality control issues, but they're easily exchanged and all the regular raised panel wrenches are still made in the USA. The fully polished wrenches are now Chinese, though.
Skip the Craftsman ratchets, though, except for the USA made premium and 60 tooth ratchets. NOTE - all the single ratchets are now imported, except for the Preimium ratchets. The ratchets in sets are still USA made, but I'd still avoid the regular 36 tooth ratchet, unless you just want something cheap.
I would also skip anything made in China from Sears. USA made Craftsman tools are often a great value, but the imported tools aren't a good value, IMO. I prefer USA made tools, but I don't hate all imported tools. I generally like tools from Taiwan, for example. If you want to save money and get imported tools, there are better options than Craftsman. Gearwrench is one great example. They have Chinese and Taiwanese tools that are very nice.
I recently bought this Craftsman box wrench set and was happy with it. The two smallest wrenches did have cosmetic issues, but I got them replaced.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2677352
I guess if I had the info I have now and USA made was a priority, this is what I'd choose:
-Wright, Proto or Armstrong wrenches, depending on what deals I could find. I also like the Wright dual pawl ratchets.
-Craftsman sockets
-Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchets
-Wilde or Channellock pliers
That's just after thinking for a few minutes.
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I started out with Craftsman tools many years ago. My main problem was with the sharp edges on the wrenches that would dig into my hands. Snap-On, Matco,Mac etc are much more comfortable.
I also had a few times where a Craftsman tool would slip on a partially stripped bolt or nut but the truck brands wont.
So I took my Craftsman stuff home and am much happier at work with the more expensive tools.
I also had a few times where a Craftsman tool would slip on a partially stripped bolt or nut but the truck brands wont.
So I took my Craftsman stuff home and am much happier at work with the more expensive tools.
Regardless of what brand, unless you plan to work on farm tractors with 4 point nuts, you would be much better off staying with 6 point on all your sockets, and closed end wrenches. 12 point are a PIA because they strip off the ends of bolts and nuts if they are hard to get loose.
Im just a shade tree kinda guy, but i use my tools weekly, my socket sets get used all the time.. That said for the purposes of home use ive had very good luck with Stanley tools, never broke one and my big 190pc set has been in service in my garage for 7 years now. Ive been happy enuff with them that ive purchase a few smaller sets to keep on my UTV and in my pickup truck. My 7 year old Stanley set seems of higher quality than the smaller sets that are much newer (stanley as well) but they all do the job.
if i used hand tools for a living i think id want the best.. Snap-On. no arguement there
if i used hand tools for a living i think id want the best.. Snap-On. no arguement there
Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Regardless of what brand, unless you plan to work on farm tractors with 4 point nuts, you would be much better off staying with 6 point on all your sockets, and closed end wrenches. 12 point are a PIA because they strip off the ends of bolts and nuts if they are hard to get loose.
6 point wrenches give you far fewer positioning options. A good 12 point wrench with a modern design shouldn't have problems rounding off bolts.
I like to have 12 point wrenches and 6 point sockets. If you want to use a 6 point tool, just use a socket. You may also need to buy 12 point sockets if you'll be working on vehicles with 12 point fasteners.
Regardless of what brand, unless you plan to work on farm tractors with 4 point nuts, you would be much better off staying with 6 point on all your sockets, and closed end wrenches. 12 point are a PIA because they strip off the ends of bolts and nuts if they are hard to get loose.
6 point wrenches give you far fewer positioning options. A good 12 point wrench with a modern design shouldn't have problems rounding off bolts.
I like to have 12 point wrenches and 6 point sockets. If you want to use a 6 point tool, just use a socket. You may also need to buy 12 point sockets if you'll be working on vehicles with 12 point fasteners.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Snap-On, Matco,Mac etc are much more comfortable.
You [censored] rights they are!! There's a lot more to tools than just durability. Ergonomics, balance, close tolerances, and precise working mechanisms are all very important. I first started using Snap-on tools in the military, and then I went out and bought a 300 piece Craftsman set to use on my car. I quickly realized after using the Craftsman tools on my car that I couldn't stand them any longer. I didn't have the patience for them after being so used to using the fine tools that the Navy bought for use on their aircraft. I kept the nut drivers and screwdrivers, but sold everything else. Craftsman nut drivers are great, but I can't stand their Danaher made drive tools and I absolutely hate their wrenches! I don't have the patience for tools like that. To each his own...
Snap-On, Matco,Mac etc are much more comfortable.
You [censored] rights they are!! There's a lot more to tools than just durability. Ergonomics, balance, close tolerances, and precise working mechanisms are all very important. I first started using Snap-on tools in the military, and then I went out and bought a 300 piece Craftsman set to use on my car. I quickly realized after using the Craftsman tools on my car that I couldn't stand them any longer. I didn't have the patience for them after being so used to using the fine tools that the Navy bought for use on their aircraft. I kept the nut drivers and screwdrivers, but sold everything else. Craftsman nut drivers are great, but I can't stand their Danaher made drive tools and I absolutely hate their wrenches! I don't have the patience for tools like that. To each his own...
Buy the tool that will give you the best bang for the buck and what YOU are comfortable using. Nobody makes the absolute best tool for every application. Snap-On is very good, as well as several other makes. If you are going to have a simple tool set that you take with you in your car for emergencies, it doesn't have to be Snap-On. For something like that, it could be Harbor Freight. Anything made by Harbor Freight will also have a much less chance of being stolen. For tools that you will be using every day, you need a good quality make of tool. You also have to look at what tool trucks will be coming around in your area. A few years ago, the Snap-On truck simply stopped coming around to where I worked.
BTW, my main set of tools is Matco, but have many other brands included. I have a 1/4 inch socket set made by Great Neck that a lot of Snap-On lovers have used and borrowed just because it just simply has the right sockets for the job. (That's got to hurt them just a little bit, but they would never admit it)
BTW, my main set of tools is Matco, but have many other brands included. I have a 1/4 inch socket set made by Great Neck that a lot of Snap-On lovers have used and borrowed just because it just simply has the right sockets for the job. (That's got to hurt them just a little bit, but they would never admit it)
If you have kids that will have access to those tools, go with the low cost tools. Kids have no respect for the cost of tools, and they will forget to put sockets back, and may even leave an entire set outside in bad weather such as snow or rain.
I once went over my sisters house and found that one of her kids had left their dads socket set outside. When I found the set sitting outside the sockets were sitting in the metal tray and the tray was filled up with water from melting snow, and rain. They must have been there for several days because some of them were showing rust. Pretty bad when you have to drain the water from the ratchet. At least it was a very low cost china set.
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Also, years ago, I had a snap apart key chain made from the parts used to make a Snap-On 1/4 inch universal. I used those keys every day and they came apart easy when I pulled them apart, but never came apart when I was using them. So after a few years I tried to get another for a different set of keys. I found out that they were a give-away from Snap-On distributors, and they were no longer giving then away. So the next time I saw a snap on truck I purchase a 1/4 universal, thinking I could remove the center X piece from the universal and would have the two pieces I want for the key chain. Man was I wrong. I have a lathe, and a milling machine, and titanium nitrate coated drill bits, but that X part in the center was unbelievable tough. I swear that you probably could have put that 1/4 Snap-On universal in series with a Craftsman 3/8 universal and torqued them until something broke, and I would have placed my bet on the 1/4 Snap-On being OK, and the Craftsman 3/8 being the one that would break first. I never realized how tough Snap-On tools were until I tried to take that Snap-On 1/4 universal apart.
I once went over my sisters house and found that one of her kids had left their dads socket set outside. When I found the set sitting outside the sockets were sitting in the metal tray and the tray was filled up with water from melting snow, and rain. They must have been there for several days because some of them were showing rust. Pretty bad when you have to drain the water from the ratchet. At least it was a very low cost china set.
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Also, years ago, I had a snap apart key chain made from the parts used to make a Snap-On 1/4 inch universal. I used those keys every day and they came apart easy when I pulled them apart, but never came apart when I was using them. So after a few years I tried to get another for a different set of keys. I found out that they were a give-away from Snap-On distributors, and they were no longer giving then away. So the next time I saw a snap on truck I purchase a 1/4 universal, thinking I could remove the center X piece from the universal and would have the two pieces I want for the key chain. Man was I wrong. I have a lathe, and a milling machine, and titanium nitrate coated drill bits, but that X part in the center was unbelievable tough. I swear that you probably could have put that 1/4 Snap-On universal in series with a Craftsman 3/8 universal and torqued them until something broke, and I would have placed my bet on the 1/4 Snap-On being OK, and the Craftsman 3/8 being the one that would break first. I never realized how tough Snap-On tools were until I tried to take that Snap-On 1/4 universal apart.
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i actually like what you said this time...sort of. i will be a technician thats a for sure thing. no question. however the most bang for my buck would be good if i could find a retired mechanic selling tools i would be set but finding anything good isnt going very well. i have enough tools already to be a technician i just want tools only for work and i do need a real box. and boy o boy boxes are expensive.
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