Thread: Quality Mechanics Hand Tools

So GWH, I can gather that you like Stanley ----O.k. seriously, another vote for Craftsman. What about the Stanley Proto? anyone anyone.


Justin

opps, forgot about Proto.
I have 1/2 drive ratchet that I like very much and seems quite durable.

I bought it for $5 at a used tool store at the flea market. Not sure what they cost new but I have a good idea I wouldn't want to pay it.

I also have a 18 inch flex head 1/2 drive Craftsman ratchet that I got in trade.

I was driving down the road one day and saw a T-bar in the street.
Once I got home I found out that the 3/4 socket was froze on.
I took it to sears and told them that I had gone and bought another T-bar and wanted to exchange this for something else.

They gave me credit for the bar AND the socket that was froze on it !!

Cost to me to get the flex ratchet in exchange for a "road kill wrench" ? about $3

GW --- you seem to have an interesting life and some nice stories to go along with it.

Take it easy buddy.


Justin

Ok so what are some indesputable characteristics of good tools?


Justin

Originally Posted by jaegerhund

Ok so what are some indesputable characteristics of good tools?

How tight of a tolerence an open end wrench has on a nut. How thin a socket wall is. Snap-on uses virgin steel they have a thin wall on sockets but are still some of the strongest on the market, look at an old Craftsman ('60s era) vs. a new one. The quality of the chrome, just yesterday I was using a new proto 1 1/4" end wrench and the first hard pull the chrome came off the box end. How easy it is for you to get warranty service. Comfort in the hand after all you have to touch the things.
Don

Originally Posted by junkinduck

How tight of a tolerence an open end wrench has on a nut. How thin a socket wall is. Snap-on uses virgin steel they have a thin wall on sockets but are still some of the strongest on the market, look at an old Craftsman ('60s era) vs. a new one. The quality of the chrome, just yesterday I was using a new proto 1 1/4" end wrench and the first hard pull the chrome came off the box end. How easy it is for you to get warranty service. Comfort in the hand after all you have to touch the things.
Don

Thanks Don

Don raises a good point and one that I overlooked in my advice to you

I did mention Chrome Vanadium in the finish but just as important is the way it has been applied... I have seen cheaper tools lose their chrome surface in great chips... the chrome was fine, not a scratch on it... just wasn't attached to the tool anymore.

In Australia there is a brand called J.B.S which i like very much... i would be surprised if the US didnt have a similar brand... in fact, I am sure you do.

What I like about their spanners and sockets is that they are completely free of stampings and engraving, which on other brands is the first place rust sets in. Chrome Vanadium seems to like smooth rounded surfaces to stick to... try to avoid tools with deep stampings.

J.B.S are very reasonably priced too, less than half what you'd pay for Snap-on (over here).

The result seems to be 1. Chrome Vanadium and 2. The more plain in appearance, the better.

Greg Frazer

Originally Posted by Greg Frazer

Don raises a good point and one that I overlooked in my advice to you

I did mention Chrome Vanadium in the finish but just as important is the way it has been applied... I have seen cheaper tools lose their chrome surface in great chips... the chrome was fine, not a scratch on it... just wasn't attached to the tool anymore.

In Australia there is a brand called J.B.S which i like very much... i would be surprised if the US didnt have a similar brand... in fact, I am sure you do.

What I like about their spanners and sockets is that they are completely free of stampings and engraving, which on other brands is the first place rust sets in. Chrome Vanadium seems to like smooth rounded surfaces to stick to... try to avoid tools with deep stampings.

J.B.S are very reasonably priced too, less than half what you'd pay for Snap-on (over here).

The result seems to be 1. Chrome Vanadium and 2. The more plain in appearance, the better.

Greg Frazer

Very good advice Mr. Greg ---thank you.


Justin