Thread: Quality Mechanics Hand Tools

Most of my hand tools are Craftsman and I like Klein when it comes to hand tools concerning electricity (nut drivers, wire strippers, 4 in 1 screwdrivers). for volt meters and the like I prefer Fluke or Greenlee and for cordless power tools used regularly I would get Milwaukee, but for once in a while use Craftsman is fine!

Thanks Mark --- I knew you would be the first to chime in ----that's pretty much what I thought about Craftsman but with nicknames like "Crapsman" and sayings like "anything but Crapsman" --- I thought maybe I didn't know something. I'm with you on the Klein and Milwaukee (great tools ---the Klein are really good quality). Never have use Fluke or Greenlee.

I was happy with the Craftsman I had and they were more than adequate. A lot of times people ruin tools because they use the wrong tool for the job and then blame it on the tool

Thanks again Mark --- gives me more reassurance.


Justin

As far as hand tools Craftsman are up there with the best (maybe a little bulkier than the more expensive tools) but the craftsman cordless tools leave a lot to be desired for professional use but are quite fine for home use!!

Justin, how quickly do you want to put your set together? The reason I ask is that I have a roll cab and top full of Snap-On and Mac tools I picked up one or two at a time from a combination of ebay and pawn shops. I do alot of my own wrenching, a bit of a hobby, and I enjoy quality hand tools. The search is half the fun, and at one time I traveled by car through 5 states, so I had lots of pawn shops to root through.

Justin,
Most mechanics, home hobbyists, and yes, even straight razor users will degrade any tool other than the ones they own. As far as hand tools are concerned (power tools are another issue entirely) I think Craftsman are as good as anyone needs. They are inexpensive, unconditionally guaranteed for life (not so their power tools), and convienient--any Sears store anywhere. I have had a couple of rachets break (after years of fairly heavy use) they were immediately replaced without question (without receipt either) and with an apology for my trouble. Kobalt (from Lowes) seems to be similar in quality, price, and guarantee to the Craftsman line, however, I've never had experience with Lowes replacement (e.g. don't know if a receipt is required).

Just another data point,
Ed

Originally Posted by ForestryProf

Justin,
Most mechanics, home hobbyists, and yes, even straight razor users will degrade any tool other than the ones they own. As far as hand tools are concerned (power tools are another issue entirely) I think Craftsman are as good as anyone needs. They are inexpensive, unconditionally guaranteed for life (not so their power tools), and convienient--any Sears store anywhere. I have had a couple of rachets break (after years of fairly heavy use) they were immediately replaced without question (without receipt either) and with an apology for my trouble. Kobalt (from Lowes) seems to be similar in quality, price, and guarantee to the Craftsman line, however, I've never had experience with Lowes replacement (e.g. don't know if a receipt is required).

Just another data point,
Ed

Thanks for the info Ed --- not just another data point

Justin

S-K is also a great brand. The "Crapsman" is an easy knee-jerk comment, but they are good as well.

I have two views and two sets of tools. I am a mechanic / millwright by trade. I perfer snap-on tools I use them hard every day and make my living with them. They have a better more durable chrome and tighter tolerences. They are the best they cost like the best. They are truely better than the rest.
I also have craftsman at home and in the truck. They are fine tools with a good replacement policy. The broaching on the wrenches is not as tight but they work.
If you are down on craftsman and don't want to pay for snap-on you might look at armstrong. I have sockets and rachets as well as a set of end wrenches and they seem to be of good quality at good price. Also keep in mind that if you don't have a tool man like snap-on or mac it is harder to get service. When I was starting out I kept an account with snap-on if you didn't owe he didn't always stop
Don

like junkinduck said snap-on is the best!! for someone who used it 8 hours a day but for someone who want tool to repair this and that craftsman its the way to go cause there cheap whit good guarantied..
my opinion
(personally i use mastercraft frome canadien tire who is basicaly the same )

Originally Posted by Hawkeye5

Justin, how quickly do you want to put your set together? The reason I ask is that I have a roll cab and top full of Snap-On and Mac tools I picked up one or two at a time from a combination of ebay and pawn shops. I do alot of my own wrenching, a bit of a hobby, and I enjoy quality hand tools. The search is half the fun, and at one time I traveled by car through 5 states, so I had lots of pawn shops to root through.

Yeah ---I need a basic set now but I like your method too --finding top quality tools at a good price is a good time and rewarding ---

Justin