Thread: Quality Mechanics Hand Tools

OK --- I might be buying a mechanics tool set in the near future and want to gather some consensus on quality brands. I had a decent set of Craftsman a while back but they got ripped off (i.e., stolen) . So I know the big boys like Snap-on but tools in that price range aren't possible for me but I'm just wondering if there are any tools in the Craftsman price range that may be of better value. So what do you know?


Justin

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 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

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.

Originally Posted by sstulken80

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

Thanks --yeah I was wondering about the SK tools also --- no one has slammed Craftsman yet so there ya go.

Justin