Tool replacement

[WhiteS]

It is time I replace/add to my tools. I don't have a complete set of anything anymore(kids). My biggest issue right now is having the right tool for the job that isn't broken, misplaced, or just plain don't have.

I am not a professional mechanic. I will not be making a living with these tools, but I don't want to be constantly replacing them due to breakage. If I had my way and unlimited funds, I would buy a truckload of Snap-On or Mac Tools. But, that just will not happen.

So, I put to those "in the know. "



Here is the challenge,



Lets say you already have the following;



Compressor and pneumatics

Exceptable rolling box

Jack stands 1pr.

OBD II reader

misc. bottle jacks



and... and... ~$1000. 00 to spend(hand grenade close is good enough).



What would you get... and from who?



If there is something to absolutely to stay away from, please state why.



Thanks for playing.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I've been buying quite a few SK tools lately and have been very happy with the quality for the price - they aren't snap-on but they are LIGHTYEARS ahead of craftsmen (I have a pet name for them now). I've also had real good service out of the Kobalt tools that Lowes sells - if I need something now and don't have the time to wait for mail order I'll buy those.

 

[WDixon27]

building a hand tool set from scratch id get the 263 piece set from sears when it's on sale for $199 (usually every couple weeks) as the core of the tool set, craftsman wrenches and sockets are pretty good but the ratchets are fairly disappointing, usable for diy stuff but crap for daily i have the same opinion of their screwdrivers, not sure of the current crop but they use to have crap tips that wouldn't hold up. that set would be a good base to start from and when you can get name brand tools for under a buck a tool you are doing real good

 

[WDixon27]

i think a lot of the snap on specialty sockets are rebranded sk, stuff like the impact swivels and the impact swivel sockets are dead ringers for snap on

I've been buying quite a few SK tools lately and have been very happy with the quality for the price - they aren't snap-on

 

[Nate]

I've been using mainly Craftsman tools for a good 10-12 years now and I've only broken a few of the tools.



It's nice too because you turn it in, and you get a new one. No questions asked.



I have some Snap On stuff too and I've broken a few things here and there. It seems like I've commited a crime to the tool man trying to get a replacement. Just a hassle for some WAY overpriced tools!

 

[GOlsen]

I definitely would not go with Craftsman torque wrenches. The only have a 90 day warrantee. I have 2 that I can't even calibrate anymore. Now I have some SKs and I love em. As far as jack stands go, I went and bought some "Big Red" 6 ton jackstands from the local Pep Boys, and I haven't had any problem with them at all. I liked em so much, I went out and bought a second pair.

 

[DavidC]

building a hand tool set from scratch id get the 263 piece set from sears when it's on sale for $199 (usually every couple weeks) as the core of the tool set, craftsman wrenches and sockets are pretty good but the ratchets are fairly disappointing, usable for diy stuff but crap for daily i have the same opinion of their screwdrivers, not sure of the current crop but they use to have crap tips that wouldn't hold up. that set would be a good base to start from and when you can get name brand tools for under a buck a tool you are doing real good

FYI They are on sale now thru Feb. 3rd.



Dave

 

[LesStallings]

The Craftsman tool catalog carries various levels of quality tools. I do stay away from the regular Craftsman tools, but the "Professional Series" seems to be more than adequate for my use given the attractive price. SK is also carried by Sears and seems comparable.



I have a few SnapOn, Kobalt, etc. , but the bulk of my tools are Craftsman Professional. I realize that a commercial shop environment justifies a higher quality tool, but since I don't make money with my tools (quite the contrary!), I find it hard to justify SnapOn or some of the other superior tools.



I do spend the big bucks for measuring tools, bearing splitters, electronics, welders, etc. I don't get equipment that has features I will never use, but try to stay with quality name brands.

 

[WDixon27]

your tool guy must be a **** mine just swaps it no questions asked, "hmmm this screwdriver is getting a little dull, oooo mister tool" hell he's even swapped out broken tap's and punches for me, i guess a happy mechanic is a spending mechanic :-laf

I have some Snap On stuff too and I've broken a few things here and there. It seems like I've committed a crime to the tool man trying to get a replacement. Just a hassle for some WAY overpriced tools!

 

[Nate]

The thing too is I'm in charge of the tools at work so we spend ALOT of money with this guy. Last tool order I did was around $3000, and we had one before for close to $30,000 (toolboxes).



But a guy breaks a $7 Allen bit or something and it's like pulling teeth to get a new one.



We had a torque wrench that has a couple chipped teeth in the ratchet and it would skip. It took nearly 4 months to get the right rebuild kit for it





I lost the keys to one of my toolboxes at home, and I ended just calling Snap On and ordering it right from them because the tool guy was talking forever to figure it out.

 

[LesStallings]

Nate, all you have to do to get better service is to make sure the Mac truck is at your shop the next time the SnapOn guy is due to arrive...

 

[WhiteS]

Is that your shop Les? Very sweet. How big is that building? That makes working on cars actually fun.

 

[Brandon]

nate



call sacramento customer service at 1800 865 1199 they will take it seriously. . they may refer you to the new portland branch. when the complaint filters down to the ftp bus manager they will help. . sorry to hear your troubles.



brandon

 

[rubberneck]

It makes all the difference in the world to have a good snap-on guy. My dads old dealer was like yours nate, couldn't get anything warrantied to save your life. My snap on guy kicks *****. He even replaces screwdrivers when i use them for what they were designed (prybars) LOL

 

[WDixon27]

the only complaint i have about my mr tool is he can't remember to order things for me, took months to get me my cummins timing setting tools, after i threatened to cancel the order and buy elsewhere he got it comming (truck was way off and running like crap and i was getting pizzed)

It makes all the difference in the world to have a good snap-on guy. My dads old dealer was like yours nate, couldn't get anything warrantied to save your life. My snap on guy kicks *****. He even replaces screwdrivers when i use them for what they were designed (prybars) LOL

 

[Nate]

Yup. I have since **** canned any Snap On orders and and dealing with Matco for new tools.

Nate, all you have to do to get better service is to make sure the Mac truck is at your shop the next time the SnapOn guy is due to arrive...

 

[IanF]

Hmm... to answer the OP, I'd have to know what you have now...



1. Air is nice... and I wouldn't mind having more air tools, but I rarely use mine for anything other than filling tires and my air-nailers when doing wood projects. I want to get a larger compressor, but mainly for a blasting cabinet. More air tools would be secondary.



2. If you don't have jack stands, then yes, you should have at least 4. I have 8 in various heights and might have to get more (larger) for the recently purchased Ram.



3. If you don't have a roll-a-way, then getting one is a good idea if you plan to add more hand tools. Personally, I recommend the largest Craftsman lower box you can afford, then add an upper chest when funds and need arise. Avoid the cheaper combo-packages. They look pretty but you outgrow them quickly.



4. Bottle jacks? I have a couple but never use them... but a good floor jack (3 ton if you're working on trucks) is a requirement.



5. I haven't bought an OBD-II reader yet... I have VAG-COM for my Jetta installed on a laptop which has a wireless internet connection that will reach the garage. I'll probably add a universal OBD I & II program for it if I need it for the Dodge. But right now, VAG-COM will work for the VW and the MINI.



Sears should be able to provide you with 2,3 & 4 within your budget.

 

[JFlagg]

You can also do what I did, since I can't afford the brand-new SnapOn tools. Look around on ebay for old SnapOn tools for a reasonable price. I have a few sets of ratchet wrenches and sockets that I invested less than 300 in and had all the incredibly worn/wornout stuff replaced from the truck. All my tools are almost brand new. Would have spent around 1000 bucks on everything new. You can also with Blue Point, their made by SnapOn but cost alittle less, and so far they've held up for me.