What kind of tools???

[JR2]

Well I am thinking that it is time to buy a set of real tools, and quit using this hodge podge of chineese sockets and end wrenches. Does any one have any advice as to what brand of tools to buy? I have always thought that craftsman tools were great because of the lifetime warranty, what do you think?

Another question, are the tool sets that companies sell worth it?? or is it better to just piece together what you need??

If anyone has a particular set they liked let me know... I have about $1000 to spend.

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John D. Rathert Jr.
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01 2500 Forrest Green Sport SLT+ QC LWB 4x4 Auto 3. 54 rear end with all options avail. DC Nerf Bars, DC Grill Guard, DC mud flaps, Line-X bed liner, Leer 160XL Topper, Power Edge, EZ Edge, SPA Boost/EGT Gauge on pillar mount, DTT's tc/vb combo, 275 RV injectors, DD 4" Exhaust and a KN RE0880 where the air box use to be. Fuel Pressure gauge, SS fuel lines and lift pump relocation on deck. See My Truck, Dads truck: 98. 5 3500 SLT QC LWB 4x4, Brother Truck: 92 W250 SLT CC LWB 4x4 (Dads old truck) Winter fun - 2000 Skidoo Summit 700
I am my own warranty station.
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[KatDiesel]

It really depends on how much you wanna spend. For home use and even "some" commercial use lots of people use the Craftsman due to the warrenty and the availability of them.

Snap-On, MAC, Cornwell (all i can think of) are definatly great quality but also a premium price (ecspecially Snap-On). One of the things I regret from time to time was selling my Snap-On tool set when I left CO (worked for CAT) to move to NE (office job), I sold about $13,000 to 15,000 worth of tools and boxes to another mechanic at work for roughly $9500 because he really "needed" them and had a few kids and etc. So I sold them to him pretty cheap..... I felt like I did a good deed, but sure miss them tools sometimes. Ecspecially all my impacts... and air rachets. . Oh well.

Like I said honestly I believe Craftsman will work for what you need... ... ... it will be interesting to see the other replys you get here... ... ... .

 

[Alan Reagan]

Don't forget SK, KD tools. They, too, come with a lifetime warranty. Take a look at
www.mobiletools1.com or call them at
1-888-459-0333

They have a good selection of any type of tool at competitive prices from the basics through the full tool sets. KatDiesel is right on the Craftsman. But I recently found that Home Depot has a better price on wrench sets (metric and fractional) and they are polished (look good even if you aren't using them). Look around, take your time. Buy good stuff. If you are going to piece part it, watch for the sales. I'm not much on the tool sets unless its just a good assortment to carry in the car or truck. I have purchased wrenches, sockets, etc. as sets but not together. In other words, if I'm buying deep well sockets, I'll wait and find a good set of what I want. One last piece of advice, when you buy ratchets, spend the time and money to get the fine tooth count with the push button release and reverse lever. They cost more but in a tight space it's more than worth it to be able to switch directions with your thumb instead of having to use two fingers to change direction.



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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards, Lucerix X Mount Heated/Power Mirrors

 

[Joe G.]

Any good quality brand will do for a non-professional. Three years ago my son gave me a set of Craftsman sockets in a suitcase like case. That is really nice since each piece has a molded place in the case. I haven't lost a socket from that set yet. #ad
Handy to take along in the truck too.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,DTT TC/VB,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver, KDP 160,000-NM-WT Insurance

 

[Straight6Jeff]

A lot depends on how much you will be using them. Craftsman low end wrenches will start to kill your hands with their rectangular protrusions on the handles. Don't hesitate to pick up the different grades of wrenches and ratchets to see how they feel. The craftsman 100, 200 or what ever piece sets have thin-wall sockets as compared to the individual sets. Home Depot and Lowes also carries some good tools.

I carry a 150 piece craftsman set in my truck box, but the snap-on and Mac stays home for the serious work.

 

[Hale on wheels]

I agree with most of the guys here. For those of us that do not make a living using our tools all the time, I think Craftsman are probably the best bang for the buck. I certainly don't work with them enough to justify 3 times the cost for Snap-On. Lowe's and Home Depot are also carrying their tools with lifetime warranties, but I haven't compared prices yet between the three.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

The lowes and Home Depot tools are price comparable to the Craftsman. Each also has a lower grade of tools, but they do not seem to hold up as well as the lower end Craftsman. At work we use a lot of strong acids and solvents, and the polished toos are much easier to clean thant he rough-cast ones. Can't really go wrong with any of the brands. Lifetime warranty is offered on all of them.

 

[Crash_AF]

I'm not a professional mechanic, but I am a big time shadetree mechanic... #ad


I have worn out 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 Craftsman ratchets on a regular basis. IMHO get a good professional grade ratchet of whatever brand you like as it will last longer. It's pretty painful when you're bearing down on a ratchet and the gearing lets loose. (Especially with the 1/2" ratchet)

I take my ratchets apart about once every other month (highly recommended) and clean the crud out of them, but I still manage to frag at least one a quarter. I'm going to get a Craftsman Professional ratchet next time one of the low end ones goes out to see how long they last.

I'll also agree with the other posters about the way the Craftsman low end combo wrenches dig into your hands. I used a friend's Husky set and was amazed at the difference it made so I'm going to upgrade soon.

As to durability of Craftsman wrenches, I've beat the heck out of mine and only had two fail. Both were when I was using the box end of a combo wrench and was using a cheater pipe to get more leverage. One was a 13MM and the other was a 9/16 and they failed in one of the narrow cutouts.

So to sum it up, get a quality ratchet, use whatever wrenches you're comfortable with, and don't take your expensive stuff on the trail... that's what the cheap stuff is for. #ad


Later,
Joe

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Joe Hinson, 93 D-350
3in straight pipe, pump turned up 20%, ISSPRO pyro and boost - For now

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Yes, definatley get your tools insured, i have my whole set insured for $40,000. I cant imagine having to try and find all the stuff i had. As for the 1/4" Snap On ratchets failing, i have heard that is common. I dont use 1/4" much so it has never happened to me. I see the Snap on guy once a week so i f i break something, i have to wait a week to fix it. To eliminate any probems with a delay, i have several of the same tool. All told, i would say i have about 15 different 3/8" ratchets alone, all different lengths, swivel heads, etc. If i break one, i just use another till i can get it replaced.
Of course, you can break any wrench or ratchet if you abuse it with a "Cheater" and of course, it will void the warranty when you give them a wrench that is bent and has marks all over it from a pipe slid over it to increase torque!. For big bolts, i have what they call "Slug Wrenches" they look like the closed end of a combo wrench but instead of a handle, they have a large square block that you hit with a sledge hammer. They work great for stubborn 4" nuts.

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01' 4x4 QC SB Auto Intense Blue. JRE Exhaust, Psychotty, Autometer Sport Comp: Trans Temp, 0-35psi Boost and Pre Turbo EGT Gauges, Rhinoliner, PIAA 520 Fogs, Stull "Diamond wire" grill, Westin Stainless sidebars, Smity bilt "Outland Sport" stainless bumber guard, Hella B/U Lights, Tint, Pioneer audio, JL Audio 12" Sub in center seat. SEAL TITE crossover box. Amsoil dual bypass with the "CPFF" Adaptor and braided stainless lines, Husky liner mudflaps, Motorola Spectra Locomotive radio, Mag-Hytecs Soon.

 

[gitchesum]

I just got my Sears Wish Book(as my wife calls it), and they have a 318 piece tool set on sale for $429. Not a bad price for a lot of good tools. Looks like has just about eveything you would need for a home tool set. As far as my toolbox goes, I've got a pretty good combination of good tools and cheapo tools. Both serve me well.

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Curtis Harris
1997 3500 Club Cab
"CASPER"
Check out the Lone Star TDR

 

[Karl2500]

I use mostly craftman and I agree with what everyone said I have a few snap-ons for stuff I use alot. I found that Sears is great with exchanges. As a Kid used to work at a firestone dealer and once a month they'd send me to the mall with all the broken abused burnt and dead tools and I'd just exchange them no questions asked. Not that the 17 year old female cashier would normally know what questions to ask.

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'01 2500 All stock ( for now) 4X4, HO, 6sp, Quad, tow, camper special,SLT 4:10s

 

[QRTRHRS]

Excuse my favorite tool rant and that is, don't buy a Craftsman torque wrench. The warrenty is crap. I do have mostly Craftsman sockets and wrenches because of my budget. I agree with the Snap On for the pro mechanic though. Stay away from hex or torx drives that use a set screw to hold the bit in. Craftsman come loose constantly. Snap On makes them with a roll pin that has never come out on me. Also, the ratcheting box wrenches with plastic/metal bodies are junk.

Two things that a guy can never have to much of: Fun and tools.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

The biggest deciding factor in what brand of tools you buy is how often will you use them?. For people who do nothing more then small odds and ends around the house, changing the oil or a simple tune up on your car, Craftsman tools or Home Depots "Husky" tools are fine. One step up from them are tools like SK and Cornwell. Then you have the top of the line like Proto, MAC and Snap On.

All the tools i have just mentioned have lifetime warranties so if any of them ever fail, they are replaced for free. I have heard many people say Since the cheaper tools like Craftsman have a lifetime warrantie, why even bother with Snap on and the others?. Simple, what good is a lifetime warrantie if the tool is defective WHEN YOU NEED IT?. Jobs around the house dont warrant this level of quality. If you are doing a tune up and your ratchet breaks, you can stop what you are doing and go get another one. Where i worked, that was not option. It HAD to work, time is money.
I have been a mechanic for 11 years (5 Years in the automotive field and 6 as a Locomotive Mechanic) and when you use tools everday you get a feel for them and what makes a Snap on wrench better then a Craftsman. I have never broke a wrench, i dont but Snap on wrenches because i am afraid my Craftsmans will fail, they are just really hard on your hands when you use them every day for hours on end. I started out with Craftsman and within a year, i had to get something different, there wrenches as mentioned above by another member really hurt your hands. But if you are using them once a week, they are fine. Also, it really pays to buy a high end ratchet that will hold up to constant use. I have had 2 Craftsman ratchets fail while using them. I now only use Snap on Ratchets. The biggest ratchets i have are 3/4" drive. The biggest Wrenches i use are 3. 1/2"
My tools are comprised of mostly Snap on, the rest are Proto, SK, MAC and Williams (No longer in Buissness). They were a major investment for me but up untill recently, they were my income, without them, i would not have had a job, so thats how i justified there expense. I couldnt tell a billion dollar company "Sorry i cant fix your Locomotive, my Ratchet is broken".
Every serious mechanic has a favorite brand of tool. Snap on seems to be everybodys favorite, but alot of people cant afford them. I agree, they are ridiculously priced. A 6 piece screwdriver set is $80. 00. In the automotive field, where usualy the biggest drive you are using is 1/2" and there is no critical time issues should a tool fail, alot of mechanics use Craftsman, if you like the way they feel, thats fine. Alot of the tools i use, Craftsman does not even make. I have a Snap on 3/4" dial Torque wrench that cost me $6,000 but i use it all the time and it was a must for my job.
I am just trying to give you some variables for your choices. In my opinion though, for the backyard Mechanic, i would get Husky, Craftsman or SK. You wont be dissapointed. If you have any specific questions, feel free to Email me. Good luck

 

[RKohn]

EMDDIESEL,

"Of course, you can break any wrench or ratchet if you abuse it with a "Cheater" and of course, it will void the warranty when you give them a wrench that is bent and has marks all over it from a pipe slid over it to increase torque!. "

You're right about breaking things, but Sears doesn't hassle their customers about warranty like DC does.

I twisted the end off a 1/2" breaker bar once on a rusted in diff plug, took it in and the salesman said "just wondering, how big of a pipe did you use?" Then he smiled, handed me a new one, and said "thank you for shopping at Sears. "

Yes, I pulled wrenches professionally for a few years. Had many brands of tools, still do. They all have their good & bad features. Owed my soul to the Snap-On guy. But until cell phones came along, I always knew where Sears was, cause that guy drove around half the dang state and he was never in my neighborhood when something broke.

Just my . 02

Not at all sorry for the long post, I had something to say. #ad


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Y2K Red Stealth Sport 2500 4X4 QC SLT+, 5-spd, 3. 54 LotsaSpinDiff, 265-75-16 LTX's, DC's dead cow/vinyl interior and 4-wheel AnythingButStop brakes, Roll-N-Lock bedcover, Smittybilt stainless nerf bars. Silencer ring?

 

[Straight6Jeff]

EMDDIESEL, well stated. I would not trade my snap-on wrenches or impact woblers for anything. I have developed a feel for them, and rarely drop them. however, when I use other tools, the center of balance is different, so I have to pick them up frequently.

As for 1/4" ratchets, i have continually broken the 4 snap-ons. the gears strip out. My 2 craftsman professional 1/4 ratchets are going stong after 4 years of abuse and use were the snap-ons failed. True, in some instances I should have stepped up to a 3/8, but it didn't fit.

The other major drawback to mac, matco, snapon and the like, is that replacement is not usually as quick as finding a sears or home center. I know finding a snap-on dealer around me can be tricky.

One thing for everyone, make sure you have your tools insured and covered for replacement value. i was robbed about 2 months ago for about 15K in tools. Insurance will cover them... WHEEW. It would have been helpful if I video inventoried them before the fact.

 

[Brandon]

bottom line for us jr2... .....

full set of craftsman tools that get used everyday, however for the frequently used stuff, we have snap on wrenches and use snap on3/8 drive ratchets, we use a large cross section of tools... We try to find the best of both worlds

oh ps when snap on recently upgraded their ratchets last year, our dealer showed us testing of duty cycle on ratchets and funny thing the craftsman professional came in like 2nd place, and our dealer actually said sears keeps making them better and better, but of course ours is the best he said. I was impressed for him to admit that
ps the craftsman open ends wrenches are hard on your hands if used all day

later Brandon

 

[Crash_AF]

Hey Brandon,
Were they testing the Snap On against the Craftsman Professional ratchet or the standard one?

Later,
Joe

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Joe Hinson, 93 D-350
3in straight pipe, pump turned up 20%, ISSPRO pyro and boost - For now

 

[Pete Peterson]

The Kobalt tools sold at Lowe's are made for them buy Snap-on. They are the same grade as first line Snap-on tools they just say Kobalt for Lowe's... ... ... . Pete

 

[EMDDIESEL]

The Kobalts are the same grade, but not the same style. In other words, you cant get the handle design of Snap On's wrenches and ratchets and screwdrivers except for on Snap on tools. Thats the biggest advantage of Snap on in the first place.

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01' Intense Blue 4x4 QC SB Auto, Black Leather, Camper/Tow package, etc, etc. JRE Exhaust, Psychotty, Autometer Sport Comp: Trans Temp, 0-35psi Boost and Pre Turbo EGT Gauges, Rhinoliner, PIAA 520 Fogs, Stull "Diamond wire" grill, Westin Stainless sidebars, Smitty bilt "Outland Sport" stainless bumper guard, Hella B/U Lights, Tint, Pioneer audio, JL Audio 12" Sub in center seat. SEAL TITE crossover box. Amsoil dual bypass with the "CPFF" Adaptor and braided stainless lines, Husky liner mudflaps, Motorola Spectra Locomotive radio, Whelen 100watt Electronic air horn/pa. Mag-Hytecs Soon.

 

[mongoose]

i saw a couple of post mention "booney kits" or "cheap sets" for the trail. One thing that i have done over the years is visit you local pawn shops. usually i can find several name brand (snap on, mac, etc. )wrenches and such for a decent price. Mix and match and you will soon have yourself a good set to keep in the tool box of the truck. Then if they do get stolen, just remember that you had quality tools. #ad


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Daniel McKeehan

1999 2500 QC/Short Bed/4X4 5 speed. Camper Package and of course a Cummins