US Handtools ? best brand

[hillbillypolack]

I used to swear by Craftsman (and for the most part still do).  But you have to choose your tools, and expenses wisely.

I had a Craftsman 3/8" drive lose its rachet ability on a Sunday afternoon working on my truck.  I needed to get to work Monday morning, and I couldn't use that wrench, even if it was replaced by Craftsman's warranty.  Basically, I was kinda screwed.

So, for those tools I'm using 75% of the time, I have Snap-Ons.  That Craftsman got replaced by a Snao-On, and it's never let me down.

I have Craftsman socket sets, though (I just don't want to know what will happen when one of those fails some weekend due to poor Chinese metalurgy).

Also be careful of Craftsman screwdrivers.  It seems some of their spade (flat) screwdrivers have a tendency to bend even when used properly.  No, I'm not using them as chisels or as pry bars.  But if I'm looking to remove a screw, I'm not really happy when I see the shaft of the screwdriver is noticeably torqued.

The rest of the toolbox (and it's a sizeable one) is Craftsman, though.  It's nice to be able to get that oddball tool at a local Sears or K-Mart when you really need it too.

[64duc]

I have had serious problems with SnapOn warranty. No matter how many calls I made to the local dealer, he never stopped at the shop where I worked. Bottom line: if you don't spend a ton of money with him you get no warranty service.

[Augustus]

I'd say Snap-On, but be prepared to spend  a pretty penny or two.
Most of my work tools are Craftsman.  Still a good tool at a decent price with a lifetime guarantee on their hand-tools .

 +1 I have Snap-on and Craftsman tools

[NAKID]

...but now I try to buy Husky tools they are just as good as Snap-on at 30% of the cost ,

+1 Almost all of my tools are Husky. I've used them ALOT and NEVER had one break, round off a nut or anything. Decently priced, full warranty and readily available (Home Depot)...

[krista]

My tools started out as a collection of mostly crafty pieces. Then as the Snappy truck came by, I'd add one or two here or there. As said above, you'll find there are collections of different tools for the same size. I probably have 20 different ways to work on a fastener with 10 or 12mm head on it.

I would suggest that unless you are a professional mechanic, don't bother with the snap-on or other high $ brands. Lowe's and Home Repo are everywhere, start with them. Fine enough quality. Then add snap-on or other where it makes sense. If you're a weekend warrior, spending big on tools isn't really wise. At the same time, avoid those "265 piece kits" for $39. Those are ok for putting together Ikea furniture or something, but not on motor vehicles.

For those who are starting out or on normal budget, we got in with a tool vendor and I picked out a selection of tools that I thought would be useful and have them in our "hand tools" page.

Chris

[DrDesmo]

Two Words: HARBOR FREIGHT

Back in 1968 Harbor Freight Tools set out to make it easier for the working man and woman to get the best value on top-quality tools.

WHY WOULD THEY LIE?? 

Adam

PS: Actually, some of their stuff isn't complete garbage - their Digital Calipers, for example, are the exact same part #, distributor, etc. and everything as a Blue-Point one ... And $20 bucks! 

[triangleforge]

I would suggest that unless you are a professional mechanic, don't bother with the snap-on or other high $ brands. Lowe's and Home Repo are everywhere, start with them. Fine enough quality. Then add snap-on or other where it makes sense. If you're a weekend warrior, spending big on tools isn't really wise. At the same time, avoid those "265 piece kits" for $39. Those are ok for putting together Ikea furniture or something, but not on motor vehicles.

+1 -- I seem to break Craftsman ratchets at the rate of about one every two years or so, and since a lot of other people do too, they've got a ready supply of them at the cashier's station for a quick, painless exchange. The Husky stuff seems to do OK as well. Oddly enough, the best set of screwdrivers I've ever owned were from Ikea -- blades shaped perfectly & heat treated very well, and the best handles I've ever used. While I enjoy working with the one Mac torque wrench I've got, I don't think I've ever seen the Mac truck in our little town, and the Snap-on guy only once.  For me as a non-pro, pro-grade tools would be as much of a potential problem as they would a solution, since I don't have the same access to the dealer/support network.

[Ducdood]

I totally forgot about Proto tools, and those are the only ones I've been buying the last few years....I get a good discount through work when I buy them through Grainger.

A word of advise......do NOT skimp on any wrench or socket designed for allen (hex) or Torx bolts. The cheaper tools have a tendancy to round off the fasteners and the tools themselves round off and break.

Haha, my exact experience with Husky allen sockets. Two have just snapped off so far.