Mechanic tool set recommendation? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #16 12-11-2013, 11:14 PM

bionic wrench? kind like a bulky auto adjusting channel lock plier? I like the Knipex locking plier very high quality tool...

charmalu · #17 12-12-2013, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Since when does Charlie tighten?

Sixto
87 300D

Hey, I like em Gootentite.

Charlie

barry12345 · #18 12-12-2013, 01:28 AM

You learn from experience. Not being a working mechanic myself I do not need or desire the best like snap on. They in general are just overkill financially for random occassional use.

Sockets like Taiwan black oxidized impact sockets give decent service. I would not buy a Taiwan or Chinese chrome plated socket still unless someone told me they had gotten a lot better than in the past. They were just junk some time ago in my opinion again. Junk is just junk and frustrating as well as dangerous.

Sure I have some 12 point stuff but even though they may be a little easier to use have nowhere near the gripping power of six point in my opinion. Over time you just seem to add to the tools as necessity dictates.

Part of owning tools is to develop good habits about returning them to where they should be so you can locate them in a moment if required. I am far from perfect in doing this myself.

Loaning any of your tools out is or has become a thing of the past unfortunately. They seem to require chasing or you will not see them again. . This was not always so in the past in general.

If I were to borrow a tool from someone it is returned quickly. The person was good enough to loan it so I should be good enough to return it promptly. Also that person does not mind loaning me something again as long as I do not make a chronic habit of it.

Now one of my son in laws who borrows tools from me is another story. I am not particularily smart but know several trades fairly well. My son in law borrowed some of my electrical tools. I guess he misplaced them as a package of three junk cutter pliers for perhaps 15.00 came back to replace them.

They only came back as I could not work on a job of his without them. Those specific high quality pliers today he lost or whatever are worth hundreds of dollars to replace.

Tools are the only commodity that I feel are essentially free and make money. Every time I use them their original cost is returned usually the first time I use them. This over paying someone else to do the same job.

So in essence I see tools as almost being free as from that point on they always are saving you a lot of money over paying someone else to do the jobs.

There is a chance that using the tools will increase your self confidence at tackling things as well. This is priceless in itself if it happens.

I just know they have paid for themselves countless times over the years. So a simple guy like me sees them not as an expense but rather as just a good investment.

That they do not have a good resale value at the point I can no longer use them does not really matter. If I had not acquired them I would not be as well off or secure as we are today is an absolute certainty. An additional plus is that by and large I have enjoyed using them.

I have given this a lot of thought and considered using it as a mental health program several years ago. It's value is while using tools the mind is fully occupied in general.

Dan Stokes · #19 12-12-2013, 09:40 AM

Don't write off premium tools just yet. I do have Chinese impact sockets and lots of Harbor Freight electrical tools including 3 - 4 1/2" angle grinders. But once you use high quality hand tools you'll be sold. Remember, I'm suggesting that you keep an eye on your local pawn shops and buy sets cheaply when you see them.

I've replaced my cheaper stuff with Snap-On one set at a time and now I have truly wonderful tools. I bought my 3/8 drive flex ratchet off the tool truck in about 1968 and I still have it (or actually a replacement from the truck) and still LOVE picking it up every time I do. It's my "go-to" tool, along with my 1/4 drive ratchet that I've overloaded and abused more than I can say.

Think about it - you won't regret it.

Dan

Prospector · #20 12-12-2013, 10:04 AM

For a few more dollars, I have been very happy with Westward Tools. I was introduced to these by the guys at the machine shop I apprenticed in back in the day. Similar quality and feel to Snap-On, but priced a little lower. I believe they are american made.

WESTWARD products - Grainger Industrial Supply (If linking to outside sources contravenes forum policy, please disable link)

charmalu · #21 12-12-2013, 01:36 PM

I clicked on the Westward link to see what they are. I know granger has about everything you could want, but they are pricy for sure.

I checked out the long jack for a Eng Hoist, says made in China, and a big price. same thing at HF is about $60, and way less on sale.

Did a Google search and some info on these tools in this Forum.

Westward Tools? - The Garage Journal Board

Fastenal is another supplier with high mark up on tools. their tools are China also.

Keep checking the Pawn Shops, Flea markets, Swap meets, Garage Sales, CL and E-Bay. I have seen several CL adds where a shop is closing and selling off everything, or a Mechanic that is throwing in the towel. He might even give you the towel.

I bought a almost new Eng hoist for $65, same one on CL is $100 and much more.

Charlie

SirNik84 · #22 12-12-2013, 05:26 PM

As Charlie has said, Flea Markets and Garage sales are likely the best place to buy quality tools at a good price.

Sears does have good sales this time of year, and they still sell made in the USA tools. Sears introduced a 3 tear tool system.They released their "Craftsman Evolution" line of tools a few years back, they were made in china, and priced between Harbor Freight and Craftsman, only they held a Craftsman warranty. I was ok with this. I even bought some. Above this was the "Craftsman" line was all know and love. And above that the "Craftsman Professional" line, these tools have a fit and finish more like Snap-On.

Today the Craftsman line is 60% or so made in China. My problem with this is why buy them when you could buy the Evo line? But on the plus side the Professional line is still all made in the USA, but you're now asked to pay more because you're getting not only a USA tool, but one with better fit an finish.

I miss the old Craftsman, good price for a good tool for the everyday DIY person.

Prospector · #23 12-12-2013, 06:47 PM

Oh well, I guess I have crap taste in tools, my Westward stuff is going on 20 years, and I haven't had reason to complain. I like the feel of it.

Dan Stokes · #24 12-13-2013, 09:01 AM

I've never seen Westward so I don't have an opinion. They look like they'd have a decent feel from the pics. Hey, if you enjoy using them and they're durable they're good tools!

Dan

vstech · #25 12-13-2013, 09:19 AM

I've actually been impressed with the quality of the HF sockets and ratchets... they've survived many a pullapart trip, and lasted well in severe duty abuse. I have not tried the 3/8" drive sets, but the 1/2" sets are sturdy. and they go down to 10mm, so useful sizes.
My favorites are Mac, but I have several sets of Craftsman professional, and plenty of Gearwrench... for the critical parts, I often get either snap-on or Mac tools... torx, XZN, reverse torx, and flare wrenches, I only go TOP SHELF... no point wasting time/damaging a critical part with a cheap wrench...

Maki · #26 12-13-2013, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

My favorites are Mac, but I have several sets of Craftsman professional, and plenty of Gearwrench... for the critical parts, I often get either snap-on or Mac tools... torx, XZN, reverse torx, and flare wrenches, I only go TOP SHELF... no point wasting time/damaging a critical part with a cheap wrench...

Gearwrench is made by Apex, formerly the Danaher/Cooper joint venture now owned by Bain Capital, I think (who can keep track). They have lots of well-known tool names under their umbrella, including Crescent, KD and Armstrong. They used to make a lot of Craftsman stuff -- I don't know if they still do.

My oldest Gearwrenches have "Taiwan" stamped prominently on them. I don't know if they're still made in Asia. They're good wrenches regardless of their origin.

The farm stores around here sell a line of "better" wrenches under the Allen brand, which is also a Danaher line. They're very good, I think -- precise fit and very sturdy. The combos have a peened surface rather than polished, which I actually prefer.

As for flea markets, my prize catch is an old Easco 1/4-inch ratchet. It's a Swiss watch compared to what Craftsman puts out these days. I've also got some Facom tools I picked up used somewhere. They look like they might have come out of a car's tool kit (nothing pretty about them) but I like them a lot.

As for critical stuff like smaller hex or Torx bits, yes, gotta go with quality. I get SK from the local parts house or Hazet online.

winmutt · #27 12-13-2013, 10:45 AM

$200 at harbor freight will buy you all the tools you need with a few exceptions where you really want quality. Their socket drivers are good quality, their torque wrench clicker + digital combo is unbeatable for accuracy at almost any price level. Just go and spend half a day at the store picking out what looks to be the highest quality. Unlike Sears, all of their handtools are unlimited warranty. I have had many of their tools for over 8 years now without issue.

vstech · #28 12-13-2013, 10:58 AM

Danahur is one of my customers. it's really REALLY loud on their build floor... safety glasses and earplugs are a MUST in there... it's really cool seeing the spools of steel being fed into these GIGANTIC press machines hammering out 2million sockets a day...

JamesDean · #29 12-13-2013, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

$200 at harbor freight will buy you all the tools you need with a few exceptions where you really want quality. Their socket drivers are good quality, their torque wrench clicker + digital combo is unbeatable for accuracy at almost any price level. Just go and spend half a day at the store picking out what looks to be the highest quality. Unlike Sears, all of their handtools are unlimited warranty. I have had many of their tools for over 8 years now without issue.

I'll be honest. I've got a number of Harbor Freight tools. I've not had any problems with them. I've not bent any wrenches or broken any sockets. The new air compressor I bought is awesome.

JamesDean · #30 12-13-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

Danahur is one of my customers. it's really REALLY loud on their build floor... safety glasses and earplugs are a MUST in there... it's really cool seeing the spools of steel being fed into these GIGANTIC press machines hammering out 2million sockets a day...

Manufacturing processes are always amazing and even inspiring to watch.

For a year, I worked in the press/stamping facility at GM Lordstown. You can knock the Chevy Cruze all you want (if you do) but that process of taking a coil of steel and making it into car parts is awesome and the level of quality, reporting, control, data collection, management, is very impressive.

If you or anyone can I highly a tour of a facility like that. A few co-workers, friends and I toured the GM facility near me and I think some of us might have had different career paths if we were exposed to that level of technology/engineering/science at a high school or even early college level.