As The Don Requested: Tool Discussion Moved - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jake12tech · #1 03-07-2015, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_bob

Stay away from the HF "star" bits and sockets. This is a patented fastener, and the Chinese knock-offs sold at HF are not the actual Torx pattern, so they do not fit properly.

I would get a good set of both genders (e-sockets and bits) from a reputable manufacturer like Lisle or Snap-on.

The guy who pulled his OM642 oil coooler a few months back learned that the hard way.

I don't think anyone who buys quality tools or knows better buys from HF. Never have bought a tool from HF, never will. My box has a small amount of Craftsman, but mostly Snap-On & Mac.

MTUpower · #2 03-07-2015, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

I'll probably order a good set of torx and e torx sockets soon, I have SK and craftsman pro torx screwdrivers.

I just replaced my fuel filter o rings, had a rather visible leak so I replaced the 3 o rings for the fuel filter and after watching it idle for a few minutes IP close up showed no visible leaks so no more P0087 code...I used the harbor freight o rings.. Seeing as all of the o rings offered by autozone, advanced, and napa were all made in china I figured for $6 for a massive set, why not. If they crap out I'll order Mercedes Benz branded o rings

However after a test drive I instantly got a P0088 code, rail pressure too high. It's either the high pressure pump over compensating for a bum injector or the high pressure regulator going out. I'll dig around some more

I've got both the Husky and Craftsman genders of torx in 3/8 and 1/4 inch drive sockets. Both are good quality. 7 pc. Torx Bit Socket Set: Get the Job Done Fast and Right with Sears I like the Husky better, but for $10?

Adriel · #3 03-07-2015, 07:37 PM

Hey, The Don! Congratulations! Really like the design of the back seat, especially innovativeness considering a sedan. Never getting another sedan, but as a designer, appreciate it. Also appreciate y'all going for CDI models, as should lower the price of IDI models, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake12tech

I don't think anyone who buys quality tools or knows better buys from HF. Never have bought a tool from HF, never will. My box has a small amount of Craftsman, but mostly Snap-On & Mac.

Jake, I have bought some stuff from Harbor Freight, but only because no other option. Good example is the torque wrench. Craftsman version is absolute junk! Not just by my standards, but also the old mechanic who gave the recommendation. Now that most, if not all, Craftsman is made in China or Twain, what is the difference from Harbor Freight?

Further, my now passed mechanic friend continually compared values to his Snap On, and was consistent and constant, not loosing adjustment if treated right. I didn't, and still don't have the bread, to pay at least $150 for a torque wrench.

However, except for a set of wrenches I got when I purchased the Squareback, the rest are made in Germany of Zelenda Tools (most of my wrenches, which are my favorite due to black oxide finish) or the U.S.A.. Since Craftsman is now junk, moved up to Wright Tools, and comparable price, especially considering the hex driver set which has all the right sizes unlike Snap On. I do have one Snap On tool, a dike cutter, that Vater got on discount. Better than my Craftsman that I replaced because the steel was brittle and broke corroded easy. Mac Tools I.I.R.C. is off the truck only, right? If I recall correctly, goes junk, Craftsman, Zelenda Tools, Wright Tools, Mac Tools, then Snap On, right?

If someone is starting out, look to Wright Tools or Zelenda Tools, and you will not regret. Yes, bit pricy, but what does it cost when you injure yourself because your Asian tool let go/broke?

rob300SD · #4 03-07-2015, 07:49 PM

Snap on tools are over priced for rich snobs or those who work with tools for a living. Regular tools from taiwan will always do the same job for 1/10 the price. Maybe you'll have to replace them after 20 years. Big deal. They're be even cheaper the second time.

ROLLGUY · #5 03-07-2015, 07:59 PM

My opinion on HF tools is that For the money, they can't be beat. I usually only buy wrenches and sockets. I am old and can't see the little engraving on even the best tools by Sn** *n or C*****m**. I buy the color coded tools, and have memorized the sizes. Also, I have not once broken a socket or wrench from HF, and I use them EVERY DAY! Even the gear wrenches are great. They have the smallest box end of any gear wrench I have seen. As far as their electric tools go, they are not worth the paper that the sales receipt is printed on. Just my .02.......Rich

rob300SD · #6 03-07-2015, 08:08 PM

We dont have HF here but I buy tools from Canadian Tire or Rona or Home Depot or Princess Auto. So long as they're not the cheapest chinese junk they're usually just fine. I've had the same set of taiwan sockets for 20 years. Yeah the 3/8 rachet broke when I put a pipe on the end to break something loose but I just replaced it with a Jet wrench which has been great.

rob300SD · #7 03-07-2015, 08:12 PM

Even Snap On has their Blutec line which is made offshore. It's great quality stuff.

Adriel · #8 03-07-2015, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

My opinion on HF tools is that For the money, they can't be beat. I usually only buy wrenches and sockets. I am old and can't see the little engraving on even the best tools by Sn** *n or C*****m**. I buy the color coded tools, and have memorized the sizes. Also, I have not once broken a socket or wrench from HF, and I use them EVERY DAY! Even the gear wrenches are great. They have the smallest box end of any gear wrench I have seen. As far as their electric tools go, they are not worth the paper that the sales receipt is printed on. Just my .02.......Rich

Rich, I have had both Craftsman and Harbor Freight ratchets round out!

I am 28 and have trouble!

I just keep them in the packaging and know size by position and the size of the opening.

But, I do use a ratchet that showed up in my egg donors front yard. The mechanism is botched, but if you wiggle right, sets the desired direction.

When I get out of this mess, two things I am getting is paper manuals (CD is very limited) and 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets by Wright Tools.

I have a Harbor Freight buffer/sander that has been through heck and still going. I have had to stop when became too warm to be comfortable!

But then sanding 1/2" joint compound... Some day when I can find a Made in USA or Europe DA polisher, will get one. But, so far, haven't found. Or Rich am I missing something?

Adriel · #9 03-07-2015, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob300SD

Even Snap On has their Blutec line which is made offshore. It's great quality stuff.

Rob, not finding Blutec so, still will say the same: I try hard not support brutality and sweat shops!

Unless, have trade regulations have minimized this?

jake12tech · #10 03-07-2015, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

My opinion on HF tools is that For the money, they can't be beat. I usually only buy wrenches and sockets. I am old and can't see the little engraving on even the best tools by Sn** *n or C*****m**. I buy the color coded tools, and have memorized the sizes. Also, I have not once broken a socket or wrench from HF, and I use them EVERY DAY! Even the gear wrenches are great. They have the smallest box end of any gear wrench I have seen. As far as their electric tools go, they are not worth the paper that the sales receipt is printed on. Just my .02.......Rich

I have a HF conveniently down the road. I might put some heavy torque on their sockets and see if they break. I've had a craftsman snap before (USA), but never a snap-on, yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob300SD

Snap on tools are over priced for rich snobs or those who work with tools for a living. Regular tools from taiwan will always do the same job for 1/10 the price. Maybe you'll have to replace them after 20 years. Big deal. They're be even cheaper the second time.

Was associated with the business through family, anything less than the best was not an option. I have some old taiwan tools in a tool box for breakdowns that I throw in the trunk. I've had to use them before and so far so good. They would never make anything besides my roadside box, I don't think they'd hold up as good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriel

Jake, I have bought some stuff from Harbor Freight, but only because no other option. Good example is the torque wrench. Craftsman version is absolute junk! Not just by my standards, but also the old mechanic who gave the recommendation. Now that most, if not all, Craftsman is made in China or Twain, what is the difference from Harbor Freight?

Further, my now passed mechanic friend continually compared values to his Snap On, and was consistent and constant, not loosing adjustment if treated right. I didn't, and still don't have the bread, to pay at least $150 for a torque wrench.

Snap-On tools are awesome, high quality and last. The old Craftsman was awesome when it was USA, but now it's trash. Wright and SK are the only good ones that I would buy now.

I have a Craftsman torque wrench I used on a tire change. It was a USA one, but it was great. Was yours chinese?

Adriel · #11 03-07-2015, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

anyways...... if you want to discuss harbor freight and snap on head over to garagejournal.com

Done!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake12tech

I have a HF conveniently down the road. I might put some heavy torque on their sockets and see if they break. I've had a craftsman snap before (USA), but never a snap-on, yet.

Was associated with the business through family, anything less than the best was not an option. I have some old taiwan tools in a tool box for breakdowns that I throw in the trunk. I've had to use them before and so far so good. They would never make anything besides my roadside box, I don't think they'd hold up as good.

Snap-On tools are awesome, high quality and last. The old Craftsman was awesome when it was USA, but now it's trash. Wright and SK are the only good ones that I would buy now.

I have a Craftsman torque wrench I used on a tire change. It was a USA one, but it was great. Was yours chinese?

Jake, you had Craftsman break?

I do recall exchanging a 10mm, but think was more of partial than full failure.

I sure hope the Harbor Freight doesn't, as us it for junkyards. But, if it does, will keep to light duty, move Craftsman to junk yard duty.

SK Tools, forgot about them! I will check on the ratchets.

If you look at the reviews, the beam type is not accurate, so I never bought one. Stick with your Snap On.

On that note, if you can, get a inch pound torque wrench! With my Autism, I was stripping threads in my air cooled Volkswagen. Using it, now know what is what for the Mercedes, but in doubt or critical, I use it. Would have used it on the turbocharger, but couldn't get access.

Zacharias · #12 03-07-2015, 11:05 PM

Why can we not discuss tools on this forum?

Adriel · #13 03-07-2015, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zacharias

Why can we not discuss tools on this forum?

Sorry it wasn't clear...

His CDI thread got highjacked on tool brand discussion.

Edit: or are we missing something?

Adriel · #14 03-08-2015, 12:02 AM

I did join the other site, after finding a thread on SK versus Wright ratchets.

Turns out the Wright is fine toothed compared to SK (and I bet Craftsman), what I have longed for since getting Craftsman. My 3/8" and its 15mm socket was stolen long ago, the 1/2" drive busted and my lovely egg donor helped clean, so can't fix it. Plus, the handle was heavy and cut into my hands. The heads are large, so the slim design be nice over Craftsman.

So this 1/4" size 3/8" drive Wright 3430 is so tempting, especially for the price!

I am getting very frustrated with my piece of junk 3/8" drive and using a torque wrench for 1/2" is even more frustrating.

martureo · #15 03-08-2015, 12:14 AM

Try Armstrong. They're on par with SK.

I got my brother in law a fine toothed 3/8 a year or so ago and was tempted to keep it. The weight and precision feel of it really impressed me.