Stahlwilli tools.....

[Idle]

I have used these before but now I am looking to buy a good used set. But I don't know if they have more than one grade and if they do what the difference is.

Looking online has not been much help. It's almost like you need to know this before you start looking for answers.

So is there a quality level difference? If so then what is it and what is the best grade level for a home wrencher?

I don't expect to receive any long technical James May type of answers. Just user opinions would be nice before I blow a few hundred bucks.

Most of my stuff is currently Snap-On, Craftsman or Matco. I'm not bragging because I would bet most folks here could say the same. I am just looking for information on the quality levels of this company and what model names or numbers they use.

Thanks!

[ejboyd5]

Perhaps better results if you looked for Stahlwille tools.

[Idle]

Originally Posted by ejboyd5

Perhaps better results if you looked for Stahlwille tools.

Thanks. I think the auto correct tripped me up.

[tyl604]

I took a look; the tools look pretty expensive. Do you have any experience with their tools?

[RhodeIslandRed]

Stahlwille are excellent tools, for the most part they are designed to be sort of lightweight high strength. For instance their wrenches instead of having their main part being a solid bar they are designed and manufactured in a sort of I-beam design. Stronger using less material. when you get them in your hand you know they are fine German products, I have a catalog somewhere and I don't remember any second string lower quality tools. The fit and finish is impeccable as to be expected.

I've got a couple different wrench sets and quite a number of sockets and ratchets, I've never had one of their tools fail in any way. They make some very nice torque wrenches also.

As far a buying anything for a "couple hundred dollars" you might get a set of 5 or 6 wrenches, maybe a set of 3/8" sockets 8-19 or something like that.

A "set of tools" doesn't describe much, but a full assortment of wrenches, sockets, ratchets and the like will cost 5 or 6 grand new, maybe more if one buys things like 3/4" tools, torque tools and starts with any of the specialty stuff you can get to 10 Gs pretty quick.

The best buys are going to be Euro auction sites but you won't get to inspect anything first of course and shipping can be a problem as well. One place I found some of the stuff I've acquired is aviation mechanics, for whatever reason they seem to favor Stahlwille stuff more than the average mechanics do.

[Idle]

Originally Posted by RhodeIslandRed

Stahlwille are excellent tools, for the most part they are designed to be sort of lightweight high strength. For instance their wrenches instead of having their main part being a solid bar they are designed and manufactured in a sort of I-beam design. Stronger using less material. when you get them in your hand you know they are fine German products, I have a catalog somewhere and I don't remember any second string lower quality tools. The fit and finish is impeccable as to be expected.

I've got a couple different wrench sets and quite a number of sockets and ratchets, I've never had one of their tools fail in any way. They make some very nice torque wrenches also.

As far a buying anything for a "couple hundred dollars" you might get a set of 5 or 6 wrenches, maybe a set of 3/8" sockets 8-19 or something like that.

A "set of tools" doesn't describe much, but a full assortment of wrenches, sockets, ratchets and the like will cost 5 or 6 grand new, maybe more if one buys things like 3/4" tools, torque tools and starts with any of the specialty stuff you can get to 10 Gs pretty quick.

The best buys are going to be Euro auction sites but you won't get to inspect anything first of course and shipping can be a problem as well. One place I found some of the stuff I've acquired is aviation mechanics, for whatever reason they seem to favor Stahlwille stuff more than the average mechanics do.

Five grand would not be a big deal for a total redo. I was thinking of starting slow with a set of box end/open end combo wrenches.

I did find a German site that has these at good prices, but I have yet to factor in customs and shipping.

And the I-bean type of construction and the light weight, combined with the strength of the wrenches, is a major factor for me. I'm not as young as I once was and need all the help I can get when it comes to reducing work load.

Plus the ones I have used just feel nice. I guess that's one of those things that depends on the user.

But thanks for the remarks. This is just the type of info I was looking for.