So what brand of hand tools do YOU use? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

speedy300Dturbo · #1 02-27-2003, 01:26 AM

I have mostly Craftsman and Husky, with a few other cheapo generic tools thrown in. I've found that even though Snap-On, Matco, and Mac Tools are superior, they are too expensive and for the typical DIY-er like me, Craftsman and Husky do fine, especially because they are easily replaced if broken at Sears and Home Depot, respectively.

peterl · #2 02-27-2003, 07:55 AM

I use Craftsman and Husky. I prefer the Craftsman tools--they feel better to me.

My brother, a Ferrari mechanic, occasionally throws me a Snap-On tidbit. I save those for special occasions! Seriously, they are really nice and feel so much better than Craftsman.

Gary Ganaway · #3 02-27-2003, 08:05 AM

Craftsman. Using most of the same wrenches from 40 years ago.

Erikir · #4 02-27-2003, 09:03 AM

Most of my tools are precision measuring tools, but they are used by hand...

Mitutoyo mostly. Interapid for finger dials and the odd Brown & Sharpe item.

As for the large clumsy stuff I use on my car - mostly Craftsman. I don't do alot of wrenching, so I don't need anything fancy.

wbain5280 · #5 02-27-2003, 09:36 AM

I use Craftsman. All my ratchet wrenches from the '70s had to be replaced as well as a few 12 pt sockets. I have a set of 6 pt sockets now, 1/2 and 3/8 drive.

My Volvo master service tech buddy has ALL the best tools, including a BG AT trans flush machine and an BG A/C machine. He bought those because the ones at the dealer sucked.

I have a Husky air compressor from Home Depot as well as some cheapie air tools, Campbel Hausfeld, 25 bux, if the break, throw them away and get a new one. I use them for DIY hobby work, I don't make my living at it.

I try to stay away from the really cheap foreign tools, you know the type, they say forged but it really means someone sat on them.

Regards

Mark DiSilvestro · #6 02-27-2003, 09:48 AM

A few Mac and Snap-On and some cheapo tools, but mostly Craftsman. Unfortunately, my nearby Sears hardware center closed up 2 years ago, with a notice to "please shop at the other Sears hardware center in Manasssas" (30 miles away) for my convenience! I haven't been to Sears since.

Happy Motoring, Mark

rickg · #7 02-27-2003, 10:24 AM

Mostly Craftsman, next is Matco, then a few Snap-On, and of course the random others. S-K used to be real good, but not sure if they still are. That was my dads fav, and I inherited alot of them. Good stuff.
I've got my grandfathers old 1/2" drive Snap-On set, one of the socket handles says "Model #1" on it!

wbain5280 · #8 02-27-2003, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark DiSilvestro
A few Mac and Snap-On and some cheapo tools, but mostly Craftsman. Unfortunately, my nearby Sears hardware center closed up 2 years ago, with a notice to "please shop at the other Sears hardware center in Manasssas" (30 miles away) for my convenience! I haven't been to Sears since.

Happy Motoring, Mark

What about Fair Oaks Mall or Springfield Mall?

Manassas is right around the corner from me, so to speak.

Regards

G-Benz · #9 02-27-2003, 11:10 AM

Craftsman seems to have won over the DIY crowd!

I too am a Craftsman tool collector...got a Husky compressor last summer (gift from my wife

), and am planning to get the Campbell-Hausfeld line of air tools for those ever-so-seldom BIG jobs.

Sometimes, I pick up oddball tools at garage sales and hardware store bargain tables. The bargain tools are usually junk, but for light duty, they suit their purpose.

The garage sale finds are treasures...usually excess inventory from retired mechanics, etc.

If my livelihood depended on it, then yeah, it would be Snap-On and Matco all the way!

Would even consider Facom tools as well!

Oh well, when not in use, it's great to take the buddies out to the garage and show them the big red tool chest and the gleaming assortment of (cheap) tools in every drawer...

Mark DiSilvestro · #10 02-27-2003, 11:12 AM

I'm in the Ft.Belvoir area. I didn't know there was a Sears in Springfield. With the taffic 'Moat' of Alexandria and the closing of a main route through Belvoir to satisfy post 9-11 paranoia, Landmark and Fair Oaks aren't very convenient for me anymore.

Happy Motoring, Mark

wbain5280 · #11 02-27-2003, 01:44 PM

I may be wrong on Springfield Mall, maybe it's Landmark or 7-Corners. I don't get over that way too often. There is a Sears at Montgemery Mall, or whatever it's called today, on Democracy Blvd in Bethesda. How about Ballston?

Mark DiSilvestro · #12 02-27-2003, 02:08 PM

With the closest Sears now about 45 minutes away, I have to plan an afternoon to exchange any Craftsman tools. I still have Home Depot and Napa very convenient, about 10 minutes from me. My Sears did have a super hardware - nuts, bolts and fasteners section that I really miss.

Happy Motoring, Mark

#13 02-27-2003, 02:25 PM

Craftsman. The unconditional gurantee is nice with the brutal abuse that I put my toolz through!!

Eberhard Weilke · #14 02-27-2003, 02:54 PM

Facom, Hazet, some Gedore.

I kind of love to get the best tools I can afford.

I broke once a 14 mm wrench adjusting the brake at my Citroen. I almost hit some pretty sharp parts and I would have lost a certain amount of flesh (maybe a finger)

The next day I donated the cheap tools to my sister for her Kindergarten and got new quality tools.

Kind regards
Eberhard

Antony · #15 02-27-2003, 03:03 PM

All of the Craftsman professional series tools I have are just great. All the rest are the 'old' style Craftsman, not quite as nice in the hand, but they work just fine.