Searching for tools (suggestions?)

Wills.WindowsAndWheels

Wills.WindowsAndWheels

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So i'm looking for a couple things here (This is a little off the subject to detailing but is still 'garage talk').

I'd like to get both a metric and a SAE set of Ratcheting Wrenches w/flexable head (hopefully a pretty diverse set, not just 4 or 5 wrenches). I see most places these are $100+ a piece. I got a pretty decent deal @ O'Riellys, 5 metric and 5 SAE (non-flex head) for about $27, but id really like to have a wider range of wrenches (im thinking 7-8 at least per set) but for a decent price...any suggestions (links would be appreciated!)

Second thing is just a standard 'mechanics set' i believe they call them...like a ratchet set with a pretty diverse selection of sockets/attachments. I don't want/need some big 500 piece set but something that will have what i need and be fairly easy to take with me (i LOVE nice cases and compact size lol).

So again any suggestions?

Thanks all
 
Gearwrench is really your best bet for both of your needs. check amazon. Yes they are non US made, but the quality is there. And I know a lot of people will suggest Craftsman socket sets, and that is fine. But IMO the quality is way down on the Craftsman stuff, and GearWrench is much nicer stuff.

I am a mechanic by trade, so most of my stuff is Snap-on and Matco, but I realize the truck brands are to expensive for the DIY'r.

Now if you want something US made, and are willing to pay a little more, look at stuff from SK, Williams, Wright, and Proto. Honestly though I feel you will be happy with Gearwrench stuff.\

And if you wan't to learn way more about tools go over to garage journal I am a member their as well.
 
I have a standard 150 pc craftsman set. It works well, but I have purchased Snap On Screwdrivers and a few ratchets. The quality difference is noticeable. I too was looking at getting some ratcheting ratchets and in reading about them, found outthe cheapo ones really aren't worth it. The number of degrees between clicks is just too high or sloppy. Meaning you have to move the ratchet 20 degrees or more in order for it to 'click' and allow you to pull back. In really tight quarters where the ratcheting action is needed, you are SOL. Using higher quality tools will allow that slop to not be there and there will also be more slicks per revolution to be helpful in those tight areas. I then realized i was too cheap to buy what I needed to I don't have any ratcheting ratchets! :)

Also, i'd recommend getting 6 point sockets instead of 12 point sockets. It is MUCH more difficult to round off bolts with a 6 point than it is with a 12 point.
 
tw33k2514;546113... But IMO the quality is way down on the Craftsman stuff said:
Sad to say, but have to agree about Craftsman tools of late...

Bill
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For adjustable heads/ends, over $100 is a very good price for some ratcheting wrenches. Craftsman should have a lifetime warranty on theirs, I'm sure Kobalt is the same. Craftsman is made in USA, as is Kobalt (Not sure how much longer Kobalt will stay USA, they been outsourcing a lot of their stuff, like Husky(Home Depot)).

Snap-on would start at around $20-30 per wrench.

Craftsman all the way for the big ratchet sets. Unless you can find a Proto set.
 
tw33k2514 said:
I am a mechanic by trade, so most of my stuff is Snap-on and Matco, but I realize the truck brands are to expensive for the DIY'r.

Now if you want something US made, and are willing to pay a little more, look at stuff from SK, Williams, Wright, and Proto. Honestly though I feel you will be happy with Gearwrench stuff.\
:iagree:

Gearwrench is one of the better foreign made brands in my opinion. Their ratchets are fairly nice. For the cost, the brand is hard to beat.

I've been slowly buying Snap-on tools because I appreciate their quality. They are the top tier of tools in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I've been using Gearwrench ratcheting flexheads for quite a few years now. I managed to pick a set of SAE and metric cheap at some retail store, I think it was Lowes, they were on sale. Each came with seven I think, then I picked up a few individuals. I don't wrench for a living, but I wrench quite a bit during week nights and weekends. I've used them a lot! Still function like new, but have a few scratches from typical use. Chrome has held up great though. Ended up getting the reversible offset sets and the stubby flex head sets too. Advance has 7 piece sets online for under $70, plus usually offer coupon discounts. I also wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their mechanics tool sets. I have some individual sockets and have been impressed with their quality.
 
BillE said:
tw33k2514;546113... But IMO the quality is way down on the Craftsman stuff said:
Sad to say, but have to agree about Craftsman tools of late...

Bill
Click to expand...

I've used a lot of Craftsman tools over the years, and I agree they definitely do not hold up like they used to. The good thing though, is that they are still guaranteed for life. So if something breaks, you simply drive to Sears and walk out with a replacement- no questions asked (unless something has changed in the last few weeks...).

If you have the money, IMO, Snap-On is the best. And if you find a truck route they carry pretty much everything.
Click to expand...
 
appreciate all the info so far guys. At least i have a few ideas price and brand wise as to what to look out for. Hope i can find a deal, iw ouldn't even mind something used if its in good shape and saves me some $
 
I know that snap on used to make the sockets and wrenches for lowes/kobalt. I don't think they do any more. I too was a mechanic by trade and have primarily snap on and some matco. There is a difference between the cheap stuff and the professional grade stuff when it comes to tools. I have a matco Socket/wrench set 1/4 & 3/8 that includes sae
and metric for the car and I absolutely love it. It covers almost everything I've needed working out of the shop at home. Lifetime warranty and quality tools. It's their silver eagle line. Harbor freight is also a good deal if you aren't using the tools every day. I still have sockets that are 15 years old and are working fine. I know they are carrying ratcheting wrenches now as well.
 
Mine are Gear Wrench. I picked up a set of each on sale at Lowe's for about $50 a pop. These seem to be very well made and have never failed me yet...:props:
 
Another vote for Gearwrench. I'm not a pro, but almost every hand tool in my box has come from one of the Tool Trucks at the dealership.
I bought the Gearwrench sets based on recommendations from the service techs. They're the only non USA-made tools in my drawers. I hate to admit it, but their ratcheting mechanism is every bit as smooth as a Snap-On. Just realize that do have torque limitations. Don't even think about tapping one with a hammer or using an extender of any sort to break loose a stubborn fastener. That's why Craftsman box wrenches exist.

Bill
 
As someone who has worked for Sears for a couple years, here are some things to mention:

Craftsman tools can be a great bargain or a complete miss. For example, some of the pliers are in fact rebranded Knipex Cobra pliers for much less. Or, the new 84 tooth ratchets were designed by Armstrong. If you can find out who made the tool, you'll be better off. Almost all hand tools are made by Danaher, the same company who owns Armstrong, Easco, Gearwrench, Matco, and Kobalt.

It is true that many of the new Craftsman ratcheting wrenches are similar to the Gearwrench versions. But, the store's stocking methods usually means that some older, Armstrong wrenches are near the back. However, I purchased my set of reversible ratcheting wrenches off Ebay for much less.

If you are looking at a Gearwrench set, wait until Black Friday or when the Gearwrench stock goes on sale for 50% off. Those are definitely the times to buy.

Mobile detail said:
I know that snap on used to make the sockets and wrenches for lowes/kobalt. I don't think they do any more.
Click to expand...

Yes, Williams, a division of Snap-On, did make some tools for Kobalt.

D_Nyholm said:
Also, i'd recommend getting 6 point sockets instead of 12 point sockets. It is MUCH more difficult to round off bolts with a 6 point than it is with a 12 point.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

I have a ton of different brands in my boxes. SK, Kobalt, Craftsman, Snap-On, Facom, Knipex, Wera, PB Swiss, Nepros, Proto, Klein, Cornwell, Channellock and a couple other brands mixed in there... There is no "best" manufacturer. Each has their strengths. I will say that my Nepros tools, that I imported from Japan, has by far the best fit and finish that I've ever seen. Simply amazing.

By the way, Sears is running their Friends and Family sale this Sunday evening. It should be an extra 10% off the sale price of almost all tools.
 
I've been buying used Snap On tools at pawn shops and swap meets. The prices are a lot better than new off the truck.
Travis
 
PorscheGuy997 said:
As someone who has worked for Sears for a couple years, here are some things to mention:

Craftsman tools can be a great bargain or a complete miss. For example, some of the pliers are in fact rebranded Knipex Cobra pliers for much less. Or, the new 84 tooth ratchets were designed by Armstrong. If you can find out who made the tool, you'll be better off. Almost all hand tools are made by Danaher, the same company who owns Armstrong, Easco, Gearwrench, Matco, and Kobalt.

It is true that many of the new Craftsman ratcheting wrenches are similar to the Gearwrench versions. But, the store's stocking methods usually means that some older, Armstrong wrenches are near the back. However, I purchased my set of reversible ratcheting wrenches off Ebay for much less.

If you are looking at a Gearwrench set, wait until Black Friday or when the Gearwrench stock goes on sale for 50% off. Those are definitely the times to buy.



Yes, Williams, a division of Snap-On, did make some tools for Kobalt.



Agreed.

I have a ton of different brands in my boxes. SK, Kobalt, Craftsman, Snap-On, Facom, Knipex, Wera, PB Swiss, Nepros, Proto, Klein, Cornwell, Channellock and a couple other brands mixed in there... There is no "best" manufacturer. Each has their strengths. I will say that my Nepros tools, that I imported from Japan, has by far the best fit and finish that I've ever seen. Simply amazing.

By the way, Sears is running their Friends and Family sale this Sunday evening. It should be an extra 10% off the sale price of almost all tools.
Click to expand...


Hey Chris, lots of good info. I looked on Sears website and what a pain in the ass it is to navigate through. I know i want 12 piece and i want a good price, im watching an ebay set for sale (flex/locking 12 piece metric) and if i can get it for under $150 ill probably snag it (think thats a good price or should i go for lower?)
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
I looked on Sears website and what a pain in the ass it is to navigate through.
Click to expand...

No kidding...

Was there a particular locking flex set you had in mind? The website lists a Craftsman stubby and standard set and a Gearwrench set. If the item is available in store, I can look up the pricing schedule using the part number.

I have four different types of ratcheting wrenches: Craftsman reversibles, Craftsman stubby locking flex, Gearwrench X-Beam flex, and the coarse Craftsman set. Of the four, I only reach for two, the X-Beams and the reversibles. The X-Beams are extremely comfortable and the added length really helps with tightened bolts. Otherwise, the reversibles get most of the use.

The stubby locking flex wrenches were too cheap to pass up, but I've used them twice in six months. They're bulky for a stubby wrench and I can usually squeeze an X-Beam in there if a flex is needed. The newer flex heads are pretty tight from the factory and it's tough to get them to move out of position if you don't bump something. Plus, you can always tighten the screw if the head does get too loose.

In short, unless you're dead set on the locking flex head wrenches, I'd skip them. The newer flex heads work almost as well, but for much less.
 
PorscheGuy997 said:
No kidding...

Was there a particular locking flex set you had in mind? The website lists a Craftsman stubby and standard set and a Gearwrench set. If the item is available in store, I can look up the pricing schedule using the part number.

I have four different types of ratcheting wrenches: Craftsman reversibles, Craftsman stubby locking flex, Gearwrench X-Beam flex, and the coarse Craftsman set. Of the four, I only reach for two, the X-Beams and the reversibles. The X-Beams are extremely comfortable and the added length really helps with tightened bolts. Otherwise, the reversibles get most of the use.

The stubby locking flex wrenches were too cheap to pass up, but I've used them twice in six months. They're bulky for a stubby wrench and I can usually squeeze an X-Beam in there if a flex is needed. The newer flex heads are pretty tight from the factory and it's tough to get them to move out of position if you don't bump something. Plus, you can always tighten the screw if the head does get too loose.

In short, unless you're dead set on the locking flex head wrenches, I'd skip them. The newer flex heads work almost as well, but for much less.
Click to expand...

SO when you say the 'newer flex heads' whats the difference between them and the locking ones? I had considered the X beams but was worried about not beign able to fit them in very tight spaces.
 
Well getting up early paid off, i just got a 12 piece locking flex head (metric) for only $103 (gearwrench). Look here, this is the same set eBay
 
EBAY can be a friend or foe, just make sure if you buy bulk lots there are no doubles. I've gotten a few from there. It's taken me over 20 years to gather what I have. Because of the cycle's, I run with SAE, Metric and British Whitworth.

A SAE & Metric set of sockets along with wrenches, pliers (reg & needlenose), wire cutters, vise grips, quality screwdriver set should get you started. The other tool that alot of folks forget about is a good torque wrench. Because mine is used mainly for putting wheels back on it's the 1/2 in. drive therefore I also have complete sets of 1/2 in metric & SAE sockets both reg. and deep well. Oh and lest I forget don't forget the 1/4 in drive stuff, again Metric and SAE. Makes range from Snap On, Gear Wrench, Sears and oh another great spot for good tools on the DL price is Harbor Freight. Probably wrote to much.
 
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