Thread: Daddy got new tools

Originally Posted by Sabrewings

Except for my torque wrenches, all of my tools are usually Kobalt. Very high quality for a decent price. They used to be made by Snap-On for Lowes, but I don't know if this is still true.

Something critical like torque wrenches I wont play around with. Both of mine are Craftsman. Ive looked at some of the Kobalt tools and they do appear to be very good quality and the price isnt half bad.

Originally Posted by Abrasive

Nice score Scotty! I just picked up the 4 piece set of prybars from Harbor Freight. I've looked at them several times, but I was in there the other day and the entire set was on sale for $7. How could I pass that up? LOL

You just cant pass up a deal like that. Doing so is like asking a woman to pass on a pair of shoes on sale or to not go shopping.

my experience....buy quality rather than quantity...... it pays off in the long run....

Originally Posted by UR LOSN

my experience....buy quality rather than quantity...... it pays off in the long run....

True, but what is the point in spending the money on quality if you dont need it. For instance, we all know craftsman tools are guaranteed for life. But why go pay them $20 for a wrench when I can get one for a third of that price that is made of the same materials? I mean, if you are careful with your tools and treat them right you likely will never need to make use of the lifetime warranty.

I have a set of Metrinch wrenches and sockets I bought probably close to 15 years ago and I have used nearly on a weekly basis since I bought them and I have demanded a lot from them and put some serious torque on them and just this last year did I finally wear out the ratchet. I bought that set for $100. Its selling point is that it grips on the flat sides of the nuts and bolts rather than the corners and they fit both metric and sae in one tool. I priced out what it would have cost me to get the same tools from Craftsman and I would have spent nearly $250 at that time. So I saved $150, got a set of tools that has performed flawlessly given the work I have put them through.

I cannot recall one tool I have ever broke from normal use. But I dont typically over stress my tools. I know a 1/4" wrench aint going to apply 200 lb/ft of torque without consequences no matter who makes it. So I try my best to buy the right tool for the right job.

Now that said, I do like Craftsman tools. And when I can catch them on sale I'll pick up tools from them when I need them. Otherwise I'll find alternatives. Its like that bearing/race removal and install tool. Is it going to punch out the bearings any better because it has the Craftsman name on it? Not likely, so why spend the money. As I mentioned earlier, if you make your living with your tools, then sure, buy the best because you need a bit of extra assurance the tools will work or you can get them replaced without hassle. If you dont make a living with your tools, buy what works and that you will get your moneys worth from or at least the best you can afford.