From a "non-professional user": I got what I'd consider a "full set" of standard and metric, standard and deep 6 point sockets in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 from Craftsman for about what a single drive size would cost from Snap On. Just from the perspective of basic tool coverage, for most normal things having a Craftsman in hand is better than waiting on a truck or running to the store. I'd rather have a crappy 36mm socket or 1 3/16 wrench on hand than nothing, and the store brands (Husky and Kobalt also) are cheap enough to get a lot of coverage quickly. Over time I've replaced bits and pieces with better tools, all of my ratchets are now Snap On after too many busted knuckles from destroying Craftsman ratchets, and any split/lost sockets get replaced with Mac or SO. I've built a decent set for the truck from Sears returns. I'm a recent convert to the truck brands, but all I could say when I changed over was "why did I wait so long?"

One of my buddies in tech school bought all Craftsman: ratchets, sockets, wrenches, even their fancy Griplatch toolbox. Then he slowly started changing them out for SO at work and took the Craftsman home. Ended up with a full SO box at work, and a full Craftsman box at home, without being owned by his SO truck credit account.

 

I have a few Matco tools left . They are good quality . Problem is , no reps in my area for 8 years or so . I traded most off for Snap On and Mac . Some Cornwell . If you have a GOOD Matco rep , and are sure they are not going to abandon your area , I would consider them .

 

Thanks. People that I know have Matco tools and the school I'm at has them as well. A truck comes around to the school and other shops nearby. It's a growing area, and I doubt Matco will drop this area.

May buy some stuff from them. I've got a 50% off student discount.

 

After hearing a lot of good and looking at all of the good reviews, I bought myself a few SAE Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches last Thursday. They seem good so far. Haven't had any Gearwrench stuff before so this is a trial run.

 

Gear wrench ratcheting wrenches are great. Love them.

 

Gear Wrench !!! LOVE them ! I own several sets . Straight , flex head , double box flex head , metric and sae . One of the best hand tool inventions of all time , IMHO .

 

Glad to hear that. I might have to go get some more. I just picked up the small straight ratcheting set from 3/8" through 5/8" to try them out. Only $15 on a 50% off sale.

 

In my opinion the fixed head are of limited use . I prefer flex head with a reverse . I said Gearwrench , others make a similar product . I own several brands . Gear Wrench has a Great tool though . I am buying a set of stubby flex head soon , After Taxes are paid !$#@!

 

Hopefully I'll be able to buy some more soon. What's the difference between the way you've spelled out "Gearwrench" and "Gear Wrench"? Same thing, or different brands?

 

Same thing.

 

Same thing , just the way I typed it . Sorry for any confusion .

 

No big deal. Just wanted to make sure I got the good stuff.