Tools
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 9
Crap tools that are cheaply made are nothing new. Today many of those are sourced from China or other places but 50-60 years ago poor tools were out there. Not as prevalent mind you but they did exist. I think that is one reason why I prefer the better tools today because I had some crap stuff way back when. I had open ended wrenches that would spread with a fair amount of force. I had box end where the teeth weren't that good and would round off a nut or bolt. Tolerances sometimes weren't that good. A few episodes like that and once I had a few $$ in my pocket I swore I would own a better quality tool. I have decent stuff these days but have had it a while and don't know what I would buy to replace it. I think for some of us older guys there was more of a distinction back in the day between a quality tool and run of the mill junk. The run of the mill stuff has gotten better and the quality stuff has been cutting corners so the gap has narrowed. Yes, there is still the real high end stuff but that has never been in my budget to begin with.
Just my perspective and 2 cents worth.
Just my perspective and 2 cents worth.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 152
Likes: 3
From: Hardin, TX
Crap tools that are cheaply made are nothing new. Today many of those are sourced from China or other places but 50-60 years ago poor tools were out there. Not as prevalent mind you but they did exist. I think that is one reason why I prefer the better tools today because I had some crap stuff way back when. I had open ended wrenches that would spread with a fair amount of force. I had box end where the teeth weren't that good and would round off a nut or bolt. Tolerances sometimes weren't that good. A few episodes like that and once I had a few $$ in my pocket I swore I would own a better quality tool. I have decent stuff these days but have had it a while and don't know what I would buy to replace it. I think for some of us older guys there was more of a distinction back in the day between a quality tool and run of the mill junk. The run of the mill stuff has gotten better and the quality stuff has been cutting corners so the gap has narrowed. Yes, there is still the real high end stuff but that has never been in my budget to begin with.
Just my perspective and 2 cents worth.
Just my perspective and 2 cents worth.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 3
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 0
From: Haysville, KS
There is no comparison in quality between something like Snap-On or Matco to Harbor Freight. That said, SOME of HF stuff is pretty good and will work for the weekend mechanic. Some of their tolerances can be off, but I've never had a major problem with them. I have a mix of tools, my sockets and wrenches are mostly 'old school' craftsman, while my test equipment is name brand like Snap-On and Matco.
My engine hoist, engine stand, gantry crane and shop press are all HF and work well. Compressor and a few other tools are Kobalt from Lowes. All work well.
I've never really been disappointed with any tool purchase other than some cheap wrenches and sockets I got in a 'set' years ago (think they were pot metal!)
All that being said, there is no substitute for good tools and you can't have too many of them. Yard sales, auctions, ebay, etc. are all good sources if you know what to look for.
As for me; I just sold my Hobart 140 Mig welder and upgraded to a Miller. Although they are owned by the same company, there is a difference in quality from what I have seen. Should have bought Miller in the first place..
My engine hoist, engine stand, gantry crane and shop press are all HF and work well. Compressor and a few other tools are Kobalt from Lowes. All work well.
I've never really been disappointed with any tool purchase other than some cheap wrenches and sockets I got in a 'set' years ago (think they were pot metal!)
All that being said, there is no substitute for good tools and you can't have too many of them. Yard sales, auctions, ebay, etc. are all good sources if you know what to look for.
As for me; I just sold my Hobart 140 Mig welder and upgraded to a Miller. Although they are owned by the same company, there is a difference in quality from what I have seen. Should have bought Miller in the first place..
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Mac and Cornwell have each gone the off-shore/China route even though they still have a lot of USA-made stuff---have to search carefully before buying. Snap On too----not much they offer in the electronic or diagnostic line that's NOT Chinese made.
There's a lot of stuff sold on eBay that's older Snap On, etc---its not necessarily all that much cheaper but a better chance its USA made.
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