i'm looking into starting a tool collection. as of right now i have a cheap set i got from ace. i want something of good quality. what do ya'll recomend? Matco, craftsman...etc?

 

Craftsman is really good

 

Moved to proper forum.

 

thanks for moving it. i couldn't find the tools forum, actually, i didn't look to hard. sorry.

 

Check out these threads, then if you still have questions, I'll find some more ...
I think it's all been discussed here by now!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=426083
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=428832
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=176239
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=423772
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=106099
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=375418

 

Here's what I'd reccomend by brand:

Craftsman:
Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, sockets (compare price with Kobalt and Husky though!), beam style torque wrench. Anything else you can think of that I don't mention elsewhere.

Husky, Kobalt, Snap-On, MAC, Cornwell, S/K, etc
Ratchets, click style torque wrench, flare nut wrenches.

Most of Craftsman's stuff is pretty good, but over the past 5-10 years their ratchet quality has gone downhill. I've had to replace 3 3/8" drive ratchets within a year, each being one of Craftsman's newer style ratchet. I broke down and bought a Snap-On, and while pricey (about $80!) it is a solid piece. Flare nut wrenches are also something not to skimp on if you use them enough. I don't, so my $5 Pep-Boys wrench works fine about 95% of the time. Those other 5% I wish I had something better but I don't use it nearly enough to warrant paying $25 for a single wrench. Most automotive brake fittings are either 3/8" or 7/16" so most folks can get away with just buying one wrench that has both sizes on it. Beam style torque wrenches are generally more accurate and much less expensive than their click style bretheren but are a little less convienient to use. If you do enough work on cars, you WILL have to get one eventually.

 

It depends TOTALLY on what you plan on doing with your tools, there are a few levels of quality. Homeowner, handyman, garagerepairman and pro. Snapon quality for a homeowner is overkill & Ace for a pro just will not do. So you have to decied for your self what level suits you the best. Greg

 

I would avoid Husky, because it made some where else. Their screwdrivers are made in the USA, but like ratchets, socket are china crap.

 

95% of my box is craftsman (albeit 25 year old craftsman). However, if something breaks - like my 1/4 ratchet is starting to slip, it gets replaced with a snap on piece. I can't see spending $80 for a ratchet though....I just bout a 1/4 snap on ratchet on ebay for $20.

But gbadgley is 100% correct. Depends on what you'll be doing with the tools and how often you'll be using them.

Matt

 

I agree with maa139

 

thanks for the input.

 

Thank you!

 

I would recommend that you go to Sears and buy a set of mechanics set. There are several different sets that you can get and I'm sure that you'll find one that meets your needs. Good luck. The Craftsman set will be a nice upgrade from your current set and should be sufficient unless you wrench seriously or for a living. Good luck.

 

I have an 80 dollar 1/4 Snap On ratchet I love it is a lockable flex head very nice. And I have the 3/8 and 1/2 version also. Snap On man loves me. Oh well it is only money.

 

I don't doubt that you love your ratchets, and I wasn't trying to knock Snap on in any way. Snap on is the best tool out there, in my opinion. It's just that with everything that puts in demands for my money, it's nearly impossible for me to justify brand new off of the truck. But enjoy your ratchets, and know that I'm jealous!!! I'll just muddle along with my 1/4 inch snap on ratchet and wait for the 3/8 and 1/2 Craftsman ratchets to break.