Tool Upgrades - Socket and Wrench Sets?

[Bumbo]

Just another thing during my decision making process...

I was very hesitant to get the GearWrench wrench set. Those are the only made in China items I picked up. Everything else like the ratchets and sockets was Taiwan.

That said, I took value and coverage over quality...

They still have a "Surface Drive" technology which is similar to the flank drive from Snap-On or Wright.

In all honesty this is the wrench set I really wanted, but I found it to be spendy. The Wright tools is American made and the reviews are stunning across the board. Its rare to find a 5 star deal like that unless ur buying from brands like Knipex.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VCU74/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_16?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I really hope I don't regret passing on those to opt for the Gearwrench. But I probably will. At least I wont cry as hard if those Gearwrench wrenches ever got jacked from my truck either.

Check out these Wright tools...

 

[LittleCaesar]

All excellent choices for good tools. To keep the Gearwrench thread theme alive, save up some coin and buy some flex heads in the future. They are used at my home constantly, even the ones made in the PRC:
http://www.gearwrench.com/wrenches/ratcheting/flex-head

I have never used Wright tools but have heard nothing but good things.

 

[Bumbo]

All excellent choices for good tools. To keep the Gearwrench thread theme alive, save up some coin and buy some flex heads in the future. They are used at my home constantly, even the ones made in the PRC:
http://www.gearwrench.com/wrenches/ratcheting/flex-head

I have never used Wright tools but have heard nothing but good things.

I never go out of my way to buy tool truck brands but Wright seems like the brand to get if you want to buy a wrench and want to make it count.

My problem is the money can be better spent to diversify than to strengthen. That said, when I find things I use a lot, and a 2nd round of purchasing happens, Ill do it right one last time. Example: I found the 6" to 8" pliers to be such a valuable tool for me I only buy from Wiha and Knipex... both German made and about the best thing I have ever had in my hand. I love Chanellock too but those are just on a different level and you can feel it.

Ya, the reversible & flex head wrenches are on the list, along with a set or two of pass-through socket sets. Ill get around to them eventually. In the mean time the 120 XP flex head ratchets are taking care of me.

Crazy thing with tools is that I never feel done... always something else to get, its fun to keep going, but I always need to step back and look at needs because its easy to get carried away.

Thanks everyone for all the help.

 

[Ralphman]

Ah tools i love tools and love tool trucks and tool trucks love me. I dont have a complete brand loyalty because everyone does certain things better then others or just as good for a better price, just got to know whos who in the tool game. Certain tools i think its worth spending the money on and some i think its fine to go cheap on, but thats a personal opinion. Ive got many brands of tools ive collected over the years of working on construction equipment that vary from matco and mac (never been on the snap on truck on purpose) and a few snap on tools to the norther tools and HF tools and everything in between. If tool truck tools didn't have good warranties I would have never spent the money i have but ive had good relationships with the tool truck guys and they take care of you when your putting their kids through law school at yale. That set of tools you picked up is good stuff, Never had an iissue with any gear wrench products. I use to always want the latest and greatest tools out but was always told by the old timmers its all about how you use the tool and too use the best tool of all which lay's between your shoulders. Quality doesn't have to mean expensive. Have you ever heard of hanover tools, they usual have good price on stuff, some of the tools are junk they sell but they also sell some nice stuff. Most my basic tools i got started professionaly with came off a traveling tool guy from hanover and im still using the same tools to the very day. Tooltopia usually have good prices and deals on tools, or craiglist and look for a mechanic selling tools or even pawn shops. My favorite thing about tool trucks as long as you got a good relationship with your tool guy is week/biweekly payments, and the free candy.

Also dont cheap on torque wrenchs.

This link will also give you some insight of who makes who and is mostly up to date
http://toolguyd.com/tool-brands-corporate-affiliations/

 

[BAD BROWN]

Too bad Craftsman took a quality dive. Doesn't mean much to have a lifetime warranty if in 40 years, as in the case of my dad's ratchet, the replacement you get is inferior.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

 

[Dunehunter]

Snap on...

I completely agree... personally I don't (or try not to) actually buy a tool until I need it.

If I didn't do that, I would end up spending so much more...

Speaking of Snap-On, I did buy a small set of used Snap-On line / flare nut wrenches, first time I have ever owned a Snap-On tool. Also the first time I owned a line wrench of any type, and first time I ever worked on my own brakes in any car.

To be honest I am quite proud of them... I feel like I earned them. They paid for themselves on the first job, I saved money, and I got out of that entire project for much less than I would have paid at an independent mechanic and with some sweet tools for keeps.


My problem is I have gotten a taste, and it tasted good...

I have 2 Snap-On tools: a cotter pin puller and a 12-point, 1/2" wrench and didn't "earn" either of them--except with a sharp eye. Found both lying on the road. The last mechanic to work on whatever vehicle left them under the hood only to shake out roadside for me to find.

I just love finding good tools.

 

[Dunehunter]

Other tools...

So, mostly what I have are old Craftsman tools: 3/8 and 1/4 drive sockets and some really nice SAE 12 points. I have never had one of these fail on me. By old, I'm estimating about 45 yrs +. Not sure what today's would be like. I also have a few "Sears" brand; also quite old and very functional.

My 1/2 drive socket set is, as well, quite old--a 40+ year old set of SAE Master Mechanic. I think these were sold by True Value Hardware and, similar to the old Craftsman stuff, has never failed me. I love my 1/2 drive socket set.

Lately, I've bought a few Husky tools and would say that I am...less than impressed. They are functional (mostly) but I still need to return the ratchets I bought from them (seized ball). Frankly, I just don't trust them.

Other than the Snap-Ons that I mentioned in the above post, my favorite hand wrench is an SK; beautifully chromed, well-made--a pleasure to use. It was a one-off purchase from a local parts jobber--the exact size I needed at the time. I'd probably seek out more of these. The Snap-Ons and Macs are beautiful tools but just too doggone expensive.

My advice for someone building a collection would be to go to auctions; if buying new, go for quality without breaking the bank. Always start with hand tools--they never really go out of style. Move to power tools later as needed.