Tool Recommendations
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 1,159
From: Long Island
Most of my tools are older, sourced from garage sales.
I'm happy with S K, Proto, older Craftsman, old Stanley. Sometimes you find good tools w/ a black finish, cost saver over chrome.
I had a big used set of Snap-On, but resold as I was happy with what I had.
My favorite set of SAE box wrenches have a dip and are marked Sears. The actual maker I believe to be Kraeuter, as I sold a set marked Kraeuter which is identical to my "Sears" set.
Vaco is an HVAC tool maker and their Allen keys and other tools I have found to be very good.
Been happy with Channellock pliers and snips.
For the highest quality adjustable wrenches, old King Dick,
I'm happy with S K, Proto, older Craftsman, old Stanley. Sometimes you find good tools w/ a black finish, cost saver over chrome.
I had a big used set of Snap-On, but resold as I was happy with what I had.
My favorite set of SAE box wrenches have a dip and are marked Sears. The actual maker I believe to be Kraeuter, as I sold a set marked Kraeuter which is identical to my "Sears" set.
Vaco is an HVAC tool maker and their Allen keys and other tools I have found to be very good.
Been happy with Channellock pliers and snips.
For the highest quality adjustable wrenches, old King Dick,
Last edited by GBHH; Dec 28, 2020 at 09:49 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 2,060
From: Phoenix
I've used the Gear Wrench ratcheting wrenches for years just like a regular closed end wrench to tighten and brake nuts free and never had any problems.
The only time I managed to mess one up was on a positive battery terminal when I hit the frame and sent a jolt of electricity through the wrench pretty much welding the ratchet together.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 660
Likes: 352
From: Colorado
I've found if I have to save some money to buy good tools the pay-off is they last a lifetime. Big fan of Snap-On. Craftsman is still a decent brand but the upside had always been going to your local Sears store for a replacement if broken. Unfortunately, fewer of those pepper the landscape these days
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
I had a set of older craftsman, raised panel set. Gave them to my son a few years ago as I got into the "tool truck tools".Tool truck stuff is expensive, but the quality and fit is much better to me, and Im willing to pay for it.
When Ivan was approaching I went to HF to buy a hammer drill. After the 5th hole or whatever number it was it died and it went into the trash. They will never ever get another dime from me. I wont even buy a box of rags from the POS store.
My Snap On ratchets have the comfort handle, so no worries about chipping the paint with the handle, love those ratchets. Oil changes I use the Matco 88 with the metal handle. Again, love the ratchet, super nice.
Torx or Hex bits - for me the Snap on fit the best. I tried a set from Husky and they fit like crap and took them back. Went to Lowes for the Kobalt, somehow they might have fit worse then the Husky.
The tool truck tool hunt has turned into a hobby for me. I figure out what I want to get next and save my pennies. When I have the money I get it off of the auction site or garage journal. a couple weeks ago I picked up another set of SO picks and 4 mini screwdrivers for $70, not to bad and they are the green handle. Next is the digital torque wrench.
I know not everyone has my same thoughts on tools. Its just something about the tool truck stuff I like
When Ivan was approaching I went to HF to buy a hammer drill. After the 5th hole or whatever number it was it died and it went into the trash. They will never ever get another dime from me. I wont even buy a box of rags from the POS store.
My Snap On ratchets have the comfort handle, so no worries about chipping the paint with the handle, love those ratchets. Oil changes I use the Matco 88 with the metal handle. Again, love the ratchet, super nice.
Torx or Hex bits - for me the Snap on fit the best. I tried a set from Husky and they fit like crap and took them back. Went to Lowes for the Kobalt, somehow they might have fit worse then the Husky.
The tool truck tool hunt has turned into a hobby for me. I figure out what I want to get next and save my pennies. When I have the money I get it off of the auction site or garage journal. a couple weeks ago I picked up another set of SO picks and 4 mini screwdrivers for $70, not to bad and they are the green handle. Next is the digital torque wrench.
I know not everyone has my same thoughts on tools. Its just something about the tool truck stuff I like
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
Tekton tools have good warranty
Our Guarantee | TEKTONŽ Hand Tools
Were a family-owned company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Were dedicated to making the best hand tools youll ever own, and we start by designing the products that we personally believe in and want to own ourselves.
At this time, about 75% of our current product lineup is made in Taiwan, 20% in the United States, 3% in China, and about 2% across several other countries.
Our Guarantee | TEKTONŽ Hand Tools
Were a family-owned company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Were dedicated to making the best hand tools youll ever own, and we start by designing the products that we personally believe in and want to own ourselves.
At this time, about 75% of our current product lineup is made in Taiwan, 20% in the United States, 3% in China, and about 2% across several other countries.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
Basically don't put a 3ft cheater bar on a ratchet wrench or beat them with a hammer to loosen a nut/bolt.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,255
Likes: 4,947
From: England
And that is what I would of expected but when Dseago1969 popped in and makes a claim about "ratcheting wrenches" you wonder why.
He hasn't been back to backup his claim.
He hasn't been back to backup his claim.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 245
Likes: 128
From: Ormond Beach Florida
When I retired after a 35 year career as a mechanic I discovered Tekton tools. While I haven't used them professionally,I can personally vouch for thier quality, using them for doing repair work at home.
They have a great selection, super warranty, and.. free shipping. Good people to do business with.
They have a great selection, super warranty, and.. free shipping. Good people to do business with.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA