Good affordable Tool brand?
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Usa
Good affordable Tool brand?
What brand tools are good for working with motorcycles on a regular basis that are somewhat affordable? If I could afford them I would opt for Snap-on or Matco, but I can't..
I've heard a lot from auto mechanics that Craftsman's sockets and wrenches are too thick for working on motorcycles.
I've heard ups and downs on all of them- Kobalt, Husky, Craftsman, Stanley, Crescent, etc. For those that work on bikes regularly what brand(s) are you happy with?
Just looking for a complete socket/wrench set (Metric & SAE). Also for some good beam torque wrenches.
I've heard a lot from auto mechanics that Craftsman's sockets and wrenches are too thick for working on motorcycles.
I've heard ups and downs on all of them- Kobalt, Husky, Craftsman, Stanley, Crescent, etc. For those that work on bikes regularly what brand(s) are you happy with?
Just looking for a complete socket/wrench set (Metric & SAE). Also for some good beam torque wrenches.
Last edited by -Grumpy-; Jan 3, 2014 at 03:45 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 131
Likes: 13
From: Tulsa,OK
I have lots of Snap on sockets and wrenches. Being an automotive mechanic for years,it was easy to buy tools as needed because the Snapon truck would come weekly and let you pay as you go if you had to. Sears Craftsman tools are very affordable to most everyone. The big difference in the wrenches is that the Craftsman wrenches are twice a this as a Snapon wrench. So far I can't see where that's a problem working on bikes. The sockets appear to be the same. Sears even has a lot of specialty wrenches if needed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Never had any problems w/my Craftsman tools working on bikes for many years. Also use cheap/Harbor Freight purchased tools too...
Unless you're a master m/c mech, almost anything will do. Just use the right tool for the job and you're OK. No need to invest a ton of ca$h - decent set @ Sears, Lowe's, or Home Depot will work for most riders who occasionally wrench.
Unless you're a master m/c mech, almost anything will do. Just use the right tool for the job and you're OK. No need to invest a ton of ca$h - decent set @ Sears, Lowe's, or Home Depot will work for most riders who occasionally wrench.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Never had any problems w/my Craftsman tools working on bikes for many years. Also use cheap/Harbor Freight purchased tools too...
Unless you're a master m/c mech, almost anything will do. Just use the right tool for the job and you're OK. No need to invest a ton of ca$h - decent set @ Sears, Lowe's, or Home Depot will work for most riders who occasionally wrench.
Unless you're a master m/c mech, almost anything will do. Just use the right tool for the job and you're OK. No need to invest a ton of ca$h - decent set @ Sears, Lowe's, or Home Depot will work for most riders who occasionally wrench.
I have mostly Craftsman, with some stuff from both Lowe's and Home Depot sprinkled in.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
I have Stanley Torx and allen sockets in SAE and metric, also Stanley combo wrenches and metric sockets. I have had them for 12 years and no tool failures and they have a good feel and value price. They are avail at many box stores.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
I agree. Craftsman work well and a good value. All of the brands wear and break at some point and craftsman are nice and easy to warranty.
I also like buying used Snapon tools from the matco or Cornwall dealer... just ask what he got as trade-in and then you can warranty with the Snapon dealer to get like new again... or vise- versa matco from Snapon guy.
And for deals on craftsman tools... at car show swap meet there is usually that guy with buckets and buckets of rejects... maybe the chrome may be just not quite right. Watch out for 12 point sockets mixed in.
I also like buying used Snapon tools from the matco or Cornwall dealer... just ask what he got as trade-in and then you can warranty with the Snapon dealer to get like new again... or vise- versa matco from Snapon guy.
And for deals on craftsman tools... at car show swap meet there is usually that guy with buckets and buckets of rejects... maybe the chrome may be just not quite right. Watch out for 12 point sockets mixed in.
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
I've haven't had a problem with my Craftsman tools on my old Jap bike or the Sportster. Like someone else said they have a good warranty, not that I've had to use it. I do have a set of old Snap On metric wrenches and they are nice.
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