Tool Time
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 428
From: Northern NY
I also have Craftsman TQ wrenches, 1/2, 3/8 Digitork (ft lbs) & 3/8 (in lbs). They have served me well for almost 30 years and were made in USA. Harbor Freight has a new line out, believe it is Quinn & a professional line, Icon. Watch some youtube videos and read some reviews. They actually work well. The price is more expensive. I would shy away from the $10.00 item. Some harbor freight stuff is poor quality, some is decent. I just bought a 4 drawer mechanics cart to mount in my enclosed trailer. New series 2 generation and very pleased with it. Can't go wrong for $119.00 w/coupon. Their tool boxes and 5 drawer mechanics carts all seem to be good quality at affordable prices. The current Craftsman tools are nowhere near what my USA 1980's Craftsmans are.
The haters will hate.
The haters will hate.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
The last time I sent my three snap-ons in for calibration, one was recalibrated, one was junked and one was accurate. That should tell you the importance of having them periodically checked.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
Likes: 7,961
From: In my head
You can save about half the price and keep qualities of Snap-on if you go with CDI which is a Snap-On company. Made in America. If you're on a budget this is where I'd go before anywhere else.
$145.00 for an American made 3/8" Torque Wrench
$145.00 for an American made 3/8" Torque Wrench
Last edited by Oldskewl; Sep 16, 2019 at 10:52 AM.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
I like tools. Mine are mid grade. I think snap on is silly ego for most users. Maybe metal was worse in cheap stuff years ago. I can't help but think you could 2 of everything, if it breaks, grab the other. Have 2-3 ratchets. One breaks go get another.
I don't wrench 2000 hours a year, maybe they prove them selves.
Starting out in 20s I had 3/8&1/2 ratchets and standards. Probably bought deep well quick. Eventually I really liked 1/4. But I didn't get deep well 1/4 until recently when rebuilt starter.
I used to buy craftsman , but since China now, I'll buy whatever. Just boughtt crescent. I justbordrrd $160 in tc tools, putting me 4 or 500. Got cheap craftsman lift. Maybe get table someday, but my 3rd bike is in he way.
Got over 125k, between my 2 Harleys, everything myself. No expensive tools. Got 3 craftsman rq wrenches. Would like a 1/4, but don't know which.
Bought I spent money here and there. I like tools, not done. Anything that makes it easier, or so I don't have to bring in.
For $500 I bet a guy could have a hell of a start. Keep in mind you don't usually need everything first oil change or repair.
I don't wrench 2000 hours a year, maybe they prove them selves.
Starting out in 20s I had 3/8&1/2 ratchets and standards. Probably bought deep well quick. Eventually I really liked 1/4. But I didn't get deep well 1/4 until recently when rebuilt starter.
I used to buy craftsman , but since China now, I'll buy whatever. Just boughtt crescent. I justbordrrd $160 in tc tools, putting me 4 or 500. Got cheap craftsman lift. Maybe get table someday, but my 3rd bike is in he way.
Got over 125k, between my 2 Harleys, everything myself. No expensive tools. Got 3 craftsman rq wrenches. Would like a 1/4, but don't know which.
Bought I spent money here and there. I like tools, not done. Anything that makes it easier, or so I don't have to bring in.
For $500 I bet a guy could have a hell of a start. Keep in mind you don't usually need everything first oil change or repair.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
I rarely use my inch pounds torque wrench ,though I should. I use 1/2 few times a year, tires, exhaust clamps, clutch/comp. My 3/8 up to 75 or 65 gets lots of use. Most stuff is 25-35lbs.
I'd like to find 1/4 drive torque wrench someday.
I just use clickers. Maybe I am missing out. Dunno.
I'd like to find 1/4 drive torque wrench someday.
I just use clickers. Maybe I am missing out. Dunno.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
It's not a range. The lower number is for checking fasteners. Higher number is installation. Correct me off I am wrong.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 206
From: Jax FL
i think the problem is what you ACTUALLY pay for Snap On stuff. most of the guys I know get a huge discount, one buddy said his is 60%, so even this outrageous $375 set of Torx bits should be $150 or so?
if you do not use a Plumbers Torch to heat up the Loc-Tite on Harley shock bolts, you can break most Torx bits.
been thinking I want a set with lifetime warranty, but seems like LOWES would easier than chasing down a Snap On truck.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/BLPTHC87
Country Of Origin TWN
if you do not use a Plumbers Torch to heat up the Loc-Tite on Harley shock bolts, you can break most Torx bits.
been thinking I want a set with lifetime warranty, but seems like LOWES would easier than chasing down a Snap On truck.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/BLPTHC87
Country Of Origin TWN
87 pc TORXŽ and Hex Bit Socket Driver Set (Blue-PointŽ)
- Item
- BLPTHC87
- Price
- $375.25
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
I also have Craftsman TQ wrenches, 1/2, 3/8 Digitork (ft lbs) & 3/8 (in lbs). They have served me well for almost 30 years and were made in USA. Harbor Freight has a new line out, believe it is Quinn & a professional line, Icon. Watch some youtube videos and read some reviews. They actually work well. The price is more expensive. I would shy away from the $10.00 item. Some harbor freight stuff is poor quality, some is decent. I just bought a 4 drawer mechanics cart to mount in my enclosed trailer. New series 2 generation and very pleased with it. Can't go wrong for $119.00 w/coupon. Their tool boxes and 5 drawer mechanics carts all seem to be good quality at affordable prices. The current Craftsman tools are nowhere near what my USA 1980's Craftsmans are.
The haters will hate.
The haters will hate.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
I wonder how metal compares now to 80s. How much is nostalgia?
Look at guns, for 300 you can get 1moa out of the box.
Sure the cheap stuff was cheap then, and maybe needed top notch. But I wonder now. I could probably see a ratchet for a pro. But I wonder about socket sizes and strength now for mid level stuff.
Stuff with moving parts I suspect is where money comes into play more.
Look at guns, for 300 you can get 1moa out of the box.
Sure the cheap stuff was cheap then, and maybe needed top notch. But I wonder now. I could probably see a ratchet for a pro. But I wonder about socket sizes and strength now for mid level stuff.
Stuff with moving parts I suspect is where money comes into play more.
Last edited by Zerk; Sep 16, 2019 at 12:02 PM.