handtools
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 6
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
RE: handtools
i even stated in my post all that stuff just came off a web page i found and if you read what i posted. Yes they are made in the same factories but mac tools and snap on tools from the same factory are high grade steels and materials hardened in diff process etc but all in all they come from the same places. some just made better than others if its your living then you need the good stuff no doubt but if your just changing the oil in your scoot every so often hell no you don't need a $150 rachet or socket set.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
RE: handtools
I am confused. I was in Lowes this weekend and looked at the Kobalt tools. On the back it said they were all made in China. I was in Sears andCraftsman tools showedthey were made in the USA.
I don't know where Stanley is made, but have a set and they seem to hold up pretty well. I have had Craftsman tools for years and have never broke a socket, ratchet or wrench. However, I am not a proffesional mechanic. If I was wrenching everyday for a living I would go with Snap On or other high end brand.
I don't know where Stanley is made, but have a set and they seem to hold up pretty well. I have had Craftsman tools for years and have never broke a socket, ratchet or wrench. However, I am not a proffesional mechanic. If I was wrenching everyday for a living I would go with Snap On or other high end brand.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, Ga
RE: handtools
I just tend to buy Craftsman - name recognition or habit I guess. I'm a weekend, scratch that, Saturday wrencher and could not wear a wrench out in a month of Sundays. I don't make a special trip to Sears unless to get a ratchet or something like that, Anything else, I just tend to buy what I need, in whatever store I find it, at the cheapest price I can find. I think I'm frugile, some of me buddies call me cheap. I ain't ever broke or wore out any of my cheapies.
Now, my son is a HD mechanic and says Snap-ons are tops, but fusses cause they're not inexpensive. I've purchased him various sets of Craftsman tools over the years and, to my knowledge, he still uses them, at least he hasn't told me to buy some other brand. Maybe he doesn't want to hurt my feelings.
Hack
Now, my son is a HD mechanic and says Snap-ons are tops, but fusses cause they're not inexpensive. I've purchased him various sets of Craftsman tools over the years and, to my knowledge, he still uses them, at least he hasn't told me to buy some other brand. Maybe he doesn't want to hurt my feelings.
Hack
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,523
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
RE: handtools
The debate in my shop is between matco, snap on or mac. these guys make their living turning wrenches all day 5-6 days a week all year long they would not use craftsman specially the older techs now the youngsters all start with craftsman then little by little begin to buy the more expensive name brands..
Now a guy like me for the weekend projects I do use craftsman with no problems however I do have alot of ratches different sizes and they are all from snap-on and I use them with craftsman sockets.
Now a guy like me for the weekend projects I do use craftsman with no problems however I do have alot of ratches different sizes and they are all from snap-on and I use them with craftsman sockets.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 95
From: lancaster, pa
RE: handtools
I tend to buy stanly tools(happy medium). I resist the urge to buy anymore tools than I need for general maintnnce and repairs. Stanly seem to be as good as craftsman but half the price and not using tools every day..ect they fit my needs. anyone else?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Wilmywood NC
RE: handtools
My set of tools are black chrome and they are Jesse James tools made by Mac Tools. They are in a black tool cabinet with foam organizers and my bottom cabinet is also black and matches. I know its a girl thing to have it all match and in its own place. They are very well made and Ive even been told that I have a nice set of "tools" - for a girl of course 
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 6
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
RE: handtools
Here is my personel opnion. I have all mac tools primarily. When it comes to the hand tools wrenchs, screw drivers etc I think Mac, Snap on and Matco are pretty much equals. Now when it comes to some of your specialty tools for automotive or HD and your air tools I believe Snap on is the better of the 3.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: handtools
Thanks for all the info here. I have mostly Craftsman tools because that is mostly what my dad had. For the most part they are ok for my weekend wrenching. I know a lot of car and aviation mechanics that turn them for a living and most of them swear by Snap On. If I fell on a bunch of cash that I didn't know what to do will I would probably go the Snap On route. Maybe someday...
In the mean time I thank you all for the info as it has encoraged me to clean up my shop. I hate when I let it get messed up but I have.
In the mean time I thank you all for the info as it has encoraged me to clean up my shop. I hate when I let it get messed up but I have.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Haddon Heights NJ
RE: handtools
Snap-on, Mac and Matco mostly in my box but I make a living turning a wrench for 27 years. My son is building his tool set with off brands but will up grade as he can afford the better tools. The bottom line is how often do you use them and how much $$$$ do you want to spend.
