Buying Tools

[Kelly Andersen]

Everyone here has had Great advice, one thing you look for in hand tools is comfort and realibility, Snap On wrenches weren't the most comfortable but they were the strongest, Craftsman Sockets were easy to use but the weakest, they split with ease, also I've wrenched in the most extreme conditions, from drilling platforms in the North Sea in winter to rigs in the jungle in West Africa, from Brazil to Singapore, Garbage trucks in Cleveland to Busses in El Paso. Your tool box will start out like mine did, My Mom gave me Her Sears card on my 17th birthday to "buy some tools" I spent 250.00 bucks (this was 1978) Most of those tools I still have, But over the years you learn what you can work with and what Really Works. The best advice I can give you is If you take care of your hand tools they will take care of you, You will find certian ones will become your favorites, My SK swivel head ratchet is My best Buddy, I inherited a set of Wright Tools DoubleJointed swivel sockets (they havent been made since 1955) A dream to work with, much better than todays variety, but, un replaceable. Just respect them, store them properly, and they will last a lifetime and beyond. Good Luck

Damn good post!!!!! treat them as an investment!!

 

[Bullard Anderson]

I use Kobalt tools and they've been good.

 

[yoda]

Video Hijack!!!!!

YouTube - Power Tool Drag Racing 4

What NOT to do with your new tools!!! (well, maybe just once... )

Gotta love the shutdown area

 

[Mooseman]

Ok everybody I need your ultimate wisdom and experiance . Should I buy SNAP-ON or STAHLWILLE?

 

[sharkman]

Dollar for dollar, how do Craftsman tools compare when it comes to machinist tools?

I am obviously not a machinist, but I need to pick up some for engine building.

Should I go digital or dial?

Thanks.

First you need to learn how to read a set of calipers and a micrometer, get the feel, it's called the "machinist's feel", then work on building your engine measuring set, both of my Grandfathers were Machinist by trade so I have no digital measuring tools, I do have a dial indicator set and a dial bore gauge, but as for measuring a crank you'll need a micrometer, my set has from 0-1" 1-2" 2-3" 3-4" and 4-5", you wont need a set this big but you should be able to go up to 3", basically a good dial indicator set, a set of calipers, a dial bore gauge, and a mic set to 3" will have you covered. Get to know your Machinest REAL well and they will show you how to read a set of calipers and use them properly.

 

[sharkman]

Ok everybody I need your ultimate wisdom and experiance . Should I buy SNAP-ON or STAHLWILLE?

Stahlwille, I have heard of them but have never dealt with them, they must be a UK exclusive, or European rather. Snap On as I've said before to Me is the best, I have Snap On tool boxes and many of my tools are Snap On, they will not fail you, as a professional you will make your living with them and they will make you a good living, but they are only as good as you treat them. Expensive!!!! but as a professional they are worth it. now a days I work around the house and our shop and most any good commercial grade tool works fine, but when I went to work to put a roof over my head and food on the table my Snap Ons were the only choice, there is none better. If you are looking for someone to sell you Snap On tools who has no affiliation with the company then I will testify that as a professional ASE certified mechanic in my opinion they are the best. As everyone has pointed out (myself included) there are tools with much greater value but there isnt a better tool on the market than Snap On.

 

[Mooseman]

Thanks for your oppinions I will go with Snap-On .

 

[Outlaw Eric]

First you need to learn how to read a set of calipers and a micrometer, get the feel, it's called the "machinist's feel", then work on building your engine measuring set, both of my Grandfathers were Machinist by trade so I have no digital measuring tools, I do have a dial indicator set and a dial bore gauge, but as for measuring a crank you'll need a micrometer, my set has from 0-1" 1-2" 2-3" 3-4" and 4-5", you wont need a set this big but you should be able to go up to 3", basically a good dial indicator set, a set of calipers, a dial bore gauge, and a mic set to 3" will have you covered. Get to know your Machinest REAL well and they will show you how to read a set of calipers and use them properly.

Thanks for your help Kenny.

I have a very good friend who is a tool & die man to teach me how to handle them. Are the Craftsman tools OK or do I need to look for a different brand?

I want to buy what I need and then go and learn how to use them...

EDB

 

[sharkman]

I'm not sure if Craftsman makes precision measuring tools, if they do I'm sure they will be as good as any out there, most of mine are Starrett, my dial bore gauge came from Jegs, and my Micrometers were inherited from Grandpa Miller, same with my calipers and 10,000ths mics, I also have some old gauge blocks that He gave me when he taught me how to read a mic when I was about 7 or 8 yrs old. I'd love to have his machinest tools and box, My Uncle has them and someday I hope to aquire them from him, My Uncle retired as a machinest from BF Goodrich a few years ago and has his own tools so I'm hoping he will part with Grandpa Millers set when the time is right, They are antique but as good as new.

 

[Outlaw Eric]

Thanks,

I will see who makes the tools for Craftsman and move ahead slowly. I want to buy stuff that will last forever with proper care so I can give them to my kids someday like your Grandfather did.

Thanks for your help.