Good cheap tool vs. pricey tool discussion

[mstng86]

I usually get my sockets, wratches, wrenches from sears. The rest is kind of whatever.

[RWhite]

I have tons of tools (when I can find them) and a number of small tool boxes, but have always wanted a nice big tool box to roll around the garage. Not sure if even that would keep all my tools in one place, but at least I would have no excuse for not being able to find them. Can any of you recommend any big tool boxes you like?

[ceyko]

Swap meets i.e Canton, are great places to pick up name brand stuff and HF pricing. Just have to be a little on the careful side.

One of the best parts of swap meets is go with a list of replacement sockets/wrenches that you need. Then you can pay .10-1.00 for the replacement instead of the insane prices at Sears or whatever.

[Mysticcobrakilla]

The only thing I use crapsman/cheap tools for is to make specialty tools out of.

<-------Diesel tech

[Chili]

For professional mechanics or anyone using their equipment / tools for a living I can absolutely understand not buying HF stuff. But for hobbiests like me there is no reason to spend thousands of dollars on tools.

Most of the HF stuff works excellent for my needs.

[JimD]

Ive got a little of about every tool maker, most of them are craftsman. I break alot of sockets working on peoples sorry ass worn out shit. Usually go with a handful of tools to swap out once a month.

[ceyko]

For professional mechanics or anyone using their equipment / tools for a living I can absolutely understand not buying HF stuff. But for hobbiests like me there is no reason to spend thousands of dollars on tools.

Most of the HF stuff works excellent for my needs.

I thought the same until a 1/2" socket broke last year and I got a nice bone deep gash. (The suck part was my wife's truck being not drivable. So, had to do some peroxide soaked cotton balls and gorilla tape, until I could really clean it and such after the truck was drivable again. ) Especially working on those old broncos, you need to keep it safe or you'll have a lot of finger juice on it. (not the good stuff either)

Even if I can't afford the tools I need new - lots of deals on the name brand stuff on CL (or flea markets) - so I cheat that way. Still the same warranty. Sometimes cheaper then HF tools too.

I'll caveat this, if you're doing light duty things like minor gun repairs, putting pre-manufactured furniture together...that's one thing. However, I think most people here are fighting rusted bolts/nuts and that sort of thing. Not saying the more expensive ones won't break, especially with a cheater bar - but a little more confidence is there.

[Chili]

I thought the same until a 1/2" socket broke last year and I got a nice bone deep gash. (The suck part was my wife's truck being not drivable. So, had to do some peroxide soaked cotton balls and gorilla tape, until I could really clean it and such after the truck was drivable again. ) Especially working on those old broncos, you need to keep it safe or you'll have a lot of finger juice on it. (not the good stuff either)

Even if I can't afford the tools I need new - lots of deals on the name brand stuff on CL (or flea markets) - so I cheat that way. Still the same warranty. Sometimes cheaper then HF tools too.

I'll caveat this, if you're doing light duty things like minor gun repairs, putting pre-manufactured furniture together...that's one thing. However, I think most people here are fighting rusted bolts/nuts and that sort of thing. Not saying the more expensive ones won't break, especially with a cheater bar - but a little more confidence is there.

I don't use HF sockets but I do have a couple of their wrench sets.. Any time I am using alot of leverage, regardless of tool brand, I do so expecting the wrench to slip. I will always opt for a cheater bar or adding a wrench on the end for more leverage so I don't put myself in that position.

I've hit a shitload of bolts on the Bronco and haven't had any real issues yet.

[ceyko]

I will always opt for a cheater bar or adding a wrench on the end for more leverage so I don't put myself in that position.

Trust me, I think it's the fact you're not using cheap sockets probably.

One time I was doing a full bench press with a cheater bar, on a break bar on a 1/2" socket and the socket split (duralast special - had a craftsman brand right next to it-just could reach the duralast at the moment). All socket splits I've had were with sub-craftsman level sockets. The one here, I had gloves on so it was more of a smash/gash type thing. Precautions are nice, but sometimes...sometimes you have to get stupid about it. lol

I should have learned my lesson the first time...

Oh and then the fuckers would not take the lifetime warranty split socket back, cause I bought it part of a set and did not have the whole set to exchange! F' that stuff.

[ceyko]

I will always opt for a cheater bar or adding a wrench on the end for more leverage so I don't put myself in that position.

Trust me, I think it's the fact you're not using cheap sockets probably.

One time I was doing a full bench press with a cheater bar, on a break bar on a 1/2" socket and the socket split (duralast special - had a craftsman brand right next to it-just could reach the duralast at the moment). All socket splits I've had were with sub-craftsman level sockets. The one here, I had gloves on so it was more of a smash/gash type thing. Precautions are nice, but sometimes...sometimes you have to get stupid about it. lol

I should have learned my lesson the first time...

Oh and then the fuckers would not take the lifetime warranty split socket back, cause I bought it part of a set and did not have the whole set to exchange! F' that stuff.

On top of that, mostly there are duplicates/triplicates and me just being too lazy to hunt down the good stuff.

[STANGGT40]

i don't understand why anyone would care what kind of tools the guy uses...

[mustangguy289]

My only issue with HF is their impact sockets. I have broken 3-4 of them. They never hold up.

[Chili]

Trust me, I think it's the fact you're not using cheap sockets probably.

One time I was doing a full bench press with a cheater bar, on a break bar on a 1/2" socket and the socket split (duralast special - had a craftsman brand right next to it-just could reach the duralast at the moment). All socket splits I've had were with sub-craftsman level sockets. The one here, I had gloves on so it was more of a smash/gash type thing. Precautions are nice, but sometimes...sometimes you have to get stupid about it. lol

I should have learned my lesson the first time...

Oh and then the fuckers would not take the lifetime warranty split socket back, cause I bought it part of a set and did not have the whole set to exchange! F' that stuff.

On top of that, mostly there are duplicates/triplicates and me just being too lazy to hunt down the good stuff.

Yeah, I know what you're saying. I also rarely, if ever, use sockets to break a tough bolt / nut. I try to stick to wrenches, and usually use the closed end when at all possible.

I think the worst nut I ever encountered was when doing the exuast on the Mustang. That sucked and I broke two different universal joints trying to get it loose. And that was with a shit load of PB blaster.

[2K2 LS1]

I have split craftsman, snap on, and just about all other brands.


ON a side not I can tell you to always double check the rpm rating on your cut off wheel discs!!!!! Back when I was working at AMS I accidentally used a 15,000 rpm disc on a 25,000 rpm cut off tool. I came apart at full speed. Shot up at my face. I was wearing a face guard luckily. Bounced off the face guard and launched across the shop some 50ft and embedded into the wall an inch or so!!!!!!!!! To this day I leery of cutoff wheels and hardly ever use them.

[mustang_revival]

I have some HF tools, most of them work pretty good for what I do. Its a hobby for me.

haha I have the damn air tool kit from them. I swear that impact has a mind of its own. Some days it wont do shit, and other days like last weekend I had to resort to it dropping the gas tank on my 95 and it worked like it was brand new..