I got several tools that I use today from my old man who purchased them at Sears decades ago. It is time to buy some new items and wondering what is a good value for the money nowdays? Definitely not Craftsman anymore...
Below is what I need for now:
1) 1/2 drive torque wrench with a good range
2) Torx sockets (including large sizes like T50)
3) Large sockets (19mm, 21mm, 23mm)
3) Worklight
4) Spring compressor
For the casual DIY encounters, get your needed items from Harbor Freight. They have very decent drools and a lifetime warranty. You'll need to get the spring compressor from eBay.
For the MB spring compressor I use a German made Normex compressor set and nothing else I bought off Amazon a few years back. I don't trust that Chinese crap as far as I can throw it, and I don't want to end up in the hospital by using one even if the Chinese are picking up the tab.
Incidentally, BGS Technic also makes a MB spring compressor.
Here is the Normex I bought off Amazon, but is currently out of stock.
Here is a link for the BGS one. Yes, it is more expensive than the eBay ones but this is one tool you don't want to take a chance on unless you like playing with loaded guns.
Nothing wrong with Craftsman, non moving tools still have lifetime guarantee. I just got their 1/2" torque wrench as a warranty replacement and it is good, sockets, wrenches are all good tools.
for allen, torx, etc Schwaben make very good tools.
Worklight, that is hard to find a good one. I would like to find a good one with a flexible magnetic base. They either shine in your face, or dont stay attached where you want them to. I've resorted to the free HF ones, they actually work pretty well, have a magnet base and are small enough you can fit them most anywhere. just have to replace batteries, but if you watch HF you can get them for free with coupons. free light, free batteries, what's not to like?
Spring compressor, fleabay seems ok for occasional use.
As a DIYer, CPA and financial analyst I've never been able to justify more than the cheap Chinese crap, with which I've never had any sort of a failure. Spending more to get more has always struck me as some form of obsessive compulsive disorder, but obviously it's your money.
What Craftsman torque wrench do you have that you got a warranty replacement? Those don't have lifetime, they have a year or less. Unless it is a deflecting beam Craftsman torque wrench, they are not worth the cost. Almost the entire Craftsman lineup is now made in China, but still priced like it is US made. It is sad what Craftsman has become. With a few exceptions, you are better off getting Husky, Kobalt or HF. Same warranty, or better, and easier to replace. It won't cost as much up front and be every bit as good (for a cheap tool).
To answer the OP's question:
I generally like Gearwrench brand for bang for the buck. Their torque wrenches are pretty good at $100. Here is a 1/2" drive: https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-85066-Torque-Wrench/dp/B00HQGI4CC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488140955&sr=8-1&keywords=gearwrench+torque+wrench I have noticed Gearwrench quality falling as of late. I think both Gearwrench and Craftsman have a good portion of their line made by Apex (or maybe Danaher). In general, the Made in Taiwan Gearwrench is really good, whereas the made in China stuff is hit or miss. The HF torque wrenches feel crappy when you use them, but review after review shows them to be very accurate. that said, I only use the HF ones for doing lugnuts. Other stuff, I reach for my Gearwrench. At closer to $200, you can get a CDI torque wrench (Snap On rebrands these and sells them under their name for more $$).
I have been really happy with Gearwrench Torx sockets. Assuming they haven't changed who makes them yet, it is a good value. But you could spend a little more and get Wiha torx sockets, which is probably even a safer bet.
Sockets: When was the last time you broke a socket? Here, I don't think it matters much, particularly if you are just talking a couple fill in sockets. Something like this is what Harbor Freight is perfect for. But you could also get Husky or Kobalt or Craftsman and never know the difference. If the chrome starts flaking you can get another with the lifetime warranty (except at Sears since they will likely be gone in the next year or two).
Worklight - loads of options here. I like rechargeable/cordless LED worklights.
I try to fill in gaps in my tool set with old school craftsman sourced at flea markets. Nowadays there are people who specialize in tools, having purchased them from estates and such.
Harbor freight hasn't let me down yet on hand tools. All my allens are HF but my Klann is an ebay item. I sourced KD head bolt torx bits and they have proven to be indestructible. I bought HF's large socket set (big red tool box and some huge sockets starting at around 23mm). I use them for all sorts of things such as axle nuts etc, and have not had a problem. (they also have been pressed into duty - literally - when I have to pound out a ball joint from an LCA).
One of the key factors when evaluating tools is the size. Yes size matters.
Ever try to get a socket on a nut or bolt that is close to a casting but you can't because the wall thickness on the socket is too thick? This is what separates the good from the not so good. I don't mess with off brands for sockets for this reason. Snap-on and Craftsman (old school) have thin socket walls.
The same goes for wrenches. I don't need a box wrench with 3/8 of an inch of material around the hex section.
For this reason I shy away from HF 1/2 inch drive, 3/8 drive and 1/4 inch drive sockets and their combination wrenches.
With tools, you get what you pay for usually. Most weekend warriors will never work tools often enough or hard enough to break/sheer them. No, you don't have to spend all your money on SnapOn and that ilk. But just like our cars, there are used tools out there that are great quality and durable. You don't have to always think new.....especially with well-maintained tools.
And if some mechanic has some giant SnapOn set and trying to get $5,000-$10,000 for it, just laugh and walk on. He may even tell you he paid twice that. Well maybe, but that was his folly, don't get sucked in. When I had my big farm in MO and I needed quality tools for big machinery, I always bought Proto and OMC whenever I could. I learned yrs prior that those tool brands were nearly instructable...crude, but tough. For wrench sets, I had Bonney, now defunct. I think they were a subsidiary of Triangle Tool Corp. For socket sets I had New Britain and Sparta(old NAPA tools...great stuff)
I'd rather buy some quality tool that shows a little wear, then some new wannabe made in Asia.....although in the late 80's I bought a Chinese 3/4 and 1 inch socket set and the big sockets rank like a bell. The ratchet was horrible, the breakover bar decent. But like everyone has said, it's your money.
I still buy quite a few tools from Sears. They aren't as good as they used to be, but they are good enough for what I need. I usually buy mid-grade tools, but It depends quite a bit on what the tool is, what it will be used for, and how often it will be used. I even bought a small ratchet and socket set at Wal-Mart one time because it was intended to just be carried in one of myncars for emergency use. I don't have that car anymore, so now I use it regularly for more light duty stuff, and it has served me well.
Also, FWIW, I have had mostly good luck with the Kobalt brand from Lowes, at least for sockets and wrenches. The vice grips of theirs that I bought once, though...ugh...
I have the cheaper plastic mity-vac, that just measures vacuum and not pressure, but came with a kit full of hoses and attachments. its been quite handy, and as a amateur I see little need to get something more expensive or complex.
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