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I hear quite often not to skimp out on hand tools, and for me there’s not really any strict budget, but can certain things be bought in a cheaper name, say, socket sets?
I’m thinking what really matters in the case of ratchets are the ratchet itself, so if you buy a cheaper, say, Craftsman socket set, but use a Snap On ratchet with it, is there any reason people don’t do it like this?
On a related note, I’ve got plenty of tools to start off, Craftsman tools that have been collected over the years by me and my father, I’ll likely start off with that at a job while waiting on/ordering a second set so I can just leave them at the shop. While figuring out what to toss onto a list for a second set is there anything specific that saved anyone from trouble that should be picked up?
Also on a related note, do you normally just leave boxes unlocked sitting in the shop on days off? Even locking them, is that really a deterrent with how cheap and easy to break the locks are?
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The only tools to stay far away from would be the old “Pot Metal” type. Ya know..the ones that look like pimples on a mirror.
I’ve gotten by over the last 5 years with a Stanley Socket set. Yeah I did have Snap On tools (their screw drivers blew chunks….) And I do love the flank drive system and still have the wrench set I purchased over 23 years ago. (not a flake of rust, and these things have been to he&& and back)
That being said? Harbor Freight tools for the hand tools, sockets, even the socket wrenches are pretty good. I have an issue with our local Snap On dealer. I took in a broken ratchet, the flex type with the black handle—full rotational head and ultra fine tooth. Yep, it finally gave it up. Along with my super stubby ratchet. I had to chase the idiot down—-he installed the repair kits—WITHOUT LUBE! He left the lube packets sealed up and put it together dry. That and he didn’t have a replacement for a broken extension, nor a common screwdriver blade. He swore he would order them in—about a month later I bump into him again…and he never ordered it!
If you have a sears, or harbor freight? Best bet. Just walk in and exchange without a fuss. I hate waiting a week just to find out the putz never ordered in the parts.
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