99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

Happy this old thread got bumped. Its an interesting read with views on tools from 2006 & 2020. Still relevant.

Dragframe

iTrader: (14)

Except sk is basically the same price as my snap on tools. I think SK tools are great... just don’t see much a price difference from all the other expensive tools

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

Dragframe, I hear you.

My hobby tool budget means Harbor Freight usually but I like to know what's a good or bad for times I can pick up a top quality tool.

I have one Snap-On, a 3/8 100 tooth ratchet. It's outstanding. Snappy really is the Cat's Meow on certain tools!

383z

iTrader: (2)

You're not lying.
That's why ALL my ratchets are Snap-On. I have faith that they wont leave my knucks busted up.
They are pricey, but I found them all new for great prices on ebay and places like OfferUp. The only one that hurt me to buy was my 1/4 ratchet for $100.
It was a good "deal," but still $100 for that little thing! Lol

Dragframe

iTrader: (14)

I’ll add to the love for Snap-On ratchets. Love everyone I have.

I will say my Snap-On 1/4 flex head is a bit stiff but it’s not used often.

My Snap-On 3/8 long handled flex head is my favourite (I love them so much I have a couple).... followed by a stubby 3/8 flex Cornwell. I just love the cornwell though because of the size and form factor.

losing the nice tools hurts a lot more though. Relaxed a 1/4 10mm deep well a couple months back and it was $26 😳

17outs

Several years ago I did extensive research on tools. Made in USA is important to me. I have since purchased the following, but I will say that SK is the bulk of my lot. As far as prices I will share a great place to get them cheaper.

Wright wrenches - Awesome grip wrenches with a great feel. Metric and SAE about 125 a set
SK X frame ratcheting wrenches - great ratcheting wrneches very fine increments, nice finish
SK stubby wrenches
SK ratchets, LP90 series - 90 toothj
Sockets - Blackhawk by Proto - Never broken one. You can get many variations of master sets of all 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch sockets short and deep
Proto screwdrivers

Check out this url for some great prices. I shop around but I have ordered many items from them.

SLOW SEDAN

iTrader: (13)

Interesting, I broke a Kobalt tool (same T45 socket) and the Lowes customer service rep handed me a free replacement no questions asked. Most all my Kobalt stuff has held up pretty good besides that one and I have a wide assortment of brands.

SLOW SEDAN

iTrader: (13)

LOL Nobody is hating on HF Icon line yet? I chatted with the HF durability engineer and they ran cycles of tools against all the major brands, kinda nice they put that much effort into it. My Icon stuff has been holding up pretty dang good and a good deal especially with the coupons.

ASRoff

Professional Mech here started with cars..... ASE certified at the age of 18.... now a FAA certified A&P... I've been doing this for 32 years now... I've used Craftsman and SK and I have one set of Snap-on that I got when the writing was on the wall for craftsman... I dont like the Snap-on.set..... soo... I have a buddy that owns his own pawn shop ... he calls me when he gets SK or vintage craftsman...with the craftsman its usually the 12 point 5/16 deepwell sockets that crack ... I keep an ample supply of them...mainly because we have ALOT of 5/16 fasteners in avation... my snap-on cracked as well... and I got the riot act read to me by the snap-on guy... so screw snap-on... not doing it again... the 5/16 swivel sockets just tend to wear out ... especially the 12 points (which is 99% of the fasteners on a aircraft) ... Aircraft are not rotted out hunks of ****... like the cars I delt with as a ASE mech in Detroit... so I'm not pushing the rated torque of the tool... its just a simple matter of excessive use...

79LS1FOX

iTrader: (11)

FYI S-K Wayne made Craftsman hand tools for years, so yeah they're pretty damn good! During the 1920s SK operated primarily as a contract company, making tools for other brands (including Craftsman).

17outs

Sadly, SK was just sold to a Chinese company so it’s unlikely they will stay made in usa.