Recommendation on new hand tools needed

[Bama72]

About two years ago I was forced to move my tools and equipment into my fathers shop. I'm finally "back on my feet" and I have started building my 72 K5 in my fathers shop. I have noticed that my tool box is fairly empty and his is over flowing. Since I broke and lost alot of his tools when I was a kid, I'm not going to make a big deal out of my tools. The problem is that we both have always bought Craftsman or Kobalt. What is another brand of hand tools that are good for a shade tree mechanic and similar in price? I'm going to top his sets off, then recover the left overs and buy a different brand so that there are no more mix ups.

 

[4X4HIGH]

For a garage type setting I would buy Craftsman tools (most of mine are). If you were a tech for a living then nothing but Snap-on, Mac, or Matco. It's hard to beat the lifetime warranty of Craftsman for a home garage. Certain tools though I would not skimp on such as torque wrenches, ALL of mine are Snap-on.

 

[KansasTwister]

I use craftsman mainly. My most used tools are midlength 3/8 drive sockets and the 80 tooth snapon flex handle 3/8 ratchet. Both highly recommended.

 

[lectric80]

I know you said a different brand, but maybe look at the other styles of Craftsman. For instance, if his socket sets are all older style with engraved sizes, you could get the laser etched versions that will identify them as yours. In wrenches get the newer black and silver versions. There are options, and they are going to be less expensive than say a Matco or Mac.

 

[blazinzuk]

For my home tools I buy nothing but impact sockets, usually cheap ones, they work pretty good, when I say cheap I mean harbor freight cheap. Don't buy anything but impact sockets. As far as wrenches go. I would say probably craftsman but Stanley tools are pretty nice too and not too expensive.

Tools that do really important jobs such as flare nut wrenches I only buy matco or snap on. Even craftsman sucks when compared to these.

Craftsman and Kobalt are both pretty decent tools. Just keep on buying those and get a tool engraver. Then there is no question about whats his and whats yours

The name escapes me but another good impact socket comes in a blue case you can find it on ebay grey pneumatic is the name, Unless I need a thin wall socket I only buy impacts anymore for sockets

 

[Orange85]

The name escapes me but another good impact socket comes in a blue case you can find it on ebay grey pneumatic is the name, Unless I need a thin wall socket I only buy impacts anymore for sockets

I haven't had a problem with my GP sockets, but with the adapter for the wheel sockets. The 3" extension you have to use flew apart at work and slammed into the shop door. Glad it didn't hit a car that would have pissed me right off. MAC guy took care of it no problem tho.

(I got this set free with an new impact I bought from him)

 

[rjpastor]

I have the same problem with my son although it's my tools that are missing. A piece of colored tape on the handle takes care of who owns what.

I've had good luck with Craftsman and Kobalt tools.

 

[Bama72]

I know you said a different brand, but maybe look at the other styles of Craftsman. For instance, if his socket sets are all older style with engraved sizes, you could get the laser etched versions that will identify them as yours. In wrenches get the newer black and silver versions. There are options, and they are going to be less expensive than say a Matco or Mac.

That is a great idea, I will check out the different styles of craftsman. Thanks

 

[GIJoe4500]

If you order through their catalog, you can get craftsman tools with your name already engraved into each piece, and blue or gold anodized for not much more than a normal set.

 

[86chevyk10]

For a DIY'er I'd recommend a combo of Harbor Freight tools and then some good craftsman or I prefer Husky from Home Depot. Harbor Freights good for stuff that doesnt really matter (cheap, who cares if you lose them tools) husky for the medium duty, semi nice stuff (pliers, everyday sockets, screw drivers), and snap on for the keep your damn hands off tools (torque wrenches, nice impacts...)