OT: Favorite Tool Manufacturer
 

Who is? Matco, Snap-On, Craftsman or other? I need to replace some tools and I'm not sure where I'll buy them from next.

Snap-on!

I've always had Craftsman.

With well over 30k invested in my tools, over half are Snap On. A good portion are Mac. I still have quite a bit of Craftsman left in the box too. All my Craftsman ratchets are nothing but pry bars or paper weights. The quality difference between a high end ratchet like Snap On/Mac and Craftsman is night and day. All of my Craftsman wrenches and sockets seem to be fine in comparrison to the other brands.

I won't be spending a whole lot of money on Craftsman in the future. When you make a living using these tools it's easy to tell the difference.

Buck

They all make fine tools that are guaranteed(sp) for life.
The problem is: unless you are in a business where a Mac, Snap-On, Cornwell...ect truck visits you on a regular basis, or unless you live near a distributor it can be diffucult for the average Joe to get a broken tool replaced. As for Craftsman you can just drive to Sears to have it replaced;)

Also Craftsman tools are perfecty fine for someone who does not use or abuse them a lot. If you use your handtools on a daily basis and they take a lot of abuse and strain names like Snap-On and Mac are worth paying the extra bucks for.

Over 24 views and only 6 votes? What's up with that? I figured this topic would definetly merit more responses.

Anywayl, thanks for responses so far. I appreciate it. I was leaning toward Craftsmen to save some money and expand the chest, but I'll re-evaluate and look at the better ones.

Most of my tools are Craftsman. I like being able to go to any Sears store to get one replaced if it ever has an issue. Plus they are a bit cheaper than Snap-on, Matco, Mac, etc... I don't abuse my tools everyday, so the Craftsman work just fine for me. I do know a Mac tools salesman quite well, MacDad260 on this board drives a Mac Tools truck for a living, and does quite well doing it. If I could afford his tools, I'd have them. But I do just fine with what I have. Besides, my motor is at his shop, so I get to use his tools anyway!!!!

I guess I'm the only Matco guy. I have 50/50 Matco and Snap-on. IMHO, Matco is just as good, and usually 25% cheaper.

Craftsman.
What do you do when you break a snap-on or Mac tool on saturday afternoon.
Sears is open 7 day's..
And half the price.

Point well taken. In over 35 years, I've I think I can count on two hands, the number of tools that have actually broken (lost is another thing :D ). If I broke a tool and needed a replacement immediately, chances are I either have a duplicate or someting similar. If not, I probably buy a Craftsman and wait for the truck to come by.

If you buy good stuff, take care of it, and use it properly, I don't think its an issue.

Mac

I've been happy with my Craftsman tools, but I'm not a professional wrencher. When I was in the building and remodeling business, I bought nothing but the best caprentry tools because they lasted longer and were more precise, so I can understand where the others are coming from.

But like many pointed out above, Sears is always open for that replacement tool and economical too. I suspect for the weekend warrior, they will do just fine.

If I was a mechanic, Snap-On. But I’m not, so Craftsman does the job well enough for my needs. Plus it has a life time warranty, and I don’t have to chase down a Snap-On truck every time I need a new tool.

I agree, Craftsman works just fine for me. I don't use them for a living and love how easy it is to replace a broken tool. I've only had to replace a few broken ones over the years (mine usually get misplaced). There are better tools then Craftsman, I just don't need them :D

I used to be a mech. The shop I worked at had snap-on . Nice tool's ! To me snap-on or mac are not worth the money unless they are specialty tools . Which craftsman does not make.

I have some Craftsman stuff which is pretty good for all the above reasons, although i will agree that their rachets arent all that great. If your gonna go with craftsman, id suggest getting a higher quality rachet or 2. Youll be glad you did.
I also have a bunch of tools made by a european company called Facomb. VERY good stuff. Id compare it with mac or craftsman any day. They cost quite a bit more than craftsman. Each year i add a little to my collection. Theyre my favorite. check out their website http://www.facomb.com . Anyone else ever hear of\use them???

They don't break (I can count on one hand the number of Snap-on tools I've broken), so it isn't an issue.

I wrench for a living. Snap-On or Mac at work, and it's a huge investment. I'm glad I bought the bulk of it nearly 20 years ago.

I do own quite a few Craftsman tools for the home, and they work fine there. I just would not consider them for professional duty.

I like snap on the best, but I buy Mac, which are just as good, but not quite as ergonomic. My snap on dealer has stuff marked up over retail, costs so much you'd think they were boat parts!!

You forgot S&K!

Most of my tools are Craftsman. For the price I can by two sets and take the broken ones back for free replacements while still having a backup.

I have over 150k in tool's, 95% are Snap On. I use to have some Matco and Mac and Cornwell. But got sick of having 3 tool guy's so every time Snap On put on a promo where you could trade in stuff for Snap On stuff I would.

I have about 5k in Craftsman and other stuff at home witch works fine for most of the small job's.

You can't beat Snap On's hand tool's, wrenches, sockets, If it's rounded off most of the time they will still grab when the others wont. I make my living turning wrenches and Snap On makes it a lot easer.

I have needed or broke a tool on the weekend 3 or 4 time's every time I called my Snap On guy and went and picked it up from him, once he brought it to me. For me the Snap On guy is a lot closer than Sears. Those guy's make their living selling tool's and most turned a wrench for a living before. If you treat them right the will hook you up. 0% interest off the truck, will Sears let you do that forever?

All you guy's picking Crapsman must have stock in Band-Aid or like busted knuckles

SK makes GREAT stuff for reasonable money.

Jon

Snap-On ! But then again thats what I make my living with. For a lesser cost( not that much) I would say Mac. However, like others have already said unless a dealer comes to you it would be hard to use the warranty on them.

I got a lot of Proto stuff. Fits great, strong, great price and warranty.

I also got tons of Craftsman stuff, probably ten or more complete "kits" scattered around. Decent for the money, but fit is generally poor on wrenches and sockets, and sockets and closed-end wrenches have too large of an entry radius - the slip off stuff too easily. Easy to replace, though..

Also got some "ultra cheap" Chinese junk tools. Several sets. I keep them easily within reach around the house and garage cause they are the ones the wife and kids use (and lose).

On my last insurance policy I had 104K in tools. 90% Snap On. IMO they are the best. And someone said what happens if you break a Snap On tool on a Saturday? I guarantee you its easier for me to get a replacement tool from my dealer than the pimple faced high school kid at Sears.

crasftman, they are decent quality not to pricey and if you break em they replace them. I broke a ratchet i borrowed form my grampa that he must have bought in the 50s, It was VERY old school. I brought it to sears and the replaced it no questions asked.

Miller,

From what I can tell you don't know what end to hold a screw driver by!:p So what makes you think buying alot of tools is even up your alley? Plua, what the hell do you need toold for living 30 floors up in a building? Plan on disassembling it?:eek: :p

Seriously, if you are not making your living with them, which we all know if you tried to you would starve, ;) Craftsman are probably the best bet. Like many have said, Snap-On and Matco etc all make beautiful tools, but Craftsman have same warranty and are easier to get. Additionally, much more reasonably priced.

Good talking to you last week. See ya buddy.

Shane

Snap-on, Mac, Matco, all beautiful tools. Feel good in your hand,quality is great, but most people take out second mortgages to buy boats, not tools.
As far as the 0% with Snap-on, Don't you think your paying for it in the price??

Been using Craftsman forever, Also have a bunch of S-K stuff tossed in too, never had a problem with either. Certain manufacturers make certain tools better than others.
Personally, i think Snap- On is over priced and overrated, just my opinion.

I love the argument that Craftsman are just as good because of the warranty. I don't wrench for a living I wrench for a hobby and I'm serious about not only doing the best job I can but getting the most enjoyment out of it. So, I buy Snap-On. I've had many Crapsman tools break in the middle of a project which means I've got to stop, clean up, go to Sears, etc. At elast two hours delay.

I've NEVER had a Snap-On break and keep me from doing what I enjoy.

I have to say that Snap On wratchets are the WORST out there. I have broken every one of them and they eventually find their way in the trash in disgust. Have yet to break a SK one yet and I have beat them WAY worse then the Snap on. The fine tool snap on-s would work about once or twice before breaking off a tooth.

Jon

Snap-On, at least there tool guys show up every week!! I have alot of MAC tools but no salesman to turn in my warranties to!!!:mad:

Craftsman so I can projectile them at will without remorse...:eek: :D :eek: Drives my wife crazy!!!! :D

Jon,

Have you ever mentioned the wratchet problem to Snap-On or any former Snap-On guys??? Maybe they make a super duty tool for guys like you!!! :D How's everything? Did Biggus get back yet?

Shane, I just can't wrench on egg beaters!!! I know a couple of things about REAL ENGINES (though admittedly very little as I leave it to the pros). However, I do know how to do a lot of home improvement and non-mechanical work and need to replace some lost and broken tools. I'm helping a friend to remodel a house as well as do some work on the boat. So, as long as I have to replace some items I figured I'd find out what to invest in. :D

If anybody needs to buy Mac Tools or has a warranty issue, just call 1-800-MAC-TOOL. They will take your credit card and ship it to you. Also works if you have a warranty issue and no distributor. They might even send you a call tag to pickup the broken tool if you just whine a little. ;) If anyone in West Michigan needs service, just call 616-318-1569 and I will personally see that you are well taken care of. It might involve a boat ride, though. :p

See ya, Doug

Make mine MAC!!! High quality, realistic pricing, FRIENDLY service. I've been with Mac for 13 years and they are my customers brand of choice!

If I can be of service to you fellow boaters, give me a call at 609-466-4108. I'm in NJ if that helps you guys from NY, PA, etc.

Dave (Toolman)

Too Old...Mac quality is there, trust me. About 1/3 of my tools are Mac. They make great Air Tools. Pricing with my dealer is a little less than Snappy. Depends on what I'm buying whether or not I buy Snap On or Mac. Both dealers take equal care of me. No complaints from either.

Buck

Craftsman is half the cost of Snap on. As I see it you could have all the same tools (Craftsman), a new Corvette and pay the salary for some cutie to go pick up replace tools when they do break. :D :D

And if you really have spent 150k in tools, they sure as h*ll better deliver them to you.;)

Just adding a little humor to this. :D

I like Craftsman for the money but agree that some tools you cannot substitute quality. Ratchets and screw drivers you should skip Craftsman and go with S&K or Snap-On.

So I suggest you go with a mixture of Craftsman and the others unless money is no object.

I can't make a living with Craftsman they don't make 1/3 of the tools Snap On has. I have a lot of Craftsman for home use.

You have to look at it this way, If you were going F2 racing would you buy a Pachanga because it looked like all the other race boats?

Make that 153K, just got a new plasma cutter. If I need a tool more then once I buy it and I buy the best there is no mater who makes it Snap On is just at the front most of the time.

I have all that other stuff you said I could buy if I bought cheaper tools, and I know the tools is what helped me get them.