The Official Tool Guide and Recommendation Thread?

[Senor_Taylor]

Harbor Freight ratchets are actually pretty highly ranked. I like the soft grip handles on the 1/2 flex head ratchets, but I seem to break the pin at the joint pretty easily.

How are you breaking your snap on ratchet? I won't argue that happens.

[Sully]

I like my harbor freight ratchets. I have the Craftsman too but wanted to try something more modern and figured I'd give the harbor freight ones a try. I have the composite and then a big 1/2 extendable one. I want to get one of the regular 3/8 ratchets too. But yea I've broken a Craftsman 1/4 but I think it more just wore out but was of course replaced for free. But I don't see me breaking the harbor freight ones but the fact they also carry a lifetime warranty made it an easier purchase decision. Of course I don't use the composite to break things loose which is how I could see it breaking. Also I don't really like those flex head ones. At least definitely not for all the time use. The head is always just flopping around (twss).

I'm definitely in need of a good matching screw driver set weather purchased individual or as a set. Was thinking of trying harbor freight for them as well but open to suggestions.

Still really want to pick up a harbor freight tool cart (the red one) at some point.

If you want to see more of my harbor freight fanboism, search back though this thread.

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[.RJ]

My dad has given me some SKS brand stuff over the years, its really nice.

I have such an oddball collection of nice (snap on, sks), sort of nice (craftsman), and shit (harbor freight, autozone).

The nice stuff is a real pleasure to use but it all gets the job done.

[JPolen01]

All my craftsman ratchets work great the one time of year I need them. They get pretty dusty though.

[D_Eclipse9916]

I like my harbor freight ratchets. I have the Craftsman too but wanted to try something more modern and figured I'd give the harbor freight ones a try. I have the composite and then a big 1/2 extendable one. I want to get one of the regular 3/8 ratchets too. But yea I've broken a Craftsman 1/4 but I think it more just wore out but was of course replaced for free. But I don't see me breaking the harbor freight ones but the fact they also carry a lifetime warranty made it an easier purchase decision. Of course I don't use the composite to break things loose which is how I could see it breaking. Also I don't really like those flex head ones. At least definitely not for all the time use. The head is always just flopping around (twss).

I'm definitely in need of a good matching screw driver set weather purchased individual or as a set. Was thinking of trying harbor freight for them as well but open to suggestions.

Still really want to pick up a harbor freight tool cart (the red one) at some point.

If you want to see more of my harbor freight fanboism, search back though this thread.

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For screwdrivers go Snap-On.  I just assume my HF screwdrivers (I pick up free with their coupons) will be rounded within 2-3 uses but they make great pry tools.

No idea how I break my snap-on multiple times while the HF holds up.  It always breaks in the head (ratcheting mechanism).  I NEVER hammer on it but I think the small 3/8 head + long handle put a ton of force into it when breaking stuff loose.

Sorry I dont know how people still like Crafstman ratchets.  They are garbage.  I do love real Craftsman open ended wrenches though.  Only wrenches aside from Snap-On that seem to have tight tolerances and don't deflect under load.  Even the Gearwrenches seem to deflect a lot.

[JPolen01]

I got my craftsman stuff when I was in high school and didn't know any better. No reason to replace it since I barely use the stuff. If you want to replace it for me I'm all game!

[D_Eclipse9916]

I got my craftsman stuff when I was in high school and didn't know any better. No reason to replace it since I barely use the stuff. If you want to replace it for me I'm all game!

No reason to replace!

I got China Costco ratchets still in my toolbox from when I bought a set in High School.  One even still has molten metal from when I touched a battery and it almost welded me to the car 

[Sully]

Have you tried the other harbor freight screw drivers? Like the ones that aren't free. Curious how those hold up.

When I finally have my own garage, I'll probably spring for some snap on ones.

And yea, I didn't buy the Craftsman set. I kind of commandeered it from my dad since he never uses his tools anymore. (just asks me to fix it). I don't think I would ever buy a Craftsman set. Just super old looking and doesn't seem like they try to improve them at all. I was kind of raised to think Craftsman were good tools though which the ones I have seem fine but I know there's definitely better.

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[davej]

http://www.sears.com/search=screwdriver%20sets

I had picked up the 17pc a few years ago when they had some online sale at $17, shoulda got two. Even $25 isn't bad. I always liked the fact you can put a box wrench on the handle if you ever need some extra torques or can't reach the spot real well to turn it. Although I think snapon has a spot where the blade meets the handle to do the same thing.

[JPolen01]

Sears - wow haven't heard that name in a while. Thought they closed down all their US stores.

[davej]

yeah, I wanna say k-mart bought them out or maybe the other way around? There's smaller sears homegood stores around which is like appliances and pickup for online orders since they sell it cheaper online with free shipping to the store than you can buy it in the store. Advance auto does it also, I don't get it.

[Senor_Taylor]

There's a Sears a mile from my house and they have a full tool department!


I haven't found a harbor freight ratchet that doesn't bend like crazy when putting torque on them. That's what craftsman has over HF at a similar price point.


+23000 on snap on screwdrivers. There are better one out there made by niche manufacturers, but Snap On screwdrivers are a complete pleasure and just work better. The way the top fits into screws is much different than your run of the mill screw driver.



How about sockets? I don't like any harbor freight sockets except their Color coded deep Wells.

Tekton for my impact sockets.

Craftsman for everything else except for specialty sockets like torx, e torx, Allen key.

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[JustinG]

I've had zero issues with my Craftsman stuff. But it was purchased in 2002. Their recent stuff is absolute garbage.

[Ryan T]

I’m with Justin, I’ve got a lot of Craftsman tools that I’ve had since the late 90s/early 00s and they have given me very few problems. I’ve broken a tool here or there, mostly from misuse/abuse, but Sears always replaced them for me without question. The only Craftsman tools I’ve bought in the last 5 years that have been really good are the professional series screwdrivers and the professional series bench vise. The screwdrivers index really well in my hand and I’ve beat on that vise till its moved my workbench and it’s taken it like a champ.

[Senor_Taylor]

Harbor Freight Power Tool set.

Bought this mainly for the price. I don't really need a Jack Hammer, but for $25, I'm sure I could find a use.

First, the saw was not very sharp. I tried cutting a piece of balsa I had lying around and it dented it more than cut. I'll try sharpening it soon, but I don't expect good results. The handle is very light weight and ergonomic, but a tad small for my hands.

The Jack Hammer, I think was broken. It didn't come with any power cable, so I poured some two stroke fuel in and then couldn't get it to turn over. I'll try to fiddle with the choke, but it's also seized in place as if it was one solid piece with the body. Odd.

The hard hat and goggles seem to work fine when I tested by ramming my head and face into my shelves until various things fell on me from the top shelf in cartoon fashion. 8/10. Rating would be higher if they were bigger. Again, the sizing seems more appropriate for children. Really weird.

The bolts and nuts than come with the kit seem like a low grade. Certainly not Grade 8. My testing process for these was to replace the engine and trans mount bolts on the e30 with them and do the event at Summit this weekend. I'll report back Monday with the results.

Overall, I give the kit a 17.5 on my 56 point scale. Good entry level products, but you certainly get what you pay for.    

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[Ryan T]

[Senor_Taylor]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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[Senor_Taylor]

Review coming soon...

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[JustinG]

I have been checking prices on the Ryobi impact to go with my nailgun and drill I purchased a couple of months ago. As I phase out my aging DeWalt stuff.

Came across this combo of Impact, grinder, flashlight, charger, and 4mah batt for $139.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Vol.../302034532

The impact alone is typically $119, battery is usually $80. I've seen just the impact with Batt for $99 around black Friday, so figured it was a good deal to pay $40 for the grinder and flashlight.

300ft lbs should be sufficient for my needs. I know you guys haven't had issues with it at the track for knocking lugs and suspension bolts off.

[V1GiLaNtE]

That's a killer deal. I absolutely love mine and it's still going strong. I have a Milwaulkee 18v Lion drill and sawzall. I would like to pickup one of those 1/4" impacts for smaller tasks on the motorcycle.