[Old Hemi]

I am using mostly Snap on tools. What I have is the ones I used when I worked as a Heavy Equipment mechanic. I just moved them from my service truck to my shop.

Lee

[racersdad04]

Used to be SnapOn. Since I don't work in a shop anymore, I don't buy a lot of new tools. I got tired of the Snap On men frowning when I ask to fix a broken Snap On tool. So now mostly Craftsman with the Snap On. As the Snap On break I replace them with Craftsman. Lots easier to get warranty and they work just fine for my home shop.

Ben

[MARTINSR]

I haven't read every word of this thread but wanted to throw out there that the most important part to using any tool is that it is the correct tool as in the correct size as well. I have seen so many phillips screws and drivers destroyed because the guy was trying to remove a screw that required a larger or smaller screw driver.

You need to clean out the screw of junk, you need to slip the driver into the hole and wiggle it a little making sure it is the right size that it is filling the hole in the screw properly.

Brian

[tech69]

I'd like to state there's general tools that should not be cheap but for the most part the tech is the main tool. Materials are different. I like all high quality materials but as for tools, I've gotten over the fact that the best tools give you the best work. I will say that the RIGHT tool for the right job is more important than brand, but obviously since I do it everyday I'd rather have better tools but it's not what makes the work good.

[poncho62]

I must agree with Tech69 here....In the most part, its the guy using the tools that matters, within reason.......You can use a cheapo wrench just as well as a Snap-on, but when the nut/bolt is all rusty and the wrench is slipping off, that's when the good tools make a difference. My dad left me all his old tools...The Snap-on stuff is well over 50 years old now and still working.

What does bug me about some mechanics is when they have a carpenters claw hammer in their toolbox.......I know it works just as well, but have some pride man.....This is not meant to offend carpenters.....

[tech69]

yeah, I say that now but when I got my craftsman 1/4" ratchet crammed in a tight area and the gearing just doesn't grab quick enought then i have a problem. THAT is when I dream of that Snap on 1/4" ratchet. On the most part my craftsman does fine.

[poncho62]

Originally Posted by tech69

yeah, I say that now but when I got my craftsman 1/4" ratchet crammed in a tight area and the gearing just doesn't grab quick enought then i have a problem. THAT is when I dream of that Snap on 1/4" ratchet. On the most part my craftsman does fine.

Speaking of those,about 10 years ago one of my dads old Snap-on 1/4" ratchets finally gave up the ghost. I took it to the Snap-on truck guy and asked about a replacement. He gave me no problem at all. He even gave me the old one back....and he said..."Do you realize how old this thing is?"........

BTW...The new one he gave me only lasted a few years......Since I no longer work and dont see the truck, I havent bothered seeking a replacement

[MARTINSR]

Absolutely guys, the mid grade tools are plenty good enough for most anyone. Gear wrenches for example, they work about 90% of the time for me and the SnapOns stay there for when I really need to muscle it on a suspension component or something.

I do have to say that a good tool in your hand makes the work much easier though. It' like the first time I held an American Made vintage Fender Stratocaster, holy crap what a difference from the guitars I had played before. It made playing WAY easier.

My Martin Hammers are so much better than the cheapo's I have it isn't funny.

Brian

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by poncho62

Speaking of those,about 10 years ago one of my dads old Snap-on 1/4" ratchets finally gave up the ghost. I took it to the Snap-on truck guy and asked about a replacement. He gave me no problem at all. He even gave me the old one back....and he said..."Do you realize how old this thing is?"........

BTW...The new one he gave me only lasted a few years......Since I no longer work and dont see the truck, I havent bothered seeking a replacement

Yep, I have a philips screw driver I am bringing back to the shop to have it replaced when the SnapOn guy comes by next week. It's probably 30 years old and you just hand it to him and talk away with a new one.

Brian

[MARTINSR]

My dad was a Snap-On dealer in the early 50's.

Brian

[66GMC]

I bought one of these 3/8" palm ratchets off the Snap-On truck back in the late 70's or early 80's. It was just the right "tool for the job" ... which was header bolts and/or spark plugs on my 351C in a '68 Torino, if I recall. That engine was fairly "shoe-horned" in there.

I also recall heating and flattening out the 7/16" end of a box-end wrench in order to get to ONE header bolt snugged up. It was *just* the right length that you could get some good torque on it, but short enough to clear the shock tower and get some decent "swing room".





I still have both of these tools, and have found various other uses for them throughout the years.

[41 kustom]

I have SK tools. I'm just a home machanic but I am in the garage every day, working on something. If I had to recommend a tool for someone it would be SK. My screw divers and sockets are about 18 years old and look like new, even being used by my wife when I'm not looking. One good point is they are US made. Good luck.By the way, all wrenches are SK also.

[alkey]

mostly snap on ,mac,some older craftsman tools i bought 50+ years ago a few sk with some cheaper tools bought over the years.i have a really good snap on dealer that stops at shop every monday.a pretty good mac man that stops when hes in the area or when i call him.no problem getting tools repaired or replaced. neet picture of older snap on dealer and tool truck