When we ordered the tools for the tool boxes in our Air Force shop, I specified Snap-On Flank Drive wrenches. I've used a lot of wrenches, but the Flank Drives are one place that Snap On still rules. I have a set of the metrics in my home box, and if I did more vintage work, I'd consider a set of the SAE. They don't flex and round off the nut. The ridges on the inside of the wrenches definitely do a better job of holding the nuts. The only damage I've done to mine are arc spots on the 13mm. Then again, I just priced them out - I paid $150 for my set twenty years ago. I definitely wouldn't pay the $450 they want for them now.
Knipex pliers are worth the money. All those places, like A/C lines, where you need a crazy big wrench, but don't have one? Grab the Knipexes Cobra Grip pliers. I've tried the generics, and they can't handle the same torque.
I do have a handful of Snap-On screwdrivers, but I'll walk right past them to get my $5 Harbor Freight screwdriver. It just works. The stubby version is just as good.
Same for the standard HF ratchets and sockets. They're good stuff. I do like Snap-On's 1/4" stubby ratchet, but it's now priced out of sight.
I used to like Snap-On's 1/4" drive metric impact wobble sockets, but the cheap ones are good enough now, and way more affordable.
www.amazon.com/Cal-Hawk-Tools-BISU122M-Universal/dp/B004BCWZ38/
Hammers? Regular and needle-noses pliers? Cheap works great.
Wire crimpers/strippers? The parts store cheapies are garbage. They don't close well enough to strip or cut wire and have bad side-to-side flimsiness. Step up to mid-grade stuff. Same for weatherpak-style crimpers. Get something mid-grade.
The Fluke 101 is under $50 on Amazon. That competes with even the cheap meters.
Battery powered tools are another thing altogether. The cheap stuff is just junk. I'd like to switch to Makita, but I keep spending my money on other stupid stuff. If my last Ryobi tool dies, I'm gonna rack up a bill at the Makita store. I wouldn't turn my nose up at DeWalt - we use them at the track and they hold up decently.
Snap-on Store
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Knipex pliers are worth the money. All those places, like A/C lines, where you need a crazy big wrench, but don't have one? Grab the Knipexes Cobra Grip pliers. I've tried the generics, and they can't handle the same torque.
I do have a handful of Snap-On screwdrivers, but I'll walk right past them to get my $5 Harbor Freight screwdriver. It just works. The stubby version is just as good.
Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977
Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!
www.harborfreight.com
Same for the standard HF ratchets and sockets. They're good stuff. I do like Snap-On's 1/4" stubby ratchet, but it's now priced out of sight.
I used to like Snap-On's 1/4" drive metric impact wobble sockets, but the cheap ones are good enough now, and way more affordable.
www.amazon.com/Cal-Hawk-Tools-BISU122M-Universal/dp/B004BCWZ38/
Hammers? Regular and needle-noses pliers? Cheap works great.
Wire crimpers/strippers? The parts store cheapies are garbage. They don't close well enough to strip or cut wire and have bad side-to-side flimsiness. Step up to mid-grade stuff. Same for weatherpak-style crimpers. Get something mid-grade.
The Fluke 101 is under $50 on Amazon. That competes with even the cheap meters.
Battery powered tools are another thing altogether. The cheap stuff is just junk. I'd like to switch to Makita, but I keep spending my money on other stupid stuff. If my last Ryobi tool dies, I'm gonna rack up a bill at the Makita store. I wouldn't turn my nose up at DeWalt - we use them at the track and they hold up decently.