Hello folks,

Just wondering what kind of tools all our gearheads out there are using. I'm thinking about adding some things to my collection.

So, what do you guys like? Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky? I know Snap-On and Matco are REALLY nice tools, but MAN are they pricey.

Loud

I have Snap-on, Matco, Mac and Craftsman. I think there all about equal. The thing i like about craftman you can go get them replaced anytime. You have to wait for the tool guy to come for the others. I use my tools alot. I work full time as a Toyota tech.

For tools that I want for exact jobs, or very harsh. I like snap on, and Craftsmen. But for general every day tools that are going to be abused. Believe it of not, I use toolshop. Nice and cheep. And I can replace them several times for the cost of one good tool.

And I should add. I will buy a cheep set of toolshop, like lets say sockets. Then if I loose of damage one, I replace it with just that one socket for a snap on. I do this because a set of sockets may have 10 sockets, but I only use perhaps 4 or 5 of them. The rest or just waisted money.

I usually use cheap tools from Walmart and Canadian Tire. For what I need them for, they're great. If I have to do something bigger that I can't do with what I have, I use my dad'* tools. He has a lot of Snap On and Mastercraft tools. Most of them are older than me, but are holding up excellent.

I wish I could afford a nice snap on set.

I had a nice set of Husky (Home Depot) 400 something piece socket set that was black with the laser etched marks on them, but they were stolen from my parents basement about 7 years ago. The replacement set was a cheap Stanley kit from Walmart. The sockets are great so far, but I've been through 3 3/8" drive ratchets so far. The gears inside kept breaking until I learned that certain bolts need a 1/2" drive ratchet

What are your guys opinions on this Impact driver? I like the idea of the whole set of 19.2 volt tools that Craftsman offers, with the interchangeable batteries for each tool.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-19...8&blockType=G8

I'm also looking for recommendations on a good torque wrench, both foot pounds and inch pounds. I currently use the cheap one from Autozone with the bar and needle gauge at the handle. I don't feel it'* very accurate though, and I've already broken one just by trying to torque lug nuts correctly. I like the ones I see them use on Powerblock that click when you get to your desired torque rating, but the Craftsman ones seem to get bad reviews on the sears website.

Loud

Since I get my student discount for Snap-On and Matco, I plan to build up my aresanal of those. Otherwise I like Kobalt then Craftsman. Kobalt got bought out by Snap-On so you really can get away with that.

The way I got most of my stuff right now is pawn shops. Dig through the loose socket bins until I have full sets.

That'* a very smart idea! I'm sure after awhile you'd have a whole set of Snap On sockets, without forking over the large price for a whole set up front.

Loud

I'm Craftsman all the way...I've used Snap-on tools several times, but like Craftsman the best (I get a discount on Snap-on and Mac Tools, but the Craftsman are still cheaper than the rest even with the discount, but that'* because I do all my tool shopping on Black Friday). I'll probably go over to using Mac tools when I move on to Diesel Tech. They seem to be able to have the bigger sizes more readily than anybody else. All in all though, each line has their own specialty tools that work better than some of the others, or the others don't even offer them, so I imagine I'll have to cave in and get some Snap-on too.

The clicker type torque wrench is the best option. You don't need to see the dial. Just remember to back off the setting when putting it away. If you don't, it will wear out and not work correctly. You don't need a REALLY good one, just an OK one. Take care of it and you will be fine.

As for the ratchet wrenches, yes, these spend the money and get a good one. I have 2 breaker bars in my tool box, a 3/8 bar, and 2 1/2 bars. One is rather long. I use these to break bolts loose. Then switch to the ratchet wrench. This way your not risking your good ratchets.