New Tools - any suggestions?

[gecko2k]

Hi,
I am starting to get really annoyed when I have to use my tools, most of them are very old, missing parts or simply break/snap when being used with force. I guess that's what you get when you buy cheap. Then again I had these for years and it's time to get something proper that will last for while and maybe even be past on to the kids later on

I am currently looking for a normal socket set (car/household), a pair of torque wrenches and a compressor set up.

It just seems like everybody is selling friggin' socket sets now and it is really hard to work out what's good and what is just cheap and will break in a year or two!

Which brands do you use and where did you buy them?

And which ones should be avoided?

Looking forward to your answers!

[Transporter]

I use Snap-on, Minimax, Sidchrome and Kincrome brands. When buying tools I'm looking for Cr-Mo rather than Cr-V. Burson Auomotive stocks Kincrome, for Snap-on you have to find the Snap-on dealer in your area, they come to you.

For DIY, I recommend Kincrome (very durable even when used every day).

[Peter Jones]

Teng tools sit somewhere around or slightly above the Kincrome tools quality and price wise. Good range of auto specific stuff. I've got a heap of it and haven't broken any yet.

Teng Tools Australia

[johnw]

I'm just a regular DIYer but I bought a set of Metrinch spanners some years ago to take apart my Datsun and it has saved me numerous time from stripping/stripped nuts.

not sure where it sits in relation to other to top brands mentioned here, but I would recommend it for DIYers. I have since bought a couple of socket sets from them and they've with stood impact wrench use (not sure if they were designed for impact wrench)

[tassie_euro_mk1]

Im a mechanic by trade and I use mostly Facom with some Snap On and Sidchrome. Facom is great but hard to source locally.

Home work I say Kinchrome or Sidchrome. Most quality tools now have lifetime warranty. Stanly is also an option as its the same family as Sidchrome

[Stan]

also consider doubling up on your spanners - many is the time I've needed one to hold the bolt and another to undo the nut.

Sidchrome are expensive, but worth every cent IMO. Consider good tools an investment

[Mi16 Man]

Just make sure the 'driver' size is up to the task.....

That is, if you are doing wheel changes or attacking other heavy bolts, don't go for a 1/4" driver, aim for a bigger size such as 1/2" or 3/4".

No matter what brand/price, your purchases should suit what you are intending to do.

[Blitzen]

I have a good mix of Sidchrome, Kingchrome, and Bluepoint. Bluepoint are great, made by Snapon, but a bit cheaper, and still have a lifetime warranty.

[ryana89]

Consider good tools an investment

x2

My father purchased/attained most of his tools (spanners, sockets, hand tools ect) around 20 years ago.
They've survived many years of carpentry, rough home mechanic work, ect. All of it still in quite good nic.

(IMO) My rule of thumb is to buy Stanley or better quality tools.

Ryans 2c

[gecko2k]

That is, if you are doing wheel changes or attacking other heavy bolts, don't go for a 1/4" driver, aim for a bigger size such as 1/2" or 3/4".

I'll try to remember that.

Home work I say Kinchrome or Sidchrome.

Snap-on, Minimax, Sidchrome and Kincrome

Sidchrome, Kingchrome, and Bluepoint

Yeah. I guess Kinchrome, Sidchrome it is!

My father purchased/attained most of his tools (spanners, sockets, hand tools ect) around 20 years ago.

same as my dad. I'm seriously jealous of the amount of tools he has.

@transporter

The idea of the snap-on dealer coming to your home sounds awesome, kinda like a Tupperware party for blokes! I seriously haven't heard of that before. I might have to seek the okay from the fun police for that as it sounds already pretty $$$

[Mk3 AAA]

Consider good tools an investment

X 3, cut my knuckles breaking cruddy adapters because our sockets are all wrong, rounded bolts because there's nothing but a shifter....etc, the right tool divides the task by 10... so long as the right tool is operating it (sorry...had to, it's a problem I know..

I usually have to head out and buy new tools each DIY, so I have them for next time.

[gecko2k]

SCA is selling a Stanley 99 piece socket set (1/4", 3/8" drive) for $99. That's apparently 40% off their retail price. Is that a goof deal or just normal pricing advertised as a bargain?

[tassie_euro_mk1]

Not a bad price. 3/8" drive is ideal for mechanical work. Especially DIY. I only tend to use my 1/2" ratchets for larger work like gearboxes, engine removal/installation etc...

Have that with a decent combination spanner set up to maybe 24mm and screwdriver set and your laughing.

In the end there is always going to be a tool you need haha. Sometimes it may be a specialty tool that once in a blue moon you may need it and you wish you owned it. That is where the Snap-on man comes in handy

[gecko2k]

Combination spanners are included! Awesome, thanks for the help dude. Now I just have to resist buying other crap when I'm there

[gareth_oau]

the most versatile tool I have found is my credit card.

surprised nobody has mentioned this one yet!