Mechanics get in here. Everyone else too.

[calvynandhobbs]

I only work on my own junk and help friends out every now and then. I've got a Craftsman toolchest that works just fine for my purposes. I typically buy higher end tools for items that I will be using a lot and will use some cheaper tools for something that may only get used a couple times every 5 years. I have broken some Craftsman tools and they replace them. For my use, that is fine, but I can see where a mechanic doesn't want to take the chance of breaking a tool and then loosing time on a repair trying to replace that said tool.

[CumminsJeep]

You can use whatever tools you want or prefer. Me I prefer to have the best tools I don't want some crappy tool failing when I'm upside down changing avalve body in a pay loader and can't get out quickly to go get another tool. I always looked at it like this. Buy the best from the start. If you buy cheap and have to replace it with the best later on you have to pay twice as much.

Im calling this a bogus comment because I can't tell you how many snap-on sockets/wrenches/screw drivers, etc etc I have broken while being underneath a vehicle. Whatever, thats why its lifetime warranty.
I have a $6k snap on box that I got for $3k. I love the thing and wouldn't trade it for a cheap box. It will most definitely be the same box I have when Im 75 years old if I plan on keeping it that long. I have probably $15k in tools when I really think about it plus the box. I bought a lot of snap on stuff when I was in school because I got serious discounts through school. Most of my chrome sockets/normal wrenches are snap on as well as pliers/hammers etc. recently I have been buying GearWrench and I bought a set of EZ-Red wrenches and I only buy Ingersol Rand air tools. The fact of the matter is, most tools these days are lifetime warranty. Every cheaper tool I buy is lifetime warranty too. Working with higher quality tools is nicer IMO if you do it everyday, but I have seen plenty of mechanics make the same living with cheaper priced tools and they don't care.

I will agree that nicer tools work and feel better, but a $15k box and $40k worth of tools doesn't make you a good mechanic either...

[Nick]

I prefer a special tool box forged only in the fires Mt. Krakatoa by buddhist monks, it then is tempered for 14 years, essentially becoming indestructible. it is not sold in any stores or by any dealers anywhere, and you can only receive it via invite only. only the best mechanics on earth can appreciate it, and if you cant, then you're a hack! Oh and it does not have a name. "Names" are for tool boxes the peons and petty underlings toil with during their forced servitude.

.

[Pedro]

kinda sucks cause we have to spend the most money on tools and get paid the least but it's just how it kinda goes.

No you don't. You choose to. And as for buying the best right off the bat? Not everybody can afford to do that. With that logic everyone on here would four wheel in brand new AEV JKs

[Buffalo Phil]

I enjoy this thread.

[CumminsJeep]

No you don't. You choose to. And as for buying the best right off the bat? Not everybody can afford to do that. With that logic everyone on here would four wheel in brand new AEV JKs

yup

[Hydra]

"paid the least"



Lol

[Buffalo Phil]

"paid the least"



Lol

This made me giggle as well.

[doubleuj17]

In the 22 years as a mechanic i buy snap on,matco,or mac if i feel its something that needs to be quality,sockets,screw drivers,wrenches.When your dealing with a nut,bolt or screw in hard to reach place the last thing you want to do is round it off due to a cheap tool breaking,so you had better have a good angle drill.As far as tool boxes i still have my first craftsman box in my garage at home and it still holds tools just fine but as far as using it daily with the weight of alot of tools the drawers wont hold up.I have a snap on krl1023 at work and there really isnt any comparison in strength and durability,the craftsman wouldnt be able to withstand opening and closing full drawers all day long.

[BRock89GW]

Buying expensive toolboxes and cars are stupid. BUT a great learning experience in how to drive your life into the ground from having to work 80 hours a week to afford them. But hey. What do I know. Quality isn't expensive. It's priceless.

[sardo_67]

HA! just look here
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...6382&showall=1





more money there than most of our houses

[DizzDizz]

In the 22 years as a mechanic i buy snap on,matco,or mac if i feel its something that needs to be quality,sockets,screw drivers,wrenches.When your dealing with a nut,bolt or screw in hard to reach place the last thing you want to do is round it off due to a cheap tool breaking,so you had better have a good angle drill.As far as tool boxes i still have my first craftsman box in my garage at home and it still holds tools just fine but as far as using it daily with the weight of alot of tools the drawers wont hold up.I have a snap on krl1023 at work and there really isnt any comparison in strength and durability,the craftsman wouldnt be able to withstand opening and closing full drawers all day long.

Most logical post in this whole thread thanks Jeff.

[Hydra]

,the craftsman wouldnt be able to withstand opening and closing full drawers all day long.

Well duh, you should be working on cars all day not opening and closing drawers all day long.

[Lycaon]

Well duh, you should be working on cars all day not opening and closing drawers all day long.

ZING!

[HeavyMetal]

Only post that agrees with me in this whole thread thanks Jeff.

fixed for actual reality