need advice on buying tools
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Redondo Beach, Cali49A
Posts: 2,534
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by jschmidt
Spider: I'd like to hear more about the torque wrenches. I have a 3/8" dial type that I've used for a good long time with success. Every now and then I compare it to a beam type and it seems to stay spot-on.
Spider: I'd like to hear more about the torque wrenches. I have a 3/8" dial type that I've used for a good long time with success. Every now and then I compare it to a beam type and it seems to stay spot-on.
/Rog
#13
Registered User
Roger,
While Sears doesn't offer a lifetime warantee on their torque wrenches, here's what they DO offer:
90 days - repair due to defect in material or workmanship and/or calibration.
1 year - repair due to defect in material or workmanship (no recalibration).
However, if a torque wrench is used properly, it needs to be checked/calibrated infrequently (Sears suggests every 5,000 torque applications if used in an assembly-line fashion). You can return it to Sears for recalibration (for a nominal fee).
My Craftsman has a range of 20-150 ft-lbs., so more than enough range for everyday use, including lug nuts. Cost, $100, and I think they offer 3 or 4 models of varying ranges.
Note to users...you should return the setting to it's lowest point when the wrench is being stored to avoid overly stressing the internal components.
While Sears doesn't offer a lifetime warantee on their torque wrenches, here's what they DO offer:
90 days - repair due to defect in material or workmanship and/or calibration.
1 year - repair due to defect in material or workmanship (no recalibration).
However, if a torque wrench is used properly, it needs to be checked/calibrated infrequently (Sears suggests every 5,000 torque applications if used in an assembly-line fashion). You can return it to Sears for recalibration (for a nominal fee).
My Craftsman has a range of 20-150 ft-lbs., so more than enough range for everyday use, including lug nuts. Cost, $100, and I think they offer 3 or 4 models of varying ranges.
Note to users...you should return the setting to it's lowest point when the wrench is being stored to avoid overly stressing the internal components.
#14
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
remember, you don't need the "best" you just need good enough to do the job properly. BTW, I've got some S-K stuff thats not as nice as Craftsman stuff
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Redondo Beach, Cali49A
Posts: 2,534
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't get me wrong. I always go to Sears to buy tools. Only if I can't find what I like there, I would go elsewhere. I needed a 3/8" torque wrench that can do both drain plug and lug nuts. I can't find one at Sears. The 20-150 ft-lb one is a 1/2" if I remember correctly. Plus, it is way too long to torque the drain plug with because my car has an X-brace. I have to jack up the car extra high just to use the torque wrench. So, the shorter the wrench, the better, in this case.
#17
Originally posted by kster
Thanks . People were stating that the quality is a step down from Facom, Snap-on and S-K. Does everyone agree with this?
Thanks . People were stating that the quality is a step down from Facom, Snap-on and S-K. Does everyone agree with this?
I am constantly amazed at how much junior mechanics dump from their paycheck into snap-on tools. It's almost like indentured servitude with the huge credit debt they run up with Snap-on.I guess they got to pay for that truck somehow
But I must admit, I have a Snap-on flex head 3/8" ratchet that I use constantly, and it just feels better and works better than the cheaper Craftsman ratchet I use as a spare. I often check a pawn shop I might run across for used Snap-on tools at reasonable prices, but it's usually complete sets they want a fortune for or odd-ball stuff that other folks have passed on. Much more used Snap-on SAE tools than Metric as well
#18
Registered User
If you want Snap-On quality but don't want to cough up THAT much $$, check out the Proto brand. While I agree 100% with the recommended Craftsman lifetime replacement warranty (and I've seen tools replaced again and again) there's a few jobs I won't trust my skin to a wrench that MAY break. I haven't had ANY trouble with Proto wrenches.
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Laurel
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Proto is good too. They're at Lowes now.
Snap-On is an interesting company. Their most common tools are astronomical (and the comment about indentured servitude is true). Recently, I went to thier website, though, and I was surprised at some of the prices for less common tools. They were pretty reasonable. And they're a sure bet if you don't want to have to be concerned about quality. I don't think they sell a bad tool.
Common wrenches and wrench sets? I don't think there is any way to justify the price (unless you need credit) even for a pro.
They're always at the swap meet too.
Snap-On is an interesting company. Their most common tools are astronomical (and the comment about indentured servitude is true). Recently, I went to thier website, though, and I was surprised at some of the prices for less common tools. They were pretty reasonable. And they're a sure bet if you don't want to have to be concerned about quality. I don't think they sell a bad tool.
Common wrenches and wrench sets? I don't think there is any way to justify the price (unless you need credit) even for a pro.
They're always at the swap meet too.
#20
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been thinking about picking up some tools to have as my own...since my brother in law is a car nut he's got all types of tools. But searching through his things for the right tools can be a pain...I may pick up a few things just to get a couple of jobs done that I do often. Sounds like Sears is the best place to go.
Jaykkub
Jaykkub