Tool Question

[Rickcin]

I need to buy a complete set of wrenches and I see that the ratchet type are very desirable, but expensive, probably double the price as a standard wrench. I do not use the tool stat often, so should I just go with the standard Craftsman box & open end instead of the ratcheting type ?

Thnaks

 

[midnite rider]

I would recommend starting with the basic set and building on that. Craftsman hand tools are guaranteed for life and are easily exchanged at any Sears stores. I have some basic Craftsman wrenches that were purchased 40 years ago and still work as good now as they did then.

 

[Lawnranger]

I need to buy a complete set of wrenches and I see that the ratchet type are very desirable, but expensive, probably double the price as a standard wrench. I do not use the tool stat often, so should I just go with the standard Craftsman box & open end instead of the ratcheting type ?

Thnaks

You are trading extra dollars for the convenience & speed that ratchet type wrenches provide. In my opinion, if you are not working on flat rate then you probably don't need the time savings provided by ratchet type wrenches. However, there are always some out there that have the luxury of having more money than they know what to do with and will buy what they want. Some ratchet type wrenches have the ratchet end pivot and that makes it easier to get the wrench in tight or awkward positions, if need be. If money is the main factor for you then maybe a set from Harbor Freight would be less money than Craftsman? Keep in mind that you don't get what you don't pay for.

You can make the comparison between lawnmowers and tools by looking at the difference between commercial mowers and residential mowers vs. professional, daily use tools like Snap-On and occasional use tools like Craftsman. You can use a residential mower every day in a commercial setting but that doesn't mean it will last as long as a commercial mower or perform as well. You get my drift?

I don't know your situation and I'm not judging, just providing a different point of view for your consideration.

The question I have for you is how much money do you want to spend on tools so that you can turn a nut or bolt? Let me know.

 

[midnite rider]

Also keep in mind there are situations where only a open end wrench will work and a racheting type wrench will not. I have run into this many times as I have both types. In my opinion as far as versatility the basic set is the best to purchase. I would only purchase racheting type in addition to basic. Keep in mind that racheting type includes handles and sockets, also besides racheting wrenches. Socket type sets would be second and racheting wrenches third option. In my opinion I would stay away from Harbour Freight hand tools as I have found they are a lot more likely to strip fasteners and scar knuckles. I would purchase at least Craftsman quality or better. If you are doing work professionally or into speed, air tools is the way to go. :2cents:

 

[Rickcin]

You are trading extra dollars for the convenience & speed that ratchet type wrenches provide. In my opinion, if you are not working on flat rate then you probably don't need the time savings provided by ratchet type wrenches. However, there are always some out there that have the luxury of having more money than they know what to do with and will buy what they want. Some ratchet type wrenches have the ratchet end pivot and that makes it easier to get the wrench in tight or awkward positions, if need be. If money is the main factor for you then maybe a set from Harbor Freight would be less money than Craftsman? Keep in mind that you don't get what you don't pay for.

You can make the comparison between lawnmowers and tools by looking at the difference between commercial mowers and residential mowers vs. professional, daily use tools like Snap-On and occasional use tools like Craftsman. You can use a residential mower every day in a commercial setting but that doesn't mean it will last as long as a commercial mower or perform as well. You get my drift?

I don't know your situation and I'm not judging, just providing a different point of view for your consideration.

The question I have for you is how much money do you want to spend on tools so that you can turn a nut or bolt? Let me know.

Yes, your points are well taken and very true. I do spend more on stuff that I do not use that often. I have a problem with always wanting and liking the best, the quality built top of the lines that will last.
My Sears tractor works fine and has been running trouble free for years, but do I wish I had an eXmark instead, you bet'ya but would I want to pay the price, certainly not!

Thanks for all of your good comments.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

I try to avoid buying tools of this size on line at the popular auction site because of promoting theft, but if you are inclined to do so, Craftsman wrenches and sockets, extensions etc. and socket sets can be purchased there dirt cheap if you don't mind taking a time to shop and having them real soon is not imperative. Just be certain they say Craftsman and not Sears or some other jerk water name imposing as Craftsman.

Buying at 25 percent of new retail is probably possible and the reason I know this is I've bought tools at estate auctions and tried selling on ebay with the result being less than desirable profit wise. Example: Rather than selling an S-K 3/4 combination wrench ( the best made in my opinion ) for .99 cents I'll donate it to the Salvation Army.

According to your writing you are a person that takes care of equipment and your tools will probably not be an exception. So my advise is buy quality once and they will last a lifetime.

 

[Rickcin]

Actually I returned the ratchet wrenches because the were much thicker than the normal wrenches, box end/open end. I listened to the advice of others, as well as thinking, is speed and time that important or would it be better to have a wrench that fits in a tighter space ?

I am a recreational mechanic so I think time or speed is not a concern for me1

I thank all of the members who have helped me come to this decision!

Rick

 

[reynoldston]

Most of my tools are Snap-on. The reason is they are the best and as a professional mechanic a broken tool is no good no matter what brand it is. Also you will find a top quilty won't strip off a bolt head like a cheap one will. The snan-on will last a life time or for what ever reason it dosen't snap-on will replace it. This is good when you are young and need them for many years and that is if you don't lose them. Now that I am retired and its more a hobby if I need a tool its from harbor freight. You can buy a whole set for less what one snap-on wrench cost

 

[txzrider]

so +1 on craftsman plain wrenches before ratcheting wrenches... ++1 on snapon, I still have snapon tools I bought in the mid 70's while doing car stereo installs... My fav part of the job was the snapon guy coming by the shop I worked at. I could only afford a few pieces at a time. But almost 40 years later they still work as new.

 

[KennyV]

You should buy tools to Last a Lifetime...
You will soon appreciate a high quality tool, they look nice, feel nice and Fit perfectly.... :smile:KennyV