Good tools cheap vs cheap tools

[bigskybldr]

I picked up a cheap impact driver at O'Reilly Auto, it worked for maybe a half dozen screws. Now it won't rotate in either direction, so I'll do a little research before buying another. I've always liked Craftsman tools but as others here have pointed out, some are made in China now and they don't like to warranty them as well.
If you like snap-on tools you can buy New Holland tools, snap-on makes them for New Holland and their alot cheaper.

[cableguy]

It's hard to always know what kind of quality you're getting when shopping for lowest price, but eventually you learn what to always avoid, and what will be fine for occasional use, and when it makes more sense to pony up the extra dough for a quality piece that has a good warrantee. I have HF stuff but only the Pittsburg brand, or items like jack stands, spring compressors, (no moving parts) I have had good luck lately with Kobalt, they have a lifetime guarantee and lowes is known for good service. I'm not going to refit my whole box with Kobalt but they're close by and when I broke a flat screwdriver after trying to use it as a pry bar they didn't ask questions just told me grab another. Good enough for me!

[1980GS1000E]

An impact driver is a life saver when you finally need one, I've needed one several times and not just for the bike.

OK, if what you are working on has been buggered up beyond recognition, yes. But, I have had excellent results just using the proper bit, a small smack, and a careful twist.

[bluewool]

OK, if what you are working on has been buggered up beyond recognition, yes. But, I have had excellent results just using the proper bit, a small smack, and a careful twist.

That doesn't surprise me; you live in a desert.

[1980GS1000E]

Oh, yeah. You have this thing called rust.

[MadCapsule]

I have a cheap-o tool set from Harbor Freight that has worked just fine for my occasional use. I even used the ratchet extension as an extension on my impact driver and then beat on it mercilessly with a 3 lb mini sledge when I was in a pinch. It gave me no guff.

The ratchet itself seems like it is cheaply made, but I've cranked down on it with a two ft. breaker bar and it's still going strong.

The impact driver I have is a no-name Taiwanese model I picked up at Menards. It came in a blue tin case that just says "IMPACT DRIVER" on it. It's saved the day on some seriously boogered-up screws more than once.

You're rolling the dice with HF tools, for sure. But it's worked in my favor, and within my budget, so far.

[mrbill5491]

OK, if what you are working on has been buggered up beyond recognition, yes. But, I have had excellent results just using the proper bit, a small smack, and a careful twist.

And no just not on fasteners that have been buggered up. I've come across fasteners on farm equipment where a proper bit, a small smack and a careful twist wouldn't even begin to touch it. Though where an impact driver with the proper bit and good hard hit does work.

[koolaid_kid]

HF has a lifetime guarantee on a lot of their tools now. And they stand behind it; I cracked an impact socket and they replaced the set no questions asked.

[1980GS1000E]

There was a store that sold good tools and the cheap stuff as well. The good tools had a 100% warranty for life. The cheap tools had what the guy called a 50/50 warranty. I asked what that meant and his reply was, "You use it, it breaks in half, you keep both pieces."

[snicrep5]

i have a set of "crescent" tools, the 99 dollar one. the wrenches are a little short but strong. the screw drivers are good rubber handles as long as you dont use them as a chisel. pliers are ****. I like the ratchets tho, better than craftsman. They have the button release and are comfortable in your hand. They are made in taiwan with a lifetime warranty but I dont know how one would claim it.
the majority of stuff at HF is supect. dont get anything complex there.

[Mista M]

I grew up using my dad's craftsman, long before they turned to cheaper quality. So I have a preference to them,but I'm starting to look at kobalt for a medium grade tool brand.
I have a $15 rule at HF, keeps my expectations realistic. I search out auctions, store discounts, and the such for quality tools. Garage sales through car/hobby groups are also nice too!

http://garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36

a great source for tool deals

[Road Rash]

Funny I came back to this thread. Never owned an impact driver, but I simply could NOT get the phillips screws on the intake bolts loosened, so I went down to Autozone where I knew they had a cheapie one for $9.99. After all the huffing and puffing I did on those damned bolts, I brought that driver home and had all of them out in minutes, like nothing.

Sometimes, you DO get your money's worth. Savor it when you do.

[tas850g]

I grew up using my dad's craftsman, long before they turned to cheaper quality. So I have a preference to them,but I'm starting to look at kobalt for a medium grade tool brand.
I have a $15 rule at HF, keeps my expectations realistic. I search out auctions, store discounts, and the such for quality tools. Garage sales through car/hobby groups are also nice too!

http://garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36

a great source for tool deals

Looking around on this forum, nice source of info. On tools.

Thanks for the link.

[tkent02]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36

a great source for tool deals

I need to keep this….

[Mista M]

forgot another link

http://www.searsoutlet.com/Tools-and-Tool-Storage/d/category.jsp?md=ct_md&cid=84&SetOmVert=true

Returned/refurbished tools get sold thru the outlet store. Find what you want, punch in zip code. Sometimes its available locally sometimes not.

Note: Sometimes there is a socket or wrench missing from the sets, hence the steep discounts. You can inspect it in store before you buy.