Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: jor on September 02, 2018, 07:06:02 pm
Title: Cheap Tools
Post by: jor on September 02, 2018, 07:06:02 pm
At the risk of offending you Harbor Freight zealots (yea, I have some too) here's what happens when you stress a cheap tool. Torx bit just stripped right out. Guess I'll have to pony up and get a decent set. They looked good though. jor
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 02, 2018, 07:19:42 pm
Craftsman or Snap-on been good for me, BUT all my tools are 30 years old or older.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John44 on September 02, 2018, 07:47:42 pm
Can find Matco,Snap-on,Mac on Ebay for pennies on the dollar,shop incomplete sets,missing socket sets,etc.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 02, 2018, 07:55:49 pm
Is Snap-On still made in the U.S.A. ? My most favorite tools! Too many of us have screw drivers that we've had forever; they are junk,don't ask me how I know; you know! ^.^d
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: DavidS on September 02, 2018, 08:07:43 pm
Flat tire at Zion .. brand new tire we caught a few months ago. Just split.. bf goodwrench tire the tread just released sitting in the parking spot. 5 or 7 spline tool cracked trying to get the wheel of.. grrrr... going to call roadside and have them come finish.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: folivier on September 02, 2018, 08:22:14 pm
Pawn shops are another place to buy individual tools especially sockets.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 02, 2018, 08:22:30 pm
What's the date code on that tire?
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Chris m lang on September 02, 2018, 11:00:39 pm
I've had Bosch, porter cable and other top name torqx tools strip as well as craftsman sockets and ratchets bust and strip out And I've had some China made tools stand the test. I got into China tools while working at a meat packing plant, if you laid a craftsman tool down to check behind machine it would be gone when you came back. I actually left a China tool on a machine and when I came back the next night it was still there lol. ! Chris
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: DavidS on September 03, 2018, 12:30:58 am
Looks old to me? Is the 1 for 2011?
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: craneman on September 03, 2018, 12:40:17 am
The date code won't be raised, but stamped in an oval recess.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 03, 2018, 12:53:55 am
Lots of different factories in China. Some bad but some are great. My powder coat gun/power supply is from China and first rate along with a voltage converter for it. Lots of Apple stuff made there too. It's hard to knock the quality of their products.
I have a big Bosch copy jackhammer from China. A small fraction of the German price but has worked great for several years.
Pierce
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: DavidS on September 03, 2018, 01:04:21 am
Will need to flip the old one over to look at it.. will try in the am tomorrow.. still need to figure out how to get the tire mounted back on. Need a tool or new lugnuts .. might have to rig it tomorrow
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Tim Fiedler on September 03, 2018, 09:19:54 am
being old I remember Japanese articles being poorly made, now they are generally considered top flight. Quality tends to increase over time because it is relatively cheap or free to add in the manufacturing world (in many cases) and the consumer votes with their dollars with quality a consideration
The Chinese will pose a large threat to the US in many factors over the next 20 - 50 years. At various times, France and England held the most power in the world militarily and economically, now it is the US. We all have enjoyed the benefits of that power for most all our lives, the Chinese are working hard to replace the US at the top of the world power pyramid, economically and militarily - in that pursuit they will make a natural progression towards better quality and (hopefully) better environmental policy. As they strive to achieve that goal, it is likely not possible without that progression.
I am staying out of a political mess here, maybe best to shut the thread down if it veers off in that direction.
Tim Fiedler
Sure Start Soft Start (http://www.gen-pro.biz) - home of SureStart soft starters TCER Direct (http://www.tcerdirect.com) - home of Generac Approved Aluminum and Copper TCER Composite cable generator-gas-prod (http://www.generatorgasproducts.com) - home of X-Riser Gas Risers for PE installation Call me at 630 240-9139 Gen-Pro
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Dave Larsen on September 03, 2018, 10:23:45 am
I would just grind off the twisted end of jor's torx driver up to where it is straight and keep using it.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John44 on September 03, 2018, 10:34:57 am
It's split and cracked to the hilt,will just keep splitting,may have to get a die grinder and a cut-off wheel and grind lugnuts to accept a different socket and when you get them off throw them away and get a lug nut that will use a regular socket.When you do that get a quality socket just for that use,craftsman is between china junk and Snap-on,not the best and not the worst.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Johnstons on September 03, 2018, 10:52:39 am
I owned a NAPA store for 30 years and never said a kind word about cheap tools. Now we are getting a Harbor Freight store in our town and I can't wait to go dig through the cheap stuff and make my shop an even bigger nightmare for my kids to get rid of someday.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 03, 2018, 11:36:14 am
I always thought that Snap-On wrenches were over rated. The edges don't have enough radius and hurt the hands when you apply a lot of force and the chrome finish makes them slippery. Craftsman tools always seem too heavy and crude looking. Perhaps OK working on tractors but they look out of place on late high tech stuff and clumsy in crowded spaces.
I do like the old Thorsen 77 ratchets with superb design and one finger switching directions ability, all without even looking at the ratchet. The best design ever. I pulled the cover of on mine so is exactly like the photo. I expect most users did also.
For the absolute best, German Belzer tools are hard to beat but very costly. Hazet also excellent.
Pierce
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: craneman on September 03, 2018, 11:38:56 am
There is a place for HF stuff in my shop. Just not allens, torx, sockets, wrenches, driver bits, etc. Yes for clamps, tool hangers, crazy glue, gorilla glue and some other things.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: krush on September 03, 2018, 12:06:50 pm
I buy lots of speciality automotive tools that are made in the USA still. Lisle sells lots of things still USA (like $4 allen key sets..cheaper than HF chinese ones). http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=LIS42500
Lisle from Tool Discounter (http://www.tooldiscounter.com/catalog/LIS.htm)
Lang tools (Lang Tools (http://www.langtools.com/)) is also mostly made in USA: Kastar Hand Tools from Tool Discounter (https://www.tooldiscounter.com/catalog/KAS.htm)
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: craneman on September 03, 2018, 12:24:14 pm
I've posted pictures of the shop before so those who have seen it know I have tools. I just went out to read the brands of some of them. Cornwell, MAC, Matco, Armaloy, Challenger, Thorson, Samson, Craftsman, Snap-on, Easco, Williams and Proto. Proto used to be top notch, not any more. Did you know Craftsman once made stainless tools and very well built too? Lisle is the choice for Torx and other driver bits for me also.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: jcus on September 03, 2018, 12:30:59 pm
Back in the day Craftsman had a no question replacement policy. Remember buying 3 broken ratchets at a flea market for two dollars, and taking them to Sears and getting 3 brand new ratchets.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John44 on September 03, 2018, 12:34:45 pm
My best rachets are Snap-on and Matco,can usually get by with craftsman sockets but Snap-on still is the best.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John and Stacey on September 03, 2018, 01:02:15 pm
Talk about tools. I have not been on much lately. Mentally recovering from a theft from my motorhome storage. The fool was actually storing his goods in the same storage facility, yes cameras got him. I have a 14x80 fully enclosed area where I store my coach and have an area for a shop/man cave. He picked or just figured out the combo on my pancake locks. Long list shortened. Large tool box of Snap-on tools, 20 years old as new though. Air tools, 2 compressors, many as new nail guns, hoses. 8gau extension cors for table saw etc. Portable work lights, all together approx $30,000. The they got inside the coach. Nikon camera Engel Frig, another toolbox with $10,000 in Snap-on tools. Macbook Pro, Nextbook computer I use for Silverleaf. 3 Tag watches. Not a good month for me as it is approaching vacation time. I maddening when you work you whole life to have nice things and someone feels entitled to it. The DA was not doing anything until I visited her office with a itemized list, video of the thief a copy of his drivers license. Ask her if she now wanted me to take care of the rest too. There is now a warrant out for him. Note she had the same info I gave her. John
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: craneman on September 03, 2018, 01:21:54 pm
Talk about tools. I have not been on much lately. Mentally recovering from a theft from my motorhome storage. The fool was actually storing his goods in the same storage facility, yes cameras got him. I have a 14x80 fully enclosed area where I store my coach and have an area for a shop/man cave. He picked or just figured out the combo on my pancake locks. Long list shortened. Large tool box of Snap-on tools, 20 years old as new though. Air tools, 2 compressors, many as new nail guns, hoses. 8gau extension cors for table saw etc. Portable work lights, all together approx $30,000. The they got inside the coach. Nikon camera Engel Frig, another toolbox with $10,000 in Snap-on tools. Macbook Pro, Nextbook computer I use for Silverleaf. 3 Tag watches. Not a good month for me as it is approaching vacation time. I maddening when you work you whole life to have nice things and someone feels entitled to it. The DA was not doing anything until I visited her office with a itemized list, video of the thief a copy of his drivers license. Ask her if she now wanted me to take care of the rest too. There is now a warrant out for him. Note she had the same info I gave her. John
Can't click on a "like" when something as bad as this happens. Hope he hasn't disposed of the equipment yet and you can get it back. What has happened to you is my greatest fear. I am not so worried about the house as homeowners would help. But my tools tend to make the commercial exemption for compensation likely.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Johnstons on September 03, 2018, 01:26:50 pm
I have sensors on my shop doors that send me a text anytime one of them is opened. That gives me peace of mind with all the thousands of dollars worth of tools and toys in the shop.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on September 03, 2018, 02:36:03 pm
If you buy cheap tools then you have cheap tools. I have been buying woodworking tools, hand and powered, for almost 50 years. The initial cost of quality tools is always less than replacing cheap tools several times. And you get to use good tools rather than junk all the while.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John and Stacey on September 03, 2018, 02:52:28 pm
He also got a Makita slider mitre saw and my prized Rockwell mitre saw from the 80's. did not get the boat, Rockwell/Delta table saw an drill press(too heavy i guess). You never think of how you will feel til it happens. Almost like losing a family member. I have been taking care of these tools and kept them as new since they were new. Yes home owners insurance will take care of most of the tools and stuff. Motorhome insurance will cover just a small part of what is missing there. My son did get me to laugh when he said, "At least they did not make a mess.". I responded, "because they took everything they touched." Now to up the insurance policies. A little good news from the insurance companies. Home owners ins said they would not depreciate anything and waive the deductible. John
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Bill Chaplin on September 03, 2018, 03:14:59 pm
If you buy cheap tools then you have cheap tools. I have been buying woodworking tools, hand and powered, for almost 50 years. The initial cost of quality tools is always less than replacing cheap tools several times. And you get to use good tools rather than junk all the while.
to say little about broken fingers, arms, etc. OR WORSE
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: craneman on September 03, 2018, 03:28:34 pm
He also got a Makita slider mitre saw and my prized Rockwell mitre saw from the 80's. did not get the boat, Rockwell/Delta table saw an drill press(too heavy i guess). You never think of how you will feel til it happens. Almost like losing a family member. I have been taking care of these tools and kept them as new since they were new. Yes home owners insurance will take care of most of the tools and stuff. Motorhome insurance will cover just a small part of what is missing there. My son did get me to laugh when he said, "At least they did not make a mess.". I responded, "because they took everything they touched." Now to up the insurance policies. A little good news from the insurance companies. Home owners ins said they would not depreciate anything and waive the deductible. John
That news is worth a "like" You won't get the same quality now on the same brands you had but at least something to keep going with.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 03, 2018, 04:13:29 pm
If you buy cheap tools then you have cheap tools. I have been buying woodworking tools, hand and powered, for almost 50 years. The initial cost of quality tools is always less than replacing cheap tools several times. And you get to use good tools rather than junk all the while.
If you use a tool all the time, either as a hobby or a profession, Roger is dead on. Buying a quality tool is almost always less expensive in the long run than an inexpensive tool. For the RV owner with a bit of shade tree skill and only the occasional need, places like HF offer some good alternatives to stock the storage compartment without breaking the bank.
As an example, I used to overhaul a lot of Mercedes 617 diesel engines (300SD) and needed to pull the precombustion chamber out of the cylinder head to be able to surface the head or fit a new chamber. The pretty simple factory tool cost about $600 with an aftermarket South American tool still fetching $335 today on ebay. Mercedes Benz prechamber pre-chamber puller extractor tool 621589013300 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-prechamber-pre-chamber-puller-extractor-tool-621589013300/223095445146?epid=1845331557&hash=item33f186569a:g:7IgAAOSwLF1X7ZX1&vxp=mtr) Going to a parts store, I could purchase a inexpensive tool to do the same job for about $35. It didn't work as quickly/easily and wore out after a dozen prechambers were removed. The expensive tool did pay for itself with working efficiently and without producing any detectable wear on the tool itself.
Pierce
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 03, 2018, 04:30:55 pm
I feel for you, John. I had the same precision tools as you lost, only mine went as part of selling my business. It crushed me, at first, (like losing a child), but when making a life decision (full timing), I had to let them go. I kept some small items (Starrett, John Fluke, my Japanese pull saws, a Stanley square that was my Grandfather's). Hope you get them back, anyone who steals a man's tools should rot in hell. >:D I am reminded of a quote from Oscar Wilde: "I'm a man of simple tastes, I'm always satisfied with the best."
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: krush on September 03, 2018, 05:59:25 pm
If you buy cheap tools then you have cheap tools. I have been buying woodworking tools, hand and powered, for almost 50 years. The initial cost of quality tools is always less than replacing cheap tools several times. And you get to use good tools rather than junk all the while.
One problem today is that even "good" and brand name tools are often of inferior quality made in Chinindia. It's really frustrating, because I have an offbrand mongomery ward "cheap" grease gun from the 70's that was made in the USA and still works great. Back then, even the "cheap" stuff was better than much of the "good" stuff today.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 03, 2018, 06:20:35 pm
These were my Grandfather's, who I hardly knew. Bless Grandma for saving them and passing them on. Every time I use them, I think of him. Tools can be replaced, but the memories can not.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on September 03, 2018, 06:23:37 pm
Cheap does not always mean poor quality. What was cheap 40 years ago by today's standards was very dear back then. Buy the best quality you can afford. In the long run it pays off.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: George and Steph on September 03, 2018, 07:27:37 pm
I recently reworked an old Craftsman 12" bandsaw for my grandson. I replaced the guide assembly with an eBay custom piece. The email was Foretravel@ one of our members?
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 03, 2018, 07:34:43 pm
These were my Grandfather's, who I hardly knew. Bless Grandma for saving them and passing them on. Every time I use them, I think of him. Tools can be replaced, but the memories can not.
Mike,
That's a sailor's knife with a marlin spike. Did he do any sailing? I recognize the rest from my dad's tool box. He had a drill like that and another you pushed on and it spun. Good tools.
OK, my number 1 tool for any Foretravel owner.................the small 12V drill and impact driver kit made by Rigid, Milwaukee, Bosch, etc, etc. They don't weight much and fit into any hand. The impact driver is 1/4" quick change and will take lots of different sockets and remove a remarkable amount of fasteners. I like my larger battery as it not only lasts longer but the drill or impact driver will stand up by itself. This one is mine but they are all good. I have not used a larger 18V in a long time. I installed a two unit deck last year downstairs with them. EZ. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Drill-Driver-and-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-with-2-Batteries-Charger-and-Bag-R9000K/205358335
Pierce
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 03, 2018, 07:49:21 pm
He was in the British Royal Navy in WW1.....35 years at sea. ^.^d
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: craneman on September 03, 2018, 07:56:07 pm
Ok Mike you are aging me. Three of those tools I bought NEW! and the drill I bought is newer than your Grandfather's. The monkey wrench and ratchet I inherited.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Karl Shurtleff on September 03, 2018, 08:07:26 pm
"There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person's lawful prey. It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot — it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better."
John Ruskin
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Old phart phred on September 03, 2018, 09:05:16 pm
I bought a proto 1/4" drive rachet set with breaker bar set 30 years ago at an estate sale. All of the sockets were 4 point like in carrage bolts. Rachet mechanism is super fine gearing and the hand grips knurled. Real jewel of a tool that only I have access to. Still working great.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Chris m lang on September 03, 2018, 09:32:30 pm
John, always frustrating to loose your stuff, start checking local pawn shops that is where tools usually go they or he definitely won't be using them. When I moved to current location (19 years) my elderly neighbor told me the local crack heads tried to help everyone keep new tools, they come through every couple years and clean out the old tools. Chris
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Old phart phred on September 03, 2018, 10:22:24 pm
Craigslist and or eBay may be a fencer's choice, cops used to check out pawn shops. Bottom line is the AHJ has no budget to investigate, prosecute, or incarcerate. After all normal people have insurance so it's all good.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 04, 2018, 08:33:01 am
Some of my hand-me-down tools, from father and grandfather.
I have a bunch of Craftsman iron "C" clamps (1" and 8" shown). The ratcheting screw drivers are Yankee brand, as is the small 4-blade pocket driver set. The hand drill is Millers Falls. Pipe wrench is Hibbard. Double adjustable wrench is genuine Crescent. All made in USA.
Old hand tools are cool, but if you start collecting them, it can quickly get "out of hand" and fill up your garage. :o
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: George and Steph on September 04, 2018, 09:35:48 am
During our long winter layup I took up woodworking. I had two family planes in the front room for safe keeping. They both have blades that have our family name. Denninghoff as seen in the arc in the photo. I have decided not to use them but keep them as heirlooms.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 04, 2018, 04:11:10 pm
A VERY pretty plane! I had a set of planes, from a small 'jack' (for shingles) to a 12" long bed. Loved using them, had the angle roller and Japanese wet stones; could shave with them afterwards! ! I'd sharpen it up and use it, it was NOT meant to sit on a coffee table! ^.^d
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John and Stacey on September 04, 2018, 04:55:46 pm
Just came back from the mail box...Received a check from Safeco on the theft of items that were in the motorhome..."No deduction for the deductible" paid full amount in a timely manner.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Sven and Kristi on September 05, 2018, 12:05:03 pm
I inherited some tools from my dad and understand how difficult it is to get rid of something "he had his hands on". Unfortunately, he didn't buy the best quality, but they have managed to hold up. I have to go with functionality and dependability and have let most of it go. I have a representative hand saw on my garage wall that I will never use or get rid of. I've done a similar thing with my mother's needle point and gave the rest to friends and family that could appreciate it. I would have a storage problem if I had kept everything.
I have to agree with Pierce in that one should get quality for something that is being used frequently, but go with adequate for the occasionally used tool (I'm paraphrasing). I also don't want something I never use to take up space, with exception of Dad's saw.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John44 on September 05, 2018, 12:20:20 pm
Along the same lines as Sven I also kept one "tool" my dad had,his Colt 38 police special after 30 plus years of the Chicago police dept.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: craneman on September 05, 2018, 02:22:58 pm
My dad was a mechanical person too. I inherited 3 rollaways full of tools. Now I have 10. I am now going to start selling or giving tools to other family members. as I have too many duplicates. There will still be enough for my son to repair anything he is capable of when the time comes.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Sven and Kristi on September 05, 2018, 08:06:12 pm
Along the same lines as Sven I also kept one "tool" my dad had,his Colt 38 police special after 30 plus years of the Chicago police dept.
That would be a family treasure. I have a combination (hydrant/hose coupling) spanner that I carried in my turnouts for thirty years, but that doesn't seem to have the same cache' with my sons. 8)
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Brad Metzger (RIP) on September 06, 2018, 09:09:28 am
I am a tool expert . yep , I have a hammer , screw driver , vice grips and pipe wrench ---see. Now then about this Harbor Freight thing . Was at "Les Schwab Tire" in St Anthony the other day . Low and behold --what did I see all over the place ?? That cheap no count Harbor Freight air impact tools all with a air hose hooked up . Six bays , ten tools . Eight half inch with extended anvils and two with one inch long anvils . I had to ask the store manager about it and he said ---All Les Schwab stores use the same tools . Also said they have in years past used " Snap on " tools but after so long in use ware out and need to be replaced like any other name brand . So they switched to Harbor Freight at one forth the cost and found that they do in fact have the same life span with heavy use . Did not expect to be hearing that , but --. :o :o :o Brad Metzger
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: bbeane on September 06, 2018, 09:37:19 am
Contrary to popular belief, not all inexpensive tools are junk. I have 40 years worth of Snap on, and Mac hand tools they are the best you can buy. However when it comes to air tool and electric hand tools the less expensive stuff seems to work just fine. Just for fun step on the Snapon truck and price a set of 1/4-11/4 wrench's and sockets, I'll bet it will make you open your eyes.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 06, 2018, 01:04:08 pm
As I said, many thousands of different factories in Asia, some turning out excellent products, some making little more than trash. But, remembering back a few years, American Motors, BMC, Roots Group turned out the same poor products and because of this, went out of business and or were sold off to other countries like India and China. Competition always means better products for the consumer and at a lower cost.
Pierce
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John44 on September 06, 2018, 01:20:43 pm
Agree on the tool trucks prices for new,they get you on the "payment plan".Wonder what their markup is.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: folivier on September 06, 2018, 03:38:08 pm
Last time I was in HF there were a couple guys from one of the local car dealers buying hand tools.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: nitehawk on September 06, 2018, 03:42:33 pm
I am an expert like Brad but I also carry duct tape and Shoe Goo.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: craneman on September 06, 2018, 05:52:18 pm
Agree on the tool trucks prices for new,they get you on the "payment plan".Wonder what their markup is.
It was 100% back in 1966 don't buy from the trucks any more so no conversations with dealers to find out what it is now. Back then a dealer would shop yard sales and flea markets buy for under 50% turn in for credit.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: bbeane on September 06, 2018, 07:23:59 pm
I can tell you from speriance the premium tool truck stuff ain't as good as it used to be. I have some passed down to me stuff (40s and 50s) Snapon and Mac wrenches and socket sets, there's a big difference. Proto, Husky, Sunnex, etc. is not bad stuff as well.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 06, 2018, 07:27:34 pm
HF die grinders are so inexpensive when on sale that they're a disposable item for me.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on September 18, 2018, 01:16:40 am
Went to HF today. Used to po poo their tools, but today got a nice wrench set for 40 bucks and a wire brush set for 2 bucks. The wrench set would have been over 100 for craftsman's tools. Plan on buying a HF polisher too. At 70 bucks its 1/3 the price of the one I wanted. I can replace it 3x for that price. Slowly going over to the dark side.....
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: bbeane on September 18, 2018, 08:31:50 am
Have a HF buffer have done the coach 3 times. It's still going strong.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Sven and Kristi on September 18, 2018, 10:04:12 pm
If you need tools from HF, better buy them now before the tariffs hit. If there is concern about buying a Chinese product, check out the tools at HD or Lowes. The last time I shopped for an electric drill, I made a concerted effort to buy American, but could not find anything. Even Milwaukee is made in China now.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on September 18, 2018, 11:21:36 pm
Don't think any tools are made here now. Truly that is not a big issue to me. Its a global economy. IMO, the best tools are made in Europe, but the price difference is pretty high. I have a mix of good stuff and so so. If money was no object, it would be high end only.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Sven and Kristi on September 19, 2018, 11:56:21 am
It would be interesting to know the qualitative differences between the "brand name power tools" made in China and the ones (Hercules and Bauer) sold at HF. Quality control?
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: SteveB on September 19, 2018, 02:41:50 pm
If you need tools from HF, better buy them now before the tariffs hit. If there is concern about buying a Chinese product, check out the tools at HD or Lowes. The last time I shopped for an electric drill, I made a concerted effort to buy American, but could not find anything. Even Milwaukee is made in China now.
Dewalt says that since 2013 all of their power tools are made in the USA using global parts. If it something I use frequently I prefer Makita or Dewalt. A lot of the Rigid power tools are pretty darn good and some have a lifetime warranty. Harbor freight stuff is OK but just not the best.in most, but not all, cases. If you want to see power tools and hand tools tested to the max then check out AVE's videos on YouTube. That guy has no mercy on any brand.
Steve
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 19, 2018, 03:55:26 pm
I don't think I had been so mad as when I bought a Delta 6" long bed jointer for a special job. I had other Delta shop tools and considered them and Powermatic to be the best. As soon as I fired up the jointer, I knew something was wrong; it was noisy as all get out, unlike my other Delta/Rockwell stuff. The fence was flimsy, sloppy, aluminum. I could not believe it was such junk until I looked at the plate: it said, "Made in China under the direct supervision of Delta U.S.A." :facepalm:
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Brad Metzger (RIP) on September 19, 2018, 07:51:54 pm
Some things I have noticed over the years . Lowes , good name , good tools , --right ? Well if you'll notice "some" of the exact same tools with different colored plastic handles and different names . Price is the difference .How about Craftsman tools ?? According to my smart ass phone , they are made in Taiwan and China . Hmm .How about Snap On --? Most of their hand tools are still made in the USA , but ,not all . Their battery powered are made in China .My bubble just got bursted . Was hoping for a different answer on that one . Oh well , life goes on . :( :( :( Brad Metzger
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: John44 on September 20, 2018, 07:03:48 am
Klein tools makes the best cresent wrench out there especially the ones covered in red plastic,Proto a close second.
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Sven and Kristi on September 20, 2018, 08:52:42 am
"I don't think I had been so mad as when I bought a Delta 6" long bed jointer for a special job."
Mike, you must not have raised any sons. :)
Title: Re: Cheap Tools
Post by: Chuck Pearson on September 20, 2018, 11:36:52 am
Buy Mac wrenches. Cry once, be satisfied every time you pick one up.