Investment in Tools

[Jumpstart]

I will be building up a nice hand tool set and system. I want to invest in tools that are American made, high quality and are the most "bang" for the buck. Any suggestions?

[Wulf202]

To do what kind of work?

[Jumpstart]

To do what kind of work?

Mechanical/ Automotive

[Great-Kazoo]

Mechanical/ Automotive

Start saving. I have probably $25K in wrenches / tools. Not incl specialty items. A good tool doesn't always last forever, BUT it also doesn't crack or round off after 1/2 doz uses. Last socket i broke was a 12pt craftsman socket. Had the thing since 72 finally crapped out in 2004.
The question is, would this be for hobby or items needed for work? That will also factor in to your investment.

[ray1970]

When I wrenched with my own tools, most were Snap-On. A good majority were also Matco. I had very little Mac stuff due to a bad experience with one of their products followed up by crappy service from one of their reps.

I've never been impressed with Snap-on's chrome sockets. I've broken more of them than anything else. Their wrenches are a little thin for my taste. Really dig into the hands when you really need to pull on them. Their ratchets are awesome and will handle stuff that would destroy other ratchets.

I now work with company supplied tools. Mostly Proto. Total garbage. The wrenches and sockets aren't too bad but the ratchets really suck. Blowing the gears out in your 3/4 drive ratchet when you really have a load on it sucks ass.

For air tools, Ingersol Rand is going to be the best bang for your buck.

[20X11]

Mechanical/ Automotive

Snap-On never let me down when I was turning wrenches professionally (long ago). Now I buy Craftsman. Sears Holding owns the brand and they are now sold in Ace Hardware Stores.
If i was going to make a living with tools Snap-On, Matco, Mac. But they are a waste of money for a hobbyist or weekend warrior.

[Great-Kazoo]

I will be building up a nice hand tool set and system. I want to invest in tools that are American made, high quality and are the most "bang" for the buck. Any suggestions?

Start saving your money now. Then narrow down what tools and medium you're investing in. Just because it says MADE IN AMERICA, doesn't always equate to High Quality.

[Sackett]

Nicest screwdriver I own was made by Zee Germans...

[drift_g35]

I would suggest Matco over Snapon for mechanics tools. Might be just hearsay, but, Ive heard Snapon is sending some of their products to china to be built. Armstrong and Blackhawk are good too for US made.

[DFBrews]

I would suggest Matco over Snapon for mechanics tools. Might be just hearsay, but, Ive heard Snapon is sending some of their products to china to be built. Armstrong and Blackhawk are good too for US made.

Snapon> Matco from my experience of beating them up all day especially ratchets.

look into grey pneumatic sockets if you are looking for impact sockets they are very well made and relatively inexpensive