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?

[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.

[Wulf202]

It really depends on the purpose. The main reason to buy American made is usually the warantees that craftsman started.

Snapon mac and matco are great if your a mechanic but if you're a hobby mechanic its a pain to get replacements or buy new. Sears is dieing despite my craftsman collection I would say look at husky which is usually sub contracted to stanley mac or snapon.

Then again gunsmithing is going to require different tools than auto mechanics and carpenters but some will overlap.

[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

[drift_g35]

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

How old are your Snapon tools? I would agree Snapon from 10 years ago is going to be better than Matco, but if the OP is buying new then things might have changed. But again, I dont know what tool Snapon has sent overseas.

EDIT: Should have read the post first Here is a better post: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=172660

[Jumpstart]

To do what kind of work?

Mechanical/ Automotive

[drift_g35]

If you are willing to buy used ive seen some steals out there. My buddy bought a whole set from a golf course, Snapon box and tools that were only a few years old. The box alone was probably 2-3k and he walked away with everything for 2k. Only had SAE sockets and wrenches but it was still an awesome deal. I would check craigslist, you never know when someone just snaps and says "I'm never working on another damn vehicle again!"