Investment in Tools

[OtterbatHellcat]

I have tools from about everyone, some dating back to the 1930's, both Euro and 'Merican.

Swap meets and pawn shops sometimes have great selections and pretty good prices, don't be afraid to make offers.

As a rule of thumb, if you need to borrow a tool three times, buy your own and buy a good one. If it something that might get used maybe once or twice a year, buy the cheaper one. If it breaks, then but a good one. When buying air or power tools, buy as good as you can afford to buy and then get a back up (cheap is OK) for when you need to have your good tools serviced or repaired.

I like Snap On best, Matco, Mac and Cornwell about the same, Craftsman are my back up cheapies and some are over 40 years old. Almost all of my hammers are Craftsman, air tools are Snap On, hand tools vary and are across the board brands. Tool boxes are Snap On and Kennedy, small mechanics boxes are Craftsman. Some custom hand made tools too. Measuring instruments are Starrett, Desa, Mitutoyo.

I'm on board with Triumph on this. 95% of my stuff (including home stuff) is Snap On. I've used enough cheap tools over the years to just skip 'em and buy the better stuff. Blue Point is Snap On's "other" grade, and I wouldn't stray too far from that. The other companies wrenches all suck compared to the Snappy stuff, and most other socket manufacturers don't even come close, IMO.