what kind of tools should I get?

[Swifty1638]

Honestly, being as I am in this industry, do it once, and do it right. While I hate paying for them, Snap-on will be your best choice. They have starter sets for beginners into the field, that will include your basics you'd need like sockets, wrenches, ratchets, screw drivers, files, chisels, pics, pliers, hammers, etc etc. Also, depending on the school or job you have, they travel to you, and will give you a new tool if yours breaks. Mac and matco are honorable mentions, but it seems that they are dying off in the industry, and I hardy see them anymore. Mac is weekely, if not bi-weekly, and matco is no more.

-A. Swift

[MATCHBX]

I too will say Snap-On or Mac if you are seriously going to stay in the industry for more than a few years. For garage wrenching Craftsman are good, but in everyday use they don't last. And some Sears stores are picky about the lifetime warranty if you use them in a shop daily. Snap-On or Mac are made for everyday use. And they will stand behind the warranty.

Also, you can drastically improve your credit rating if you get an account with the Snap-On guy and keep it up to date. That's how I got my house a few years ago. Speaking of which, I still have that box for sale.

[4seasons69]

we don't get a deal on craftsman they would be full price from sears. from what everyone is saying I think I am starting to lean towards snap-on. the 50% of with snap on is a one time thing if I remember correctly. the matco deal is as long as you are enrolled in school

50% off snap-on is a great deal. I cant imagine they give you much of a deal on Craftsman though do they? 50% off snap-on should be damn close to full price Craftsman. Maybe still a little more expensive but getting close anyway.

[Shane@DBPerformance]

Harbor Freight.

[tpunx99GSX]

Harbor Freight.
Haha, Two blocks from my house is a Harbor Freight. I love that store, they have cheap but good tools, and lots of them. In terms of prices they are the walmart of the tool industry.

[1QUICK4]

I've always had good luck with Matco, especially thier air tools.

[2003eclipse]

By far my favorite is Husky. They have fared much better then my Craftsman or Snap On tools(over 6 years of heavy/severe use). Then you compare prices and it's a no brainer. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have wasted so much $ on Snap On, big waste if you ask me.

Husky is a good brand to take to the junk yard so as you lose them on the ground its not a big deal.

Just don't go cheap on the things that matter such as a torgue wrench and swivel extensions and your rachets. All tools will break and strip some faster than others. It just depends on how much warrenty bulls*&t you want to go through. I'd have to say go with what you've had best personal exp. with, and if you haven't spent much time with tools and found out whats best by now than good luck. IMO crafstmans wrenches are sorta bulky in the handle and can make it a bitch from time to time.

Snap-on for what matters and if your short on cash buy what you can for now until your well on your feet and can upgrade as needed.

[gofastman]

Nobody has the best of everything
very true, I like snap on sockets and open end wrenches alot.
It's hard asking for opinions on this stuff though, almost no one is gonna spend $10,000+ on tools and tell you that they suck and it was the worst purchase they ever made, even if its true.

[4seasons69]

very true, I like snap on sockets and open end wrenches alot.
It's hard asking for opinions on this stuff though, almost no one is gonna spend $10,000+ on tools and tell you that they suck and it was the worst purchase they ever made, even if its true.

thats true I guess I am just trying to see what kind of tools people are using especially if you are in the business seeing that I am starting school to get into the business

[Kevin 1G Drummer]

All my air tools are Matco, and I've had pretty good luck with them. My 1/4" air ratchet took a shit on me once, but the Matco guy had a new one for me the same day I told him about it. I've also had pretty good luck with Mac tools. Snap-on makes very nice boxes, much nicer than Craftsman IMO. I use a Craftsman box, and the only thing I don't like about it is that it isn't nearely as deep as say a Mac or Snap-on box of the same size.