Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted Duke
Modern Craftsman tools don't measure up to the name. It isn't just because they are made overthere, it's what "Craftsman" asked for. Cheap. B&D also disappointing. All of the Kobalt tools I have are excellent quality.
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I tend to agree with this. For consumer grade tools even the chinese craftsman made today is adequate for most home and DIY wrenchers. Most home DIY wrenchers aren't hobbyists like we are though and the average person just needs a 10mm socket to change a tail light or alternator and some basic tools to do the occasional brake job, oil change, or repair as cheaply as possible and still work. The consumer tools will realistically do everything we need them too and the only reason you would pay more is because you want to and it might add to the fun and subract some hassle from wrenching at home by using a more refined and better quality tool.
I would put most consumer grade tools at about the same level but I feel like Kobalt (Lowes), Husky (Home Depot) and Pittsburg Pro (harbor freight's brand) are all evenly on par with each other and a pretty good value for the price - I feel like those three are finished and designed better and a slight notch above craftsman and stanley these days. I'd rather go to harbor freight and buy something made in Taiwan that is better quality than go to sears and pay more for an inferior tool made in china. Yes sadly it has come to that.
With that said I prefer american made SK tools - not Snap-on prices but well made and made here. I also like to find Proto tools at swap meets and online - Snapon quality and usually more reasonable 2nd hand and will last forever. I consider GearWrench a cut above most consumer grade tools also. GearWrench is imported but great quality and a good value.
Some people will go on about warranties and how easy it is to warranty one brand vs. another - but MOST tools out there are made well enough that when used properly will never break unless you're really buying cheap, and the cost to replace the one or two tools actually broken over many years of use is negligible. If you are a professional buying professional tools like Snap-on, Mac, Proto, Cornwell, Matco etc. the tool truck service and tool quality is worth it. If you're a home guy rebuilding a model A and doing the occasional brake job and oil change on your daily driver the consumer tools will work fine.