What FORGED wrenches do you guys buy?

[Kestrel]

What wrenches or sockets/ratchets do you guys buy? I don't often need one on a gun, except for maybe buttstock nuts/bolts occasionally, but you definitely run into it sometimes.

I found out something surprising tonight. I was at Home Depot looking for some ratcheting wrenches. I noticed their wrenches and ratchets were made in Taiwan and were CAST. The guy in the department told me that the Husky brand and the Craftsmen brand were now cast and made in Taiwan (by the same company). They said they don't have forged ones anymore. ??? The guy said the change happened a couple of years ago.

What do you buy for forged, USA made tools now? Snap-On? Any others?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Zedicus]

Snap-On is the Best, Craftsman used to be good but have no idea if they are anymore

 

[Gordy Wesen]

SK

 

[Penforhire]

Proto for affordable quality. Craftsman for lifetime replacement (of the tool, not the busted knuckle).

 

[slh02]

I work in the Hardware department at Sears and I can tell you 100% that Craftsman's handtools (ratchets, sockets, wrenches, etc.) are still made in the USA (its stamped on all the tools). The power tools on the other hand, are made in other countries. I am also pretty sure that the handtools are all still forged (also stamped, iirc).

To answer your question, Snap-On is generally considered the best. The price of Snap-On tools do reflect this however. I have seen anywhere from 3x to 10x the price of similar Craftsman tools.

If you arent a mechanic, and the tools are not going to be heavily used and abused, I would advise to go with Craftsman. They are priced competitively, they are of good quality and if they break just take them right back to Sears and exchange them out.

Hope that helps...

 

[Third_Rail]

All Craftsman handtools are FORGED here in the US! Snap on sure is expensive, but they're the best. For a cheaper solution with the same warantee (lifetime) but a slightly less fit and finished tool, Craftsman is the way to go.

I also work at Sears in the hardware department, we always change Craftsman tools out no questions.

 

[cracked butt]

Absolutely nothing wrong with Craftsman tools. Snap-ons are very expensive but worth it if you use them ALOT especially the ratchets in tight areas. I used to work in a garage and could appreciate The higher quality of Snap-on tools, but I use craftsman tools at home- I don't work as a mechanic anymore, but won't waste my time or money on an inferior tool.

For electrical and air tools, I like Milwaukee- very solidly built and everything is heavy duty. While building a vacation house, we've bought a few DeWalt drivers which are probably just as good.

The guy in the department told me that the Husky brand and the Craftsmen brand were now cast and made in Taiwan (by the same company).

I think the guy was pulling your leg.

 

[Tag]

That is one thing that I appreciate the Craftsman warranty.

In the course of a job doing curb and sidewalk I had the chance to really beat on one of the 20 oz. framing hammers with the orange fiberglass handle. After almost a year of relentless abuse pounding in steaks and breaking rock the handle finally gave out. Sears didn't ask any questions and I got a new hammer on the spot.

A few months later the same thing happened and I got another free hammer.

I ended up getting an Estwing, which has lasted ever since.

Craftsman makes good stuff and has a no non-sense warranty, but there are better brands out there if you want to spend the money.

My dad just gave me a big socket set for my birthday made by Stanley, Made in the U.S.A, guaranteed for life...

 

[treeprof]

I stilll buy Craftsman and they still say "forged" right on them.

Good to see some Sears guys here - I once was a Dept. 9 employee myself (assuming it's still 9) many years ago. Just after Sears was getting out of selling guns, I believe, if that tells you anything abt how long ago it was. Always was common for competitors to say theirs were made by same Co. as Craftsman. Never saw any Husky sockets or wrenches, but we did get in a huge pile of screwdrivers in Stanley boxes one time. I used to stand in front of, and drool over, the big 1200+ pc set a lot. I think they put it under the big lexan shield mostly to keep us high school home mechanic-types from getting the tools wet and covered w/fingerprints.

 

[Tag]

we've bought a few DeWalt drivers which are probably just as good.

DeWalt makes excellent drivers and sanders, I've used one of their palm sanders daily for the last three years w/o any problems. Same for the screw guns.

 

[Kaylee]

closed. OT.