This has probably been discussed before but it seems to always be a question I have when looking at mechanics tools:
What is the real-life difference between premium and mid-level mechanics tools? Is there really any benefit to paying top-dollar for Armstrong, Williams, Snap-On, etc. versus more reasonably priced brands like GearWrench, Tekton, Stanley (Black-Chrome), etc.? Can anyone convince me that the 100 - 300% premium you pay for top-tier brands is cost effective? I know there are measurable differences in manufacturing and finishing quality, but is there a significant difference in performance between the two tiers? I’m curious what everyone thinks.
As my business life evolved, I got more into having a financial and hands-on interest in businesses that also grew both organically and by acquisition. What ultimately became a cabinet shop, a pipe/metal fabrication shop, a plumbing business a remodeling business with workout centers and construction equipment yards were not exactly the target for the Mechanic’s Truck brands like SnapOn, Matco etc. When they would come by – I did my best to discourage them – having little need for what they were selling and not wanting to encourage my troops to go into debt.
I can see the differences sometimes between such things as super smooth operating and long-lived premium ratchets and can see a reason to pay more for such. Hand-feel and plating quality of the high-polish premium brands may also be important to some users. Strong thin-walled sockets might be another reason to seek out certain brands for specific applications. I also notice that the style of deep sockets (are they broached along their full length?) may distinguish one brand from another. Auto and Airplane mechanics might weigh in differently than I do – but I’ve been happy with a combination of brands (Armstrong, Blackhawk, Bonney, Craftsman, Elora, Facom, Gearwrench, Hazet, Husky (pre Home Depot), KoKen, Martin, Proto, SK, Stahlwille, Wera, Williams, and Wright. I also know younger guys who say that HF’s Pittsburgh Pro line is worth a look.
From time to time I would pick up a few misc snap on, or mac tools. While the previous poster makes great points about guality of the high brands in terms of precision. If I were a DIYer or just starting out as a mechanic, I would certainly prefer quantity over quality. In my opinion there are specific areas of even professional trades that can easily get buy with HF brand power/mech tools. I myself have a mix of mid and low end stuff and it takes some abuse in a mixed professional/DIY life. Mostly ryobi, crescent…scattering of Milwaukee, makita, PC, chicago electric “non batt tools” some craftsman, bosch, etc.
is itannoying to have a cheapo break mid job, sure but at this point in life I have backups to my backup tools.
I know several folks that are DIYers that think they NEED Milwaukee brand stuff for there rare weeked projects, most the time it collects dust.
thats my 2cents
You amplified my thinking too. I’ve shield away from HF brands like Chicago Electric - even for home use - but if I knew it was likely to be for only a single use job - I might give them a try. Back to mechanic’s tools (I assume BrokenPineCarpentry was focused on sockets and wrenches) - my buying some of the brands from Europe (Elora, Hazet, Stahwhille) or Japan (KoKen) was not so much seeking out quality as it was looking for a size or configuration to fit a particular truck, piece of heavy equipment or auto.
My son is a professional Ford mechanic and he does get cought up in Matco and Snapon, but, he still uses HF impact sockets and has quite a bit of Craftsman wrenches and sockets. His reasoning for buying the tool truck stuff is “because it’s there” not necessarily because it’s that much better. I myself am a builder/carpenter and only have an occasional need for wrenching but I have a mixed bag of Craftsman, Husky and Kobalt and they meet my needs very well.
IMO - the tool truck business model was initially successful because they offered, convenience, had specialized tools not readily available at hardware stores, auto-parts stores, or Sears, promoted their tools as premium quality, did demos and face-to-face marketing (I think the sales-enthusiasm of the independent truck franchisees helped) and FINALLY THEY LET MECHANICS BUY ON CREDIT. I had a few young employees - having come over from the auto repair trade - who were already pretty deep in debt paying off their tools. They were shocked that our businesses provided all the tools they needed to get their jobs done - unless they absolutely needed (my tongue is way out in my cheek here) a titanium pry bar.
I think that Home Depot, Lowes and the Internet took some of the luster off the tool truck’s appeal - and competition from decent Asian brands has forced them to offer second-tier lines (like Blue Point) - but the marketing model apparently still works.