Not Harbor Freight tools thread

Yea. It will take time to undo the damage Sears did. But actually Lowe’s doesn’t own Craftsman, but they do have a somewhat exclusive agreement for Craftsman.

 

Oh I thought they bought them.

 

Proto, Klein, Westward and Blackhawk(rebranded proto) are what fill my tool box mostly.

 

Yeah I heard channel locks’ quality has gone down

 

Nope. The company that owns Dewalt and about 15 other major tools brands bought them.

 

How believable are the opinions expressed here? I’ve been a mechanic since 1978, first in the military so I’ve seen some. Military bought Williams, Blackhawk other US brands but we had too much theft. All the American stuff made through 50s through 70s was decent enough. I like Snap-On and the premium tools because I’m lazy and he comes to our workplace, never an argument once it’s yours. I bought most of it used for less than 50% of book price. Dealer always allowed 50% of book for whatever I wanted to sell him and he still makes money. How’s that for mark up. So much of what I got used went back at 50% towards whatever I wanted and that’s how I did it. I took years but was cheaper. I liked craftsman tools because they are almost free and well made if you go back about 30 years. You wanna have fun ck this out

www.collectingsnapon.com
www.alloy-artifacts.com

 

Damn that's crazy.

 

X2 on the Knipex

 

Are you using my tools?

 

Stanley owns craftsman.
And proto
And Blackhawk
And Mac tools.
Etc

 

Based on what I know of other competing brands, I'm guessimating that the markup on Snap-On is roughly 7-8x cost. They could discount it about 75-85% and still not lose money.

 

And...

Dewalt
Porter Cable
Irwin
Lenox
Bostitch
Black and Decker
Stanley (obviously)
Vidmar
Lista

Between SBD and TTi, those two companies pretty much own most of the US power tool market

 

Do you think it matters to who owns each brand? Like do they really change/influence each brand that much?

 

Danaher tools is a big one too.

 

I have some of that stuff from snap-on and the other brands from wayyyyyy back when. It's nice stuff for sure. I have an appreciation for that stuff. I really like the nostalgia of old things.

 

I have a couple of pairs of old Kleins from my father, too. Can't be beat. Proto is up there, too- best locking pliers. I have some Snap-On that I've acquired, but would never buy. Seem way too expensive for what they are, and I don't know enough about their sales model to make an informed opinion.

Power tools? The cheapest circular saw I could find (skill) when I bought my first house is still going. I have a Sawzall from the 70's that is just indestructible. I like my Milwaukee cordless tools, too, but at this point I just feel tied to the platform and don't consider them superior to the major competitors.

 

I can tel you for a fact my proto wrench’s are identical minus the textured finish to my buddies max wrenches. But for a much cheaper price

 

2 different brands owned by the same company?

 

Hands down my favorite tool to use is my pneumatic air hammer. ive got really long chisels that you can put on the shoulder of a rounded off fastener and get it moving.

When guys are trying to grab a rounded off nut with some kind of stud remover or extractor tool, i start thinking about a way to get my air hammer on it. Through the wheel well, from 2.5 ft away, etc

 

Yes there is plenty of examples in all types of industries with that.
Some of the brands have lost Pro version, like the only real pro version for a complete collection of batt. tool is Hilti. Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, etc have turned more into prosumer/HD weekend warrior type from what they were. I have an old Black and Decker metal case drill from i believe the 60s it runs circles around the new DeWalt plug in stuff and the new Black and decker stuff I wouldn't touch with a 10 ft pole.