Husky vs Kobalt vs Craftsman

I was looking for a workbench on CL and came across a lot of used Snap-On tools that quickly became "wants". 90% of my hand tools are Craftsman. My dad had 'em when I was a kid, I took after him when I bought my own. I have used their lifetime warranty a few times and that's what keeps me buying them.

Now, having read this thread, I'm thinking maybe try Kobalt next time I need a new tool? Will Home Depot swap out a Kobalt wrench like Sears does Craftsman? I like the Craftsman warranty, but the most recent torque wrench I bought from them had to be warrantied, and the replacement is now showing signs of needing replacement. It was used when I replaced leaf spring bushings...so not that heavily used.

 

if you haven't found a bench yet, Home Depot sells one for $75 that's really hard to beat...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Signature-Development-72-in-Fold-Out-Wood-Workbench-WKBNCH72X22/203083493

 

That is a pretty nice bench for the price. I was going to buy something like that a couple years back, but I ending up building one pretty similar to that using just 2x4 and nails/screws. Probably cost me about the same since I used birch for the top and lower shelf. Main reason I built instead of buying was so that I could make if the exact size to fit the area in my garage I needed it for. The HD one was a little too small. Plus I also wanted more of a ledge to mount my ski waxing stuff. It's also just fun to build stuff too If you care to see it, I can post a pic when I get home from work today

 

Nice! I haven't seen that one yet. Looks like I could reinforce it enough to put a bench vise for some medium duty use, too!

 

yeppers

that's my plan. eventually. so many times a vise would come in handy.

 

Didnt read all the posts, has anyone mentioned Dewalt? I have been really pleased with the Dewalt socket set i picked up a few years ago. Their stuff is solid, especially their carrying cases. Nothing moves out of place when transporting.

 

hell, let's just turn this into the home mechanic thread...

vises...for lighter use, are ones from Lowes and HD capable? Everyone always talks about Wilton and that's what I used at the shop...but I don't plan on ever needing 3' breaker bars, or more than a little love from a small hammer to break threads loose.

 

I grew up being loyal to Craftsman, too, but once they started making them all overseas I started buying Kobalt stuff -- still mostly imported, but they seemed to be decent quality and you can always get a great kit on sale. I've never been disappointed with any of their tools.

 

Measures 87"x28"x36"
I mounted a power strip on the front under the ledge to have access to more plugs as well

Kind of cluttered these days

 

They're not all made overseas.

But ok.

 

Westward

 

I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for with tools. I'm a HD mechanic I love my snap on and hate Mac mainly because our dealer is a creep, but I have a huge variety of tools. What's happening with the over seas tools and why everything is crap is because everything is being made with recycled steel. But I have a huge selection of wrenches and snap on compared to craftsman there is a huge difference but 10 snap on wrenches is $400 and 10 craftsman wrenches is $25. The way I see it I'm gonna take my hammer to the craftsman and take care of my snap on. I could go on for ever about tools.

 

You are a lot like me, I have all my stuff segregated and use tools depending on the task. And if for some reason I need to make a Bastard tool, I have no issue cutting up or welding on a cheap overseas Craftsman or Harbor Freight piece.

 

I also love me some Snap-On and Mac, but for the money, look at Wiha. Made in Germany. Their screwdrivers are great. I will admit I don't have any drive tools from them yet, but I will since I can order online and won't have to find a local truck.

 

Do you mean Wera ?

 

Wera and Wiha are both German tool makers. Got me some Wera screwdrivers. They're nice. Quite nice.

 

I was wondering because I've seen the Wera stuff at Lee Valley

 

Get a set of 1/2" harbor freight metric sockets, then buy a breaker bar with a ratchet from lowes, sears, or home depot. Also a set of ratcheting wrenches are nice too.

IMO you dont need anything fancy. I've been using the same old stuff for 6 years now.

 

I've also thought about getting a 3/8" ratchet from Snap-On since I use it the most. Or spring for a 1/2", too. Like @shakerhood and @nickj604 -- get the frequent use tools in high quality.

 

I used to be a diehard Craftsman hand tool guy but after breaking a number of newer and cheaper items I now prefer Husky.

I bought a large 200+ set from Home Depot and have been very happy with it. I've used the normal sockets with the impact gun and dropped them a number of times and no chipping or anything as of yet.