Tools

[ditchdr]

I have a ton of tools. Most of the stuff I use on a regular basis ( see 52in top and bottom tool box) is Matco and Snap-on. But then again I was doing ot for a living. I did not have the luxury of of a tool breaking.. I do have a LOT of Craftsman tools also.. They work just as well. As for good quality tools look at SK tools. You can get them at Nothern Tool. and at a great price.. Biggest thing to remember, that 5 dollar ratchet you bought will strip the teeth out right when you hand is next ot a sharp object.. if your only working on your bike you dont need 1/2 in drive stuff.. get a get metric set first.. American sizes are a thing of the past. Even new "American Made" Harleys use metric fastenrs..

 

[TXBusa05LE]

Kobalt...

 

[TXBusa05LE]

Kobalt...

 

[ks-waterbug]

These are the Zippo lighters of tools (built to last)
Craftsman
Kobalt
SK
Proto
Gear Wrench
********
Snap-on
Mac
********
Need the Bic lighter of tools? (disposable)
********
HF
NothernTools (Store brand)
Dollar Store
Wal-mart
K-mart
Etc...

 

[UncleSteve]

I pick up tools all over, found a set of hexpro and put them under the seat. They range from 3mm to 10mm.

click - tools

I look for small compact tools to make up a road kit when traveling.
Slime makes a small air compressor $35 and a plug kit can be found for $5, Get the T handle type.
I have plugged many tires on the side of the road to get me home or to a shop.
On the busa the air compressor and plug kit fit under the passenger seat.

I agree with everyone about craftsman and have some. Lowes has a good line.
When I wrenched for a living many years ago, Snap on, Cornwell, Mac etc were the tools of choice.
If money was no object, Snap on.

Harbor Freight.... you have to careful there. I do get some things there. Mainly tools I only use once in awhile or when high quality is not needed.
It is what it is... I have had good luck with there products, just have to understand if it breaks, throw it away.

 

[Aceshigh]

Harbor Freight has some great deals, Rusty.

For the basic stuff, I agree, I love Harbor Freight.

For all my serious power tools I buy Dewalt only (milwaukee is good too)
For mechanics tools , Kobalt (Lowes) because it's a subdivision of Snap On
that's still made in the USA for the most part.

 

[drfbusa]

Craftsman's warranty applies to handtools, excluding torque wrenches. I was pissed that day when they wouldnt exchange my broken one.

 

[bigmac0331]

Craftsman's warranty applies to handtools, excluding torque wrenches.  I was pissed that day when they wouldnt exchange my broken one.

I just heard that yesterday that they are no longer doing lifetime warranty on impact tools either. THATS CRAZY!!!

 

[Mrs.Rubber2Burn]

I saw the word "TOOL" in all caps and thought it was a thread about my boss......then I got in here and found out y'all were talking about actual work equipment...hee hee hee!

 

[Mr Bogus]

Craftsman's warranty applies to handtools, excluding torque wrenches. I was pissed that day when they wouldnt exchange my broken one.

I just heard that yesterday that they are no longer doing lifetime warranty on impact tools either. THATS CRAZY!!!

how do you break a torque wrench? My guess is using it for a breaker bar... not made for "loosening" stuff..

I have at least 8 torque wrenches (inch/foot/dial/click) that all have specific uses and have never damaged or broken one.. I consider them more an "instrument" like a dial indicator than a tool like a wrench and treat them pretty nicely. They have a range of use and I obey it pretty closely.. a 150ft pound wrench should probably only be used up to 75-80% capacity IMHO...

Maybe I am wrong but I hope our resident Matco man (BIKE DUDE) can comment on this part... I just hated hurting a $300 tool.. (bok bok bok)

Craftsman has not warranted non-chrome sockets for a long time... impact sockets are typically a "commercial" and if you take a "chrome" socket in that has been used on an impact, they will deny warranty..