Hand Tools

KGP

KGP

Legendary Member
Joined
31 October 2001
Messages
3,583
Location
St. Louis, MO
Decided to get some new tools for my birthday. Went to Sears and was dissapointed that more than half what I wanted was not in stock.:( Wanted some ideas for other sources.
Where do you buy?
Online sources?
Good value?

Don't really want cheapies, but don't want to pay for Snap-on either.

Options please.
 
Gene - if there is a Lowe's mega-hardweare store in your area, try them. They carry Cobalt, which in my opinion are on the same quality level of Craftsman and Snap-on.
 
mbartlett4 said:
Have you tried your local auto parts store? Of course this assumes you are refering to mechanics tools.
Click to expand...
Yes and yes. Selection sucks at the a-parts stores around my house. Guess I am looking for someone to tell me that xyz.com has Snap-on quality and selection at half the price. :D
 
AndyVecsey said:
Gene - if there is a Lowe's mega-hardweare store in your area, try them.
Click to expand...
Ahh, didn't think of Lowes (duh). Thanks Andy! Since it's my day, I think I'll head out there right now.:cool:

Edit: Just read Kobalt's web, and it says they are made by J WIlliams Co., a division of Snap-on.:cool:
 
Last edited:
Sorry, I've no idea about the tools...just wanted to wish you an HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
partytime.gif
party3.gif
party.gif
 
I'm surprised that Sears didn't have what you wanted.

I needed to buy a fairly simple tool (a 3/8" ratchet with a longer handle than the one I have) since getting back from the track this weekend. I found that the selection at my local Home Depot was surprisingly limited. Neither Sears nor Lowe's are particularly close to me (both 20+ minutes away). My local Ace Hardware was expensive and selection was limited. I went to Menard's (a Midwestern chain similar to Lowe's and Home Depot) and found exactly what I wanted, big selection and great prices. Too bad they don't have any stores in Missouri... yet.

I considered shopping by internet but I found the descriptions wanting - for example, lack of dimensions on the ratchet handles.
 
KGP said:
Decided to get some new tools for my birthday. Went to Sears and was dissapointed that more than half what I wanted was not in stock.:( Wanted some ideas for other sources.
Where do you buy?
Online sources?
Good value?

Don't really want cheapies, but don't want to pay for Snap-on either.

Options please.
Click to expand...

Happy B-Day KGP mine is the 23rd. You already know what I'm buying for My B-day.
I second Andy on the kobalt's. I have had good luck with them.
Len
 
Lowes report: They has a decent selection, but nothing like most Sears. Went ahead and grabbed some sockets I needed. What they were lacking was 6 point sockets in both 3/8 and 1/2" drive. Ran down to the Sears close to them and picked-up the rest of what I needed.:cool:

Thanks for the B-Day wishes guys. Kind of weird to have a b-day on 9/11. Never will forget what I was doing on that day in 02. Wife came in to wake me up (slepping in a bit late), and she said a plane had just hit the WTC tower. I jumped up and said "I had that very dream." Probably because CNN was on the TV while I was spleeping. Kinda weird.
 
Happy B-Day!!

Yes, I had forgotten, about 25 years ago. :)

BTW, at the risk of making light of the wrong subject, that day you'll never forget was in '01. ;)


I've bought a few Cobalt items but only in a pinch when I didn't have an option. And I too was disappointed that 6-pt sockets were not available.
 
I think the cobalt brand that Lowes carries or the brand that home depot carries is comparable with Craftsman. Most of my tools are Craftsman because the Sears down here has a great selection and it is very close to my home. I do own a lot of Snap on tools too. The Snap on tools are better but you pay for them and I've got 4 sons who like to use my tools...So for me the Craftsman is the best compromise
 
Craftmans used to be great stuffs. But during the past 10 years, the quality has gone down the toilet. I have a set of Craftmans and it has a few of the sockets peeling in the chrome plate. My finger was once cut by the plating. Also, two sockets cracked. I have them replaced under warranty. Are they now made in Taiwan or China?
Steve
 
KGP said:
Kind of weird to have a b-day on 9/11. Never will forget what I was doing on that day in 02. ... Kinda weird.
Click to expand...
I couldn't agree more .. it's my birthday today as well. It won't ever feel like a day to celebrate ever again. Mine was probably a little more unforgettable than yours though .. I turned 50 that day!
Best wishes for many more... and safe NSXing
 
I do almost all my tool shopping at Ace Hardware! Ace tools carry a lifetime guarantee and Ace has the ultra-cool “Gear Wrench”.

DanO
Hackney Ace Hardware :)
Dexter, Michigan
 

Similar threads

TANTO
ALUMINUM POLISHING DIY
Replies
5
Views
182
Honcho
Honcho
v-tecpwr
November 2024 Monthly Meet
Replies
0
Views
238
v-tecpwr
v-tecpwr
Prawnlol
Dream car became real this week. Totally starstruck
Replies
17
Views
651
TANTO
TANTO
D
Stock brake rotor replacement current choices?
Replies
8
Views
398
dwe8922
D
The Kid
Thoughts on the SOS Sport+ Valve-Delete Exhaust vs Valve-tronic Sport Exhaust
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
The Kid
The Kid
Back
Top