Who makes good quality tools these days.

[camov8]

Gday all,

The old man and i are looking at starting fresh (all our tools got ****ed up in the bushfires) and going halvsies in a new tool set, think a big chest one on wheels with all the shit in it. Whats a good quality brand these days that will last forever.

Cheers

[RICECOOKER]

snap on are great with a lifetime warranty

[PDFAST]

snap on are great with a lifetime warranty

if you have heaps a $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :1peek:

[scott w]

spanners i would go for snap on (bit pricey)or sidchcrome , bahco make great shifters as for a tool box i have a toolchrome series 2 with roller draws and its not bad dont buy cheap rubbish

[bigdogdazza]

Seriously have a bit of a shop around as there are many variables like 1. are they going to be used everyday
2. What sort of cash are you willing to spend
3. Are you after lifetime warrantys
etc. The money you pay for snap on is premo is it worth it?
I bought me a sidchrome roller chest etc and sits in the bloody garage un used 98% of the year. Yeh its nice, Yeh got the roller draws, Yeh will last forever, BUT if I were to do it again I would opt for cheaper stuff and spend the extra on something I use everyday ie forced induction!
I have found that lifetime warrantys are great if you DONT
1. Lend your tools to mates who dont return
2. Move house etc and lose stuff along the way
etc I dont know how many times I have replaced stuff but do know that it was definitely not due to breakages only lost stolen etc.

[camov8]

yer cheers, sidchrome is what dad had from 20 years ago, jsut wasn't sure if they were still good, kinchrome any good?

Wont be used every day, just for working on cars, motorbikes, tractors etc when they break or i want to tinker, so just weekender kinda thing, what i dont want shit ratchets that will jump and carry on or shifters with slop everywhere and spanners that are looose etc

Cheers

[gasguz]

snap on are great with a lifetime warranty

I agree totally, they are more than up to the job. If it breaks it will be replaced for life.

if you have heaps a $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :1peek:

I also totally agree, but you get what you pay for, once purchased it will outlive you.

But there are other decent brands out there that dont have the same brand impact as Snapon but perform the task just as good.

Cheers

[MJR-57T]

your probably going to laugh at me here but supercheaps Super Works Gold.

There's no comparison between them and the super works standard tools.

They're in the lockup display case and have a lifetime warrenty

This is from another forum where a guy asked about the SWG range

Chinese I'd say for sure. Carp - I'm not so sure... The "SuperWorks Gold" tools are definitely a cut above the standard "SuperWorks" range, and miles above the "Best Buy" range (which seem to be made from forged sweepings off the factory floor). As you have said, the SWG tools have a lifetime warranty, and because SuperCheap are the only retailer selling them, you apparently don't even have to come up with the docket if you break one in ten years time. They are made for SuperCheap by one of the big guys (someone like Sidchrome) but I just can't remember which one. The Repco in-house range of tools are made by Sidchrome, but they hardly seem to go on sale (except for lately...)

[W427GOT1]

Snap on gear...
and if you get a good sales man they will look after you warrenty etc sending tools in the mai etc..

ive been with the same salesman for over 15 years...
i still buy tool from him even though in not in his area any more..

all my snapon gear is used every day good stuff..

but i will say like most professional stuff..
if u buy a tool that you only use rarely but gotta have..
buy a sidcrome or a cheaper tool..
not worth having top gear if it not used very often..

and remember no matter how much it costs...they can be stolen or lost the all the same..
look after them...

only saying this cos im a plant mechanic so been on the tools for over 20years..
smiles..

[bigdogdazza]

your probably going to laugh at me here but supercheaps Super Works Gold.

There's no comparison between them and the super works standard tools.

They're in the lockup display case and have a lifetime warrenty

This is from another forum where a guy asked about the SWG range

HaHa No just stirring I have one of them sets and for the price you pay its good value! I have had cheaper sets and split sockets or broken ratchets and lost 1/8th off my bloody knuckes but these will do the job just fine and dont cost your first born child to buy!:rofl::cheers:

[bush_basha]

i went into total tools a few weeks back to have a look, they look pretty much just like sidchrome, packaging and everything, they feel good in the hand, and there half the price of sidchrome. and it also comes with the lifetime warranty.

[camov8]

i went into total tools a few weeks back to have a look, they look pretty much just like sidchrome, packaging and everything, they feel good in the hand, and there half the price of sidchrome. and it also comes with the lifetime warranty.

which ones this mate?

[TommyVTss]

i have K.C great and tough not to dear,

tom

[bush_basha]

http://www.totaltools.com.au/

[SirNemesis]

I've broken a few Snap-on tools now, so I won't be buying any more. Granted they have lifetime warranty, but it is a pain in the ass when tools break mid job.

Bahco and Minimax for me!

[camov8]

ah ok get you now mate, you mean their own brand, TTI??

[bush_basha]

yeh sorry thats what i mean TTI

[RRossi]

snap on are great with a lifetime warranty

Life time warranty?? LMAO thats not what all my customers say!


I love SNAP-ON but would nt buy it because of that.



If you need anyadvice on Air Tools PM me


RR

[MJR-57T]

Ive got a small 1/4" Bacho socket set that stays in the car.
I love it, feels good in the hand.

Dad went out and bought the 2 larger sets that have 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2.
All up cost $60 and $70 for the 2 from bunnings.
Once again feel good and strong.

I had a set of the kincrome ratchet spanners with the swivel head.
They were pretty pricey but worth their weight in gold when it come to fiddley engine bits.
That is untill the toolbox got stolen from the back of dads ute GRRrrrrr

[camov8]

Dad went out and bought the 2 larger sets that have 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2.
All up cost $60 and $70 for the 2 from bunnings.
Once again feel good and strong.


**** me dead, 35 bucks for a socket set, you sure lol??

Thanks RR, might do that down the track mate, will need all that stuff one day

Cheers

[bigdogdazza]

Ive got a small 1/4" Bacho socket set that stays in the car.
I love it, feels good in the hand.

Dad went out and bought the 2 larger sets that have 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2.
All up cost $60 and $70 for the 2 from bunnings.
Once again feel good and strong.

I had a set of the kincrome ratchet spanners with the swivel head.
They were pretty pricey but worth their weight in gold when it come to fiddley engine bits.
That is untill the toolbox got stolen from the back of dads ute GRRrrrrr

Thats part of the whole dilema they will last a lifetime but honestly what really does these days with shit getting stolen, lost, lent but not returned, even your dog dies or runs away and the missus......GONE! ARGGGH life sux.

[RRossi]

your probably going to laugh at me here but supercheaps Super Works Gold.

There's no comparison between them and the super works standard tools.

They're in the lockup display case and have a lifetime warrenty

This is from another forum where a guy asked about the SWG range

SWG is rebranded Sidchorme and that is a Fact!

If I had my time Again I could of bought the whole range of SWG for the same price of my Snap-on Flank Drives! lol


RR

[pagey]

For mine, the best tools I have worked with and owned are Stahlwille. By far.

German made - quite expensive - but outstanding.

I was lucky enough to have a set handed down from Gramps and added seom new ones, and you just wouldn't believe how thin amd light they re in comparison to others, Some of mine would be ~ 50yrs+ and look as new.

Some links here (http://www.stahlwille.com/)and here (http://www.aerotech.com.au/stahl.html).

In saying that, I also have a small Kinchrome socket set which performs admirably, especially considering the price.
If you are buying for life - buy the best you can afford (plus some) :)

[ASSASIN]

Life time warranty?? LMAO thats not what all my customers say!


I love SNAP-ON but would nt buy it because of that.



If you need anyadvice on Air Tools PM me


RR

Ive probably got over 20k worth of snap on and they only things ive ever broken are the screwdrivers and prybars, and an 8mm deep socket. I was using these tools in the incorrect way and thats what broke them.

They were replaced with no questions asked on the day.

For me its Snap-On but if you want some good tools at a good price the Blue point series arent to bad and another good one is SP tools

Also there is alot more to the tools than who is making it for who. That doesnt mean shit. Its mainly about the quality of the steel being used that determins the tool not just because they use someone elses forging tools

[SirNemesis]

and an 8mm deep socket

I've broken 3 of these! Must be snap-on's worst item :rofl:

[RRossi]

Ive probably got over 20k worth of snap on and they only things ive ever broken are the screwdrivers and prybars, and an 8mm deep socket. I was using these tools in the incorrect way and thats what broke them.

They were replaced with no questions asked on the day.

For me its Snap-On but if you want some good tools at a good price the Blue point series arent to bad and another good one is SP tools

And thats the way it was when I started buying my Snap-on tools I have about 10ks worth , I have only ever snaped a phlips driver tip and it was replaced, but from what I hear Snap-on have changed there structure and its not as easy as it once was to get tools repaired and fixed and repalced. its not from one or two people saying this, its been from lots of diffrent bussiness and diffrent people but all saying the same thing?

On another note if you are not in a trade using tools all day everyday then your Kingchorme/Sidchorme/SWG are more than ample, their are alot better than that cheap drop forged crap you see in

your mates tool shed.



RR

[camov8]

yer cheers it looks like a kingchrome/sidchrome or superworks gold should be the go, ill just sus prices and stuff and see what suits our needs. whos cheapest for tools in melbourne

cheers

[seedyrom]

your probably going to laugh at me here but supercheaps Super Works Gold.
Agreed. They put my engine together. And no, they're not that cheap either.

SWG is rebranded Sidchorme and that is a Fact!
Well that must explain why they have copped the absolute flogging I give them and haven't even dropped a fleck of chrome yet.
Am totally blown away. I wince when I'm loosening some bolts, but they've never slipped :goodjob:

I loved what bigdogdazza said. Lifetime warranty (even though SWG has it), doesn't mean jack if you never claim. I have been wanting to do a full snap-on solution for the garage, but I would never use it enough to justify. If you were a mechanic however, it'd probably pay for itself in the first year.

I've kitted my toolset out with the SuperCheap Works Gold, and the Repco premium stuff. Lifetime warranty, but I haven't seen any need for it to be implemented yet. :)

I was lucky enough to have a set handed down from Gramps and added seom new ones, and you just wouldn't believe how thin amd light they re in comparison to others, Some of mine would be ~ 50yrs+ and look as new.
Size (or lack thereof) can be very important.
I bought a nice set of Stanley spanners. I don't remove them from the chest except when absolutely needed, and those times are when a narrow ring spanner is needed.
So many spanners these days get strength from just having a big, wide grip face.
The stanley spanners are extremely narrow, and can get into strange nooks when needed.

[pagey]

.


Well that must explain why they have copped the absolute flogging I give them and haven't even dropped a fleck of chrome yet.



The range of HPQ spline wrenches is designed for jet turbine ‘hot’ section work, while Stahlwille’s advanced nickel and chrome plating will not flake, even when the tool is twisted 3 complete rotations on a lathe.

.
Size (or lack thereof) can be very important.
I bought a nice set of Stanley spanners. I don't remove them from the chest except when absolutely needed, and those times are when a narrow ring spanner is needed.
So many spanners these days get strength from just having a big, wide grip face.



HPQ stands for High Performance Quality and the tools in this range are crafted of select tough steel alloys that are cadmium free, thus suitable for use on titanium alloy parts and fasteners. This special material is designed for use in the ‘hot’ section disassembly and reassembly of jet turbine engines and all Stahlwille HPQ tools meet and exceed every aviation specification for durability and accuracy. Extreme strength combined with special forging techniques result in a lighter tool with a higher load capacity.

If you ever get to use them - you will just sake your head at the quailty. Good stuff - over the top for the everyday bloke no question - but we can dream :)


Also.. interesting to note:
Stahlwille is the only tool company in the world to build their torque wrenches from scratch, retaining complete control of all design, components and assembly, including calibration equipment.

still going strong after 140 odd years.

[VEJerry]

Agreed, Stahlwillie the the ducks nuts...after using their spanners everything else feels clumsy.

[ASSASIN]

Agreed, Stahlwillie the the ducks nuts...after using their spanners everything else feels clumsy.

I find the stahlwillie spanners to thin and if you really have to push on it its awkward and hurts.

[ASSASIN]

And thats the way it was when I started buying my Snap-on tools I have about 10ks worth , I have only ever snaped a phlips driver tip and it was replaced, but from what I hear Snap-on have changed there structure and its not as easy as it once was to get tools repaired and fixed and repalced. its not from one or two people saying this, its been from lots of diffrent bussiness and diffrent people but all saying the same thing?

On another note if you are not in a trade using tools all day everyday then your Kingchorme/Sidchorme/SWG are more than ample, their are alot better than that cheap drop forged crap you see in

your mates tool shed.



RR


I snapped my 8mm deep socket because i put an extension on it and then jammed it on an allen key to gain some extra leverage

SWG is rebranded Sidchorme and that is a Fact!

If I had my time Again I could of bought the whole range of SWG for the same price of my Snap-on Flank Drives! lol


RR

Personally i wouldnt touch any of the newer sidchrome stuff. The chrome is shit and the spanners are alot softer than they used to be. The ones that have Made in Australia on them are good quality tools for sure. But they are owened by stanley and made in china now with lesser quality steel. I have busted about 3 of there rachets and thats without putting a bar on them. I got warranty each time so i have no gripe there. I have had some pretty big pipes on my snap-on stuff and it has never worried it.

[pagey]

I find the stahlwillie spanners to thin and if you really have to push on it its awkward and hurts.

Yep.. I know what you are saying - though I'd rather have my hand give before the spanner :D

[ASSASIN]

Yep.. I know what you are saying - though I'd rather have my hand give before the spanner :D

Havent had a snap-on spanner fail on me yet and i quite often put another spanner on the end for extra leverage
How do you go about warranty for the stahwillie. All the kiwis over here tend to have it but ive never seen anyone selling it.
Thats probably the best thing about the snap on is he comes here once a week and if you get a good rep warranty is never an issue and you can ven pay off your tools if required

[MickmeMate]

I would have to say SnapOn are the best by far if your got the dough to spend. If your a bit strapped for cash Kingchrome or Sidchrome are very good to.As you mentioned you want a big tool chest Kingchrome have a massive chest with all the goodies you will ever need. Wouldnt have the foggiest on price but they will definalty last. They come with lifetime warrenty.

[pagey]

Havent had a snap-on spanner fail on me yet and i quite often put another spanner on the end for extra leverage
How do you go about warranty for the stahwillie. All the kiwis over here tend to have it but ive never seen anyone selling it.
Thats probably the best thing about the snap on is he comes here once a week and if you get a good rep warranty is never an issue and you can ven pay off your tools if required

No idea mate to be honest. Never had the need - but good question.

I would wager the house that there would be a pretty good after sales service.

No question that Snap On have a good product, after sales service and probably most of all marketing. I do cringe a little when I see people with Snap On stickers and mats etc.. lol. But, many people see it as the brand to have - so you can't argue with their success. And, unlike a lot of other well hyped gear - the actual product is pretty dam good too.

[MYTO8]

Ive had mainly Kinchrome for 15yrs with the odd snapon T&E stanley thrown in. Kinchome is good value tools and i have only broken one 17 open ender because i have 1.5m of exhaust tube for leverage. Snap on is IMHO over priced in comparison , some of there air tools are utter crap but they do have specialised tools that do the trick. I guess it comes down to budget and how many tools you want for your money

[H0LM3SY]

I find the stahlwillie spanners to thin and if you really have to push on it its awkward and hurts.

Uncle Chopper says "Harden the f*** up!! :rofl:

Sorry its been a long day, i've pulled my head in now :goodjob:

+1 for the Sidchrome/Kingchrome level tools for us weekend warriors.

[BIM-81]

I have heard SP Tools are very good. Good quality, Look like Snap-On and are cheaper.

[ASSASIN]

Uncle Chopper says "Harden the f*** up!! :rofl:

Sorry its been a long day, i've pulled my head in now :goodjob:

+1 for the Sidchrome/Kingchrome level tools for us weekend warriors.

When you have to use them for 13hours a day let me know if you will comprimise on comfort:goodjob:

[BLACKVE]

i have K.C great and tough not to dear,

tom


+1 not a well know brand but great quality and $$$$$ also use them at work(abused at a chemical plant) and no probs.

[H0LM3SY]

When you have to use them for 13hours a day let me know if you will comprimise on comfort:goodjob:

You are absolutely right...
I sincerely apologise, It was an open door, i couldn't help myself :hide:

[bonspeed]

You are absolutely right...
I sincerely apologise, It was an open door, i couldn't help myself :hide:

I would have to say SnapOn are the best by far if your got the dough to spend. If your a bit strapped for cash Kingchrome or Sidchrome are very good to.As you mentioned you want a big tool chest Kingchrome have a massive chest with all the goodies you will ever need. Wouldnt have the foggiest on price but they will definalty last. They come with lifetime warrenty.

Another one for snap on, nothing compares.

[pagey]

Another one for snap on, nothing compares.

No probs you liking snap on.. but the nothing compares is a little rich.

[Brendan]

I have a lot of SnapOn for work but wouldn't go to the expense for home.

Kincrome or the like is plenty for weekend warrior on the car.

[RRossi]

Like I said :


For the weekend warrior Snap-on is a joke, for a trade's person its your job/Income, you need to invest in the best you can afford in an effort to minamize down time of not having the right tools for the job if a tool is damaged,Example:

I bought a Level on the weekend to hang a new cloths dryer, so I whent to bunnings and got a $40 Level that did the job, some one who layes bricks for a living would laugh at me when they go out and spend $300 on a level,

One is to hang a dryer as straight as possible the other is to make sure a 30 meter x 2.8 long wall is not on the piss.

Horses for courses

To the original poster Go the SWG if your using them for private duties.

RR

[camov8]

Cheers guys, anyone know the round abouts price for a SWG tool chest full of stuff, the trolley one with chest on top, i had a stanley one like that, 1 month old (parents bought it for me for graduation present) and it got ****ed up bad. Wait a minute heres a photo, thats dads wr250f in there, aswell as a dinosaur like MMA and newish MIG welder. **** **** ****!

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t96/s3080722/IMG_0253.jpg

and my beloved wr450f, another thing i have to replace :(

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t96/s3080722/IMG_0279.jpg

[davus]

camov8, I too lost 90% of all my tools in the bushfires.

I had a full Kincrome setup, and I have bought all Kincrome again. Spanners, ratchet spanners, socket sets, screwdrivers, tool chests etc. I stand by them without a doubt. I am granted only a weekend warrior, but my battles include home extensions, engine rebuilds, general construction, steel work etc. I really do put them through their paces...and with a lifetime warranty, you cant go wrong. Ive never had one of them let me down.

And to boot, ive built up a good relationship with a very reputable authorised kincrome stockist, who gives me killer prices because ive bought so much stuff through him, with replacing all my tools, as well as all my mums.

If you have a list of stuff you want (and decide to go for kincrome), let me know and ill get some great prices for you.

Dave

[camov8]

sending you a PM Dave,

Cheers

[Torxteer]

A lot of people say lifetime warranty for Snapon. Almost all the big brands have lifetime warranty now so it doesnt matter. Snapon is rediculously overpriced and the tools do break just as the others. They are good tools but not for the money.

At work I have a combination of Repco, Sidchrome, SP, Bluepoint and some cheaper stuff for not used often things. They all do the job.

[BigAl83]

Got about 4g of kincrome stuff here and it does the job and isn't overpriced, http://www.transquip.com.au/welcome.aspx is a pretty good place to buy online. Work as a panel beater and half the boys run kincrome daily and haven't had any major problems that I'm aware of.

[VZ_V8]

all of my toolbox is kincrome. Same with my old mans. Havent had any issues yet. Good quality stuff and it has taken a bit of a hiding. I work at bunnings :hide: so i order it in and pay cost+GST.

Also managed to pick up a Makita 14.4v MXT Cordless drill. Brand new, two 2.0Ah batteries, charger, case etc for $229 last week. :cool: working at bunnings has benefits.

[lowhsv]

i bought a teng tool chest very good gear and i optioned it right up to, just gotta make some of those back yarders easy

[Brendan]

Wait a minute heres a photo

Still stunned at the devastation from those fires.

One of the guys at work was describing the fire at his in-laws farm and it was incredible.

Glad you're still here to ask about your tools.

[ASSASIN]

A lot of people say lifetime warranty for Snapon. Almost all the big brands have lifetime warranty now so it doesnt matter. Snapon is rediculously overpriced and the tools do break just as the others. They are good tools but not for the money.

At work I have a combination of Repco, Sidchrome, SP, Bluepoint and some cheaper stuff for not used often things. They all do the job.

Ill tell you right now its 400 times easier to get warranty on Snap-On than it is on the other makes.

I have tried claiming on all the general tools and unless you have a recipt and are taking it back to the shop you brought it from you have buckleys

[Brendan]

I have tried claiming on all the general tools and unless you have a recipt and are taking it back to the shop you brought it from you have buckleys

A lot of general brand "lifetime" warrantys are for the life of the tool, not the owner

[davus]

I have never had any kincrome fail on me, but my brother has. A ratchet of his went belly up (mind you he was hanging off a 1inch nut with a massive pipe).

He went straight to kincrome and the swapped it for him no problems.

[CarCareProducts]

I have heard SP Tools are very good. Good quality, Look like Snap-On and are cheaper.

My tools are SP and I can't fault them. The right price but not lacking quality:
http://www.austechindustries.com.au/

[MJR-57T]

**** me dead, 35 bucks for a socket set, you sure lol??

Thanks RR, might do that down the track mate, will need all that stuff one day

Cheers

Na mate, $60 for one $70 for the other $130 all up.
Maybe i should have been more clear

[dainese]

as an ex mechanic i had a variety.

snap on ratchets and long double ring spanners, ratcheting screwdriver (no one makes them like this)
craftsman spanners
T&E sockets, pry bars
kincrome ratchets
shimano air tools

as mentioned buy something suitable and in your range.