Automotive/equipment tool junkies

[HiredHand]

I am fortunate that I have a fair amount of good quality hand and pneumatic tools that I inherited from my father. Since he was an owner-operator, I’ve even got stuff that can go all the way from automobile to semi-truck.

Still there always seems to be a need for another tool for a specific task or to make a job easier. Been adding to the collection of tools and I’ve found some good creators like Project Farm, Torque Test and MrSubaru that give decent reviews and helpful tips for choosing new tools.

Who else is out there with helpful information on tools for automotive or equipment repair?

 

[jeepjackazz]

check out www.garagejournal.com, plenty of writeups and info on there

 

[adamsredlines]

Man Garage Journal is a good way to get tool-addicted...ask me how I know!

I had to leave

 

[jeepjackazz]

Man Garage Journal is a good way to get tool-addicted...ask me how I know!

I had to leave

don't be scared... its just money

 

[HoLeChit]

What do you want to know? I have a list of good brands to buy from, based on my experience as a heavy equipment mechanic. Lots of tools sold by the tool trucks are rebranded, and I did a lot of research on that stuff so that I could buy the best, with minimum expense.

What do you need tools for? What do you work on/use them for?

 

[Mr.Glock]

Tools are like Pussy, cannot get enough and you want to try em all when your young!

 

[HiredHand]

What do you want to know? I have a list of good brands to buy from, based on my experience as a heavy equipment mechanic. Lots of tools sold by the tool trucks are rebranded, and I did a lot of research on that stuff so that I could buy the best, with minimum expense.

What do you need tools for? What do you work on/use them for?

The amount of rebranding that’s done is interesting to me. I mostly work on my personal cars and trucks. I’ve worked on a few newer vehicles that I’ve found some of the older tools aren’t quite up to the task.

My current want is a set of 72-tooth ratcheting wrenches. The company that makes the Icon tools has a set on Amazon that’s really affordable.

I’ll probably get a Milwaukee impact before long, too. I picked up one of their battery ratchets and used it when I did some work on my BIL’s truck. The time it save loosening the valve cover bolts was awesome.

 

[Mr.Glock]

The amount of rebranding that’s done is interesting to me. I mostly work on my personal cars and trucks. I’ve worked on a few newer vehicles that I’ve found some of the older tools aren’t quite up to the task.

My current want is a set of 72-tooth ratcheting wrenches. The company that makes the Icon tools has a set on Amazon that’s really affordable.

I’ll probably get a Milwaukee impact before long, too. I picked up one of their battery ratchets and used it when I did some work on my BIL’s truck. The time it save loosening the valve cover bolts was awesome.

I have a couple friends own their own shops. They both will tell you they only use air nowadays to air tires and occasionally a blow grub, that’s it. Everything else electric, everything!

 

[HoLeChit]

The amount of rebranding that’s done is interesting to me. I mostly work on my personal cars and trucks. I’ve worked on a few newer vehicles that I’ve found some of the older tools aren’t quite up to the task.

My current want is a set of 72-tooth ratcheting wrenches. The company that makes the Icon tools has a set on Amazon that’s really affordable.

I’ll probably get a Milwaukee impact before long, too. I picked up one of their battery ratchets and used it when I did some work on my BIL’s truck. The time it save loosening the valve cover bolts was awesome.

Here’s my list of rebrands, tools I prefer/feel are necessary, etc.


Snap on ratchets are simply the best. You can get good deals on them at pawn shops if you look hard enough.

Gearwrench ratchets are decent, and are my go to if I need to buy something nice enough to use, but cheap enough to modify/loan out. Honestly, now that I don’t turn wrenches professionally, it would be hard to spend the extra on snap on if I didn’t already have all that I needed.
https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-8...DK/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=gearwrench&s=hi&sr=1-9
Gearwrench ratchet wrenches are a mixed bag. The open end/combo ones are kinda crappy, but I like the double box end. They really come in handy for some jobs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EP8A6Y...6FY3LO92&psc=0&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Bahco (crescents and PWZ universal pipe wrenches) rebranded by snap on.
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-1410-P...la-434236365981&ref=&adgrpid=76503872856&th=1
Williams (industrial snap on brand, I personally think their super combo wrenches are the best in the business and I have full+ sets of metric and standard, well used, will outlast my grandkids)
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-Sup...f12-8913-a35cc29165e9&pd_rd_i=B002FHTPQ6&th=1
OLD SK anything, I like their sockets and wrenches.
New SK sold out to Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial, a Chinese tool company under the authority of the Chinese Communist Party in July 2021.

Irwin (Tap and die sets) snap on rebrands them, so does Mac. They're good for the everyday guy, garbage for a machinist I'm sure.
https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Machin.../ref=sr_1_2?keywords=irwin+tap+and+die&sr=8-2
OTC Makes good specialty tools, like seal pullers and bearing installers. I only buy these as needed by the job though, you dont wanna get stuck with a bearing puller that you never use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EP8A6Y...6FY3LO92&psc=0&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Sioux (snap on rebrands them for their air tools)
Aircat, CP, and IR air tools are always good.
Florida pnuematic (napa and Matco rebrands their airtools)
For airtool like these, go to a pnuematic tool supplier, like The guys at 2800 W California Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107. I cant find them on google, but thats who went through buy stuff and get parts for rebuilds.
That's a big plus of pnuematics vs battery operated tools. You tend to have more power, and they're rebuildable/tunable/upgradeable.

Wera (best screwdrivers ever) Wiha Screwdrivers are pretty good too.
These are my favorite screwdrivers ever. Theyre actually made to be hit with a hammer and pry on things too, lol.
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-0513328...fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&th=1
Klien (good screwdrivers) and good cutters/pliers. Definitely not my top choice though.

Wright hand tools (esp wrenches)

Martin hand tools (esp wrenches) and body work tools
I find the best selection of these at J & E Supply & Fastener Co., Inc.
Ezred 3/4 and little 1/4 ratchets
https://www.amazon.com/Z-Red-Drive-...sr_1_3?keywords=ezred+ratchet+set&s=hi&sr=1-3
Sunex or GP for impact sockets.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-2569-M...words=sunex+1/2+impact+socket+set&s=hi&sr=1-2https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015PK6Q...V523ZTMQJ&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
East wing or Trusty-Cook dead blow hammers. A few companies rebrand these.
https://www.amazon.com/Trusty-Cook-..._1_10?keywords=estwing+dead+blow&s=hi&sr=1-10
Mayhew Pry Bars are rebranded by matco and the best in my opinion. Their punches and chisels are great too.
https://www.amazon.com/Mayhew-61366...f6-b591-5ab7095e137f&pd_rd_i=B006WZOJFE&psc=1
Snap on dead blow ball peens
This is not one, its a chinese knockoff. But its 20% of the price, so maybe worth a try.
https://www.amazon.com/XtremepowerU...B01AIKG51O/ref=psdc_553198_t4_B07X9V57VP?th=1
Wilton bash sledge hammers
https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-20816...ref=sr_1_5?keywords=wilton+sledge&s=hi&sr=1-5
Proto and Irwin extractors (snap on and mac rebrand them, Mac warranties Proto)
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Prot...f=sr_1_1?keywords=proto+extractor&s=hi&sr=1-1
Fluke multimeters and thermal cameras are the best, and in my opinion spending your money on anything else is just throwing your money away.
https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-ESFP-T...r_1_12?keywords=fluke+multimeter&s=hi&sr=1-12
Powerprobe gas torch
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Probe-...=sr_1_1?keywords=Powerprobe+torch&s=hi&sr=1-1
Powerprobe testers are amazing.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Probe-...mzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0
Knipex pliers, slip joint wrenches, and cutters. They’re the best. Once you use the cobra pliers you'll never use anything else.
https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-00-20-09-V02/dp/B006KRKD3G/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=knipex+set&s=hi&sr=1-2
Most of these items can be purchased on Amazon, obviously. But they can be found elsewhere. Locally I like Steve’s wholesale tools and Delco Diesel in the stockyards if I’m buying tools local.

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

Here’s my list of rebrands, tools I prefer/feel are necessary, etc.


Snap on ratchets are simply the best. You can get good deals on them at pawn shops if you look hard enough.

Gearwrench ratchets are decent, and are my go to if I need to buy something nice enough to use, but cheap enough to modify/loan out. Honestly, now that I don’t turn wrenches professionally, it would be hard to spend the extra on snap on if I didn’t already have all that I needed.
https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-8...DK/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=gearwrench&s=hi&sr=1-9
Gearwrench ratchet wrenches are a mixed bag. The open end/combo ones are kinda crappy, but I like the double box end. They really come in handy for some jobs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EP8A6Y...6FY3LO92&psc=0&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Bahco (crescents and PWZ universal pipe wrenches) rebranded by snap on.
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-1410-P...la-434236365981&ref=&adgrpid=76503872856&th=1
Williams (industrial snap on brand, I personally think their super combo wrenches are the best in the business and I have full+ sets of metric and standard, well used, will outlast my grandkids)
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-Sup...f12-8913-a35cc29165e9&pd_rd_i=B002FHTPQ6&th=1
OLD SK anything, I like their sockets and wrenches.
New SK sold out to Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial, a Chinese tool company under the authority of the Chinese Communist Party in July 2021.

Irwin (Tap and die sets) snap on rebrands them, so does Mac. They're good for the everyday guy, garbage for a machinist I'm sure.
https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Machin.../ref=sr_1_2?keywords=irwin+tap+and+die&sr=8-2
OTC Makes good specialty tools, like seal pullers and bearing installers. I only buy these as needed by the job though, you dont wanna get stuck with a bearing puller that you never use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EP8A6Y...6FY3LO92&psc=0&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Sioux (snap on rebrands them for their air tools)
Aircat, CP, and IR air tools are always good.
Florida pnuematic (napa and Matco rebrands their airtools)
For airtool like these, go to a pnuematic tool supplier, like The guys at 2800 W California Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107. I cant find them on google, but thats who went through buy stuff and get parts for rebuilds.
That's a big plus of pnuematics vs battery operated tools. You tend to have more power, and they're rebuildable/tunable/upgradeable.

Wera (best screwdrivers ever) Wiha Screwdrivers are pretty good too.
These are my favorite screwdrivers ever. Theyre actually made to be hit with a hammer and pry on things too, lol.
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-0513328...fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&th=1
Klien (good screwdrivers) and good cutters/pliers. Definitely not my top choice though.

Wright hand tools (esp wrenches)

Martin hand tools (esp wrenches) and body work tools
I find the best selection of these at J & E Supply & Fastener Co., Inc.
Ezred 3/4 and little 1/4 ratchets
https://www.amazon.com/Z-Red-Drive-...sr_1_3?keywords=ezred+ratchet+set&s=hi&sr=1-3
Sunex or GP for impact sockets.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-2569-M...words=sunex+1/2+impact+socket+set&s=hi&sr=1-2https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015PK6Q...V523ZTMQJ&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
East wing or Trusty-Cook dead blow hammers. A few companies rebrand these.
https://www.amazon.com/Trusty-Cook-..._1_10?keywords=estwing+dead+blow&s=hi&sr=1-10
Mayhew Pry Bars are rebranded by matco and the best in my opinion. Their punches and chisels are great too.
https://www.amazon.com/Mayhew-61366...f6-b591-5ab7095e137f&pd_rd_i=B006WZOJFE&psc=1
Snap on dead blow ball peens
This is not one, its a chinese knockoff. But its 20% of the price, so maybe worth a try.
https://www.amazon.com/XtremepowerU...B01AIKG51O/ref=psdc_553198_t4_B07X9V57VP?th=1
Wilton bash sledge hammers
https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-20816...ref=sr_1_5?keywords=wilton+sledge&s=hi&sr=1-5
Proto and Irwin extractors (snap on and mac rebrand them, Mac warranties Proto)
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Prot...f=sr_1_1?keywords=proto+extractor&s=hi&sr=1-1
Fluke multimeters and thermal cameras are the best, and in my opinion spending your money on anything else is just throwing your money away.
https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-ESFP-T...r_1_12?keywords=fluke+multimeter&s=hi&sr=1-12
Powerprobe gas torch
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Probe-...=sr_1_1?keywords=Powerprobe+torch&s=hi&sr=1-1
Powerprobe testers are amazing.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Probe-...mzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0
Knipex pliers, slip joint wrenches, and cutters. They’re the best. Once you use the cobra pliers you'll never use anything else.
https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-00-20-09-V02/dp/B006KRKD3G/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=knipex+set&s=hi&sr=1-2
Most of these items can be purchased on Amazon, obviously. But they can be found elsewhere. Locally I like Steve’s wholesale tools and Delco Diesel in the stockyards if I’m buying tools local.

So you found the tools that snap on and Matco rebrands. Saved a few bucks.

What happens when they break though? When it says Snap-On on it you can get replaced for free or sent off for repair and the repair bill is pretty affordable.