So need to stock the workshop with hand tools, my current set up of various makes/models/ bits missing is frustrating! Whilst I’d love to splash cash and fully kit it out with snap on tools I think like most things you’re probably paying extra for the name even if they are good tools.
So what other well built tool brands are out there? I know Halfords professional range gets a good rep but thought I’d ask opinions others, Teng, Mactools, etc etc
I’ve got Halfords advanced.
Lifetime guarantee where you just bring the broken one to Halfords and leave with a good one. Cheaper still with a trade card
Always one set on offer, wait for the one you want to be.
Don’t get ones with Imperial, they just take up space and you won’t use them (unless you work on really old British things).
If your wanting it to be organised and uniformed stick wih one brand as much as possible .
If using cabinets/tool chests look at modular kits ( halfords advanced are what lurk in my collection)
Snap-on stuff is very nice if you can afford it, but it’s designed to survive the rigours of being used day in & day out in professional garages & priced accordingly. For home maintenance, Halfords stuff is fine as too is Teng.
That said, I’ve recently discovered the joys of Wera stuff, particularly their Zyklop ratchets which are all kinds of practical, quality & all-round loveliness. A bit more expensive than Halfords/Teng, but nicer to use.
I’d also recommend getting a set of Vessel JIS screwdrivers. It’s so much nicer using a quality screwdriver made to fit the screws used on Japanese bikes than a Phillips which nearly fits properly.
For pliers & that type of thing, then Knipex stuff is the canine’s danglies…
Indeed, I usually use the screwdriver socket attachment then ratchet to nip up but this makes that much easier! Think I’m sold on them just trying to find a dealer that stocks the range
I’m sure your kids will be much happier to inherit a few well worn old tools that you owned, knowing that you used & treasured them, rather than something cold & impersonal such as hard cash left in a bank account!
He’ll do alright on the cash front anyway with my Death insurance/pension/house etc
The boy will get plenty of pleasure out of all the various projects we’ve got planned and have already started anyway, not to mention that me tinkering keeps me happy therefor I’m not grumpy around them….except for when it goes tits up
Will just have to keep the good tools locked away from him so he doesn’t misuse them!