I had quite the collection of tools that got wiped out by Ike, and I've decided to buy the best as a replacement. For hand tools, I've always considered Craftsman the best, but after cleaning rust off of different brands of hand tools, Craftsman actually held up the worst. All of my Craftsman tools are now a corroded-looking mess compared to some of the off-brands I had in my collection, so I'm thinking of buying a different line. Also, I was considering replacing my power tools with all DeWalt tools, but I'm reading mixed reviews on their longevity. Although I did have some DeWalt stuff and loved it, if there's something better out there, I'm willing to go that route. So what do you guys use and recommend? If you could buy any line, what would you get?
The old craftsman tools used to be made by stanley but are now outsourced to china. Husky tools from HD are made by stanley. I would go with them since you can return them for replacement at any HD. I know some people that swear by snap-on but they are crazy expensive and replacements aren't as easy as going into a home depot. In regards to power tools, it depends on the tool. I think Milwaukee makes the best reciprocating saw. Skil worm-drive saws are the best circular saws. All the higher end 18v cordless drills are good. I like the Milwaukee corded drills.
Dewalt, Milwaukee, Hatachi, and top of the line Bosch all make fine power tools. That said, I found black and decker firestorm adequate for some of the cordless tools I'd rarely use that I didn't want to spend a fortune on. I think Mac is top of the line in the handheld area, but you know your craftsman stuff probably has a lifetime warranty right?
Hand tools: I'm impressed with Kobalt. Haven't had any of their tools break on me yet. Power tools: If money is not an issue, Dewalt or Mikita. If money is an issue, Black & Decker (I personally have had great luck with their products, although most professionals hate them).
Honestly, I don't trust their strength or I would go that way. Nothing worse than a screwdriver tip getting dull on one screw.
The best hand tools are Snap-on and or Proto bar none. Craftsman are crap. Of course for what most of us use them for, Craftsman are just fine and will last a life time. (Hell, I have them) Just a single Snap-On 1/2 in ratchet costs as much as a some entire Craftsman sets.
I was just messing with ya. I do believe that you get what you pay for, but Snap-on are over$priced. I will be doing some home improvements in the next year, so I may be hanging around this thread. Good luck
I've read that Snap-on are the best for socket sets. Where can I get Proto? That's by Stanley- can I buy them at Home Depot? Side note- I found that Stanley has a lifetime warranty even better than Craftsman. I had one of their fatmax tape measures that the tip broke off of, and I took it to Home Depot and they just told me to go get another one. You can't do that with Craftsman tape measures anymore.
My dad has a cordless drill from Makita that might possibly be as old as I am. He's had it for as long as I can actively remember (at least 1986).
I have been a craftsman guy forever, but I really don't get hung up on brand. Dewalt and Milwaukee are damn good tools. EDIT: Isn't that craftsman stuff covered under a lifetime warranty?
I haven't tried to get them replaced yet, but I've read some horror stories online about people trying to return rusted tools. On the other hand, I cleaned the rust off, they just look corroded as hell now. I will give it a shot, but I'm not optimistic about my chances.
[TeamFattyFatBastardHatOn] YEAH! [/TeamFattyFatBastardHatOff] I like Craftsman. One thing that is weird is that I don't have Craftsman as the engine on my lawnmower. It's Honda. Quiet as heck. Or maybe Craftsman just makes the body? Shoot, I don't know.
I'm just getting into woodworking - I'm decently handy and can certainly follow directions, etc. So I plan to follow instructional booklets and DVDs for the basics and would really love to start making some craftsman style furniture. I also want to build a shed for my backyard. Would anyone recommend partially used tools? And if so, where to purchase? Also, what would you recommend as the top 10 or 20 tools to have to accomplish the above? I don't want to go out and buy a complete, seasoned set of tools as if I was Norm Abrams, just the necessary and basic tools. I'm thinking Circular Saw, Jigsaw, Table Saw, Miter Saw, Router, Sander, Power Drills, and the obvious accessory tools (chisels, bevels, knifes, screwdrivers, etc.). Thoughts?
I just bought this hammer for $12.74. I will be needing to do some hammering in the next year and this looked like a good deal.
