pretty much got me a small assortment of one way tools, they seem to be able to tear things apart pretty good they don't do very well at puttin' things back together, some day I'll pick up that half too.

I do have the torch. Haven't lit it in about a year. Didn't need to. But when I need it, nothing better.
I have a few more meters than most as well. Other meters and some tools I borrow from the college. I just brought my rotors in and turned them here at the college, and did some media blasting as well. I redid my brake lines on my Celebrity here on the lift. Being an auto instructor does have it's advantages. Before that I just did most of my work at the shop I worked at.
That's how I got away with the gravel driveway for the past 17 years. But the Vette doesn't go anywhere yet, so it's still the gravel.

Two of my favorite tools thus far (I've only been working on cars for about 2 years and usually need money for parts not tools, so the box of tools is limited). Ratcheting Box wrenches from Sears. Much more compact than a standard rachet and were a lifesaver replacing the driveshaft after redoing the rear main seal. The other is a piece of steel in a box shape about 1/2" across and about 3' long. Not sure what it was designed to do, but it had too many uses to be ignored!

Scot

I'm becoming a bigger fan of the Stanely Professional Grade tools. Their available online and at Walmart. There is a standard level as well which I steer clear of and go for the good stuff. I haven't had much luck with many of the craftsman tools lately. Their feel and quality doesn't feel like its there anymore. I have broke and worn out a couple of gears in the ratchets over the past couple of years and even though they replace them, its a pain because I have to drive 25 miles to get to a sears. Walmart is only 10 miles away and I have yet to return any Stanely.

I have their ratchet wrenches and agree those things are best invention since the Corvette .

http://www.stanleytools.com/

you for got vicegrips. a last resort when trying to remove those stubborn pars

I've always liked Craftsman tools 'cause I like the slightly rough surface of the handles. I've never liked Snap-On because when I'm working on my greasy old car(s) I find I can't hold on to them very well! I REALLY like Stanley hammers, screwdrivers, and tape measures but don't have any experience with their "mechanics" tools.

As for a torch, I would most likely end up cutting the frame of my car in half or some equally disastrous thing, rather than doing anything useful with one!

AzulVette said: I've always liked Craftsman tools 'cause I like the slightly rough surface of the handles. I've never liked Snap-On because when I'm working on my greasy old car(s) I find I can't hold on to them very well!

I have outfitted my garage almost exclusively craftsman..

when I do break something it is usually something i shouldnt have been doing (like using a 1/2" wrench with a 6 ft cheater bar) it is easy to return under their "buy abuse replace" policy. i like the feel of the wrenchs and their reversible ratchet wrenchs are great but pricey.

The craftsman professional wrench have the same prob as snapon wrenches though.. little hard to grip when greasy.. i get a little OCD when it comes to sets though.. ill buy a set of sockets like a 1/4" drive 6 pt metric deepwell and then figure out that there are four other sizes not in the set and buy them all regardless of whether ill ever use them. bought a ton of craftsman sockets at a swap meat last month for 1-2$ each.

didnt see this mentioned. right hand and left hand extractors, and right hand and left hand titanium or cobalt drill bits

After Shark said: I'm becoming a bigger fan of the Stanely Professional Grade tools.

by the way.. this is OT but thanks for getting me that holley catalog...

it was waiting here for me when i got home

now i can do some creative plumbing..

and to get back on topic..

pipe wrenches.. great for stubborn parts that need a little convincing (and you wont break one with your cheater pipe)

|UPDATED|7/15/2004 12:15:11 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

My toolbox has a mix of primarily Snap-On and Mac tools, with some Craftsman as well. I've found Craftsman (with the exception of their new Professional series) not in the same league as Snap-On and Mac. If you look at swivel sockets from Snap-On and Mac, you'll find the pins are solid...Craftsman has weaker roll pins. But, Craftsman are less expensive and that's where the trade-off is.

As far as the pebble grain finish on Craftsman, I find that holds the dirt and oils and makes them far more dificult to keep clean. Their Professional series and Snap-On and Mac are polished and easier to wipe off.

Years ago I was told by a Snap-On rep when discussing how tools are used, that better quality tools are designed so that if it hurts to use it, you're using the wrong tool...the proper tool won't do that.

Gunslinger said: My toolbox has a mix of primarily Snap-On

have you figured out the easy way to get your tools exchanged..

the only way ive found is to figure out the schedule when the truck stops by a shop and be there. this is difficult when you have a non-automotive job all day.

I have half a dozen Snap-On tools I needs replaced right now.

thanks