Used Hand Tools (what to look for when bargain hunting)

While giving Coldsnap a hand today, the subject of used tools from garage sales and Craigslist came up. I figured making a thread about what to look out for couldn't hurt.

Very Good

Snap-On

MAC

Matco

Proto

S-K

Good quality DIY tools:

Older Craftsman

Klutch Brand from Northern Tools (I've started buying these, lifetime warranty)

Please feel free to fill in your own, because I'm sure I'm missing TONS of good stuff, I just wanted to get the ball rolling.

Kobalt also makes some decent hand tools and alot of people sell them cheap used because there not sporting the high end name. I also had good luck with advance auto's old ampro tools. mostly just sockets never purchased one of there ratchets.

Yep. Brand name is what I look at.

Brand name isn't everything, but possibly picking up high quality tools at discount prices is a good thing. I remember the first time I used a borrowed high tooth ratchet vs. my more inexpensive model in a tight space. It was a profound difference.

Bahco and Industro are two of my favorite for low end pro or top tier home stuff. Bahco made the tool kits for a lot of European cars and is the only company making an 80 tooth ratchet I can afford.

My dad had one old Industro ratchet he inherited from my mom's father. Even though he had several Snap-on or Matco ratchets the Industro was his go-to.

And if anyone runs across some Bison brand wrenches please buy them for me. My dad bought a set back with him from Germany in '77 and they are my all time favorite for fit and hand feel. I doubt they were expensive, but I would pay tool truck prices for more if I could find them.

I'd add Cornwell to the list. I discovered them by accident finding a 3/8 ratchet at a garage sale.

Plus one on the OLDER Craftsman tools, but AVOID buying anything new from them. The few I've broken in the last few years and the store replaced, have been junk and need replaced again in many cases (screw drivers & ratchets)

I have a small King Dick adjustable wrench. I don't know about the quality of other King Dick tools, but mine has been useful & held up well.

Great info. Went all around RTP today in my wagon for estate sales. Was keeping my eyes peeled for tools but didn't see much.

Bonney and thorsen also.

Indy-Guy wrote: Plus one on the OLDER Craftsman tools, but AVOID buying anything new from them. The few I've broken in the last few years and the store replaced, have been junk and need replaced again in many cases (screw drivers & ratchets)

True. My father and grandfather and were Craftsmen men. I inherited a bunch from my grandfather and my first tools were from them. Most of the newest ones I've picked up are awful. Chrome is peeling off new sockets, ratchets start skipping right away. I've been picking up older tools at yard sales when I can and if I need something new I get Matco since a woman who works with my wife is married to a Matco guy or S-K if I'm in a hurry.

Other good brands:

Crescent Wrenchs (adjustable wrenches); Channel Lock Pliers (slip joint pliers); Klein (electrical tools)

I have had great luck with Gear Wrench. I have not been able to bust the ratcheting mechanism no matter how much I over torque it. :)

I've been really happy with Kobalt (Lowes) hand tools for home mechanic usage.

There is a lengthy thread over at Garage Journal a friend clued me in on that compares the Pro "Tool Truck" brand and the lesser known brand that is the same tool made in the same factory. Tool Truck equivilents

LopRacer wrote: There is a lengthy thread over at Garage Journal a friend clued me in on that compares the Pro "Tool Truck" brand and the lesser known brand that is the same tool made in the same factory. Tool Truck equivilents

Wow, a lot of good material there. Personally, I always keep an eye out for used Armstrong fine tooth ratchets.

Older Craftsman are good bets. If none of those are around, I always look for the older brands that may have been made in the US but are now made overseas (Crescent).