Bridgestone Motorcycle Parts Discussion Board
Bridgestone Tech Talk => Back to Basics => Topic started by: reed on July 25, 2010, 09:30:33 PM
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TOOLS
Who makes the best tools is it Snap on Mac or Craftsman.
Let me know!
Thanks.
Reed.
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I have quite a few Snap On tools and some MAC. To me it is the quality of the service that each gives. I don't have time to run to Sears to get stuff replaced so Craftsman is not one of my top choices. If you are not a pro and just need basic tools Craftsman would be fine. Snap On and MAC offer some very specific tools that most people just wouldn't need. I probably have somewhere between $25K to $30K tied up in my box that I have bought over 20 plus years. MAC almost went out of business until they were picked up by Stanley a few years back, their future is uncertain. Pro tools have become just stupid expensive and I sure would hate to be a kid starting out. I know the tool truck drivers are hurting in this economy,so if I were you I would buy from a guy who is well established and has a good chance of surviving. Lifetime guarantees are pretty worthless if there isn't a driver around to back it up.
Both MAC and Snap On have some nice stuff and both will get the job done. I guess it is like blondes or brunettes, it depends on what you like... :D
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I have used only Craftsman tools since I was old enough to hold a wrench. For me, they are available, where MAC and Snap-On really only cater to the professional shops. I have no idea where I can even buy Snap-On tools, unless I hang out at a professional garage. MAC tools are available at a car parts store. But Craftsman are now available not only at Sears but also Kmart and Ace hardware stores. In nearly 50yrs. of wrenching, I have yet to break a wrench, ratchet or socket. Screw drivers I have broke while using as pry bars or chisels. ;) I had heard this past week again, that MAC was going to close their doors. Don't know if it is true, but the story was the economy is hurting them badly.
Regardless, I can't say who makes the best tools. All I know, is that I have never broke a Craftsman and they are easy for me to buy more of them, as I have. Actually when I started to be a gear head, many" how to" articles, always referred to Craftsman tool number such and such as the tool to get you through your repair or build. I found that handy.
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Dave k
I hope mac tools carry on i like there tools a lot i have there tool boxes in the workshop!
Thanks.
Reed.
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i have a mixture of them all , snap-on open end wrenchs so spread so i like them the best . i retired as a harley mechanic of 22 years, was forced to retirement due to ms
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I just got the new motion Pro fuel injection cleaner it will work on motorcycles ATVs and side-by-sides so far so good it's amazing out far these injector injectors are out very impressed so far thank you Reed
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I've always used Craftsman and have broken only a couple over the years. I always figured they were better for the home user (and I used to use them a lot) than paying double for Snap-On or MAC. Most of the stuff that broke was from wildly over-stressed use.
My son worked as a professional mechanic on large trucks for 20 years. Of course there tool trucks making the rounds and he has very large toolbox full of tools, including Snap-On, Mac and Matco. He started with Snap-On, but the Matco guy would make him better deals and a lot of his stuff is Matco (including the Toolbox). He's not had issues with any of it and I'm sure he abused it as much as anyone.
When I built a new shop and needed a second set of basic tools, he gave me a Silver Eagle socket and wrench set,which is Matco's cheaper line, comparable to Snap-On's Blue Point. They are great, very nice ratchets and wrenches and withstand abuse.
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I just purchased a new Matco box on wheels and I had the Welsh dragon my national flag decal put inside the Box it's looks great I'll get some pictures
Thanks Steve
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Matco Roll Cab
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Sorry about the picture I'm trying to do things from my smartphone as well many thanks Steve
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Looks great, nothing better than a personalised toolbox!
“Down Under” we have Sidchrome, Kinchrome and a variety of cheaper tools like Stanley ect...we also have snap-on here.
I am a Mechanical Fitter (specialising in hydraulics) and prefer to set my benchmark to Sidchrome tooling for majority of basic tooling. When I need more precision tooling like torque wrenches I have Snap-on (or strap-on as we call it here, ha-ha). Also Snap on make the best seal pics I have used!
I also have “vessel” screw drivers for the JIC screws as well as a few other brands specific tooling .
Another brand worthy of a mention in “motion-pro” I have a few of their tooling in my shed at home. Their piston pin puller is nice to have as is their lock wire plyers.
Ryan.
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Thanks Ryan
I have some big tool boxes to but I love the fact that you can move this box around all over the workshop the only problem is new tool box filled new with tools
Thanks Steve
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Spoke torque wrench
I have a new spoke torque wrench in work I do a lot of wheel rebuilding replacing spokes truing wheels so now I have a Spoke torque wrench to torque the spokes when the wheel is true makes it more a professional finish
Thanks Steve
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Everyone forgot about S&K tools.... got my first set of metric sockets from them,,, then i broke a 17MM went back ,,, they gave me a new one free... then i broke that one... Now that store is gone....?????? went to another shop that s&k... he took 1 look at it and said NOPE!!!!!! the good S&K tools have a ser. # on them,,,, the hardware store ones didn,t.... now i have one 17 mm with a # on it....
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I just go the new heat magnetic induction tool heats up in seconds in the place you want it.
Absolutely Amazing.
Thanks Steve.
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Link?
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started out as a honda motorcycle teck an at that time i , factory honda cb 160 tool box an latter started giving up my check for snap on tools liked the fill of the tools an good quality , latter started with kawasaki an latter we got yamaha , almost forgot hodaka up till 1977 , during that time i keep using snapon , bought cornwell keep breaking sockets an other tools said no to the cornwell, had mac
truck come by an started buying mac .got out of motorcycle business in 1995 ,an for just general use know i have craftsman in my shop at home , snap on is the best if your going to use to make a living ever day , but for ever day use at home i like my craftsman , still use my snap on for head bolts , cam cap bolts , where i need percison , my boxes are craftsman an harbor freight ,
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When you work for a dealership and that snap on truck comes around you can not help your self you want tools to make your life easier,
I dont regret buying all those tools and i still have Kawasaki and Suzuki plus dealer tools for Bridgestone.
Thank you.
Steve.
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This hollow punch set, while not exactly inexpensive, has been a big help to me when making gaskets, rubber washers, etc.
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Moonpup,
Looks very professional!
Thanks,
Steve.
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Impact driver.
The best impact driver on the market is snap on comes in a 8pc 3/8 drive part number 208epit.
Great for removing phillips head screws.
Thanks.
Steve.
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Are the cross bits in that kit JIS, or do you have to buy them separately?
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cknight.
Includes 1/4 5/16 and 3/8 flat tip sockets #2 #3 and #4 phillips bit sockets plus#2 pozidrive bit socket in a storage case and the
impact driver.
Thanks Steve.
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I also been collecting early Asahi tools from Japan i like there spanners.
They been making good tools for ninety years.
Thanks.
Steve.
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Hi Steve,
I'm in Australia and carry a set of Asahi lightweight spanners in my haversack when riding my bikes (link below).
https://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/english/lightool/lightool.html
They are expensive but are of excellent quality and plenty strong enough for motorcycle repairs on the road.
I always ride with a comprehensive tool kit but you should watch the total weight if you are on a small capacity bike.
So the Asahi spanners help a lot (dieting & exercise helps too!).
Best Regards,
Mike Munday
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czmike.
I am glad i am not the only one that likes these tools.
All the best.
Steve.