A reader messaged me with what I thought would be a quick and easy question to answer. Which is the best brand of mechanics tools right now?
They’re not looking at professional or industrial offerings, but they also don’t want lower-end junk that’s frustrating to use or cheaply made.
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This was a complicated question to answer 10 years ago, due to the abundance of decent brands, but the options changed rather quickly, leading to only a handful of choices. This was true for a couple of years, but now? – there are even more options than ever.
I’m not going to get into specific mechanics tool set recommendations right now, as that’s an entirely different question. For the sake of simplicity, I’m also ignoring how the answer might change depending on the time of year.
Here, let’s talk about different options for someone looking to decide on a brand or two to buy into.
Home Center Mechanics Tool Brands
Home Depot: Husky
There are automotive retailers and other more regional home centers and hardware stores, but Home Depot and Lowe’s are by far the largest chains.
Sears is still around – I think so at least – but they’re not an active player in the tool market anymore. They used to be, and they used to dominate the mid-range mechanic tools market, but that has changed.
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What I like about Husky is that they have a very strong selection, and a lot of their tools offer an upgrade path. (Side note, we have a paid partnership with Husky Tools right now, but I’ve been testing, using, and buying Husky tools for many years prior to this, and will do the same for many years to come.)
I have long felt that Husky and Home Depot need to do better at getting the word out on their tools, and I suppose our current partnership is part of the answer to this.
If I find that I need a particular socket size on a Saturday morning, I’d likely head to Home Depot, believing it to be the best chance I’d have at finding one.
Lowe’s: Craftsman, Kobalt
As for Lowe’s options, Kobalt’s availability has been limited in recent years, due to Craftsman’s emergence and now prevalence. Both brands seem to focus on sets and assortments, and the last I checked there were some open stock availability as well.
Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight’s new Icon series of mechanics tools are worth paying attention to, but they’re also priced at a premium.
As with the other retailers, open stock availability is very limited.
Do you want to buy a wrench set? Great – you can choose between several different Harbor Freight brands. Oh, you just want a single wrench? Good luck with that.
Warranties
A lot of the brands here have lifetime guarantees and generous hand tool warranty policies, but the days of getting a replacement at the local store are over.
Online Options
Gearwrench
Once you turn your attention to online retailers, you have a LOT more brand choices.
Gearwrench is a good choice, and probably the best choice for users that don’t want to do a lot of researching.
There are other brands, depending on whether you’re looking for something that Gearwrench doesn’t yet offer.
Tekton
Tekton has come out with some neat innovations over the years, and they have also been working hard to raise their quality level. They now have a very solid reputation and have also become known for great customer service.
I don’t believe that all of their older tools are up to Tekton’s modern standards, but most core tools have.
I spoke with a Tekton manager 7 years ago, and it seems they have made good on their promises.
Power Tool Brands’ Offerings: Dewalt vs. Milwaukee
Who would have thought that Milwaukee Tool would become a serious name when it comes to mechanics hand tools? They still have plenty of growth and expansion ahead of them, but Milwaukee already has some very compelling wrench, ratchets, and socket set offerings right now.
I bought a couple of Milwaukee socket sets during the winter holiday shopping season as they matched the modularized nature I was looking for.
Here’s more on some of their previous releases:
Dewalt also makes some decent options, mainly a wide variety of set options.
They have a wide range of tools, but availability can be limited. I would consider Dewalt mechanics tool sets, but their open stock tools don’t carry the same appeal of top-of-mind presence in my opinion.
Professional and Industrial Brands
Proto, Blackhawk, Williams, Wright, SK Hand Tools – these are just some of the brands you could and should consider if you’re looking for more professional and industrial-grade tools.
If you want unique offerings, there’s also Wera and Facom, which mainly produce tools for the European market. Wera in particular has seen an incredible surge in interest in recent years as they work to expand their wrench and socket set offerings.
Then you have Snap-on, Mac, and other tool truck brands that service professional automotive shops and other such users. With those brands, you’re partially paying for the at-your-door service. With most of the other brands mentioned here, you shouldn’t expect timely replacements for individual tools.
The difficulty with recommending Snap-on is that their tools are priced considerably higher than competing brands that serve industrial customers rather than automotive maintenance shops. If you need at-your-workplace service, they’re a great option. If you don’t, they can still be worth it, and are considered by many to be the best of the best, but you’re not getting as much bang for your buck.
Buying Snap-on and other tool truck brands tools is almost like buying a soda at the movie theater. If you’re seeing a movie, you’re paying more, but you suck it up and enjoy the show. If you’re not seeing a movie and are just looking for a place to stop and get a soda, there are so many other places to get the same or similar quality for less money.
This is why I tend to like industrial brands – you usually pay less, and sometimes a lot less than truck brands, and more of what you’re paying is for the actual tools you are buying.
Which is the Best Brand I Would Pick?
In the past year, I have purchased mechanics tools from Husky, Milwaukee, Wera, Proto, Facom, and Gearwrench. I have purchased from more brands than this, but these are the “for use” brands that I purchased, as opposed to when I buy something mainly for review or other editorial purposes.
So with respect to brands available locally to me, Husky (via Home Depot) was the best pick for me, and when shopping online I went with Milwaukee, Wera, Proto, Facom, and Gearwrench.
Reader Questions
At the risk of asking too open-ended of a question, which mechanics tool brands would you recommend these days, and why?
Do you have any questions or criteria you’d like to see addressed in the next update to this post?
John
I’m a big fan of Tekton. I think they hit the right balance between price and quality for my needs (weekend warrior who does basic stuff around the house and on my cars). Their sockets and wrenches are available in sets without skips, and the sockets come in 6PT. Their warranty is great, send an email with a picture and they will have your replacement in the mail generally the same day. Free fast shipping (2 day in my experience) if you sign up for a free online account, and you get 10% back towards your next order.
I recommend them to everyone who will listen to me that doesn’t need to use their tools to make a living.
MoogleMan3
Another big fan of tekton here. I’ve been very pleased with their sockets and ratchets.
Randy
Two thumbs up for Tekton. I ordered the 3/8 inch folding ratchet SRH25104 pictured above. Nice little ratchet for odd spots.
Joe
Would you say Amazon is a good place to purchase legit Tekton tools?
Valentin Arzola
Tekton is priced at midrange quality but alot of their tools now are very high quality. Specially their ratchets, and 🔧wrenches.
Jake
Husky does a shockingly good job ATMO.
I’ve used them for a shop full of bikeshare mechanics for a while and the fine tooth eventually breaks, but it’s usually when using a 3/8” ratchet to break free seized bottom brackets (1.37”x24tpi) and i mean, you’re asking for it at that point. Many other brands make their 3/8” ratchets just slightly too short for me and the husky holds up really well for its price.
Tom D
The hand tools allow much more cross-manufacturer than power tools do – and so you can choose what you need from the brands available.
I do like Husky and Harbor Freight for the “take it back and get a new one today” warranty.
Tony
I really like Klutch from Northern Tool and Equipment, for the quality and warranty.
Aaron
I’m ridiculously deep into Kobalt at this point just because the catalog management system at lowes keeps creating deals that I can’t pass up. Last week I “took it easy” and tried to hold myself in check by only buying 5 more socket sets. Their pricing just gets to be absurd.
Aaron
I’m not always great at telling my team that I appreciate them, but socket sets are my love language.
Jim Felt
Good management theory regardless.
Travis
I am a big SK fan. They meet perfectly in the middle for me. High quality at a reasonable price, solid warranty and made in the USA. I keep some Milwaukee tools in my truck because they are cheap enough that I won’t care if they get stolen. I have a few larger Tekton wrenches and so far they seem to be holding up well. Tried some Dewalt’s and was not very impressed with the quality.
fred
So if you want to stay with USA-Made sockets and wrenches there are also other lesser known brands beyond the tool trucks, SK and Proto,. You might look at: Cornwell, Martin and Wright.
If you like more Germanic brands – beyond Wera and Wiha-Heyco to take at Stahlwille, Hazet , Gedore and Elora
If you are a fan of Japanese tools – maybe a look at Nepros (if you wallet can stand it) and Ko-Ken would be worth your time
Sean
Fred, I have Wright SAE wrench set that has worked out great for me as well as a proto metric six point wrench set
Paul
Uhh Cornwell is a tool truck brand.
The problem with tool truck brands is the whole business model. The tool truck guy doesn’t make much money and increasing your sales territory is darned near impossible because of the territory rules set by the tool truck brand. Plus your product is more expensive than EVERYONE else. So most of these guys last a few years then get out of the business. So as an end user theoretically you can go to ANY tool truck to trade in that Snap On wrench but good luck doing so! You may have to travel to the next city over an hour away to do it.
fred
My mistake for listing them with Wright and Martin
I was more familiar seeing the SnapOn and MAC trucks cruising around in our business areas. When I was on site and they stopped by our fabrication plant – I’d shoo them away.
Bryan brinker
I am a full service auto technician with over 30 years working with tools and putting them threw the absolute worst situations they can go threw. The old saying is true, what you pay is what you get! As for having tools at home doing minor jobs all these cheaper tools are good enough for most jobs. But for every day 60 to 70 hours of abuse, beating on, heating tools up, putting ridiculous 6ft long pipes on to get leverage there is absolutely nothing like Snap on, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, even S&K. You can trust those tools are not Goin to let you down an break, or break your knuckles whatever else. You try that kind of day in an day out abuse with any other of these tool manufacturers you will have a box full of broken tools and beat up hands. I trust putting a 4ft pipe on a 10mm Snap on wrench an can put all my weight on it that it’s not gonna fail. NOT WITH A HUSKY OR ANY OTHER. So of course they cost more 1 because of quality 2 because of service, that tool truck will be at your shop at least once a week to see if anything is broke or having troubles. If I’m to busy to talk he knew we’re I’d keep anything that needed repaired n if something did he would say nothing an walk to his truck with broken tool an if couldn’t be fixed then he would replace it with a new one off the truck with no charge. And if you need him to come by 3 times a week he will come by. Not to mention never having to move or haul your giant tool box full of tools to a different location. He would back his truck up lower lift gate put your box n whatever else on load it and take it were you need it. So your not just paying for a tool, your paying for excellence in the tool, and customer service for the tool for life and I don’t believe they are going anywhere. And if your a good mechanic or whatever then you should make plenty of money to pay for the tools. So hands down there are no comparison to the big tool companies and craftsman is not one of them. Mac, Matco, Snap on, Cornwell. In the end you pay for what you get and I want the best to do the best job to make the most money and keep yourself protected. And these are made from facts when tool troll came weekly there spot for broken tools rarely had anything there but I had couple box’s of broken stuff from all the cheaper tools not to mention the time I had to take when I was off work to have to run these broken tools to the stores to try n get em fixed or replaced. Anyway I loved reading all the comments on. I normally never comment or have much to say but I can talk tools till the cows come home.
Sky
I’d just like to highlight KTC Nepros form your post. You’ll struggle to find flaws or higher quality.
Travis
I have some larger SAE wrenches made by Wright and I really like them. Also some older Cornwell tools that came by way of my father. I don’t think I have anything made by Martin. I do enjoy some German tools, especially for smaller hand tools. Thank you for the suggestions Fred. Always learning about new tools and even new brands on this website.
Sean
Travis I’m a huge SK fan as well!!! Great pick!!!
Travis
For me, they are just the perfect value. Great quality and reasonable.
Dave P
Husky changes it’s lineup all of the time, or should I say they cheapen up their lineup continuously so when you need a warranty replacement, what you broke isn’t available so they try to pawn off the new cheaper version on you..
Their 1/2” dr breaker bars are now about 4” shorter than they used to be and of course they think you should accept the new short cheapie when you want to warrant the older better version.
I had 3 pretty nice and quite long flex- handled ratchets —basically “breaker bar” ratchets—and eventually they all needed rebuild kits. No kits… they tried to give me flex-handled ratchets about half as long as they don’t carry any extra-long ratchets anymore.
What good is their warranty when the replacement stuff is cheap junk.
I will never buy Husky hand tools again. Ever. Under no circumstances whatsoever.
fred
So if you want to stay with USA-Made sockets and wrenches there are also other lesser known brands beyond the tool trucks, SK and Proto,. You might look at: Cornwell, Martin and Wright.
If you like more Germanic brands – beyond Wera and Wiha-Heyco to take at Stahlwille, Hazet , Gedore and Elora
If you are a fan of Japanese tools – maybe a look at Nepros (if you wallet can stand it) and Ko-Ken would be worth your time
fred
Not sure why my post got repeated – wanted to say something different here – got an Error 404 message and then this showed up
fred
What I was going to say is that Husky has not been an actual manufacturing brand for decades. When Stanley sold the Husky brand name to Home Depot – Stanley originally produced some of the tools. Now Home Depot shops around for OEM’s for tools on which to put the Husky brand.
HD does the same with tools they sell under the licensed (from Emerson) Ridgid brand name. Their Ridgid extension cords used to be made by Cerro Wire in the US – now they have a Philippines company (Exito) making them.
Jim Felt
I’ve never tried to exchange for like broken tools but I have been annoyed that they’ve basically eliminated their once common Made In USA tools and frequently change tool details via their multiple(?) vendors.
Long sentence. Sorry. But it still seems “cheaper” is the goal.
fred
Here are some of the companies that have produced tools bearing Home Depot’s Husky brand name:
GRIFFON CORPORATION – THE AMES COMPANIES
BAIN CAPITAL – APEX TOOL GROUP – COOPER
BC PARTNERS – KETER PLASTIC LTD.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY – MARMON CORP. – CAMPBELL HAUSFELD
PROTECTIVE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS INC. – WEST CHESTER HOLDINGS INC.
E & H COMPANY – IRON BRIDGE TOOLS INC.
ENERGIZER HOLDINGS
GONG FONG ENTERPRISE CO. LTD.
GREAT NECK – HOME DEPOT
HAMPTON PRODUCTS INTERTNATIONAL
IDEAL INDUSTRIES – WESTERN FORGE
JIANGSU JINLU GROUP
JIXING ALUMINUM PRODUCTS CO. LTD.
KAPRO INDUSTRIES LTD.
OLYMPIA TOOL GROUP
ROCKFORD COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
STANLEY – BLACK & DECKER – NATIONAL HAND TOOL
BLACKSTONE GROUP LP. – GATES INDUSTRIAL – PLEWS
UNION RICH PLASTIC FACTORY
Jared
I dont think Husky is bad – just variable. Theyve got some ratchets and sockets. Wrenches are alright.
I’d skip over their pliers entirely. Probably screwdrivers too.
Then they mix in lots of gimmicky, often temporary stuff that is a bit embarrassing for the brand.
Husky is ok – just keep your wits about you.
Sky
I’m under the impression that Home Depot has a policy that if the item you want is out of stock (normal stocked item), then they will sell you the next best thing at the out-of-stock price. Not sure if those morals are applied to warranty returns.
Nathan
In my mind.
Pro line – SK then probably MAC tools as my top tier. I love the SK stuff that I have. I consider getting more often. MAC tools for the tool truck – comes to the shop need. (for the people that need that, I personally don’t) Also I love the MAC locking flex head ratchet of their pieces.
Mid prosumer I guess is what I’ll call it. Tekton. Very quality tool yes most big ticket stuff is made in Taiwan – they pull no punches about saying so. But they also make bits in the US too. They don’t have quite a deep a set of speciality and other tools like a SK. True but I find I recommend Tekton to people that want a reasonable something. Need a 3/8 metric socket set – Tekton is what I tell people. No don’t shop it, no don’t bother with amazon – go to their site, order up.
Other in store option – I tell people to check Kobalt or Craftsman at lowes. Husky stuff I have found to be rather lower quality for the same dollars. Ratchets are less smooth yes even the 100 tooth. vs the Kobalt 90 or the Craftsman 90 (when you can find one). Options for the wrenches or drivers, etc – still go to lowes.
Per your add of power tool braded pieces. I like neither and wish they wouldn’t bother. If I have to pick one I guess I like dewalt ratchet setup if only because it has QR. I love a QR ratchet. Clarification – I Love a QR ratchet that securely holds the implement. now give me a toughsystem, tstak, or packout box with a plain insert to put my own stuff in – I’ll buy 3. thanks.
EU source automotive hand tools. Stahlwille is nice, it is. If I had to pick up another box it would probably be Hazet. I am more and more convinced however they are actually all the same. I see more Hazet at race events than I do Stahlwille. Though go to a bimmer or merc dealer and you might see something else.
Specialty Automotive bits – Gearwrench. One thing I’ve been recommending lately is their speciality socket kit. 41720 has the sensor sockets you’d need for nearly any car made since 1990. Yes you can use other long normal sockets – if you have them. If not though – short of having that SAE and Metric Socket set that runs deep up to 1-13/16. Spend 35 and get that kit.
HF – I get disposable or moddable tools from there. Yes my 1/2 drive 25 inch breaker bar is from there. because cheap.
Jared
It depends so much on what your needs are and your budget it is hard to answer a question like this. A+ for effort though Stuart!
I’m at a place in my tool collection where I have all the basics – and lots of specialty stuff too. When I buy hand tools it’s usually to upgrade something I already own – or something niche. I don’t buy only one brand – but I do have favorites for certain types of tools.
I think Toolguyd readers will recognize many of them.
Screwdrivers: Felo or Wera. Felo has better handles, Wera better tips. I can find Wera for much cheaper here in Canada, so that’s mostly what I have.
Ratchets: Proto, SK, Wright, Williams. I have several mid-tier ratchets too, but they are nothing to write home about – I am glad my 1/2″ flex-head XL ratchet is a Gearwrench 120xp, because the extra tooth count helps when the handle is that long.
Pliers: Knipex, Channellock, Felo. I will get some NWS, someday. Klein is nice too – but maybe a little overpriced. Don’t cheap out on pliers – bad pliers suck!
Sockets are tricky because industrial stuff gets expensive – a mid range stuff is pretty good. I have a few Proto sockets – they seem great – but a set costs a small fortune.
Williams seems to be the best bargain industrial brand – I have a couple small sets I quite like. That is probably where I will expand next.
My main socket set though is Sears Craftsman stuff I bought 20 years ago.
Lastly I’ve been happy with some Westward sockets I bought recently- they fit well and the finish is great.
Combination wrenches: Proto is the best I can afford – I’ve been growing my collection of ratcheting ASD/spline-drive slowly but steadily. I have a lot of Gearwrench though (XL box end are awesome).
Adjustable: Channellock, obviously. There are other good ones, but there’s no point in buying them except to be different. Knipex pliers wrench goes here too I suppose – a must have.
Stuart
Thanks!
I figured that a lot of entry price point shoppers don’t research online, and many premium price shoppers tend to ask different questions and know more or less what they’re looking for.
Those of us in the middle had fewer choices a couple of years ago, but luckily now there are a lot more brands competing for our attention and our wallets.
TMedina
“It depends” – availability versus price versus intended use/abuse.
For casual, around the apartment puttering, I’ll default to either Home Depot or Lowes, particularly if I need something that day.
I have a love/hate relationship with Harbor Freight – I’ve had three 6-in-1 screwdrivers fail and one ratchet, none of which were worth the effort of taking back.
But in the same breath, you can find a great selection of non-standard tools like: snap ring pliers, long reach hex end sockets, flare nut crow feet, and so on at great prices compared to what you’ll pay at either Lowe’s or Home Depot – usually without needing to special order them.
Online opens a whole lot of options to explore – including allowing for discounts, sales, and so on. Tekton has become my go-to for a lot of my mainstream hardware purchases, especially if I don’t mind waiting a week (or so) for delivery.
Shout out for Wiha – they carry a run of 1/4″ drive extra long hex end socket bits with squared off ends, not the ball end that’s become popular. The set screw design is a little annoying, but out of the box they’ve had the best hex end sockets I’ve found yet.
Joe H
I hate how the budget/low mid range mechanics tool bundles mix 12 point and 6 point sockets and load up the tool count with screwdriver bit sets as well and often skip important socket/wrench sizes. I understand there are 12 point fasteners on some common vehicles. I’d also like to see dedicated screwdrivers included, just a few sizes are needed. I get that most people buying these sets don’t care or notice the things I’ve mentioned but I’d like there to be a proper basic mechanics set that is still a very good value for a budget set even if its a little bit more expensive than the other budget sets available. I understand that these tool sets get replaced/supplemented with other/better tools over time but it would be nice to have the option to buy a more realistic/complete set right of the bat because having to buy 6 point socket sets and missing wrenches as singles and dedicated screwdrivers at the same time of buying one of these sets offsets the money saved. The cheapest complete proper basic beginner mechanic sets are a large step up in price compered to options from Lowes Craftsman and Home Depot’s DeWalt and Tekton. Even Gearwrench’s basic mechanics bundles have these issues.
Jesse M
I noticed the same thing 25 years ago when I bought the foundation of my mechanics tool set. I bought Craftsman. At the time every piece in the set was made in USA. But the duplication of 6 point and 12 point sockets, long arm and short arm hex keys made me crazy! I got a good deal, but why give me 6 point and 12 point deep 1/4” sockets in duplicate and zero deep 1/2” sockets? Piece count! The guy who doesn’t research says hey, I need tools, walks into the store on a whim, says this will do, and buys it.
John
Tekton doesn’t suffer from this problem at all, and it is why I went with them for sockets. Their sets are all 6pt and don’t skip any sizes.
Chris
Snap-On <3
I love that comparison of buying Snap-On to movie theater soda 😂😂
Jared
Snap On is basically out of my price range and I perceive little advantage over Proto – but… the dual 80 ratchet gets so much praise I think I just might have to get one to try.
Jaycob P.
As another suggestion the Power Torque tools at O’Reilly are pretty good for the price. Most of it is Taiwan made and they have a lot of oddball hand tools that are pretty useful in certain situations. Beyond that I have a lot of Husky and Kobalt stuff that is great also.
Jesse M
If I had to start over building my mechanic tool kit it would be a hard choice what to make the foundation. But the specialties are easy for me:
Hex/torx keys: Bondhus
Hex/torx sockets: Mac RBRT series, they also carry an impressive line of hex impact sockets.
Ratcheting wrenches: SK X-Frame – 6 point box end and their version of flank drive plus on the open end. You get both ends in a specialty without having to buy two wrenches!
Pliers: knipex
Hammers: estwing
I don’t have any screwdrivers I would walk across the shop to get, but I have some I should throw away!
Michael P
Warranty Information: I’ve had stores replace sockets and ratchets for me on the spot for most of the retail brands you wrote about.
Harbor Freight has exchanged broken Icon tools no questions asked.
Lowe’s swapped out some Kobalt sockets for me without a receipt.
Advanced Auto Parts is good with Gearwrench, if they have it in stock…
Dewalt sends you a replacement overnight with a paid return envelope for their mechanics hand tools.
Never had any Milwaukee hand tools break on me, YET!
Diego
That’s awesome to hear about dewalt. I just picked up a giant 200+ piece tool case in December and was a little worried about the warranty process.
Diego
I used to exclusively buy USA craftsman about 10 years ago when there was still some left. Once they went away I was searching for an alternative looking at SK and others. However the ability to go to a store and get a socket or wrench is what made Sears my go to store. So I went with Husky (not made in USA) and so far so good. I also own gear wrench, craftsman (Lowe’s), dewalt, and Milwaukee (you can’t have just one). With the recent upswing in Taiwanese manufacturing (IMO as good as old made in USA if not better), there isn’t a reason to buy the truck level brands unless you work at a shop or can afford it. I guess I’m guilty of not supporting our American business like I would like too, but with the budget I have and tool availability I am quite happy with husky, harbor freight, and craftsman (from Lowe’s). I’m excited to see what craftsman offers in the near future. I always like seeing the USA stamped on a tool. It’s just getting harder and harder to find tools made in our country without going through the internet or dealer.
Chip
Just replaced a menagerie of screwdrivers with a fresh set of Milwaukee from Home Depot. Really wanted Wera or Felco, but just couldn’t justify the price for the number of pieces I needed ( I will buy individual tools from Wera to scratch that itch). Husky, Kobalt, Dewalt, Milwaukee and some lower end Klein were on the list. I chose Milwaukee because they had a great set of features and felt better in hand than Husky. I wrote off Kobalt, as it looks like Lowe’s isn’t really committed to the brand. I am done with Craftsman. Husky has the craftsman-like warranty, but Milwaukee is really investing in hand tools, with tons of options. Not as good a warranty as Husky, but honestly, as a homeowner, even my old craftsman tools outlasted the company itself! Loving the Milwaukee screwdrivers, and even got a set of insulated for the minor electrical I do around the house. Nothing better than a neat, orderly tool drawer!
Argie
Former Mechanic here (out about 2 years). Tekton is the way to go in general.
Literally any tool brand would work if you are using them once a couple times a summer or to take off lawn mower blades.
Milwaukee is also good but expensive for what it is.
I don’t know how they are now but about 5 years ago Duralast (autozone) was really good! I still have one of their wrenches -it used to be my go to at home before (My work box is in my garage now). I’ve also used their Allen/Torque sockets and in general they are good but not retained in the socket well – I have a couple that I’ve dabbed a little JB weld in to keep it in place but they hold up well. They are lifetime warranty and who doesn’t have an autozone near them.
In short for home users stock up on Tekton and if you need something else immediately head to Autozone for Duralast.
Argie
Forgot to add in my original comment I bought the Gearwrench 3/8 impact socket set (grey blow molded case) about 6-7 years(?) ago now and its been GREAT. The shop I was in we would occasionally have to hop in the work van to go fix something local and needed something I could just grab and go. It has been absolutely flawless. I find myself using it at home a LOT. Instead of reaching for the right Snapon socket in my box I just grab the whole Gear Wrench box and a ratchet and I’m good like 80% of the time for what I do.
Harry
I really think Tekton is currently the segment leader for mechanics tools. They constantly release new products. Their no skip size socket sets and their 90 tooth ratchets are simply outstanding especially when you factor in their price.
Tekton has come a long way in recent years. Ordering from their site offers free shipping (once registered), 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash, and the most current offerings.
Snowy MT
Having collected tools for the past 50+ years, I have seen brands come and go and quality gradually get worse. Sure, there are some neat innovations, especially in the past few years, but even Snap-On isn’t as good as it once was, probably since some of its manufacturing has gone overseas.
Some of the oldest tools in my collection that I still use regularly are a set of open-end wrenches from JC Penney, in great shape despite a fair amount of misuse, Some sockets from Thorson (although the ratchet is long dead) and a pliers made by Klein that I found at the end of a long crawl space in an old commercial building.
One thing is a constant though, cheap is cheap. Don’t expect anything except frustration and busted knuckles with a bargain brand, even if you thing it is for a one time use. It NEVER pays in the end.
KMR
No one has mentioned NAPA’s in-house Carlyle tools?
6000+ stores, extensive selection, lifetime warranty. Pricing is “prosumer” level, not quite SnapOn level… but definitely more than GW. That said, NAPA runs frequent sales, so over the course of time you can build quite a decent collection for a reasonable amount.
https://www.napaecatalog.com/?market=29
John
The answer to me would depend on two factors: budget and availability.
Is this person looking for quality items but doesn’t believe they’ll need availability to cover broken tools? If so look at Wright or SK for the highest end non truck brands. Wright is amazing for the price. I honestly think they have most tool truck brands beat on quality, function, designs, and especially price for all of that. I also like that Wright tools are designed and made by US workers with US steel, none of this Made in the USA with Global Materials stuff. I think the key with them is they stick to the basic stuff like hand tools and not try to have everything under the sun even though some of it is just rebranded (cough Snap On). They are also not owned by some tool group nor are they public. SK also is very high quality with US steel. They also have some innovative designs that Wright doesn’t have. One negative if you can call it that is SK is owned by a tool group so who’s to say how things will shape over time. For some this is a valid concern; look what happened to Amstrong not long ago. They hade a huge following in the industrial tool sector but Apex didn’t care. SK is more available than Wright as well but neither are as available as say Harbor Freight Icon stuff unless you’ve got a distributor in your area. Wright and SK are up there price wise but not exorbitantly so and if you piece meal stuff out you can get a good tool set over the long run that will last your lifetime. This almost negates the negative about availability. Most home owners aren’t going to break Wright / SK stuff on a daily basis.
For more available tools I would look at the Napa Carlyle stuff, seriously impressive for the price. Napa unless I’m wrong is almost everywhere in the US. One good thing they do with Carlyle is having a huge selection of individual tools like what Sears Craftsman had back in the day. I would say the Harbor Freight Icon tools are worth a look too. If you need more budget friendly than that look at the Taiwan made Husky stuff. It’s impressive for the price.
I’m not a fan of the new Craftsman tools. Too little too late. I gave away the stuff I purchased to test out to friends / family that needed basic tool sets. It’s made in China stuff at made in Taiwan or US prices, the designs are not the best (a lot of the tools are just not ergonomic in my hand or they are not accessibility friendly for difficult positions / fasteners etc), and I honestly wonder if Lowes is having a hard time selling them. My local stores have clearanced out a lot of the Craftsman stuff only leaving the tool sets. I would honestly take the Kobalt tools over Craftsman if you have to buy tools at Lowes. The new Craftsman is available at almost all Ace Hardware tool stores so that is a positive for availability if you don’t have Lowes around.
Bob
Are my olde tired eyes lying to me? Some of the Milwaukee sockets shown above, are square bodied?
Not that I need anymore sockets, just asking.
A W
They are. It means you can put them down without them rolling away. I got a set around Christmas and have been impressed.
JoeM
I don’t know if this will be taken seriously, but I am actually fond of Stanley sockets, and several, rather benign, Tekton tools.
I think I want one or two of those Tekton folding micro ratchets, but mostly so I can modify the handle to that of a T-Shank Jigsaw connection. Then those socket heads will fit my Leatherman Surge Blade Exchanger. It seems stupid, I know. But, it seems inexpensive enough to try, and quality enough to be worth the attempt.
Also… I have some things like a small Needle File set, and an Inspection Mirror from Tekton, plus my 3rd Hand I use for my Jewellery is from Tekton…
But I do kinda lean into Stanley for Sockets and Wrenches. I don’t make a living off them, so I have no real “Need” to go up to Proto or Gearwrench.
PB
Love some of my older husky socket sets.
Over the years I have come to love anything related t Stanley (i.e. Proto & Blackhawk).
I think Tekton is decent. Japanese brands can be good as well.
For me, I go find the tool part numbers I like on the MFGs website, then save that as a search on ebay. Good tools don’t generally wear out and you can find great deals on used/ open box sets, usually with only cosmetic issues.
Doing that is way better than buying a brand new set. Was able to get full spline ratching/ open ended Proto sets and USA Craftsman Breaker bar sets super cheap.
Yeah some had some scratches and grease but last time I checked, that is a good thing to me.
I always hear people talk about warranty replacement tools. I have worked on many things and the only broken tools I have heard of were two sockets and one breaker bar receiver. Three different users, three different situations, all harbor freight products.
I think if you have to worry about a tool warranty, you should buy a different brand or you aren’t using the correct tool or using the tool properly.
drewmcdan1
Anybody have a recommendation for a decent 3/8″ torque wrench for under $50? Use case is using it on a lawnmower and occasional automotive stuff. I have the cheap HF one and do not like it.
Jeff C
drew,
For right around $50 I like the eTork line of torque wrenches.
I have the 1/2″ version and I came away impressed after my purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CBDMQB6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1
David G
My recent online buying has been Tekton or Capri with some older MIA Craftsmen via EBAY to round out or expand older Craftsmen MIA tool sets.
I guess Northern Tool is not in OPs market area as I tend to buy from them vs HF for cheaper tool products. A lot of the NT house stuff has lifetime warranty an pricing is reasonable. I can walk into a store and buy a 2-3/8 “ 3/4 drive impact socket any day of the week.
OldDominionDIYer
I have 30+ year old Craftsman Professional Series tools that cannot be replaced so I started restocking with Milwaukee and have been very happy with them. I also purchased a set of SATA 120T ratchets at a really low price and while they’re not terrible they are very good either, but I figured for the price it was worth having a look.
928'er
Couple of less frequently mentioned manufacturers:
About 5-10 years ago I bought a Triangle Tools Uni-Grip 1/4″ drive socket set that quickly became my “go to” for 1/4″ metric. German design made in Taiwan. Even came in a nice metal case. Sold by Sears – and then they disappeared.
Recently the Uni-Grip design was resurrected by Motiv Tools, so I now have 3/8″ and 1/2″ metric sets as well. Same Uni-Grip design on the sockets, but the ratchet handles are skinnier than the original Triangle Tools design – and no metal case…
VIM Tools is another, particularly for their comprehensive bit and driver sets and socket hex driver sets.
Astro Pneumatic makes an economical ratcheting crimping tool (9477) that comes with six sets of dies – all in a nice plastic case.
For screw drivers, it’s Felo for German drivers and Vessel for Japanese
eddie ski
For mechanics set (that is the question), I had always gone to Craftsman, but not anymore. An extended handle 3/8″ ratchet failed and I am having helluva time getting replacement. ACE doesn’t have the parts to “rebuild it” nor stock of comparable replacement (I got into argument that ‘just give me that extended 3/8″ ratchet that is $80’ — sorry sir, it doesn’t match the SKU). And Lowes had no one that could let me just ‘swap this for their $72 Craftsman polished version’. Still trying to get resolution.
But thanks to Toolguyd, I’ve come to like Tekton, Sunex and actually like my Husky ratchet (3/8 standard length).
I avoid HF because no one needs a failure in the middle of the repair. And I’ve witnessed HF sockets fail.
Phil
Thank God Armstrong is out of business.
They were garbage.
fred
If you used Armstrong tools from the 1940’s and 1950’s you might not have said that. Once Danaher acquired them in the 1990’s – I think a lot of “value-engineering” went on to meet the lower pricing demands of Sears as the OEM for some of their Craftsman line
Harry
I don’t know about that. I do know that many US Brands such as Craftsman, NAPA, KD, Allen, Master Mechanic, MATCO, second generation Kobalt, and others relied on Armstrong to manufacture their hardline tools back in the day. Those brands either switched to overseas made tools or closed when Armstrong closed.
fred
That makes sense since Danaher was a major OEM supplier of mechanics tools – many getting re-branded. Both Allen and KD had become Danaher brands too – and KD sort of morphed into Gearwrench. The Danaher deal with Cooper Tools – seemed to be their combined struggle to stay competitive. Then that deal created the Apex Tool Group – owned by Bain Capital investments
John
I have been very happy with my Kobalt socket set but I really like the Dewalt and Craftsman sets that come in toughcases. The sizing of them and being able to grab a small set is cool.
RayCR
Tekton are better than the Fit and finish of Craftsman 30 years ago. I like the idea of supporting our democratic friends in Taiwan.
Even the Harbor freight Taiwan made pliers are much better than the China and India hand tools.
Shane
Has anyone tried the GEARDRIVE brand? It seems to be popping up more and more in my searches these days
fred
I see that Acme just announced a 15% off Gearwrench sale with promo code 15APEX
https://www.acmetools.com/
They probably have some restrictions and $199 is needed to qualify for free shipping – but the deal might be OK
Patrick
I just recently went with a Husky kit. My older Kobalt set was showing the usual signs of age, oxidation, and missing a piece or 2. But it served me well for several years. The ratchets didn’t fit in the box because of a redesign. It got messy.
I wanted to get something with more deep sockets and lots of specifically 6 point sockets. Kobalt and Craftsman kits were more expensive, and had more fillers to fluff the big number. The Husky set I got was on sale that day, and the price was absolutely fantastic. Best of all, a majority of 6 point and lots of deep sockets to work with.
I’ve had great luck with Kobalt in the past. But with their push on Craftsman, the Kobalt stuff that brought me there is getting hard to find. Also, with Husky putting out better priced kits (at least when and what I need), I find myself going to HD more and more.
I still research Lowes, HD, and even Harbor Freight whenever I need a set of tools. I have very little brand loyalty, I just know what I need and make sure to get a good price. It just so happens I tend to end up at HD more often after I research and price my gear.
Flotsam
I started with US made Craftsmen. The ones i haven’t lost are still going strong and I have gotten them supplemented with Gearwrench 1/4 & 3/8 metric sets. They are ok but what i really have learned to appreciate are SK & Proto. Fine US brands that at least in the case of SK are readily warrantied. Sockets do break although infrequently.
audiovideofreak
There is a brand new style socket design that is corner-less to prevent rounding of bolt heads. Trying to find out who makes them but haven’t had any luck. Can anyone provide an assist please? Thanks!
DRT
Many of the current designs have a feature to reduce stress at the very corners. That concept has actually been around for quite a while. SK has it for sure, but SK stuff is getting kind of expensive (really good quality, but expensive). Pretty sure if you go with any of the main brands mentioned in this thread, you’ll be fine. I have had personal good experience with SK, Tekton, Gearwrench, and Kobalt. My suggestion is to get 6-point sockets, not 12 – 12’s are kind of sketchy if you are really worried about rounding off fasteners. PS – noticing your username – I am very happy with 7.1 surround. It’s awesome.
Ken
Anyone with extensive Sunex tools experience ? I purchased a 3/8″ metric/SAE impact set from CPO but they have sort of collected dust in the past few years. I keep grabbing old mismatch sockets because they sit on top and they’re quick to grab and go.
Greg
I’m a fan of Stahlwille wrenches and sockets, Knipex pliers, and PB Swiss screwdrivers, but I must admit that the GearWrench wrenches we had at my previous employer were pretty solid. Not as pretty or svelte as the Stahlwille ones, but not bad.
Aaron L
So what about Irwin tools? I didn’t see any mention of them and I have continued to expand upon my small collection of Irwin’s Vise Grip tools over the years (crescent wrench, gooseneck pliers, needlenose pliers, wire strippers). I just use my tools at home, not for work, so I can’t say how they hold up[ under constant use, but they feel comfortable in hand and look good while getting the job done.
I also have a set of Evolv screwdrivers (long and short-handled versions) that have been my go-to ever since my ex’s kid bought them for me for the holidays about ten years ago. They have comfortable ergo handles and I was surprised to learn they were made by Craftsman, since so many commenters seem displeased with the brand nowdays. Mine have black-colored magnetic tips and I just can’t find the same version for sale anywhere now. Not that I need to replace them.
Stuart
Irwin isn’t a mechanics tool brand. Some of their tools are suited for cross-industry use and very many applications, but they don’t offer ratchets, sockets, wrenches, or other such tools.
Overall, the brand offer5s decent performance for what they cost, and there are a couple of gems that I might recommend over others as well.