Questions and Answers

Tools, Tools, Tools... Q. Vincent, As a teenager and young adult I worked for a veteran auto mechanic who used 100% Snap-On Tools. Now I work in high-tech and don't have the *need* for Snap-On quality; of course I *want* the quality, but can't justify the cost. So my toolbox is filled with assorted Husky, Craftsman, Stanley, and no-name brand tools.

Now that I've got kids with cars I do more auto work than ever before and need to stock up on tools. I liked your two articles on tools which talked mostly about professional-quality tools, with mention of Craftsman and SK:

Tools.. Part 1
Tools.. Part 2

So my question is this: for us automotive weekend warriors can you rank Husky, Pittsburgh Tools, SK, and Craftsman (or others) together without comparing them to the utopia of professional tools? I was tending towards Craftsman until I read your reviews and thought there might be a consumer line of tools (Husky? Pittsburgh?) that was better.

Thanks! Keep up the great work.
Stephen
Austin, TX

A. Snap-On is no doubt, in my opinion, the finest tools in the world. As a professional I have used strictly Snap-On tools for the last thirty years. In fact I still have the very first 3/8" drive set (and the receipt) I bought in 1972. But that is not to say that Mac, Matco and Cornwell tools are not good. They are all excellent tools for the professional mechanic.

For the home mechanic, I would recommend Craftsman or SK tools. The advantage of Craftsman is that they are sold by Sears and there are Sears stores all over the place. They also have a life time warranty on their tools so all you have to do is bring back a broken tool and they will replace it at no charge.

SK tools are just as good, have the same warranty but can be a little harder to find. Most larger auto parts stores usually carry a large selection and can order what they don't have on hand.

Personally I'm not crazy about Husky Tools. And I never used Pittsburgh tools so I can't offer an opinion on them.

Long story short, go with Craftsman or SK and I think either one will do a fine job for you.