Please direct me to the great tool debate

Got some Husky torque wrenches on sale for about 40% off that tested for accuracy across the range. More info on what was tested and general results here and here. Also own Quinn torque adapter to test any new wrench and periodically crosscheck and recalibrate if needed.

Also really like this guy:
https://www.youtube.com/@Tools-Tested

 

I'll have to check out those Husky torque wrenches. A calibrated torque meter of some kind to check the wrenches with is a great idea too

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IAo2p3FjUxQ&pp=ygUbVGlrIHRvayBzYWlkIGhhcmJvciBmcmVpZ2h0

Fun head-to-head. Snap On vs Icon vs Craftsman Overdrive.

Verdict: snap on not worth the cost unless you're a pro mechanic. No surprise there I suppose...,

 

Reminds me of a time I was measuring for an outlet cutout for drywall and reading out the dimensions to another guy who was cutting. After two pieces didn't fit and some harsh arguing, we found a defective 25' Stanley tape was the issue. It really can happen!

 

When I built my tool kit for wrenching it was mainly for motorcycles. So it was 1/4" drive and flexible ratcheting wrenches. Gearwrench was what I found at sears back then and I'm still using those tools for wrenching on my tundra today. I really like the gearwrench vortex sockets because they act like a deep socket and allow the bolt to pass through the shallow sockets and ratchet head.

I've added a HF 1/2" torque wrench that I'm looking to replace because it's not calibrated right. I've also added a Lowe's brand basic 3/8" socket set that gets the job done but also want to upgrade. I'm also in the market for an impact gun and sockets to add to the ever growing list of "needs."

 

@bing5 If you don't already have sets, Tractor Supply is running some pretty solid deals again this Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

This ~250 piece kit for $49: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/jobsmart-253-pc-mechanic-tools-set-mm-and-sae-js20211111
This full ratcheting wrench set $49: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/gearwrench-20-piece-ratcheting-wrench-set

The box is fluff on the kit, it's more about what's in it, nearly everything a normal person needs minus wrenches. But the Gearwrench (solid product) kit makes up for that.

 

HD has about 40% sale now on the Husky wrenches. Tested them before against others and have them. May want a 3/8" and 1/2" becuase IIRC the lb ranges differ from the HF. Craftsman may be on sale too. Would like to pickup the Kobalt but haven't seen them go that big of a discount.

 

If you want a nice starter set then the Goodwrench kit at Home Depot is about $225. Best brand is Milwaukee for quality.

 

I'm strictly a Snap On and Wright guy... you know, it's better to look good than actually know what the hell you're doing.....

Jokes aside, I actually am reasonably well-equipped with old school Craftsman and a few new Tektons.

Can't bring myself to buy Chinese tools when I don't absolutely have to...I know in some cases the quality is just as good or better and the price may be lower....can't do it. The bitch of being born in the seventies I suppose..

 

Quinn Tq adapter added to my gift exchange list since it's $49.xx and the limit is $50 . Also bought a Husky 3/8" Tq wrench (20-100 ft-lb) from Home Depot. Should be perfect for torqueing lug nuts.

 

Funny I came across this thread. This year I’ve spent a lot on tools and it’s been quite a few years since I’ve done so. I used to be mainly a craftsman person when their stuff was made in USA but then I slowly started to add Milwaukee stuff. My power tools are primarily Milwaukee but have a few sockets, pliers, wrenches, etc. from Milwaukee I’ve added over the years. I also have a few gear wrench and harbor freight fill ins I’ve added over the years as well. Before I bought my first Toyota, I was a Subaru person so I accumulated all sorts of tools working on them which kinda ruined my interest for working on cars. Recently, I came across some great deals on Craftsman V Series tools at Lowe’s and I’ve spent a lot of time hunting for them this Black Friday. If I were to start from scratch today I’d probably just buy from harbor freight due to their warranty.

 

Have both the 3/8" and 1/2" and yes it seems 3/8 should be accurate at the higher end around 83 lbs. Tests showed it was acciarte at the kower end too. Do actually use the 1/2" though IRL as it's got a longer arm ... and also works well for the axle nuts. Instead of renting from the LAPS, at the the sale price was happy to add it to the toolbox.

 

Anyone have a recommendation on flare nut wrenches? Usually buy Tekton but doesn't seem like they make em. Bought some Craftsman for the time being. Not overly impressed...

 

Check eBay. I picked up a set of matco ones for a reasonable price from there.

 

You like the Matcos?

 

Snap off makes a great flare nut wrench and they are worth the cost IF you will be using them regularly. Mac would be my second pick. If you go cheap and they spread apart while torque is applied !

 

Trying to turn a somewhat rounded flare nut in the fuel filter on my 04. Think I'll try the Vise Grip locking wrench for this job, but still need some decent flare nut wrenches going forward.

 

Are these just for brake lines so like you need a 10mm or is it? Have found the HF set sufficient and on sale probably like 9.99.

Edit: see you're working on the fuel line and a rounded off nut may be challenging with any quality wrench since grabbing less surface.

 

The matcos are nice. To be honest I’ve only used them working on the tundra brake lines. That could change since I recently bought a mini cooper, which seems to be maintenance heavy unlike the tundra. Super fun yo drive though.

 

Been watching some flare nut wrench comparisons on YouTube TTC rated both Snap On and Matco highly. Not surprising I suppose. I'll see if I can sit through the overcaffeinated guy on Project Farm

 

I've been using a set from Harbor Freight for years. I can't think of a reason to spend big money on flare nut wrenches. Mine work fine.

 

Yeah, and access not as good .

Think I'm still bitter about the loss of Made in USA Craftsman

 

Search eBay and save a few to your list. I’m sure they will offer you a discount. Not a super popular tool.

 

Good idea. Thanks. Somehow forget about eBay, but I should probably look there first since I like made in USA and can't justify paying full price on new pro tools seeing as I just dink around on weekends.

 

That’s funny, I’ve never had any luck with flare nut wrenches from anyone but snap-on. I have some craftsman branded SK’s that I still keep around for light duty stuff but when push comes to shove the Snap-Ons are the only ones I grab. They don’t spread or strip the flare nuts like every other brand I’ve used.

 

Gotta love PF. If I didnt already have a HF set that's been working fine, based on the summary at 20:30, my money might go to Williams.

https://youtu.be/xlRuGboPIg8?si=qOTNk0aCJOjANa5A

 

Anyone own a set of Wrights? Found a nice set on eBay for reasonable.

Taking the Craftsman back to Lowe's.

Also, do you think 9-14mm is sufficient, or might I need larger or smaller sizes. Thanks

 

8mm wouldn't hurt to have around.

Some of the suspension components get into the 20mm+ range, for sockets and wrenches.