I have an old set of S-K, plust newer Snap-On, Craftsman, and Crescent. My personal favorite is the Crescents, which came as part of a tool set that I bought for $40 at Northern Tools.

I like them because the sockets lock onto the wrench (as do some of the others), release easily, and there is a lever to reverse direction, so you can glance and see if your ready for "righty-tighty" or "lefty-loosey."

You can find great buys on used Snap-on on ebay from Billy Goldsboro. You won't go back to junk after you use Snap-on.

Good quality tools are a real pleasure to use, especially after busting a knuckle when a cheap one fails.The newer low end Craftsman tools are offshore p.o.s. but their 'pro' line are very good value. S-K, Snap On, Proto and the like are pretty darn nice tools but kind of pricey for the weekend warrior.

Not if you buy from Goldsboro. I bought complete old style socket sets for under $100. He used to have great deals, but I haven't bought anything in the last two years or so.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/billygoldsborough__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Check his site and see what you think.

Thanks. I am indeed a "weekend warrior," but I do appreciate decent tools and tend to wear out/break crap.

I've done much searching based on your advice.

What strikes me as the best value and quality, and at an appropriate price point for me (actually, a little higher than expected) is this one from SK:

> http://www.amazon.com/SK-91844-4-Millimeter-15-Millimeter-Assortments/product-reviews/B0002NYCJA/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Any thoughts? I should add that this will be used for small engines and bikes, mostly (Stihl, Husquvarna, Echo, John Deere). Not cars.

--Jonathan

I use Snap-on because I am a professional mechanic, using my tools daily. I've used SK and it's a good product for general use. I've never broken a Snap-on tool, except for a cracked 8MM socket that was trying to remove a seized bolt under great torque. They are replaced free, whether bought new or used on ebay.

Snap-on tools provide an exact fit onto new nuts and bolts and don't tend to round the corners of a hex head or spread off and slip off a bolt head. Sometimes you need that exact fit in hard to reach places.

SK is fine for the homeowner. So is Craftsman.

My mom liked to do yard sales and always when she saw chrome bought me tools when I was young and all the while I was growing up too .. she always asked 'did I get a good deal ? 5 & 10 cent sockets, 25 & 50 cents big stuff and $1 and $2 sets, really big stuff. Amazing sometimes. Probably to keep my dad happy,, 'kid got in my tools again.

A small set of 3/8drive SK's she got are in the same shape today as they were over 40 years ago and from the looks of its case and label it certainly had much use before I got them for use on go-carts or something.

True Value hardware I went for one deepwall I left somewhere and ended up buying the smaller 6pt 1/4 & 3/8 deep wall socket set/snap-racks for the mower shed .. quality is amazing ... price certainly was suprisingly pleasant. Lifetime guarantee too. I've bought a couple things since then and always am happy with quality and price.

Snap-on is nice but unless you use them everyday.. very expensive. You pay alot for that name... fancy timing lights... exact same thing is way cheaper with any other name on them. Same with much of the non-chrome.

Done deal! Thanks again!

--Jonathan

Well, not needing to use them all day long everyday like a mechanic would, I've found Husky socket sets to be a pretty fair tool set for the homeowner and moderately priced.

SK is professional quality. (same quality as Snap On but you're buying them at retail vs. from a dealer who's making high profit margins to support his jobber service).

The only reason to pay Snap On prices is if you need the support from the dealer. (ie financing, job site support, etc).

I bought an SK 1/4 drive ratchet after grief with two Snap On versions. The latter were sloppy and the mechanism was too coarse for close in work. The SK is a treat.

I found an SK 1/4 ratchet on the median strip of RT3 going into Boston a few years ago. It is a little bitty thing and a fine tooth, Great tool. Craftsman tools' quality has slipped markedly in the last decade or so. I cringe whenever I break one of my 40 yr old Craftsmans and have to exchange it. The replacements are rubbish.

I've had a broken S-K wrench sitting in the console of my van for at least the last 6 years. It was from my original set in the early '70s. But have never found anywhere to get a warranty replacement.

Snap-On are my favorite tools and I bought most of them 2nd hand. I used to laugh at a friend of mine who always bought 2 of every Snap-on tool - most of them in sets. One for his work and 1 for home use. I said buy craftsman and save your money. Once I started using a few Snap-on sockets and wrenches, I slowly started accumulating them.

Snap-On Black handle screw drivers are JUNK. I bought a new set that was very expensive. About 4 or 5 of the handles have just disintegrated while sitting in my tool box, I think from heat. They have never been abused. They have mostly just sat in my tool box in the garage. Snap on will probably replace them (and has replaced 1) but just try to find a dealer when you have the tools with you. They had a store in Phoenix years ago when I bought them but they closed it. My 40 year old Craftsman screwdriver handles are like new.

Anyone else experienced these Snap On black handle screwdrivers failing?

Just a follow-up, I got the SK set, and I'm very happy with it. Big improvement. Good tools are such a pleasure.

--Jonathan