[mdlug] SUSPECT: RE: OT: DIY Geek Tools

[Morris, Tim]

The problem is they break when you're using them, not while they're
sitting on the shelf. It's a pain in the *** to have your tools break
and then have to stop what you're doing and replace them. I've had so
many craftsmen wrenches break while using them (lightly) that I gave up.
These days, if you try to return it to Sears they'll either laugh at you
or give you some cheap taiwan knock-off in exchange. If you're going to
go cheap, go cheapest and buy 2 from harbor freight or something. At
least then you have another on the shelf. I would much rather buy a
Matco or Snap-On. 


--  Tim Morris - UGS PLM Software

-----Original Message-----
From: mdlug-bounces at mdlug.org [mailto:mdlug-bounces at mdlug.org] On Behalf
Of Garry Stahl
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 11:57 AM
To: MDLUG's Main discussion list
Subject: Re: [mdlug] OT: DIY Geek Tools

Jeff Hanson wrote:
> I think we're getting a little carried away here.  A geek tool kit 
> should be based on the tools you need most, not what you can fit in a 
> large utility truck.  I have a small toolkit and a couple of CDs I 
> carry around for most PC and network fixes.  I also have a 300 piece 
> Craftsman set with some additions and a large Jensen electronics tools

> kit (www.stanleysupplyservices.com/category.aspx?id=348).  I used to 
> carry this stuff in my car wherever I went but I found that I rarely 
> used most of it and the weight probably reduced gas mileage.  It was a

> lot easier to make up a small kit to keep with me and have other sets 
> and power tools available for larger jobs.
>
> The Jensen kit was very expensive and had a lifetime warranty.  But 
> later I found the same tools elsewhere for a lot cheaper and minimal 
> warranty.  I realized that the added cost of a lifetime warranty was 
> more than a second set of tools so now I buy the cheapest stuff 
> available.  If a lifetime warranty tool breaks you still have work 
> without it until it gets replaced.  If you have 2-3 cheap tool kits 
> you always have an immediately available backup.
>   

That is why I recommend Craftsman over all over lift time choices. 
Craftsman is a third the price of Mac and Snap-on and Sears stores are
common as weeds.  You walk in "it's broken", they give you another. 
That simple.  It doesn't matter why even.  My son bend my ultra fine
needle nose pliers trying to do heavy plier jobs with them.  I chewed
out son as to proper tool usage and took the abused pliers to Sears. 
Walked out with new pliers, no cost.

Second thing, I have had to do it twice in 49 years.  They are GOOD
tools, they don't break.  I was given a cheap set of JC Penny sockets. 
I broke those bastards right and left.  Warranty? What warranty.  I have
never broken a Craftsman socket, and I use tools hard.

Cheap tools break, frequently.  Good tools are lifetime replaceable, and
don't break.  Do the math.  OK, I pay twice as much for a Craftsman tool
than some no name at Harbor Freight.  How many times will I replace the
Harbor Freight tool?  How many times will I replace the Craftsman?

BTW, I have two copies of every wrench.  I prefer combination wrenches. 
That is box end and open end on one tool.  Why two?  I cannot count the
number of times I have had to turn one nut and hold a second in place
while turning the first.  So I have two sets of English and metric
wrenches.

--
Garry  AKA  --Phoenix--  Rising above the Flames.

Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes Star Trek mort. Viva la Star
Trek admiraetur The Olde Phoenix Inn Http://phoenixinn.iwarp.com

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