Metric tool set

"Reborn Pyrrhic" (pyrrhic)
12/20/2014 at 01:07 • Filed to: None

I will be looking to buy a nice tool set soon, but I don't need any standard size crap. I got too many standard tools already, looking to spend money on quality metric only. Where can I find metric-only tool sets?

DISCUSSION (17)

TheHondaBro > Reborn Pyrrhic
12/20/2014 at 01:09

Lowe's should sell both types. That's where I got my sets of allen wrenches.

Steve in Manhattan > Reborn Pyrrhic
12/20/2014 at 01:23

Snap-On?

ly2v8-Brian > Reborn Pyrrhic
12/20/2014 at 01:36

You want nice? I recommend SK. Not quite as spendy as say Mac or Snapon, but high quality American made tools. All depends how much you're willing to spend, give the top brands a look.

Some socket examples I found,

http://www.toolbarn.com/sk-91820.html

http://www.toolbarn.com/sk-4080.html

http://www.toolbarn.com/sk-13s.html

wheelhop > Reborn Pyrrhic
12/20/2014 at 02:21

Craftsman is still my go to. Yeah its not made in the USA but it is still warrantied here

mattc993 > Reborn Pyrrhic
12/20/2014 at 02:31

I have a USA made Craftsman 1/2" ratchet and socket set that I like a lot, especially for the price. Sockets are one of the few things that I'm like "meh whatever is functional and good". Breaker bars are another thing that's "well if it works" for me. These tools are so mechanically simple that it's pretty hard to manufacture a bad set (don't get me wrong though, it can be done).

For most of my other ratchets, torque wrenches, and larger tools though, I'm personally partial to Snap-On. Fantastic tools and in a completely different class from Craftsman/anything you'll find at most consumer retail stores.

With tools, you're either going to spend a lot of time comparing spec and shopping for something that ticks both "price" and "quality" boxes, or you can pay $$$ for Snap-On or Mac Tools and not worry about it.

Cé hé sin > Reborn Pyrrhic
12/20/2014 at 05:15

Any place that sells tools (unless you're in America).

DrScientist > wheelhop
12/20/2014 at 05:23

somewhere i think i read the craftsman warranties are only a year now.

Arben72 > DrScientist
12/20/2014 at 05:32

Nope, that's just the amount of time Sears will still be open.

BZiel > ly2v8-Brian
12/20/2014 at 11:08

I like SK as well. Evercraft and Cornwell are other high quality choices if you don't want to go Snap-On, Mac, or Matco.

ly2v8-Brian > BZiel
12/20/2014 at 11:11

ah yes, I forgot cornwell. I believe they are a cheaper version of Matco. Blue point is another good choice, snap on quality, for a bit less cash.

ly2v8-Brian > mattc993
12/20/2014 at 11:13

Can confirm, Mac Tools worth it.

BZiel > ly2v8-Brian
12/20/2014 at 11:15

Agreed. On the Mac side the equivalent of Blue Point is Expert. I actually prefer them over Blue Point.

ly2v8-Brian > BZiel
12/20/2014 at 11:17

never heard of expert, I may have to look into that, if I need more.

ReggieDunlop > Reborn Pyrrhic
12/20/2014 at 13:26

How big of a set are you looking for? If your you're looking for a large enough set (ie. over $100) try calling a industrial distribution business (something local) and see what they can offer. That's where I got mine, though to be fair I work there, but even with a 25% mark up on their end it will still be less than any box store or traditional retail outlet for comparable quality.

Reborn Pyrrhic > ly2v8-Brian
12/21/2014 at 02:03

We use SK at work, I like them. Thanks for the links.

orcim > Reborn Pyrrhic
12/21/2014 at 02:49

Anyplace, literally, has metric tools. So what's really important? My list (not in order):

- Readability, especially for sockets, but open ends as well. When the sockets come out of the holder and are scattered around, can I ID the one I want quickly? I just rebought (before the store on my island closed) a Craftsman sets of metric sockets because they embossed the mm in big letters on the sides (and I'd broken a few of my Husky's.)

- Guarantee? I loved the Craftsman (before the store closed) because I could go in with single failure and get a replacement, since they sold replacements. I can't do that with Husky Home Depot things, because they don't sell singles. I have to mail them in.

- Fit. Any top shelf brand is gonna work. I'd lost (misplaced) some 10mm wrenches [I had 3! of the fuckers] but couldn't find one at the time and bought a NAPA brand one. It 'fit', but wasn't what my other tools were. In the end, I threw it away even with a "lifetime guarantee" because it was junk - it didn't fit the nuts well and tended to strip. I didn't want another and I didn't want to dick around with it.

- Who's got my back? If there's a regular SnapOn guy coming around and I'm breaking their stuff, then damn, I'm gonna use them. My local Sears used to handle my fails (and my abuses) without comment - shit I'm still using a Phillips #2 bought 30 years ago but it's getting long in the tooth for sure. I'll buy from whomever has 1) quality (which is common) and 2) has my back, now.

Xyl0c41n3 > mattc993
12/28/2014 at 00:26

hellogoodbye!