The tools discussion thread

[Ratel10mm]

Well, I've looked but haven't found anything on the subject. Mods please move / delete as appropriate...

I've been thinking about cheap-ish to cheap tools to be kept in the S3 for running repairs. I'd buy good if money were no object & a S3 were more secure, but neither is the case.

While I have quite a few 'doubles' aquired over the years which will go in the S3 kit, I actually have virtually no imperial tools any more.

I have tools from Britool, Elora, King Dick, Draper, Snap On, Bahco, Gedore, Halfords, Facom, Snail Brand, and others from my European days.

With this in mind, I've been looking around at what's available locally. Both for work / home use & for "Get out of Kak in the S3" use.
Remember I'm European so don't know the local brands well, hence the idea for this thread. What do you rate & why?


Bunnings currently have cheap looking deals on Stanley, with a 2 drawer chest & some basic tools. All look so rubbish I ignored them. Frankly I generally ignore Stanley anyway as back in the U.K. it's strictly light DIY quality. I understand that they're getting their game back together with the higher end stuff again, which is good if true. I just wish they'd make it clear which is their rubbish range & which is the good stuff. Any idea how to tell?

Sontax - made in India I think? A roll of various tools - spanners (Metric & sae), screwdrivers, pliers etc. for $70-odd iirc. One of the boxes was open (this was in Bunnings) so I took a look. The finish is what you'd expect at around 1$ per tool, but they still look better value than the cheap Stanley. And you won't cry if they get lost / stolen. Has anyone got any experience of Sontax tools?

Repco:
The local version of Halfords. Heard very good things about their own brand professional level tools. If they're anything like Halfords'. they'll be great for the money.

Kincrome: I own a couple of Kincrome tools. I'm happy with them. I reckon they're good for 'normal' hand tools, not so sure about the more gimmicky ones that are pretty obviously badge engineered - their multi-tool, for e.g.

Sidchrome: Again I own a few of their tools. Not convinced for the money. I'd sooner buy Snap on as they're better finished (at least in my limited experience) & often cheaper than Sidcrome (Don't believe me? Pay a visit to the local Snap on van & compare). I hear the same thing as with Britool & Draper "They used to be the best, but they've let quality slide.".

Total Tools (TTI): I've only heard good things about these. Apparently they're rated for aeronautical use. I haven't had a close look yet, let alone used any.

Super cheap: As I understand it, SCA are to be avoided like the plague. What are Calibre & Superworks like?

So, comments, suggestions & discussion please? Which tool brands are worth buying? Which are to be avoided at all costs? What 'own brand' tools are worth spending money on?

[twr7cx]

I used to work at Repco, so due to the employee price they comprise most of my two roller cabs. Most items have a lifetime warranty, and even now five years onwards, I can still take the item to a local store for replacement - no questions on where/when I bought it or need to see a receipt, it's clearly Repco branded, so they honour it.

A point to note. Repco tools are manufactured by Stanley. Stanley also make Sidchrome.

I've also got some Sidchrome, Stanley, Snap On, Kinchrome, Powerbuilt and Blue Point stuff. I've been happy with it all so far. Snapped some spanners, sockets, etc, but that's to be expected. Personally I've always liked the finish on most of the Sidchrome items I've used - had an awesome set of screw drivers once, don't know what happened to them (someone liked them more than me?), but they were beautiful.

Snap On for cheaper than Sidchrome? Sidchrome around here is priced on par with Stanley, Repco and Kinchrome items. So either up your end there over pricing it or Snap On is bloody cheap!

Another brand for consideration that I've seen around a bit lately is Teng Tools. I like the look of some of their stuff, but never used it.

[Ratel10mm]

I forgot Power Built. And CK (Another European brand). Both good, although I find some of the Power Built stuff slightly bulky.

Teng are pretty highly thought of in the U.K. I have a couple of Teng tools & they are very nice. My tool chest is Teng - found it in a skip, damaged but salvagable.

Snap On are not universally cheaper than Sidcrome. But my local van has some really surprisingly inexpensive stuff.

[abaddonxi]

Check here -
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/1...te-spares.html

[CJT]

I have been buying Kincrome and can not fault them so far.

They are not the cheapest option or the dearest for that matter.

[PhilipA]

Remember Sidchrome have a lifetime warranty, and apparently I have seen someone report that he returned a 30 year old socket.

I had Kinchrome honour a 8MM allen key socket which I smashed trying to undo head studs on a Mitsu 4G63T.( ahem using a bit of pipe on the handle)
I have recently bought some odd calibre sockets to replace mislaid /lost and they seem really well finished.
Regards Philip A

[twr7cx]

I have recently bought some odd calibre sockets to replace mislaid /lost and they seem really well finished.

Is that the Supercheap Auto brand? I have heard rumours that their stuff may also be made by Stanley!?!

[PhilipA]

Yes and don't know.
Regards Philip A

[abaddonxi]

I picked up a bunch of SWG - SuperWorks Gold? That I thought was pretty good, good finish, thin wall. Don't know about the cost, mine was all bargain bin at $1 per piece.

[POD]

Years ago I could walk into a Sidchrome seller with a broken Sidchrome tool and walk out with a new replacement, no questions asked. Most of my tools now are Kinchrome, and the dealers want to send everything back to the central distributor for approval. I broke a kinchrome torx key a little while ago, had to do without it for a month whilst I awaited a verdict on the warranty.