wrench prices!

HermitJohn · #21 07/27/05, 08:52 PM

People may not want to admit it, but I have noticed a gradual rise in quality of what used to be low end imported hand tools. If you employ a bit of caution, you can find China hand tools that match the middle quality range of tools sold by say Sears (there is still lot low end junk out there). Doesnt have the guarentee, but price is low enough you can buy several for what Sears charges. Alas China's economy is becoming quite the powerhouse with its currancy valued higher and prices for China made tools are thus creeping up.

As to the high end quality tools, unless you are using them hard everyday, they probably arent worth the big jump in price over middle quality tools. Can buy several of middle range version of a tool for what one high end version costs. If one uses tools regularly, one gets a feel for what is the most economical buy considering frustration and longevity.

Kenneth in NC · #22 07/30/05, 05:06 PM

Is there a tool auction place nearby? My neighbor got a 200 piece set of Craftsman wrenchs/sockets for $77 at one over in the big city. It was still new in box never opened.

Kenneth in NC

ibcnya · #23 07/30/05, 05:56 PM

I have gotten alot of tools at farm sales for maybe 20 cents on the dollar. Alot of good stuff on them haywagons sometimes.

gardentalk · #24 07/30/05, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgslgs

We've just started doing our own car oil changes. Had to buy a wrench that fit for the drain plug for $16.25 (includes sales tax) at the local harware store.

We did better with the 3/8 ratchet driver. They had half a dozen to choose from at Walmart ranging from $14.95 to $24.95. The also had one cheap one for $3.95, and for the jobs we are going to need it for the cheap one will be sufficient so we bought it.

We will occasionally buy really cheap tools at Big Lots if they will do the job and we aren't going to need to rely on them for heavy use for a long time.

Our biggest sticker shock for purchases lately was for disposable men's stick shaving razors. Boy do they have the consumer over the barrel for those, even if you ration them out like a tightwad! We find that a lot of the products that you need for daily use (men's razors, toilet paper, etc.) seem to be designed and priced to chip away at your budget bit by bit.

Lynda

Boy, isn't THAT the truth! I hear the term "throw-away" A LOT nowadays, and that's exactly what is happening. It's not that consumers don't want to pay someone to fix their appliances, it's that products are designed so cheaply that you won't be able to afford the numerous times you have to pay the repairman to fix them, thereby ENSURING that make repeat purchases. I guess this is the price we pay for creativity gone stagnant and a world in which falling profits just isn't enough to stay in business.

Kenneth in NC · #25 07/30/05, 06:59 PM

"Throw-away" Just another term for "cheaply made" or as they say on the Shortwave radio "Americanized Manufacturing".

Tools used to be one of the "lifetime" purchases.

Kenneth in NC

Darren · #26 07/30/05, 10:35 PM

NAPA has two sales a year (spring and fall) when you can get a discount on their tools. Everything in the catalog can be had on sale. The sale only lasts a few days so you have to watch for it. If you put a list together beforehand, they'll order the stuff in at the sale price.

You can also look for lesser known industrial tool manufacturers on ebay. Most folks who know about Proto may not have heard of Armstrong and Williams. A lot of folks don't recognize what they are and you may get a deal. For tool boxes look at Waterloo. They make several lines. The top one is probably equal to or better than anything you'll see in a garage. The difference is there are internet sellers that will discount them unlike the Mac and Snap-on boxes.

james dilley · #27 07/30/05, 11:29 PM

Try yard sales and estate sales .Also Auctions are good sources of Quality tools.