Harbor Freight is fairly new around here. I use them for gadgetry style tools. Special stuff that you don't use often and doesn't have to be heavy duty.

Things like wrenches and screwdrivers don't matter as much as sockets and ratchets. It's hard to break a wrench.

All my wrench SETS are Craftsman because that's what I could afford when I started 30 years ago. For basic tools, Snap_on is 10X other lifetime warranty brands...likely because they visit you and can finance.

I have a Snap-On box that I paid for in 90 days back in 2008 and some of their tools in it, some from Matco, MAC, Craftsman, Icon, and about a hundred others I have collected over the years. I think I have one Cornwell socket.

Agree with Harbor Freight being real cheap and easy to return if something breaks. Husky might be a small step up.

Same...
Out in my shop is a Craftsman chest from the 70s full of Sears Craftsman from 60/70/80s
In the main garage is early 2000s chest with all newer Craftsman, still sears.
Pool house garage is my full set, with large chest and workbench chest. This is all Husky, chests and tools combined probably around $3-$3.5k. That said, I use the Husky the most and have been more than satisfied with it.

Good to know...........

HB tools are junky at best and I’d generally recommend buying something better quality and save your money long term but times have changed drastically… . I’ve got 9 box’s I’ve filled with Snap On and Mac tools over the decades and I’d normally say buy wrenches, sockets and ratchets in those brands and Craftsman in everything else but that chits become so expensive I’m not sure even how full time mechanics afford them now. I ordered a small Snap On 1/4” socket/ratchet set 2 weeks ago without asking the price and that mofo was $1200 plus tax when she showed up with it. I’ll be getting prices moving forward

Husky

Three words that don't go together Decent Cheap Tools.

Craftsman mechanics tools and battery operated tools are both great for the money.

I have Craftsman tools that I acquired more than 25 years ago still going strong. Ace Hardware replaces anything that gets broken. Like the "Chubbyfart" man stated..."Decent Cheap Tools" do not go together!


^ This.

I have Craftsman tools that I acquired more than 25 years ago still going strong. Ace Hardware replaces anything that gets broken.

I have Craftsman tools that I bought in the 60s and 70s. Supplemented with tools from pawn shops. When I lose a socket or wrench I shop the local pawn shops from replacements.

lifetime warranty, I have a bunch of husky tools and they are good.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-290-Piece-H290MTS/312945780

Heres a discount if you buy it this weekend from harbor freight. Just screen shot this post and they can scan it off your phone, no membership or giving them your phone number required

As a professional I have about $25K in mine and that's only because I am frugal. I know many techs with well over $100K in tools. But when a large Snap-On tool chest MSRP is $16K, doesn't take long if you spend like a dummy.


Thanks! I am going to buy ONE OF THESE soon for overflow so I don't have to trade up in tool box.