Opinions Please

[t115145]

I consider Snap-On to be the best quality tool available.  MAC is a close second.  So what is the pecking order for the older tools like Plomb, Bonney, Vlechek, Herbrand, Hinsdale etc. ?

[turnnut]

 I  think it would be like asking for your favorite sports team,  there will be many different opinions as to the best tool built.

 perhaps that is why we find many tool names to ad to out collections today.

 just my opinion. Frank

[Bill Houghton]

And tell me, of your children, which is your favorite? 

[Yadda]

Which finger/toe do you like best? 

[t115145]

You guys are missing the point.  What were the best tools a mechanic could use 70 or 80 years ago?
As an example, I would never recommend that a professional mechanic use a set of tools he could get from the local parts store.  They may be ok for the shade tree guy, but not for somebody that earns their living fixing things.

[Papaw]

I was partial to S K Wayne tools 45 years ago, due to price and availability. Not sure what the pros were using. Later I used a mix of SK and Snap-On when I was getting paid to wrench.

[t115145]

Thanks Pawpaw! I started with SK sockets and ratchets also. 
I would like to see a lot of opinions.  Lots of experience here, and I like to tap into it.

[bill300d]

When your talking older tools,for me It depends on the tool which manufacturer I prefer. I don't think that any one manufacturer made the best of everything. In fact many manufacturers were (and many still do)out sourcing from each other for the items they did not want to or could not make themselves.

[turnnut]

 ok, I will give my answer as per request;

 back in the mid 50's, I bought Herbrand. the reason for that was  that a Herbrand dealer made  routine stops at the garage that I was
 working at, he had tools on the truck plus he would take payments such as 50 cents, one dollar or any agreed amount every week.
 and we never had any problems with the tools.

 now before my time in my state, like the 1920's  I would say Walden and Mossberg tools as they were made in our state and they
 put out many tool boards at dealers.  these tool boards were known as  " the silent salesman"    you would go to a supplier to get
something that you needed and these displays would not be far from where you would cash out.   like today, they stick candy and
magazines where you cash out in the grocery store.

 just my opinion. 

[t115145]

Turnut,
On the money brother, exactly the type answer I was looking for.
BTW, I have a Herbrand script tappet wrench that I use frequently.  As you say, no problems.

[Nolatoolguy]

Not sure what the best was back in the day.

I know my grandpa was a big snap on user.

[john k]

Tools from the 1920s I see most of are Walden-Worcester, Bonney, and J.H. Williams.  The old mechanics I started working with, who were young men in the 30s and 40s had a real dukes mixture of wrenches and sockets.  Craftsman to Snapon, and very few sets of any, all pieced together.  So many tool companies have come and gone, one could fill a page with names of tools that still turn up.  In the 60s I lusted after Snapon.   Had to buy Craftsman, New Britain,  SK,  and many still lurk in my box.  When I turned 16 my dad brought home a used carry box with a few Bonney, WIlliams, and a Cornwell or two, it as years before I ever saw Cornwell for sale new. 

[wvtools]

Because you said tools and not wrenches, I will throw in that I prefer to split wood with a Plumb single bit ax over all other axes.  For pliers, I like Utica, Kraueter, and Channellock, although Crescent are pretty good also.  For hammers, I like Plumb with a wooden handle or the Estwing metal with rubber handle type.  For utility knives, I use the Stanley aluminum handle fixed blade type every day.

[Chillylulu]

I will always try to pick up professional tool lines by S-K, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, Stahlwille, Plomb - Proto - Penens, Bonney, Armstrong, Williams, Herbrand, Owatonna, New Britain - including classic Husky and classic Blackhawk.  Some Wright. Some Cornwell.

Duro Indestro - Indestro Super and Indestro Select. Craftsman "V" and crown logo tools.

Indestro allegedly (AA) was the economy line from, the Duro/Indestro group, but I think those two brands (Super and Select)  are higher quality.



My personal ranking of 45 manufacturers of automotive tools:


Those ranks are one mans opinion, and it could change tomorrow.
If anyone wants a copy of the spreadsheet that this a part of, PM me.

Chilly

[t115145]

Chilly,
Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for!
Just curious, what puts Hazet and Stahlwille at the front with Snap-On?
Thank you again,
T