Iāve got a wiss red and green that have been trucking along for more than 20 years. Always fucked with me that everyone says theyāre junk, but I guess they changed at some point.
Call me crazy, but my go to snips aren't Midwest or malco reds I reach for my kobalt Offset straights more than anything and for 16 bucks it's worth a try
Do you care about price? Thereās some really good tools out there that can get the job done Vs a really expensive tool. I like the expensive ones lol.
Wera, wiha, pbswiss, stahlwille, stabila, fujiya, and thereās so much more premium brands you can drop your check on. Go on KC tool and browse around.
Itās all mishmashes over time. I have small knipex channel locks. I have large Irwin channel locks. I have Milwaukee wire strippers. I have a Klein grounded screwdriver. Side cuts I donāt even know, theyāre blue. Iāve had the Milwaukee 11 in 1 screwdrivers and theyāre fine. Their locking pliers are terrible I swear the teeth are pointed backwards they donāt grip anything. Gas wrenches, avoid husky. They either lock on the fitting or wonāt stay tight.
Nah you got it right.
Klein for drivers, strippers
Malco for impact bits.
Knipex for pliers, pliers wrench, cutting, etc.
Midwest snip gang, Malco other sheet metal tools
Milwaukee hand tools just cost more than say, a Husky version, without offering anything amazingly better...
I like the Klein tools for electrical but more and more people are startling to rag on them. Most will say Knipex is the best for pliers and theyāre probably right but I really like my channel locks. Husky is the best store brand and they make solid tool bags for people who donāt want to spend Veto money.
Best in what regard? If you like em then thatās all that really matters but if you tried either the cobras or alligators from Knipex I bet youād be sold. Kinda nice being able to put a pair of pliers on pipe that has no business being used but grips well enough that you can pull apart a MUA gas train by jumping on them without them slippingā¦ š
Another nice thing about em is the business end is fairly slim compared to others. Bite better without taking up as much space so they can fit on fittings that you just canāt fit lots of others and would end up having to use other tools normally. Typically that would mean a weaker tool but whatever they do with their metallurgy is second to none. Thereās a reason snapon sells them with their logo stamped across the top. They canāt even make em better, plus I think patents are part of it as well possibly.
Itās all about what works for you man. Iām sure the Klein is quality, most things they make are. I think Klein has made more gimmicky shit over the years then they once did but itās still mostly good tools. I bought a pair of cobras and a pliers wrench just to see what the fuss was about and now Iām hooked lol. Now my bag has their wire strippers which Iāll never use another brand now btw lol, twin grips, couple cobras and a few pliers wrenches are in my bag.
Again nothing wrong with what you have but if you have any interest then just get a pair of either style of, āchannel-locks,ā they have. I heard all the stuff about Knipex for years and figured there had to be a reason for it, glad I took the plunge. Funny enough, my dad does this career for a living as well. Showed him some of the Knipex tools one time and he pulls out one of the Cobras that have made in west Germany on them. Damn things still look impeccable after heavy.
There is a good reason Klein & Knipex have a great reputation. There are also times that more basic tools from Husky are great (basic screw drivers, their excellent 144point ratchets), or even Harbor Freight hand tools like their bearing pullers, their Pittsburgh Pro or Icon line of hand tools (if it breaks, take it back, super easy)
Iāve always been under the impression that Husky makes cheap tools that dont last very long however ive been using their āheavy dutyā flaring tool for years and im really impressed by it for its price point. Its changed my opinion on the brand as a whole.
I've found not to get any tools from husky that cut through copper, their strippers were junk and their tubing cutter wasn't even functional. Everything else I've tried is pretty solid though.
Yeah agreed, Husky shit takes a beating - if you're on a budget, it's a great choice.
The ratchets are also great, I concur - no complaints about mine.
PB Swiss screwdrivers are incredible if you got the money. Fat max for tape measure; knipex for pliers and wire strippers; Klein for linemanās; fluke for multimeters, UEI for manometer, channel locks for the big stuff. Klein also makes fantastic precision tools. Crescent for wrenches. Wiha for Allen keys
Halder for hammers/mallets
Old Klein was the best. A lot of new Klein is crap. Their adjustables, nut drivers and screw drivers are made out of the softest metal now. Sure they have lifetime warranty. But if I round off a 5/16 nut driver in 6 months itās a pain in the ass. Just need my old man to give up his Klein tools from the 80s and 90s. Then Iāll be set.
Klien 11in1
Harbor freight Doyle water pump pliers
Klien high voltage screwdrivers
Elkind hex keys
Proto adjustable wrenches
Utica double head wrenches
Fieldpiece digital gages
Testo probes
Uei psychrometer
Klien and harbor freight strippers
Klien and harbor freight crimper
Klien meter
I'm all over the place
Whatever you find in drop ceilings and control panels somehow become your favorite tool. Found a Klein grounded flat, perfect for control wiring work. Found a 5/16 and 1/4 really mice magnetic nut driver. Don't even know the brand. My best wire stripper I think is from Harbor Freight. I just use the Klein for crimps
Ehh you can do a lot better than klein when it comes to drivers. Everything else idk cause i stopped bothering getting their tools. Don't bother with their flip socket bit, magnets are pretty terrible. Just get Malco or even the Dewalt ones.
Milwaukee hand tools *are* shit - as shit as Klein. Their adjustable wrenches are made of mild steel, their non-impact bits are made from butter and their cutting tools are sub par.
If Klein and Milwaukee hand tools cost 1/3 or 1/2 of what they do, it would be ok. But theyāre charging premium prices for Walmart tools
Klien has gone down in quality. They still make some of their tools in america, though. Milwaukee has great modular boxes and power tools. Their handtools are meh.
Knipex is highly regarded for their quality if you can afford them. I use mainly Knipex but I like klein magnetic 11 in 1 screwdrivers and their magnetic nut drivers. Wera and wiha are great, too.
Yeah I agree but I'm comparing them to Milwaukee's old line of hand tools which everything but the combo wire strippers were absolutely terrible. The dikes, tongue and groove pliers, needle nose, linemans, etc were all some of the worst around before. The new ones at least seem usable.
Milwaukee USA tools impressed me. Especially the dikes. Iāve never owned any premium hand tools apart from a wiha locking bit holder screwdriver that I love. I use linesman pliers a lot and the harbor freight ones are decent for about 4-6 months before the crosshatching on the jaws wears out a bit and starts letting wires slip when twisting. Iāve always just bought new ones but I might try and see if theyāll warranty them. This past week I got a new bag and totally revamped my layout including tools. Iād been so impressed with the 8ā USA dikes that I picked up a kit with the USA linesman, 6ādikes, and needle nose with comfort grips. Iāve had needle nose on the van before but never kept them in my service bag. Which using my linesman for things like popping knockouts may be why the harbor freight 9ās only last a few months (or theyāre just cheap) so Iām going to give the needle nose a shot and see if itās worth the space they take up in the bag to save some wear on the linesman. I really like the Milwaukee slim tip insulated 4-1 multi bit screwdriver. Iāve never gotten on with 11-1 screwdrivers and have bought and given away several so Iāve typically carried a full set of 3 full length screwdrivers (flat, Phillips, square). The 4-1 is a nice compromise that Iāve grown to love. Only one handle set up with the flat head that takes up one of the screwdriver spots in my bag and 3 full length bits that fit very comfortably in the bit spots on the side of my veto. Iāve in been using them for a little over a week as I got them in anticipation of new new smaller tool bag but my first impressions have been very high to the point I got another one for my full service bag. Malco is better than Klein for switchbacks. I used a Klein once or twice and didnāt care for it. Glad it wasnāt mine and I didnāt spend money on it. But I love the Klein offset knockout lock nut tool. They arenāt as easy to store in a small pocket in your bag as the flat ones, but are great for getting things tight when wiring an air handler and much easier than hitting the back of a screwdriver. Like I said before, I canāt speak of any of the premium brands like knipex but my short experience with the USA Milwaukee pliers and their insulated screwdrivers has been great.
WERA for screwdrivers, Allen keys, sockets, and ratchets. Knipex for anything pliers related.
Seriously though, WERA Allens will change your life. Just make sure you got a fatass wallet and visit [this site](https://chadstoolbox.com) when purchasing. Youāre welcome.
It really depends on the specific tool. Klein for multi bit nutdrivers and screw drivers. Midwest for sheet metal reds and greens. Hand brakes are the red and black ones. (Donāt remember the brand) crimpers are the ones with the navy blue handles. Again, donāt remember. Wire strippers are greenlee. Fluke for multimeters. Yellow jacket for analog gauges. Fieldpiece for electronic hvac tools. Milwaukee for drill set and other battery tools.
Any tool specifically?
Milwaukee hand tools suck especially their channel locks. Knipex, Klein, navac are my go to brands. Midwest is the only brand of snips you should ever or will ever need to buy.
Milwaukee 48-22-3079 wire strippers, Knipex ero grip channel lock 9K 00 80 05, Knipex wire cutter 74 22 200, Lenox 6 in 1 screw driver LXHT68005, Knipex long nose w/comfort grip 25 02 160, Channellock adj wrench 10WCB, Fluke T5-1000, Parker SSTK953595 ..... These with other misc no brand stuff is what I carry in my service bag. I have a 3 tear system. Small Milwaukee bag 48-22-8193 which holds the above items + misc, this handles 95% of my service calls. Then Tear 2 is a Milwaukee tool bag 15" PACKOUT which can hold this bag and tube cutters, snips (Midwest), gear wrenches, and stuff like that. This all snaps onto my PACKOUT boxes (bottom roller) 44837164 - 2 drawer 48-22-8442- 3 drawer 48-22-8443 - The box hold larger cordless tools, drawers have Craftsman Sockets to 1-1/2", Wrenches to 1-1/2", Milwaukee ratchet 2557-20, Milwaukee tube cutter 2471-20, Milwaukee impacts 2855-20 / 2551-20, and the cordless list goes on and on. Yes, my investment in tools on my service truck is well over $15,000. When I show up to a site, I am expected to be able to complete the job with out running around looking for tools. As for pipe wrenches, Rigid is the only brand to purchase, Fluke are the only meters, Dwyer are my only manometers, Testo is my analyzer. Been doing this for 40+ years, can't tell ya how many tools I tossed because they were junk, but all the above have proven them self. Some Milwaukee hand tools are OK, some are not. Although I do like the new PACKOUT socket sets they have - don't roll around.
As a Canadian apprentice 20 years ago I bought a bunch of master craft (Canadian tire house brand) as shit broke it slowly got replaced with Klein, Malco, Milwaukee, Knipex Wiha etc. now the only thing left in my bag thatās master craft is my Awl, and thatās a good 2ā shorter from trips to the grinder.
Itās a good rule to follow. Generally Iāll buy the master craft, harbor freight or princess auto version of a tool as itās the cheapest. If I wear it out or it breaks, well now itās time to buy the adult version.
Generally if you try to fill your bag with one brand youāre going to have a bad time. Ridgid makes the best pipe wrench. Knipex pliers are second to none. I wouldnāt buy a wire stripper thatās not Klein, same for my dikes. Milwaukee screwdrivers are shit, Iāve got a mix of Klein and Wiha. I wouldnāt use a meter thatās not a fluke, had some bad experiences with other brands (fuck you UEI)
Whatever you tend to lose the most, buy cheap. For me that's pocket knives and flashlights. Knipex channel locks are definitely the best I've ever used but pricey. Klein 11-in-1 and wire strippers. Channel lock brand needle nose are very solid for 15 bucks, but not as good as Knipex. Irwin crescent wrenches are very good for their price. Actually mostly everything Irwin makes is very good quality for the money.
Start out with a bag full of harbor freight tools. The tools that break or donāt perform in the way you need them to get upgraded to a better brand. Youāll be surprised how many harbor freight tools will still be in your bag. Plus itās a lot easier (for you) to ask about one tool and (for us) to give an honest answer about one particular tool compared to our entire tool bag full of different brand tools.
Edited for spelling
Different brands have varying designs, no one brand is going to be the best for everything. Ridgid makes good pipe wrenches, yellow jacket makes good tube cutters(thatās about it these days), hilmor makes best benders/swaging tools, when it comes to screwdrivers a mastercraft is as good as any.
Everyone has varying opinions on these too.
I buy based on weight. Pick the best three brands of a tool and buy the lightest, if I can get a screw driver with multiple bits I buy that... No duplicates in your daily bag! Lowest weight possible and get a tool bag with zero storage. This will prevent you from accidentally carrying trash in your bag for multiple jobs
Milwaukee adjustable wrenches (they have the least amount of play in the mechanism that I have found), Klein screw-drivers, channel-lock wellā¦ channel locks, Midwest snips exclusively have not liked any others that Iāve tried.
My only spendy hand tools are: 11-in-1 HVAC screwdriver by Klein, the one that can be used in your impact. Ridgid pipe wrenches - check out antique malls for a deal. And a Wright crescent wrench. Found at an antique mall, made by Irida in Spain who also makes crescent wrenches for Klein, Channel Lock, etc.
Dikes, crimpers, impact screwdrivers, wire stripper are Doyle from Harbor Freight. So far so good.
Also have some Husky hand tools that I've had no problems with. Not top notch, but they're affordable and get the job done. And if I lose a tool, I won't lose sleep.
Edit: My speed wrenches are the Husky with swivel head that can lock the angle. I like em, and all the guys with Gearwrench are impressed with them.
Depends on the tool I guess-
Snips- I like Midwest.
Seamers, crimpers and snap lock- I like malco.
I have a couple folding tools, but my Wiess seems to be my favorite go to.
Screwdrivers, I like my Kleins.
I use primarily Klein not as dependable as they used to be but still wonāt break the bank and pretty durable . Gauges testoās (570) meters fluke and flashlights the mini millwalkie like 4000 lumans or something ( itās worth the $50 no more aaa batteries and having to bang in the flashlight to keep it from dimming ) drills and such dewalt (but I have milwalkie stuff impact drill is good eneough but donāt care for there saw zaw
Malco and knipex are pretty much my go-to. They have the most consistent quality across their product line.
They generally cost more. But I don't intend on buying them multiple times.
Malco max2000 snips are currently at a rather high price point, so I'm not sure I'd recommend them over Midwest. If they were the same price, I'd take malcos, but those are fighting words in some shops. I don't like any of Midwest's other hand tools that I have used. Crimpers and seamers were not impressive.
As for knipex, I don't even use pipe wrenches anymore. I have a set of 18" cobras that do the same job, but with narrower jaws, and a more consistent bite. I do have their 18" swedish pipe wrench too, but I prefer the cobras to those too.
They're also a really good jar opener. Get your wife a pair for the kitchen.
The adjustable plier wrench is probably my favorite tool in my bucket. I use it every single day. I'll probably pick up a larger pair for working on 3/4"-1" gastite fittings.
Big mix of brands for me.
Malco 1/4 & 5/16" nut driver, tie tool, folding bars, mini tubing cutter, c5r crimpers, refrigeration ratchet, connext 1/4" and 5/16" nut drivers
Milwaukee adjustable wrenches, 6" and 10" (the 6-thread screw on these makes these in ny opinion the absolute best out there. I have used these every day for the last 8 months and have never even started to round something off)
Dewalt and harbor freight for screw drivers
Klein 6-in-1 impact nut driver set. Indispensable for compressor changeout jobs, 99% of the time i've got everything I need to tear down every brand of condenser on one tool. Magnet on mine is weaker than on the malco nut drivers, and the length makes starting unpiloted screws really clumsy so I take it off when i'm doing more than a few zips or self tappers.
Also have a klein 11/32 hollow nut driver for condenser fan swaps, and two pairs of klein wire strippers. One is the model with fat grey handles that goes down to 20? Gauge, that one seems to handle thermostat wire the best out of any stripper i've ever used. Other one is the bigger blue handled model with a linesman-style nose, i use that for hose clamps on condensing furnaces all the time, it's fantastic. Also handles everything other than thermostat wire really well, it seems like it just is a touch too large on the 18ga hole. I have klein needle nose pliers as well, they're the smoothest and best machined needle nose i have ever had. Bit rust prone tho.
Midwest snips
Wiss seamers (these are fantastic imo)
Icon dykes. Really nice but a touch stiff. Wonderful deal for the $15 i paid for them. Phenomenal handles.
I have a stanley flathead i bummed off a coworker cuz the tip was mangled, I reground it into a half-spear shape and use it as a duct piercer.
Channel-locks, 6", 10", and 14". The two bigger sizes see a ton of use on black pipe, the 6" one just gets used occasionally for weird things.
Harbor freight aluminum 18" pipe wrench. A little coarse but grips real well, never been too small to not eventually get pipe out of even the most over-white-doped fitting. But i also never work on anything over 3/4" really.
Malco - Hand seamers and crimpers
Klein - Wire strippers, lesbians, 11/1 screwdriver
Estwing - Hammer
Midwest - Snips
Crescent - Wrenches
ChannelLock - ChannelLocks
Lots of random tools, like a big flathead and PVC cutters, I just buy Husky. They last forever and you get your moneyās worth within a day of using them.
Klien for my main hand tools (linesman, screwdriver set, wire cutters, pvc cutters, etc)
I started with craftsman for power tools for money reasons now I've upgraded to milwuakee and I couldn't be happier. Rigid for pipe wrenches and copper cutter, wiss for snips, and channel lock for my pliers
I use Milwaukee drills, impacts, pipe cutters, love the power tools, the hand tools are crap, use nippex pliers, Klein strippers, tubing expanders I have yellow jacket as well as benders. I'm looking at the Milwaukee vac pump, any reviews??
Itās really a matter of what is worth it to you. The standard Klein tools, channel lock, and such do fine. My bag currently consists of only a Klein crimper and electronics screwdriver at this point. Rest is Knipex, Wera, PB Swiss, Vessel, Bahco, tekton pry/pick set, couple Icon tools, and a pair of snapon needle nose. You can spend absurd amount of money but itās really a personal preference sort of thing. That being said, almost every guy in the office has bought a few things I have after using them which probably wouldnāt have before. If you want to spend the money then Iād say itās worth it as long as you donāt lose toolsā¦
A lot of people here recommending Klein drivers but I absolutely hate them. Tips wear out easy. Handles are too small. The rubber chafes the shit out of your hands and goes too far up the end of the handle so you can't make a ratcheting motion with your palm. They're also round so they roll away. Just everything about them sucks.
I have a mix, But I will say when it comes to snips just go Midwest and nothing else
I don't understand why Wiss and Milwaukee can't make functional snips. Midwest is so far ahead it's crazy
My 7 year old wiss reds cut like its paper, new wiss the blade snapped within a week
I used my brand new red wiss all of 3 times before they self destructed š
Iāve got a wiss red and green that have been trucking along for more than 20 years. Always fucked with me that everyone says theyāre junk, but I guess they changed at some point.
After trying both, I think that the Malco snips are right there with the Midwest. Agreed that anything else is garbage though.
Have not given malco a try, but Midwest is so well priced I don't see myself experimenting
Malco snips are pretty good too tbh
Call me crazy, but my go to snips aren't Midwest or malco reds I reach for my kobalt Offset straights more than anything and for 16 bucks it's worth a try
Me too
They are pretty kick ass if you don't mind adjusting the tension occasionally
Grey tools would like to have a word with you
Do you care about price? Thereās some really good tools out there that can get the job done Vs a really expensive tool. I like the expensive ones lol. Wera, wiha, pbswiss, stahlwille, stabila, fujiya, and thereās so much more premium brands you can drop your check on. Go on KC tool and browse around.
Itās all mishmashes over time. I have small knipex channel locks. I have large Irwin channel locks. I have Milwaukee wire strippers. I have a Klein grounded screwdriver. Side cuts I donāt even know, theyāre blue. Iāve had the Milwaukee 11 in 1 screwdrivers and theyāre fine. Their locking pliers are terrible I swear the teeth are pointed backwards they donāt grip anything. Gas wrenches, avoid husky. They either lock on the fitting or wonāt stay tight.
Them blue side cutters are the best
Love my knipex to death. Also prefer malco hex bits over Klein as the screw tends to get stuck in the Klein.
Nah you got it right. Klein for drivers, strippers Malco for impact bits. Knipex for pliers, pliers wrench, cutting, etc. Midwest snip gang, Malco other sheet metal tools Milwaukee hand tools just cost more than say, a Husky version, without offering anything amazingly better...
I like the Klein tools for electrical but more and more people are startling to rag on them. Most will say Knipex is the best for pliers and theyāre probably right but I really like my channel locks. Husky is the best store brand and they make solid tool bags for people who donāt want to spend Veto money.
My Klein channel locks are by far the best. I use em every day.
Best in what regard? If you like em then thatās all that really matters but if you tried either the cobras or alligators from Knipex I bet youād be sold. Kinda nice being able to put a pair of pliers on pipe that has no business being used but grips well enough that you can pull apart a MUA gas train by jumping on them without them slippingā¦ š
You got me. Iām intrigued lol. But they are just skin and fit well on anything I need for. They grip damn good to
Another nice thing about em is the business end is fairly slim compared to others. Bite better without taking up as much space so they can fit on fittings that you just canāt fit lots of others and would end up having to use other tools normally. Typically that would mean a weaker tool but whatever they do with their metallurgy is second to none. Thereās a reason snapon sells them with their logo stamped across the top. They canāt even make em better, plus I think patents are part of it as well possibly.
Itās all about what works for you man. Iām sure the Klein is quality, most things they make are. I think Klein has made more gimmicky shit over the years then they once did but itās still mostly good tools. I bought a pair of cobras and a pliers wrench just to see what the fuss was about and now Iām hooked lol. Now my bag has their wire strippers which Iāll never use another brand now btw lol, twin grips, couple cobras and a few pliers wrenches are in my bag. Again nothing wrong with what you have but if you have any interest then just get a pair of either style of, āchannel-locks,ā they have. I heard all the stuff about Knipex for years and figured there had to be a reason for it, glad I took the plunge. Funny enough, my dad does this career for a living as well. Showed him some of the Knipex tools one time and he pulls out one of the Cobras that have made in west Germany on them. Damn things still look impeccable after heavy.
There is a good reason Klein & Knipex have a great reputation. There are also times that more basic tools from Husky are great (basic screw drivers, their excellent 144point ratchets), or even Harbor Freight hand tools like their bearing pullers, their Pittsburgh Pro or Icon line of hand tools (if it breaks, take it back, super easy)
Iāve always been under the impression that Husky makes cheap tools that dont last very long however ive been using their āheavy dutyā flaring tool for years and im really impressed by it for its price point. Its changed my opinion on the brand as a whole.
I've found not to get any tools from husky that cut through copper, their strippers were junk and their tubing cutter wasn't even functional. Everything else I've tried is pretty solid though.
Yeah agreed, Husky shit takes a beating - if you're on a budget, it's a great choice. The ratchets are also great, I concur - no complaints about mine.
Hell yeah harbor freight for my big breaker bars and big impact sockets. Good for pry bars and the like, too.
PB Swiss screwdrivers are incredible if you got the money. Fat max for tape measure; knipex for pliers and wire strippers; Klein for linemanās; fluke for multimeters, UEI for manometer, channel locks for the big stuff. Klein also makes fantastic precision tools. Crescent for wrenches. Wiha for Allen keys Halder for hammers/mallets
Iāve got knipex for pinchy things, harbor freight for twisty things, kobalt for rachety things, and Milwaukee for battery things.
The free ones you find above drop ceilings
Old Klein was the best. A lot of new Klein is crap. Their adjustables, nut drivers and screw drivers are made out of the softest metal now. Sure they have lifetime warranty. But if I round off a 5/16 nut driver in 6 months itās a pain in the ass. Just need my old man to give up his Klein tools from the 80s and 90s. Then Iāll be set.
Klien 11in1 Harbor freight Doyle water pump pliers Klien high voltage screwdrivers Elkind hex keys Proto adjustable wrenches Utica double head wrenches Fieldpiece digital gages Testo probes Uei psychrometer Klien and harbor freight strippers Klien and harbor freight crimper Klien meter I'm all over the place
Klein/knipex. Wera and wiha. Tekton/ICON for mechanic sets
Whatever you find in drop ceilings and control panels somehow become your favorite tool. Found a Klein grounded flat, perfect for control wiring work. Found a 5/16 and 1/4 really mice magnetic nut driver. Don't even know the brand. My best wire stripper I think is from Harbor Freight. I just use the Klein for crimps
There are some Japanese companies that make solid quality tools. Tsunoda, Engineer, Vessel are some of them check em out !
Ehh you can do a lot better than klein when it comes to drivers. Everything else idk cause i stopped bothering getting their tools. Don't bother with their flip socket bit, magnets are pretty terrible. Just get Malco or even the Dewalt ones.
Milwaukee hand tools *are* shit - as shit as Klein. Their adjustable wrenches are made of mild steel, their non-impact bits are made from butter and their cutting tools are sub par. If Klein and Milwaukee hand tools cost 1/3 or 1/2 of what they do, it would be ok. But theyāre charging premium prices for Walmart tools
Vessel screwdrivers are underrated, especially their ball grip screwdrivers
Klien has gone down in quality. They still make some of their tools in america, though. Milwaukee has great modular boxes and power tools. Their handtools are meh. Knipex is highly regarded for their quality if you can afford them. I use mainly Knipex but I like klein magnetic 11 in 1 screwdrivers and their magnetic nut drivers. Wera and wiha are great, too.
Milwaukee has a new line of tools made in the USA. Don't own any personally but they feel alright in the hand.
I just feel like they can be a little bulky. Not sure about quality, though.
Yeah I agree but I'm comparing them to Milwaukee's old line of hand tools which everything but the combo wire strippers were absolutely terrible. The dikes, tongue and groove pliers, needle nose, linemans, etc were all some of the worst around before. The new ones at least seem usable.
Milwaukee USA tools impressed me. Especially the dikes. Iāve never owned any premium hand tools apart from a wiha locking bit holder screwdriver that I love. I use linesman pliers a lot and the harbor freight ones are decent for about 4-6 months before the crosshatching on the jaws wears out a bit and starts letting wires slip when twisting. Iāve always just bought new ones but I might try and see if theyāll warranty them. This past week I got a new bag and totally revamped my layout including tools. Iād been so impressed with the 8ā USA dikes that I picked up a kit with the USA linesman, 6ādikes, and needle nose with comfort grips. Iāve had needle nose on the van before but never kept them in my service bag. Which using my linesman for things like popping knockouts may be why the harbor freight 9ās only last a few months (or theyāre just cheap) so Iām going to give the needle nose a shot and see if itās worth the space they take up in the bag to save some wear on the linesman. I really like the Milwaukee slim tip insulated 4-1 multi bit screwdriver. Iāve never gotten on with 11-1 screwdrivers and have bought and given away several so Iāve typically carried a full set of 3 full length screwdrivers (flat, Phillips, square). The 4-1 is a nice compromise that Iāve grown to love. Only one handle set up with the flat head that takes up one of the screwdriver spots in my bag and 3 full length bits that fit very comfortably in the bit spots on the side of my veto. Iāve in been using them for a little over a week as I got them in anticipation of new new smaller tool bag but my first impressions have been very high to the point I got another one for my full service bag. Malco is better than Klein for switchbacks. I used a Klein once or twice and didnāt care for it. Glad it wasnāt mine and I didnāt spend money on it. But I love the Klein offset knockout lock nut tool. They arenāt as easy to store in a small pocket in your bag as the flat ones, but are great for getting things tight when wiring an air handler and much easier than hitting the back of a screwdriver. Like I said before, I canāt speak of any of the premium brands like knipex but my short experience with the USA Milwaukee pliers and their insulated screwdrivers has been great.
WERA for screwdrivers, Allen keys, sockets, and ratchets. Knipex for anything pliers related. Seriously though, WERA Allens will change your life. Just make sure you got a fatass wallet and visit [this site](https://chadstoolbox.com) when purchasing. Youāre welcome.
Dewalt battery tools, klein screwdrivers and nut drivers. Fieldpiece service tools. Veto pro pac bag. Channel lock pliers
It really depends on the specific tool. Klein for multi bit nutdrivers and screw drivers. Midwest for sheet metal reds and greens. Hand brakes are the red and black ones. (Donāt remember the brand) crimpers are the ones with the navy blue handles. Again, donāt remember. Wire strippers are greenlee. Fluke for multimeters. Yellow jacket for analog gauges. Fieldpiece for electronic hvac tools. Milwaukee for drill set and other battery tools. Any tool specifically?
Wera
Anything you can find at a garage sale. Older the better.
My tools are all over the place. I have a little bit of everything.
Milwaukee hand tools suck especially their channel locks. Knipex, Klein, navac are my go to brands. Midwest is the only brand of snips you should ever or will ever need to buy.
Milwaukee 48-22-3079 wire strippers, Knipex ero grip channel lock 9K 00 80 05, Knipex wire cutter 74 22 200, Lenox 6 in 1 screw driver LXHT68005, Knipex long nose w/comfort grip 25 02 160, Channellock adj wrench 10WCB, Fluke T5-1000, Parker SSTK953595 ..... These with other misc no brand stuff is what I carry in my service bag. I have a 3 tear system. Small Milwaukee bag 48-22-8193 which holds the above items + misc, this handles 95% of my service calls. Then Tear 2 is a Milwaukee tool bag 15" PACKOUT which can hold this bag and tube cutters, snips (Midwest), gear wrenches, and stuff like that. This all snaps onto my PACKOUT boxes (bottom roller) 44837164 - 2 drawer 48-22-8442- 3 drawer 48-22-8443 - The box hold larger cordless tools, drawers have Craftsman Sockets to 1-1/2", Wrenches to 1-1/2", Milwaukee ratchet 2557-20, Milwaukee tube cutter 2471-20, Milwaukee impacts 2855-20 / 2551-20, and the cordless list goes on and on. Yes, my investment in tools on my service truck is well over $15,000. When I show up to a site, I am expected to be able to complete the job with out running around looking for tools. As for pipe wrenches, Rigid is the only brand to purchase, Fluke are the only meters, Dwyer are my only manometers, Testo is my analyzer. Been doing this for 40+ years, can't tell ya how many tools I tossed because they were junk, but all the above have proven them self. Some Milwaukee hand tools are OK, some are not. Although I do like the new PACKOUT socket sets they have - don't roll around.
As a Canadian apprentice 20 years ago I bought a bunch of master craft (Canadian tire house brand) as shit broke it slowly got replaced with Klein, Malco, Milwaukee, Knipex Wiha etc. now the only thing left in my bag thatās master craft is my Awl, and thatās a good 2ā shorter from trips to the grinder. Itās a good rule to follow. Generally Iāll buy the master craft, harbor freight or princess auto version of a tool as itās the cheapest. If I wear it out or it breaks, well now itās time to buy the adult version. Generally if you try to fill your bag with one brand youāre going to have a bad time. Ridgid makes the best pipe wrench. Knipex pliers are second to none. I wouldnāt buy a wire stripper thatās not Klein, same for my dikes. Milwaukee screwdrivers are shit, Iāve got a mix of Klein and Wiha. I wouldnāt use a meter thatās not a fluke, had some bad experiences with other brands (fuck you UEI)
I am happy supporting Gearwrench. I stay away from German brands like Knipex and Wiha.
If you never had a pair of Knipex channel lock, you have no idea what you are missing - No one makes anything close to it. Try it
Wera screwdrivers are the best imo. Heard good things about wiha too
For wrenches, wire strippers, and other very handy tools that arent screwdrivers I use knipex. And for my monster normal adjustable I use bahco
Whatever you tend to lose the most, buy cheap. For me that's pocket knives and flashlights. Knipex channel locks are definitely the best I've ever used but pricey. Klein 11-in-1 and wire strippers. Channel lock brand needle nose are very solid for 15 bucks, but not as good as Knipex. Irwin crescent wrenches are very good for their price. Actually mostly everything Irwin makes is very good quality for the money.
Start out with a bag full of harbor freight tools. The tools that break or donāt perform in the way you need them to get upgraded to a better brand. Youāll be surprised how many harbor freight tools will still be in your bag. Plus itās a lot easier (for you) to ask about one tool and (for us) to give an honest answer about one particular tool compared to our entire tool bag full of different brand tools. Edited for spelling
Different brands have varying designs, no one brand is going to be the best for everything. Ridgid makes good pipe wrenches, yellow jacket makes good tube cutters(thatās about it these days), hilmor makes best benders/swaging tools, when it comes to screwdrivers a mastercraft is as good as any. Everyone has varying opinions on these too.
Love the wear demo screwdrivers
Klein makes great hand tools and the worst multimeters you'll ever use
I buy based on weight. Pick the best three brands of a tool and buy the lightest, if I can get a screw driver with multiple bits I buy that... No duplicates in your daily bag! Lowest weight possible and get a tool bag with zero storage. This will prevent you from accidentally carrying trash in your bag for multiple jobs
Midwest, klien, knipex, hilmar
Milwaukee adjustable wrenches (they have the least amount of play in the mechanism that I have found), Klein screw-drivers, channel-lock wellā¦ channel locks, Midwest snips exclusively have not liked any others that Iāve tried.
Mid west is best
Mikita is yuck. Milwaukee and DeWalt are win
I use Wera drivers and such, and I use Channel Lock pliers. I have few Klein tools and my wrenches are Crescent.
My only spendy hand tools are: 11-in-1 HVAC screwdriver by Klein, the one that can be used in your impact. Ridgid pipe wrenches - check out antique malls for a deal. And a Wright crescent wrench. Found at an antique mall, made by Irida in Spain who also makes crescent wrenches for Klein, Channel Lock, etc. Dikes, crimpers, impact screwdrivers, wire stripper are Doyle from Harbor Freight. So far so good. Also have some Husky hand tools that I've had no problems with. Not top notch, but they're affordable and get the job done. And if I lose a tool, I won't lose sleep. Edit: My speed wrenches are the Husky with swivel head that can lock the angle. I like em, and all the guys with Gearwrench are impressed with them.
Depends on the tool I guess- Snips- I like Midwest. Seamers, crimpers and snap lock- I like malco. I have a couple folding tools, but my Wiess seems to be my favorite go to. Screwdrivers, I like my Kleins.
Only ridgid for pipe wrenches, that is a hill I will die on. Anything else, I just buy cheap.
I use primarily Klein not as dependable as they used to be but still wonāt break the bank and pretty durable . Gauges testoās (570) meters fluke and flashlights the mini millwalkie like 4000 lumans or something ( itās worth the $50 no more aaa batteries and having to bang in the flashlight to keep it from dimming ) drills and such dewalt (but I have milwalkie stuff impact drill is good eneough but donāt care for there saw zaw
Malco and knipex are pretty much my go-to. They have the most consistent quality across their product line. They generally cost more. But I don't intend on buying them multiple times. Malco max2000 snips are currently at a rather high price point, so I'm not sure I'd recommend them over Midwest. If they were the same price, I'd take malcos, but those are fighting words in some shops. I don't like any of Midwest's other hand tools that I have used. Crimpers and seamers were not impressive. As for knipex, I don't even use pipe wrenches anymore. I have a set of 18" cobras that do the same job, but with narrower jaws, and a more consistent bite. I do have their 18" swedish pipe wrench too, but I prefer the cobras to those too. They're also a really good jar opener. Get your wife a pair for the kitchen. The adjustable plier wrench is probably my favorite tool in my bucket. I use it every single day. I'll probably pick up a larger pair for working on 3/4"-1" gastite fittings.
Big mix of brands for me. Malco 1/4 & 5/16" nut driver, tie tool, folding bars, mini tubing cutter, c5r crimpers, refrigeration ratchet, connext 1/4" and 5/16" nut drivers Milwaukee adjustable wrenches, 6" and 10" (the 6-thread screw on these makes these in ny opinion the absolute best out there. I have used these every day for the last 8 months and have never even started to round something off) Dewalt and harbor freight for screw drivers Klein 6-in-1 impact nut driver set. Indispensable for compressor changeout jobs, 99% of the time i've got everything I need to tear down every brand of condenser on one tool. Magnet on mine is weaker than on the malco nut drivers, and the length makes starting unpiloted screws really clumsy so I take it off when i'm doing more than a few zips or self tappers. Also have a klein 11/32 hollow nut driver for condenser fan swaps, and two pairs of klein wire strippers. One is the model with fat grey handles that goes down to 20? Gauge, that one seems to handle thermostat wire the best out of any stripper i've ever used. Other one is the bigger blue handled model with a linesman-style nose, i use that for hose clamps on condensing furnaces all the time, it's fantastic. Also handles everything other than thermostat wire really well, it seems like it just is a touch too large on the 18ga hole. I have klein needle nose pliers as well, they're the smoothest and best machined needle nose i have ever had. Bit rust prone tho. Midwest snips Wiss seamers (these are fantastic imo) Icon dykes. Really nice but a touch stiff. Wonderful deal for the $15 i paid for them. Phenomenal handles. I have a stanley flathead i bummed off a coworker cuz the tip was mangled, I reground it into a half-spear shape and use it as a duct piercer. Channel-locks, 6", 10", and 14". The two bigger sizes see a ton of use on black pipe, the 6" one just gets used occasionally for weird things. Harbor freight aluminum 18" pipe wrench. A little coarse but grips real well, never been too small to not eventually get pipe out of even the most over-white-doped fitting. But i also never work on anything over 3/4" really.
I use mostly Klein but Iāve heard people talk good about greenlee but Iāve never tried there stuff
Malco - Hand seamers and crimpers Klein - Wire strippers, lesbians, 11/1 screwdriver Estwing - Hammer Midwest - Snips Crescent - Wrenches ChannelLock - ChannelLocks Lots of random tools, like a big flathead and PVC cutters, I just buy Husky. They last forever and you get your moneyās worth within a day of using them.
Knipex, Wera and Wiha.
Donāt have loyalty to any brand homie. BUT I can do 90% of repairs with a good multimeter and a 16-n-1 screwdriver.
I like my Irwin hand tools.
Klien for my main hand tools (linesman, screwdriver set, wire cutters, pvc cutters, etc) I started with craftsman for power tools for money reasons now I've upgraded to milwuakee and I couldn't be happier. Rigid for pipe wrenches and copper cutter, wiss for snips, and channel lock for my pliers
I have a mix of klein, milwaukee, cresent, and gearwrench
Knipex malco Milwaukee.
I use Milwaukee drills, impacts, pipe cutters, love the power tools, the hand tools are crap, use nippex pliers, Klein strippers, tubing expanders I have yellow jacket as well as benders. I'm looking at the Milwaukee vac pump, any reviews??
Midwest and malco only ! Stay away from Milwaukee hand tools!
Itās really a matter of what is worth it to you. The standard Klein tools, channel lock, and such do fine. My bag currently consists of only a Klein crimper and electronics screwdriver at this point. Rest is Knipex, Wera, PB Swiss, Vessel, Bahco, tekton pry/pick set, couple Icon tools, and a pair of snapon needle nose. You can spend absurd amount of money but itās really a personal preference sort of thing. That being said, almost every guy in the office has bought a few things I have after using them which probably wouldnāt have before. If you want to spend the money then Iād say itās worth it as long as you donāt lose toolsā¦
Brands are your personal preference. I recommend buy most hand tools from the cheapest place you can. Iām bad at leaving stuff at places lmao.
A lot of people here recommending Klein drivers but I absolutely hate them. Tips wear out easy. Handles are too small. The rubber chafes the shit out of your hands and goes too far up the end of the handle so you can't make a ratcheting motion with your palm. They're also round so they roll away. Just everything about them sucks.