Wiha Tools

[5Toes]

Im getting ready to buy my first set of tools. One of the most quality things I'm going to buy are screwdrivers & allen wrenches (I use the allen wrenches a shit ton on my bike).

Anyways I hear Wiha tools are very high quality and the price is pretty reasonable. My prosthetist has some of their red t handle allen wrenches and has been using them for a good five years. He breaks loctite seals everyday with 'em.

Anybody have experience or can point me to a similar alternative. I hear Klein is good... but in recent years their quality has dropped.

[noid]

In order: Hazet (notably ratchets), Wera (screw drivers), Stahlwille (wrenches), Knipex (pliers), Gedore, Saltus.

Basically anything from any of those companies.

[5Toes]

Oh yes I know Hazet is the shit... but I cant afford that. Im a sophomore in High School

[5Toes]

And supposedly Wera tools aren't even made in Germany anymore?

[der affe]

what about Kolbalt or Husky?
simple hand tools stuff like that should be readily available for warrenty exchange if you brake them and the pricing is not bad for a HS student on a budget.

[noid]

And supposedly Wera tools aren't even made in Germany anymore?

Supposedly they are made in Czech republic now and snap on uses their screw drivers in their blue point sets. Its good value IMO, they are sexy and have amazing handles.

But if your on a budget I would get a huskey black chrome (aka pro) set from home depot. I have had mine (socket set) since January of 2008 and it has seen ALOT of use and is still going strong. Huskey is owned by Stanley which effectively makes mac tools. If anything ever breaks you just call Stanley (yes even if you have a huskey set) and without proof they send you a replacement.

[5Toes]

Oh Im definitely going to get Husky sockets/wrenches... but I will upgrade them later in life for sure. I don't mind paying the extra for a great screwdriver/hex wrench now, because I know it will never give me any problems, and I use them alot.

[Dude]

My tools are a collection of what ive scrounged together since i was 12 (17 now). I really dont have a complete set of tool even thought i wish i could start all over. I buy tools as i need them and try not to lose them.

[noid]

I would opt in and get Wera screw drivers, they are after all screwdriver specialists, and the handles are made for prolonged use.

[unrlmth]

I have a set of the Harbor Freight Allen wrenches. They are cheap and I've never had any issues with them. I've had them for a few years now and they have held up great with lots of use. I would probably say about 10-15 bike builds/teardowns. I've used them on Ti and Al bolts with no damage to the bolt heads.

[5Toes]

Sounds cool. Isn't it very hard though to find the good products at Harbor Freight?

[StereoInstaller1]

I dropped the dough on Snap-On allen (and torx) sockets, but only the 1/4" racks.

[AndrewBird]

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-color-coded-t-handled-hex-key-set-37861.html

I got that set and do not recommend them. The larger sizes are ok, but the bottom 4 sizes or so are so small that when any kind of torque is applied to them, the hex just rounds.

I really like Proto tools. One of the main things I look for in tools is how slim they are. Most cheap tool companies make all their sockets and stuff thick walled and bulky to compensate for cheap materials. Proto stuff is among the thinest, easiest to fit into a hard area all around great tool. And just because it is thin, doesn't mean it is weaker. My dad has a bunch of 40+ year old Proto stuff that is still good as new.

[5Toes]

Yes see I dont want those kind of problems (Harbor Freight). My Dad has a crapload of Crafstsmen he bought back in the early 90's... but he barely ever uses it. I dont like using it because I dont want to be liable for all of it.

Anyways I want quality hand tools I can own through college and beyond. Wrenches and that sort Ill buy better of those later.

Ive been looking at PB Swiss tools, they seem to be on par with Wera and Wiha. They are also very sharp looking :)

[StereoInstaller1]

Check prices on Cornwell before you buy anything, just make sure it is the american made stuff, not hecho in China