Originally Posted by
beezapilot
I was an instructor at a mechanical school for over a decade, we got half price Matco, MAC, and Snap-On tools as a werk perk.
Kind of random- but some observations.
Snap-On Flank Drive sockets are superb.
Most people buy "philips" screwdrivers and are often aggravated with them, most of the newer fasteners that look like Philips are Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) a different grind, specify JIS if you are working on newer stuff.
Never did like snap on wrenches, just don't fit in my hand well.
Loved Matco screwdrivers, nicely ergonomic, BUT have switched to Bondhus- made in USA, excellent warranty, and VERY comfortable.
Flex-head ratchets are the only way to fly, most of the upper end manufacturers have them that will lock on an angle, important.
Try looking in an MSC catalog, there are some "industrial" brands that seem well made, and made in the USA, Armstrong for example.
Most of my fractional wrenches are as old as I am- Williams, is a favorite.. yardsales.