I could tell by your post you know a bit more probably than the other guys. I know some things about tools myself, but it is hard trying to find out the real detailed stuff, paranoia from mfrs.

Ok, lets see what you said:

QUOTE: "Now see, I prefer Proto myself."

You probably remember when Proto was compared to Williams, Wright, and Armstrong stuff. I have some Proto tools from the 70's before Stanley bought them. I assume you are aware of their Recent made in China fiasco. Proto is still US made. I know one of their techs and we talk about that China thing that was in the Wall St. Journal and Proto has really been haunted for that blunder. Just like Quaker State is still haunted for that bad batch of oil, Ford Explorers and Firestone, etc., etc. I was trying to find out something far more specific. I have a Volvo and like Volvo vehicles, so I thought I'd post it here and take a shot.

QUOTE: "I have some SK impact wobbly sockets and I beat the hell out of them daily and they have not let me down. I have been running them for about a year now with no problems."

I own some SK tools myself, various items and have no complaints at all. I like them just fine. Its just that I am a toolnut and I like, own, and need other brands as well. No one Company does it all perfect.

QUOTE: "If you are really that concerned about the quality and fit of the tools you buy maybe you should consider stepping up and buying Snap-On. I know they are expensive, boy do I know, but they are the best ..."

I agree in part. Certainly they are 60% marked up over retail by their tool truck guys. A few will give a small discount but not most. They do outsource a good bit more than most people know, but the quality is still there. Snapon does a great job with quality control. When I need a tool truck tool I almost always go for Snappy. Oddly, some of their tools I would not purchase, as I found much better quality, for at least the same price if not less sometimes. What I like the best are their wrenches, ratchets, and specialty items, when needed.

QUOTE: "Alhough they do not carry Snap-On, take a look at the Tool Warehouse, they have a nice collection of stuff online and some of the best prices around. Spend a hundred bucks there and they will even throw in the shipping for first time customers."

Personally, I have never gotten any good deal from the net. My local sources are far better.


best regards,
diyer