Making my first real garage....

[Rexter]

Ok guys looking to put some gear into the garage. From what i gather from here Eastwood is decent stuff. Not looking to run a business just work on my rods.
Is it worth getting Eastwood for a few years?

[sleepertime]

My .02 cents is that there are a lot of great tools out there some really expensive, some really cheap. It's just like automobiles people have their favorites that they swear by and there is nothing wrong with that, but what works for me is that I have an assortment of different manufacturer's of tools I found that I don't need the best in every situation. I am not making a living with my tools but I do expect them to work when I need them. I am not trying to keep up with guy down the street bragging about the latest most expensive whatever. To me you just got to get started buying and learn how to use them properly. For me I would rather save some money by not buying the most expensive and spending money on the car instead. I have found that by using a less expensive tool for a period of time that I recognized the weaknesses of that particular tool and I eventually upgraded...

[Wissing72]

Kind of depends on what your doing. And how often. At my job it is mostly Snap-on, I make my living with those tools and don't need failure issues and having to worry about where to warranty etc. At home I have no issues with off brand, it is just hobby and it gets minimal use. I did a remodel of my house a few years ago and needed a finish nailer. I went to Harbor Freight and got one for about 25.00 it worked flawlessly and it still works when ever I have needed it. I know when it fails I can toss it and know I got my money out of it. If I was a pro then it would be different. Don't overspend on things you only use "once in a while" spend the savings on your project.

[TheJDMan]

Eastwood makes good quality specialty tools but if your looking for general purpose starter tools Sears Craftsman are dependable and cost effective. Snap-On, Mac and Matco are great professional grade tools and I have some of all these brands but they are very pricey. On the other hand, Sears sells very comprehensive starter tool sets for great prices. Sears also has sales all the time so keep an eye open for a sale and you can save even more.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

It really depends on what tools you are looking at buying and using.

[renegade6]

Hunt around on craigslist for what you want and be patient. I waited and found a new CH 2 stage 80 gallon compressor for $500. The other recommendation is take a look at garagejournal and look at their recommendations.

[Rexter]

Thanks guys. I look at it this is going to be the place I finish out my days.
I want good tools, something that will work when i need them too. Like you guys said I dont make a living out it not planning too. Before going to Australia I had a bit of craftsman and I like it. Had some snap on etc...
Now that I gt this kick ass rod I want to make it my own and make stuff i need with my own 2 wienie clamps.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by Rexter

Thanks guys. I look at it this is going to be the place I finish out my days.
I want good tools, something that will work when i need them too. Like you guys said I dont make a living out it not planning too. Before going to Australia I had a bit of craftsman and I like it. Had some snap on etc...
Now that I gt this kick ass rod I want to make it my own and make stuff i need with my own 2 wienie clamps.

wienie clamps? is that code?

Don't forget Lowes and Home Depot for tool. Sometimes they have great clearance sales.

[rickpaw]

I've had good luck with hand tools from Lowes (Kobalt brand) and Home Depot (Husky). I have some sockets and ratchets from Harbor Freight, and they have the same feel/quality as the more expensive tools from Lowes/HD. I have stayed away from Sears/Craftsman line recently, since I can get the same quality tools from Lowes/HD/HF for much less. I have a couple sets of Craftsman ratchets/sockets back in the mid 90s, and they are much better quality than the ones Sears' selling now.

For power tools, I try to stay with name brands and not made in China tools (personal reference). However, I do have a couple of power tools I bought cheap with coupons from HF, and those held up so far.

[Rexter]

Originally Posted by Vince@MSperfab

wienie clamps? is that code?.

No not really military term for hands....like D!ck skinners. meat hooks, rosey palm and her 5 sisters...etc etc