91 Where do I get good tools?
Description
This article is from the Antique Radios And Phonographs FAQ, by Hank van Cleef vancleef@netcom with numerous contributions by others.
91 Where do I get good tools?
You can get them from sources that sell primarily to the crafts
trades. Most independent automotive jobbers carry automotive tools such
as SK and Herbrand. Snap-On tools are sold by independent sales people
whose "store front" is usually a step-van type truck (similar to a UPS
or bread delivery truck). Other brands are also sold by independent
people operating out of delivery trucks. These people make regular
rounds of automobile and aircraft repair shops, and are often not listed
in the telephone book Yellow Pages. Look under Snap-On, SK, and
Herbrand in the white pages. It may be necessary to inquire at an auto
repair shop or two, or at an airport fixed base operator maintenance
facility, to find out when the various tool dealers normally arrive, and
how to get in touch with them. You can generally arrange a mutual
meeting point with these people, either on their normal route, or by
appointment. Almost all of them know their tool lines and their uses
extremely well, and can advise you on what to buy, knowing what uses you
plant to make of them. Be prepared to spend money. Most electronic
distributors carry good selections of specialty tools for electronics
work. The best sources are those to sell to the trades. Don't look for
prices, look for quality. Those who sell tools will sell to an
individual for the same price as they sell to crafts people in the
trades.
Keep in mind that good tools are, by and large, not "consumer items"
that you'll find in "low price" type stores, such as K-Mart and
Wal-Mart. The one exception is Sears, Roebuck, who have historically
sold good quality tools under their in-house "Craftsman" name. I have
recently heard reports that Sears quality has become less reliable.
Also, while Craftsman tools were historically good tools, there are a
good many tools that are much more refined, and are worth the extra
money in productivity. SK, Herbrand, Blackhawk, Krauteur (pliers in
particular), and Channellock are all excellent in the USA. Snap-On is
the "Rolls Royce" in automotive type tools, and generally cost more for
tools that may or may not be superior to some of the other brands, but
you'll find all of these brands in a mechanic's toolbox.
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