AME tool kit

[Bede]

Anyone know of companies that sell AME tool kits? I know Snap On has a nice one, but a bit out of my price range. Perhaps something a bit lower quality, but better than Canadian Tire. Maybe Klein or something?

[maigashi]

Don't worry too much about a kit, most of the tools you would get would be redundant from most of the things you would normally have around. Its nice to pick and choose the best quality and value from different companies as tools don't always fit all hands the same. Get to know some ame's and we all have different tastes, you would be surprised how many people have mastercraft maximum stuff in their box, especially the wrenches. Great value on sale and great warranty. Snap on and Mac make great tools but they aren't always the best. SK tools make a great socket set and its 1/3 the price. Take your time past the general stuff so you don't end up hating your gear. Try out a few guys tools and then buy what you like.
Maigashi
(I buy a great deal of my jobber tools at Princess auto. Walk in warranty and some of the oddest tools known to man.)
If you want a list of good general stuff pm me and i can send you what i have.)

[iflyforpie]

Yeah, definitely mix and match. I'm not loyal to any one brand, but what I have has worked for the last ten years.

My wrenches and sockets are SK and they have been great--better in many ways than the Snap On or MAC tools I have borrowed. Craftsman makes pretty good tools as well and also have good warranty, but I don't own any--to chunky for me. China brand for tools that wear quickly or need to be modified--I've got a couple Princess Auto Power Fist die grinders that I expected to last a year or two and they are still going ten years later.

But you simply (IMHO) can't beat Snap-On for screwdrivers--especially the ratcheting ones.

[bombardierfixer]

SK is on the ropes. I don't think they are done but pretty dam close. Too bad I wanted to pick up some of their racheting long box ends.

[Pat Richard]

Agree pretty much with above posts, exception being canadian tire stuff. Their best stuff was their Professional series from about 10 years ago, which they discontinued. They used to have a great selection of tool boxes too, but have mostly plastic crap now. Not a fan of the Maximum line either. Thick and clunky, like most of the powerfist stuff. Powerfist has come a long way though, and you can't beat the prices and warranty.

SK was the best bang for the buck, and Im bummed to hear they might be done. I have several pieces from them. Another brand which I used (borrowed) years ago was http://www.stahlwille.com/ . I loved their stuff. Lista also makes sweet tool boxes.
Snap-on, mostly over priced, arrogant dealers, had to argue more times than not for warranty, but do have awesome drivers.

Napa ultra-pro also has some good stuff in 1/4" 12 point stuff

[iflyforpie]

Those might have been mine you borrowed PR. I inherited a set of Stahlwille combi wrenches from my dad. Older than I am, but really nice.

[ourkid2000]

A couple little tidbits to add:

Ideal Industries recently bought out SK and are building an entirely new manufacturing facility in Sycamore, Ill........they're not dead yet! SK is great stuff and I'd still buy them considering Ideals commitment to keeping them US made.

Snap On definitely has the screwdriver market cornered however consider this. I bought a full set of Williams screwdrivers last year.......Snap On discontinued the hard handle screw drivers a few years ago and Williams (owned by Snap On) started making them instead. They're absolutely identical, cheaper than the original Snap Ons, made in the USA and IMO the best screwdrivers ever made. The set number I bought is 110P-8MD (http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Cat-21-1-56/Sets.htm) around 60 dollars.

Actually now that I think about it, the made in USA Williams wrenches & ratchets are fantastic as well at great prices.

For another great deal, look for Toptul. I'm telling you right now this stuff is top notch (not Snap On quality now but certainly the equal of many manufacturers) but priced right and there is a great dealer online at http://www.thetoolchest.ca/. The guy who runs this site has been very dependable so far and has gone out of his way many times to get hard to find things for me.

[Pat Richard]

It was actually some of the South Africans who had the Stahlwillie stuff I was borrowing, but yeah, really nice stuff.

Thanks for the other links also.

[jsmetalbashers]

Check out chadstoolbox.com as well. Good to deal with, shipped USPS to my door cheap. They have the european stuff, I bought a set of Knipex pliers there.
Funny I never worked with a South African that had many tools, they seemed to like mine though.

[Pat Richard]

Actually, after I thought some more about it, he wasn't south afreeken, he was from one of the neighbor countries, and had been there longer than the SA's. Had a nice combo set.

[DanNat26]

What about some crimp/extraction tools? Any advices?

[ottopilot]

Best kept secret!!!

Napa sells ultra pro 12 point sockets both deep and shallow for about $30/set. The best deal around. I've had mine almost 8 years now and never returned any.

Snapon ratcheting screwdriver, hard handle is best. ~$50

mastercraft bit ratchet ~$15 wrenches, wait for the half price sale on them every 4-6 weeks

PM me if you have any more questions

[DBA]

Anyone know of companies that sell AME tool kits? I know Snap On has a nice one, but a bit out of my price range. Perhaps something a bit lower quality, but better than Canadian Tire. Maybe Klein or something?

If you're a student, you qualify for a 50% off discount on Snap-On and Mac Tools. Personally, I have a pretty good Mac Tools set (it was a lot cheaper than S-O and better) and some Snap-On items here and there (Bluepoint flex-head wrenches). However, as others have said, don't exclusively stick to one brand. As for store brand items, Craftsman and Stanley aren't bad at all.

[c170b53]

I like the box, where are they available? My craftsman box bottom is worn out and the hinges have been repaired several times. I've wanted a new one for the next out of town but haven't found a new supply.

[DBA]

I like the box, where are they available? My craftsman box bottom is worn out and the hinges have been repaired several times. I've wanted a new one for the next out of town but haven't found a new supply.

The toolbox is actually made by Waterloo, which you can find here: http://www.waterlooimages.com/CategoryR ... cur_page=1

Drapper also makes that toolbox model as well: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001CM5T74/r ... B001CM5T74

Snap-On offers the exact same model (KRW48B) but for almost $87 more.

[tyndall]

If you're a student, you qualify for a 50% off discount on Snap-On and Mac Tools. Personally, I have a pretty good Mac Tools set (it was a lot cheaper than S-O and better) and some Snap-On items here and there (Bluepoint flex-head wrenches). However, as others have said, don't exclusively stick to one brand. As for store brand items, Craftsman and Stanley aren't bad at all.

At Stevenson there is no Mac discount and Strap-On is 20-40% depending on the tool. Canadian prices are about 20% higher than the US, so the discount is even less. Other restrictions are only tools that are necessary for school (they check with the instructors, so no auto scan tools or big azz tool boxes, etc), only one of a tool allowed (can't buy two 3/8 socket sets), pay now (plus shipping) and see your tools in a few weeks. Its all done through the industrial side, the truck never stops by. Considering the hassle of warranty, chasing down a truck that's trying to avoid you or having to mail the tool in, I'm surprised anyone in aviation bothers with them. At least the stores selling industrial lines like Proto, Wright and Gray can't drive off and usually do an over the counter exchange.

[Pat Richard]

I like the box, where are they available? My craftsman box bottom is worn out and the hinges have been repaired several times. I've wanted a new one for the next out of town but haven't found a new supply.

The toolbox is actually made by Waterloo, which you can find here: http://www.waterlooimages.com/CategoryR ... cur_page=1

Drapper also makes that toolbox model as well: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001CM5T74/r ... B001CM5T74

Snap-On offers the exact same model (KRW48B) but for almost $87 more.

Thanks for the links.

Was also curious about the toolbox.

Logbook,*snicker* I just realized I have no clue where mine is.....

[skydrolboy]

I like the box, where are they available? My craftsman box bottom is worn out and the hinges have been repaired several times. I've wanted a new one for the next out of town but haven't found a new supply.

I bought a Pelican 1510 Case to use as my Road trip box. I got sick of having to repair my box after every trip from the careless baggage monkeys. It fits perfectly in the overhead bins on most A/C, and has built in wheels so that you dont have to carry you box where ever you go.

[partsboy]

Where can we get pricing for the Waterloo tool boxes?

[DBA]

Where can we get pricing for the Waterloo tool boxes?

Hope this helps. http://www.toolboxesdirect.com/tool-box ... oolbox.cfm

[niss]

I just picked up a Craftsman cantilever box for $35.

Not too shabby.

Methinx we should start a toolbox thread.

[MZUNGO]

had that craftsman box for exactly one trip, it came through on the bag carousel bent to hell. as with skydrolboy get yourself a pelican case.
http://www.optimalcaseandlights.com/store/

[DBA]

had that craftsman box for exactly one trip, it came through on the bag carousel bent to hell. as with skydrolboy get yourself a pelican case.
http://www.optimalcaseandlights.com/store/

Those cases are expensive as hell! Please tell me they're bulletproof and baggage monkey smash proof as well?

[DBA]

had that craftsman box for exactly one trip, it came through on the bag carousel bent to hell. as with skydrolboy get yourself a pelican case.
http://www.optimalcaseandlights.com/store/

Those cases are expensive as hell! Please tell me they're bulletproof and baggage monkey smash proof as well?

[skydrolboy]

had that craftsman box for exactly one trip, it came through on the bag carousel bent to hell. as with skydrolboy get yourself a pelican case.
http://www.optimalcaseandlights.com/store/

Those cases are expensive as hell! Please tell me they're bulletproof and baggage monkey smash proof as well?

Damn near bulletproof.....Go to Pelican's website and look up the true story section of their webpage and see some of the shit guys have put their cases through.

I got my case through these guys http://www.pelicancasesinbc.ca/1510-Car ... 01-110.htm Cheapest place I could find without going off e-bay, plus they had a store in-town that I could pick up from to save on shipping.