I have been using Craftsman hand tools for years without any problem. I
personally don't care for the very glossy chrome finish like Snap On Tools.

And the price seems to be reasonable with their life time warranty.

Those chepo Chinese/Taiwanese tools are for kids. Unless you want a bolt to
be rounded keep them away from heavy duty use.

I am more on the side of utility value than looks!
"Nomen Nescio" > wrote in message
...
> Ever hear of New Brunswick? My school auto shop had a bunch and I thought
> they were great. As I recall, they had some Proto tools as well.
>
> Well, being a poor boy, I collected Craftsman tools. They're roughly
> finished for the most part, not like their latest versions. Mine are made
> in the U.S.A. Today, I believe, some of the Craftsman line are imported.
>
> I also have a few Snap-On tools and they are like fine jewels. Snap-On
> sells direct to the pros from mobile sales trucks. Their quality is
> unquestionably the best, but so are their prices the highest.
>
> Does anybody have an opinion about Taiwanese tools? Outwardly, they
> resemble Snap-On in their finish and sell for remarkably low prices. Do
> pros use them? Is the quality through and through with quality alloys and
> heat treatment or they promoted on their cosmetic atributes? I have
> noticed that some famous brands like Black and Decker and Stanley are
> importing from Taiwan.
>
> Any opinions on Chinese tools? They look robust and generally have a good
> finish. I bought a Chinese-made breaker bar handle in 1/2 inch drive and
> it works just fine. I know the discount tool stores sell a lot of Chinese
> stuff, particularly impact tools and they're cheap and look robust, fit
for
> the purpose.
>
> Every professional mechanic loses tools now and then. I would hate to
have
> a Snap-On item disappear, but wouldn't cry over it if it was a low cost
> import.
>
> With pros, is it a mandatory status symbol to own a complete Snap-On
> collection, or have they gravitated toward imports already?
>