I’m currently in a career where I have been working with the Germans and have become a big fan of Wera tools. They’re so nice that they are like jewelry!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024LRV00...XEKQ9WMQY5M1S8

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Nice looking tools and not unreasonably priced..:biggthumpup:

Interesting. While that does seem to be a German headquartered company, that Amazon link shows those tools as originating from the ‎Czech Republic.

Not sure if that matters; I just noticed it.

Still, an interesting alternative for sure.

I used to hate soft handled ratchets but after chipping a very rare, NOS part when a metal ratchet swung down I realized the soft ratchets will definitely have a place in my world.

Thanks guys. I have an allegiance to SK for no reason other than I was gifted a set at 17 years old... 17 years later (you can figure out my age), they work great and look great. We've added lots of other SK to the arsenal without considering other brands. I just bought my first Snap On tool box and since been exploring all sorts of tool options. Wera tools look very nice. Thanks for sharing.

Used to be Blue-Point was just Snap-On without the chrome finish, black oxide like their impact sockets. About 15-20 years ago they changed them to China made and to me ruined the brand.
SK and Craftsman were the only ones my dad had, but when I started as a diesel tech they would not take the punishment, so I kept any of them at home. SK went off the market for awhile and just recently was started up again - so if you have any broken sockets I would urge everyone to find their website fast before they are gone again.

If anyone is looking for a Snap On Epiq toolbox I have one sitting idle in one bay of my garage. Since I moved to a different career I dont need it any longer.

Hand tool preferences
 

I have accumulated a real mixture of hand tools over the last 50+ years of wrenching. I started buying most of the common tools at age 18, when I went to school - mostly Craftsman at that point due to the quality (mostly made by Easco), a smattering of SK (a brand I sold as a distributor), and finally a few Snap-on, primarily after calling on the hand tool plants as a cutting tool supplier. I hate that Craftsman tools are mostly sourced offshore now, after Easco ended as a brand/supplier in the late 90's; guarantee was always a big drawing card.

Having said that, I can tell you first hand that Snap-on Tools are tops in class, premium material and process quality tools, mostly if not all made here in the U.S. I had the distinct honor to supply some of their cutting tools used in manufacturing ratchets, breakers, end wrenches, chisels, punches and other tools, witnessed forging, machining and finishing operations right down to final polish and plating. Top shelf stuff, but unfortunately way out of my price range -

Regards,
Steve

As others have said, new Craftsman tools are off shore tools with only a one year warranty. I have a Craftsman torque wrench that I won't trade because the one they offered looked and felt like junk.

I bought an apprentice set of snap on tools with a top box when I was 20. I turn 61 next week. Everything is still tip top. Love em.