Good tools are hard to find

[Bonehead]

I was kicking around out in the shop and got to thinking about some of my tools. I still have a bunch of tools I bought back in 1978 when I set up my welding truck and went into business. 30 years of hard use, and they are still in good shape. I wonder if any of the tools I bought more recently will survive 30 years. It is hard to find good tools now. I break some of my Snap-on, and Craftsman stuff and replace it, but it is not the same as tools that were meant to last. What gets me, is how let down I am when some of those old tools finally give it up. Come on, I remember when I bought this like it was yesterday.

 

[Lightning]

I agree with ya Bonehead, these new tools [no matter what brand] just don't seem to have the longevity as the older ones do. I have some old Ford tools and some old Craftsman tools that my dad had wayback when,that I still use to this day. Even some of the cheaper brands from the 60's & 70's are out lasting some of the big brand names of today.But it's just like the cars - - -They just don't make them like they used to!

 

[Willowbilly3]

I still have my first set of sockets. My great uncle gave me a set of (used) S-K Wayne 1/2 inch drive and I still have most of that set. I have replaced a couple of the sockets over the years. I have both sets of snap-on screwdrivers I bought in the 80s. One set it the old 3 sided power-grip ones and they are awesome, they quit making those right after I bought them about 20 years ago. The other set is the second set of colored handles, I think they were indy 500 special edition, red handles. My favorite hammer is one I found under the battery of a pickup when I was a mechanic on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Project in 1975. Every tool I own has a story.

 

[Lightning]

As far as losing tools - sockets, what are the ones you have trouble finding or have to replace? Mine have always been the 3/8 drive 9/16's,7/16's and the 3/8th's - 1/2" adapter or the swivel joint for 3/8's drive - or the 1/2 - 9/16 comb. box and end wrench. Didn't mean to change the subject - but it's still tools.