Hand Tools

[George C]

Mastercraft at Canadian Tire are great tools but we rarely buy anything at full price. Sales of up to 50% off come along frequently. Their stuff is unconditionally guaranteed. I bought a hole-saw kit for 70% off and stripped the threads on one of the arbours sawing 2.5" dia lightening holes in aluminum. They replaced it with a better arbour at no charge.

Powerfist is the house brand at Princess Auto but they carry other brands as well. Rarely do I come home empty-handed from Princess Auto. A recent find was a rivnut kit for $29.99.

Lee Valley Tools carries a really nice 28pc 1/4" drive socket set that, so far, has been indestructible. We have two. Includes sockets up to 1/2" and hex and screwdriver bits including Robertson. The case is 3 x 5 1/2. How often do you really need anything bigger than 1/4" drive?

Keep in mind you get what you pay for.

[tsaksa]

My personal tools are mostly medium quality with a few really high end tools for critical jobs. If I worked as a professional mechanic I certainly would invest in all of the really high end tools such as Snap-On. There really is a difference when you need to break loose a stubborn head bolt or corroded front end joint. And that extra chrome and polish makes a difference when it comes time to clean up. But I am not sure I would choose high end tools for our FIRST robotics team.

If our team had some sponsors with deep pockets, sure I would go for all high end tools. Using and caring for quality tools is both a pleasure and a good way to learn respect for quality. However the incremental value they provide for the kind of use most tools seem to get in FIRST seems to be relatively low IMHO.

Our robots are built mostly from aluminum, do not see daily use, are not exposed to severe operating environments, etc. I do not think I have ever encountered a nut, screw, bolt, or fitting that could not be removed or properly installed with consumer grade tools. Not the super cheap stuff, but the modestly priced tools available in any number of different brands at local automotive parts stores, and home stores.

This is not to say there are not places in the world of FIRST where I do not think even a financially struggling team should splurge. Our team is always on a tight budget so we need to be very careful with purchases. But some custom tools still need to be top rate. I will get by with lower quality open end wrenches, sockets, and screw drivers if I can buy top quality crimpers, chain tools, and at least one top of the line cordless drill.