Who makes the best automotive tools?

Answer 1

Snap-On Tools, if you can afford it.

I wouldn't recommend Snap-On's air tools, however.. they don't have the best repute behind them, and I've much better luck with Mac Tools in this regard.. I only have one Cornwell air tool - their gearless right angle grinder, which has been great - but I can't make an assessment of their air tools based on that alone.

If you're not actually working in the field in a professional capacity, there's really no reason for you to spend the kind of money you would spend for Snap-On, Mac, Cornwell, etc. tools. SK Tool has some reasonably priced items, but, for a backyard mechanic, Craftsman tools should be fine for the most part - maybe you'd want to get the Craftsman Professional line if they'll see heavy use, although I would recommend maybe you splurge a little on ratchets if they're going to see any significant amount of use.. SK Tool makes pretty sturdy ones, as does Mac Tools, although I'll personally never buy another one which isn't made by Snap-On.

Your tool needs, ultimately, are going to be based on what you use them for. Even as someone who turns wrenches for a living, I won't pay Snap-On or Mac Tool prices for items which see limited use. Some wrenches will only ever be used to, for example, tighten hydraulic line couplers... I just use the Pittsburgh brand from Harbor Freight for those. Same thing with scrapers.. I'm not spending $16 for a gasket scraper when I can spend less than $2 for a five-in-one scraper from American Tool Exchange which fulfills the same purpose just fine.