To work on your truck, you need tools, some are good, some are bad, and some are just plain crap.
Everyone's got their own thoughts on what are good tools, some think Stanley are best thing since sliced bread, others won't pick it up unless it says Mac, Matco or Snap-On on it.
FWIW Here's my thoughts on the tools I use;
Craftsman - Make good tools, but the quality seems to have dropped off over recent years. Great place to buy one off hard to find tools and some of their sets are good value. The no hassle lifetime guarantee is a big plus.
Kobalt (Lowes) - As good as Craftsman, and some tool like ratchets are most probably better. Lifetime warranty, never tried to use it, so don't know how hassle free it is.
Taskforce (Lowes) - Lowes budget tools, good value and with a lifetime warranty. Better than the cheap tools included in those kits made by Cresent, Allied, Channelock, etc. I carry a Taskforce 160 pc tool kit in my Jeep.
Husky (Home Depot) - Similar to Taskforce, some of the Husky Pro tools are almost as good as Craftsman and Kobalt. Their Husky Pro torque wrenches are good value for money and well made.
Pittsburgh (Harbor Freight) - Don't discount Harbor Freight tools, their ratchets are crap, but sockets are not that bad. Some of their wrenches are pretty good, especially their Pittsburgh Pro line. Great place for tools that you don't use that often, as well as pullers, specialist wrenches, etc.
Stanley - Okay quality and well priced, some of their tools are not that bad, others are not that good.
Proto, Mac, Matco, Snap-On, SK, etc - Great if you rely on tools for your living, but over priced in my view (for home use) and not necessary for the home mechanic.
I generally buy Kobalt and Craftsman these days, but have plenty of Husky, Taskforce and Pittsburgh tools.
Ratchets are most probably one of the tools you need to be the most reliable, and I'd go for Kobalt first, then Craftsman (or better).
If sockets or wrenches start getting deformed or misshaped, ditch them, (and maybe use the rest of that set as "back up" tools). Avoid ratchets, adjustables, etc with rubber handles, they usually come off just when you don't want them to.
Never use the wrong size socket or wrench on a nut or bolt, get the right size tool for the job. Have at least one set of sockets and wrenches that includes all sizes and doesn't miss out sizes.
Finally, buy some decent mechanics gloves and use them, your knuckles will thank you.
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Apart from a few specialist tool manufacturers, nearly all USA made tools are made by three companies. Although a few brands have changed supplier over the years, I think this is correct.
Stanley - Stanley, Husky, Mac, Proto
Danaher - Craftsman, Kobalt, Matco, Armstrong, Napa, Gear Wrench
Snap-On - Snap-On, JH Williams, Bahco, ATI
It's worth noting that just because they are made by the same company doesn't mean they are the same quality, although some brands like Kobalt and Craftsman are very similar quality. All of the above also have budget brands, which are manufactured overseas mainly Taiwan.
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