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Old 04-05-2018, 09:37 AM   #21
Nick M3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blee View Post
I'll have to check out those threads when I'm on a computer that isn't so dumb about "security." But, yeah, I know that relatively few tool companies have their own factories. For as long as I'm aware, Sears never did, either, and I know there are some real tool geeks who know which companies made Craftsman tools at different times.

Still, it seems to me that branding does make a difference, in some cases. The same factory might push out open-end wrenches for three different labels, but to what tolerances and design specs are each of them manufactured -- even if they ship from the same building?
How much better does the theoretical tolerance need to be to justify paying 3-10x the price? I haven't bought a *lot* of "off brand" tools, but the Precision and CDI torque wrenches are great. Both of those were/are Snap On suppliers.
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Old 04-05-2018, 12:41 PM   #22
John V
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The CDI torque wrench I bought for doing differential setup is incredible.
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Old 04-05-2018, 04:29 PM   #23
blee
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The only Snap-On tool I own (except, I think, that little ratchet ball bearing thingy) is a 3/8" Tech Angle digital torque wrench. I believe it shares its guts with CDI, and I agree, it's amazing.
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Old 04-05-2018, 04:34 PM   #24
blee
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick M3 View Post
How much better does the theoretical tolerance need to be to justify paying 3-10x the price? I haven't bought a *lot* of "off brand" tools, but the Precision and CDI torque wrenches are great. Both of those were/are Snap On suppliers.
I agree with you, and I know that sometimes/often you're literally paying for the brand stamped on the tool -- same factory, same design, same dimensions, same everything. Just not always.
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Old 04-05-2018, 08:12 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clyde View Post
Dunno if those Garage Journal threads get into it, but there's also been a lot of tool company consolidation and shifts in production (factories and countries). Worth checking this out:

https://pressurewashr.com/tool-industry-behemoths/

One of those companies writes my paycheck.
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Old 04-05-2018, 08:17 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John V View Post
The CDI torque wrench I bought for doing differential setup is incredible.
I got a 1/2" 300lb-ft CDI torque wrench about 10 years ago. Love it. I then got a 3/8" one which is also great.

I've had a 1/4" one on my amazon wish list for about 5 years but still hesitate to drop $100+ on something I will use so rarely.
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