Who here has one, and how do you like it?

I need to get one, and the parts stores have them for about $20. Even Waal-Mart has one for $20. I'm just a little concerned about their quality and precision.

Most of the big name tool companies have them for $50 plus, but include fittings for engines other than the common automotive gas engines. I'm really thinking about the Craftsman one. It has 5 fittings I think, and a nice little case for $50.

What do you guys/gals think. Is it really worth another $30 for the Craftsman, or should I just get one from O'Reilly's?

 

I have a craftsman, and been using it for about 6 years with no problems

It's only my second one in 11 years. The first one I had, was the craftsman and I used it ALOT for the 5 years I had it. It just rusted up on me, and the relief valve got stuck. But I used it in a saltwater environment all the time. So for it to last 5 years is pretty good in my book.


BREW

 

Closer-
What you get depends on your needs as well as your 'wants'. Brew uses his to earn a living and he probably uses it several times per month. Are you going to need yours on a regular basis or to earn a living? Or will it just be once in a while for personal use, or perhaps to help out a buddy? What are your tastes in mechanic's tools, do you own Snap-On, Craftsman and Mac or do you own lots of less expensive tools?

For myself, I'm kinda 'middle-of-the-road'. I have lots of Craftsman and a fair amount of Snap-On tools, but I've always done the vast majority of my own mechanical work on my own vehicles as well as my equipment in my lawn and tree businesses. Back when I bought most of my tools I always went for the higher quality as much as I could afford. Today I don't seem to do as much mechanical work except for oil changes and now an occassional hydraulic line on my bucket truck. Just today I bought a cheap set of line wrenches and a cheap set of crowsfeet wrenches ($30 for both sets) to use on the bucket truck. I no longer want to buy lots of expensive tools and if the repair is anything major I'll just pay someone to fix it. My tool needs are strictly 'Part-Time' now.

 

Well, I generally buy Craftsman tools. And no it wouldn;t be for commercial use, just now and then on my personal projects, and buddy projects. I just want to make sure I get something good, and the versatility of the Craftsman might make it worth the extra money. I could use it for probably any gas engine I would come across. Plus the case makes it nice for storing, or carrying to a buddy's place...

 

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/to...&page=1&#37576

I've got the first set listed on that page, part # CT66K and the CT611 adapter for 4.6/5.4 3Vs on order. It's a good gauge set, I don't really have any complaints about it. The "cheapest" compression tester from $nap-on lists for like $203. A buddy of mine at work does just about all our engine work and gets by just fine with a parts store no-name gauge. Compression testers are relatively simple pieces of equipment, as long as the adapters seal well and the gauge is accurate (and given the simplicity of 'em, I doubt you'll find any that isn't accurate, at least way out in left field in-accurate) you'll be fine as frog's hair.

 

A buddy of mine has one similar to the CT166K. Although it is a very nice package, I would say 99% of the time he grabs his craftsman. Its easier quicker and easier to use.

Closer..I'm sure you will be fine with the craftsman one. Like Quintin said, it's a pretty basic tool, in the way it works. There are some tools, I have that are top of the line Snap on or Matco...like my $600 SnapOn wrench set, but its the best set of wrenches I have ever used and owned and wouldnt trade them for anything..I also have a set of Matco's that dont leave the shop and 2 more sets of craftsman for when im in tight spots hanging over the water. Its a lot easier to watch a $15 wrench sink than it is a wrench that cost $40 to $100. Sorry, im rambling..Just get the craftsman, you'll be happy


BREW

 

For the craftsman, have had one for 20 years.

 

craftsman i have had mine for around 9 years havent used it in a year

 

Well, I got the Craftsman over the weekend. Didn't realize it until I got it, but it also has fittings to pressurize the cylinder so you can change valve guide seals without removing the head. Not sure if the cheaper versions have that option. Although I'm usually too paranoid to attempt this I might on the old F100...

Dad usually puts nylon rope in the cylinder and cranks it up to TDC to change valve guide seals on the engine...

Thanks for the replies...