Looking at new tools Options

[Montreal914]

I am looking at refreshing some of my tools for the second part of my amateur wrenching life. My combination wrenches are a collection of ~50% old Mastercraft (Canadian brand) mixed with ~50% Craftsman, both with a fair amount of mileage (over 30 years). I definitely want to drop the Martsercraft as they are of dull porous finish and more difficult to clean.

I was looking into a few options:

- Buy used US made Craftsman missing wrenches to complete my current Crafstman partial set. Not too excited about this option because of the wrenches semi-porous finish (again, cleaning).

- Buy new Tekton set. (cheap!)

- Buy used good condition Snap-On set.

Unfortunately, I have not experienced working a lot with Snap-On tools but have been very pleased with the 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets I have recently purchased. I know the feel is very nice working with them.

Also, it seems like there are very few uses for sizes above 19mm on our 914s. Tekton sets offer up to 19 or 22mm (and more). Any good reasons why I would want the 20, 21, 22mm wrenches? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Any comments on Crafstman, Tekton, Snap-On? Other good wrench brands to recommend? Looking for a purchase that will last me for the rest of my existence where I could get a replacement wrench if I was to loose or break one, both of which are doubtful (I think).

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Moving on to sockets. I have a mixed match of 12 and 6 point mostly craftsman of different model with odd brands in the mix. I am looking at having only 6 point sockets.

Same kind of options:

- Buy used US made Craftsman sockets to complete my sets.

- Buy new Tekton sets.

- Buy used good condition Snap-On sets.

There, I am a little more picky and know that some of the key elements to good sockets are the smallest outside diameter for clearance, the inside dimensions to be able to handle the rounded of bolt heads, and the smallest lead in chamfer to offer the most amount of contact surface.

Unfortunately, I don't have access to sockets of various brands to compare these things. A lot of YouTube reviews are just crap and talk about the casing and how many sockets but don't really talk about their engineering with effective technical comparison.

Inputs welcomed! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) Thank you! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)