Tool recommendations needed

[WVJeep304]

So I've had a couple of tools/sets on my list for a while and have yet to commit to any purchases. I haven't needed them for a year or so, but may need them in the next few months, so time to get serious again.

I'd like to get a decent blind bearing puller, as well as a seal/bearing driver set. I don't want to break the bank, don't don't want pure trash. If HF has a product that is the answer, I'm ok with that thanks to their close proximity to me and a lifetime warranty.

Most of the stuff I found in previous research for both tools led to either overpriced, junk, or sets that weren't as inclusive as I'd like. Anyone have any recommendations for either tool/set?

 

[TJ4Jim]

So I've had a couple of tools/sets on my list for a while and have yet to commit to any purchases. I haven't needed them for a year or so, but may need them in the next few months, so time to get serious again.

I'd like to get a decent blind bearing puller, as well as a seal/bearing driver set. I don't want to break the bank, don't don't want pure trash. If HF has a product that is the answer, I'm ok with that thanks to their close proximity to me and a lifetime warranty.

Most of the stuff I found in previous research for both tools led to either overpriced, junk, or sets that weren't as inclusive as I'd like. Anyone have any recommendations for either tool/set?

I had to grab the HF set a while back and although HF is not my go to for special tools I really cannot complain, it's does the job and the slide hammer has been usefull for other tasks.

 

[GATORB8]

When I was doing the axles, I ended up picking up several Performance Tools items. I would find them online, then do a model number search on Rock Auto who generally had the best price.

I'm not sure the quality is significantly better than HF though.

For the driver set, I have PERFORMANCE TOOL W89715 and it was under $50 from RA.

 

[RangerTJ]

The HF tools are usually fine for occasional use, and they have a lifetime warranty so replacement is easy if needed.

I would NOT choose HF if I was planning on using the tools to make a living.

 

[WVJeep304]

I had to grab the HF set a while back and although HF is not my go to for special tools I really cannot complain, it's does the job and the slide hammer has been usefull for other tasks.

I've had their slide hammer for 20 years & it's served me well for a lot of things, but some of the attachments leave a lot to be desired. Apparently, the one i bought isn't compatible with their newer stuff due to it having different threads. If I remember correctly though, the reason I took them out of the running when I was looking around last year is the set they had didn't have a small enough puller for the job I was doing.

When I was doing the axles, I ended up picking up several Performance Tools items. I would find them online, then do a model number search on Rock Auto who generally had the best price.

I'm not sure the quality is significantly better than HF though.

For the driver set, I have PERFORMANCE TOOL W89715 and it was under $50 from RA.

I've had varying success with PT over the years. I still have a lot of their stuff. From what I've seen, their stuff over the last few years is made all over the world and varies in quality big time, so you just have to watch what you get. I think at this point they may be on the same level as HF, but without the ease of warranty. I haven't completely ruled them out though. But they're $10 more than the Maddox set at HF, and $100 cheaper than the Icon which has more sizes.

The HF tools are usually fine for occasional use, and they have a lifetime warranty so replacement is easy if needed.

I would NOT choose HF if I was planning on using the tools to make a living.

I mostly agree. But certain things, I've had better luck with the HF brands over other brands, including tool trucks. HF's Pittsburgh wrenches are ok, but not great. I've found the sizing to not be super accurate. The icon are supposed to be great. I'm trying to decide if I want to start switching to the icon wrenches or go with Tekton. The Quinn chrome & impact sockets and Pittsburgh impact sockets however seem to be a great value and have out lasted many other brands for me. If HF wasn't literally 10min from me, I wouldn't waste my time/money on 90% of their tools. But it's faster/easier to warranty out with them when needed vs chasing down a tool truck or waiting for a replacement in the mail.