[Lynn]

Lots of discussion on hand tools at the garage journal web site.
Snap on haters and snap on lovers in every thread.

IMHO, the ONLY reason to hate Snap on is the price. I have Snap tools that I bought in 1972. I used them professionally until 89.

Always a chance you can find a used set of wrenches.

If buying new, search CL, ebay and even this site. Someone just sold a set of SO wrenches here in last week or two.

If I were starting a set of tools, I would buy a set of combination flank drive Snap on from 5/16 to 7/8. Bigger than 7/8 and the extra meat isn't nearly as important, as there is normally not a really confined space you are working in.

I would also buy a set of Snap on 6 point sockets in the same size range, or whatever else range you find a deal on.

Proto makes good tools. In fact, I have a set of Proto screwdrivers that I prefer over the Snap on screwdrivers. I don't think Craftsman are nearly as good as they were decades ago. I haven't looked at SK lately.