Hand tools: The proof is in the performance

Contractor Tools and Supplies readers cite performance as the most important trait they look for in a hand tool.

E-mails, faxes and letters from readers came pouring into the Contractor Tools and Supplies office after we asked readers to share their opinions about hand tools in our November/December 2004 issue.

The survey was very telling about our readers. Of the more than 400 respondents, all but one percent indicated they have purchasing, ordering authority or greatly influence hand tool purchases.

Plus, 84 percent use hand tools hourly or daily in their work; another 11 percent use tools weekly in their jobs. All told, 95 percent of the reader/respondents use hand tools frequently in their jobs.

Survey says…
Readers responding to the survey have strong opinions about the hand tools they use. When it comes to what’s most important to them, it’s all about performance and doing jobs quickly, easily and making a buck.

However, when respondents commented on performance, they most often mentioned a brand name that exemplified performance to them.

Here are some of the comments readers shared about their hand tool selection philosophy:

“I need the best tool made for the job. A broken tool costs time for my men which costs me money.”

“The sweetness of a cheap-priced tool is soon replaced by the bitterness of lost production, poor craftsmanship and replacement of inferior tools.”

“The better the tools, the easier the job.”

However, not all tool purchase decisions are driven solely by performance. The stark reality that many of them are stolen or lost on the job leads some contractors to low-ball their hand tool purchases simply because the tools will never it make it back to the tool shed. Some readers shared their thoughts on this very pointedly:

“If the tool does not perform the required tasks, the value is diminished regardless of price. Tool value is determined by how much use per cost ratio I perceive there is. Sometimes I want the cheapest tool because it has a high probability of being stolen. Not all decisions are made the same way.”

“The cheaper tools, in most cases, serve our purposes fine with a much lower replacement cost when they are lost or stolen. In addition, the better tools are more desirable to steal!”

“A tool should do what it is intended to do for an extended period of time. Sometimes price is an issue for a ‘field’ tool that is abused or stolen in a short period of time.”

Few contractors look to price first, as the survey shows. Several contractors shared their thoughts on low-cost tools:

“A good tool you pay for once; a cheap tool you pay for over and over.”

“I can’t afford to own junk. Price is for homeowners who use tools one day a week.”

“Some tools are used more extensively than others, quality tools for hard-use jobs, low-price tools for seldom-used jobs and always function for time.”

Where you buy tools
In spite of the hoopla surrounding big box and national retail chains and the carnival-affairs held in midways outside of NASCAR races, professional contractors rely far and away on construction tool distributors for tool selection. In our exclusive survey, we found that construction distributors are the most common source to learn about and purchase hand tools. As the graph shows, home centers, big box or national chain stores, the Internet, catalogs and other sources are less sought after sources of hand tools.

One contractor expanded his thoughts with the following comment on suppliers:

“With hand tools, I prefer to buy the better brands and price is important and availability is key. I will always consider local suppliers and will use the Internet or catalogs, but sometimes shipping negates any savings.”

Is made in the USA important?
There are few purists in the world of contractors when it comes to the “Made in USA” mantra. According to our survey, only five percent of the respondents indicated they will not buy a tool if it’s not made in the USA. Sixty nine percent at least consider it every time they buy a hand tool or say that it affects some of their purchase decisions. For 26 percent of the respondents, country of manufacture doesn’t matter if the tool does its job.

Best sources of information
Respondents were asked to rank several sources they use for new hand tool information. Tool distributors topped the list of sources, followed closely by Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

Third on the list was “Other Contractors” followed by “Other Trade Publications.” Surfing the Internet and Home Centers ranked at the bottom of the preferred sources of information; NASCAR racing ranked the lowest as a source of new hand tool information.

This survey appeared in the November/December issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies and could also be completed at www.contractortoolsandsupplies.com. With more than 400 responses, the confidence level of the results is ±3 percent.

 

Contractors name their favorite tools One part of our hand tool survey asked readers/respondents to share what they consider to be their favorite hand tool. Although many responded they didn’t have one particularly favorite tool, others were emphatic about the tool they would never want to lose, break or have stolen. Here’s a sample of the most-often mentioned tools: Stanley FatMax tape measure Available in a variety of sizes and lengths, this tool’s claim to fame is its long standout thanks to its wider blade. Some user comments: “I have the Fat Max tape measure with me all of the time. It is the most important tool for me because every job I start begins with the tape measure.” “I use my 25' FatMax tape measure every day, every minute. It is durable, reliable and is a great value because of the life of the tape vs. the cost. It also has great standout.” “I use this tape more than any other tool and I love the wide tape that doesn’t flop around like a narrow one. I keep five extra ones on hand because I can’t stand to use a regular tape anymore.” Estwing hammers Several respondents proclaimed the feel, the work and long life they get from their Estwing hammers: “My favorite tool is my old Estwing framer. It has 20 years under its belt!” “My Estwing hammer has a durable and nice design.” “My Estwing model 16s hammer is my favorite. I’ve had it for 20 years and it still is in great shape.” “It has to be my Estwing framing hammer. It’s well-balanced, indestructible and tough.” “My Estwing 28 oz. hammer. I can make it do anything.” “My Estwing hammer – you can remove or repair almost anything with a hammer.” Channellock pliers A variety of styles were mentioned by respondents, but they all commented on the quality and durability of the tools: “I like my Channellock 9" needle-nose pliers. Like all Channellock wrenches, it is well-made, tough and comes in handy for all sorts of jobs. I’ve worn out many but have never broken one.” “I like my Channellock pliers because I am able to use it for most of my needs.” “I think the Channellock Griplock is the most versatile tool out there.” “I like my Channellock 8" nipper. It is very reliable.” Klein lineman pliers  Versatility and reliability drive why many respondents like  this tool. “It seems I can use my Klein lineman pliers for everything.” “I am an electrician and my Klein lineman pliers is vital to me.” Other favorite tools Some tools mentioned by respondents have sentimental value. One contractor inherited his tools from his father. Although he didn’t specify tool brand, the tools are very important to him.  “My hammer is my favorite tool. I can create, destroy, take out my aggressions…and it has been with me on every job. Plus, it was my father’s.” Still others may take their tool a bit too seriously: “My favorite hand tool is a Stanley stair chisel. I don’t install carpeting, but I do find this tool handy for removing trim, tile and other scraping chores. It is thin and strong and has a flared end on the handle. It is gentle on your palm when scraping. I use this tool almost daily. I lost it once and bought a different brand. Life was just not the same, but then I found it and life is great again.” And you think you love YOUR tools…

Published in the January/February 2005 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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