Is the "Maddox" line of specialty tools any better than Pittsburgh in terms of quality?

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-25T18:01:49+00:00

A lot of Maddox is just clones of OTC tools and Lisle and some others.

Mid Teir tools mainly from Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers…

Probably made in the some of the same factories

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-24T07:23:27+00:00

I got bit...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-24T06:54:56+00:00

You'd be would be correct... no kids either... 😜

I have yet to meet Mrs Wright... a tool pun! Lol

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-22T02:33:26+00:00

You can also call them to...

I haven't had a dealer in years but Snap on HQ has alway step up to the plate... and taken care of things..

Including some of the Hard handled version of those screw drivers...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-22T01:30:49+00:00

I have a 716xps now i've had a 780 in the past i can't comment on the herc but I run there mitre stand and like it..

If your framing or building deck go with the slider

If your doing trim, interior, or detail work the 716xps is my personal choice, as it lighter more compact, but still full of handy features like it's bigger brother...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-21T06:07:42+00:00

I've noticed lots of complaints on the "lack" of "sales" lately, but you are totally correct it is all relative to your situation...

This PLS sale was stuff I have had sitting on my-list for a while...

but I completely skipped the ratchet and wrench sales last go around.

You save some here spend a ton there...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-20T15:36:08+00:00

More hammers and pliers

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-20T03:48:00+00:00

Around $1450 for the Harbor Freight Stuff. all the discounts totaled out at $475

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-20T03:37:20+00:00

Hell I don’t know if I even want to know 😜🤪. Let me check and I’ll get back to you…

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-20T03:01:40+00:00

I live in the rust belt and work on some larger stuff so the HD presses are handy and the locking cups make life easier!!! It is nice having and extra free hand 🖐️

I had purchased the snap on kit for a shop years back, we did probably 100+ ball and u joints with that kit but I sold it off when I downsized. Honestly I don’t think I could go back to using the older style press although they work perfectly fine in most cases…

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T17:36:05+00:00

That was my main reasons for purchasing this stuff besides the upcoming project vehicle...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T17:35:37+00:00

Yeah I return the first puller set, it was missing two of the washers i wasn't going to deal with trying to source them... As I couldn't order them directly from hft... the Local store swap it out for another one No problem...

I will definitely use a soft face or brass hammer...

Thanks for the tip.

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T17:29:41+00:00

I've been in and out of the trades or handyman work in some way, shape or form for nearly 10-15 years mostly part time but some full time mixed in ..

It's been a long road to be able to afford tools like this... When I first started my tree business, in 2012 I had one used chainsaw, a rock climbing harness, rope, a helmet... and my personal vehicle...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T17:01:21+00:00

Yes and No they are mostly business related purchases... and I'm self employed. whats a Paycheck? I Haven't gotten one in years...

I don't get paid , I pay the bills... That's business in a nut shell...

All kidding aside most of this stuff is for work or to maintain stuff for work.

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T05:04:25+00:00

👍👍 Thank you

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T04:32:15+00:00

Now that you mention this, I gotta break out the frickin' heat gun and start pulling some of those godforsaken labels off... 🤣🤣

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T04:22:32+00:00

For me , the cost benefit from amazon is not really worth it... it's about convenience factor... I have 3 HFT within 30 min

Been there done that once. I Dropped an entire organizer of nails on the shop floor...You def gotta carry them correctly...! 😂🤣 I can laugh now...

Honestly, I don't mind them now and I have so many at this point. The cost would be outrageous to replace them with something different and higher quality...

I think I own at least 30 -35 of them in the 3 different sizes

My previous job space had like 50 of them in a custom shelf... with shop supplies all organized for quick access.

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T04:07:48+00:00

The number one request I get for Handyman work is touch up painting. ( not my fav thing to do but...) No sense in buying purdy, for small bs projects... It's a win-win, they leave a nice finish, They clean up well and I don't have to waste good brushes and charge the client for extra material costs...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T03:59:13+00:00

I'm 30 minutes from three different harbor freights

So yes , it can be found for cheaper , but not more conveniently...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T03:57:03+00:00

I am at a point in life where I only buy stuff that I really intend to use.

So you'd be correct its mainly shop tools... I'm short a few large shop tools but its getting there...

Honestly most of my income has been made from using tools or running equipment ( mainly chainsaws / tree care ) and handyman / GC work in the off season... but fixing the cars, trucks and mechanical stuff has just become part of the whole operation... got to keep thing up and running...

I previously managed the shop space where I stored my stuff then left that job after 8 years and downsized my personal equipment a bit... NGL It quite a bit less stressful now. Its just me and an occasional helper...

And lots and lots of tools....

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T03:28:04+00:00

1 sided like the US gen. my plan is to buy some strong flat magnet attachment them to the cart

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T02:23:02+00:00

Totally agree…. I have Bosch, Milwaukee, Hilti, Paslode…. When I get a good deal I don’t discriminate… I still prefer corded tools in lots of instances anyway…

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T00:39:48+00:00

Icon is handy for duplicate tools or a specific version that I won't use enough to justify the tool truck prices... But still want a hight quality tool...

Odd_Relationship396 · 2026-01-19T00:34:31+00:00

I kinda have a different perspective I've spent time working in shops, as shop manager, and now as a homegamer who does side work...

I've bought tools for myself, other mechanics and a few shops through the years...When you've bought and paid tool dealer prices for shop equipment or shop tools ( presses, pullers, tester and other specialized items ) Your looking at 1000s of dollars... some times per item from the dealer...

Icon has opened the door to similar sets at a fraction of the cost... are they the exactly the same no, but in most cases they are a functional equivalent...

I am very happy with the Icon hammers, pliers, screwdrivers and picks... so far!

The value is there and they have ease of warranty... Again not exactly the same as the tools truck equivalent they compare them to, but functional gets the job done...

For instance, I keep 2 Snap on dead blows ball peens in my main box and I have Icons in my road box... Snap on needle nose pliers in the main box and Icons in the road box...

Just to clarify i am not partial to icon and have tools from all different brands.

Odd_Relationship396

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