Back in the 80's I did 100% of all my own car repairs, I started out with very low budget tools like most teens and very young men.
Tools like Wilmar made in India, Gedore then made in India and some All trade stuff made in Japan and Taiwan.
I decided after a few rounded off bolts as I was repairing my 49 Chevy truck, 72 Buick then 61 Dodge Truck them 59 Apache Truck . So all where SAE of AF. to Buy one good tool each Job or once a month till I had a full Fractional set of Proto,Snap on and Mac tools. Later I bought Metric as my cars and trucks got newer. And My tools became Snap on ,Mack ,Matco,Blackhawlk and some Powerbuilt a Taiwan made brand by Alltrade tools that are better than Craftsman . I Have some U.K. tools that are older I love Like Gedore,Bacho adjustable spanners, Sealey Premier long ring spanners made of chrome molly and every bit as tuff as my Snap ons that are very similar. I also have some Gunson ,Knipex stuff but want opinions on (Britool Expert now available from Mac tools, Teng, Facom, Stalwille, Gedore Bacho, Sealey and Draper's brand?
Seems even A lot of Snap on are no longer made in the U.S. and not stamped that way anymore. I have been told stay way from Chineesium Alloy but embrace Taiwaneesum alloy as there making some of the best tool steels in the world now. German made foundries and there heat treat is outstanding.
Sadly U.K. tools are hard to find here , mine have come from ebay and shipping is very high but some have been so well made it was worth the trouble.
I wish the U.S. and U.K. had better trade going on ,it would be nice to find UK brands here in the U.S.
What are your favorite tools across the pond ? What do professionals use over there on the Range Rovers, Austen Martins and the venerable Morris Marinas?
Thanks, Jeff