Body and fender tools: whats the best deal out there?

[magnet]

I know there are lots of opinions on what exactly is the best brand or set of body and fender toolsets. Some have this hammer or that dolly... some are from this company and that company.

What is the best value out there now? what is the best bang for your buck?

I have done all my body work in the past with two ball peen hammers, a welder and a tub of bondo, and now i think i might set myself up with a body and fender "toolbox".

Any suggestions?

i see the eastwood set..
http://www.eastwoodco.com/email/default.asp?T1=31161&SRCCODE=6KW50

any others?

[DrJ]

Forged dollys are better than cast because they are denser for more energy absorption and the metal doesn't dent as easily.

I have a body hammer I bought over 30 years ago that is still my main weapon. When the pictures of the class at Gene Winfields were put up I noticed he had the same hammer. It has a whitish fiberglass handle.

[Tuck]

I bought Martian body hammers and they last forever, have a lifetime warenty too... I bought them 8 yrs ago and they're still going strong... I replaced one handle once and they gave me a whole new hammer free of charge. Thats what I would buy again if I did it over~

Tuck

[Tinbender]

Martin are about as good as it gets for the money. That's one of only a few brands my students are allowed to buy, without me seeing them first. This is one area where tool quality matters.

[Deuce Rails]

I really like Martin tools, too.

I'd recommend wood over fiberglass, because the wood transmits a little less shock to your arm. Wood may not be as durable as fiberglass, but they'll still last forever, and they are guaranteed.

I have one Martin hammer with both high- and low-crown faces. I don't really ever miss the peen end, and I only bought one hammer. I also have a Martin egg dolly, which has most of the contours you'd ever want in one fist-sized dolly.

[36-3window]

yes,martin is the only answer. you pay a liitle more,but you only buy it once. those cheap body tool sets you see at the swap meets,nothern tool,harbor frieght etc should all sent back to china

[magnet]

Thanks guys, i appreciate it.