Buying my first set of tools

[5toes]

Okay here is what I am thinking for my first set of tools, and I would like feedback on each item. I am looking for quality tools that won't break the bank. No Snap-On suggestions. So...

Screwdrivers - Wiha 30298 8 Piece Set - http://chadstoolbox.com/wiha30298softfinish8piecedriversetslotph.aspx

NutDrivers - Wiha 34194 7 Piece Set - http://chadstoolbox.com/wiha34194softfinishnutdriver7piecemetricset.aspx

Hex Wrenches - Bondhus 13189 8 Piece Set - http://chadstoolbox.com/13189bondhu...0mmwithstand-mustbeorderedinmultiplesof1.aspx

Wrenches - Not sure yet. Likely Craftsmen

Socket Set - S-K Hand Tools 49 Piece - http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sk94549.html

^ Socket sets is the item I want the most feedback on. Im unsure of buying S-K because of their recent bankruptcy. How much would the equivalent cost from Mac or Matco? Also should I go with the Wiha soft finish, Heavy Duty, or Extra Heavy Duty?

Also should I go with Bit Screwdrivers or the style I posted above? Opinions?

 

[back2class]

Well, nutdrivers are a waste. Very few of us use them much. Save your money on those for a long time. Sockets, well SK is ok, but Craftsman are very good quality and the best value out there.

 

[5toes]

Okay. Craftsmen though is just not as high quality as SK correct?

 

[mkdive]

Cman sockets are a good value. I have full sets of every chrome they make and full impacts from Cman. I cant tell the difference in any of my cman impacts compared to truck brand impact sockets I have.

Go with truck brand when it comes to the ratchets....but Cman sockets are great for the money spent.

 

[ukvauxtech]

I know you said no SO but one ratchetting screwdriver with a square drive adaptor using the sockets from your set and you have your nut drivers.

 

[bw77]

Many of the online tool dealers list SK products, but they are not really available, since SK is not currently making tools. If you want SK you can try ebay, but prices are quite high there.

 

[MrMark]

I wouldn't buy SK. Craftsman or maybe Armstrong.

ON the Wiha, you will be much happier with the heavy duty. I have all three style of Wiha and I like them the best. The regular seem kind of cheap, and the extra heavy duty are super stout but too heavy in the **** end.

 

[Buxfan]

+1 on nut-drivers being a waste.

 

[5toes]

Damn you guys reply fast.

So WIha Heavy Duty, and the bitholder variety?

Do you guys recommend a Matco 3/8th drive ratchet with the Crafsmen sockets. But I hear Cman sockets round bolts?

Is SK better quality then Cman or not?

 

[Stuart in MN]

I actually use my nutdrivers fairly often, it depends on what kinds of things you work on.

 

[dankicksass]

Those SK sockets don't look like they're in stock. You can do well in Craftsman, and find yourself a ratchet that is comfortable to use. I picked up a Gearwrench 49pc Vortex set instead of a regular set of nutdrivers recently, and you can do just as well with a 1/4dr nutdriver-style handle too. I'm biased toward Wera Kraftform screwdrivers. Allen brand hex drivers are a good value-leader.

 

[MrMark]

Damn you guys reply fast.

So WIha Heavy Duty, and the bitholder variety?

Do you guys recommend a Matco 3/8th drive ratchet with the Crafsmen sockets. But I hear Cman sockets round bolts?

Is SK better quality then Cman or not?

You only need the one bit holder, just get a Wiha or Wera with your chad's order.

Cman sockets are pretty good. I haven't had one round anything out. The Cman ratchets ($79 for three) look real good to me. I would just get those if price is key. These are the advanced Cman I am talking about here.

 

[crewchief888]

if i were buying my 1st set of tools,
i think i'd lean heavily towards CM for sockets and wrenches. if you dont like the look or feel of the raised panel wrenches look at the CM pro.
keep an eye out at pawn shops, flea mkts, and garage sales for better quality ratchets.
as for nut drivers. hmmm you may use them, you may not, all depends on what you're doing.
you dont mention a tool box, CL can be your friend for older truck brand boxes, garage/estate sales are the place to find older CM boxes cheap.

be prepared to look through the gunk and grime to find a box in good condition.

good luck,
and welcome to the dark side of the force

 

[ZRX61]

I've been wrenching for 30+ years. I've used a nutdriver once....& that was at a friends house fixing something with his tools...

 

[MrMark]

For electrical work, nutdrivers in a couple of sizes are must have. For car work, they are pure convenience, maybe keep an 8, 7, 5.5, around for repetitive tasks. I like the hollow shaft Wiha's better than the Wiha's you have selected in your nutdrivers. I consider them best of breed.

 

[Danglerb]

What do you plan to use the tools for?

Mechanics, electricians, and home repair guys use fundamentally different types of tools.

Sounds like you are on a budget, so why buy new tools?

Just starting out, buy a package set from HF, and over time replace what doesn't suit you with better tools.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

I highly recommend the Matco 88 tooth ratchets. I own several in the 3 drive sizes and they are excellent for limited space applications. as for craftsman sockets the only ones i have ever had round a bolt where the 12pt. version, and half of those would also split the sides out. 6pt. is the best choice.

 

[sberry]

I use nut drivers daily, like one said, what are you working on. As for hand tools the quality has gone up and the price down so much that if I had to start over I would shop for the deals, not much reason to spend more than is needed. Almost all tools on the market today are very good.

 

[blue dog]

Nothing wrong with cman sockets, like mkdive, i have every cman socket made and have no issues, you can not beat the value with a set. check out the wera screwdrivers as well, search the classifieds here for ratchets or look at armstrong, wright, proto, sk, all good and wont break the bank. Nut drivers, i have a cman set and think i have used them a few times, and i have a klein set from home depot that are in my construction job box, rarly use them, but no issues. Again, wrenches, cman are fine, raised panel or pro style, i have both and like them all. If you dont like the cman, i like proto and armstrong.
I try to stay away from truck brands unless it is something that i really like or no one else has.
Good luck and be careful, this is an addiction that only gets worse and worse.

 

[back2class]

My feelings are that Craftsman sockets are as good or better than newer SK sockets. Could be just me, but I have actually seen more cracked and stripped Snap-On sockets than Craftsman, and I have owned many more Craftsman sockets than Snap-On. Get the Craftsman sockets in 6pt. They give nothing up in terms of getting the job done quality to any brand. Now the other Craftsman stuff, I will not say that about and a lot is hit or miss. But Craftsman sockets are some real gems, strong and well made. The finish is not quite as nice as the SK or other more expensive brands. As for wrenches, if you want new get some Protos off Ebay. I see complete sets for around $100 and they are top quality wrenches, same quality level as Snap-On or Matco. But personaly I think Craftsman raised pannel basic wrenches represent a great value and are good enough for even professional work and what I would get if starting out.

Simply put, I do not think SK socket sets represent a good value.

 

[5toes]

Okay, I know I can accomplish the same task a nutdriver can do with a socket but, Ill buy nutdrivers later.

I am mainly going to do home auto-repair work. I am restoring a 1966 Honda 90cc in the coming weeks and decided this is a good time to buy tools. So around Christmas Ill treat myself to some nice stuff (i'm only 15).

Also I know I only need one bitholder screwdriver, then I buy the bits separate.

I have a tool box that is my Dad's old one in the garage. It is a small like 5 drawer Craftsmen one that is like 2.5 feet wide or so.

So Matco 88 tooth ratchet and Cman sockets eh? The Matco truck comes around my parts every so often, if I want the Matco do I have to buy from him? Or if I buy online is perfectly fine? Do you have to show proof of purchase to get warranty?

 

[sberry]

World competition has driven quality way up, about the only ones I has seen that slipped and this is nothing recent is Craftsman, not all of it but some. If I was interested in keeping it USA I like the Allen stuff from Menards as good as about any, priced right and on the shelf. You about have to work at it anymore to find hand tools that are not satisfactory functionally especially if you factor in the price.

 

[matthew]

I could see using nutdrivers if you're doing a lot of HVAC or electrical work, and they can be useful for hose clamps, but not at all a necessity for me (but then again, I'm just a DIY'er). Personally I prefer a spinner handle and socket for the rare occassions I'd use a nutdriver.

 

[toolnut]

That SK set is a real nice set. Finding somebody to do the warranty might be a problem. Craftsman stuff always seems easy to get warranty. I always find nutdrivers with the hollow shaft to be handy. Hexdrivers are handy but I like the hexdriver sockets from 1/4 to 1/2 to be more practical. A good set of torx sockets would get you off to a good start also. Screwdrivers - just pick a good set that will be comfortable in your hands all day and cover all your screw driving needs. Wrenches - same with being comfortable in your hands. As long as your happy with your tools than working with them will be a breeze. Tools that have a replacement warranty and are comfortable to use just make life that much easier.

 

[5toes]

Are Wiha screwdriver bits of high quality?

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Buy your ratchet used. Got any good flea markets around? I can find SO's all day for $35. Mac, Cornwell, or Matco go for less. Not to mention some nice SK's.

CM wrenches are where EVERYONE starts. Can't go wrong there.

Good choices on the other tools.

I'm going to get stoned for this...but...if money gets tight you can get a lot for your buck at Walmart. Although I'm 37 now, I started out very similar to you. At 16 I bought a Honda XL175 to work on. I inhierited my Dad's set, but it had no metrics. At the time, Walmart was selling it's own brand called Popular Mechanics. Guess what...I still have them all. The Stanleys they sell today are the same thing. They sell this big set for $38. 1/4 and 3/8, SAE and Metric, deep and standard. Plus extensions...and a nutdriver!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-85-Piece-Mechanic-Set/12543087?findingMethod=rr

Whatever you chose, it's great to see another young'un enjoying the hobbie. Good going!

 

[MrMark]

The kid needs some pride of ownership. He has good ideas. Hard to have pride of ownership in a Stanley **** set. Not a good way to start out life with junk. Used quality pieces that would last a lifetime will make the kid smile. I ChiCom set from Walmart, not so much.


The Wiha bits are the best I have seen along with Apex and the Snap-on. Wera are up there too. For you, and ordering from Chads, I would go either Wera or Wiha. One thing to keep in mind, Wera warranty through Chads would be a little easier.

 

[treasureseeker]

The choices come down to personal taste. I like my SK Superkrome Wrenches better than my Snap on. I don’t like SK or Craftsman chrome sockets. I prefer Snap on. With the hex drivers I think the socket ones are much more useful. I agree that nut drivers are a pain when you can just use a socket. I got one of the large SK 1/2” drive sets to cover my occasional use of SAE fasteners. For impact sockets I think SK or Craftsman are fine. I would consider a Snap On ratchet considering the price you can get a new one off our site or Ebay. I have gotten a lot of my tools from Chads.

 

[5toes]

For warranty claim on Wiha though I wouldn't have to go through Chads?

 

[5toes]

Currently my heart is set on this - http://chadstoolbox.com/wiha28296topra12piecebitsetslotph.aspx

and this box to hold the bits - http://chadstoolbox.com/wiha79290bitselectorreplacementbox.aspx

 

[MrMark]

For warranty claim on Wiha though I wouldn't have to go through Chads?

No. Wera has some special relationship with Chad's and Chads will warranty out Wera.

Chad's no longer inventories Wiha and Wiha gets drop shipped from Wiha USA, I believe. You would have to go through Wiha USA to get something waranteed. I have no idea how that would work as I have never had anything Wiha break.

I do know from personal experience that Wera takes care of its customers and will warranty things very nicely.

One other thing: Wiha is German on the bits, while Wera has shifted to Czech Republic.

 

[MrMark]

I have that Topra. It is top quality, you will like it. It is gearless and nice and smooth.

Chads is a good place. They have always been nice to deal with and they give out little freebies and discounts. Their shipping is a little slow but I think it's worth it to buy from them.

You can also get some nice deals on Wiha and Wera on Amazon. Check out the Wiha website for the Web specials too.

 

[5toes]

So Wiha bits>Wera. Just went on Wera's website so confusing as opposed to Wiha's. Looks like they dont even make a bitholder screwdriver?

Freebies? Enlighten me?

And I have always found T handle Hex Wrenches more convenient? I work on my bike alot and nearly everything is hex wrench. Its easier to go to a rack and grab the right size wrench then to pull out your ratchet, the adapter, and then the bit correct?

 

[5toes]

I believe Ill get that Topra set over any screwdriver bit holder, or regular screwdriver set. Good idea?

 

[MrMark]

So Wiha bits>Wera. Just went on Wera's website so confusing as opposed to Wiha's. Looks like they dont even make a bitholder screwdriver?

Freebies? Enlighten me?

And I have always found T handle Hex Wrenches more convenient? I work on my bike alot and nearly everything is hex wrench. Its easier to go to a rack and grab the right size wrench then to pull out your ratchet, the adapter, and then the bit correct?

Well OK, I have received a free Wera Kraftform PH2 driver, a Bondus Allen wrench set and . . . well, that's all I can remember right now. Others have received Wera Bottle openers that I know of.

The Wiha Click lock screwdriver is nice. I just have the Wiha regular soft grip. T handle is much nicer for me. That is one area where you really can't go wrong with the Wiha. There are two qualities there. The basic and the heavier duty. The heavy duty ones are amazingly good and cheap and German! The light duty ones are even cheaper and German! For your bike, you have it right on.

 

[MrMark]

I believe Ill get that Topra set over any screwdriver bit holder, or regular screwdriver set. Good idea?

Yes, but you should still get the basic screwdriver set. A minimalist set perhaps, but you still will grab the basics most of the time.

 

[Skin]

Okay here is what I am thinking for my first set of tools, and I would like feedback on each item. I am looking for quality tools that won't break the bank. No Snap-On suggestions. So...

Screwdrivers - Wiha 30298 8 Piece Set - http://chadstoolbox.com/wiha30298softfinish8piecedriversetslotph.aspx

NutDrivers - Wiha 34194 7 Piece Set - http://chadstoolbox.com/wiha34194softfinishnutdriver7piecemetricset.aspx

Hex Wrenches - Bondhus 13189 8 Piece Set - http://chadstoolbox.com/13189bondhu...0mmwithstand-mustbeorderedinmultiplesof1.aspx

Wrenches - Not sure yet. Likely Craftsmen

Socket Set - S-K Hand Tools 49 Piece - http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sk94549.html

^ Socket sets is the item I want the most feedback on. Im unsure of buying S-K because of their recent bankruptcy. How much would the equivalent cost from Mac or Matco? Also should I go with the Wiha soft finish, Heavy Duty, or Extra Heavy Duty?

Also should I go with Bit Screwdrivers or the style I posted above? Opinions?

I wouldnt bother with Wiha or Wera. They make a good screwdriver but they also cost a bit and are a pain to warranty. An equally good set [my opinion] would be the Home Dope Husky Pro screwdrivers which are made by western forge in the US and are their best drivers. They cost $20 for a set of 6. 90% of the use will be with the phillips anyway

As mentioned nut drivers are largely useless for automotive so ignore them for the moment. What you would want to look into is a decent bit set of assorted torx and hex drivers. Maybe even female torx for good measure but those are very seldom used. Quite a few vehicles use torx/hex fasteners so its def a must have tool. Cman makes a master set that runs about $70

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934912000P
or a version with a case for $20 more. A lot for a case but if you have trouble keeping organized worth it in the long run.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934845000P

Likewise a small kit of bits and a driver with the small torx, security torx, and hex sizes is invaluable.

For wrenches and sockets as well as drive extensions, go Cman. You will be hard pressed to find a better value for US made product. Keep in mind black friday is coming up and they often run heavy discounts on their premade mechanics sets. For ratchets, shop around. Tons and tons of options on ebay for relatively little cash. If you do go individual sets as opposed to a larger ready made set for sockets i'd definetly get 1/4 in addition to 3/8, they can come in handy quite often when you're working in tight quarters where 3/8 or 1/2 extensions wont fit or where said ratchets are too large.

Hard to have pride of ownership in a Stanley **** set.

I have no problem with you saying pride of ownership and saying someone should buy domestic but those stanley sets are far from ****. They're actually very good quality for the cash.

 

[5toes]

So Chads just throws random things in for free?

 

[vette-kid]

On a budget it can be pretty tough. Craftsman is tempting but they have been hit or miss on quality lately. I have gotten nothing but junk sockets (poor chrome coating and rusty) from them lately, stopped buying them all together because of it. Toptul is MUCH better quality at the same price point. I would look into getting some Toptul from either Mike Wren (wrenhandtools) or Ultimate garage. Both are sponsors and on this forum and both have websites (although wren hand tools web site is a bit...quirky, great guy though).

 

[MrMark]

I have no problem with you saying pride of ownership and saying someone should buy domestic but those stanley sets are far from ****. They're actually very good quality for the cash.

What does that mean, really? They are good quality for the cash? They are cheap in terms of cash so they are of cheap good quality? I have looked at them and they are junk. On absolute terms they are ****. All that stuff in Walmart is pure junk. It's an embarrassment. I suppose you have this set and have rigorously tested it in a "professional" environment and it holds up to tough use and even beating on it with a mallet?