Or if I want to go crazy as possible what would you guys think about getting the gearwrench megamod 1268?
I think crazy is the operative word. Like all “master mechanic sets” you probably would never use half those tools. 1) It’s a full set of SAE tools. Do you need that? 2) It’s 12pt sockets in every drive size. Do you need that? 3) 1/4” impacts? And no impact guns? Just why.
My advice. Start with a small roll cart like this one. This is a Snap On KRSC32A and a bit smaller than the HF cart. The standard HF 5 drawer cart is really big enough.
I arranged this cart differently than pros do. The top well is really a catch all, storing torque wrenches, lights, workshop manuals, prybars a dead blow hammer etc. Sockets wrenches and screwdrivers are in the drawers.
Here’s the socket drawer
Top left Torx bit set. Going down the left hand side side:
Deep 6pt 3/8” dr metric
Shallow 6pt 3/8” dr metric
Shallow 6pt 1/4” drive metric,
red MTS holder 6pt 3/8” dr SAE (Craftsman, everything else is Snap On).
Middle top:
SAE Allen bit sockets (red holder - HINT cover is still on indicating how infrequently I use these)
3/8” metric shallow swivel sockets (green MTS holder)
3/8” metric Allen bit sockets, assorted types (green MTS)
Random 3/8” dr 21mm socket. Forget why I needed that.
1/4” dr metric allens
Right:
Basic second hand ratchets and extensions, a couple misc long torx bits.
NOTE: I chose the Mechanic Time Savers (MTS) magnetic socket holders for certain sets of tools I often remove to use. The swivel sockets are the exception. When I’m working on my lawnmower, I just grab that set of sockets and stick it to the mower frame. Same with the Allens. I often guess wrong at the Allen sizes, so I just grab them all.
Screwdrivers and pliers
The ratchet screwdriver set at middle, is pretty special and not an absolute necessity. That said, I use it pretty frequently as a 1/4” socket nut runner and to remove T25 and T30 body and air dam fasteners. Not a necessity, but nice to have for sure.
Only notables here are the oil filter tools (strap wrench and pliers) and the cable hose clamp tool, all of which belong in every automotive tool box.
One more thing to note: I don’t have or need 50 pairs of pliers. What’s not in this box may be more useful info than what is.
Bottom drawer holds wrenches and impacts
Those are 25 yr old craftsman impacts. I have only a single 6” extension. I bought the gun second hand for about $300. It’s kind of a beast, tbh. I’d prefer a smaller mid torque gun, but if you can only have one, it should probably be a high torque model.
Lurking in the bottom of the picture is the Snap On SHLF80A ratchet. This is an absolute must have. It has a fine toothed head, a 26” long handle and is as strong as a breaker bar. I use it one almost every job. Obviously, I just put my impact sockets on it. I have no 1/2” chrome in this box.
…………& &. & …….…
This is far from a perfect set of tools. My main box is bigger and has a bigger selection of tools. But due to the convenience of this box, my ability to pull it outside on a nice day for example, I have found myself tackling fairly significant jobs using
only these tools.
I hope this gives you a look at what a basic set of auto repair tools might look like. There are a few tools I could live without in this box. There are a few jobs the tools in this box probably couldn’t tackle. But for most jobs, these simple, good quality tools are often sufficient.
