recommend tools to a weekend DIYer

[smokey0066]

First post. I just had the pleasure of using my friends matco socket set to do some work on my car including his spark plug socket. He was a mechanic for nissan/infiniti.

I'm most in awe after using his spark plug socket + locking extension. There is no rubber boot in there to get stuck when you're done tightening the plug only to have to redo it. I also really enjoyed using the swivel sockets to get in those hard to reach places. He told me they kind of over kill for home use. They are for impact wrenches and don't have joints or something. The locking extensions also really made work much better too. I thought the craftsman tool was nice since it snapped in fairly tight but this locking extension was just awesome!

I want to get a few nice sockets/tools comparable to this. It really made my wrenching experience much more pleasurable to have a tools that just work. I'm open to recommendations on where to start and what to look at. I don't have a large budget but hope to acquire tools as projects arise.

BTW I'm currently using a mish mash of a craftsman mechanics kit + some old hand me down target/walmart tool kits.

 

[back2class]

Sounds like Craftsman is perfect for you. Only noticable difference is the Craftsman stuff will not hold up to daily use quite as well as the professional stuff. For the average DIY guy there is ZERO difference. Now some nice specialty tools and fancy ratchets will perform better, but hard not recomend adding to the Craftsman stuff you have. Plenty of pros doing just fine with Craftsman too. Look online, they make nice specialty swivel sockets and stuff like that too.

 

[Joe B.]

If I were you, I would pick up a couple of high end ratchets for starters. The just hang out here and wait for the deals to show up. Check your local Craigslist for deals too.

You should also pick up some very high end screwdrivers. I like Witte but there are other great brands.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Decent Craftsman 3/8" and 1/2" socket sets (or the 3xx-piece set when it's on sale), some decent screwdrivers (Wiha 12-piece is nice for the money), and some good ratchets - used Snap-On or the like. A good set of metric and SAE combination wrenches wouldn't hurt, either.

Then, just add what you need when you need it, as the situation arises.

 

[greasemonkey44]

craftsman is good
ive been using the 1/4 chrome swivels frequently and they are fantastic

 

[smokey0066]

Yes the craftsman has held me over fine and I don't have a problem with it but the items I want to add to it are a great spark plug socket and locking extension. Possibly swivel sockets and at some point in time I need to get some box end wrenchs. I probably won't buy any ratchets. I'm content with my craftsman. I can't tell you how thankful I was for my friend loaning me his tools to do the plugs on the rear bank of my camry. Did them all blind and the tools worked 100%.

BTW my kit is only the 1xx tools. Its pretty basic. I own/maintain 4 toyotas at home so primarily need metric tools which means my kit is halved since i never use the SAE portion of it.

 

[back2class]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934446000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

Theses are awesome and are the best universal sockets unless you use an impact or air ratchet regularly. Craftsman sells them in 1/4" drive too. Craftsman Pro screwdrivers are also a dream to use compaired to common typical homeowner screwdrivers.

 

[afazz]

Here are the tools I notice the largest difference when stepping up to truck brands:

-Ratchets. Turn a Matco 88 tooth or Snap-on Dual 80 and your Craftsman will feel like a pepper mill filled with rocks.

-Combination wrenches. Cost difference is astronomical compared to Craftsman, but the finish, ergonomics, and fit to fasteners are much better.

-Flare nut wrenches. Snap-on is the best. If I could have only one Snap-on tool, it would be flare nut wrenches.

-Craftsman locking extensions ****. I threw away the broken pieces, I didn't even want replacements when they broke.

-Bit sockets. Snap-on are better here, I have no personal experience with Mac/Matco/Cornwell. I hate the old SK bit sockets, the steel is great but they fall out of the holders, I'm not sure if "New SK" is better.

Pliers I personally find a better value in Knipex, Klein, and Channellock. Vaughan and Stanley make solid hammers, the Stanley Comp-o-Cast dead blows are great for automotive use. Truck brand sockets are stronger but for DIY use it doesn't really matter and isn't worth the 10x cost. Screwdriver blades all bend when you're really wrenching or prying on them, yeah the truck brand stuff is stronger but again it doesn't much matter for DIY use.

Edit: You certainly don't NEED any of this stuff, I'm just lending my opinion on items I feel are "worth it" to spend the extra cash on.

 

[kartracer55]

What's your budget. You said you wan't tools comparable to his matco stuff. Craftsman will do the jobs you will likely ask of it, but there is a difference when you pick up a "professional" grade tool vs Craftsman.

Hardline stuff gets expensive to go all truck/pro brands, so maybe cheaper sockets and high end ratchets is the answer for you.

 

[greybeard]

There are tools made for people who use them for a living (Snap-on, Matco, Mac, Proto, etc.) and there are tools made for weekenders, (Craftsman, Kobalt, Master Mechanic, etc.) Some of it is US made and some is made over seas but, these brands seem to be of the quality and price suitable for a weekender. There are a lot of professionals using Craftsman hand tools.

 

[pipsters]

Here is what I have built up to after working on my own cars. I over bought, some for fun some because I am OCD.

Anyway, I also stuck to US made stuff as best I could.

I use the Craftsman locking extensions, I personally like them over the truck brands because they aren't bulky. Craftsman does sell a nice 6 pc spark plug set that has pretty much every spark plug socket you would ever need. Combined with the 3/8" locking or wobble extensions (which I also have) you're pretty much set in that regard.

For ratchets, look into the slim profile Craftsman ratchets. I bought my 3-pc 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 set for $53+tax a few months ago. They are nicer than the "raised panel" ratchets although I still like my raised panels. Nothing really wrong with them, and they are nice and light.

Craftsman still puts out a decent product for us home DIY guys.

Trust me when I say this, eventually you will want an air compressor (nothing huge) and an impact. Wow what a difference it makes.

Click on the pics to make them bigger if you want to see a more closeup view.

 

[greasemonkey44]

seeing what everyone else said ill clarify
craftsman is good stuff; lots of techs use it all day everyday
thier hardline: sockets, ratchets, wrenchs are made by danaher who also makes matco
i use alot of craftsman stuff, its cheaper than matco and most of it does a great job day in day out
they have locking extensions, fine tooth ratchets and everything backed up by a lifetime warranty; you break it they give you a new one

the truck stuff; snappy, matco, mac is really well made and really expensive. its better than craftsman but you need to use it day in day out to really get a good value for your dollar

i have a mix of everything; no one tool company is best imho
alot of it is what can you afford
i cant afford new everything and i wont go into hock; so i pick and choose. northern, snap on, matco, Harbor frieght, kobalt, williams, sk, ingersoll, craftsman, husky, sunex are all in my box
they all make great products just check reviews online and youll see whats best; i use all my tools 9 to 5 day in day out and havent had a bum one in ages; i was very careful about what i wanted, and what i chose
if you do the same its great fun and you get the best value for your money and dont have 1000$ worth of unused stuff in your box

 

[slipjointed]

If you want a taste of truck brand quality but without the price, IMO your best bet is Wright.

Their contour grip ratchets can be had for as cheap as 1/4 the price of truck tools. I purchased a 3/8" double pawl with 7" handle from Harry Epstein for $25. They are coarse toothed, but have two pawls which are offset from each other, effectively doubling the tooth count. IMO it's the best of both worlds... you get the convenience of fine tooth, and the strength, dirt resistance, and longevity of coarse tooth.

Their sockets are definitely more pricy than Craftsman, but they are priced much closer to the Craftsman side of things than the truck brand side.

Just as an example, you can get a 3/8" drive 14pc. Metric shallow socket set from hardwaresales.com for $73, and the corresponding SAE set is $60. The deep sockets are a bit pricier, but not by much. You can get the 3/8" deep metric set for $94, and the standard set for just over $70.

A hint, if you buy from Hardware sales, get a small item from them, and you will get a 5% off coupon code for your next order. If you were to purchase all four sets mentioned above, it would save you almost $20.

Their wrenches are also amazing, nice thick comfy beams, and the SAE wrenches have an open end feature similar to Snap-on's flank drive. The quality is VERY impressive for the price. I would say it's amongst the best money can buy, TBH.

As far as pliers go, great deals can be had on Knipex, which are the equivalent to truck brands, if not a bit better (depends on who you ask). The only difference is they are half the price.

If you'd like any pictures of either, let me know and I will post them.

 

[GDA]

IMO and depending on your budget you should look into these brands of tools...

Vintage 1960s 70s era Craftsman
Hazet
Stahlwille
Nepros
Koken
Snap On (I tend to only buy them used)

 

[RKA]

To add to what others already listed, a few weeks ago someone recommended McMaster-Carr. They have warehouses all over the country and most things will arrive in 1-2 days tops. I've placed 3 orders with them so far, and all are quality USA tools (Proto, Armstrong, Apex). If you want to know the brand of a tool, just call them and give them the stock #.

I started out with a craftsman *** set many years ago. I added other socket sets, wrenches and other basic tools for a DIYer over the years. It's served me well, but recently started looking at differences when you step over to truck brands or other high quality brands. I can appreciate something made a little better even if I don't *need* it. If the budget allows, it's a good feeling to work with a quality tool in hand. I like the list Afazz put together for you. I would disagree with the craftsman locking extensions, but I bought mine 10 years ago, so maybe the quality is different now? I would add screwdrivers to the list: PB Swiss, Wera, Wiha - all really good and you'll immediately notice the difference, much like those U sockets. Make your first purchase a good Snap On or Matco ratchet as he said. They show up in the classified here all the time - should take the sting out of the purchase and once you use it you'll forget what you spent.

 

[smokey0066]

thanks for all the tips guys. I'll start looking/shopping with the advice given here. I can definitely appreciate professional tools and the difference in quality but I understand that it may not be realistic nor practical to have a tool box full of pro grade stuff that won't be used daily.

Although not exactly the same, my family owns a mid-sized restaurant and using commercial grade kitchen equipment is kind of what I'd compare this to. They use the kitchen equipment daily and make money with it just like you would with tool truck tools. Would you need to spend 6k on a range for your home? no! but once you're used to those high BTUs its really hard to use residential ranges.

 

[csmitty]

Do I need a Hobart A200, god no. Do I want one, you bet your *** I do!!

I'd say get what makes you happy. If you get a SO dual 80 ratchet though you'll open the flood gates, thats what happened to me.

 

[ibedayank]

STANLEY makes Mac

 

[Notwerk]

Williams (a Snap-On division) makes great tools at reasonable prices. Just make sure to pick up the USA stuff. The B-52/S-52 ratchets are amazing for the money.

Blackhawk USA stuff is pretty nice, and Grainger has been clearing out the sets. That's a good way to start. But their roundhead ratchets pale in comparison to the Williams stuff.

Gearwrench is good for the money, if you don't mind the foreign manufacturing.

That being said, I'm a Williams fan, and if you can afford it, Wright is great.

The nicer Craftsman stuff like the thin-profile and premium ratchets are good, too (again, make sure the COO is USA). I'd work with the sockets you have and upgrade your ratchets and build up from there. The sockets will do find, and if you split one, you can easily warranty it.

 

[larryq]

The nicer Craftsman stuff like the thin-profile and premium ratchets are good, too (again, make sure the COO is USA). I'd work with the sockets you have and upgrade your ratchets and build up from there. The sockets will do find, and if you split one, you can easily warranty it.

Is it generally agreed that if you have to compromise from the truck tools, sockets are an acceptable area to get by with, compared with the ratchets and wrenches at least?

Not suggesting Craftsman sockets are as good as the truck guys', but they're good enough that you won't regret it?

 

[franzdom]

Is it generally agreed that if you have to compromise from the truck tools, sockets are an acceptable area to get by with, compared with the ratchets and wrenches at least?

Not suggesting Craftsman sockets are as good as the truck guys', but they're good enough that you won't regret it?

I used to think that until I used non-QR ratchets for a while and it was just a lot easier removing most SO sockets than Craftsman because of the dual outside diameter, it helps especially when your hands are slippery.

As for slippery, it is a very slippery slope once you start with the ratchet, I have been a mechanic in the past but am a DIY now, and really enjoy the better things. Snap-on and other high quality tools are really nice upgrades from Sears tools. I have upgraded wrenches, extensions, pliers, hammers, etc etc and I have no regrets.

 

[chilly460]

I'm a weekender as well, and I'd say that for sure buying a tool truck branded ratchet is probably the biggest difference you'll see over a Craftsman for automotive work. They're head and shoulders better. Sockets, not a huge difference. Screwdrives, I like a set of Pratt-Reads I picked up very cheap, same as the Kleins I've purchased at Lowes, better then regular Craftsman but probably not a huge step up from the Craftsman Pros.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Is it generally agreed that if you have to compromise from the truck tools, sockets are an acceptable area to get by with, compared with the ratchets and wrenches at least?

Not suggesting Craftsman sockets are as good as the truck guys', but they're good enough that you won't regret it?

I've used Snap-On, Mac, and Craftsman sockets (the Craftsman are mine), and for normal chrome sockets, never saw what the SO or Mac ones did better to warrant the exponentially higher price. I'm pretty brutal on chrome sockets, too. I don't buy for the brand name, so the truck sockets would just be a waste of money for me.

Ratchets are a different story, though.

 

[powertrip]

seeing what everyone else said ill clarify
craftsman is good stuff; lots of techs use it all day everyday
thier hardline: sockets, ratchets, wrenchs are made by danaher who also makes matco
i use alot of craftsman stuff, its cheaper than matco and most of it does a great job day in day out
they have locking extensions, fine tooth ratchets and everything backed up by a lifetime warranty; you break it they give you a new one

the truck stuff; snappy, matco, mac is really well made and really expensive. its better than craftsman but you need to use it day in day out to really get a good value for your dollar

i have a mix of everything; no one tool company is best imho
alot of it is what can you afford
i cant afford new everything and i wont go into hock; so i pick and choose. northern, snap on, matco, Harbor frieght, kobalt, williams, sk, ingersoll, craftsman, husky, sunex are all in my box
they all make great products just check reviews online and youll see whats best; i use all my tools 9 to 5 day in day out and havent had a bum one in ages; i was very careful about what i wanted, and what i chose
if you do the same its great fun and you get the best value for your money and dont have 1000$ worth of unused stuff in your box

Great Post.

 

[Coach James]

Not starting a war I hope, but I just can't see recommending Snap-On, etc for someone that just wants tools for a few weekend jobs. If someone cares about country of origin, Craftsman is the way to go. If they don't care about COO, then Northern Tool, Stanley, Kobalt, Ace, Harbor Freight or a mix of all of them will do the job.

If money is no concern, then truck brands and high end industrial brands are great. If money is a concern, rest easy as the brands I listed will get it fixed.

Coach

 

[spongerich]

I'm a weekend hobbyist... Like you, I started out with mostly Craftsman stuff.

I've been gradually picking up Snap-On, Mac, Matco stuff as I find it cheap. (Auctions and estate sales are good places).

I'll echo what others have said. You might think that your CM ratchet is good enough, but you will thank us if you pickup a lightly used Snap-On F80 or FH80. The difference is like night and day. If you get buyer's remorse about spending $60 on it, you can always flip it later and get 90% of your money back.

An awesome less expensive alternative is a Cornwell 3/8 ratchet. They're unusually smooth for a low tooth count ratchet and I see them here and eBay for around $30 fairly often.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

I'm a DIYer also and have a mix of CMan, Channellock, Gearwrench and a couple of pro grade tools.

Other posters are correct when talking about the difference between ratchets. I love my 3/8 Matco 88. Rarely do I use my GW 3/8 on my car. I use it in the house . My Cman 3/8? Collects dust.

I would suggest keeping the Cman as your base and building from there. Treat yourself to a high end ratchet (you'll love it), Channellock pliers, some Gearwrench sets (I love the flex), some nice screwdrivers and a ratcheting one.

I remember what someone told me awhile ago, go high end for speciality tools. I got a set of SO line wrenches here and love them.