Newbie looking to get mechanics tool set

[stickshift]

I'm looking to get a mechanics tool set. I have some basic tools, but no ratchets and sockets (always borrowed my father's when I needed it). Mostly this will be used to work on my Honda, which uses mostly just metric fasteners.

Figured I could get something on sale during Black Friday. I saw this Kobalt 227pc set at Lowes for $99 on BF. Sears has a bunch of Craftsman sets, some with toolboxes, some without. I'll definitely need a toolbox, and it seems like it's cheaper to get with the set. By way of comparison, this Craftsman 200pc set will also be $99 on BF.

Is the Kobalt set a good deal? It seems that with these starter mechanics tool sets, you often have to buy other smaller sets to supplement the starter set, and you end up with lots of duplicates.

For example, the set includes only 15 1/2" drive sockets, 8 SAE and 7 metric. Not sure if the 7 metric sockets will cover most of what I'll need for wrenching on my car, but if I end up having to buy a 1/2" drive socket set, I'll certainly end up with a bunch of duplicates. On the other hand, I don't want to pay $500 for a huge set which includes lots of tools I'll probably never use.

Another downside to the Kobalt set (and perhaps most starter sets) is the lack of ratcheting combo wrenches, which I imagine would come in very handy for automotive work, where you don't have a lot of room to turn a wrench. Are there any good sets that include good ratcheting wrenches?

Are there good metric-only sets? I figure most the SAE stuff will sit in the tool box unused, so why pay for it.

 

[Javadave]

If I was in your shoes I would seriously look at the Craftsman 309pc Mechanics set for $199 on black friday.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941309000P?sid=I0084400010000100600&aff=Y

You get 16 ratcheting wrenches Then buy a decent tool box.

I like Kobalt but to me this 309pc is a better deal.

 

[byoungblood]

If you think you're probably only going to be using the metric tools 90% of the time, then I'd just buy metric sets when they're on sale. If you find one of the larger kits is going to duplicate much of what you already own, it may be a better value overall just piecing something together. Then again, when do you ever have enough tools?

I have no experience with the new Kobalt stuff, but for the wrenching I do Craftsman serves me well 99% of the time.

 

[azcactus]

xxxxxxxxx

 

[stickshift]

If I was in your shoes I would seriously look at the Craftsman 309pc Mechanics set for $199 on black friday.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941309000P?sid=I0084400010000100600&aff=Y

You get 16 ratcheting wrenches Then buy a decent tool box.

I like Kobalt but to me this 309pc is a better deal.

Hmmm, that does look pretty sweet.

If I bought the Kobalt set and the Gearwrench 20pc ratcheting wrench set for $50 on BF, I'd be at $150 vs $200 + cost of toolbox for the Craftsmen set.

But the Craftsman set has 21 metric 1/2" drive sockets (including deep sockets) vs. only 7 for the Kobalt set.

 

[stickshift]

If you think you're probably only going to be using the metric tools 90% of the time, then I'd just buy metric sets when they're on sale. If you find one of the larger kits is going to duplicate much of what you already own, it may be a better value overall just piecing something together.

I don't have many tools, so for me it's the choice between various starter sets along with small supplemental sets (like ratcheting wrenches or 1/2" drive sockets) if required. But I'd like to plan it so that I don't end up with lots of duplicates.

Yeah, I'd go with metric sets, but all the BF sale stuff is SAE+metric. Do the metric only sets go on sales as good as the SAE+metric sets?

 

[powertrip]

Great advice given so far to this newbie. Its only a matter of time before someone tells him to chase down a snapon truck and sign his life away or if he cant afford new look at yardsales, estate sales or pawn shops. Never fails.
Anyways both sets would be good but i would go with the cman and add to it as needed. Good luck

 

[diesel research]

What type of work are you capable of on your honda?

 

[stickshift]

What type of work are you capable of on your honda?

Good question. I'm new to auto wrenching, but generally decent with my hands and looking to learn. I'm getting a floor jack and jack stands, so I should be able to do all the basics - fluid changes, brake pads, tire rotation, spark plugs, etc. Definitely not going to be doing anything that requires leaving the car immobilized more than an hour or so, not because I'm afraid I can't do it, but because I don't have the space to do it.

 

[CoryZ]

For my money, I'd skip the big sets. Tons of dupes and junk filler items. 12pt sockets when you don't need them too. Those sets are mainly sockets and wrenches, right? Anyway, you can shop deals, classifieds here, ebay, and CL to fill out your set.

Also check out some of the threads here about impacts. If you foresee an impact / cordless impact in your future, consider just getting impact sockets.

Regardless, I'd run by an Ace Hardware and grab a strip of those on sale $5 cman sockets in metric. Even if you end up buying a kit you can keep them in the trunk or something!

 

[stickshift]

For my money, I'd skip the big sets. Tons of dupes and junk filler items. 12pt sockets when you don't need them too. Those sets are mainly sockets and wrenches, right? Anyway, you can shop deals, classifieds here, ebay, and CL to fill out your set.

Also check out some of the threads here about impacts. If you foresee an impact / cordless impact in your future, consider just getting impact sockets.

Regardless, I'd run by an Ace Hardware and grab a strip of those on sale $5 cman sockets in metric. Even if you end up buying a kit you can keep them in the trunk or something!

I don't foresee myself using impact wrenches to any appreciable degree. I only have one car, and I'm only looking to do routine maintenance on it.

I agree that the starter sets have lots of filler items (lots of hex keys and tiny wrenches) and duplicates, which is why they're only decent value when on a big sale. Yeah, I could shop around for used stuff, but that just takes too much time and isn't cost effective when I can get a set like the Craftsman 309 pc for $200, and then maybe go used on CL/ebay for an expensive tool that I might need to use only a few times.

 

[neonnblack]

For mostly use on small cars like hondas, IMO you couldnt go wrong with the kobalt or better yet the craftsman set, you will need smaller tools more than larger. I.e. you keep mentioning 1/2 sockets, but you will rarely use them on a honda, 3/8 and 1/4 is going to be your defining force in your tools, through my celica and stratus i dont believe i have ever needed a 1/2 drive for anything, and that includes striping motor down to the heads, and all PM on it. and various other projects. Then, when the need arises you need a larger selection of larger tools then go get a more specific set.

 

[stickshift]

For mostly use on small cars like hondas, IMO you couldnt go wrong with the kobalt or better yet the craftsman set, you will need smaller tools more than larger. I.e. you keep mentioning 1/2 sockets, but you will rarely use them on a honda, 3/8 and 1/4 is going to be your defining force in your tools, through my celica and stratus i dont believe i have ever needed a 1/2 drive for anything, and that includes striping motor down to the heads, and all PM on it. and various other projects. Then, when the need arises you need a larger selection of larger tools then go get a more specific set.

Thanks, that's good to know. I'm new to auto wrenching, and had assumed (incorrectly) that the 1/2" drive plays a big role in that. Hadn't considered that it could vary quite a bit by make and size of vehicle.

 

[crewchief888]

you'll probably find you will have duplicates, but sometimes it's a good thing.

drop a wrench/socket under the car whjile you're working, grab another one.

if space allows, buy a bigger toolbox than you think you'll need right away.
(dont go overboard on the box, if you buy a single bank roller, you can always add a top box to it.)

tools have a tendency to multiply and pretty soon you're looking for a larger box.....

buy the best tools that you can afford to buy, i'd rather have 1 good ratchet than a handfull of junk, same goes for everything else.

if you look around on this site enough you'll find all sorts of high and low dollar ideas on tools, tool boxes and organization.

dont think anyone started out with the "best" of everything. you'll find out what works, what dont,

 

[90gt]

i was in your position about a year and a half ago. I was working at my local sears and there was one night were a bunch of things went on sale(family and friends night). With my discount, i picked up a craftsman 260pc set, a 5-drawer quiet glide box and a droplight for $281...I paid 160 for the tools which i have been looking at for a while but the set usually ran around $300. That was the smartest thing i have done. had every socket i needed at the time and it was a good starter set. fast forward to February this year...i got a job in a small mom and pop and thats when the first visit from the Mac Tools guy came...the price of some things were unbelieveable but what can you do, it comes with the territory of being a mechanic. Went from a new craftsman box to a used snapon box which is just about full. In my opinion you should buy that 309 piece set for 200 and sears is having a nice ball bearing bottom+mid+top box combo for 300. I can guarantee you that it'll take you a while to fill it up. It may seem expensive for a first time buy but that box combo cost as much as my snap on wrench set. Also as said above crewchief said you can find cheap ideas on tools, and organization to make the most of your box.

 

[diesel research]

I should be able to do all the basics - fluid changes, brake pads, tire rotation, spark plugs, etc. Definitely not going to be doing anything that requires leaving the car immobilized more than an hour

Rather than the mega sets others would suggest, I would concentrate more on the necessities required for these tasks.

Sure you can spend the whole budget on a bazillion sockets (less than 15 of which you would use) and then have no money left for what you actually need. Brake tools, filter tools, etc. Torque wrench alone can eat up your small budget real quick.

 

[plierwire]

Exactly what Diesel Research said. When I worked on hondas (it has been a few years - I haven't had one in over ten years) all I ever needed was 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, and 21mm.

If I were starting out and looking to get some basic maintenance done, this is what I would want:

Oil Changes:
Filter Wrench
Set of Metric Wrenches
Funnel
Floor Jack & Jack Stands or a set of ramps
Drain Pan

Spark Plugs:
Ratchet
Set of Extensions
Spark Plug Socket
Gap Tool

Tire Rotations:
Air Pressure Gauge
Air Chuck
Air compressor/air tank
Floor Jack
Jack Stands
Lug Wrench (4-Way or just use whatever is in the car)
Torque Wrench

Belt:
Serpentine belt tool

Brakes
Small 3/8 Socket Set - Metric
Some kind of rear caliper windback tool (don't know what goes on a honda)
C-Clamp
Hand impact tool with #3 Philips for the brake rotors (IF i ever meet the guy that put those on there )
Torque Wrench

Misc:
Soft face hammer
BFH
Wire Brush - for the battery
Emery Cloth
Grease gun
Screwdrivers (Especially a small flat screwdriver. Those are very helpful)
Towels. Lots of towels.
Fast orange/lava soap
WD-40 or P'Blaster or Kroil or liquid wrench or whatever penetrating fluid
Eye protection
Gloves
Good multimeter
Interior trim tools (bojo makes some great stuff here)
Haynes/Chilton Manual

My suggestion: There are a lot of tools/supplies that you NEED that DO NOT come in a 227 or 200 piece box set. Spread your budget wisely! Good luck!

 

[crewchief888]

if i was needing a basic set of tools for home use, i'd be spending some time at sears, lowes, and HF.

selective shopping is where you'll save money, and have more of what you need.

ive been wrenching on const eq for over 26 years, i seldom have to add to my "working" tools, home tools get added on as needed.
i have HF tools laying right next to SO in my boxes.

 

[blarf]

For my money, I'd skip the big sets. Tons of dupes and junk filler items. 12pt sockets when you don't need them too. Those sets are mainly sockets and wrenches, right? Anyway, you can shop deals, classifieds here, ebay, and CL to fill out your set.

Also check out some of the threads here about impacts. If you foresee an impact / cordless impact in your future, consider just getting impact sockets.

Regardless, I'd run by an Ace Hardware and grab a strip of those on sale $5 cman sockets in metric. Even if you end up buying a kit you can keep them in the trunk or something!

Rather than the mega sets others would suggest, I would concentrate more on the necessities required for these tasks.

Sure you can spend the whole budget on a bazillion sockets (less than 15 of which you would use) and then have no money left for what you actually need. Brake tools, filter tools, etc. Torque wrench alone can eat up your small budget real quick.

^^ This.

I was in Sears yesterday and just disappointed at the tools. I went in to return a set of Made in China locking pliers and hopefully exchange my breaker bars for ones with less slop. Nope. All the breaker bars on the wall were oilier and sloppier than the ones I wanted to exchange. I didn't bother looking at the sockets or ratchets too much (about the only USA made stuff left in Sears). While returning the pliers was actually much faster (about 20 minutes) than buying them... I wouldn't call that speedy or convenient service.

Were it me I'd start looking at buying the basics (not a five hundred million piece set) from a higher caliber brand. As a weekend warrior you won't be too put off if you have to wait for a replacement to be mailed. And if you're super desperate you can get the piece or pieces (of a different brand, of course) you need from a local store. And, yes, a big set like that will have a ton of filler.

From Sears: get the basic raised panel combo wrench set, some of the *locking* extensions (3/8" and 1/4" — they're not great but they're cheap and good to have around), and shallow 6pt socket set (3/8" and 1/4" drives). Figure out what size socket your lug nuts need and get that in a six point, deep, 1/2" drive. Then get the 1/2" breaker bar. They're so cheap, and unless quality has declined significantly, still pretty decent. The breaker bar is ****, but it's cheap, and removing lug nuts is not usually a space constrained task. If you're feeling industrious consider a cheap as dirt beam type torque wrench (~$30) from Sears for tightening the lug nuts.

From anyone else: get a couple of nicer ratchets (Epstein's got a nice Wright dual pawl 3/8" ratchet for $25), get a couple of nice breaker bars (1/4" and 3/8" drive). TRUST me, the slop in the Craftsman ones will make them nearly useless in the tight areas you're likely to find on a Honda. I had to revert to using my 1/2" drive ratchet to remove the top bolt on the LH motor mount on my car because the Craftsman breaker bar was so #$#!#$@! damn sloppy.

That will cover probably 90% of what you want to do.

Then figure out what oddities Honda has baked in (TORX, e-TORX, in-hex, triple square, whatever, JIS Phillips, whatever) and start filling those out (they won't come in those monster sets from Sears). For instance my BMW doesn't need a tool to screw the caliper pistons back in, but it does need a 36mm socket for the oil filter. It doesn't need a Phillips screwdriver for the brakes, but it does need a stubby 7mm hex key and those trim removal tools work wonders on the BMW plastic pop rivets. Figure out where you can cheap out (low torque TORX applications, oil filter socket) and where you really can't / shouldn't (hex keys, Phillips screwdrivers). Buy the cheap **** anywhere, and look around for some of the more reasonably priced quality brands for the hex keys and screwdrivers and such.

I'm partial to the PB Swiss trim tools (mine set me back about $20), but if you look a few threads down ("tools from japan") it looks like one of the GJ members sells Koken (high quality Japanese tools), and their trim panel tools look awful nice. You can cheap out on these, but make sure they're finished nicely unless you don't care about scratching up your interior.

This way you can still spend your $200-$400, but you'll get higher quality tools where it counts at the expense of not getting a bunch of junk you don't need or want.

 

[kippieland]

I can get a Craftsman set with sockets 10-18mm for cheap. I was given a 106 piece set for x-mas YEARS ago. It last all the way up til this year, when I finally replaced it with 170 pieces Craftsman set. If you start small you spend time and money when you need more pieces. If you buy big then it sits but it will be there when your knee deep in grease. I think for me I would do the Craftsman 200 piece for $99. Good price for the size.

 

[CoryZ]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=12734&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Don't buy these, at least not new. With that said, here is Snap-On's list for a "Honda Apprentice" set. It doesn't contain everything you need--oil drain pan and the like, but it's a good reference. Just ignore the brand new SO prices.

You can make a good dent in this fairly cheaply.

 

[WR250F]

I looked at that exact Kobalt set in my local Lowes a couple of weeks ago. It was priced @ $99 and I figured it might be great for a spare set or worth the bucks just for the ratchets.

The case is just flimsy as hell, the wrenches are finished OK, but they are very thin, and light. The allen keys are **** and the bits that go with the driver handle are made more cheaply than I thought humanly possible.

Lowe's lifetime warranty is NOT a walk in and swap it out deal, Sears, HF and others have the edge there.

As others have said, I would take a hard look at what you really need and with that in mind, determine the genuine value (to you) of any set you look at.

The Sears 309 piece set is a good price when you look at the individual pieces/sets included. Their ratchets are so-so, if you get a good one, you're good to go, otherwise, a swap for another one is pretty easy. The driver and bits is superior to the Kobalt offering and the wrenches aren't bad at all. The allen keys are 10 times better than those included with the Kobalt set.

With the 309 piece set you'll still likely need a set of combo wrenches that don't ratchet, a breaker bar (or two) and some other stuff.

Between now and BF, take a look around and see if you can cherry pick a set together. Doing so might save you some money in the long run and without doubt you'll get better quality.

HF for ratchets and breakers, a nice RP wrench set from Sears, a set of Wiha or CMan Pro screwdrivers and a socket set would be a decent start with all your money going toward good tools instead of the filler **** like allen keys and driver bits.

FWIW...

 

[blarf]

Craftsman #34464 (3/8" sockets 8-18mm) - $20
Craftsman #34532 (1/4" sockets 5-14mm) - $20
Craftsman #44642 (1/2" beam type torque wrench) - $30
Craftsman #44202 (1/2" breaker bar) - $30
Craftsman #43355 (1/4" quick release extension set) - $22
Craftsman #44633 (deep 17mm socket, 1/2" drive, sub as necessary with your lug nut size) - $8
Harbor Freight / Pittsburgh #67976 3/8" locking extension set - $20 (on sale for $18)
Craftsman #47045 (combo wrench set 7-16mm minus 9mm) - $20
SK #40952 (1/4" breaker bar) - $15 (Tooltopia)
Wright #3435 (3/8" breaker bar) - $25 (Amazon)
SK #40970 (1/4" ratchet) - $25 (Tooltopia)
Wright #3490 (3/8" ratchet) - $25 (H. Epstein)

$235 (plus shipping)

Gets you the sockets and wrenches you'll use, a torque wrench for your lug nuts, ratchets and breaker bars that aren't ****. Add another $10 or so for an oil filter socket or strap wrench. There are lots of options beyond a big set from Sears that will have a lot of filler you probably won't use (and cheapie junk ratchets that you won't want to use).

 

[powertrip]

Great advice given so far to this newbie. Its only a matter of time before someone tells him to chase down a snapon truck and sign his life away or if he cant afford new look at yardsales, estate sales or pawn shops. Never fails.
Anyways both sets would be good but i would go with the cman and add to it as needed. Good luck

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=12734&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Don't buy these, at least not new. With that said, here is Snap-On's list for a "Honda Apprentice" set. It doesn't contain everything you need--oil drain pan and the like, but it's a good reference. Just ignore the brand new SO prices.


heres a $4800 snap on set....
And we have a winner!!

 

[powertrip]

check out web sites harryepstein.com and cripedistributing.com.

On cripe there are alot of good priced gearwrench and USA made kobalt tools to fill in any blanks a set might not offer.

 

[boostedgt]

craftsman sockets, used snapon ratchets

 

[Subyroo651]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=12734&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Don't buy these, at least not new. With that said, here is Snap-On's list for a "Honda Apprentice" set. It doesn't contain everything you need--oil drain pan and the like, but it's a good reference. Just ignore the brand new SO prices.

You can make a good dent in this fairly cheaply.

heres a $4800 snap on set....
And we have a winner!!

Actually he is saying DO NOT Buy these for retail or even to buy them at all.
He is simply offering a condensed list of things for the OP to shop around for.

 

[powertrip]

Actually he is saying DO NOT Buy these for retail or even to buy them at all.
He is simply offering a condensed list of things for the OP to shop around for.

Looks like a snapon recommendation when the OP is choosing between a kobalt or craftsman set.

 

[CoryZ]

Looks like a snapon recommendation when the OP is choosing between a kobalt or craftsman set.

Ummm dude, it's a list of tools for working on Honda vehicles. This is what the OP stated he's going to work on. The very first thing I wrote was NOT to buy them.

Blarf's list of cman and other stuff looks good too.

HF carries a decent click torque wrench that's good enough for lug nuts and the like that the OP can pick up for $10 on sale/coupon.

 

[kippieland]

Craftsman #34464 (3/8" sockets 8-18mm) - $20
Craftsman #34532 (1/4" sockets 5-14mm) - $20
Craftsman #44642 (1/2" beam type torque wrench) - $30
Craftsman #44202 (1/2" breaker bar) - $30
Craftsman #43355 (1/4" quick release extension set) - $22
Craftsman #44633 (deep 17mm socket, 1/2" drive, sub as necessary with your lug nut size) - $8
Harbor Freight / Pittsburgh #67976 3/8" locking extension set - $20 (on sale for $18)
Craftsman #47045 (combo wrench set 7-16mm minus 9mm) - $20
SK #40952 (1/4" breaker bar) - $15 (Tooltopia)
Wright #3435 (3/8" breaker bar) - $25 (Amazon)
SK #40970 (1/4" ratchet) - $25 (Tooltopia)
Wright #3490 (3/8" ratchet) - $25 (H. Epstein)

$235 (plus shipping)

Gets you the sockets and wrenches you'll use, a torque wrench for your lug nuts, ratchets and breaker bars that aren't ****. Add another $10 or so for an oil filter socket or strap wrench. There are lots of options beyond a big set from Sears that will have a lot of filler you probably won't use (and cheapie junk ratchets that you won't want to use).

Great list! I love my Wiha screwdrivers....great good price on Amazon. Also the HF ratchets (the heavy duty one) are a lot pretty good for the money ($14). No F80 but better then the Craftsman. When I bought my socket set it was cheaper for me to buy a hole set ($160) then to add in the missing pieces ($250.) Something to remember, but I am glad to see that everyone is truely giving hime great advise and help instead of say "buy Snap-on." As a DIY'er I will probably never own a full Snap-on set (though I might buy 10 and 12mm socket to see how they compare) and it help to hear advise that honors that.

 

[mtkst19]

i'd suggest the c-man set in the 4 drawer plastic blow molded case. has all the sizes from1/4 to 1/2 drive you will need to work on a car. when i 1st got started working on cars this is what got me started. you add on the hammers and filter wrenches as you go. bang for the buck it is hard to beat this set for what you get.

 

[fitz11]

If you are on a budget I would seriously look at the 305pc set HF sells. It has a very good selection to get you started ( sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, torx, allen) use a 20% coupon and its right around $150, add some extras mentioned above and You could have a decent setup for vehicle work with under $250 invested.

 

[930dreamer]

Stickshift

List what you have if anything, and your needs/wants. I'll go through my extra tools and see what we can come up with. I know I can part with enough stuff to get you started.

 

[1984Datsun]

I'm with 930 Dreamer... if there is something you need, let us know. There has to be plenty of spare tools between a few of us members here that we can help get you started.

I've got tons of screwdrivers, for example. I could send you a bunch. (you pay shipping only, it'd be shipped in a flat rate box) They probably won't match though and they might not be the greatest, but they definitely will get the ball rolling on the money making. Plus, it's good to have an extra or two of a certain tool, in case you break one or need to use two. (like disconnecting certain types of electrical connectors)

I was in the same position as you about three years ago... bought a used Snap-On box, and filled it with tools that I had collected over the middle school to high school years. Most of which, my generous neighbor gave me them. Bought the rest.

Beware, once you start collecting your starter tools, they'll start to like each other and multiply, as bad as rabbits sometimes...

That happened when my neighbor's son in law moved out and left all of his stuff in the attic of the house. Tons of tools up there... I happened to buy it all for a good deal. A few small caliber rimfire boomsticks came with them tools too...

I now need another Snap-On box and a bigger barn...

or get rid of a few tools... not that there's anything wrong with them.

 

[Caleb T]

I think either set is a good starting option. I personally started out with smaller craftsman sets as gifts. I would advise going to Lowes/Sears, an just handle the tools to decide what you like better. Good luck!

 

[kippieland]

I have a set of 10mm to 18mm 3/8 drive as well as some Craftsman ratchets I can part with. All in fine shape.

 

[suss427]

If I was starting a tool collection from scratch for home use I would be tempted by this set as a starting point:

http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html

I am very weary of craftsman **** these days as a lot of it is Chinese now

My stuff is mostly used/ student discount/ new snapon, craftsman pro wrenches, screwdrivers, prybars etc and 200+ craftsman sockets, knipex pliers plus a ton of other odds and ends, but I have been buying tools gradually for almost 10 years

Here is a pro tip for you, shop at a store that is close to you, IE if HF is 300 miles away, dont buy HF stuff. Same goes with Lowes and Sears. At the end of the day, they should all work about the same for use on your Honda on the weekends. The Snapon list of tools for a Honda apprentice should be a decent guideline as to what tools would be useful for working on Honda's. You probably only need about half of what they listed and can probably get that for about 1/10th the price.

Good luck

 

[suss427]

This set looks way better with the black Friday pricing of 200

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941309000P?sid=I0084400010000100600&aff=Y

 

[volunteers]

craftsman 154 pc. good one.

I'm with 930 Dreamer... if there is something you need, let us know. There has to be plenty of spare tools between a few of us members here that we can help get you started.

I've got tons of screwdrivers, for example. I could send you a bunch. (you pay shipping only, it'd be shipped in a flat rate box) They probably won't match though and they might not be the greatest, but they definitely will get the ball rolling on the money making. Plus, it's good to have an extra or two of a certain tool, in case you break one or need to use two. (like disconnecting certain types of electrical connectors)

I was in the same position as you about three years ago... bought a used Snap-On box, and filled it with tools that I had collected over the middle school to high school years. Most of which, my generous neighbor gave me them. Bought the rest.

Beware, once you start collecting your starter tools, they'll start to like each other and multiply, as bad as rabbits sometimes...

That happened when my neighbor's son in law moved out and left all of his stuff in the attic of the house. Tons of tools up there... I happened to buy it all for a good deal. A few small caliber rimfire boomsticks came with them tools too...

I now need another Snap-On box and a bigger barn...

or get rid of a few tools... not that there's anything wrong with them.

 

[90gt]

2 important type tools for every box include: vise grips, and a swivel for each drive ratchet(1/4, 3/8, 1/2). If you are looking to build up a box, HF is a good place to start, i picked up 2 7-piece nut driver sets(SAE, Metric) for $10 with the coupon, they also got the extremely handy quick-lock extensions which have saved me in many situations which you should look into getting.