If you only had $400 for tools what would you get?

[creativecars]

Thanks for all the great responses guys..

I used to recommend Craftsman to new people, for the base line stuff almost exclusively. Sears as a company has made many poor decisions and I can no longer in good faith give them a recommendation. I have no confidence in their business practices, quality or even if they will be around in 10 years. Our Sears stores are poor to non-existent, but it sounds like several people have a store that is good. I am really surprised by that because they ran me off over 15 years ago. Am I missing something or is Sears riding on their legacy, and some consumers still believing they are "Where America Shops."

 

[Davefr]

Thanks for all the great responses guys..

I used to recommend Craftsman to new people, for the base line stuff almost exclusively. Sears as a company has made many poor decisions and I can no longer in good faith give them a recommendation. I have no confidence in their business practices, quality or even if they will be around in 10 years. Our Sears stores are poor to non-existent, but it sounds like several people have a store that is good. I am really surprised by that because they ran me off over 15 years ago. Am I missing something or is Sears riding on their legacy, and some consumers still believing they are "Where America Shops."

Yes, Sears is in a death spiral and CM quality has gone downhill as a result. However there are still some usefull tools at attractive prices. Based on your budget I wouldn't worry too much about Sears "business practices". I'd focus on getting best bang for the buck in tools and that often includes Sears.

If you don't like the stores, then buy online. Or look on the GJ classifieds for older CM.

 

[creativecars]

Yes, Sears is in a death spiral and CM quality has gone downhill as a result. However there are still some usefull tools at attractive prices. Based on your budget I wouldn't worry too much about Sears "business practices". I'd focus on getting best bang for the buck in tools and that often includes Sears.

If you don't like the stores, then buy online. Or look on the GJ classifieds for older CM.

Dave that is a great point. I have many quality tools that there is no one around to warranty. That does not mean they are not useful tools and with value.
I was bring that point up to new tool buyers who may be relying on the Craftsman warranty as part of the value.

 

[KingCobra98]

go to harbor freight and double my tools lol

 

[Davefr]

Dave that is a great point. I have many quality tools that there is no one around to warranty. That does not mean they are not useful tools and with value.
I was bring that point up to new tool buyers who may be relying on the Craftsman warranty as part of the value.

The best "warranty" is shopping for tools with known good quality reputations and then not abusing them.

Written warranty's are for marketing purposes and don't always correlate to quality.

Having to replace a broken tool out of your own pocket is not the end of the world IMHO. (often easier then the warranty hassles)

IMHO there's way too much fussing about warranties here on GJ, but I guess I'm in the minority.

 

[chicane]

Yes, Sears is in a death spiral and CM quality has gone downhill as a result. However there are still some usefull tools at attractive prices. Based on your budget I wouldn't worry too much about Sears "business practices". I'd focus on getting best bang for the buck in tools and that often includes Sears.

If you don't like the stores, then buy online. Or look on the GJ classifieds for older CM.

This ^.

 

[chicane]

go to harbor freight and double my tools lol

And put more American's out of work...sounds like a plan.

 

[Ncognito]

DeWalt 204 Piece Mechanics Tool Set; 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2-inch Drive $199.99
I have this exact set and love it.

Wiha Extra Heavy Duty 7pc Screwdriver Set #53097 $96.81
A good screwdriver is worth the extra money.

Craftsman 20-inch Hand Tool Box Model # 264401 $9.96
I have this box also. The Dewalt tools come with a case, but you will need something to store your other tools in.

I would take the remaining cash and head to Lowes Hardware.
Kobalt 1/2" breaker bar
A couple of hammers
Leather workgloves
ETC.

 

[KingCobra98]

And put more American's out of work...sounds like a plan.

Let me know how far you get spending 400$ @ snap on

 

[creativecars]

Let me know how far you get spending 400$ @ snap on

Agreed, One socket set does not give a person enough tools to do much work with, regardless of quality.

 

[Davefr]

DeWalt 204 Piece Mechanics Tool Set; 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2-inch Drive $199.99
I have this exact set and love it.

Wiha Extra Heavy Duty 7pc Screwdriver Set #53097 $96.81
A good screwdriver is worth the extra money.

Craftsman 20-inch Hand Tool Box Model # 264401 $9.96
I have this box also. The Dewalt tools come with a case, but you will need something to store your other tools in.

I would take the remaining cash and head to Lowes Hardware.
Kobalt 1/2" breaker bar
A couple of hammers
Leather workgloves
ETC.

^^^ We disagree. As a DIY homeowner how often do you need a 1/2" drive socket set??

And why would you spend a whopping 25% of your budget on screwdrivers when you could get a basic set of CM or HF screwdrivers for around $20.

With this list the OP can't even drill a hole, cut a piece of wood or metal, clamp an item or measure continuity/voltage.

 

[IOWNJUNK]

Auction, yardsales, flea market.

 

[SCscoutguy]

If that was my entire budget I would probably look really hard at buying Gearwrench tools. They are quality made tools that you can get warrantied in several places and you can normally find them on sale from someplace online. You could budget in some $ to look on ebay or here for a cheaper nice tool truck ratchet as your main go to ratchet and then supplement that with gearwrench or other cheaper but still quality ones.

 

[djb2]

^^^ We disagree. As a DIY homeowner how often do you need a 1/2" drive socket set??

And why would you spend a whopping 25% of your budget on screwdrivers when you could get a basic set of CM or HF screwdrivers for around $20.

With this list the OP can't even drill a hole, cut a piece of wood or metal, clamp an item or measure continuity/voltage.

I agree completely. Many of the suggestion were "How to spend $400 really quickly."

A basic homeowner set must leave money for a drill/driver, saws (hacksaw and something for wood), hammer, basic multimeter, plumbing wrenches, etc.

From my view, that means keeping the socket set to 1/4" and 3/8" drive. Except for a $10 HF 1/2" torque wrench and deep sockets to fit your specific car's lugs.

A stamped metal plumbing wrench (AKA spud/closet wrench). If you have iron pipes, a big pipe wrench.

A hot air gun. It doesn't need to be temperature controlled, Shrink tubing, soften plastic, remove broken phone screen glass, thaw pipes, even solder.

Pry bars. The cheaper HF set, with through-handle shafts, is good. This will save many other tools from abuse.

Flat pry bar. The Stanley Super Wonder Bar with many contours is wonderful. Ace Hardware has it on sale for $2-$3 (normally over $10) twice a year, but it's worth full price.

A dollar store 1" wood chisel. Get a cheap one so that you don't mind abusing it. If you don't have good chisels, buy a second cheap one and put it on top of their box.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Let me know how far you get spending 400$ @ snap on

Agreed, One socket set does not give a person enough tools to do much work with, regardless of quality.

I was going to say one socket, but....

 

[Ncognito]

^^^ We disagree. As a DIY homeowner how often do you need a 1/2" drive socket set??

And why would you spend a whopping 25% of your budget on screwdrivers when you could get a basic set of CM or HF screwdrivers for around $20.

With this list the OP can't even drill a hole, cut a piece of wood or metal, clamp an item or measure continuity/voltage.

Really? I looked at your list and I don't think we are too far apart with our suggestions. I suggested a set of tools that included 1/2" drive because the OP stated in his original post, "For example Several years ago I had a Craftsman box stolen out of my truck it contained hand tools that could do most any road side repair.. alternator, waterpump, starter, thermostat, battery etc...

What should I have gotten to replace them?". He didn't mention DIY homeowner until later. I based my list around doing automotive type repairs. A DIY homeowner will probably never use anything 1/2" drive, but unless one likes abusing tools and I don't, they are a must for doing automotive repairs. The Dewalt set is a very nice set and should enable the OP to perform most basic repairs to his vehicles as well as perform minor repairs around the house--pulling panels off of appliances, assembling furniture, etc.

I agree with you that my budget for screwdrivers is a bit excessive for someone just starting out, and I agree with you that the OP should get the best bang for his buck. This includes buying Craftsman. I own and use CM stuff regularly. I once used Craftsman screwdrivers; I even used them professionally for a few years, and I learned one thing--basic Craftsman screwdrivers really do ****! It's my sincere belief that anyone doing any type of repair work should invest in a set of quality screwdrivers first. Wiha just happens to be my chosen weapon against rusted and rounded out helical fasteners.

Can the OP get a better value than what I suggested? Sure, but I wasn't going to spend much time pricing tools all over the internet. Just tossing ideas out there that I had personal experience with.

I believe that you said it best.

For $400 you won't be able to get everything you need at the outset.

 

[creativecars]

Really? I looked at your list and I don't think we are too far apart with our suggestions. I suggested a set of tools that included 1/2" drive because the OP stated in his original post, "For example Several years ago I had a Craftsman box stolen out of my truck it contained hand tools that could do most any road side repair.. alternator, waterpump, starter, thermostat, battery etc...

What should I have gotten to replace them?". He didn't mention DIY homeowner until later. I based my list around doing automotive type repairs. A DIY homeowner will probably never use anything 1/2" drive, but unless one likes abusing tools and I don't, they are a must for doing automotive repairs. The Dewalt set is a very nice set and should enable the OP to perform most basic repairs to his vehicles as well as perform minor repairs around the house--pulling panels off of appliances, assembling furniture, etc.

I agree with you that my budget for screwdrivers is a bit excessive for someone just starting out, and I agree with you that the OP should get the best bang for his buck. This includes buying Craftsman. I own and use CM stuff regularly. I once used Craftsman screwdrivers; I even used them professionally for a few years, and I learned one thing--basic Craftsman screwdrivers really do ****! It's my sincere belief that anyone doing any type of repair work should invest in a set of quality screwdrivers first. Wiha just happens to be my chosen weapon against rusted and rounded out helical fasteners.

Can the OP get a better value than what I suggested? Sure, but I wasn't going to spend much time pricing tools all over the internet. Just tossing ideas out there that I had personal experience with.

I believe that you said it best.

Both you guys are providing great input. As I mentioned I did replace the tools, including the 1/2" drive which I usually use for anything dealing with suspension. Good screwdrivers make difference and so does a cordless drill driver. Personally I would suggest someone save for a 18V lithium instead of the cheapest because I think they are a better value.
Either way, thanks.

 

[Ncognito]

Both you guys are providing great input. As I mentioned I did replace the tools, including the 1/2" drive which I usually use for anything dealing with suspension. Good screwdrivers make difference and so does a cordless drill driver. Personally I would suggest someone save for a 18V lithium instead of the cheapest because I think they are a better value.
Either way, thanks.

Dave had some really good suggestions. I didn't even think of purchasing pliers or vise-grips, and I couldn't agree more with his opinions on tool warranty's. Buy good quality tools and don't abuse them.

 

[chicane]

Let me know how far you get spending 400$ @ snap on

I would never buy **** On. You can still buy USA made Craftsman sets for a very reasonable price. That is how I started, then I branched out from there.
Bottom line is the more Chinese **** WE buy the more American workers we put out of work...including ourselves.

 

[chicane]

And why would you spend a whopping 25% of your budget on screwdrivers when you could get a basic set of CM or HF screwdrivers for around $20.

I bought a nice basic set of Hazet screwdrivers for $35....why settle.

 

[Cato]

I find that hard to believe. Either you haven't been there in a while or they dont sell any tools. Buy me all socket,wrench sets are all China along with 75% of loose stock

I wonder do you guys with "bad Sears" live in rural areas? Is it that you have mom and pop hardware stores and farm supply stores that stock first rate American tools like SK and Wright? Perhaps the Sears in your areas gave up on competing with those stores.

Maybe Sears in suburban areas have a better market at providing American tools. Rebadged Western Forge screwdrivers, Wilde pliers, Armstrong sockets (?) are the best American made tools we have access to without buying Snap on on the internet or chasing down a red and white ice cream truck. I do pretty much all my auto work and home improvement myself and these "entry level" American tool brands are far better than I'll ever need.

I was under the impression that all Sears had the same or very similar stock. Perhaps managers have a choice on how much Craftsman USA they can order?

Here in the Westcoast we have home improvement chain called Orchard Home Supply (OSH) which carries Craftsman. It seems like a very large percentage of their stock is Craftsman USA, more so than Sears. OSH, however, doesn't have many sales like Sears, though.

 

[BikerDad]

We have new kids on here all the time asking what tools they need to buy on a budget... Their budget. So here is my question to you, If you were starting from scratch and could spend $400 on tools and only $400, what would you get? (recommend)
For example Several years ago I had a Craftsman box stolen out of my truck it contained hand tools that could do most any road side repair.. alternator, waterpump, starter, thermostat, battery etc...

What should I have gotten to replace them?

Tools to do WHAT? A $400 budget for a woodworker will result in a very different set than a $400 set for a gunsmith, or a carpenter, or a small engine mechanic, or a automotive mechanic, or ....

 

[jrg]

Here's my $400 starter kit

Craftsman USA 154pc Set (Costco) $99/$79 sale
Gearwrench 20 Combination Ratcheting Wrench set SAE/MM (Sears) 49.96 Sale
Channellock Ultimate Plier set 4-Piece (Home Depot) $42
Craftsman 17pc WF screwdriver set (sears) $20
*Drill and impact driver lithium combo 12v or 18v - Budget at least $150
Stanley powerlock measure tape set (home depot) 9.88

and with whatever is left over...

- impact driver bit set
- Hammer /rubber mallet
- Spirit level
- hack saw
- skilsaw?
- shop vac
- case of beer

 

[ez-duzit]

Have you ever noticed how, though there are lots of good ideas in a bottle of beer, there's not ONE in a 6-pack?

 

[creativecars]

Tools to do WHAT? A $400 budget for a woodworker will result in a very different set than a $400 set for a gunsmith, or a carpenter, or a small engine mechanic, or a automotive mechanic, or ....

Biker,
This question (thread) is more about someone being able to fix some of their own stuff not a career starter set. On a beginners budget. Sure it is easy if you have thousands but when you have to start from scratch and money is an issue, we have to make choices, creative choices.

 

[creativecars]

Have you ever noticed how, though there are lots of good ideas in a bottle of beer, there's not ONE in a 6-pack?

What do you mean by this? I think there have been lots of good ideas, and everyone sees things a bit different. There is no one perfect tool kit.

 

[creativecars]

Here's my $400 starter kit

Craftsman USA 154pc Set (Costco) $99/$79 sale
Gearwrench 20 Combination Ratcheting Wrench set SAE/MM (Sears) 49.96 Sale
Channellock Ultimate Plier set 4-Piece (Home Depot) $42
Craftsman 17pc WF screwdriver set (sears) $20
*Drill and impact driver lithium combo 12v or 18v - Budget at least $150
Stanley powerlock measure tape set (home depot) 9.88

and with whatever is left over...

- impact driver bit set
- Hammer /rubber mallet
- Spirit level
- hack saw
- skilsaw?
- shop vac
- case of beer

Sounds pretty good..what kind of beer??

 

[Ncognito]

Have you ever noticed how, though there are lots of good ideas in a bottle of beer, there's not ONE in a 6-pack?

The problem is you have to drink the six-pack to find the one bottle that had the good idea.

 

[slob]

One $400 hammer.

 

[creativecars]

I wonder do you guys with "bad Sears" live in rural areas? Is it that you have mom and pop hardware stores and farm supply stores that stock first rate American tools like SK and Wright? Perhaps the Sears in your areas gave up on competing with those stores.

Maybe Sears in suburban areas have a better market at providing American tools. Rebadged Western Forge screwdrivers, Wilde pliers, Armstrong sockets (?) are the best American made tools we have access to without buying Snap on on the internet or chasing down a red and white ice cream truck. I do pretty much all my auto work and home improvement myself and these "entry level" American tool brands are far better than I'll ever need.

I was under the impression that all Sears had the same or very similar stock. Perhaps managers have a choice on how much Craftsman USA they can order?

Here in the Westcoast we have home improvement chain called Orchard Home Supply (OSH) which carries Craftsman. It seems like a very large percentage of their stock is Craftsman USA, more so than Sears. OSH, however, doesn't have many sales like Sears, though.

I have lived in multiple states throughout the Midwest. Texas to Indiana, no first rate tool stores so have made do with used, online and HF. I grew up on Craftsman, but that was many years ago and recently it is a no go. We had Western Auto and Sears f'd that up, then Kmart and they are now a joke like Sears.

 

[creativecars]

One $400 hammer.

You must work for the government!?!

 

[slob]

I do.

 

[JR 42]

Have you ever noticed how, though there are lots of good ideas in a bottle of beer, there's not ONE in a 6-pack?

Haha, I dunno about that! I get more eloquent, more handsome, and more smarter the more drunker I get!

Oh, wait, I just figured it out, there's SIX!

JR

 

[SASORacing]

I think to answer op's question just do not buy China hardline tools. Grinders, vises, and tool boxes from China can be excellent though.

 

[JR 42]

My suggestion would be to start with the absolute basics and as your homeowner/DIY projects require different tools go out and buy them on an "as needed" basis. This also gives you an opportunity (ie time) to look for quality used.

For $400 you won't be able to get everything you need at the outset.

Absolute "get started" basics:
- 3/8" Metric and SAE socket set
- SAE and Metric combo wrench set
- Plier set with some vise grips
- Screwdriver set
- Adjustable wrenches - several sizes
- Cordless drill
- LED flashlight
- DMM
- Hammer (small and large)
- A few files
- Hacksaw
- Carpenters saw
- Bench Vise

Despite the bashing, you'll do OK with CM, HF or Kobalt. Buy what's on sale. I think the $400 will get you all of the above with some careful shopping.

The "HF pass/fail thread" will be your best resource.

For basic homeowner DIY stuff, I think this is a great list. I'd add a non-contact voltage detector for not frying yourself on household wiring, a heaping pile of fasteners, a couple good paintbrushes (Purdy) and 9" roller frame (Wooster), an electrical combo tool with good wirestrippers, and a prybar (15" Vaughan Superbar or the Grayvik version if you don't have to pay shipping).

I think a good basic bit-holding screwdriver with a whole pile of bits (Torx, Allen, square, small Phillips, etc.) and a solid Number Two Phillips and a couple slotted drivers could replace a set of screwdrivers for the same or less cost.

95% of what I do at home requires a hammer, voltage detector, wire nuts, drywall anchors, good PH2 and slotted screwdrivers, pliers, wirecutters, a drill, an 8" adjustable wrench, hex keys (damn you IKEA) and various adhesives, but I currently live in an apartment.

Edit: add 1" and 4" flex putty knives (Warner) and a decent set of drill bits. And a nail set or two. And some baling wire. And a utility knife.

 

[nicksnothereman]

We have new kids on here all the time asking what tools they need to buy on a budget... Their budget. So here is my question to you, If you were starting from scratch and could spend $400 on tools and only $400, what would you get? (recommend)
For example Several years ago I had a Craftsman box stolen out of my truck it contained hand tools that could do most any road side repair.. alternator, waterpump, starter, thermostat, battery etc...

What should I have gotten to replace them?

Probably a mix of stuff. I'm cheap and flexible with brands when it comes to tools. Years ago it was all craftsman (and a lot of their tools are still good) nowadays I would prefer the taiwanese stuff to the chinese craftsman (or other brands) but would end up with a decent amount of chinese made incidentals anyway. The point being they're incidental so they don't get a ton of use.

Starting off I don't think I even spent that much reaping us sets from craftsman. Theoretically you could do that with modern chinese craftsman but there are a lot of better quality tools in the same (or cheaper) price range at other places.

 

[Rickster]

$400... I spend $200 on a used roller toolbox from Craigslist. Then use the remaining $200 to get a set of metric ratcheting wrenches. A pair of channel locks and needle nose pliers. Lastly I'd visit HF for an adjustable wrench that I could use to double as a hammer, nail puller and prybar.

 

[chadster1]

More money

 

[Hako86]

Buy the 197 piece Kraftwerk 1047 tool set (about $300) and then buy a cheap used vise and work bench

 

[Cosmicowboy]

I recently started a tool collection from scratch as well. Here's what I got for around $330:

Craftsman 150 Piece Mechanics Tool Set $90.00
Craftsman 8 Piece Philips/Standard Screwdriver Set $13.00
Craftsman 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench $16.00
Craftsman 3/8 Extension set $12.00
Craftsman 1/2 Extension Set $13.00
Craftsman Hammer $18.00
Craftsman Raised Panel Wrench SAE Set $18.00
Craftsman Raised Panel Wrench Metric $18.00
Craftsman 3/8 Breaker Bar $13.00
Craftsman 1/2 Breaker Bar $9.00
Craftsman 20 Inch Tool Box $10.00
Craftsman Screwdriver Handle 10 Inch Pry Bar $10.00
Craftsman 6 Inch C Clamp $16.00
Channellock Ultimate Plier Set $42.00
Vice-Grips $12.00
Stanley Tape Measure $10.00
Stanley Utility Knife $4.00
Harbor Freight Voltmeter $0.00 w/coupon

The Craftsman stuff is mostly Made In U.S.A. I found it at my local Sears except for the 150 Piece Mechanics Tool Set that I got from eBay. The Channellock set is from Home Depot. The Vice-Grips, Stanley Tape Measure, and Stanley Utility Knife are from Lowes. And of course the voltmeter is from Harbor Freight.

This should form a core for my collection. For more specialized tools I'll buy them as I need them.