Need to Fill Tool Chest!

[pigpen23]

I was gifted a tool chest from my dad as a housewarming gift that I got to pick out. Looked at the ExtremeTools chests, but didn't like some of the features. Ended up liking this Husky and for the money, it seems like a pretty nice unit. Now it's time to start filling it up with tools. So far the only things that are in it are all my Milwaukee tools and a couple random hand tools.

Basically, I'm torn on how to start filling it up. Do I buy something like a Craftsman mechanics set and build off of that, or just start picking up random tools and build my own set?

I'm just a weekend wrencher, so I don't need all the fancy tool truck jewelry (although I'd love it), but more middle of the road tools. What brands should I look at/stay away from? I have some random HF tools in my truck toolbox, but I've broken quite a bit of that stuff so I'm thinking of trying to stay away from some of the HF stuff.

Mainly looking for sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and a variety of pliers/adjustable wrenches to start out with.

Thanks for the help!

 

[SuitorsGarage]

I would start with the 311 piece set from sears on sale now for $180 then add on or upgrade from there.

 

[1982fxr]

For screwdrivers, pliers and other odds n ends harryepsteins is the place.

If you get a craftsman set seek out an nos USA set not the new china ****. For wrenches check out the current thread on an affordable wrench set.

 

[Tallpilot]

Most of the big sets have lots of compromises (i.e. Crappy wrenches, 12 point sockets, etc) I would buy socket and wrench sets separately even though it will cost you slightly more money.

 

[losvre]

I will go with Tallpilot,

I will buy only what is needed since 50% to 70% of items in a set are not really of any use even if it is just sockets.

I have bought myself some quite expensive Stahlwille set I end up using the 10, 13, and 16, 17 and 19 sockets plus the ratchet and one small extension.

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[derosa]

if you go the sears route make sure to get the sets with the 75 tooth ratchets, they may be heavy but they are a significant step up. Could also spend the extra on the smaller sockets sets with the 84t ratchets, wish I had gone with them from the beginning.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-48-p...lerId=Sears&prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-49-p...lerId=Sears&prdNo=13&blockNo=13&blockType=G13

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-43-p...lerId=Sears&prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

Wrenches wouldn't go for less then wright or SK unless getting gearwrench.
Any allen or torx would go with bondhus

 

[Deej]

If I was doing it again, I'd spend a lot more time looking at used tools

 

[woody 73]

Sadly you are seeing the death knell of Sears in this late time of filling your tool box; you could try the online cripe for good deals but again the Armstrong tools are no longer being made very sad.

Harry Epstein is another good place to buy good tools. Don't count out garage sales look for used craftsman, used channellock and used vise grips.

For a very nice impact socket set look at sunex on line although not made in the states the quality is very nice; and Napa puts out some nice Taiwan tools that have a very nice warranty.

 

[brveagle]

+1 on garage sales, and estate sales. Know what you want/need and pick and choose. If you drive a toyota and yamaha dirtbike (just an example), you don't need a full set of standard size wrenches/sockets up to 2". Search craigslist and start lowballin people with cash offers and pickup, you may be surprised what you can find.

 

[pendragon1998]

Mainly looking for sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and a variety of pliers/adjustable wrenches to start out with.

Sockets - I bought sets of1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive in both sae/metric, all 6 pt by Craftsman USA, and I have really been satisfied. Consider ebay.

Ratchets - you'll get a million answers. I personally like the Craftsman thin profile (1/4 and 3/8), 60 tooth USA made ones. I haven't found a 1/2 I am nuts about.

Wrenches - Craftsman USA 6 pt combos (or 12 pt) has done me fine. Ebay probably has them. A set of gearwrench or dewalt ratcheting ones is good too. I use sockets more than wrenches.

Screwdrivers - I actually really like the HF pros with the handle hole.

Pliers - hard to go wrong with Channellock or Knipex.

 

[disston]

I avoid Sears and Craftsman these days. Some of their deals are pretty good but the tools are not of a consistent good quality. Not knowing tools and what is good you would end up with some junk.

I'd buy used but I also know the market and I know what the name brands are. Follow the Garage Journal site and pay attention to what others are buying. You should do OK then.

I have many different brands these days. That suits me fine. Many want to have the majority of their tools from one manufacturer. Some of these go with Snap On.that's the most expensive way to go. But they are mostly professional mechanics. Many amateurs go this route too and that's OK if you want to spend the maximum amount of money on stuff you don't use very often.

SK and Proto have long been a choice of many pros. Cheaper than SO but not cheap.

Mac, Matco and Cornwall are the other tools that come on the trucks. Not as expensive as SO but usually top quality. The deal with the trucks is they come to where you work. That's why the pros buy them.

If you want a cheaper route but good quality I'd go with Gearwrench. They haven't been around for too long but they are the affordable quality choice these days.

You can save the most money by shopping at Harbour Freight. The problem here is the quality is often pretty bad. Not always but their top line stuff is more expensive too. My personal objection to most HF tools is I don't like the way they look.

Good luck with your shopping.

 

[toolenthusiast]

I would start with the 311 piece set from sears on sale now for $180 then add on or upgrade from there.

Honest question: have you purchased any Craftsman sockets lately? Because if you buy even a small set, there will be sockets with deformed drive ends and sockets that are not the same height all the way around, i.e. they look squished. Strictly in regards to uniformity, they are comparable to the $3.99 sets at Harbor Freight.

 

[Eslader]

I will buy only what is needed since 50% to 70% of items in a set are not really of any use even if it is just sockets.

Usually that's the way I go too, but I do like having a full range of sockets, even if I don't think I'll ever use some of them.

I was fixing a toy for my nephew awhile back and actually got to use the 4.5mm socket that's been gathering dust in my box for something like 30 years. I find that eventually you will usually find a fastener that needs an oddball socket, and if you actually have the socket and you know where it is, you feel like a genius.

 

[SuitorsGarage]

Honest question: have you purchased any Craftsman sockets lately? Because if you buy even a small set, there will be sockets with deformed drive ends and sockets that are not the same height all the way around, i.e. they look squished. Strictly in regards to uniformity, they are comparable to the $3.99 sets at Harbor Freight.

I bought the 311 pc set in 2014. It was bought as a back up set for my shop at work. It gets used as the primary set there just because of it's location. No problems with any of it (I never used the RP ratchets it came with). It is not made in the USA but it isn't the easy to read version either.

 

[fras_auto]

check Carlyle better quality ratchets from Napa they have the 3pc ratchet set onsale $44.99 https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQ8992345

 

[pigpen23]

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions! I've al
ways thought about garage sales/auctions, but I'm out of town all week and some weekends for work so my times to hit these are far and few between. Maybe I'll start sending my dad out for certain tools if he has time lol.

Here's the chest in case anyone cares. It'll be perfect for what I need. Kinda cool with the plug-ins and USB ports on the top and the magnetic strip across the whole back on the top.

 

[edcantu9]

Go to Harbor Freight and stock up on hand tools!

 

[jonesg]

I converted to harbor freight recently for hand tools, quality is good enough for me,
I'm a baker not a play pretend technician ******.
Power tools are Milwaukee Red Lithium all the way.

Save the money snap on tools cost and get a lift. (yes you can).

 

[fatfillup]

If you can find a nos Cman USA set, that is a good place to start and add to and upgrade as needed and as funds will allow. Lots of used tools out there but it takes time to find them.

Periodically treat your self to a nice tool purchase. Buy a nice set of screwdrivers, then maybe some quality pliers. Another month or 2 get a nice set of drill bits or whatever. Add quality as you go.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

First I establish my budget, lets say I am in the harbor freight budget class for a 1/2 socket set.
I look at what that costs at HF, add the $10 in fuel or shipping it will take to get me that.
Next I go on ebay,check the 'used condition' box, and search for 1/2" socket set.
With a little patience, you will end up with something pretty nice.
And check local craigslist regularly.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

I was gifted a tool chest from my dad as a housewarming gift that I got to pick out. Looked at the ExtremeTools chests, but didn't like some of the features. Ended up liking this Husky and for the money, it seems like a pretty nice unit. Now it's time to start filling it up with tools. So far the only things that are in it are all my Milwaukee tools and a couple random hand tools.

Basically, I'm torn on how to start filling it up. Do I buy something like a Craftsman mechanics set and build off of that, or just start picking up random tools and build my own set?

I'm just a weekend wrencher, so I don't need all the fancy tool truck jewelry (although I'd love it), but more middle of the road tools. What brands should I look at/stay away from? I have some random HF tools in my truck toolbox, but I've broken quite a bit of that stuff so I'm thinking of trying to stay away from some of the HF stuff.

Mainly looking for sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and a variety of pliers/adjustable wrenches to start out with.

Thanks for the help!

If you go with Craftsman, sign up for SYW (https://www.shopyourway.com) and the Craftsman club. I've gotten about $500 in free tools just by buying the wife towels and appliances. The deals this week aren't good, wait until the 4th July weekend and you should get some good deals.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Honest question: have you purchased any Craftsman sockets lately? Because if you buy even a small set, there will be sockets with deformed drive ends and sockets that are not the same height all the way around, i.e. they look squished. Strictly in regards to uniformity, they are comparable to the $3.99 sets at Harbor Freight.

I just bought the C-man 323 piece set back in May and the sockets are identical to my 1980's era sockets. They are all uniform in size, uniformly finished and without defect. Yes I checked every single one of them. I got the set for $169 and they will last a lifetime as a home DIYer. Nothing at HF can touch them on quality or price.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Usually that's the way I go too, but I do like having a full range of sockets, even if I don't think I'll ever use some of them.

I was fixing a toy for my nephew awhile back and actually got to use the 4.5mm socket that's been gathering dust in my box for something like 30 years. I find that eventually you will usually find a fastener that needs an oddball socket, and if you actually have the socket and you know where it is, you feel like a genius.

This happened to me pulling a fender off a DGC this weekend. The front fender bolts do not have enough access for a regular wrench, I pulled out the 1989 vintage ignition wrenches that have never been used and the 10mm worked perfect.

 

[SuitorsGarage]

check Carlyle better quality ratchets from Napa they have the 3pc ratchet set onsale $44.99 https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQ8992345

I have this set and can attest that it is worth every penny.

I just bought the C-man 323 piece set back in May and the sockets are identical to my 1980's era sockets. They are all uniform in size, uniformly finished and without defect. Yes I checked every single one of them. I got the set for $169 and they will last a lifetime as a home DIYer. Nothing at HF can touch them on quality or price.

Same with the ones I bought.

 

[Parrothead]

As far as sockets and ratchets, look into Husky. Their ratchets are APEX made (i.e. Gearwrench, Marco) but have quick release. The sockets are the same line as the Matco Silver Eagle (there's a pic of one double stamped), so that should be pretty good for most homeowners.

I think the bigger target should be plumbing, electrical, home improvement type tools. Non contact voltage tester, circuit tracer, miter saw, wet tile saw, those types of things. I know that's what I did when I bought my first house.

 

[Al Borland]

I buy the Husky tools for my workers as shop sets. 1/4" and 3/8" drive sockets are 6 point, unfortunately, the 1/2" drives are 12 point, but we haven't broken one yet. So far, no broken ratchets or sockets, except a Husky Round-head I bought expecting a guy to lose. (He used it for a hammer instead of losing it.) Breaker bars, Combination wrenches are all holding up. They have red and blue clear handle screwdrivers that are as good as the old Craftsman WF screwdrivers, and Orange 6-in-one screwdrivers that are both cheap and good.

 

[Crusty Drifter]

pigpen23...PM me.

 

[Mr_B]

For ratchets and sockets I would look at gearwrench 84T ratchet sets as prices can be really low at times for quality/spec of ratchets, their sockets pretty decent to live with too.
Buy decent set of wrenches, american or german stahlwille .
Some HF stuff can be okay if not using it much as is the better generic taiwan stuff.
Easy enough collect grips from various makes, vice grips, side cutters etc need be proper quality, knipex one of best options .
One of best deals on screwdrivers was proto set, toptul do some nice ones as do wera and they sensible price .

 

[pigpen23]

Really appreciate everyone's input! I'm already looking the brands up that you guys mentioned that I'm more unfamiliar with. Gonna be a spending spree this week!

 

[ecotec]

Of everything in my toolbox, I am most picky about pliers.

 

[fourjeepin]

Nice big box. My advice - Check the hot deals thread daily and learn how to clearance shop at HD and Lowes.

 

[APS2000]

Thats a nice looking box.

What's your budget?

There's lots of tool sets available; Home Depot (Husky), Harbor Freight (Pittsburgh Pro), Sears (Craftsman), Dewalt, Gear Wrench, etc.

 

[GM_tc]

If you are looking for gearwrench stuff check out tooltopia.com I've bought numerous tools from the them over the years for daily mechanic use. They also offer free shipping on orders over $99 and usually deliver in a few days. If your looking for impact sockets Sunex makes a quality product for a pretty fair price. I have gearwrench combo and ratcheting wrenches. Gearwrench has come a long way. I bought a big craftsman tool set and to do it again, I would buy the most used pieces because a lot of it just sits in my big box. Most cars now days are all metric bolts and nuts so if you're planning on wrenching on cars I'd buy metric sockets and wrenches first.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hangfirew8]

Much as it pains me- about 50% of my main toolbox stack is still (older, USA) Craftsman- do NOT buy a modern Craftsman set! If someone has an older USA set, well, maybe, as long as the price is right.

If you must fill it ASAP with cheap tools, then Harbor Freight. Sign up and you won't have to worry about faded receipts for warranty purposes.

But if you want to do it right, start shopping bargains in older US made tools. US Navy surplus SK sets come up on eBay regularly. Cripe Distributing has all manner of good US stuff. Look for US made Proto, Armstrong, SK, KD, Wright, Blackhawk, etc.

Also treat yourself to some best-in-class tools, like the Knipex Pliers Wrench. You'll never use an adjustable wrench again.

 

[pigpen23]

Thats a nice looking box.

What's your budget?

There's lots of tool sets available; Home Depot (Husky), Harbor Freight (Pittsburgh Pro), Sears (Craftsman), Dewalt, Gear Wrench, etc.

Honestly I'm not too sure. Want quality, yet don't want to spend a ton. Really I'm leaning towards getting a Craftsman or Husky Mechanics set to build off of. If I need to replace (I've broken very few Craftsman tools unless I was misusing them), I'll start buying more expensive brands.

Already got screwdrivers, various pliers, and adjustable wrenches (all USA made) in the cart from HarryEpstein and checking out Gearwrenches, Knipex, and the Sunex impact sockets.

 

[ericb445]

Look at the Tekton sets, pretty nice for the money.
Some HF stuff is pretty good. Look at GearWrench as well.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Much as it pains me- about 50% of my main toolbox stack is still (older, USA) Craftsman- do NOT buy a modern Craftsman set! If someone has an older USA set, well, maybe, as long as the price is right.

If you must fill it ASAP with cheap tools, then Harbor Freight. Sign up and you won't have to worry about faded receipts for warranty purposes.

But if you want to do it right, start shopping bargains in older US made tools. US Navy surplus SK sets come up on eBay regularly. Cripe Distributing has all manner of good US stuff. Look for US made Proto, Armstrong, SK, KD, Wright, Blackhawk, etc.

Also treat yourself to some best-in-class tools, like the Knipex Pliers Wrench. You'll never use an adjustable wrench again.

My modern Chinese Craftsman sockets and wrenches are identical to my 1980's era Craftsman sockets and wrenches.

To claim that 1960-90 USA manufacturing was any better than modern Chinese manufacturing is simply false information.

For $179 the OP can get a 311 piece Craftsman set and be half way towards filling his tool box with 182 sockets, 75 tooth ratchets and 14 ratcheting wrenches. Those tools will last his lifetime and probably be able to pass them on to his children. If Husky, Kobalt or Pittsburg Pro had a comparable set, I would recommend them as well.

 

[APS2000]

As above. The Craftsman 311 piece set is hard to beat price wise.

Forgot about Tekton. I hear their warranty is great.

Husky Mechanics Tool Set (432-Piece) H432MTS
COO is China
Click here. If you can find it at that price buy it!

DEWALT - 168-Piece 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Mechanics Tool Set DWMT73803
COO is Taiwan
http://www.murdochs.com/shop/dewalt-168-piece-1-4-3-8-1-2-drive-mechanics-tool-set-dwmt73803/

301 Pc Professional Mechanic's Tool Set
Don't forget the coupon
https://www.harborfreight.com/301-pc-professional-mechanics-tool-set-63457.html

 

[buckwheat_la]

Gearwrench 120xp deals on tooldiscounter just can't be beat.

 

[dimichele]

Northern tool has a decent looking set.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200624105_200624105