All Your Tools are Stolen--Replace with $500 Budget

[JulianMorrow]

You’re a DIY weekender. You left your garage unlocked, and now all your tools are stolen. You have a $500 replacement budget. What are you buying?

Here’s what I absolutely must have:
1. Three ratchets: 1/2’’, 3/8”, 1/4”
2. One 1/2” impact wrench
3. Impact socket set, 1/2” Metric deep 6pt:
4. Chrome socket set, 3/8” & 1/4” Metric
5. Combination wrench set, long, Metric.

After weeping over my lost tools, I need to stretch my dollar. It’s cheaper to buy complete sets. Here’s what I found online:

$100 = Gearwrench flexhead ratchet set: 1/2”, 3/8”, 1/4” (Amazon)
$160 = Milwaukee 1/2” Impact wrench corded (Home Depot)
$150 = Mac impact socket set 1/2” Metric 6 pt (eBay *used*)
$ 40 = Tekton Chrome socket set: 3/8“ & 1/4”, Metric 6 pt (Amazon)
$ 50 = Craftsman long combination Metric wrench set (Amazon)

Since I’m working in a two-car garage, I can get away with a corded impact wrench. I found a used Mac impact socket set on eBay. I’ll use those impact sockets on my 1/2” ratchet as well. Here’s what I can do without, but would definitely miss: a torque wrench and a breaker bar. I’m sure you guys can find better stuff. My links below:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5G7LU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
idIWy&pd_rd_r=70293896-446e-4fa3-9e20-fc8690ef1556&pd_rd_w=Vnq4L&ref_=pd_gw_simh&pf_rd_r=JWR58MK7RXNAPAMK47VH&pf_rd_p=229fd97a-234c-54a3-bbee-5924e4981600

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Detent-Pin-Socket-Retention-9072-20/100596039

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mac-Tools-...rentrq:06cdb0841690aca6f2e10b72ffe8e9e3|iid:1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCYX58G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M18CJOZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[nmantas]

Due to quality and ease of warranty I'd consider something other than Craftsman for the long combo set.

Also, if you are going for corded electric impact you might want to consider the new one at harbor freight which is cheaper and supposedly way stronger:
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-heavy-duty-extreme-torque-impact-wrench-64120.html

I have seen zero reviews on this impact other than the ones on the HF site itself.

 

[toolnut]

https://cripedistributing.com/products/kobalt-22315-22316-22317-3-piece-1-4-3-8-1-2-ratchet-set-usa
https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-drive-non-slip-metric-deep-impact-socket-set
https://cripedistributing.com/products/kobalt-22353-21-piece-1-4-flex-thru-ratchet-set
Im an air tool guy so Id get an air impact
https://cripedistributing.com/produ...g-1-2-edge-series-pneumatic-air-impact-wrench
https://cripedistributing.com/products/gearwrench-85090r-10-pc-xl-combination-ratcheting

Just my input but I like Cripedistributing ...

 

[ngk22r]

Insurance would solve the $500 limit

 

[nieuport17]

I don’t know if $500 is enough...
After all the cheap sockets sets, I still need pliers, cutters, hammers....
I’m pretty much stuck with HF tools for a while.

 

[FA7X]

On the advice of a few folks on this forum, i ordered some Sunex 6pt deep impacts from https://www.acmetools.com. I am very pleased with them and Acme tools has some great prices.

Best of luck to you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Magnum440d100]

If time isn’t an issue, swap meet and pawn shop will get you most of what you need at a reasonable price. I’ve gotten a bunch from the pawn shop. USA made as well.

 

[snickers muncher]

I'd skip the impact and mac sockets and get a breaker bar, torque wrench, and jack stands along with some cheaper 1/2 sockets.

 

[Fordman7795]

If you are stuck on china craftsman wrenches just buy them from sears for much cheaper

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-9-p...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[BDT/NWMN]

First would be a better lock, a shotgun, and a dog.
If I left the door unlocked; I would rather not re-punish Myself with budget tools, but would spend any remaining funds on Proto.

 

[JVB]

Sunex impacts
Tekton & gearwrench for everything else
hypothetically speaking with a 500$ max budget

As others have said homeowners plus extra insurance on garage items would have me covered though.

 

[Yarpo]

For the sake of bringing content to the boards, I appreciate these threads, but I dont get them really. Every few weeks a new hypothetical thread pops up, a few of them yours, a few from other people who love to play in hypothetical land, and it just gets repetitive Bet there's threads outlining similar needs elsewhere. If you lost your tools, I apologize and have a few extras I can gladly donate as this is not suppose to be a dig at you just a general blah taste towards these threads, but I'll play as I shop tools often enough it doesn't take me long to make a list.

Id buy the gearwrench combo deal, which absolutely covers ratchets and sockets in 1/4" and 3/8" and gives you things not outlined in your list (SAE, Palm Ratchet, extension/swivels) - $100

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550F

I'd buy a Milwaukee mid torque for my Impact, since I hate corded and wasn't aware if your compressor was "stolen" in this scenario or not. - $230

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-...h=item2ac4ef36f1:g:ol0AAOSwceZca5GG:rk:7:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-...lPaddedFlatRateEnvelope!55376!US!-1:rk:1:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-...=item546a444426:g:OP0AAOSw3eRcaXxB:rk:23:pf:0

1/2" deep impact sockets - $60

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00061SJQU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

1/2" ratchet - $40

https://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-81360.aspx

Wrenches, long pattern, ASD - $50

https://www.pricefalls.com/product/...MI34mCycHI4AIVg6DsCh01gQKYEAkYASABEgIvZPD_BwE

TOTAL - ~$480

With the 20 dollars remaining I'd buy the Carlyle screwdriver set (22 dollars) or a pair of needle nose from whomever you prefer, both very needed in my tool box. With another 100 dollars you could have gotten a few nicer tools, but I think this set is very good way to get started, albeit a bit wasteful throwing in a Milwaukee Impact wrench

 

[mike93lx]

I would walk into harbor freight and buy as much as possible. For a weekender, it's plenty.

 

[XJSuperman]

In this situation:

Im going to every garage sale, flea market, swapmeet, and craigslist ad I can find...as well as facebook marketplace for those of you on there.

There are tons of deals to be had for used stuff, and nothing wrong with most of it. I bought a snapon 1/2 impact gun for $8 once. YES $8.00. I buy wrenches, saws, hammers, etc for the same deals. Keep yours eyes out and take a look around before dropping cash you don't have on tools that you don't need in new condition.

 

[lbhsbz]

I'd go to harbor freight and buy the QUINN stuff...should be able to get all your sockets and ratchets for under $100.
the QUINN screwdriver set is cheap and seems decent.

Impact sockets are good enough and cheap

I've got a box full of snap on tools at home but find myself working out of my little road box more often than not which is full of harbor freight sockets...they work fine and for the price, I think are very good.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Insurance would solve the $500 limit

No deductible on your home insurance?

 

[JulianMorrow]

For the sake of bringing content to the boards, I appreciate these threads, but I dont get them really. Every few weeks a new hypothetical thread pops up, a few of them yours, a few from other people who love to play in hypothetical land, and it just gets repetitive

Feel free to skip any thread that doesn't interest you. I'm not sure why you bothered to post here.

 

[JulianMorrow]

I'd go to harbor freight and buy the QUINN stuff...

If I went the HF route I'd probably go with their Pittsburgh line. I'm not familiar with the Quinn line. But thanks.

 

[Farmall450]

Feel free to skip any thread that doesn't interest you. I'm not sure why you bothered to post here.

Probably b/c he's seen this dozens of times before on this board.

 

[lbhsbz]

If I went the HF route I'd probably go with their Pittsburgh line. I'm not familiar with the Quinn line. But thanks.

Just look at the back of the packages...get whatever line is cheapest that's made in Taiwan.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Probably b/c he's seen this dozens of times before on this board.

I understand the point above. But why bother posting on a thread when you don't find it interesting, e.g. below:

"Hey FarmAll450, this tractor thread you started is boring. I'm tired of these Farm Equipment threads".

A better option: I just skip the thread.

 

[Yarpo]

Feel free to skip any thread that doesn't interest you. I'm not sure why you bothered to post here.

Well instead of being butthurt, you could have read the rest of the post, as I explained why I posted and even came up with a real list for you. I've not been here long but have come to see threads like this posted every few days. Imagine the guys who've been on the board for 10 years? Plus, this isn't even a real "my tools where stolen" but a hypothetical, just like the other two or three hypothetical threads you've posted here in less than a month. Just going to guess this isn't your first forum account (hypothetically speaking of course)

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=370553

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=387703

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=341206

Change a few key words and you'll find a trove more, change a few more and add "budget" to your search (which 500 dollars constitutes) and you'll get a bunch more links. Sorry for helping tho, **** me LOL.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413754

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=392776

Probably b/c he's seen this dozens of times before on this board.

Yeah....but I'm the *******. I even played along and politely stated why I was sick of seeing these threads.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Well instead of being butthurt, you could have read the rest of the post, as I explained why I posted and even came up with a real list for you.

This is your second post on a thread that you’re “sick of”. And now you’ve regressed to high school insults, e.g., “butthurt”. This thread had nothing to do with you, & no one asked you to post a “real list” about anything. There are plenty of knowledgeable people on this board. It sounds like you have too much time on your hands.

Plus, this isn't even a real "my tools where stolen" but a hypothetical, just like the other two or three hypothetical threads you've posted here in less than a month. Just going to guess this isn't your first forum account (hypothetically speaking of course)

You know, I forgot to get your permission to post. And this is my first account on this forum—but if you want to play Forum Cop, I’m sure you can contact the mods, who can check my IP address. You really need to Get-Over-Yourself.

 

[ngk22r]

No deductible on your home insurance?

Even if your deductible is $500 and you file a claim for 5-10k, you will get a check for $500 less if your tools were stolen from your garage. At least this way you can get the tools you had stolen back and then chip in a little more on a tool box with a good lock on it.

 

[Yarpo]

This is your second post on a thread that you’re “sick of”.

Wait, I never said I was sick of these threads. I just don't understand the reasoning behind them, or what people are trying to fish for and learn. There's infinite ways everyone else will spend their 500 dollars, there's infinite ways everyone will spend someone elses 500 dollars, and then there's no shortage of threads giving real, good recommendations, so I just don't get them. My words, not the words you've added to my post.

For the sake of bringing content to the boards, I appreciate these threads, but I dont get them really.

There are plenty of knowledgeable people on this board.

No doubt about that. Best they spend their time and respond to the same question again and again

It sounds like you have too much time on your hands.

Yah, coming from the guy making threads based on hypothetical situations with a post/day count of 4.53 vs mine of 0.90, it is SURELY I who has to much time on ones hands. You've got a sense of humor, I'll give you that

You know, I forgot to get your permission to post.

You don't need it, just like I don't need yours. That's a two way street. Sorry for not understanding the reasoning behind these threads and wanting to understand the nature of them instead of just going along for the ride.

 

[stioc]

You’re a DIY weekender. You left your garage unlocked, and now all your tools are stolen. You have a $500 replacement budget. What are you buying?

A gray market .45 Colt and the address of the robber

 

[ATC]

$500? To replace $20,000 in tools? lol

I'm going through insurance and replacing all my tools.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Wait, I never said I was sick of these threads.

My God, are you serious—you just posted the following a few hours ago:

Yeah....but I'm the *******. I even played along and politely stated why I was sick of seeing these threads.

Note here: you should at least read your own posts.

Yah, coming from the guy making threads based on hypothetical situations with a post/day count of 4.53 vs mine of 0.90, it is SURELY I who has to much time on ones hands.

I can’t imagine the type of person who would check a post/day ratio. You know there are lurkers who spend all day on internet forums who never post anything. Here’s what I don’t do: run around and post on threads I have zero interest in. I don’t have time for that.

 

[JulianMorrow]

For a guy that uses his tools, the $500 limitation might be absurd, because he could simply spend $1000, $2500, $5000, or even $15,000 and buy the tools he needs, and start in working to recover that investment, and then profit from it.

Dave, just to be clear: in my thread-starter here, the hypothetical was for a "DIY weekender". I understand that a mechanic's tools would be fully insured (or should be fully insured), since his profession depends upon those tools. Thanks for your post. --j

 

[Yarpo]

My God, are you serious—you just posted the following a few hours ago:

Note here: you should at least read your own posts.

I missed that, ya got me. I kept going over our conversation and my posts to you, never going over what else I said to others. Still goes back to my original point tho, why? Whats the allure to threads like this, I don't get it? Anyways I'll go post elsewhere and you can dream up all the wild scenarios your heart desires, sorry for questioning the nature of these threads

I can’t imagine the type of person who would check a post/day ratio.

The type of person who was accused of having to much time on their hands, that's the type. I mean, when someone tells ya you've got to much time on your hands, why not verify?

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

$500 wouldn't even get close even at HF and 20% off. (and I have a pretty good qty of HF tools). Guess I'd get busy searching garage sales, auctions and craigslist.
I'd skip the impacts and power tools until I could afford better.
I'd put priority on getting combination wrenches, screwdrivers and a socket set. Even if I planned on upgrading later.

 

[PJNJ]

Many of my carpentry, plumbing, drywall and electrical tools were acquired while I had a handyman business for a few years - they paid for themselves. And I picked up additional tools renovating an entire home, partially renovating another home and fixing up a rental property.

The rest of my tools and automotive/motorcycle tools were picked up over the last 17 years (after I lost almost all of them and my other tools in a move/breakup).

$500 wouldn't cover even 10% if I bought all of them at HF, flea markets and yard sales (a fair amount of what I have now was purchased used at flea markets and yard sales too).

 

[ChrisLS8]

Why would you spend 150 on used impact sockets when 30-40 dollar sets work just fine

 

[Al Borland]

Go find the tweeker who stole your tools.
Think Medieval.
Spanish Inquisition.

 

[JulianMorrow]

I missed that, ya got me. I kept going over our conversation and my posts to you, never going over what else I said to others.

Translation above: you weren’t being truthful in your response to me, but oops you forgot that you posted your "sick of this thread" comment to FarmAll. That’s ok, you’ve quickly shifted gears below.

Still goes back to my original point tho, why? Whats the allure to threads like this, I don't get it? Anyways I'll go post elsewhere and you can dream up all the wild scenarios your heart desires, sorry for questioning the nature of these threads

I love that condescending tone. But I’ll try to provide a straight-forward answer. I don’t pretend to understand why some guys here are interested in the “Tools of Japan” or the obsession with “Snap-on Tools”. But I do understand that people have different interests. And I’m not going to demand that these people justify their threads simply because I’m not interested in them. That’s a waste of their time and a waste of my time. Yet you’ve written four posts here, wanting me to justify this thread to you. Only an egomaniac would demand such a thing.

The type of person who was accused of having to much time on their hands, that's the type. I mean, when someone tells ya you've got to much time on your hands, why not verify?

Ah ok, this goes back to you playing Forum Cop and checking the day/post ratios. As I stated before, the number of posts doesn’t tell you how much time someone spends on a forum. There are lurkers out there who’ve never posted & can spend more time on this forum than both of us combined. But let’s cut the BS. You have a problem with me because of our previous dustups in other threads. So you jumped into this thread with a chip on your shoulder and I gladly knocked it off. Now we’re both boring everyone to death. Congratulations.

 

[kctyphoon]

Curious - are you asking or telling? Just so i know before i type more than i need to.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Curious - are you asking or telling? Just so i know before i type more than i need to.

Hey KC, I'm asking. I'm still relatively new on this board and would appreciate your opinion. Just remember I'm not a mechanic--I'm a DIY weekender.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Same reason you, as a DIY weekender, buy an impact gun, instead of a plain $40 set of sockets and a $15 breaker bar and a set of screwdrivers and some pliers and some basic tools. Because you don't have a clue what you're doing and want to buy stuff to join the cool kids club. An electric impact making a machine gun sound in your garage makes you cool. Sounds like you're running a professional tire shop, like you know what you're doing. You'll be able to take the front pulley bolt off of a Honda, but won't be able to hang a picture for your wife, remove a piece of trim from your car, tighten a cabinet knob that needs a screwdriver or cut a piece of wire.

Sorry Dave, but lots of DIY guys have impact wrenches. I've been using one for over a decade now. Not just for lug nuts, but also for replacing the blades on my riding lawnmower. And I've replaced the "pulley bolts" e.g., serpentine belts off my Toyotas and Ford truck, but didn't need an impact wrench, just a 1/2" ratchet and some AeroKroil (a 3/8" ratchet for the Ford Ranger tensioner).

 

[kctyphoon]

Hey KC, I'm asking. I'm still relatively new on this board and would appreciate your opinion. Just remember I'm not a mechanic--I'm a DIY weekender.

Off the top of my head - assuming prices are the same

1/4” and 3/8” complete 6 point sockets set promo - about $110 shipped

15 piece metric and 15 piece standard Tekton combo wrench sets from HD online - like $90 for both - forget the long set - better to have a complete set and save money on the budget IMO

Harbor Freight pro screwdriver set - $10 (dont be fooled, they are pretty good), or $30 will get you Milwaukee’s at Home Depot.

To be continued..

Absolutely any impact socket set - Pittsburg Pro /probably the cheapest and you can get more that way.

1/2 extending HF ratchet - same thing as the EZ Red version - thing is almost indestructible.

Above is probably around $250 , insert your favorite Milwaukee 1/2” impact set here, and buy some channellock pliers. Dont bother with really cheap pump style pliers.. channellocks are very good and cheap enough. Cheap pump pliers will more than likely be the tool that bite you in the *** one day.

 

[JulianMorrow]

Why would you spend 150 on used impact sockets when 30-40 dollar sets work just fine

I'm willing to spend more on a quality set of impact sockets because a failure could be catastrophic. But buying used impact sockets is also risky--I have no idea how long those Mac sockets have been used.

Someone here posted a thread about a new SK impact socket set (metric) for $160, but the set only went up to 19mm. I really need a 21mm. However, that new SK set might be a better buy, I could just purchase an open stock 21mm impact socket locally.