Recent content by billjohnston

Thanks again for all the great replies. Much appreciated!! Happy Holidays, Bill

Thanks Blarf. Will load up on the HF stuff and also get him the 3/8" Wright socket from your link as a bonus!

Thanks for the replies. It is much appreciated. :bowdown: One more question: Should I just load up on these ratchets that WR250F recommended (top of page 3), or should I go with one of these two choices: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944992000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1...

Which ratchets?

Well, can't say my dad was much help. Seems like he just has a ton of cheap chinese tools and when it comes to the better tools...I don't think he really knows which ones/what kinds he prefers. It would be like someone asking me my favorite kind of caviar when all i've ever really eaten is...

Thanks for the info pipsters. I was just using the SK set as an example..but definitely would consider them if they are recommended here. Gonna talk to my dad a little today....try to fish around for more info on his needs. Will report back. Thanks again for all the help!

Are these thin profile ratchets? Or does buying a nice S-K ratchet eliminate the need for additional thin profile ones (as with the craftsman).

Quick follow-up question: For the autos mentioned in the OP, would you need mostly SAE or metric? And would something like the following give you both? [Sorry if I'm asking dumb questions here] http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/sk03067.html

Wow...definitely a crash course in tool brands. Maybe I could get two items and let him choose which one to keep? Maybe the 255 pc craftsman and then something like the blackhawk set above? Or maybe a nice S-K ratchet/socket set? :dunno: If I increased my budget up to $400 or so...would...

I really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge. Even though Blarf did link some nice looking pieces, I went ahead and placed my order for the craftsman 255 pc set. Very happy to have most here comment on that set being a great value...and felt like it would serve my dad well. Obviously...

Sorry...but my dad lives in a different state and I can't get pictures.

Well, now I'm confused. The craftsman look great to me. Would you guys think they are low quality and contain a lot of tools that would never be used? What about between something like these two: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GJZACQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20...

Thanks guys. :bowdown: I'm gonna work my way through these great suggestions and see what looks good.

Also, if anyone has a suggestion for an alternative purchase (instead of the set) in the $250 range that you have found has been a great addition to your mechanics tool collection...I would welcome those as well. Thanks. FWIW...his original christmas request was for a really cheap socket set...

Haha..yeah, I checked out the snap-on site.....very expensive! My budget is between $150-$300 (USD), and my dad does mostly weekend car stuff (in his own garage) like changing oil, changing brake pads, changing the sway bar, changing an alternator, etc. I really just have a clue what to...