I had a defective pair of needle nose. the tip of one jaw bent on the first use so I bent it back and used it for a year. then I sent it in and they gave me a good looking new pair. they work good. I like channellock. it did take a little while though, but I have multiple pairs.
I have about the same amount of experience as you and could not successfully open a shop by myself. I don't know what hours you work, but I just got home from work. It started at 8 am and I work late very often, and have another job that I go to after 5 until around 10 if my first job is not too...
I got the matco "economy"? cart its red and has two trays, I put the 3 small drawers and one large drawer on it. If I was you, I'd get the us made one for 60 dollars and a organizer tray. I have a matco organizer but you can find it cheaper somewhere else.
Yeah they are great air ratchets. He needs to learn trigger control and you can use it as a normal ratchet to break stuff loose and tighten it if it doesnt have the guts. it can definitely strip and break many bolts if you are not careful.
He should at least get a small standard set for working on mowers and stuff, and some carb cleaner! Also I think there is a set of williams screwdrivers (like snapon) that you can buy for like 10 dollars? good screwdrivers are important.
I would recommend a craftsman 255 pc mechanics tool set...