Amateur Mechanics Tool Kit

[packpride85]

Finally moved into a house with a 2 car garage so I plan on doing most of my own car maintenance. Looking to pick up one of these mechanics tool sets but not sure what the best bang for the buck is. My budget is $200. Obviously there is HF, and I've also seen Tekton, Stanley, Bostitch, etc...

I'm not a pro so I don't need to drop an insane amount for stuff like snap on. Just looking for something that isn't complete trash and won't break right away. Not really looking for higher quality used CL tools either. New set under less than or at $200.

 

[PureLeaf]

a basic tool set for under 200 bucks? Sounds like Craftsman is what you'd be looking at.
Its not the best bang for the buck. But it fits the price range for like one of their automotive mechanic sets, and it'll do the job.

Edit: You might be able to find some new old stock sets of the USA made craftsman tool sets. If I recall correctly, they're mostly phased over to chinese production now.

 

[Cato]

Craftsman sets are great but make sure you get them on sale. The price drops considerably. Probably a few USA sets floating around too.

Otherwise you can put together a pretty big set of mechanic tools at Home Depot with $200.

 

[AndyCBR]

Finally moved into a house with a 2 car garage so I plan on doing most of my own car maintenance. Looking to pick up one of these mechanics tool sets but not sure what the best bang for the buck is. My budget is $200. Obviously there is HF, and I've also seen Tekton, Stanley, Bostitch, etc...

I'm not a pro so I don't need to drop an insane amount for stuff like snap on. Just looking for something that isn't complete trash and won't break right away. Not really looking for higher quality used CL tools either. New set under less than or at $200.

The sets are OK but you always seem to have to supplement them as they skip some weird sizes. They'll have a load of sockets and like 5 metric/5 sae wrenches so you end up having to buy a set of wrenches anyway.

I'm more of an a la carte person unless it is a really super deal.

There's a $10 off of Tekton on amazon right now.

Spend most of you money on good ratchets and a good set of screwdrivers.

 

[timmyisme22]

With memorial day weekend coming up, retail will be offering sales. Might want to wait and see.

The craftsman 334 is a basic kit right at 200, but you might see some things drop more in price there or elsewhere you like more.

 

[royesses]

Craftsman 263 piece set $189.95, great starter set then add as needed:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-263-...-00940263000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3#

 

[Bagherra]

YOu will get bitten by the "tool bug" and next thing you know, you'll have more stuff than you know what to do with

 

[Strouty]

Or you will have stuff that you have no idea what it is used for!

 

[captain14]

Browse the Sears outlet website. Maybe a little more bang for your buck but you may have to pay shipping from someplace.

 

[dede2897234]

packpride85,

Walmart.com has some Memorial Day deals on their Bostitch tool sets. These deals look like online only with the ability to pick up the item in store when it arrives from the warehouse. The tool sets are made in Taiwan and include ratchets (72 tooth; 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drives); wrenches (with anti-slip feature on open end); shallow and deep sockets (1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drives; deep laser engraving for easy ID of metric or standard size); various sizes of socket extensions; and other set accessories.

A quick scan down the page revealed these sets:

- Bostitch 398-Piece Socket/Wrench Set (1/4, 3/8, 1/2), BTMT72265 for $221.63

- Bostitch 246-Piece Socket/Wrench Set (1/4, 3/8, 1/2), BTMT72263 with Bonus $20 Gift Card for $178.00

- Bostitch 318-Piece Socket/Wrench Set and $30 Gift Card for $234.99

- Bostitch 318-Piece Socket/Wrench Set (1/4, 3/8, 1/2), BTMT72264 for $226.79

You can view the above sets by clicking here: Walmart Bostitch.


Dave

 

[alpaca]

Craftsman makes a nice 255 piece set that is complete in sae and metric excluding 1/2" deep.

If I were you I'd piece together a set especially if you don't need SAE (you will rarely run into SAE on any cars made in the last 20 years.

I'd get metric pittsburgh pro sockets and ratchets in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drives shallow and deep then keep your eye out for a set of gearwrench wrenches on sale which are usually 30-40 (they're almost always on sale somewhere). HF screwdrivers and pliers are fine... screwdrivers are a dollar and some change each and pliers are ~4 each depending what you get.

Pittsburgh pro stuff is a really good deal for what it costs... the ratchets are actually really nice for what they are. There's no point in buying a set with SAE sockets if you won't use them.

You'll probably be looking at around 200 for a complete set of sockets, gearwrenches on sale, and screwdrivers and pliers.

I know it sounds like it but I'm not even a huge HF fan most of my stuff isn't HF I still think it is the best bang for your buck when it comes to ratchets sockets and screwdrivers though.


Don't buy one of those smaller mechanics tool sets that skips a lot of sizes... you will eventually want a complete set and when you have a kit with like 5 or 6 deep sockets in every drive you'll find its cheaper to just replace them with a set than buy what you need individually. HF does skip some sizes but they're not too bad about it.

 

[abvw]

Why limit yourself to tool kits?

You can get a lot more tools by the singles on the same budget. Chances are you won't need every size in the kit. $200 on a set of sockets to change oil and brake pads is a little too much when you're only using a few sockets.

What about pry bars, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and pliers? You'll need those too!

 

[packpride85]

Thanks for the tips. I'm not married to kits, just thought they would be a good deal but you are probably right about not needing that many sockets. Not doing any engine rebuilds (yet) so would probably be better of picking up the other things like breaker bars, etc... with the money.

What do you guys think of the HF Pitt Pro flex head sockets? I've always been told for auto work most people use the flex head.

 

[timmyisme22]

Browse the Sears outlet website. Maybe a little more bang for your buck but you may have to pay shipping from someplace.

Looks like he may have Sears Outlet stores near him too.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[PJNJ]

How about a Lowes Kobalt 300 piece set for $139.97 which is $100.00 off the original price.
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1
Looks like a pretty good starter set but it is missing some good tools such as a 9/16 wrench. It includes 72 tooth ratchets (better than offered with the Craftsman sets). With the money saved you can get the missing wrenches and universals from Ebay sellers such as Cripe Distributing. A lot of members buy from Cripe including me and they will combine shipping costs - just put what you want in your cart and ask for a total price from them.

Here's a link for the 9/16 wrenches from them -
http://stores.ebay.com/Cripe-Distributing/_i.html?_nkw=9/16+wrench&submit=Search&_sid=23016926

You'd be hard pressed to find a lower price than Cripe.

 

[timmyisme22]

How about a Lowes Kobalt 300 piece set for $139.97 which is $100.00 off the original price.
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

Been trying to find that set again. It's the one that was $100 after Christmas. Pretty great deal still at $140 (local store may have cheaper, so check there first).

 

[nicksnothereman]

Finally moved into a house with a 2 car garage so I plan on doing most of my own car maintenance. Looking to pick up one of these mechanics tool sets but not sure what the best bang for the buck is. My budget is $200. Obviously there is HF, and I've also seen Tekton, Stanley, Bostitch, etc...

I'm not a pro so I don't need to drop an insane amount for stuff like snap on. Just looking for something that isn't complete trash and won't break right away. Not really looking for higher quality used CL tools either. New set under less than or at $200.

I recently found a 47 set of allen usa at goodwill for 13 bucks. Decent deal. You could look for one of those kinds of deals or...

Craftsman old stock sets at sears outlet
Taiwanese set (kobalt, hf (?), old stock husky or stanley)

Besides the "emergency" kits none of the modern import stuff should break right away so there's a real possibility you're "doing it wrong". The good news is you'll learn the bad news is that it might require busting well made tools.

My advice is to try to work in 1/2" on drivetrain bolts, 3/8" powertrain. Best way to "not break" import tools doing regular stuff. Craftsman usa (even the lower quality last generation) should be more than enough for most people at 3/8" but maybe not at 1/4".

Sears still has the cleanest warranty at retail so if you end up with chinese at least it will be easier to warranty but you can buy better tools for the money.

 

[dede2897234]

Thanks for the tips. I'm not married to kits, just thought they would be a good deal but you are probably right about not needing that many sockets. Not doing any engine rebuilds (yet) so would probably be better of picking up the other things like breaker bars, etc... with the money.

What do you guys think of the HF Pitt Pro flex head sockets? I've always been told for auto work most people use the flex head.

packpride85,

I would stay away from the new HF "low profile" flex head ratchets like this one: LINK. These new ratchets do not maintain the desired angle set by the user and get floppy after not much heavy use. The quality control used by Harbor Freight's manufacturer is terrible as discussed by this recent thread: LINK. Some GJ members have warrantied their flex ratchets multiple times without getting a good one in return. I would purchase the new HF non-flex ratchet like this: LINK. It has gotten great reviews here.


Dave

 

[jlh92]

How about a Lowes Kobalt 300 piece set for $139.97 which is $100.00 off the original price.
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

The 307pc kit is marked down to $99.** in many stores now:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-307-Piece-H307MTS/203521156

I bought the only two in my local store and still have one left. PM me if you're interested.

 

[Professur]

Just my opinion, a good blow mould case is invaluable for the first tool buyer. It's mobile, and it keeps all your new tools organized. I hate to think how many 14mm sockets I've bought over the years simply because I didn't put the last one back were I could find it.

 

[LordPsychon]

Just my opinion, a good blow mould case is invaluable for the first tool buyer. It's mobile, and it keeps all your new tools organized. I hate to think how many 14mm sockets I've bought over the years simply because I didn't put the last one back were I could find it.

I got one of those at Sears for $25 on Sunday, filled it right up with my sockets and with one exception everything fit well (for some reason it doesn't like my 15mm 3/8" socket, won't fit right).

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-carr...e-area/p-00933876000P?redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

 

[MrGiggles]

The 64 piece socket set from HF is pretty good. All 6 point, and will cover all of your metric and SAE needs in 1/4 and 3/8" drive. The ratchets are adequate, but the composite ratchets are a lot better. Get a flex head in 1/2", and a big 1/2" breaker bar. You'll only need metric sockets for automotive use, but you'll run into SAE fasteners here and there on other projects.

I would go with the HF Pro metric impact sockets in shallow and deep in 1/2" drive. Normal car maintenance is taking tires off so an impact will be handy, and you'll need the sockets for it. They do skip sizes, but they cover the common ones. You may still need to add one or two though.

HF's long combo wrenches are pretty good for the price as well, and a couple dead blow hammers in different weights are good additions.

I would get a good pair of diagonal cutters, big and small needle nose and adjustable pliers. Channel-lock is a good brand for those. Pretty reasonable priced and made in the USA.

The set of Pittsburg Pro screwdrivers work very well and are an incredible value.

The US General 5 drawer tool cart will work great to keep everything in.

 

[LordPsychon]

The 64 piece socket set from HF is pretty good. All 6 point, and will cover all of your metric and SAE needs in 1/4 and 3/8" drive. The ratchets are adequate, but the composite ratchets are a lot better. Get a flex head in 1/2", and a big 1/2" breaker bar. You'll only need metric sockets for automotive use, but you'll run into SAE fasteners here and there on other projects.

I would go with the HF Pro metric impact sockets in shallow and deep in 1/2" drive. Normal car maintenance is taking tires off so an impact will be handy, and you'll need the sockets for it. They do skip sizes, but they cover the common ones. You may still need to add one or two though.

HF's long combo wrenches are pretty good for the price as well, and a couple dead blow hammers in different weights are good additions.

I would get a good pair of diagonal cutters, big and small needle nose and adjustable pliers. Channel-lock is a good brand for those. Pretty reasonable priced and made in the USA.

The set of Pittsburg Pro screwdrivers work very well and are an incredible value.

The US General 5 drawer tool cart will work great to keep everything in.

I agree with most of those but HF's long combination wrenches are a bit hit-or-miss - some are well made, others not, it depends less on the COO and more on the model number (can't recall which number is generally the poorest though).

 

[Askme42]

The Wal-Mart–only Bostitch line of mechanic's tool sets actually look fairly well thought out, with a lot of pieces for the money and not a whole lot of filler. I wonder why they hardly get mentioned in these sorts of discussions where COO isn't a consideration.

I also wonder how similar they are to the DeWalt sets at Sears (given that they share a parent company).

I'd bet they are almost exactly like the dewalt. I have the 204 piece dewalt set it's great for a starter set. All 6 point sockets virtually no filler.

 

[Flyordie]

I thought the 255 piece from Craftsman (circa 2010) was pretty good. I got mine when it was on sale for $189.99 and I got a $10 in-store gift card with it...

Ive expanded on that kit ALOT since I got it though. Added a full set of metric deeps and finished out the shallow set.

 

[Adam.C]

I don't thnk you can get there from here. $200 is not enough for what you'll need. And the sets that attract beginners have too many tools you don't need and not enough quality to get you out of the jams you'll create for yourself.

For basic hand tools read the advice in my signature line. It involves exactly what you don't want to do. But even that may not be how I would start.

 

[hangfirew8]

Somehow I don't think advice that recommends Snap-On in every section is appropriate for a $200 overall budget. Also he said "maintenance" not "repair". Big difference.

Unless you can score an old-stock USA made Craftsman set, I would recommend any of the Taiwan made sets that has a very complete 3/8" drive Metric Socket selection, deep and regular. If it doesn't have a 1/4" drive socket set or screwdrivers, add them. Everything else is gravy.

 

[LordPsychon]

Somehow I don't think advice that recommends Snap-On in every section is appropriate for a $200 overall budget. Also he said "maintenance" not "repair". Big difference.

Unless you can score an old-stock USA made Craftsman set, I would recommend any of the Taiwan made sets that has a very complete 3/8" drive Metric Socket selection, deep and regular. If it doesn't have a 1/4" drive socket set or screwdrivers, add them. Everything else is gravy.

Before Adam.C replies, although he usually mentions/suggests Snap-on, his last post didn't. $200 truthfully won't get you super far but if you buy wisely (second hand, coupons, internet) you can get quite a lot for your money.

 

[hangfirew8]

I have no problem with Snap-On, or if someone says something like "get a Snap-On ratchet and all other cheap stuff and upgrade the rest later" or something like that.

But pointing to an article, that, while it otherwise has good advice, mostly just recommends Snap-On, isn't going to do this new homeowner with a $200 budget much good.

eBay and Pawn shops may have the occasional good bargain, but usually SO stuff is overvalued in both. CL is too wacky and time consuming. He wants to buy a set, not wait for 100 different great deals one at a time.

If someone has built a more or less complete SO set for $200, or better yet, you can point to some ads showing how Right Now, let's see it.

In the absence of that, the rest of the advice given here is pretty good- Bostich, Dewalt, the better HF, etc.

 

[Adam.C]

You are right. I did recommend a lot of snap on stuff. Just recall the point I was trying to make in that thread: I offered an $850 alternative to the OPs question about the value of a $1000 craftsman starter set.

But for this discussion, forget the brands. Instead, you can follow my logic and buy decent tools of any make. I just think buying a large set of sockets is not a great first move.and you need to cover the bases I described. If you think HF make great 3/8" drive sockets, buy those. But buy the highest possible quality 3/8 drive, and save on 1/4, and impacts. Don't buy a cheap big set of screwdrivers. Buy a few great screwdrivers.

As to the difference between maintenance and repair, that's often a very blurry line. A simple brake job is a maintenance task, but can get complicated very quickly and can require specialty tools. Ditto for serpentine belts. Just changing tail lights on some cars requires panel poppers of some sort.

 

[bczygan]

If you are like many average homeowners, you will start out just doing the brakes on your car. I just did the fronts on my wifes.

I needed a ratchet, a short extension and 2 different sockets for the caliper bolts. I used a 1/2" with an adapter to 3/8. Plus a screwdriver, a short bar clamp and a big hammer.

Sure didn't need all the sockets and ratchets in the $200 set I bought on sale for $100.

So I would buy things a-la-cart when on sale, or used. A 3/8" SAE set at HF with a set of metric sockets plus a 1/2" ratchet. All you need in ratchets and sockets. One of the cheap screwdriver sets and/or the free one. HF hex key or torx socket set for your caliper bolts. Short bar clamp from HD. Big hammer from wherever. 4 way lug wrench. HF aluminum jack and jack stands.
Now you got brakes.

Notice that I didn't use any of the other things that a big set would have. And these things get used regularly.

Are you working on stuff, or collecting?

What's next?

Some common household tools?

 

[Bran Diezel]

It's funny all these replies and no mention of gearwrench. Your local advance auto is gonna have pretty much all the sets and they are cheap and have all the sizes and then some. I mean 3/8 with 6mm-24mm that's a master kit.

Combine that with the hot deals $50 off $150 coupon and you are ready to rock.

Advance doesn't have the wrench set but tooltopia.com does, I think you get 6-24mm wrenches and 1/4 to 1 1/4 for $115 free shipping or so.

 

[Bran Diezel]

http://m.advanceautoparts.com/mt/sh...d/25984232-P?searchTerm=gearwrench+socket+set

 

[toolaholic]

http://m.advanceautoparts.com/mt/sh...d/25984232-P?searchTerm=gearwrench+socket+set

I bought this the last time advance had them on sale. Great set with really nice ratchets. Hate the craftsman ratchets that come on craftsman sets.

 

[tbaggz]

best bang for your buck imo is the klutch 305 pc set for $235 with copon code.comes with alot more useful pieces than most. www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=292184

 

[Flyordie]

I bought this the last time advance had them on sale. Great set with really nice ratchets. Hate the craftsman ratchets that come on craftsman sets.

The 1/2" RP I got in mine was BAD... Very loose. My dads VVQ RP from the mid-80s is 10x better than the one I got from the 2010 kit.

 

[RedRabbit]

I would agree with craftsma. Or used Profesional brands that will take a while to build a collection. You could start with the craftsman set and upgrade when you get good deals.

 

[bobemmerich]

best bang for your buck imo is the klutch 305 pc set for $235 with copon code.comes with alot more useful pieces than most. www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=292184

While I have no experience with the Klutch brand, that set looks to be as complete a set as will be needed. Of course, you'll need pliers, pry bars and other such tools, but it has 90% of "The basics" you'll need.

 

[PureLeaf]

Even comes with an impact gun. Not sure how many ft/lbs its rated for