chasewilliams530
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15 years old want to piece together a basic USA made tool kit
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Basic Tool Kit
- Thread starter chasewilliams530
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chasewilliams530
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Need recommendations on what tools and brands
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Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
If you are near Sac and have transportation, there is a lot of good stuff on Craigslist.
USA Craftsman off Craigslist or OfferUp. I'd put together some basic wrench and socket sets in the common metric and SAE sizes. Proto, Williams, SK are good too but more pricey. You can replace the cm stuff with better brands and then relegate the cm stuff to a secondary set.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Run now before its too late...
The addiction is real...
The addiction is real...
used could be most anything.
new is a little tougher, but here goes.
a great start would be an sk metric and sae socket set. nice case and covers most every socket in 3/8 drive standard and deep. pliers from channellock. wrenches from wright or sk. screwdrivers from a us source is tough but masterforce from menards is still us made as well as sk, proto and wright.
if you go sae or metric that list would be 400 dollars or better. go sae and metric and it more than likely pushing 600.
new is a little tougher, but here goes.
a great start would be an sk metric and sae socket set. nice case and covers most every socket in 3/8 drive standard and deep. pliers from channellock. wrenches from wright or sk. screwdrivers from a us source is tough but masterforce from menards is still us made as well as sk, proto and wright.
if you go sae or metric that list would be 400 dollars or better. go sae and metric and it more than likely pushing 600.
Nah, the money he saves working on his own cars, stuff, house in the next 60 years will eclipse what he spends on tools.
I bought a small kit of hand tools for the granddaughter. She moved out of the house and found landlords don't do much maintainance. Cheap stuff, screwdrivers, hammer, level, adjustable wrench, tape, needle nose pliers, side cutters. All for about $20.00. I added some pill bottles of screws and nails. I marked the size of fasteners on the pill bottles. She has zip ties and couple of rags also.
if she needs more, she can batt her eyes and get some creepy kid to nail pictures on the wall. Problem is, most boys do not know the difference between a flat screw driver and one of those star looking driver bits.
if she needs more, she can batt her eyes and get some creepy kid to nail pictures on the wall. Problem is, most boys do not know the difference between a flat screw driver and one of those star looking driver bits.
General Geoff
Well-known member
If you want new and USA made, SK is hard to argue with. Don't know what you're working on so no idea what tools you should start with. A 3/8" drive socket set and combo wrench sets in metric and SAE are often considered the core to any tool collection, as are screwdrivers and allen keys, with a few types of pliers to round it out.
Getting all that from SK is gonna run over $500 new. Ebay is your best friend if used is an option; other USA brands to look for in used tools are Wright, Armstrong, Proto, Snap-On, etc.
Getting all that from SK is gonna run over $500 new. Ebay is your best friend if used is an option; other USA brands to look for in used tools are Wright, Armstrong, Proto, Snap-On, etc.
Moparman390
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This might be tough to do but wait. Stanley Black and Decker is talking a real good game on USA made Craftsman tools. They will likely begin hitting stores sometime next summer. If they come close to backing up their words these tools will likely hit the sweet spot of Made in the USA value you are looking for. It may take them several years to get fully online but you have time on your side being 15. This will give you some time to save up and see what you can get when they come out, and if you aren't impressed you will have saved up money to buy other brands. This could line up for you nicely by the time you finish high school if you are patient. You got plenty of years ahead of you, no need to rush.
These are the first things you will need. You'll probably acquire much more in time, but these are the basics to start with that will let you assemble furniture, or do basic home repair. Don't buy them all in a single kit - while tools are cheaper by the dozen, these few basics are almost never well served with the cheapie homeowner kits on the market. If you can test tools by working with others, it will teach you what makes a good tool. Also keep in mind that hand tools need to fit your hand to work properly, so buy what feels right.
- A multi-bit screwdriver for 1/4" hex bits. It doesn't have to be anything special, but do buy some good quality bits. The Phillips #2 is used everywhere and isn't a very good type of screw, but if you get a good bit (suggest Wera Lasertip) and a poor quality one you will find out how amazingly different they are. You can add a few fixed handle screwdrivers after you have your basics. I'd budget about $10-20. You can get the handle used to cut cost, but buy the bits new.
- Long-nose pliers. My biggest suggestion here is to beware of multi-colour handles. The cheaper brands two component handles are horrible to use and don't last. Stick to the plain old-school vinyl dipped handles. My favourites are 6-3/4", personally I find 8" a little bit for a lot of jobs.
- 16oz claw hammer. Good general purpose hammer for hanging pictures and assembling furniture (but don't use claw hammers for metalworking). I'd suggest one with a wood handle, or a forged steel one, but avoid any with steel handles that look like they are tubular. If you want, used hammers are readily available. Avoid anything with a chrome finish (really bright). There are some Grayvik hammers (made by Vaughan) online for reasonable prices.
- water pump pliers, about 10" size is probably the most utilitarian. I like my Channellock 420's, but a 430 has more adjustment positions. Good value at about $15. Most other brands are pretty decent, and these are quite cheap used. These might be my most used tool.
- Utility knife. Buy the snap blade style, Olfa brand or similar. About $5, look for a bonus pack that includes extra blades.
- tape measure. For about $5 you can find Lufkin or Stanley 25 ft. I'd suggest a dual inch/metric unit version. Buy this new - the hooks on the end do wear out.
- a flashlight. A good one. Doesn't have to be large, one with two AA batteries will do.
- side cutters.
- an adjustable wrench. Buy a good one - there are lots of mediocre ones on the market, and they are often annoying and frustrating to use. I'd suggest buying Channellock 8WCB, or a similar model Bahco. There are tons of these available used, but if you go used then be picky - I would suggest Proto or Diamond. If buying new it will be about $20-25, used you can find for a couple of bucks, but don't buy it if it looks at all damaged.
- lastly, a tool bag or tool box to store this in.
After you have that you can start adding a hacksaw, a handsaw, a drill (consider a corded version for your first - they're cheap and last forever), hex keys (Ecklind or Bondhus), Vise Grip 7WR's, a ballpein hammer. Only after all that would I really be looking for sockets, ratchets, and sets of wrenches.
- A multi-bit screwdriver for 1/4" hex bits. It doesn't have to be anything special, but do buy some good quality bits. The Phillips #2 is used everywhere and isn't a very good type of screw, but if you get a good bit (suggest Wera Lasertip) and a poor quality one you will find out how amazingly different they are. You can add a few fixed handle screwdrivers after you have your basics. I'd budget about $10-20. You can get the handle used to cut cost, but buy the bits new.
- Long-nose pliers. My biggest suggestion here is to beware of multi-colour handles. The cheaper brands two component handles are horrible to use and don't last. Stick to the plain old-school vinyl dipped handles. My favourites are 6-3/4", personally I find 8" a little bit for a lot of jobs.
- 16oz claw hammer. Good general purpose hammer for hanging pictures and assembling furniture (but don't use claw hammers for metalworking). I'd suggest one with a wood handle, or a forged steel one, but avoid any with steel handles that look like they are tubular. If you want, used hammers are readily available. Avoid anything with a chrome finish (really bright). There are some Grayvik hammers (made by Vaughan) online for reasonable prices.
- water pump pliers, about 10" size is probably the most utilitarian. I like my Channellock 420's, but a 430 has more adjustment positions. Good value at about $15. Most other brands are pretty decent, and these are quite cheap used. These might be my most used tool.
- Utility knife. Buy the snap blade style, Olfa brand or similar. About $5, look for a bonus pack that includes extra blades.
- tape measure. For about $5 you can find Lufkin or Stanley 25 ft. I'd suggest a dual inch/metric unit version. Buy this new - the hooks on the end do wear out.
- a flashlight. A good one. Doesn't have to be large, one with two AA batteries will do.
- side cutters.
- an adjustable wrench. Buy a good one - there are lots of mediocre ones on the market, and they are often annoying and frustrating to use. I'd suggest buying Channellock 8WCB, or a similar model Bahco. There are tons of these available used, but if you go used then be picky - I would suggest Proto or Diamond. If buying new it will be about $20-25, used you can find for a couple of bucks, but don't buy it if it looks at all damaged.
- lastly, a tool bag or tool box to store this in.
After you have that you can start adding a hacksaw, a handsaw, a drill (consider a corded version for your first - they're cheap and last forever), hex keys (Ecklind or Bondhus), Vise Grip 7WR's, a ballpein hammer. Only after all that would I really be looking for sockets, ratchets, and sets of wrenches.
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Bessy
Well-known member
It would really be helpful if you told us what you might already have, what you're planning to work on with this kit, and your experience level. There are plenty of threads on this forum that will bankrupt you if you're not careful. The whole "buy once, cry once" mentality is contagious and can lead many astray into paying for top quality tools when middle of the road will do just fine.
Walt Kowalski said it best: Duct tape, WD40 and Visegrips. Any man worth his salt can do half the household chores with those three things.
I could toss together a list of a thousand items that you "need" in your box, but the reality is it's entirely based on your skill level, the projects you take on and the space/money you have to dedicate to these things.
Cruise Craigslist (be smart about meeting people when purchasing), sale flyers, and second hand stores. Start out with a basic set of wrenches (SAE and metric), a set of screwdrivers (get hex or square shanks if possible), a pair of Visegrips, 3/8 socket set and a set of pliers (dykes, needle nose, water pump and combination pliers), and some hex/torx bits, tape measure. That should get you through 90% of tasks. Add things to your set as needed, or as you can afford, and don't, whatever you do, pay full price for a tool if you can help it. I've got probably over $6000 in total value in various tools and tool storage over the last 10 years or so, but I've only ever paid full price for probably a half dozen items which were purchased purely out of necessity and I don't think any single one of those full priced items was more than $30.
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Walt Kowalski said it best: Duct tape, WD40 and Visegrips. Any man worth his salt can do half the household chores with those three things.
I could toss together a list of a thousand items that you "need" in your box, but the reality is it's entirely based on your skill level, the projects you take on and the space/money you have to dedicate to these things.
Cruise Craigslist (be smart about meeting people when purchasing), sale flyers, and second hand stores. Start out with a basic set of wrenches (SAE and metric), a set of screwdrivers (get hex or square shanks if possible), a pair of Visegrips, 3/8 socket set and a set of pliers (dykes, needle nose, water pump and combination pliers), and some hex/torx bits, tape measure. That should get you through 90% of tasks. Add things to your set as needed, or as you can afford, and don't, whatever you do, pay full price for a tool if you can help it. I've got probably over $6000 in total value in various tools and tool storage over the last 10 years or so, but I've only ever paid full price for probably a half dozen items which were purchased purely out of necessity and I don't think any single one of those full priced items was more than $30.
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HanShotFirst
Well-known member
Well you didn't say what he will be working on, or what your budget is. For now I'd focus on metric.
Wrenches - If you're looking for used, then US Craftsman are the obvious. The next one would be used SK. The old SK raised panels can be had used pretty cheap. They're not real pretty wrenches, but they're quite solid. If new, I would recommend SK long pattern. A 13 piece set can be had for under $200.
Screwdrivers - The full set of screwdrivers from Tekton are US made and decent quality. The handles are a bit strange in appearance, but they're comfortable and work well. Not world class screwdrivers, but very good screwdrivers, US made and an outstanding price.
Sockets & ratchets - Whether used or new, I'd say SK is where I'd go for entry level US tools. For 1/4" the SK is just plain my favorite ratchet, even over my Snap On. I love my SK 1/2" ratchet even though it has a coarse tooth count compared to the new stuff. I don't find I need high tooth counts in 1/2". What I need is brute strength, and I haven't found a tougher ratchet at any price. As for 3/8" I'll admit SK isn't my favorite. You could consider the classic SK with the new 80 tooth mechanism; that could be very good. And SK's new teardrop ratchet looks promising. SK's sockets are really tough and for US made, I don't think you're going to find any that are much cheaper.
US pliers - Often you can have SK for about the same price as Channellock. Now I'm pretty sure Channellock makes many of SK's pliers, but the SK's have a higher level of polish and look nicer. Nothing wrong with Channellock, I have a bunch of those and I'm very happy.
Well there's the beginning.
Wrenches - If you're looking for used, then US Craftsman are the obvious. The next one would be used SK. The old SK raised panels can be had used pretty cheap. They're not real pretty wrenches, but they're quite solid. If new, I would recommend SK long pattern. A 13 piece set can be had for under $200.
Screwdrivers - The full set of screwdrivers from Tekton are US made and decent quality. The handles are a bit strange in appearance, but they're comfortable and work well. Not world class screwdrivers, but very good screwdrivers, US made and an outstanding price.
Sockets & ratchets - Whether used or new, I'd say SK is where I'd go for entry level US tools. For 1/4" the SK is just plain my favorite ratchet, even over my Snap On. I love my SK 1/2" ratchet even though it has a coarse tooth count compared to the new stuff. I don't find I need high tooth counts in 1/2". What I need is brute strength, and I haven't found a tougher ratchet at any price. As for 3/8" I'll admit SK isn't my favorite. You could consider the classic SK with the new 80 tooth mechanism; that could be very good. And SK's new teardrop ratchet looks promising. SK's sockets are really tough and for US made, I don't think you're going to find any that are much cheaper.
US pliers - Often you can have SK for about the same price as Channellock. Now I'm pretty sure Channellock makes many of SK's pliers, but the SK's have a higher level of polish and look nicer. Nothing wrong with Channellock, I have a bunch of those and I'm very happy.
Well there's the beginning.
OP
chasewilliams530
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I enjoy wood working but lack of space limits me a little. I love vintage made in the USA tools. I have basically no money but my local pawnshop has a tool bin I often look through and find some gems they sell the tool bin tools really cheap and i plan to look at flea markets and that sort of thing to find them. I would like to get into working on cars. This tool kit was just meant as a kit so you could work on the house or car if needed. I need vintage and current brands and tools recommended for that kind of kit
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chasewilliams530
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What is a good range of sockets and wrenches I have a 1/2 and 9/16 in good brands but other than that cheap If you lose it so what wrenches
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97nismo
Well-known member
^huh???
Good general range 8-19 mm or 1/4 to 3/4" in standard.
You do pawns and used markets, have fun experimenting with tool styles and brands you find cheap. Start with a decent 3/8" ratchet and sockets, the rest later as needs grow.
Don't go nuts and buy zany quantity or range of anything until a real need arises. A 12" adjustable will cover occasional large fasten needs until frequent use demands better, if ever.
You do pawns and used markets, have fun experimenting with tool styles and brands you find cheap. Start with a decent 3/8" ratchet and sockets, the rest later as needs grow.
Don't go nuts and buy zany quantity or range of anything until a real need arises. A 12" adjustable will cover occasional large fasten needs until frequent use demands better, if ever.
upsidedownone
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What is a good range of sockets and wrenches? I have a 1/2 and 9/16 in good brands, but other than that just lose-it-so-what wrenches.
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bpjr
Well-known member
If you want new I'd go with SK...I'm still using the 1/4" SK socket set I purchased in the 1960s so long term value has paid off. However, if you are ok with used USA shop around and you can build a large tool selection for very low bucks. I bought complete NOS USA Craftsman sockets sets on ebay for way less than buying new china stuff. Pawn shops have tons of used tools too.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
First thing, this isn't Twitter - you can use more words in your posts (as well as punctuation, capitalization, etc.) Take a little time to give us some actual details on what you want and what you intend to do with them.
bczygan
Well-known member
Why limit yourself to USA?
Where are you located?
Bill
Where are you located?
Bill
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OP
chasewilliams530
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I want to know some high quality vintage tool brands. I also what to know what tools I might need to do just basic things like work on cars or the house if needed. I would also like to know what size sockets I need to build a set and any tools I might not be thinking of.
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creativecars
Well-known member
Also, be very, very careful about putting too much personal information out there on the internet. I'm guessing we already know your real name. We don't need to know your address or school.
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creativecars
Well-known member
When my son was 13, now almost 18, I got him a HF 301pc tool set. (highly recommended) With this set he had enough tools to actually do something. He could fix on bicycles, mowers, minibike and his first car. One nice thing is there is a place for everything... and everything in its place. He no longer forgot to put things away because he could see when something was missing and he learned how not to lose tools. This is an important thing to learn and much easier to learn on tools that you can afford. This has a complete set of sockets and ratchets, so if you are still needing USA tools, this would be a great set to copy. I would add a set of SAE and Metric combination wrenches and a hammer or two.
https://www.harborfreight.com/301-P...iMTU5Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p ZCI6IjEyMTYyIn0=
https://www.harborfreight.com/301-P...iMTU5Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p ZCI6IjEyMTYyIn0=
When I was able to lend a coworker specialized tools to work on his car it made me feel good. I quoted someone from here and said "I don't use my tools to make money. I use them to save money." I saved him nearly a hundred dollars for about 20 minutes worth of his work.
If you like woodworking I would recommend a cordless drill and a good hand saw. If you might be fixing the lawnmower a set of fractional sockets and wrenches will be necessary. For cars and trucks I would focus on metric but be aware that you can run into fractional hardware if you dig deeply enough, even on modern vehicles.
bczygan
Well-known member
You could look at my list here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6410498&postcount=198
Bill
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6410498&postcount=198
Bill
OP
chasewilliams530
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bczygan
Well-known member
Do you want pretty expensive tools to fondle and for others to admire, or tools to do a job?
If it's tools to do a job, then I buy what works for the least money.
Primarily my list is Harbor Freight. I used to have an aversion to the place, based on what others said, and my own perfectionism.
I've since realized that most of their tools are acceptable and better quality, for a good price.
If you look at my list, most are HF with some big box store brands thrown in, and used stuff bought at garage sales and off CraigsList. Also some Gearwrench from auto parts stores and some pre China Sears.
How much do you have to spend right now?
And what do you want to work on first?
Bill
HanShotFirst
Well-known member
Again, it depends on what you're working on. These days most things are metric. You're average metric wrench set will have 8mm-19mm and I wouldn't recommend skipping sizes in that set, because at some point that will come back to bite you.
For SAE I would recommend 1/4" on up to at least 7/8", if not on up to a full 1".
Now SAE wrenches aren't hard to find pretty cheap since they're in much less demand these days. Pawn shops will often have US craftsman, or other made in US brands (and they're all pretty decent, so let price and availability drive your decision). Old SAE SK wrenches aren't hard to find and can be had pretty cheap.
Here's a pretty cheap SK starter kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-TOOLS-7...551281?hash=item5d77201af1:g:6yIAAOSwJtdZ8WSw
You could fill in with US Craftsman (which look very similar) or individual SK's you find on ebay.
Smaller set for even less: https://www.ebay.com/itm/S-K-WAYNE-...585751?hash=item1c96881817:g:zroAAOSwRrlZ9PpE
Here's some metrics: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-Hand-To...598177?hash=item1c9669c421:g:rsUAAOSwSrNZ91Jt
It's a bid, probably go for around $40.00 I'm guessing.
Here's the thing with the vintage SK wrenches...they're very similar to US made Craftsman raised panel wrenches; but they're a good deal stronger in my experience. Nothing flashy or fancy, but they'll serve you well, and typically you can get them pretty cheap. Start with a set like in the links, then nickle & dime to finish the set as your pocketbook allows.
Pawn shops, Craigslist, and yard sales are great for US Craftsman stuff, and it can be kinda fun finding the deals. I have had pretty good luck with US Craftsman sockets, but the newer sockets made these days are stronger. What's nice about the old ones is the broaching is very well done, so they tend to fit fasteners pretty well.
SK sockets can be had for downright reasonable prices on ebay. I just bought an old SK Wayne socket set like the one pictured in metric for $36 delivered to my doorstep. Very lightly used set...In fact, I took the ratchet apart last night, and I can't see any evidence it has ever been used.
When buying used tools you have to "put yourself in the market", which means do a lot of shopping around. Stop in at pawn shops, look at Craigslist, go to garage sales... The more you look around, the better your feel for prices and what's a good deal and what's not. Don't be in a rush...when you have money and you're really looking, a truly GREAT deal comes by about once a week...so shop first and learn to understand the used tool market before pulling the trigger.
You're 15 years old, you have a lifetime to accumulate tools and upgrade to better versions as you learn what you like and dislike.
Wow, I havent checked in here in a few months and on the 1st page another "tool set recommendation" thread. With no budget or any other info that would let the GJ community give any useful advice.
Somethings never change....
OP, do a search and there are dozens of threads on this subject
Somethings never change....
OP, do a search and there are dozens of threads on this subject
OP
chasewilliams530
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I didn’t know there were other treads but everyone on this thread has been very helpful
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If your looking at pawn shops and flea markets keep an eye out for:
-USA williams
-SK
-USA Craftsman
-Wright
-Proto
8mm-19mm & 1/4"-3/4" should cover 90% of your basic needs
bczygan
Well-known member
It would be a fun exercise to put together a basic home repair tool list.
So here goes:
Claw hammer
Phillips screwdriver
Slotted screwdriver
Hand saw
Speed square
Alum square
Chalk line and chalk
Nails
Pliers
5# drilling hammer
Yard maintenance:
Shovel pointed
Shovel flat
Rake leaf
Leaf hard tines
Post hole digger
Bow saw
Hand clippers
Loppers
Pull saw
Drill
Circular saw
Table saw
Vise
Bench grinder
Workmate
Shop vac
Compressor portable
Extension cords
Air hose
Tire gauge
Tire chuck
Cleaning equipment and supplies:
Broom and dustpan
Buckets
Sponges
Cleaning liquids
Plumbing:
Pipe wrench
Adjustable wrench
Teflon tape
Torch
Electrical:
Multimeter
Outlet tester
Continuity tester
Electrical tape
Dykes
Linesmens pliers
Needle nose pliers
14-2 and 12-2 NM wire
HVAC:
Painting:
Sander
Sandpaper
TSP
Paint brushes
Paint roller
Painters tape
Visqueen drop cloths
Putty knife
Utility knife and blades
Single edge blades
Rags
Misc. hardware
Picture hanging hardware kit
Just a start....Add to it.
Bill
So here goes:
Claw hammer
Phillips screwdriver
Slotted screwdriver
Hand saw
Speed square
Alum square
Chalk line and chalk
Nails
Pliers
5# drilling hammer
Yard maintenance:
Shovel pointed
Shovel flat
Rake leaf
Leaf hard tines
Post hole digger
Bow saw
Hand clippers
Loppers
Pull saw
Drill
Circular saw
Table saw
Vise
Bench grinder
Workmate
Shop vac
Compressor portable
Extension cords
Air hose
Tire gauge
Tire chuck
Cleaning equipment and supplies:
Broom and dustpan
Buckets
Sponges
Cleaning liquids
Plumbing:
Pipe wrench
Adjustable wrench
Teflon tape
Torch
Electrical:
Multimeter
Outlet tester
Continuity tester
Electrical tape
Dykes
Linesmens pliers
Needle nose pliers
14-2 and 12-2 NM wire
HVAC:
Painting:
Sander
Sandpaper
TSP
Paint brushes
Paint roller
Painters tape
Visqueen drop cloths
Putty knife
Utility knife and blades
Single edge blades
Rags
Misc. hardware
Picture hanging hardware kit
Just a start....Add to it.
Bill
Quick search query "basic tool" brings up 15 threads and over 400 posts. Good reading...
A basic 3/8 socket set
basic wrench set
10 inch adjustable wrench
slip joint pliers
needle nose pliers
linesman pliers
10 inch channel lock pliers
couple pairs of vise grips
6 in 1 screwdriver
set of hex keys
basic set of files
16oz claw hammer
couple ballpein hammers ( 12 oz and 20 oz are the ones I use most)
wire brush
stiff putty knife
basic pick set
torpedo level
basic set of punches and chisels
couple pry bars
25 foot tape
speed square
ball of string
roll of electrical tape
roll duct tape
Wd-40
propane torch
hack saw
hand saw (For wood)
basic set of wood chisels
corded 3/8 drill
drill bit set
extension cord
good flashlight
That would be a better tool kit than 95% of the general public has
basic wrench set
10 inch adjustable wrench
slip joint pliers
needle nose pliers
linesman pliers
10 inch channel lock pliers
couple pairs of vise grips
6 in 1 screwdriver
set of hex keys
basic set of files
16oz claw hammer
couple ballpein hammers ( 12 oz and 20 oz are the ones I use most)
wire brush
stiff putty knife
basic pick set
torpedo level
basic set of punches and chisels
couple pry bars
25 foot tape
speed square
ball of string
roll of electrical tape
roll duct tape
Wd-40
propane torch
hack saw
hand saw (For wood)
basic set of wood chisels
corded 3/8 drill
drill bit set
extension cord
good flashlight
That would be a better tool kit than 95% of the general public has
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Lol Bill! You just bought a HF store to make it easy.
I tend to go minimalist and double duty when I can. Frankly it's just too hard for me to keep track of too much stuff.
Mixed used kits got me through years of non pro tool use. It isn't the same as a SO Epiq full of bling but the jobs got done anyway.
I tend to go minimalist and double duty when I can. Frankly it's just too hard for me to keep track of too much stuff.
Mixed used kits got me through years of non pro tool use. It isn't the same as a SO Epiq full of bling but the jobs got done anyway.
Moparman390
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2016
- Messages
- 437
Chase, I thought about this too, you shouldn't use your real name, when this thread dies down create a new user account.
Now look, I'm glad you are excited about DIY stuff but you don't know what you plan to do with your tools for sure yet, don't know what career you will end up in, when and where you will end up living, and you don't have much money for tools yet, so be patient. Read my first post in this discussion. Save some money and wait, the soon to be USA Craftsman stuff might appeal to you and a year or two isn't that far off. I'm 35, I work in IT and only built up my tool collection in the last two years. Since I don't use them for work I built up a great homeowner/DIY set with just about everything I might need with a mix of USA and China Craftsman, some Husky, Tekton, Irwin, Stanley, Pittsburgh, Ryobi, Skil, Delta, and even Black and Decker, amongst others. I'll upgrade to a few more USA hand tools and some better battery powered ones later (like when I finish my basement). The thing is, for what I do (around the house stuff, breaks, oil, plugs, and maintaining some classic cars) that mix of stuff works just fine. Might be all you need too, but you might also become a mechanic or tradesmen or something and then you will need a higher grade of tools. Around here there are lots of people who will rush to tell you what you "need" and how only SK, Snap-On, or Milwaukee will do, truth is you don't know what, or what quality level, you will need or when you will need it. My advice is, be patient, save up and figure it out as you go.
And, M6er, you're arguing with a kid about the search function, cut him some slack.
Now look, I'm glad you are excited about DIY stuff but you don't know what you plan to do with your tools for sure yet, don't know what career you will end up in, when and where you will end up living, and you don't have much money for tools yet, so be patient. Read my first post in this discussion. Save some money and wait, the soon to be USA Craftsman stuff might appeal to you and a year or two isn't that far off. I'm 35, I work in IT and only built up my tool collection in the last two years. Since I don't use them for work I built up a great homeowner/DIY set with just about everything I might need with a mix of USA and China Craftsman, some Husky, Tekton, Irwin, Stanley, Pittsburgh, Ryobi, Skil, Delta, and even Black and Decker, amongst others. I'll upgrade to a few more USA hand tools and some better battery powered ones later (like when I finish my basement). The thing is, for what I do (around the house stuff, breaks, oil, plugs, and maintaining some classic cars) that mix of stuff works just fine. Might be all you need too, but you might also become a mechanic or tradesmen or something and then you will need a higher grade of tools. Around here there are lots of people who will rush to tell you what you "need" and how only SK, Snap-On, or Milwaukee will do, truth is you don't know what, or what quality level, you will need or when you will need it. My advice is, be patient, save up and figure it out as you go.
And, M6er, you're arguing with a kid about the search function, cut him some slack.
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