Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
Anyone wanna run through a basic list of "Must Have" tools? I'm just starting my collection and it would be nice to see what you folks consider "essential."
Basic Tool List
- Thread starter Doctor_Ink
- Start date
american lockpicker
Banned
Well first we need to know what you wish to do with tools.
OP
Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
Sorry, big whoops there! I do mechanic work, cars, snowmobiles, etc. Woodworking too. Not much else. Rarely body work, but still some.
Well I could name over 5000 tools that are "essential" for those trades.
Mechanics Bare Essentials:
3/8 Socket Sets SAE & Metric
3/8 Extension Set
3/8 Ratchet
SAE & Metric Wrench Sets
Screw Driver Set
Standard Pliers & Needle Nose Pliers
Hammer
I think that is the bare minimum to start. You can get by with that for a very short amount of time.
3/8 Socket Sets SAE & Metric
3/8 Extension Set
3/8 Ratchet
SAE & Metric Wrench Sets
Screw Driver Set
Standard Pliers & Needle Nose Pliers
Hammer
I think that is the bare minimum to start. You can get by with that for a very short amount of time.
Ratchets, extensions and sockets of all sizes. 1/2 and 1/4" drive. regular and short shank screwdrivers. wrench set. several kinds of pliers. needle nose. dikes. pry bars. rubber mallet. steel head hammer. jacks, jack stands, decent drill. 4in+ grinder. Im sure im missing some
kippieland
Well-known member
Lets start with what you do have? Broad topics are hard to get into and talk about. I think if you provide a little more detail you'll be surpised by indepth knowledge and opinions of the board.
A varirty of standard & phillip screwdrivers, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive sockets and ratchets. Hammer, hacksaw, vicegrip, pliers, wire cutters and cresent wrench.7/16"-1" or so combo wrench set, a metric set wouldn't hurt either.
OP
Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
Lets start with what you do have? Broad topics are hard to get into and talk about. I think if you provide a little more detail you'll be surpised by indepth knowledge and opinions of the board.
I will take pics and upload them asap.
shoturtle
Well-known member
Also do you have a budget, depending on what you defined as basic. It can become a pretty penny. Also are you into truck brands, or you are good with good quality tools that work.
OP
Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
Over the years if there is one thing I have learned about tools... it's that quality in the long run is the cheaper option.
shoturtle
Well-known member
In 35 years of working on tools, I have found out that there is quality tools without spending and arm and a leg. That said, I buy allot of german tools, wiha and wera to go along with my us tools. But I have to say I have Craftsmen sockets and they have never let me down nor channel lock pliers. The make good tools.
Last edited:
OP
Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
Okay so here is my entire tool setup. Not much I know, but pretty good for a 17 Y/O . Also not pictured I have a 8" Stanley adjustable wrench and some Dewalt drill bits.
. Also not pictured I have a 8" Stanley adjustable wrench and some Dewalt drill bits.
Givl Reggin
Banned
I would expect most *new* homeowners to have a basic tool set that consists of;
Hammer
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Utility Knife
Block Plane
Chisels
Tape Measure
Combination Square
Handsaw
Hacksaw
Rasps/Files
Nail Set
Level
Pipe Clamps
Stapler
Paintbrushs
Work Light
A long-time homeowner would most likely amass;
Vise-Grips
Pipe Wrench
Ladder
Putty Knife
Paint Roller/Pan
Caulking Gun
Combination Wrenches (Inch/Metric)
Electric Drill
Circular Saw
Socket Set (3/8" drive)
Extension Cord
Saw Horses
Workbench
Hammer
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Utility Knife
Block Plane
Chisels
Tape Measure
Combination Square
Handsaw
Hacksaw
Rasps/Files
Nail Set
Level
Pipe Clamps
Stapler
Paintbrushs
Work Light
A long-time homeowner would most likely amass;
Vise-Grips
Pipe Wrench
Ladder
Putty Knife
Paint Roller/Pan
Caulking Gun
Combination Wrenches (Inch/Metric)
Electric Drill
Circular Saw
Socket Set (3/8" drive)
Extension Cord
Saw Horses
Workbench
kippieland
Well-known member
Thanks for the pics. On a side note place the photo address in single-file instead of them all together.
Looks like you have good box (not the popular here but fine.) I have a set of those Husky/Stanley sockets. Not a fan of the ratchets...very heavy and mine have gotten very sloppy. I would upgrade them with something with a higher tooth count. Since your young and money maybe an issue, I would suggest the Harbor Freigh Pro ratchets...all of $10 bucks and nicer then those black ones.
Sockets: fine for now, but for the future it is cheaper to buy a set then to piece them. Craftsman has good sales, same with Kobalt (lowes) and as always Harbor Freight.
As for everything else, I think it depends on what you are using them for? For me and my Motocross obession all I need is about 10 sockets and the whole thing is down to the frame. Cars is another story. What do you intend to do with them in the future as well? I think then we can give more recommendations.
Looks like you have good box (not the popular here but fine.) I have a set of those Husky/Stanley sockets. Not a fan of the ratchets...very heavy and mine have gotten very sloppy. I would upgrade them with something with a higher tooth count. Since your young and money maybe an issue, I would suggest the Harbor Freigh Pro ratchets...all of $10 bucks and nicer then those black ones.
Sockets: fine for now, but for the future it is cheaper to buy a set then to piece them. Craftsman has good sales, same with Kobalt (lowes) and as always Harbor Freight.
As for everything else, I think it depends on what you are using them for? For me and my Motocross obession all I need is about 10 sockets and the whole thing is down to the frame. Cars is another story. What do you intend to do with them in the future as well? I think then we can give more recommendations.
OP
Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
I would love to be an auto mechanic someday. What do you mean about the photos?
ChrisF250
Well-known member
Tape, square, nail puller, hammer, impact driver, skil saw, sawzall
shoturtle
Well-known member
Is the 3/8 a fine tooth ratchet?
OP
Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
How do I check?
shoturtle
Well-known member
If you have a better picture, we can most likely tell you. If you can open the ratchet you can look at the gear.
shoturtle
Well-known member
Since you are thinking you want to get into automotive, and being a young person. I would all channellock retainer ring plier and oil filter plier from homedepot. They are good quality.
kippieland
Well-known member
Thanks for the info.
Photos like this:
Photo 1
Photo2
Etc....that way they won't be so spread out on the page and will fall in line
example 1
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i336/kippieland/DSCF3762.jpg
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i336/kippieland/IMAG0069.jpg
As far your future plans, I would start with slowly adding good quality tools such as, sockets, hex drivers and keys, pliers, punch, wrenches etc....The list goes on and on. I think you can start now by learning the tool brands and how much they cost. Everyone here loves Snap-on, and other truck brands like Matco. They are the highest dollar tools out there and are more towards techs then diy'ers. But there are also other brands that are made from the same truck brand companies that are half the cost with the same quality. Armstrong, Proto, SK, and Williams are all considered industrail brands but have very high quality. They are lacking speciality tools that the truck brands have. My brother-in law is a tech and he uses Craftsman because Sears is closer to his shop and he lives in a small-town without a SO(snap-on) guy.
I would stay away from Harbor Frieght for tech use, but theres nothing wrong with them for home use right now.
I would stock the sales at Sears for a nice 100+ set and slowly start adding what you might need. Also, as you start become more fimilar with GJ then you will start to see what the techs use. Also, check out the "show us your tool box" thread, to get an idea. I think right now is more about learning what is what, then buying the goods stuff.
Photos like this:
Photo 1
Photo2
Etc....that way they won't be so spread out on the page and will fall in line
example 1
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i336/kippieland/DSCF3762.jpg
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i336/kippieland/IMAG0069.jpg
As far your future plans, I would start with slowly adding good quality tools such as, sockets, hex drivers and keys, pliers, punch, wrenches etc....The list goes on and on. I think you can start now by learning the tool brands and how much they cost. Everyone here loves Snap-on, and other truck brands like Matco. They are the highest dollar tools out there and are more towards techs then diy'ers. But there are also other brands that are made from the same truck brand companies that are half the cost with the same quality. Armstrong, Proto, SK, and Williams are all considered industrail brands but have very high quality. They are lacking speciality tools that the truck brands have. My brother-in law is a tech and he uses Craftsman because Sears is closer to his shop and he lives in a small-town without a SO(snap-on) guy.
I would stay away from Harbor Frieght for tech use, but theres nothing wrong with them for home use right now.
I would stock the sales at Sears for a nice 100+ set and slowly start adding what you might need. Also, as you start become more fimilar with GJ then you will start to see what the techs use. Also, check out the "show us your tool box" thread, to get an idea. I think right now is more about learning what is what, then buying the goods stuff.
kippieland
Well-known member
3/8 is the "bigger one" of your set. To answer Shoturtles orignal question...NO it is not fine tooth....standard 36 and sloppy
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I think you need to upgrade the screwdrivers, both for completeness and decency
You have some sockets and ratchets, you will need to add to that as you go. I'd start with a set of 3/8 drive universal sockets (short) as with most cars that put a lot of fasteners in hard to reach places. Ad a couple more extensions, even duplicate sizes. Ah yes, one 3/8 X 3/8 drive universal as well (you never know when you need to bend around a corner)
3 pair of vise grips:
a small pair of needle nose
std size (8-9"?) for brut force work and
one pair that is set up for bolt heads (has a three corner jaw for catching 3 sides of a hex), for the inevitable rounded off fastener.
Add Torx drivers, cars use a lot of 'em,
A pair of electricians Lineman's pliers.
That, with that you have, is about bare minimum for minimal basic automotive work.
Way far from complete, (does that EVER happen?)
The metric vs. SAE question will depend on what cars you work on, but you may need sets both ways...
You have some sockets and ratchets, you will need to add to that as you go. I'd start with a set of 3/8 drive universal sockets (short) as with most cars that put a lot of fasteners in hard to reach places. Ad a couple more extensions, even duplicate sizes. Ah yes, one 3/8 X 3/8 drive universal as well (you never know when you need to bend around a corner)
3 pair of vise grips:
a small pair of needle nose
std size (8-9"?) for brut force work and
one pair that is set up for bolt heads (has a three corner jaw for catching 3 sides of a hex), for the inevitable rounded off fastener.
Add Torx drivers, cars use a lot of 'em,
A pair of electricians Lineman's pliers.
That, with that you have, is about bare minimum for minimal basic automotive work.
Way far from complete, (does that EVER happen?)
The metric vs. SAE question will depend on what cars you work on, but you may need sets both ways...
kippieland
Well-known member
Is this smiley your new favorite? I have seen him on 5 threads so far!
By the way...these are mine!
klhitman
Well-known member
short and sweet all of them!!
OP
Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
Too scared to take it apart... here's a pic.
http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh592/Doctor_Ink/StanleyWrench.jpg
http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh592/Doctor_Ink/StanleyWrench2.jpg
shoturtle
Well-known member
You have better eyes then I do.
To doc,
I would go with a lowes kolbolt 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet. They are good find tooth ratchets. Not super expensive, but the 72 teeth makes it very handy in tight areas.
kippieland
Well-known member
Don't worry about taking it apart...its not worth it. They are nothing that great to start with. A definite upgrade is needed!
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Is this smiley your new favorite? I have seen him on 5 threads so far!
By the way...these are mine!
I've been using that one for ages. that and
and are my mainstays.kippieland
Well-known member
Not so much the eyes as handling them....I have a set of those for back up. Look nice to start but fade quickly.
I agree with the Kobalt ratchets. Very nice but by themselves a little pricey with the 3/8 at $30. They are 72 tooth (anything over 60 is great) and feel great. However, I just ordered an Armstrong 11-992 for about the same money and its 88 tooth....same as the Matco 88. I think for ease of buying Lowes is fine, but if you want US the internet has the same price with a little bit higher quality. IMO
kippieland
Well-known member
shoturtle
Well-known member
Yeah, but it is pretty simple to open it up and put it back together, you do want to be an auto tech. Just remember the steps you open it up and re assemble in reverse order.
But Kip answer that question. I am not a fan of the stanley line. It is more a dyi line of tool. If you like the stanley brand, proto would be a good option. They have the proto blackhawk with 72 teeth.
But Kip answer that question. I am not a fan of the stanley line. It is more a dyi line of tool. If you like the stanley brand, proto would be a good option. They have the proto blackhawk with 72 teeth.
OP
Doctor_Ink
Well-known member
kippieland
Well-known member
Hears a thread I did a while ago when I wanted to upgrade my ratchets. Hope it helps!
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124489
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124489
Last edited:
shoturtle
Well-known member
Not so much the eyes as handling them....I have a set of those for back up. Look nice to start but fade quickly.
I agree with the Kobalt ratchets. Very nice but by themselves a little pricey with the 3/8 at $30. They are 72 tooth (anything over 60 is great) and feel great. However, I just ordered an Armstrong 11-992 for about the same money and its 88 tooth....same as the Matco 88. I think for ease of buying Lowes is fine, but if you want US the internet has the same price with a little bit higher quality. IMO
The armstrong ratchet is nice. I like their tools. But pricey for a student. I am happy with my wera 72. That was a pricey ratchet.
I think a kolbolt ratchet set with sockets would be a good way to start for Doc, It will be a good upgrade allot of the tools doc has. And it is always cheaper to get tool set then piece mealing one to gather. I have just brought my first Kolbolt tool, as I do not use long Hex socket to often. So I did not want to spend 60-80 buck for US or German made set. For 27 dollars the kolbolt are very well made.
Something along this line form kolbolt.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_338516-2232...¤tURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=tool+set&facetInfo=
kippieland
Well-known member
Yeah a set is the way to get one of those, for sure. At the age of $17m I could not tell you the difference between the Kobalt, HF pro, and the craftsman raised panel. That Stanley would have been a dream ratchet back then. I would say, you either get in a set or buy what you can afford!
If your broke then stay with the Stanley until you get some money and then figure out what would work. Don't forget used. I got an F80 Snap-on off of Ebay used, in perfect shape for $40 bucks. My go to ratchet!
If your broke then stay with the Stanley until you get some money and then figure out what would work. Don't forget used. I got an F80 Snap-on off of Ebay used, in perfect shape for $40 bucks. My go to ratchet!
This is an intermediate set. Some item are expensive, wait for sales or buy used.
First I will list the Tool - Second I will list a Brand/Model
3/8'' Ratchet - Snap On FX80
3/8'' Spark Plug Sockets (5/8'', 13/16'')
3/8'' SAE/MM Shallow/Deep Sockets- Craftsman
3/8'' Extensions - Craftsman
Screwdrivers ( #1, #2, #3 Phillips, Assorted Blade) - Witte
Combo Wrenches (3/8''-3/4'' & 10mm-19mm) - Craftsman/ Northern Tool
Cresent Wrenches (8''/12'') - Klien/ Proto
Pliers (Slip Joint, Side Cutter, Needle Nose, Channellock) - Knipex/Channellock
Ball Peen Hammers (16oz/40oz) - Snap On HBBD16/ HBBD40
Tape Measure (25ft.) -
Hacksaw (12'' Aluminum) - Craftsman
Vise Grip (6'' Needle Nose, 8''/ 10'' Round Jaw)
Multimeter - Fluke
A basic set can be bought at HF, but if you plan on becoming a mechanic might as welll start out with quality (Not trying to start a HF hate thread here.)
OP