Hi All. Earlier this year I decided it was time to upgrade my tool collection. What I had was a hodgepodge of incomplete sets and very poor quality, beat up items. So, I came upon this site and started reading. A lot. And, based largely on recommendations found here (and the ability to play with most of the recommended tools in friends' garages), I started gradually replacing everything. The use was for projects around the house, some auto repair, and general tinkering - homeowner/do-it-yourselfer type duty. I was looking to get out of the bargain basement, but my use (and budget) really doesn't justify the ultra-high end pro stuff (unless the difference in price was nominal). I also prioritized - I spent a little more on tools I use the most. So, below is my "best basic tools for the money" list.
Screwdriver set - Wera Chisel Driver, 6 piece set
https://chadstoolbox.com/wera-05018282001-932-6-rack-s-driver-set/
Why? I spent a little more on these because screwdrivers are the tools I use the most. Also, at $35 at chads toolbox, the bump in quality came at a nominal bump in price.
Ratcheting screwdriver - Channellock 131CB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GPFTVY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Why? It seemed like the two most recommended models here were Megapro (nearly identical to the Channellock) and Williams (very similar to the Snap On). The Megapro design has more bits and the bit storage is cleaner, but the Snap On design accepts standard 1/4" bits, and has superior bit quality. I liked the feel of a friend's Megapro so opted for that design. However, Megapro was selling for 50% more than the nearly identical Channellock. So, $22 channellock it was.
Adjustable wrench - Channellock 8WCB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001I70C34/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Why? This came highly recommended, both on GJ and from friends, and I see why. This Spanish made wrench is exceptionally smooth, and its narrow, wide-opening jaws and compact size have proven very useful. It was also $22.
Pliers - Knipex 10" Cobra 8702250
Why? This is another tool I use several times a week, so I didn't mind splurging. I found the 10" comfort grip set on eBay for $30, so it wasn't a ton more that my second choice, the Irwin Groovelock. I also considered the Craftsman branded knipex set (which often goes on sale for $35), but it was $50 when I needed them. I still need to pick up a 7 1/2 pair, but can wait and hunt for a deal on those. I also am seriously considering a Knipex Pliers Wrench. I played with a friend's pair and am convinced i must have one ...
Hex Wrenches - Bondhus 20199
Why? I had a half-dozen sets of incomplete and inferior quality hex sets laying around. The Bondhus seemed well recommended here and I've been pleased with them. Haven't bent or stripped one yet. $14 at Sears.
Locking Pliers - Grip-on 111-10
I have numerous old vise-grip sets laying around, but don't have a 10" (and need one for fence repair duty). This one was very frequently recommended here, and it was $24 at Chad's Toolbox.
Hacksaw - Bahco 325
The two most recommended hacksaws I found were the Dewalt 5-in-1 for mid-priced, and the Bahco 325/Snap on for high end. I found a 325 on Amazon for $29 new so decision made. This is another item I use weekly, so I didn't mind spending a few extra bucks.
Socket set - Tekton 13101 ... and (gasp) HF
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RCYX4WI/?tag=atomicindus08-20
My previous sets were an absolute mess of inferior Chinese ratchets with numerous missing/lost/broken sockets. I like to have a portable set (a set I can throw in the truck or walk over to a neighbors), so I was looking for a compact package. A friend had both a Gearwrench set and a Tekton set and, using them and inspecting them, I could not appreciate a real difference. I got the Tekton mostly because it was cheaper and more compact. For my garage set I'm likely going to go HF. I never considered them but, after reading about their pro line here, I picked up a 1/4 inch composite ratchet and some pro sockets and they're some nice little pieces. If I won the lottery I'd love to buy Snap On or Proto, or even SK. For my needs and budget, the Taiwan sets are going to have to do for now.
I'll try to update this as more stuff comes in. Thanks again for the great site and great advice!
Screwdriver set - Wera Chisel Driver, 6 piece set
https://chadstoolbox.com/wera-05018282001-932-6-rack-s-driver-set/
Why? I spent a little more on these because screwdrivers are the tools I use the most. Also, at $35 at chads toolbox, the bump in quality came at a nominal bump in price.
Ratcheting screwdriver - Channellock 131CB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GPFTVY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Why? It seemed like the two most recommended models here were Megapro (nearly identical to the Channellock) and Williams (very similar to the Snap On). The Megapro design has more bits and the bit storage is cleaner, but the Snap On design accepts standard 1/4" bits, and has superior bit quality. I liked the feel of a friend's Megapro so opted for that design. However, Megapro was selling for 50% more than the nearly identical Channellock. So, $22 channellock it was.
Adjustable wrench - Channellock 8WCB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001I70C34/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Why? This came highly recommended, both on GJ and from friends, and I see why. This Spanish made wrench is exceptionally smooth, and its narrow, wide-opening jaws and compact size have proven very useful. It was also $22.
Pliers - Knipex 10" Cobra 8702250
Why? This is another tool I use several times a week, so I didn't mind splurging. I found the 10" comfort grip set on eBay for $30, so it wasn't a ton more that my second choice, the Irwin Groovelock. I also considered the Craftsman branded knipex set (which often goes on sale for $35), but it was $50 when I needed them. I still need to pick up a 7 1/2 pair, but can wait and hunt for a deal on those. I also am seriously considering a Knipex Pliers Wrench. I played with a friend's pair and am convinced i must have one ...
Hex Wrenches - Bondhus 20199
Why? I had a half-dozen sets of incomplete and inferior quality hex sets laying around. The Bondhus seemed well recommended here and I've been pleased with them. Haven't bent or stripped one yet. $14 at Sears.
Locking Pliers - Grip-on 111-10
I have numerous old vise-grip sets laying around, but don't have a 10" (and need one for fence repair duty). This one was very frequently recommended here, and it was $24 at Chad's Toolbox.
Hacksaw - Bahco 325
The two most recommended hacksaws I found were the Dewalt 5-in-1 for mid-priced, and the Bahco 325/Snap on for high end. I found a 325 on Amazon for $29 new so decision made. This is another item I use weekly, so I didn't mind spending a few extra bucks.
Socket set - Tekton 13101 ... and (gasp) HF
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RCYX4WI/?tag=atomicindus08-20
My previous sets were an absolute mess of inferior Chinese ratchets with numerous missing/lost/broken sockets. I like to have a portable set (a set I can throw in the truck or walk over to a neighbors), so I was looking for a compact package. A friend had both a Gearwrench set and a Tekton set and, using them and inspecting them, I could not appreciate a real difference. I got the Tekton mostly because it was cheaper and more compact. For my garage set I'm likely going to go HF. I never considered them but, after reading about their pro line here, I picked up a 1/4 inch composite ratchet and some pro sockets and they're some nice little pieces. If I won the lottery I'd love to buy Snap On or Proto, or even SK. For my needs and budget, the Taiwan sets are going to have to do for now.
I'll try to update this as more stuff comes in. Thanks again for the great site and great advice!
