Best Entry level Tool for DIY/Beginning Mechanic/DIY.

[actionstan]

Hello All,

As of recently I have started working on my own vehicles, and learning everything I can about them, and am trying to get back into school to work towards my ASE certifications.

I am wanting to start building a 'decent set' of tools, but cant really afford something really nice like MAC/Snap-On.

The brands I have been considering are:
Craftsman
Home Depots Husky (<-- Husky seems to have the best quality tool to price ratio, but I am unsure of how easy they are to work with if warranty is needed.)
Lowe's Kobalt
Walmart Stanley/Bostitch.

Currently I am hacking it with a few Stanley Tools my grandparents got for me when I moved into my first house, a few craftsman tools I have picked up on sale, and a assortment of Harbor Freight Stuff which works fine, but I cant see it holding up well in the long run.


My primary concern would be the warranty and ease of warranty... As far as i know all of these tools carry "lifetime warranties" I want something where I can walk with a broken tool, and walk out with a new one.. no mailing no hassle, My guess is this throws Stanley/Bostitch out of the game, my guess is Walmart wont work like this. I have also heard that Sears used to be easy, but lately they have made the process more difficult.

My second concern will be durability/quality, Id prefer to never have to do a warranty exchange on a tool, but things do happen.

Let me know if you have any experience with any of these, mainly warranty exchanges. All of the listed tool brands are readily available to me within a 30 minute drive. Also If you are aware of any other good entry brands let me know, and I will check them out.

Thanks!

 

[rsanter]

if it was me I would be hunting used stuff to try to score a deal on some snap on at bargain price
the things to focus on first for a beginner would be a good set of wrenches and 3/8 sockets and ratchet

take a look at getting some USA craftsman on sale or used

going and buying a set of Cman wrenches and then finding a bragain set of snap on is fine because you may be suprised how often you may need a second wrench of the same size

bob

 

[theoldwizard1]

The "Made in USA" are a bit better quality, but are hard to find. The chinese stiff is still not bad.

Actually, if you are really on a budget, buy from Harbor Freight.

 

[Brownsfan]

Look at JH Williams for sockets. Look for the USA made. EXACT same sockets as Snao On and like 1/4 of the price. Screwdrivers... Williams as well. Get the 6pc phillips and slotted sets. You get 12 very nice drivers and snap on quality for a 1/4 of the price. Wrenches the Kobalt Taiwan made are very nice for the money. If you want to by one of those big sets look at the new dewalt sets at Sears. They look very high quality and the sets dont have a lot of filler.

 

[scab]

Visit some pawn shops and search their loose hand tool bins or try to low ball them with cash on a full set. Then clean them up and roll on. No offense, but if I was trying to make a career out of it, I wouldn't start with the brands you listed.

 

[Brownsfan]

Forgot pliers in my earlier post. Look at channellock and Klein. USA made and high quality and not very expensive. You won't see much Klein in a mechanics box because they are marketed towards electricians. Also for a little bit more look at knipex. I own something from all 3. Plus some snap on stuff. The only snap on pliers I have found to be so much better the price is worth it. The talon grip needle nose. Everything else can be had cheaper and good quality. I really like my Klein stuff even though some here think their quality has slipped. I have not seen it

 

[jakemac]

If you plan to continue working in your own garage or in a buddies shop, then the label on the tools won't matter, just the quality. If you plan on being a professional wrencher, then a prospective employer may not hire you with a box full of "house brand" tools (they can be shallow that way).

+1 on building your tools up with used tools. You will end up with the name brands that employers want to see, but at a fraction of the cost.

Cheap/inexpensive tools will get you by for now, but you'll need to upgrade as you go. Search Pawn shops, yard sales, flea markets, and used tool shops in your area to build your sets. Create a list of "wants, needs, and must haves", and keep it in your pocket. You never know when you'll stumble upon something. Know your prices. Used prices should start at no more than 1/2 of new retail. The more you buy at one time, the better position you'll be in to ask/offer a discounted price. Don't be afraid to walk away, you can always find it somewhere else at a better price later.

Be patient, this will take time. Consider this quest as your new hobby.

 

[actionstan]

I do not have a problem with buying used quality tools, I know I can get them much cheaper this route, and probably get better tools.

I believe brands like snap-on/mac also include lifetime warranties, So if I bought used tools, will they still be eligible for this life time warranty?

It was mentioned that as a professional the house brands would be a bad idea, Is this also geared towards craftsman? They have such a big name, I couldn't imagine them being discriminated against. Also starting as a new auto tech, will they really expect me to have a toolbox full of mac/snap on tools, From what I have heard most mechanics buy these tools as they go along in there career. I do see how a veteran tech should have nice tools to be taken seriously, but cant imagine people would be this harsh on a newbie?

 

[Davefr]

I believe brands like snap-on/mac also include lifetime warranties, So if I bought used tools, will they still be eligible for this life time warranty?

For SO, only if you're the original purchaser and saved your receipt. Or have a dealer that'll take care of you.

 

[skippy24]

As a starter set I would recommend the Husky one from Home Depot. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-268-Piece-H268MTS/203541462#. They seem to be as sturdy as Craftsman and with all the problems that Sears is having lately I would think that Home Depot will still be around in the next 10 plus years or so. Plus in this area there seems to be one on every other block if you have to warranty or replace one.. From there you can pick up what you need piecemeal.

 

[actionstan]

As a starter set I would recommend the Husky one from Home Depot. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-268-Piece-H268MTS/203541462#. They seem to be as sturdy as Craftsman and with all the problems that Sears is having lately I would think that Home Depot will still be around in the next 10 plus years or so. Plus in this area there seems to be one on every other block if you have to warranty or replace one.. From there you can pick up what you need piecemeal.

Thanks Husky is the house brand I am leaning towards I figured I could get a decent starter set with them, and start picking up specialty tools as I go.

 

[skippy24]

I forgot to mention that you should be able to use the HF 25% off coupons at Home Depot as well.

 

[Gmonkee]

If you intend to make a career out of wrenching the 'upper crust' brands will lend you credibility getting into a job at a better dealership. ( You did say studying for ASE certs. )

Buy used from Ebay/CL when a deal falls your way. Meanwhile use what you have to get by until those deals fall. If they haven't broken yet I'll bet they'll hold a while longer. Students who washed out of the programs also sell their tools at less than retail.

Start with the basics, wrenches and socket sets first, pliers /screwdrivers/hammers/allen/torx later and specialty tools only after you have a starting tool list from the employer, if not as you need them.
You won't need filled Hansen trays of sockets going in, just basic sets of SAE and metrics

A HF toolbox as the starter box, it doesn't make you money. Later on pick up a used brand name box when one is offered and your wages will cover it. Co-workers upgrading are a great source of those.

 

[oldldh]

Since, nobody has mentioned them...

GEARWRENCH!!!

They make pretty good stuff, and, if you search, you can find some decent prices...(I just bought their 47 pc 1/4" drive socket set for less than forty bucks...)

www.tooldiscounter.com

Their COO for the most part, is Taiwan...

I, and a bunch of other GJ'ers, like them for the price...

Just a thought...

 

[85camaro]

Buy as much Snap on as possible. Buy used if you have to.

 

[NWphotog]

I forgot to mention that you should be able to use the HF 25% off coupons at Home Depot as well.

That's a big maybe if at all. Around here it would have zero chance.

 

[zakmartin]

Forgot pliers in my earlier post. Look at channellock and Klein. USA made and high quality and not very expensive.

Channellocks aren't expensive. Kleins are rediculously expensive. My standard-sized 90-degree needle nose Kleins cost me $55 (and that was the cheapest I could find them for). If you know of a cheap place to get a new set of Kleins, please let me know.

 

[skippy24]

That's a big maybe if at all. Around here it would have zero chance.

I guess YMMV. Around here I have had no issue doing it at multiple Home Depots. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try.

 

[ZRX61]

Since, nobody has mentioned them...

GEARWRENCH!!!

They make pretty good stuff, and, if you search, you can find some decent prices...(I just bought their 47 pc 1/4" drive socket set for less than forty bucks...)

Justy be prepared to piss about for ******** months trying to get items warrantied...

 

[Brownsfan]

Channellocks aren't expensive. Kleins are rediculously expensive. My standard-sized 90-degree needle nose Kleins cost me $55 (and that was the cheapest I could find them for). If you know of a cheap place to get a new set of Kleins, please let me know.

I guess it depends on what you buy? The most I paid for any of my Klein stuff was $44. That was for my journeyman 2000 series linesman pliers.The 2000 series cutter freaking rule. They will cut through anything. I like them better than dare I say Knipex. I know the German tool snobs here will say Im nuts but oh well. The Knipex stuff is nice but the ONLY reason I bought it was the clearance prices at Lowes. The regular prices were in snap on territory.

 

[dale500]

If you are beginning to build a set of tools for personal use pick a local store. Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, or a combination of all three. If there is a Sears Outlet in your area you can get some super deals of craftsman. Most of them USA made. There are even some quality items at harbor freight but you have to look for them. Shop all their sales and you'll have good tools that you can afford and easy warranty service. You can work on your own cars, learn, and decide if this is a career path you wish to pursue with out breaking the bank. If you go further you can buy better tools as you need them. Your always going to need a home set no matter what. There are plenty of mechanics out there who can make a living with out 30 grand of snap-on tools in a 10 grand box.

 

[Hopalong604]

Don't know where you're from but up north (canada) mastercraft tools are the way to go for us. Cheap and lifetime warranty also. I started off with craftsman (not the same quality as USA craftsman for some stupid reason) and mastercraft. Did just fine with them. I basically replaced all my tools with snap on and a few Mac the last few years since it became my career.

 

[GoodEnough]

Get more experience and pick up tools are you need them. As you are more experienced, you will learn where to spend more, and where it's worth it to stick with HF cheapo. Don't blow your wad all at once.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227269

 

[e-tek]

For SO, only if you're the original purchaser and saved your receipt. Or have a dealer that'll take care of you.

Why people buy SO (except their line wrenches) is still a mystery to me.

Buy as much Snap on as possible. Buy used if you have to.

You're either a SO dealer, a SO snob, or both - LOL!

 

[Aquaticbob]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67850

I would recommend checking out what this guy did. He is a smart man

 

[Brownsfan]

Why people buy SO (except their line wrenches) is still a mystery to me.



You're either a SO dealer, a SO snob, or both - LOL!

People buy Snap On because they like to have quality tools. I will be the first to admit that there many other options that are cheaper and will do the job sometimes even just as good. Have you ever tried their talon grip pliers? Best Ive ever used. Have you tried a dual 80 ratchet? Argueably one of the best. The small hook and pick set is awesome. Have not found a better set. There are a lot of tools that snap on does better than most. Disclaimer: I own a lot of snap on tools as well as cornwell and many others. Most of my tools are still USA craftsman and I am upgrading when I can. I will most likely keep my craftsman USA sockets. Same as Armstrong and cheaper but no longer available. Almost forgot. Snap On ratcheting screwdriver. IMHO the best out there

 

[chkustom]

Buy what you can afford. The tool brand don't make you a better technican. Starting out is tough but as you get better, more experinced,aka make money at it you will be able to afford higher quality tools. I will say from experince that harbor freight has one of the best return policys I have witnessed. They will open a new box to give you what you need if they don't have it individually. The older style cman rp wrenches are fine starting out,chrome sockets are fine also. Impact sockets you cant go wrong with harbor freight or sunex. Ratchets are your choice but I wouldn't use cman they **** period. I wouldn't buy air tools off a tool truck, buy IR if you can. Gearwrench is also fine too.

 

[mechan]

I would find what works best for you from domestically made tools and build my set from that. Arbitrarily purchasing snap-on or the like doesn't mean they will be the end be all of tools. I personally am not a fan of their wrenches, but do really like some of their other items. Try to build your set the first time by purchasing as frugally as possibly and purchasing items from the brands that meet your needs the best. Not just purchasing from one brand for the sake of it.

Shop around Amazon, ebay, local tool stores, etc. You would be surprised the sales you can run a crossed some times.

 

[fatboysoffroad]

+1 on building your tools up with used tools. You will end up with the name brands that employers want to see, but at a fraction of the cost.

Cheap/inexpensive tools will get you by for now, but you'll need to upgrade as you go. Search Pawn shops, yard sales, flea markets, and used tool shops in your area to build your sets. Create a list of "wants, needs, and must haves", and keep it in your pocket. You never know when you'll stumble upon something. Know your prices. Used prices should start at no more than 1/2 of new retail. The more you buy at one time, the better position you'll be in to ask/offer a discounted price. Don't be afraid to walk away, you can always find it somewhere else at a better price later.

+1 Deals can be had. As jakemac said, create a list of needs/wants and make notes regarding pricing. If you're educated then you'll know a good deal when you see it. Craig's List can be a great resource. On the computer I use www.searchtempest.com/ You can search multiple Craig's Lists. I have an iPhone app that has similar features.

With persistence and patience you'll score some deals on the good stuff. The cheap stuff can then become part of your toolbox for home.

Jerry

 

[erty67]

I believe there is always a market for "lifetime" tools. If you have a small budget, get what you need using mid-grade lifetime stuff, kobalt, craftsman, husky, etc. As you make money, you can upgrade what needs upgrading and sell the lifetime tools for your money back. I do not think you need to buy all Snap On tools to start off. I seen too many guys break their budget starting off and not survive. Work within your budget!

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hello All,

As of recently I have started working on my own vehicles, and learning everything I can about them, and am trying to get back into school to work towards my ASE certifications.

I am wanting to start building a 'decent set' of tools, but cant really afford something really nice like MAC/Snap-On.

The brands I have been considering are:
Craftsman
Home Depots Husky (<-- Husky seems to have the best quality tool to price ratio, but I am unsure of how easy they are to work with if warranty is needed.)
Lowe's Kobalt
Walmart Stanley/Bostitch.

Currently I am hacking it with a few Stanley Tools my grandparents got for me when I moved into my first house, a few craftsman tools I have picked up on sale, and a assortment of Harbor Freight Stuff which works fine, but I cant see it holding up well in the long run.


My primary concern would be the warranty and ease of warranty... As far as i know all of these tools carry "lifetime warranties" I want something where I can walk with a broken tool, and walk out with a new one.. no mailing no hassle, My guess is this throws Stanley/Bostitch out of the game, my guess is Walmart wont work like this. I have also heard that Sears used to be easy, but lately they have made the process more difficult.

My second concern will be durability/quality, Id prefer to never have to do a warranty exchange on a tool, but things do happen.

Let me know if you have any experience with any of these, mainly warranty exchanges. All of the listed tool brands are readily available to me within a 30 minute drive. Also If you are aware of any other good entry brands let me know, and I will check them out.

Thanks!

As far as retail warranties go harbor freight will probably be your best bet, not sure about the lowe's replacement deal (might require a receipt). Between the pittsburgh pro and kobalt (taiwan) lines they are pretty much equal in terms of what you're going to get. It's either high end consumer or low end professional; in your case probably the first one. I use it, never busted anything from kobalt but I don't really break tools.

Up front I'll tell you, get a heat gun and penetrating oil and learn to use it and when to use it. That should prevent your lower end tools from being destroyed. Specialty stuff (when/if you need it) craftsman, harbor freight (most), or kobalt would be okay for occasional use

As far as the husky stuff I don't use a lot of it (enough to have a judgment on everything). Most of the stuff is chinese but it is a good quality chinese tool line (in my opinion). I have a set of t handles and some torx sockets from them; okay but haven't really used them that much. I actually have more of the in house brand (hdx) for screwdrivers (precision) and drill bits (sets) because I get them dirt cheap. Not bad at all for filling a set/as consumables. I wouldn't go deep into husky because they often cycle their tools (change the line so there might not be replacements available) and have a lot of holiday tools that ain't coming back to the store! Most of the other retailers don't really do that (lowe's somewhat). Husky is cheap though and seems to be well made.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Why people buy SO (except their line wrenches) is still a mystery to me.

They DO stock a lot of stuff you can't find at retail or even other truck brands but...then you realize you don't need it/want to pay snap on prices for it.

 

[Ruger_556]

If you go to school you can buy truck brands for 50% off

 

[R.Anderson]

Why people buy SO (except their line wrenches) is still a mystery to me.



You're either a SO dealer, a SO snob, or both - LOL!

Na a true SO snob never buys used, only new and over priced bragging about it along with saying "Its the only way to go". Its a must for them to own excessive amount of SO tools showcased in shadowed SO boxes and the tools they own are hand polished regularly but never used. Everything they own is excessive in someway compensating for something lacking in size (pinky wiggle)

OK that maybe a bit of a exaggeration but I bet there is at least one person thats like this.

 

[warweapon762]

As someone who uses Husky tools for the most part, the warranty is can vary from location. My local HD takes all tools no questions asked and replaces them (with the exception of power tools, they have to be taken to a distributor that accepts them).

I know the customer service manager pretty well so I may get away with alot more **** than most

 

[IMStuner]

Here are some brands.


Cheap, decent, life time warranty and Amazon has them.

JH Williams ( Snap-On brand )
Sunex
bondhus ( made in the U.S. too )

 

[ihateminimumwage]

When I was going through the diesel tech program, we had a lot of guys using HF, Craftsman, Husky, etc. I was mostly using 50+ year old CM and Williams stuff. I started investing in Williams USA & Taiwan sockets and wrenches, and couldn't be happier. As stated earlier, the USA Williams sockets are just Snap-Ons with a different logo stamped in, and the Williams Taiwan sockets/wrenches are the same as Snap-On's 'Blue Point' line.

For starting out, Husky has been improving massively in the last year (Torque wrenches are now USA, and the same as Matco rebrands and sells for 3x as much), and a lot of their stuff is going to Taiwan over China.
The current Kobalt lineup is excellent quality, but the prices can be over the top when not on sale, and who knows when they'll change manufacturers again.
Craftsman is heading south FAST, but their last run of 'USA' stuff wasn't fantastic anyways.
I've seen/heard nothing but good about the new Dewalt lineup from Stanley, don't know how all the warranty stuff works though.

Gearwrench is hands down the best bang for your buck as far as quality in a professional environment goes. I've put my ratchets and sockets through hell, and never had any issues (flex head 1/2" with a 3 foot cheater, and didn't skip a tooth). Had one wobble extension break torquing down a u-joint strap. Called them up, mailed it in, and had a new one in a week (faster than the snappy man could've ordered one and got it to me).