building my first box

[chappys4life]

I have decided a need to build a set of tools for myself. I have normally used my dads set since I lived with him but moved out and need to get my own. I had purchased a little 200ish piece set from craftsman years ago that I rarely used and lost some pieces and might be down to 80 pieces. I mostly work on metric stuff (90%) and it tends to be on my motorcycle and occasionally my car.

So far I have (mostly just purchased):
craftsman 117 pc. Mechanics Tool Set (new)
craftsman screwdriver set 20pcs
craftsman 12 piece wrench set metric
cheap slip joint pliers & lineman pliers
klien wire stripper & wire crimper
husky pro wire cutters
cheap hammer
ryobi angle grinder and cordless drill
craftsman digital multimeter
husky allen wrenches metric/sae

I know I am missing some items but I was looking for input on some tools to get for a good basic overall toolbox. I was thinking of picking up: metric allen socket set, gearwrench 8pc rev wrenches metric, cheap pry bars & chisel set (harbor freight), nicer hammer, and a rubber mallet.

Also I am using a old beat up electricians briefcase toolbox my dad gave me and the plastic box the tool set came in. I was looking at a craftsman 80th anniversary ball bearing 6 drawer top box because its only $100 at the craftsman by my house. Is this a good beginner box for me? Thanks guys for the help and any suggestions.

 

[T56 Impala]

First off, WELCOME!!!!

I understand where you are coming from. Buying cheap isn't always the most cost effective thing to do. However, for what you say you are doing, you seem to be doing well.

I would say forget the HF pry bars. Spend just s a little more (wait for a sale) and get the Craftsman 3 pc set. For the replacements for the "cheap slip joint& lineman's pliers" I might suggest the Kobalt set from Lowes. They are a good value for the money and perform quite well. A good flashlight might be good too.

Join the Craftsman Club via their web site. You will get member only pricing and advanced notice of sale events. Stay in touch on here. We discuss deals all the time.

You will notice that there is a differing opinion on brands and countries of production. We don't all have unlimited funds or even the need to go the Truck Vendor route. Not all HF stuff is bad. Not all Snap On stuff is the best. YOU need to figure out what the job requires and fill YOUR needs within you budget.

The *0th Box you spoke of is decent if you are going new. You can always find deals on CL and Ebay if you are willing to wait.

Good luck and ask any questions you have. Someone will have an answer for ya!!!!

 

[Norton155]

Welcome to the site. I'm also a tool novice but have learned very much by reading and asking questions on here. This is really a wonderful group of people. Like Impala said, skip the HF pry bars, grab a three piece set of the standard Craftsman pry bars when they are on sale for $20. The Craftsman pro pry bars are really nice, and go on sale for $30-35 fairly often.
I would also suggest you pick up some locking pliers. I would recommend the genuine vice grip brand.
I just picked up one of those 80th anniversary six drawer top boxes for $68 on clearance this week. It is the nicest tool box I have every owned and will probably try to find a deal on a ball bearing bottom cabinet next. Oh, and check if your local Sears has any other 80th anniv stuff left. The three piece ratchets were clearance for $25 even if the shelf price is different. These ratchets come highly recommended for weekend warrior duty on this site.
Gearwrenches are great, but do not pay full price. You just missed a 50% off sale at Sears, but I think these types of deals come along a few times a year.

 

[dxdexter]

Welcome aboard. I'm not sure what your Craftsman sets include , so I will list what I would feel a well equipped home toolbox would include without breaking the bank and purchasing tools in duplication. I went through my box and picked out the necessities. You may not require all of this and you also my need some specialized tools for your vehicles.

*1/4" drive: ratchet,drive handle, extensions(2",6",10"), sockets deep and regular: 4.5mm to 10mm, 7/32" to 3/8",universal joint
*3/8" drive: ratchet, flex handle, extensions (2",3"6"10",12"),sockets deep and regular: 8mm to 24mm, 5/16" to 7/8". Spark plug sockets 5/8",11/16",13/16",Torx sockets,universal joint
*1/2" drive; ratchet, flex handle 15",extensions(6",11"), sockets deep and regular 1/2" to 1 1/4", 10mm to 28mm,universal joint
*1/2" drive torque wrench
*8oz and 24oz ball peen hammer also brass , rubber & dead blow hammer
*Combination wrenches 1/4" to 1 1/4" and 7mm to 28mm, flare nut wrenches (metric and SAE)
*pipe wrenches 10" and 18"
*6",12",15" adjustable wrench
*Screwdrivers: slots,phillips,robertsons,awl,mini
*side cutters, multi-meter,12v test light,tin snips,tubing cutter,needle nose, assorted files, easy out set,vise grips (various sizes), large slip joint pliers, scissors, electricians knife, lineman's pliers,allen wrenches (metric,SAE),feeler gauges,spark plug gauge,hacksaw,18"prybar,pin punches,center punches, drill bit set up to 1/2",tap and die set, cold chisels,safety glasses,hearing protection,filter wrench,vernier calipers,inspection mirror,flaring tool,rivet gun,gloves
*mini grinder, 1/2"corded drill, impact gun and sockets,air chuck, tire gauge,

With regard to the box, I used a six drawer box for many years with out any problems, but I also had a 12 drawer roller cabinet under it. I would however suggest you get the biggest box you can afford because you may out grow it sooner than you think and its cheaper to buy once.

I probably missed lots of stuff but if you had the tools mentioned you would be well ahead of many. You can add different types of wrenches as needed.I'm sure others will add to the list.

 

[MustHang]

Since I'm also a kind of noob in the tool department even if I got alot of the tools on your list, what is a flare nut wrench ? what type of job you use this ?

EDIT: I saw what it was with google and it was recommended on aluminum and brass fittings in brakes system. Any other use ? Suggestion on brand and model ?

Thanks

 

[kvom]

dxdexter has a very good list. A couple of things I'd add are the 1/2-3/8 and 3/8-1/4 socket adapters. This lets you use, for example, a 1/2" ratchet/extensions with the 3/8 sockets when you want a little more torque.

I also recommend getting a magnetic "pickup" for when you drop a nut or bolt somewhere that's real hard to reach.

I get a lot of use out of my tapered alignment bars.

 

[Stuey]

Since you're building up your kit, check Sears' site every Friday and Sunday. There are occasionally Friday/Saturday only sales, and the new weekly sales flyer comes out on Sunday.

Sometimes the tools you want but may not need will be 50% off and great buys.

From the looks of it, your kit is pretty good as it is. As time goes on, you'll find out what accessories and additions you need.

You may want a non-marring hammer that has a bit more oomf than a mallet - Home Depot caries a nice Vaughan one.

Also, check out Amazon.com and add a few tools you like to your cart. Check the cart every now and then, as certain items can be had for ridiculous prices sometimes.

I scored great deals on my cordless drill, jigsaw, a hole saw kit, and a few Leathermans. Their "friday sale" can be a great source for discounted tools, but you have to check it as early in the morning as possible. Some of the great deals sell out at 3:05 EST, while others go strong until 24 hrs later when the sale ends.

Pick up some safety glasses/goggles, and some nitrile gloves.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Chappys4life,
Does your username refer to the old Yamaha Chappy?
Even if it doesn't, WELCOME to the site.

 

[chappys4life]

Chappys4life,
Does your username refer to the old Yamaha Chappy?
Even if it doesn't, WELCOME to the site.

Haha yes and with a spin. Me and a friend call "metric choppers" chappys instead of choppers so thats why. Good catch.

Did a little tool shopping. I picked up a 80th anniversary chest, reversing gearwrench wrench set (metric), non-slip lining, and some plastic socket organizers. I tried to get the 80th cabinet to but they are sold out.....even though the site lists them in stock. I need to stop by lowes and pickup the wrench set (thanks t56). I will take an inventory of my stuff and post what exactly I have later.

One more thing. I signed up for the craftsman club and haven't got my card yet but I want something that is on sale for craftsman club members only. How do I buy it? (btw its the pick set I want)

 

[Norton155]

Which wrench set from Lowe's are you looking at?

 

[chappys4life]

Which wrench set from Lowe's are you looking at?

hehe sorry plier set. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=253677-16878-50954&lpage=none

 

[Norton155]

hehe sorry plier set. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=253677-16878-50954&lpage=none

Nice, looks like a great price. If you are at Lowe's check out the Stanley Fat Max screwdrivers. Lowe's sells them for under $10. The set includes a larger phillips and slotted heavy duty screwdriver. Here is a link to a review. I couldn't find them on the Lowe's site but I know they stock them.

http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/14/test-to-destruction-stanleys-demolition-screwdrivers/#more-4158

 

[Stuey]

Nice, looks like a great price. If you are at Lowe's check out the Stanley Fat Max screwdrivers.

I couldn't find them on the Lowe's site but I know they stock them.

They used to be on the Lowes's site, but for some reason they were removed at about the same time as yellow tags were slapped on. Oddly enough, they've had the yellow reduced price tags since at least November.

If anyone is on the lookout for these, be aware that the ones with a cardboard backing and clamshell front are made in England, but the ones which dangle loosely are made in Asia.

 

[chappys4life]

I finally sat down to inventory and organize my tools since I got a chest to put my stuff in. I realized I had more sockets than I thought and in 1/4 and 3/8 I have double 6pt set one in old stamped set and easy read set. So here's what I have so far.

1/4 drive: 6pt shallow 4-14mm, 4-12m , 5/32-7/16, 5/32-9/16 complete sets
6pt deep 6mm-10mm & 3/16-7/16

3/8 drive: 6pt shallow 2 sets 6mm-19mm, 2 sets 1/4-13/16
12pt shallow 12mm-18mm, 1/4-13/16
6pt deep 12mm-18mm, 1/4-13/16

1/2 drive: 12pt 5/8, 11/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1

2x 1/4" craftsman ratchet
2x 3/8" craftsman ratchet

I can't seem to find my 1/2" craftsman ratchet, I know I had one. I am bidding on a snap-on ratchet on ebay just in case I lost mine.

craftsman screwdriver set 24pcs
craftsman wrenches sae - 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16
craftsman 12 piece wrench set metric 7mm-18mm
gearwrench 8pc reversible set metric
cheap slip joint pliers & lineman pliers
klien wire stripper & wire crimper
husky pro wire cutters
cheap hammer
ryobi cordless drill
craftsman digital multimeter
husky allen wrenches metric/sae
2x craftsman nicer feeler gauge
test light
dwell meter
safety glasses

My plan so far:

Craftsman torx set metric (need for this weekend)
Kobalt plier set
flare wrenches metric (any recommendations)
3/8 drive extension set (any recommendations)
Pickup missing pieces for 1/2 drive and maybe get a size higher or two
Pickup missing wrenches in sae set
Irwin locking wrenches set
More deep well sockets for 1/4 and 3/8
Make my sets match on the 1/4 drive
More 12pt sockets for 3/8
Get 1/2 drive metric set shallow.
Get a gearwrench set sae

At convince and how money goes pickup snap-on screwdrivers (5-6pc) and some snap-on ratchets.

So from what I have and plan to get anything I need to look at? I have one question about hammers. For building up my box for now what should I look at?