Building my Tool Collection

[ahayes09]

Hey all,

I'm in the market to start building my tool collection. I've narrowed down the toolbox I'm going to get. (Kobalt 11-drawer 41 inch) An empty toolbox would be useless though. I think I want the 227 piece Kobalt tool set to start out with. http://www.lowes.com/pd_338518-2232...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

I would most certainly upgrade the ratchets to Snap On to utilize my student discount on tools. Wrenches, I was thinking of getting a larger set of Kobalt wrenches. I've heard Craftsman has gone down the drain in terms of quality and Kobalt is very good quality at a very reasonable price.

I guess what I'm getting at here is, does Kobalt make tools that can stand up to daily use? What all do I need for a beginner tool set?

Any help/input you all have I would greatly appreciate!

 

[MoparTruck85]

I only have one Kobalt tool, a 3/8" orbital head ratchet. I'm impressed with the quality and feel of it and want to get a 1/4" and 1/2" to match. I don't know about their other tools but I know the ratchets are lifetime warranty, I asked a Lowes employee before I bought it and he said if it breaks I could just bring it back to Lowes to have it replaced.

 

[dandan111]

Starting from scratch I would say you are right to get a basic starter set. Find a good used tool box on Craig's list. Something sturdy.

 

[zkling]

What is your overall budget?
I'd buy a basic set of sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches all new. Just to get started, then fill in later when needed/opportunity arises. Piecing together a complete set one by one at garage sales and the like is going to be frustrating, time consuming and $ in the end.

For new tool boxes, the Harbor Freight 44" bottom at ~$350 is really hard to beat qualty/$ wise. Lots of folks on here are very happy with it. Or there is always the used route like Dan mentioned above. If you get lucky you may find a complete set of tools for sale on CL or a garage sale, that would probably be the best for high quality and low price, but it will be a game of luck to find.

I like kobalt stuff. Now that craftsman has gone to china I'm starting to look more at the kobalt stuff. Although I am a lover of "Made in USA" the options are pretty slim for the DIY guy. Gearwrench is another to consider, offshore, but very well respected. SK, armstrong, Wiliams, Wright, Proto are all good USA options, but will be more $ than kobalt.....Usually.

If you are lucky you may find a leftover craftsman starter set still made in USA. Some parts of the country seem to have more old USA stock then others. Personally I wouldn't purchase any new craftsman china stuff.

Just my 2¢ and welcome to GJ

 

[Stuey]

FYI, that Kobalt 227pc was half-off last Black Friday/Thanksgiving weekend.

http://toolguyd.com/lowes-black-friday-2012/

It *might* be on sale again this year, possibly not. If you can wait until the BF flyer is leaked in early November, then wait. If not, then it's a decent set even at $200.

If you find that the tools don't hold up to daily use, swap them at Lowes for warranty replacements and then upgrade to something better.

 

[ahayes09]

Thanks everybody.

I probably should have mentioned budget in my first post, huh. I'm hoping to keep everything I need to start under $3,000. This includes air tools and cordless tools. I was strongly considering getting all Matco, Mac, or Snap On tools to start with mainly because of the student discount. However, the more I thought about that, the more I thought maybe I'll just pick up some ratchets and possibly wrenches off the trucks at a decent price. Maybe I'll get lucky and get a sweet deal on a 1/2" impact wrench. I'll start out as a lube tech, so I won't need EVERYTHING. But I definitely want to have a well equipped tool box to be able to do more than oil changes and swapping a few air filters a day.

 

[ahayes09]

I did see that the 227 piece set was half off last year for black friday. I'm definitely willing to wait it out to get it at that killer of a price. Besides, my girlfriend always takes me black friday shopping, this way I get to kill some time in a store I'll actually enjoy going in. Sorry for the double post, still learning how to work everything!

 

[wittycow]

Kobalt gets a bad rap on here. For the price, it is a very good deal vs. reliability. I work in a shop and my tools are a mix of Mac, Matco, Snap On and lots of Kobalt and Gearwrench. If you do not abuse the tools, the Kobalt is great. In fact their 1/4" premium ratchet is my favorite one.

If you shop around between Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, etc plus a few of the trucks, you can really put together a nice set for a reasonable amount of money.

Same for Impact stuff, for the money you just can't beat the Sunex stuff.

Heck, if you really look around most of all these tools are made by only 4 or 5 companies and re-branded.

 

[sloppy]

I have been using some kobalt tools for daily work without issue. sockets, ratchet, wrench's all seem good..

 

[cburnscrx]

For the tool box, I think you're going to have a very hard time beating the HF 44", especially for the $$$ ($359 with coupon). If that's not your style, used off Craigslist is the way to go.

As far as sockets go, you might want to look into the Craftsman 299 pc. ultimate socket set. It too goes on sale, and I've even heard rumors of $299, making it a dollar a socket. I've personally seen it for $349, and it's on sale right now for $399. It's every 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 socket Craftsman makes (non impact). Plus then you can pick your ratchets because while I generally like craftsman, their raised panel ratchets leave a lot to be desired, and it's well documented on this site.

Ratchets...Trident has the Gearwrench 120xp on sale for way cheaper than you'll get it anywhere else. Very good quality but no quick release. I am really, really pleased with Titan ratchets (similar style to Kobalt, but if you disassemble them you'll see a slight different). Look at some of the reviews on here. Watch for deals in general...the flex head Kobalt was recently on clearance (and brought back), as part of a tune up kit for around $12. Another avenue I would consider would be the Husky 72 tooth ratchets made by Apex. If you aren't aware, Apex owns Gearwrench and Armstrong....

More to follow...

 

[ahayes09]

@cburnscrx, how are the Craftsman sockets? I was hoping to get as many 6 point sockets as possible. That set does look like it has a good mix of 6 and 12-point in there. That definitely does seem like the best bang for the buck though. The only concern I have with getting Craftsman is that there really is only one Sears by me that I don't see staying open a whole lot longer.

@wittycow, I've seen the Sunnex stuff when browsing the tool selection at Lowes. It did feel very nice in hand and I was considering snagging a set of 1/2" deep well metric. Hearing someone say they're good may have just sealed the deal for me.

What do you all think as far as air tools go? I won't need anything more than a 1/2" impact wrench to start. I was thinking I may as well shell out the cash here. If at all possible, I would love to get a gun on the quiet side. My hearing is already shot to hell from concerts, NASCAR races, NHRA, etc...

 

[madison069]

from the reading here, the Harbor Freight earthquake 1/2" impact gun is hard to beat.

I'll be getting one soon and hope to have good results with it.

 

[scarney1988]

That kobalt set will serve you well. I bought a similar husky set (taiwan made) 10ish years ago and I still use the ratchets and sockets daily. Returning things is simple and easy. You can always upgrade later. Dont forget a basic phillips, flat, and torx driver kit. A Stanley ratcheting screwdriver would be nice as well.

Also, use the classifieds on here. If you are patient you can get some really good deals on SO, MAC, MATCO, Cornwell, Armstrong, Proto, Blackhawk, etc...

Don't be the guy who hides in the bathroom when the snapon truck pulls up.

Sounds like you are being smart and being realistic

 

[chrisa7164]

I've had Snap on..Chicago pneumatic..Mac..impact wrenches over the years, but the Ingersoll Rand was the best.

 

[dandan111]

Hayes ,I don't know prices but SK are great tools and being made more USA than ever. Won't be cheap but will be tools in 20 years you are glade you bought. Maybe start with a SK quality 3/8 socket set. Buy harbor freight 1/2 impact and 1/2 HF impact sockets.

 

[ahayes09]

Sounds like you are being smart and being realistic

Originally, I had planned to get all Snap On, Matco, Mac, SK. After thinking about it a little bit more I decided it probably wasn't the best idea. Sure getting 50% off of just about everything is pretty sweet, but I don't want to save every penny I make to spend on tools. Based on what I'm hearing, the Kobalt set will serve me well as a starter set. That 299 piece socket set from Craftsman definitely has me thinking though. Would that be smarter for me to get? Honestly, I'm already partial to Kobalt as it is. Being a fan of Jimmie Johnson in the 48 Lowe's car will most likely drive me to get the Kobalt set.

While I would love to have a nice Epiq Snap On tool box filled to the brim with truck brand tools, that's unrealistic and quite frankly, stupid. (in my opinion of course) Some Harbor Freight tools do exactly as they're intended and cost a fraction of the Snap On counterpart. I don't feel as if I'm "too good" to use a certain brand of tool. I'll treat myself to a few truck brand tools a year maybe, and after a while I'll have a solid set.

Hell, a lifetime warranty is a lifetime warranty.

@chrisa7164, I was already leaning towards IR impact tools. They seem to be high quality and at a reasonable price. I currently work as a service advisor at a Cadillac dealership. I'm pretty close with some of the techs at the dealership who let me use their tools when I need to work on my truck. The IR impact guns I've used seem to be the best in my experience and last forever when treated with care.

If it makes a difference to anyone's suggestions, I will almost 100% for sure be working at the same dealership when a start as a technician. Even if I don't go the technician route and decide to stay as a service advisor, I want to start building my tool collection. With that said, I will almost exclusively drive GM throughout my life and will work on GM at the dealership.

 

[trout]

Kobalt ratchets seem nice, the new sockets are horrible though, at least the 12pts.

 

[pfctblu]

... Would that be smarter for me to get? ...

Hell, a lifetime warranty is a lifetime warranty.

Since you asked, Ill toss a bit of advice in here:

Smarter depends on your criteria. My criteria usually is about "quality and value".

For this reason, I would look at Williams ratchets as they are 80% snap on for less than half the money. You can get all three flex ratchets for $100 here . Yes they are 36 tooth but they are proven and excellent quality. If you need finer tooth ratchets, Kobalt may be fine but Id look closely at the Blackhawk series as well. Someone mentioned the 120xp series. I have a 120xp stubby flex and its pretty awesome. I wouldn't go crazy leaning on a 120xp ratchet but that's just me. They don't feel wimpy, but I use them more for finesse. If you do go for them, Trident is a terrific vendor.

For sockets, you seem to like Kobalt and I think they make fine sockets. In your case, load up on them as they go on sale (often). A good 1/4 and 3/8 will get you 90% down the road and you can build from there as time and $ permit.

Above, someone mentioned a good ratcheting screwdriver. Again, Williams is hard to beat for $25.

In terms of warranty. Snap On has treated me well and stood behind their warranty on a Williams finish defect so they have earned my business in this regard. For the money, Williams is just fantastic value.

Lastly, go straight out and buy the HF 44 chest. Its exceptional value for money.

 

[ahayes09]

Kobalt ratchets seem nice, the new sockets are horrible though, at least the 12pts.

What makes their sockets so horrible? In your experience, are the new Craftsman sockets that much better than the Kobalt?
Maybe I should search the forums for a Craftsman vs. Kobalt thread here.

@pfctblu thank you for the input. I have heard the name Williams thrown around before, just never knew where I could pick some of their tools up. I will definitely look into that as I have heard nothing but great things about them.

As far as Snap On warranty goes, do you warranty through the truck, or mail in? Unfortunately Snap On trucks are hard to come by where I'm from. If the techs where I work are lucky, they'll see the Snap On guy once a month. I'm not sure if he doesn't like dealing with the techs where I work or what, but he stops at the Toyota dealership next door once a week but will not come to the dealership I work at. Even if the techs run next door to buy something from him, he gives the same response every single time, "sorry, I can't help you."

 

[pfctblu]

For warratny, you can email them or call Snap On directly. In the case of Williams, you can call Snap On Industrial Brands . My warranty was handled via email.

Williams is great stuff, you cannot go wrong.

Also, be sure to check out Epsteins when you buy tools - A GarageJournal Institution!

PS: Just realized you are kinda new. Not ALL Williams is US made. Look for letters in the item numbers - An example: a 1/2 flex ratchet is a S52-EHFA. If you see all numbers, that is Overseas made Williams. If you see letters, usually its USA. Taiwan Williams is still nice, but not the same.

 

[trout]

What makes their sockets so horrible? In your experience, are the new Craftsman sockets that much better than the Kobalt?
Maybe I should search the forums for a Craftsman vs. Kobalt thread here.

I have had to use my friends set a couple times now, the sockets are very poor fitting. They look really nice and the ratchets aren't bad, smooth operating but feel a bit loose. Worth the money for occasional use but I wouldn't rely on them.

New Craftsman as in China, I have no experience with the sockets. But if you get the 299 piece set it seems that it is still USA made. I personally have that set and love it though I favor my Snap On semi-deeps for most jobs.

If you're looking to save money go used or check out http://www.searsoutlet.com

 

[cburnscrx]

@cburnscrx, how are the Craftsman sockets? I was hoping to get as many 6 point sockets as possible. That set does look like it has a good mix of 6 and 12-point in there. That definitely does seem like the best bang for the buck though. The only concern I have with getting Craftsman is that there really is only one Sears by me that I don't see staying open a whole lot longer.

I've had Craftsman sockets for quite a few years now (before laser etching was even offered), and they're pretty good as far as I am concerned. I've beat on them pretty good a couple of differrent times both at work and at home. Are Snap On's better? Sure. Cost effectiveness, not as much.

The Sears near you closing might be of some conceren, as I don't know the distance between you and the next one. Unfortunately, I don't think you can get the quantity and quality of sockets from anywhere else for anything close to that price. What I would likely do is get the craftsman sockets, and IF you manage to break one, run to Lowes to get the Kobalt version until you have the time to warranty the Craftsman.

I would say just get the Kobalt sets, but there's two issuess...they skip sizes with no individual replacements offered, and they're more expensive. On a plus side if you get a kit you can still use the ratchets, as they're pretty good.

Wrenches...I'd look at Gearwrench first, then Kobalt (missing sizes), Craftsman (USA only in this case, if you can find them), or the pricier SK.

Ratcheting wrenches - Gearwrench

Screwdrivers - Craftsman Professional or Williams. The Craftsman Pro's are the same as the SK Cushiongrips, but significantly cheaper.

Take a look at Wilde for pliers and wrenches, as they are the manufacturer for some Craftsman stuff among other manufacturers. Most people like Channellock for groove joint pliers, and I would say Knipex Cobolt for mini bolt cutters. If you like the Knipex Cobras for water pump pliers, get the Craftsman version (made by Knipex, easier warranty and cheaper too).

Hope that helps!

 

[cburnscrx]

I'll second the Craftsman 299 pc set still being made in the USA...I've heard nothing to the contrary.

 

[MISTERgadget]

Is the Craftsman 299 piece set still USA made?

 

[Brownsfan]

I don't think it's still USA made. But more likely stores or warehouses stil have a bunch of USA made stock. It is not as fast mover compared to the sets you see in stores(an increasing number is now china). If you want this set and want it USA made I would get it now. My box has all craftsman USA sockets and they have been great going on 20 years some of that time in a shop. I do have a Kobalt 40pc 3/8 set I got for $20 on sale for my set of road install tools. No issues at all.

 

[cburnscrx]

I don't think it's still USA made. But more likely stores or warehouses stil have a bunch of USA made stock. It is not as fast mover compared to the sets you see in stores(an increasing number is now china). If you want this set and want it USA made I would get it now. My box has all craftsman USA sockets and they have been great going on 20 years some of that time in a shop. I do have a Kobalt 40pc 3/8 set I got for $20 on sale for my set of road install tools. No issues at all.

I would agree with this assessment. If you want a collection that large and USA made, I'd do it now rather than waiting

 

[hell_fish_65]

I have become a big fan of the craftsman pro screwdrivers. I prefer a real screw driver over a racheting driver every time, but thats just me. On the sockets, I have had no issues with HF impact sockets. All are 6 point. A handful of mechanic friends recommended I get them. Spend the money of Snap on line wrenches. Worth every dime.

If you are in a smaller town, Ace Hardware carries craftsman too. Not sure if they can handle warranty issues, but worth asking.

 

[u118224]

On impact sockets, you can get Armstrong through Cripe Dist in 3/8 and 1/2, shallow and deep. These are USA sockets with radiused corners. I have built my impact socket sets this way and it's very cost effective. Cripe sells them individually so it takes time to go through the website. You may have to fill in pieces through E-Bay or with SK through Tooltopia. Also, SK sets on Tooltopia are very cost effective as well.

 

[AV tinker er]

Hayes ,I don't know prices but SK are great tools and being made more USA than ever. Won't be cheap but will be tools in 20 years you are glade you bought. Maybe start with a SK quality 3/8 socket set. Buy harbor freight 1/2 impact and 1/2 HF impact sockets.

snap on makes some great tools but don't feel like you need to break the bank starting out. What happens if you don't like this career and you stuck in debt for something you won't be using if you change careers. Remember cash is king!

 

[Moose97]

I think you're on the right track. Don't go top dollar until you actually start making the money. The HF 44" box is a great way to go. The Kobalt would be fine as would the Craftsman. You can upgrade your tools as money allows. I know it's not popular on this site but I like Craftsman. They have done anything I've ever needed of them.

 

[sberry]

If I had to start over I would also buy a set from one of those and go from there, sprinkle in the C locks and Vise Grips, would then head to Walmart and buy sets of bits, hex, torx and see where that took me. If something didn't work would add as needed. You shouldn't be scared to buy something you need but stores are great these days, keep a little cash in pocket, buy 15$ set.

 

[sberry]

In todays world I could easily outfit myself well enough to turn bolts for 3K. Good tools are as good as they have always been but so much cheap has gone way up in quality and sometimes is the same in a different box.

It takes too much additional inventory to cheapen part of a product line in many cases.

 

[crewchief888]

CM, kobalt, gearwrench will probably serve your needs.

in my (limited) experience )with them) kobalt & gearwrench both have some good lower priced ratchets.

better ratchets will make working "seem" easier.

williams, armstrong, proto, and CM pro wrenches will probably outlast you.

i cant comment on any of the newer SK stuff, all mine is 55 years old.

as mentioned before, the HF 44" roller is hard to beat for the money.

IF i needed tool storage, (i dont), i wouldt hesitate to buy a HF box, and i'm sorta a toolbox "snob"

if you find yourself using torx bits a LOT, spend the money for some SO gold bits. they're the only ones i havent managed to break or twist off.

 

[basspro]

The harbor freight box (44inch) isnt bad, I love my masterforce (montezuma). A montezuma or extreme would make a good choice as would the Homak H2pro.

 

[Davefr]

I would most certainly upgrade the ratchets to Snap On to utilize my student discount on tools.

I'd maximize your student discount on tool truck brands as long as you have the opportunity. Limit it to just the hardlines like ratchets, wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc.

To help accomplish this I'd scrimp on tool storage. Buy used or HF. You can always upgrade later. (the student discount on storage isn't nearly as compelling as tools).

Once you no longer have the student discount then branch out to other brands like SK, Proto, Williams, or used tool truck brands.

The student discount programs are really too good to not take advantage of.

 

[ahayes09]

I'd maximize your student discount on tool truck brands as long as you have the opportunity. Limit it to just the hardlines like ratchets, wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc.

To help accomplish this I'd scrimp on tool storage. Buy used or HF. You can always upgrade later. (the student discount on storage isn't nearly as compelling as tools).

Once you no longer have the student discount then branch out to other brands like SK, Proto, Williams, or used tool truck brands.

The student discount programs are really too good to not take advantage of.

I'm thinking I'll buy the Craftsman socket set, IF I get lucky enough to find a USA set. If not, I'll have to explore other options for sockets. With holiday season coming up somewhat soon, I'll ask for wrenches and ratchets.

 

[Moose97]

Craftsman.com currently has a 309 piece mechanics tool set on sale for $199.99. Regularly $399.99. That and a HF box would be a nice start and you can add on from there.

 

[shockwave]

Look at mayhew for punches and prybay they cannot be beat

Williams for screwdrivers

Look at gearwrench for ratcheting and non ratcheting wrenches
And look at gearwrench for sockets they are damn good and lifetime warranty I just picked up a 10-19 chrome universal 3/8 set for $18 from advance auto for my grab bag they work better than my bosses matco sockets imo

 

[not-required]

I'd maximize your student discount on tool truck brands as long as you have the opportunity. Limit it to just the hardlines like ratchets, wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc.

To help accomplish this I'd scrimp on tool storage. Buy used or HF. You can always upgrade later. (the student discount on storage isn't nearly as compelling as tools).

Once you no longer have the student discount then branch out to other brands like SK, Proto, Williams, or used tool truck brands.

The student discount programs are really too good to not take advantage of.

I agree with this. While I was in school a bought a decent amount of snap on and matco but I had a lot of other brands craftsman etc. Now that I'm out of school and no longer have the discount I wish I bought more. Coming up with the cash for snap on is tough but the discount is too good to pass up.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[kbeefy]

I'd maximize your student discount on tool truck brands as long as you have the opportunity. Limit it to just the hardlines like ratchets, wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc.

To help accomplish this I'd scrimp on tool storage. Buy used or HF. You can always upgrade later. (the student discount on storage isn't nearly as compelling as tools).
The student discount programs are really too good to not take advantage of.

I agree with this. While I was in school a bought a decent amount of snap on and matco but I had a lot of other brands craftsman etc. Now that I'm out of school and no longer have the discount I wish I bought more. Coming up with the cash for snap on is tough but the discount is too good to pass up.

+2

I wish I had taken advantage of the excellent student discount while it was available. I'd definitely buy a set of metric combo wrenches and 3/8 universal impact sockets. I really like my convertable snap-on ratcheting screwdriver, I use it whenever I can't get some sort of driver/power tool to whatever screw I want out.

For other impact sockets HF should be fine.

Like Dave mentioned, skimp on the box so you can maximize tool purchasing power. A big shiney box looks cool, but I can do the same job out of a GI surplus tool bag or clamshell.

+1 for Gearwrench brand gearwrenches. I prefer the non-reversible straight double ended ones. The ones I have are 14 years old, I use them almost every day and have yet to have one fail. Make sure you get the fine tooth ones, I got a craftsman set that were coarse and hated them.