Bulk tool recommendations

[mattenderle488]

I feel like this is the forum to go for some information. I'm looking at buying my dad a whole new socket set for the farm. He does need both metric and sae so that almost doubles my cost.

My main reason for this is that his current set is older than I am and missing sockets. He also doesn't have any socket accessories like extensions or swivels. I'm always wishing I brought my own tools when I go back there. My kit is just an Allen branded 144pc kit with a few Craftsman peices here and there.

Can anyone recommend a good source for pretty much buying a whole kit or kits? I was thinking 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4" sockets.

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[ez-duzit]

Your dad probably prefers his old tools to some new import stuff. So why don't you buy replacements for the missing pieces?

 

[mattenderle488]

Your dad probably prefers his old tools to some new import stuff. So why don't you buy replacements for the missing pieces?

I understand your point. My dad just doesn't have the time or the money to buy new ones. With the farm, house, and new combine to pay for he is just using what he has.

He also bought a small set because he was missing so many but it was a 12point and only a 1/4" set.

I got him a gear wrench set from HD when he was down by me. And he really appreciated it.

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[jgromada]

You might consider something like this. Doesn't sound like he is too particular. Home Depot $99 as they are running a special.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-230-Piece-H230MTS/301653450

 

[65k10]

It might be more than you want to spend, but the Tekton 13203 1/2 drive socket set might be something to consider. I don't have this set (I mostly have proto sockets), but I like that it's one of the cheaper 1/2 drive sets that doesn't skip sizes and includes larger sizes you run into on farm equipment. Their 3/8 drive set is also worth a look.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYZ2IJ5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You could also get a cheaper set like that linked husky and add any needed sizes.

For 3/4 drive a good start might be the impact socket sets harbor freight sells, then go find a decent used proto 3/4 ratchet on ebay. Thats just an idea from the top of my head. There are a lot of other good options when it comes to acquiring 3/4 drive tools

Eta. This might be another option worth considering. I just don't know how good it is. Maybe someone knows.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...157527059.htm?tid=8466318694121591305&ipos=10

 

[notlob]

Here's a Kobalt set similar to the above Husky set on sale for $99 :

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-227-Piece-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Case-Metal-Latches/1000642747

3/4" drive sets get pretty spendy unless you go with Harbor Fright.

 

[mattenderle488]

I think I found this nice set on Amazon. He doesn't need all the little wrenches and stuff. But these should probably be impact safe.

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[ez-duzit]

Unsubscribed.

 

[M6erfan]

^^^

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

Here's a Kobalt set similar to the above Husky set on sale for $99 :

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-227-Piece-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Case-Metal-Latches/1000642747

3/4" drive sets get pretty spendy unless you go with Harbor Fright.

The 189 piece set is better. All 6 points, better spread of tools without the fluff pieces, and 90 tooth ratchets iirc.

 

[Zewnten]

If you have a Harbor freight near I always recommend the 301 'mechanic' piece set. Comes with it's own case so anything missing is easy to spot, and with one of their regular coupon deals it can usually be had for $150. The wrenches are a little lacking though but that can be found for pretty cheap from Allied, about $30/ea SAE and metric and the sizes go up to 1 1/4 and they come in their own rolls again so a missing wrench stands out and the durability is pretty good considering the price. If you had a bit extra instead of the Allied wrenches you could get the long pattern Gearwrench set SAE and metric Amazon has for $200.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Might get luck and find some new 'old' stuff at https://cripedistributing.com/ or a less than a shiny brand new set of American tools on ebay.

 

[DFB]

Didn't give a price point and since "Dad" has previously "lost" things and hadn't replaced them seems to me I won't go overboard here with my recommendations

My first thought for you is the HF 64 pc

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets.html

It covers most of the general socket drive requirement's without breaking the bank especially if there is the possibility to misplace things I have flipped a few of these on my tool tables and they are pretty popular I tried them myself before I ever sold one to see if the sockets would strip or the ratchet break because I want repeat business from customers. Nope nada...not during my tests. I was casually impressed. And after having some other HF sets to compare it to turns out the sockets are the same (same part# etc) as the "professional" 3/8" sets Just the ratchets are slightly different though very similar. My personal recommendation for better performance from the ratchets open em' up and grease em'

Now its hard to find sockets set not overloaded with extra stuff nobody really wants but hey it bumps up the tool count, but keeping well under a $100 but some are there something like this Stanley

https://www.walmart.com/ip/STANLEY-...hguid=3cb51bd0-5e7-16766cde8592d9&athena=true

Don't really get the "black" and that might not help at keeping track of the tools. (maybe the colored ones at HF be even better yet )

Klutch at NT 97 pc

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200485140_200485140

I have always been happy with Craftsman socket sets and they are still plenty available just a different COO. You could look at them ACE, LOWES etc. Even Summit Racing online sells Craftsman.

Holidays are here Dewally sets often run on special at HD and places like CPO and ACME.

Crescent, Husky, Gearwrench Tekton, ATD

Good luck

Almost a shame HF doesn't have the old metal box 3 pc set anymore

 

[Gurp]

If you have a Harbor freight near I always recommend the 301 'mechanic' piece set. Comes with it's own case so anything missing is easy to spot, and with one of their regular coupon deals it can usually be had for $150. The wrenches are a little lacking though but that can be found for pretty cheap from Allied, about $30/ea SAE and metric and the sizes go up to 1 1/4 and they come in their own rolls again so a missing wrench stands out and the durability is pretty good considering the price. If you had a bit extra instead of the Allied wrenches you could get the long pattern Gearwrench set SAE and metric Amazon has for $200.

The HF set is pretty decent just fot the sockets. The wrenchesamd ratchets are lacking in the set. I worked out of that set for 3 years. I replacedthe ratchets with flea market finds and was very happy with it.

 

[gatlibs]

If you are willing to spend, then getting a SK set like 9449 ($205 before shipping S.A.E. & Metric, shallow and deep wells in 3/8"). It would be much more expensive, but you could probably buy the case, extensions, and drives first. Spread the cost by adding the sockets over time since he already has most of them - or any order/combination.

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-3-8-socket-sets-28713.html

I'd bet that the significance of the gift would increase provided that it was given piecemeal.

I bought an Allen branded blow molded case and Kobalt branded sockets/wrenches/ratchets from Cripes Distributing. They don't fit each other because of difference between brands. That's why I recommended the SK. Those hinges aren't just the flaps dividing the halves. If you don't like SK or the higher cost of SK, then you could buy a plastic toolbox, New Old Stock nice tools from Cripes Distributing, and some drawer liner/foam. I'm sure that a custom fitted toolbox would be long and much appreciated.

 

[Mecha]

I saw this at Napa, it looked like a pretty solid Gearwrench branded 1/4 and 3/8 wrench set.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/APA80948

 

[JazzBlueRT]

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-450-piece-mechanic-s-tool-set/p-00999040000P

$189 and done.

 

[jake00]

This set will do a lot of what you need to do on a farm...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FAPVQ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[LB-1911]

I think I found this nice set on Amazon. He doesn't need all the little wrenches and stuff. But these should probably be impact safe.

Another Tekton set worth a look -

3/8, 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Impact Socket Set, 38-Piece (3/8 - 1-1/4 in., 8-32 mm)
Item #4888



Set Includes:

6-pc. 3/8 in. drive shallow 6-pt. inch impact sockets: 3/8, 7/16 (11 mm), 1/2, 9/16, 11/16, 3/4 in. (19 mm)

7-pc. 3/8 in. drive shallow 6-pt. metric impact sockets: 8 (5/16 in.), 9, 12, 13, 14, 16 (5/8 in.), 17 mm

1-pc. 3/8 in. drive impact extension bar: 3 in.

10-pc. 1/2 in. drive deep 6-pt. inch impact sockets: 1/2, 9/16, 11/16, 3/4 (19 mm), 13/16, 7/8 (22 mm), 1, 1-1/16 (27 mm), 1-1/8, 1-1/4 in. (32 mm)

11-pc. 1/2 in. drive shallow 6-pt. metric impact sockets: 10, 11 (7/16 in.), 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (5/8 in.), 17, 18, 21, 24 mm (15/16 in.)

1-pc. 1/2 in. drive impact extension bar: 3 in.

1-pc. impact reducer: 1/2 in. drive (F) x 3/8 in. drive (M)
Includes carrying case

 

[Contender54]

Now is a good time to buy one of the kits recommended above, as they are deeply discounted for Christmas.
I'd recommend one of the kits, plus an extension/adapter set. It's very useful.
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-20-...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[Contender54]

Now is a good time to buy one of the kits recommended above, as they are deeply discounted for Christmas.
I'd recommend one of the kits, plus an extension/adapter set. It's very useful.
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-20-...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[DFB]

Well there you go...all kind of kits from $40 to $400

So pick ur poison

 

[Mecha]

Amazon put up some decent prices on 1/2" set from Tektron.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYZ2IJ5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And also for 1/4 and 3/8:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MDO6L90/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Robinson1]

Is he mostly working from a shop/barn or is he doing more field repairs out of a truck.

If from a truck I'd rather have multiple smaller sets in cases. Preferably cases that are fairly compact and hold just tools and not lots of unnecessary ****.

I recently bought a sunex master set of 1/2 drive impact sockets. No complaints and they live on my truck.

Tekton has a fairly nice and extremely complete 1/2 drive chrome set.

I'd go with a gearwrench master set for the 3/8 drive