Cannot decide between two Craftsman Kits ( help me :)

[quiksr20]

Im a weekend warrior for lack of a better word, I have recently started building out my tool colllection and starting my garage build ( will start a thread soon ). After moving and having a lack of good tools I want to start off on the right foot.

I race cars as a hobby, Primarily import cars ( Have a 300WHP Turbo Nissan & A BMW 3 Series ).. Most of everything on both of these cars is metric, on the BMW torx / Triple square etc..

https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/v/t1.0-9/481018_10201178029433532_1418569073_n.jpg?oh=c3c8e9e9ad937cf98bc04752f733dd33&oe=5775CED6

For a budget mechanics tool set can you give me and pros / cons between the bottom two sets? Or which you would pick, They literally have $10 difference just want to make sure im not missing anything.

I am having a hard time on deciphering which is the better deal, I already have screwdrivers and ratchets.. Im just starting my collection fresh..

Kit 1 - $209 - http://www.sears.com/craftsman-302-...0948302000P?prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10 Part# 00948302000P

Kit 2 - $199 - http://www.sears.com/craftsman-311-...p-00953311000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3 Part # 00953311000P

Any input would be greatly appreciated, There is not much thats SAE Std on either of these cars.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jd_1138]

Almost no difference, but I think I'd go for kit 2 because it has more 3/8 stuff.

 

[Wamsutta]

You'll be fine with either one as long as you never pick up a Snap-on tool.

If you do, you'll be ruined.

 

[PugetDude]

You'll be fine with either one as long as you never pick up a Snap-on tool.

If you do, you'll be ruined.

You Snap-On fanboys never miss an opportunity to denigrate, do you?

 

[kctyphoon]

Check out the gearwrench sets I posted in the hot deals forum.. Complete 6 point 3/8" with a free (complete 6 point) 1/4" set for like $105

Then you can buy a more complete set of wrenches to add to the kits..

Here - just an alternative, and no 12 point sockets like the craftsman sets..

The set with promo offer - http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80550F.html

Thread with pics of the set..
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931

The 3/8 set has 84 tooth ratchets, and the 1/4" is the 120 tooth.. These are COMPLETE sets. I was going to buy the Tekton's, but someone posted these for me instead and I bought them. They are extremely nice for the money, and your getting a lot without doubles and without 12 point sockets... What's nice too is they come in their own cases to keep everything organized.

And here is another Gearwrench wrench promo - metric reversible ratcheting wrench set with free sae reversible ratcheting wrench set for about $200. It comes with 16 metric and 13 sae reversible ratcheting wrenches.

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-9602NW.html

For a total of about $300 that's a pretty respectable tool set.. Maybe get some cheap tekton or HF standard combo wrenches for those tight situations, and a $$20 craftsman screwdriver set.. That should cover 95% of your socket needs in 1/4" and 3/8".

 

[Blazinzuk]

I know craftsman is a common to to. But you can get much more of what you want buying seperate. I would look at sunnex or grey Pneumatic. I have had experience with those.

I'm not a gotta have snap on type of guy. But wrenches I would spend the coin. Flare nut wrenches especially

 

[Citation]

Kit #1 includes the Craftsman version of the Apex/Gearwrench 80 tooth ratchet (72 tooth in this case). This is probably 100% the same as a Husky ratchet. The other kit claims to have a 72 tooth ratchet as well but the mechanism (based on the selector) would appear to be based on an upgraded version of the old, 36 count standard ratchets. No idea which would be better.

 

[Blazinzuk]

What you oughtta do is post up what you want to start with tool wise.

Then let the suggestions flow

 

[FigureItOut]

What you oughtta do is post up what you want to start with tool wise.

Then let the suggestions flow

Yeah, do that and these guys will blow you away. Weed through the suggestions to spend more than you wish to, and you'll end up with more tools you'll use, of a higher quality, at a comparable price to those sets.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[PJNJ]

If you are racing cars as a hobby and building a garage, I would skip both of those sets. If you are involved in the garage build, you'll need SAE (standard) wrenches and sockets as most of the homebuilding nuts and bolts are still SAE. And as others have said, there are other, better options out there.

Gearwrench regularly (seems like every other month) offers a 3/8 socket set deal that has the complete 3/8 sae and metric socket set with 84 tooth ratchets and the complete 1/4 sae and metric socket set with a 120xp ratchet.
Here's one from CPO outlets -
http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...html&antisku=antiskuB&cgid=gearwrench&start=3

Here's a gearbox (one side ratcheting, the other regular box) bogo -
www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrench-80550...html&antisku=antiskuB&cgid=gearwrench&start=3

Pick up metric shallow and deep 1/2 impact sockets from Sunex or Grey Pneumatic along with either a Harbor Freight or SK breaker bar and a 1/2 ratchet. You can skip the chrome sockets in 1/2 inch as there is usually enough room to use thicker impacts. I recommend a 15 inch Wright from Ebay - tough and last forever.

Grab some Proto Duratek or Williams hard handle screwdrivers, VIM specialty sockets (XYZ, hex, etc.) Get some WrightGrip metric combos and you are pretty much there except for your specialty tools, electric or pneumatic tools, and those tools you'll find you want or need such as swivel sockets, wobble extensions, flex ratchets, etc.

If you don't want Gearwrench, you can get SK, Proto, Wright, Armstrong (great 88 tooth locking ratchets) Williams and of course, Snap On. Me, I just picked up an SK 3/8 socket set, 94549 - more expensive than Gearwrench but a good quality set. I also have Gearwrench ratchets and sockets and they are very good.

Whatever you do decide, good luck.

 

[Citation]

OP, if these are really going to be your only tools then the Sears sets are probably good. However, the GW sets above are better if your intent is to build a tool collection.

Note that I don't believe the XP120 ratchets are better than the CM 72 tooth models. At least one of the Sears sets has ratchets based on the GW 80 tooth design. Based on looking at the Husky 100 tooth (XP120 based dual pawl) and the Husky 72 tooth (GW 80 tooth single pawl) I prefer the single pawl design. It's a bit lower in profile, the single pawl has more engagement area vs the dual pawl so it's less likely to fail under extreme load (in my engineering opinion) I also somewhat prefer the feel. Finally, I'm not convinced that the extra tooth count buys you much. I mention this because I see no evidence what so ever that, in this case, either ratchet is superior to the other. This isn't the case when talking about the base raised panel CM ratchets. Given that Apex makes both the CM and GW sockets I see no reason to favor one vs the other.

Anyway, I think this comes down to how do you want to built your tool collection. The Sears sets are fairly complete but you will want a set of non-ratcheting combination wrenches. The GW sets are nice because they are very complete in terms of 1/4 and 3/8 drive stuff but have nothing else. If you end up continuing to buy tools then this is a non-issue. With the Sears set you should probably buy a combination wrench set and then you may be good save for a few special sized sockets (for example I had to buy a 1-1/4 socket for an axle nut). Anyway, if you go GW you will have to buy more tools even to get started but you won't end up buying a more complete set of what ever came with the kit. If you go Sears you will probably end up buying some tools twice.

 

[Superbec]

so many tools for so little money you'll brake at least one of those shiny things every time you loo at the bimmer, bimmers don't like cheap tools touching them.

there's no standard on it either ...

also you really don't need that many tools !!!! , buy if you like shiny things but don't look for endorsement.

you need female torx .. don't see them in the craftsman kit, male niether

GOOD screwdrivers... I mean GOOD , like pbswiss or at least wiha or wera

90 % of the tools in both sets you'll never use on the bmw, don't know about the jap I never liked those things.

 

[Citation]

The OP is showing a Nissan. I haven't done much Nissan work but Mazda and Toyota are very much 10, 12, 14, 17mm bolts/nuts. You run into a few other fasteners but not many. I don't think I've ever seen a torx on a Japanese car (lots on GM and SAAB). I think decent screwdrivers are worth getting but I haven't used them much on automotive work. I think the only time I've needed a female torx on a Toyota was an exhaust manifold stud.

Then again the Jeep I was just working on wanted a 16mm wrench for the oil drain. I hadn't even really noticed how many tool sets pass over the 16mm size.

Anyway, what tools are important certainly does depend on the cars you want to work on. You won't find many metric fasteners on a Swift DB-1!

 

[Adam.C]

I don't think you can get there from here. The torx and triple squares alone will kill you. Craftsman simply aren't up to the task.

The BMW will be a little more forgiving of cheap sockets as the fastener heads are all bigger (DIN). The Nissan uses all JIS hardware. Some of that will be super tight, with a small head which will tax all but the best fitting, strongest tools. Consider Williams, Koken, SK if you must buy chrome (see below).

All of us started out with Craftsman tools. All of us did fine for years and years with Craftsman tools. And many here recommend them as good enough. But I think that is more nostalgia than anything else. None of us were working on cars like yours. I'm a little unique in that my first real car after college was a Porsche 944S2. Craftsman Allen bit sockets and Lisle triple squares both let me down and cost me more $$$ than Snap On bit sockets cost that I replaced them with. The repair costs were SO high, the savings doing my own repairs easily paid for any tools I wanted.

Ask away about ratchets, extensions, maybe even combination wrenches. None of these are likely to stop your repair regardless of where you buy them. Ditto pliers. Buy whatever you want. Sure, we all have our favorites.

My advice is to buy Snap On bit sockets. Don't bother mess around with any others (including VIM). When you need them, and you will, you need them. Get the gold (cad plated) allens, Torx, and stubby triple squares. Also buy Snap On's flare nut wrenches. Don't buy the set, only the size(s) you need. Forget the price. Buy them and you will thank me later.

Discard worn screwdrivers and note that JIS Phillips are different from everybody elses. Otherwise, buy whatever screwdrivers you want. I really like the Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers and use the heck out of them. You can buy good crisp torx bits which will do fine for lots of small jobs. Very handy on modern cars. But honestly, its an expensive luxury item.

I would look long and hard at Williams 1/4" drive sockets, and the Snap on TLL72 - or maybe the flex head. These will really help on the Nissan. Snap On's "LL" ratchets are uniquely long, strong and fine toothed.

For ALL your other sockets, I say skip the chrome and go for Sunnex or Grey Pneumatic duos or some such. Ask around here for the best brands. I wouldn't bother with chrome for now. And save up for a 1/2" cordless impact gun. That thing will change your life. If you can't afford it, hunt down a SO SHLF80A 1/2" ratchet for breaking stuff free.

Race car drivers I know screw with their suspension and brakes almost constantly. Wheel changes are pretty frequent. A cordless gun will quickly become your very best friend. Ditto the SHLF80A.

Don't waste your time and money on Craftsman tool sets. They simply haven't kept pace with modern cars. If you really want chrome, buy individual sets - look at Williams, Koken (which are pretty small and tight fitting). Otherwise prioritize bit sockets, a couple flare nut wrenches, cordless impacts if you can swing it, the SHLF80A if you can't, then buy impacts - even HF. When you can, start your chrome set with a really high quality 1/4" set. Long ratchets need to be top quality, short ratchets don't. Ditto for extensions.

 

[48fordnut]

Made a great living on the cheap but easily exchanged Craftsman. Worked in aviation and on cars. Go with the 209 set because of the ratchet. Just my opinion. First tool set was in 1955, Craftsman.

 

[Renchi]

You'll be fine with either one as long as you never pick up a Snap-on tool.

If you do, you'll be ruined.

You Snap-On fanboys never miss an opportunity to denigrate, do you?

Regardless of the reason for Wamsutta's comment, he does have a valid point.

As a guy with a Craftsman tool collection that spans more than seven decades, it pains me to admit that.

 

[Brownsfan]

Check out the gearwrench sets I posted in the hot deals forum.. Complete 6 point 3/8" with a free (complete 6 point) 1/4" set for like $105

Then you can buy a more complete set of wrenches to add to the kits..

Here - just an alternative, and no 12 point sockets like the craftsman sets..

The set with promo offer - http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80550F.html

Thread with pics of the set..
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931

The 3/8 set has 84 tooth ratchets, and the 1/4" is the 120 tooth.. These are COMPLETE sets. I was going to buy the Tekton's, but someone posted these for me instead and I bought them. They are extremely nice for the money, and your getting a lot without doubles and without 12 point sockets... What's nice too is they come in their own cases to keep everything organized.

And here is another Gearwrench wrench promo - metric reversible ratcheting wrench set with free sae reversible ratcheting wrench set for about $200. It comes with 16 metric and 13 sae reversible ratcheting wrenches.

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-9602NW.html

For a total of about $300 that's a pretty respectable tool set.. Maybe get some cheap tekton or HF standard combo wrenches for those tight situations, and a $$20 craftsman screwdriver set.. That should cover 95% of your socket needs in 1/4" and 3/8".

I would go this route over craftsman. I would fill in ratcheting wrenches when the gearwrench sets go on sale at Sears or Advance Auto. You will end up with better tools in the end

 

[Farmall450]

Made a great living on the cheap but easily exchanged Craftsman. Worked in aviation and on cars. Go with the 209 set because of the ratchet. Just my opinion. First tool set was in 1955, Craftsman.

My dad did/does the same. Granted after 30 years he's accumulated a good amount of snap-on as well.
There's nothing wrong with Craftsman folks, even *shudder* the chinese Craftsman.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I have 2 of the 2nd set (bought one new then got the other from a buddy that upgraded) The one I bought is newer & from China. Qc isn't nearly as good as the older us set. You get a lot more sae than metric in those sets & half of it is already **** you don't need so you end up with about 50-75 usable pieces. In that price range I'd go with gearwrench sets like kctyphoon suggested. I have those metric 3/8 from before buying the cm set & like them much better. I don't think it's a bad idea to get a decent set of non ratcheting combination wrenches to start out. You would probably get into a different quality bracket that way. My gearwrench combo wrenches aren't bad but working on a bmw it would **** to round bolts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[yamaha0343]

I started my tool collection out with a (150 or 160 piece maybe?) Craftsman 6 point set probably 15-20 years ago. It's been a great foundation to build off of, and quite a lot of it still gets used often. I've upgraded ratchets, and added individual sockets and wrenches here and there as I've needed them.

I'm not the type to care if every socket in my tool box pristinely matches though. I just want to get the job done. And my stuff does that.

 

[Citation]

Definitely get some non-ratcheting combo wrenches. Rare is the case that a non-ratcheting combo wrench can't do the same job as a ratcheting version. It may be much slower but it still does the job. Sometimes the larger wall thickness of a ratcheting wrench will be an issue.

I'm curious why people think BMWs are so much worse with regards to rounding bolts vs other brands.

 

[bczygan]

If you race cars, don't you already have a bunch of tools?

What is your present inventory?

And what have you found you needed, but didn't have, while working on those cars?

I want the willy-nilly route to begin with, buying tool sets....just because.

Better to be very specific on what you need, for what you are doing.

Craftsman sets have lots of filler stuff.

Buy from a variety of suppliers. Sometimes Harbor Freight is the best solution and sometimes only a Snap-On item will do.


Bill

 

[quiksr20]

The OP is showing a Nissan. I haven't done much Nissan work but Mazda and Toyota are very much 10, 12, 14, 17mm bolts/nuts. You run into a few other fasteners but not many. I don't think I've ever seen a torx on a Japanese car (lots on GM and SAAB).

Funny you say that all Japanese cars appear to be the same.. Like you said 10/12/14/17/19 and the occasional random.

Thats the whole car

Check out the gearwrench sets I posted in the hot deals forum.. Complete 6 point 3/8" with a free (complete 6 point) 1/4" set for like $105

Then you can buy a more complete set of wrenches to add to the kits..

Here - just an alternative, and no 12 point sockets like the craftsman sets..

The set with promo offer - http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80550F.html

Thread with pics of the set..
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931

The 3/8 set has 84 tooth ratchets, and the 1/4" is the 120 tooth.. These are COMPLETE sets. I was going to buy the Tekton's, but someone posted these for me instead and I bought them. They are extremely nice for the money, and your getting a lot without doubles and without 12 point sockets... What's nice too is they come in their own cases to keep everything organized.

And here is another Gearwrench wrench promo - metric reversible ratcheting wrench set with free sae reversible ratcheting wrench set for about $200. It comes with 16 metric and 13 sae reversible ratcheting wrenches.

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-9602NW.html

For a total of about $300 that's a pretty respectable tool set.. Maybe get some cheap tekton or HF standard combo wrenches for those tight situations, and a $$20 craftsman screwdriver set.. That should cover 95% of your socket needs in 1/4" and 3/8".

Thanks man, Looking into these now!

What you oughtta do is post up what you want to start with tool wise.

Then let the suggestions flow

Just tools to work on mostly Japanese & European cars.. We have a Nissan a BMW and a VW but it appears all asian car brands use the same stuff 10/12/14/17/19 and then the Europeans
have there wacky tools as well ( torx / female torx / triple square ) etc… Mostly I wrench on my Nissan the others are daily cars.

If you are racing cars as a hobby and building a garage, I would skip both of those sets. If you are involved in the garage build, you'll need SAE (standard) wrenches and sockets as most of the homebuilding nuts and bolts are still SAE. And as others have said, there are other, better options out there.

Gearwrench regularly (seems like every other month) offers a 3/8 socket set deal that has the complete 3/8 sae and metric socket set with 84 tooth ratchets and the complete 1/4 sae and metric socket set with a 120xp ratchet.
Here's one from CPO outlets -
http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...html&antisku=antiskuB&cgid=gearwrench&start=3

Here's a gearbox (one side ratcheting, the other regular box) bogo -
www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrench-80550...html&antisku=antiskuB&cgid=gearwrench&start=3

Pick up metric shallow and deep 1/2 impact sockets from Sunex or Grey Pneumatic along with either a Harbor Freight or SK breaker bar and a 1/2 ratchet. You can skip the chrome sockets in 1/2 inch as there is usually enough room to use thicker impacts. I recommend a 15 inch Wright from Ebay - tough and last forever.

Grab some Proto Duratek or Williams hard handle screwdrivers, VIM specialty sockets (XYZ, hex, etc.) Get some WrightGrip metric combos and you are pretty much there except for your specialty tools, electric or pneumatic tools, and those tools you'll find you want or need such as swivel sockets, wobble extensions, flex ratchets, etc.

If you don't want Gearwrench, you can get SK, Proto, Wright, Armstrong (great 88 tooth locking ratchets) Williams and of course, Snap On. Me, I just picked up an SK 3/8 socket set, 94549 - more expensive than Gearwrench but a good quality set. I also have Gearwrench ratchets and sockets and they are very good.

Whatever you do decide, good luck.

Thanks after talking to you guys im looking into "Gearwrench, SK, Proto, Wright, Armstrong" etc, Brands I had no clue about and seem to be a better buy than the run of the mill craftsman.

You'll be fine with either one as long as you never pick up a Snap-on tool.

If you do, you'll be ruined.

Already heard that from a good friend , Hence the no need for ratchets hahha.

Picked up 3 used SnapOn ratchets ( 3/8 Flex - 1/4 - 1/2 80 tooth )

Awesome ratchets, Just getting home from work now but will read all the responses.

Just to clear up one thing, I am not building a garage as in construction I meant more of a " Building my garage into a nice garage " Its just an un-painted sheetrock garage attached to my house with no paint / lights / benches etc..

 

[Clemson13]

Everyone keeps mentioning the buy a set get a set of great wrench sockets get one free. Question, are these tiwan made? Or are they China. If tiwan I will have to get a set

Sent from my imagination using sharks with friggin lazer beams

 

[quiksr20]

OP, if these are really going to be your only tools then the Sears sets are probably good. However, the GW sets above are better if your intent is to build a tool collection.

Note that I don't believe the XP120 ratchets are better than the CM 72 tooth models. At least one of the Sears sets has ratchets based on the GW 80 tooth design. Based on looking at the Husky 100 tooth (XP120 based dual pawl) and the Husky 72 tooth (GW 80 tooth single pawl) I prefer the single pawl design. It's a bit lower in profile, the single pawl has more engagement area vs the dual pawl so it's less likely to fail under extreme load (in my engineering opinion) I also somewhat prefer the feel. Finally, I'm not convinced that the extra tooth count buys you much. I mention this because I see no evidence what so ever that, in this case, either ratchet is superior to the other. This isn't the case when talking about the base raised panel CM ratchets. Given that Apex makes both the CM and GW sockets I see no reason to favor one vs the other.

Anyway, I think this comes down to how do you want to built your tool collection. The Sears sets are fairly complete but you will want a set of non-ratcheting combination wrenches. The GW sets are nice because they are very complete in terms of 1/4 and 3/8 drive stuff but have nothing else. If you end up continuing to buy tools then this is a non-issue. With the Sears set you should probably buy a combination wrench set and then you may be good save for a few special sized sockets (for example I had to buy a 1-1/4 socket for an axle nut). Anyway, if you go GW you will have to buy more tools even to get started but you won't end up buying a more complete set of what ever came with the kit. If you go Sears you will probably end up buying some tools twice.

I am just starting my tool collection so it looks like some of the brands posted above "Gearwrench, SK, Proto, Wright, Armstrong" etc, seem to be a better buy than the run of the mill craftsman. I already bought used snap on ratchets in 1/2 3/8 1/4

I don't think you can get there from here. The torx and triple squares alone will kill you. Craftsman simply aren't up to the task.

The BMW will be a little more forgiving of cheap sockets as the fastener heads are all bigger (DIN). The Nissan uses all JIS hardware. Some of that will be super tight, with a small head which will tax all but the best fitting, strongest tools. Consider Williams, Koken, SK if you must buy chrome (see below).

All of us started out with Craftsman tools. All of us did fine for years and years with Craftsman tools. And many here recommend them as good enough. But I think that is more nostalgia than anything else. None of us were working on cars like yours. I'm a little unique in that my first real car after college was a Porsche 944S2. Craftsman Allen bit sockets and Lisle triple squares both let me down and cost me more $$$ than Snap On bit sockets cost that I replaced them with. The repair costs were SO high, the savings doing my own repairs easily paid for any tools I wanted.

Ask away about ratchets, extensions, maybe even combination wrenches. None of these are likely to stop your repair regardless of where you buy them. Ditto pliers. Buy whatever you want. Sure, we all have our favorites.

My advice is to buy Snap On bit sockets. Don't bother mess around with any others (including VIM). When you need them, and you will, you need them. Get the gold (cad plated) allens, Torx, and stubby triple squares. Also buy Snap On's flare nut wrenches. Don't buy the set, only the size(s) you need. Forget the price. Buy them and you will thank me later.

Discard worn screwdrivers and note that JIS Phillips are different from everybody elses. Otherwise, buy whatever screwdrivers you want. I really like the Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers and use the heck out of them. You can buy good crisp torx bits which will do fine for lots of small jobs. Very handy on modern cars. But honestly, its an expensive luxury item.

I would look long and hard at Williams 1/4" drive sockets, and the Snap on TLL72 - or maybe the flex head. These will really help on the Nissan. Snap On's "LL" ratchets are uniquely long, strong and fine toothed.

For ALL your other sockets, I say skip the chrome and go for Sunnex or Grey Pneumatic duos or some such. Ask around here for the best brands. I wouldn't bother with chrome for now. And save up for a 1/2" cordless impact gun. That thing will change your life. If you can't afford it, hunt down a SO SHLF80A 1/2" ratchet for breaking stuff free.

Race car drivers I know screw with their suspension and brakes almost constantly. Wheel changes are pretty frequent. A cordless gun will quickly become your very best friend. Ditto the SHLF80A.

Don't waste your time and money on Craftsman tool sets. They simply haven't kept pace with modern cars. If you really want chrome, buy individual sets - look at Williams, Koken (which are pretty small and tight fitting). Otherwise prioritize bit sockets, a couple flare nut wrenches, cordless impacts if you can swing it, the SHLF80A if you can't, then buy impacts - even HF. When you can, start your chrome set with a really high quality 1/4" set. Long ratchets need to be top quality, short ratchets don't. Ditto for extensions.

Thanks for all the input, Learning as I go

The OP is showing a Nissan. I haven't done much Nissan work but Mazda and Toyota are very much 10, 12, 14, 17mm bolts/nuts. You run into a few other fasteners but not many. I don't think I've ever seen a torx on a Japanese car (lots on GM and SAAB).

Funny you say that all Japanese cars appear to be the same.. Like you said 10/12/14/17/19 and the occasional random.

Thats the whole car

You'll be fine with either one as long as you never pick up a Snap-on tool.

If you do, you'll be ruined.

Already heard that from a good friend , Hence the no need for ratchets hahha.

Picked up 3 used SnapOn ratchets ( 3/8 Flex - 1/4 - 1/2 80 tooth )

Awesome ratchets, Just getting home from work now but will read all the responses.

Just to clear up one thing, I am not building a garage as in construction I meant more of a " Building my garage into a nice garage " Its just an un-painted sheetrock garage attached to my house with no paint / lights / benches etc..

 

[quiksr20]

If you race cars, don't you already have a bunch of tools?

What is your present inventory?

And what have you found you needed, but didn't have, while working on those cars?

I want the willy-nilly route to begin with, buying tool sets....just because.

Better to be very specific on what you need, for what you are doing.

Craftsman sets have lots of filler stuff.

Buy from a variety of suppliers. Sometimes Harbor Freight is the best solution and sometimes only a Snap-On item will do.


Bill

Hey Bill Thanks for your reply, I do race cars but just for fun nothing crazy.. I moved out of my parents house around 12 years ago to an apt ( without a garage ) and from there 5 years later to a condo with no garage again. Now some 12 years later I have my first garage and the tools that were stored at my parents have been picked apart over the years by them who are not mechanically inclined so besides a few specialty tools im starting over fresh.

So far my current inventory is :

Snapon Ratchets 84 tooth ( 1/4 , Flex Head 3/8, 1/2 )
Tripple Square Craftsman setup 3/8
Torqs Socket ( Males and Female ) 3/8

Looking to buy 3/8 , 1/2, 1/4 sockets Metric ( deep and shallow )
Down the road SAE as well ( still need these sometimes )
Box Wrenches etc

On the Nissan I did almost all the work in the past with a basic tool kit, Looking to finally get some real tools going.

From what the other have posted I should give a hard look into SK, Proto, Gearwrench etc before craftsman.

So my plan is to find what I need to build out from there, Just looking for the best tools for the money to start my collection and continue my car hobby finally in my own garage

 

[quiksr20]

Hey Guys im not opposed to used tools either if in good shape, How does this look for $280? I could prob get for $250 ( local craigslist ad )

Bluepoint - BLPGSSC155
https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/tls/5507403422.html

Bluepoint - Blue Point 10 Pc Metric Wrench Set 10mm thru 19mm ( $85 )

So I would be covered in 1/4 & 3/8 sockets + 10-19mm wrenches for $335

Just looking to explore all options and get the best deal on the best tools ( within reason " I can buy once

Looks to have metric deep and shallow plus some SAE in 1/4 & 3/8 Or ill be looking to get the Gear Wrench deal posted above and build off of that.

 

[kctyphoon]

Honestly, just buy what you like.. I posted the gearwrench stuff cause it's a great deal for what your getting and it's still considered a somewhat professional brand.. If you shop around there are always gearwrench promos of buy this - get that for free..

My big tool set is craftmsan. I bought them like 20 years ago as part of a HUGE set when I was young. They have never NOT done what I needed. Any decent socket set will do you just fine. Your not going to pick up an SK socket and say - " OMG look what I've been missing". The nuts and bolts have no preference what brand you use. I've never had a socket break under normal use, regardless of what brand. I have HF sockets at work that remove 50+ year old hardware that been out in the rain it's whole life, and they have never given me an ounce of trouble. The HF sockets and ratchets are actually excellent quality regardless of how cheap they are. There is a huge following here for them too.. My point is, don't beat yourself up over a brand name. They will all do the same exact job, the same exact way. Some just do it for a lot less money..

Some professional mechanics will have to go through THOUSANDS or tens of thousands of bolts before they find one so mutilated that a sub $20 socket would skip on it. Don't overthink this..

Edit - that bluepoint set has been listed on there for a LONG time.. I would still get the gearwrench stuff I posted over that. You'd get 2 full socket sets and a complete set of reversible ratcheting wrenches for that price..

 

[Tinner]

Everyone keeps mentioning the buy a set get a set of great wrench sockets get one free. Question, are these tiwan made? Or are they China. If tiwan I will have to get a set

Sent from my imagination using sharks with friggin lazer beams

GearWrench sockets and drive tools are made in Taiwan and very good quality. Other GearWrench tools are not as impressive.

 

[quiksr20]

Thanks again guys!!! Gear Wrench here I come

Purchased the socket set + metric & standard wrench sets. Ill get a ratcheting wrench set in the future. To be honest I have never owned ratcheting wrench's, I see a local ratcheting metric set for $50.

So for like $260 I got the full 3/8 & 1/4 ratchet set + Standard & Metric Box wrench 14 piece kits + emailed a guy on this 12piece ratcheting metric set https://cnj.craigslist.org/tls/5528702834.html

Way more bang for my buck with tools I actually will use vs the initial craftsman haul, That ratching wrench combo looked like a steal but since I need regular box wrenches as well this looked like the way to go for now.

Thanks guys! Your input is much appreciated.

 

[kctyphoon]

Another decent set of ratcheting wrenches that you can think about - that's even cheaper than the Gearwrench sets I posted if you can find them on sale - is the Dewalt reversible ratcheting wrench sets.. They sell a 10 piece set in both metric and sae. Sears normally sells them for $99 a set when they are not on sale - but they are usually "on sale" for any number of insane prices in Sears.. I've seen them for $99, $89, $69, and I was able to get mine when they were $39 each.. I think you can easily find them on eBay for around $50 each set..

Here's the Metric set on eBay - http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=371575946394

As long as you remeber not to really crank down trying to break bolts free with the ratchet end, they would be great for most home mechanics. Their head design is very thin, and it's basically a Taiwan made copy of proto's design. If you decide to look for pliers, Channellock is probably the best bang for your buck for an American made professional brand. They are just as cheap as Dewalt and Milwaukee's pliers, and I found great deals on eBay for the new ones I bought. I filled a drawer for about $200 and have more than I'll ever need.

Here's a pic of the dewalt wrenches for comparison of how thin the head is. These are all the same size wrench.. It goes Husky (cheapest Husky model), Channellock (same as the HF Pittsburg ratcheting wrenches) flex head gearwrench, Dewalt, standard craftsman.

I was gonna suggest you look at Tekton's standard combo wrenches if you went for the ratching wrenches I posted from Gearwrench.. The Tekton stuff is very nice and very affordable too.. They are probably on par with the standard gearwrench combo wrenches as well.

The 22 pice set is $59. The 30 piece is $99. - worth looking at in case you change your mind.
TEKTON 90186 Combination Wrench Set with Store and Go Keeper, Inch/Metric, 1/4-Inch - 7/8-Inch, 8 mm - 19 mm, 22-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXUPMGK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Adam.C]

So for like $260 I got the full 3/8 & 1/4 ratchet set + Standard & Metric Box wrench 14 piece kits

Way more bang for my buck with tools I actually will use vs the initial craftsman haul

Congrats. I'm sure you will do fine.
But just to play devil's advocate, you can find sales on truck brand tools. If you can contact a driver you can get the special deals. Otherwise, they tend to show up on ebay.

3/8 mm shallow and deep sockets can typically be had for $199. A set of 1/4" semi deeps is about $60. For $100, you may get a BOGO deal with a ratchet or something.

I find it often the case that we perceive the Taiwan tools to be dirt cheap. But they aren't always. They are just easier to buy. You have to work a little to get a good deal from the truck brands. But often the price difference isn't as dramatic as many here make out.

I don't think you did the "wrong" thing. But I had your same choice to make and I went a different way. There is a viable alternative to Taiwan tools.

 

[quiksr20]

Congrats. I'm sure you will do fine.
But just to play devil's advocate, you can find sales on truck brand tools. If you can contact a driver you can get the special deals. Otherwise, they tend to show up on ebay.

3/8 mm shallow and deep sockets can typically be had for $199. A set of 1/4" semi deeps is about $60. For $100, you may get a BOGO deal with a ratchet or something.

I find it often the case that we perceive the Taiwan tools to be dirt cheap. But they aren't always. They are just easier to buy. You have to work a little to get a good deal from the truck brands. But often the price difference isn't as dramatic as many here make out.

I don't think you did the "wrong" thing. But I had your same choice to make and I went a different way. There is a viable alternative to Taiwan tools.

Thanks and I hear what your saying, I posted a blue point kit earlier used and I picked up Snap On Ractchets ( 1/4 - 1/2 - Flex Head 3/8 ) all used so I totally get where your coming from..

 

[quiksr20]

Another decent set of ratcheting wrenches that you can think about - that's even cheaper than the Gearwrench sets I posted if you can find them on sale - is the Dewalt reversible ratcheting wrench sets.. They sell a 10 piece set in both metric and sae. Sears normally sells them for $99 a set when they are not on sale - but they are usually "on sale" for any number of insane prices in Sears.. I've seen them for $99, $89, $69, and I was able to get mine when they were $39 each.. I think you can easily find them on eBay for around $50 each set..

Here's the Metric set on eBay - http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=371575946394

As long as you remeber not to really crank down trying to break bolts free with the ratchet end, they would be great for most home mechanics. Their head design is very thin, and it's basically a Taiwan made copy of proto's design. If you decide to look for pliers, Channellock is probably the best bang for your buck for an American made professional brand. They are just as cheap as Dewalt and Milwaukee's pliers, and I found great deals on eBay for the new ones I bought. I filled a drawer for about $200 and have more than I'll ever need.

Here's a pic of the dewalt wrenches for comparison of how thin the head is. These are all the same size wrench.. It goes Husky (cheapest Husky model), Channellock (same as the HF Pittsburg ratcheting wrenches) flex head gearwrench, Dewalt, standard craftsman.

I was gonna suggest you look at Tekton's standard combo wrenches if you went for the ratching wrenches I posted from Gearwrench.. The Tekton stuff is very nice and very affordable too.. They are probably on par with the standard gearwrench combo wrenches as well.

The 22 pice set is $59. The 30 piece is $99. - worth looking at in case you change your mind.
TEKTON 90186 Combination Wrench Set with Store and Go Keeper, Inch/Metric, 1/4-Inch - 7/8-Inch, 8 mm - 19 mm, 22-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXUPMGK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Cool good to know for now I ended going with the following on-top of the sockets.

$39 - http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-81925.html
GearWrench 81925 Gearwrench 81925 14Pc 6Pt Fp Combination Wrench Set Metric

$44 - http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-81924.html
GearWrench 81924 Gearwrench 81924 14Pc 6Pt Fp Combination Wrench Set SAE

$50 - https://cnj.craigslist.org/tls/5528702834.html ( $90.00 on NTXTools )
GearWrench 9412 GearWrench 12pc Metric Combination Set: 8mm-19mm

I think ill be covered covered pretty good for $135 or so.

 

[Adam.C]

Thanks and I hear what your saying, I posted a blue point kit earlier used and I picked up Snap On Ratchets ( 1/4 - 1/2 - Flex Head 3/8 ) all used so I totally get where your coming from..

I generally don't think Blue Point is a good deal for non-pro users. If you want Taiwan, you can usually find it cheaper elsewhere. I have Blue Point LEDs and some other misc stuff. But for sockets and wrenches and stuff, I avoid it.

For truck supported pros, Blue Point is an inexpensive alternative to Snap On, and still carries the same type of customer support. So for them, it's worth the markup over Kabo, Gearwrench and the like.

 

[kctyphoon]

I think you did pretty good.. If you decide you want a 1/2" set you can look at the gearwrench or the tekton..

I was honestly gonna get all tekton myself until I found the gearwrench deal. The gearwrench cases are nice cause you can remove the lids and just place them in a toolbox drawer as is to keep things organized, or just leave them seperate. I'm in the process of adding a shelf on my cheap tool cart to store the sockets sets on.. I added some white lithium grease to all the ratchets, and it made them even smoother.. Don't know what else someone can ask for considering not the money spent.. Good luck

 

[quiksr20]

I think you did pretty good.. If you decide you want a 1/2" set you can look at the gearwrench or the tekton..

I was honestly gonna get all tekton myself until I found the gearwrench deal. The gearwrench cases are nice cause you can remove the lids and just place them in a toolbox drawer as is to keep things organized, or just leave them separate. I'm in the process of adding a shelf on my cheap tool cart to store the sockets sets on.. I added some white lithium grease to all the ratchets, and it made them even smoother.. Don't know what else someone can ask for considering not the money spent.. Good luck

Thanks again man, Originally I brought a Craftsman Socket set that had tons of duplicates for $375 then returned it and made this post.. Since then I have filled my box with tons of tools I need with little to no duplicates for less money..

I did just what you said " Popped the covers off, and put right in the drawers " Got the socket sets today & they look and feel great, Should have the wrenches soon.