Cheap But Good Tools

[BuickBoy]

I'm a college student who has always relied on friends who have well equipped garages to wrench on cars.

My best friend who was a primary source in my own town just moved to Virginia so I no longer have instant access to tools when I need to fix/swap/replace something.

I have simple cheap socket set as well as a large back of misc. sockets.

I'm looking for two 2ton jack stands and a decent but inexpensive floor jack. I'm hoping to spend less than $100.

I'm also looking for a set of ratcheting metric wrenches preferrably 10mm-18mm, a set of deep metric sockets, as well as a good long ratchet to use as a breaker bar. We have always used torque wrenches (the main one was broken anyway) and it worked great.

I've been looking at Harbor Freight, and they have some good looking tools, but I figured I would ask the experts for advice before wasting my time and money. Obviously the best answer would be to save my money and wait until I can afford good stuff, but at this point my car has a bad wheel bearing, and there are other things I would like to get fixed up meaning there isnt much time to wait!

Thanks!

 

[back2class]

flea market!

 

[goodfellow]

I'm a college student who has always relied on friends who have well equipped garages to wrench on cars.

My best friend who was a primary source in my own town just moved to Virginia so I no longer have instant access to tools when I need to fix/swap/replace something.

I have simple cheap socket set as well as a large back of misc. sockets.

I'm looking for two 2ton jack stands and a decent but inexpensive floor jack. I'm hoping to spend less than $100.

I'm also looking for a set of ratcheting metric wrenches preferrably 10mm-18mm, a set of deep metric sockets, as well as a good long ratchet to use as a breaker bar. We have always used torque wrenches (the main one was broken anyway) and it worked great.

I've been looking at Harbor Freight, and they have some good looking tools, but I figured I would ask the experts for advice before wasting my time and money. Obviously the best answer would be to save my money and wait until I can afford good stuff, but at this point my car has a bad wheel bearing, and there are other things I would like to get fixed up meaning there isnt much time to wait!

Thanks!

Welcome to the GJ board. You'll likely get plenty of answers to this question, and when it comes right down to it; it all depends on your unique needs. If, like most of us you'll continue wrenching as a serious hobby into the future, then by all means get something that has a lasting value.

The best bang for the buck is to purchase tools in complete sets when they are on sale. It'll cost you up front, but will definitely pay off on just a few DIY projects.

I'm biased and believe that Craftsman sets, when on sale, are one of the best tool bargains for any DIY'er. You'll get cheaper at HF (but not much cheaper) and some other places, but for reliability, value, and service, a good sale at SEARS can't be beat.

If you're inclined, this weekend is SEARS' President's Day sale. Go have a look at the various sets and compare the sales price, and the fit/finish with similar offerings from other vendors such as Home Depot, Lowes, Advance Auto, etc.

Good luck!!

 

[dxdexter]

Welcome aboard.

While I tend to shy away from the HF type of tools, I would suggest you buy what you can afford. If the HF stuff suits your needs and the store is close by then buy from as long as it has a life time warranty. While most members here would prefer the top of the line tool makers it is not always realistic to think everyone needs or has the resources to purchase their products.

Perhaps you could list the specific tools you have in mind and members who have these tools can comment on their quality.

 

[Rigmaster]

I'll second goodfellow's comments about Craftsman set being a great place to start. Hold out until you find a nice set on sale- they put them on sale regularly- and you're starting off right.

I have some HF tools, but I don't think that many of their hand tools are very good. It's a place I look for tools that I might need once and I don't want to spend much money. If it breaks, I'm never surprised, I just hope it breaks after I get the job done.


Find a good quality breaker bar, don't use a ratchet for a breaker bar unless it's an el-cheapo with a broken mechanism. I've gotten a couple of good deals on this board's classifieds- at least 2 different 1/2" breaker bars recently.


As for the jack + jack stands, IMHO most of the cheaper jackstands are about the same quality- get some that look and work well though. I always check the teeth on the uprights to make sure they are fairly good, I don't want the thing slipping on me and crashing down. I've had decent luck with the Torin heavy ~3 ton floor jacks sold at many different stores under slightly different names. The jacks are like 85-90 lbs so they are best suited for use in a garage or shop with concrete floor, you don't want to be lugging them around very much!

Some have had good luck with the HF jacks, but I have not. I have 3 of their aluminum jacks and they all have issues. I do like their light weight for moving them around or throwing them in the trunk of the car, but other than that they have not impressed me.


Gearwrench is the way to go for ratcheting wrenches- Sears has them on sale this weekend for $39.99 (?)

 

[sammerdog]

Howdy Buickboy -

I'm with goodfellow on grabbing a Craftsman ratchet set. I'd say pick up one of their sets with both a 3/8" and a 1/2" ratchet, with both SAE and metric sockets in the "power band" of sizes (typically 3/8" through 1", coresponding metric sizes). That way you have a little peace of mind warranty-wise on your most used sizes. Later on, you can add a cheapy off-brand 1/4" ratchet such as a "free after rebate" Menard's one. Typically, a 1/4" ratchet isn't abused like a bigger one, so keep your wallet in your pocket. As you need more smaller and/or bigger sockets, fill that void with HF stuff. Unless you start wrenching in a truck garage, you probably won't use a 1+1/2" socket that often.

Your 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets WILL break sooner or later, and you have a Sears in Holland and the one in the Rivertown Mall. Not sure if the Kmart in Big Rapids will do Craftsman exchanges (or if they're even still in business). Either one will take your ratchet no hassle and give you a fresh rebuilt one out of their under-register drawer. You'll bust one every year or year and a half - no big deal. Harbor Freight is a couple miles east of your buddy's hot rod shop on 28th - I'm with the other guys to check out there on jacks & stands. But stay away from the over-hyped aluminum stuff - it gets brittle in our cold winters and will crack. While at HF, grab a pack of their torx head socket bits and one of their $2.99 electrical multi-testers. Great for 3.8 powered stuff.

And save your money on the Gearwrenches. Yeah, they're cute and all, but in a heavier industrial application, they feel "soft". Get some Craftsman solid bone wrenches and call it good.

Just my .02.

 

[Rigmaster]

Howdy Buickboy -

<SNIP>
And save your money on the Gearwrenches. Yeah, they're cute and all, but in a heavier industrial application, they feel "soft". Get some Craftsman solid bone wrenches and call it good.

Just my .02.

meh, I don't count on any gearwrenches to stand up under MAX torque- you break it loose with a box end or socket + breaker bar or whatever fits, then crank it off with a gearwrench.

If you're talking about the CMan version of the gearwrench- the ones made like their raised-panel combo wrenches, I think those have a really loose feel to them, the ratcheting mechanism seems to flop around inside the head too much for me.


To each his own though, I'll stick by my Gearwrench (or private label Gearwrench type stuff) for now.

 

[dxdexter]

Here in Canada we don't normally look at Craftsman as any better than what you could buy at your HF or Walmart. Sadly the tools are all imports and apparently not like our southern neighbors. The next time I'm down south Sears is one of my first shopping trips.

 

[sharkytm]

My first tool buy was the 254-piece CMan set in the blow molded case. They've upped it to 270 pieces or so, but I tell you, it stood by me for 4 years of college and 5 cars. Now, the drawers sit in my 42" rollaway, still filled with their original sockets, aside from my 1/4" deep 5/16" 6pt that my old roomate stole. I still use the wrenches too. The ratchets are ****, but will hold you over until you get something better. I've now got 6 (2 more on their way) 3/8" ratchets that I use, 3x1/4", and 3x1/2". One thing to definitely invest in is a good 1/2" breaker bar, at least 24", 36" is preferable. Wheels, axle nuts, and suspension bolts need a breaker bar to get them moving.

 

[Rigmaster]

BWP has a MAC breaker bar FS for $25 shipped

I'd buy this before I'd buy a new crappy no name brand for the same price or more.

Here
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30133



I seem to have a breaker bar attraction, I lost my trusty ole 18" Cman 1/2 breaker a couple of months ago, so I went searching for a replacement. I ended up with about 5 "new" breakers from a 15" Companion from sears (which is a nice piece BTW) to a 24" Hard Handled Snap On, and several in between.

 

[CatfishXpress]

everyone has given good advice so far,

don't forget Toptul, the prices are very good

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If you can spring for the extra money, go to NAPA and see if they have boxes stacked up that are a combo of two jack stands and a floor jack. P/N is 899-6420, the combo is usually on special for $199, yes I know, twice what you wanted to pay, but about ten times more than what you will get for a hundred, this is something that will last a lifetime.

If they have a stack of them, and want more, talk to the manager, tell them you know they go for $199 on sale, and you'll take one for that. With the economy like it is, people will dicker nowdays so they can move the inventory.

Here is a floor jack thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27873&highlight=napa+floor+jack

Charles

 

[GearJammer]

occasionally sears has their 3pc 3ton floor jack and 3 ton jackstands along with a cheap creaper for 99 on sale. Ive had mine for 2yrs and so far so good. I think the last time I saw them at 99 was on a craftsman club price but I'm sure like everything else there it will come back on sale.

 

[r6_cannibal]

everyone has given good advice so far,

don't forget Toptul, the prices are very good

+1!


The craftsman warranty is also nice to have in case something does and will break, you can run down to sears and have it replaced.

I would also suggest you check craigslist and your local swapmeets. lots of great deals on good tools, lots of craftsman too and you don't need a receipt to exchange stuff that breaks even if used.

Harbor Freight has a good deal on breaker bars right now, 1/2" drive 25" long for about 12 dollars. I use it all the time and it has held up well, but at the same time I don't use it in a shop environment as I'm a hobby wrencher.

Welcome to the board, there are a lot of really great people here with valuable information

 

[BuickBoy]

Thanks everyone!

To specify a little more into what I am looking for, I'll give some more of my current thoughts.

Craftsman at KMart get super cheap, and a few close friends swear by the $50 jack and stands you can pick up (usually craftsman) from Walmart/KMart/Sears.

If I had more of a budget I would definitely get the good stuff. At this point I'm just trying to get a few tools together so that I can do work in my driveway/garage when needed. When I move to my own place I'll rectify my purchases in the right manner.

I have used ratcheting wrenches in many situations, have also put a hammer to them at times and expected them to break. They have worked well for all of the applications I have run into thus far.

Doing my research this is what I have come across:

Jack & 2 stands - $40

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950140000P?adCell=A3

94pc Set - $60

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00939094000P?mv=rr

7pc Ratcheting Set - $30

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=95552

Obviously a breaker bar would also be required but for under $200 I'm out with everything I can think of at the moment that I would need to do most of my jobs. Wire cutters/strippers are also on the list with some razor blades, and other small stuff but for the meat of the tools that is what I'm thinking.

I'm also interested in an impact wrench of some kind corded/non corded. HF has one that seems to have gotten good reviews on the net. I dont have good air to do air so recommendations are accepted here as well. Again I dont want to spend a bunch of money on it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=45252

 

[Bo Heck]

For hand tools, I would whole heartedly recommend Toptul! With the discount you get from being a member of this board, you simply cannot beat it, there's no reason NOT to deal with Mike at this point.

Jack stands can come from Harbor Freight, 3 ton are good for cars, 6 ton for suvs and trucks. I use the Craftsman Pro 3 ton, as they were as taller than most and I got a good deal but really, whoever is close to you and has a good deal.

Please please please do not go for a cheap jack, you will wind up spending more money in the long run (just read the reviews on the sears jacks from their website and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about). Ranger jacks are very good for the money, check out the 3-ton ones here. It's what I was going to buy until strictlytoolboxes.com gave me a free 3 ton jack for buying a toolbox from them, which is who I would recommend getting a box from if you need one. Harbor Freight has very good boxes for the price with the common 20% off coupons.

 

[Burbo]

Check out Habor Freight Tools (web search), decent stuff for decent prices especally for those one time tools required
Good Luck

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I'd recommend the 6 ton jack stands from Harbor Freight...if you don't buy a jack/jackstand combo deal. The 6 ton are only a few $ more than the 3 ton stands, but you'll appreciate the higher clearance when you use them.

I have two sets of these jackstands and they work well. Got them for $20 a set on sale.

EDIT: You can also look for a set of ramps too. Sometimes, they're more useful than the jackstands.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Here in Canada we don't normally look at Craftsman as any better than what you could buy at your HF or Walmart. Sadly the tools are all imports and apparently not like our southern neighbors. The next time I'm down south Sears is one of my first shopping trips.

Well, don't let those border crossing guards scare you, come on down. You just have to remember not to say ay after every sentence.

But seriously, doesn't Sears USA ship to you guys up there? Ay?

 

[Danglerb]

Cheapest would be to make some more friends.

Get a realistic idea of what your tool needs are, and what you can actually use. A nice floor jack won't do much good without the space to use and store it, etc.

Used Craftsman, and some Harbor Fright, may be the best bang per buck.

 

[autoace]

Gearwrench are not bad, depends on what you call cheap. The Gearwrench are cheap in comparison to most. I have found their tools to be very good. What I hate is they are better than alot (not all)of Craftsman tools. And I would prefer the USA origin. But you can't beat the price and warranty. Gearwrench tools have a good quality feel, and work well.

 

[nissan_crawler]

And save your money on the Gearwrenches. Yeah, they're cute and all, but in a heavier industrial application, they feel "soft". Get some Craftsman solid bone wrenches and call it good.

Just my .02.

meh, I don't count on any gearwrenches to stand up under MAX torque- you break it loose with a box end or socket + breaker bar or whatever fits, then crank it off with a gearwrench.

Screw that, give 'er hell. They'll stand up and then some. Mine have been used and abused, they keep coming back for more.

Please please please do not go for a cheap jack, you will wind up spending more money in the long run (just read the reviews on the sears jacks from their website and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about). Ranger jacks are very good for the money, check out the 3-ton ones here. It's what I was going to buy until strictlytoolboxes.com gave me a free 3 ton jack for buying a toolbox from them, which is who I would recommend getting a box from if you need one. Harbor Freight has very good boxes for the price with the common 20% off coupons.

Eh, I agree that Craftsman jacks ****, but depending on the HF jack, they work damn well.

 

[CRAZYASTRO]

if u don't need brandnew tools, u can also check out the pawnshops...

 

[sammerdog]

You're thinking right buickboy.

Something that comes in handy up here in the great white north on the 3.8 GM fwd stuff is a decent hand torch for heating up disks, rims, etc....

Get a basic propane torch head (the insti-on feature is nace, but not neccessary) and a cylinder or two of yellow mapp gas. Mapp throws out a lot more heat than propane/butane, worth the extra couple bucks a cylinder. Make sure you unscrew and remove the head when not using it.

You probably saw it already on this board, but never pay full price at HF, wait for the 20% off coupons!

 

[v8garage]

Cheap But Good Tools= flea market. There is a big flea market that is about 30 miles from where you live in South Haven. Don't remember the name of the town but you probably know about it. The last time I was there was in the fall of 2007 and there were a lot of vendors that had good American made tools reasonable. Probably not open now since you are having such cold weather, but check it out in the spring. I will be in your town on Mar 7th. to work at the Palisades plant. I should be there about 6 weeks, I am hoping that flea market will be open before I leave. I look forward to going there again.
V/8

 

[BuickBoy]

You're thinking right buickboy.

Something that comes in handy up here in the great white north on the 3.8 GM fwd stuff is a decent hand torch for heating up disks, rims, etc....

Get a basic propane torch head (the insti-on feature is nace, but not neccessary) and a cylinder or two of yellow mapp gas. Mapp throws out a lot more heat than propane/butane, worth the extra couple bucks a cylinder. Make sure you unscrew and remove the head when not using it.

You probably saw it already on this board, but never pay full price at HF, wait for the 20% off coupons!

There is a HF in Grand Rapids right on my way home from school.

Cheap But Good Tools= flea market. There is a big flea market that is about 30 miles from where you live in South Haven. Don't remember the name of the town but you probably know about it. The last time I was there was in the fall of 2007 and there were a lot of vendors that had good American made tools reasonable. Probably not open now since you are having such cold weather, but check it out in the spring. I will be in your town on Mar 7th. to work at the Palisades plant. I should be there about 6 weeks, I am hoping that flea market will be open before I leave. I look forward to going there again.
V/8

Have you worked at Palisades before? My dad is a 30yr Health Physicist out there. I know many of the AO's and work week managers, and security! Are you thinking Allegan or Paw Paw?

if u don't need brandnew tools, u can also check out the pawnshops...

There is a pawn shop here in town. I'll be sure to check it out!

Cheapest would be to make some more friends.

Get a realistic idea of what your tool needs are, and what you can actually use. A nice floor jack won't do much good without the space to use and store it, etc.

Used Craftsman, and some Harbor Fright, may be the best bang per buck.

Oh I've got the space/storage. I have a garage. It's just always nice to go to friends houses because they are better equipped. Location isnt the issue for me it's the lack of equipment!

 

[Scooterfish]

V8 garage

Are you talking near South Haven MI? I`m on the IN/ MI state line and interested in finding more info on flea mkt.

More than ready for spring here, maybe a spring meet & gret

 

[caper]

doesn't Sears USA ship to you guys up there? Ay?

Nope!I've tried it,but they won't.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I'd also reccomend getting a decent-sized Craftsman set to start out. This 283-piece set covers pretty much everything to get you started, and you could probably do a couple cash jobs (like servicing, small jobs.) and make it pay itself off quickly.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ame=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets

I'd also invest in a couple Snap-on ratchets from eBay too, a standard 3/8" won't run you much, they're a big improvement over Craftsman ratchets. HF's Pittsburg professional range also gets good reviews, as does Gearwrench. The Gearwrench ratchets get very good reviews and they can be had for very good money too, definitely worth a look.

A basic set of tools (like the 283-piece set) will do most jobs, don't underestimate what you can do with a smaller set of tools. Or what cheap(er) tools can do, my Draper Expert (Danaher i believe, OE of Craftsman) sockets are going strong and put up just fine with my daily use as a mechanic.

Toptul is also well worth a look in, contact Mike Wren (Whenhandtools on here) as he's a distributor for them.

You could work out a cantilever box or small 26" top box just fine, i did for a couple years at work. Then i stuck them on a trolley, before moving up to a 26" top box (crammed!) and then my 40" Snap-on top/bottom/side.

aaaaaaaanyway, to sum up..

Take a look at the craftsman sets, Toptul, Gearwrench, Pittsburg HF stuff and so on. These other guys have offered WAY better advice, i'm just rambling here..

 

[BuickBoy]

I havent gotten any responses on the HF Corded Impact yet. Anyone have any suggestions? I dont have adequate air.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45252

Seems to get pretty good reviews.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

used snap on matco sk mac proto
new crafts mannn too

 

[Scooterfish]

Through tues. Sears has a 348 pc set (part # 34348) for 50% off at $275. Would be a good start if in your price range. Hitting flea mkts, etc and start adding to it. I think you could put together a good set of tools for under $500

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I havent gotten any responses on the HF Corded Impact yet. Anyone have any suggestions? I dont have adequate air.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45252

Seems to get pretty good reviews.

I wouldn't worry about it, even at work i hardly ever use my impact gun. At home i never miss it either.

 

[BuickBoy]

Unfortunately I have to rally up funds to get these things, and it may take longer than the sales are on.

I'm working on it. My tools are going to be a complete hodgepodge of brands but at least I'll have something to work with until I can afford better equipment.

 

[paramudduck]

Having a hodgepodge of tools can save your ****. Since they are all different lengths and angles they get places where one type can't.

 

[dxdexter]

I havent gotten any responses on the HF Corded Impact yet. Anyone have any suggestions? I dont have adequate air.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45252

Seems to get pretty good reviews.

While I have never used the HF electric impact gun, Canadian Tire sells an exact copy (and near identical specs) of that wrench. I have used the CT wrench while removing 20 rusty 1/2"NF bolts and nuts and it worked surprisingly well. If I didn't already have an electric impact, I would consider it's purchase.

 

[lethallyinjected]

I'd second the 348 piece craftsman mechanic set at sears http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934348000P I'm thinking about picking one up, IMO it's a great deal.

 

[BuickBoy]

It's too bad I can't afford that at the moment.

Against better judgment and advice I purchased the two jack stands and jack from Sears. Craftsman 2-1/4 ton jack and stands for $40 down from $80.

I cant imagine the package with the creeper for $100 or $110 is any much different so I grabbed what I did. I've used these sets many times and haven't had any problems.

I'm trying to sell some things so I can pick up some more tools. I'm planning a shopping trip to HF once I get these things sold. I should be in very good shape at that point.

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[T56 Impala]

One note about HF. Its been said before but I think it needs to be said again,


LOOK AT THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN before you buy anything!!!! The Pittsburgh Pro line of tools, if made in China, are good tools. A lot of what they are selling these days are made in India. DO not buy made in India tools! They are THE worst quality tools on the planet.

I have some HF tools. Only one has failed me. ($5.00 heat gun!) Their impact sockets are pretty decent for the price. You might consider buy those before buying a set of standard sockets. They can do double duty.

+1 on Craftsman sets on sale. Pick up the Pro line wrenches on sale. They are very good.

+1 on Toptul quality and service. I just hope the wait time comes down a bit.

Flea markets!!!! Look for brands such as Proto, Plomb, VlChek, Wright, Barcalo, Penes, Armstrong and any other Made in the USA tools. Old tools work as good as, and some times better than new tools.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Unfortunately I have to rally up funds to get these things, and it may take longer than the sales are on.

I'm working on it. My tools are going to be a complete hodgepodge of brands but at least I'll have something to work with until I can afford better equipment.

Nothing wrong with a mix of tools, i have a decent mix and they all serve me well. The cheap ones i chose carefully and had a good look at everything before i bought them so they're still good tools, most of which i see no reason to replace. If it aint broke, don't fix it. You may find in years that the cheap tools do the job just fine and you may end up never replacing them, it's what i've done.