Cheap tool realization ...

[mypov]

Long story: made longer...
I bought a 2002 Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 on kijiji (It's like craigslist). Anyway, the owner said it needed a head gasket, and I believed him. First mistake. I am just about a newly minted certified mechanic, so I am still pretty green. Anyway, I realized the truck had a misfire and thought it was spark/coil related, or maybe two holes side by side sharing compression. After getting the truck home I find good spark on all plugs, but find cylinders 1 & 2 have no compression. So, I built a leakdown tool (a regulator, two pressure gauges, and a restriction orifice between the gauges to show drop), and tested each cylinder (each cylinder while testing must have the piston positioned at tdc on the compression stroke, but you probably knew that, I was just saying this so someone didn't comment on how I did it wrong or something). Anyway, found leakage to crankcase on cylinder number 2 and cylinder number 1 was leaking to intake and crankcase. Now I am into the truck for an engine swap...

While working on this project though I have regained the appreciation for "tinkering" - man, it's relaxing, frustrating, time consuming, expensive, but satisfying. Even with my poor, pathetically cheap tool collection (at home). I noticed though, that I LOVE this set - or this idea:

It's so cheap, but I love how organized it is, how easy it is to grab a socket and return to its location when done. How simple and pleasing everything looks when all put away - these sets are great to work out of, and they really do almost 90 percent of what needs doing - very rarely am I searching for a larger socket, or the 1/2" drive stuff - though that stuff is needed, I am finding it not as horrible as I thought it would be working at home with the cheaper tools.

Hope you guys are having a good week.

Here is where the WJ sits until I am done my next few days of work - almost ready to be pulled.

 

[Cato]

It's so cheap, but I love how organized it is, how easy it is to grab a socket and return to its location when done. How simple and pleasing everything looks when all put away - these sets are great to work out of, and they really do almost 90 percent of what needs doing - very rarely am I searching for a larger socket, or the 1/2" drive stuff - though that stuff is needed, I am finding it not as horrible as I thought it would be working at home with the cheaper tools.

Cheap tools are pretty darn good these days. You can do a lot with Harbor Freight or Stanley from Walmart.

 

[derosa]

Personally I love working on my car on a warm sunny spring day when the tools are laid out neatly in a case, just creates the feeling that things are going to get accomplished. Usually till one of those neatly arranged tools breaks and I'm off to the sears or a bolt snaps and I'm trying to figure out where the ez outs are located.

 

[mypov]

It's true, one must be aware of the tools limitations, but that is true for expensive tools as well. I also know I am missing a socket, and it's getting the better of my ocd...

 

[Vantastic]

I have been there before too. I've done engine swaps with a 99 piece craftsman socket set with only three ratchets. Those days are over though. Enjoy it while you are young and tolerable.
Now I enjoy tinkering with all the best tools and having every option available for access.

 

[disston]

It took me almost 50 years before I realized the advantage of having tools in kit form. In either boxes that fit or sockets on rails. The advantage to me is that when I'm done working and picking things up I can see what pieces are missing. I don't lose tools.

This 1/4 set from Snap On retails now a days for $500. (amazed what they get for this stuff) But I feel special because I bought mine years ago for only $300

 

[PJNJ]

It seemed to me that there wasn't much for the Sears four drawer blow molded black and red cases but I really like them because you can easily see when something is missing. When I got a decent tool chest, I just took out the red drawers and put them right in the chest. Most of what I use socket wise often comes out of one of the three drawers, 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2.

 

[bcradio]

Nothing makes me cringe more than looking at a set like that. Sure you can do most of the work you need with it but it's that last little bit that really kills you

 

[scooternut]

It took me almost 50 years before I realized the advantage of having tools in kit form. In either boxes that fit or sockets on rails. The advantage to me is that when I'm done working and picking things up I can see what pieces are missing. I don't lose tools.

This 1/4 set from Snap On retails now a days for $500. (amazed what they get for this stuff) But I feel special because I bought mine years ago for only $300

You have a socket upside down...and it's bothering me!! That gentlemen is the problem with sets

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Nothing makes me cringe more than looking at a set like that. Sure you can do most of the work you need with it but it's that last little bit that really kills you

That's when I walk back to the garage and grab it out of my "real" toolbox and "real" tools.

I found myself using my $99 Kobalt set more often than my rollaway full of vintage CM, SO, and Mac. After I moved, the Kobalt set got buried and I was back to using my full set of tools, and found it was less convenient and took more time to do simple jobs. The Kobalt set was also great because it had an extra drawer for adding tools to and a spot in the top tray with additional storage.

 

[SignalZero]

Nothing makes me cringe more than looking at a set like that. Sure you can do most of the work you need with it but it's that last little bit that really kills you

Everyone's gotta start somewhere. I was given the Craftman equivalent of that kit when I was in high school. Served me well in college and became the foundation of my tool kit when I finally got a decent roller box. I'd probably still be using the RP ratchet as my "go-to" if I hadn't had a friend show me his SK ratchets.

I was lucky though, as Craftman was still being made in the USA when I started putting together my tools. My wife's cousin is 17, and received a Kobalt kit for Christmas from his uncle(Cuban family that is usually BIG on buying USA-made). Really though, the Taiwan stuff is fine for most guys turning wrenches at home. I keep a small Kobalt kit in my junkyard toolbag. The reverse ratchet drives me nuts though.

 

[bcradio]

Everyone's gotta start somewhere. I was given the Craftman equivalent of that kit when I was in high school. Served me well in college and became the foundation of my tool kit when I finally got a decent roller box. I'd probably still be using the RP ratchet as my "go-to" if I hadn't had a friend show me his SK ratchets.

I was lucky though, as Craftman was still being made in the USA when I started putting together my tools. My wife's cousin is 17, and received a Kobalt kit for Christmas from his uncle(Cuban family that is usually BIG on buying USA-made). Really though, the Taiwan stuff is fine for most guys turning wrenches at home. I keep a small Kobalt kit in my junkyard toolbag. The reverse ratchet drives me nuts though.

This is why it makes me cringe so much. I used to try and do all of my repairs with just a little set like that and it made me absolutely hate working on cars. Once I started getting a good set of tools built up, I really started to enjoy working on vehicles.

Starting with the small sets like that really makes you appreciate a good selection of tools.

 

[dclassical]

That reminds me of the first set I bought... Kobalt made in the USA, 3/8" metric and SAE, regular and deep.

This is all I had when I started. I was very happy when I bought more tools!!

Moving into a brand new house all I had was a set of screwdrivers and an electric drill and drill bits.

There were many trips to Lowes and Home Depot!! I did not have any bolts, screws, ... nothing.

These sets are great to give you a starting point and as others have said, make you appreciate a good tool selection.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a set of PowrKraft sockets made by Wright. These are in the original blow molded case, and have served me well through the years.

The nice thing is the case has a space for everything, so I can tell at a glance if anything is missing. Over time, I have broken a couple of the sockets, and I've replaced them with Wright branded tools. Spots are full. not an issue

 

[jd_1138]

Yeah those kits are nice to snap the tools back in, but I just prefer to lay them out nicely in a tool box according to size.

Too bad the seller lied to you. Maybe slap a small industrial diesel into it.

 

[scarecrow505]

Those 4.7 drop valve seats like crazy when over heated! Good luck

 

[anndel]

Long story: made longer...
I bought a 2002 Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 on kijiji (It's like craigslist). Anyway, the owner said it needed a head gasket, and I believed him. First mistake. I am just about a newly minted certified mechanic, so I am still pretty green. Anyway, I realized the truck had a misfire and thought it was spark/coil related, or maybe two holes side by side sharing compression. After getting the truck home I find good spark on all plugs, but find cylinders 1 & 2 have no compression. So, I built a leakdown tool (a regulator, two pressure gauges, and a restriction orifice between the gauges to show drop), and tested each cylinder (each cylinder while testing must have the piston positioned at tdc on the compression stroke, but you probably knew that, I was just saying this so someone didn't comment on how I did it wrong or something). Anyway, found leakage to crankcase on cylinder number 2 and cylinder number 1 was leaking to intake and crankcase. Now I am into the truck for an engine swap...

While working on this project though I have regained the appreciation for "tinkering" - man, it's relaxing, frustrating, time consuming, expensive, but satisfying. Even with my poor, pathetically cheap tool collection (at home). I noticed though, that I LOVE this set - or this idea:

It's so cheap, but I love how organized it is, how easy it is to grab a socket and return to its location when done. How simple and pleasing everything looks when all put away - these sets are great to work out of, and they really do almost 90 percent of what needs doing - very rarely am I searching for a larger socket, or the 1/2" drive stuff - though that stuff is needed, I am finding it not as horrible as I thought it would be working at home with the cheaper tools.

Hope you guys are having a good week.

Here is where the WJ sits until I am done my next few days of work - almost ready to be pulled.

Congratulations. Irregardless, cheap tools, expensive tools they all work toward one goal.

remember the old saying:

Hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk
It's still rock and roll to me

 

[mypov]

That's when I walk back to the garage and grab it out of my "real" toolbox and "real" tools.

I found myself using my $99 Kobalt set more often than my rollaway full of vintage CM, SO, and Mac. After I moved, the Kobalt set got buried and I was back to using my full set of tools, and found it was less convenient and took more time to do simple jobs. The Kobalt set was also great because it had an extra drawer for adding tools to and a spot in the top tray with additional storage.

THIS - I totally agree, I do have a fairly complete set of sockets in a tool box here at home, but I find it so convenient to grab the set in the picture, it has ALMOST everything needed, and for the odd stuff I make the trek to the box and keep it out till the job is done (or I'm done for the day).

Congratulations. Irregardless, cheap tools, expensive tools they all work toward one goal.

remember the old saying:

Hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk
It's still rock and roll to me

Thanks....

Those 4.7 drop valve seats like crazy when over heated! Good luck

Am having trouble sourcing an engine, so I'll likely break this engine down to see if it is salvageable, we'll see how the cylinders look and the pistons, if there has been any contact with the valves, and I'll have a good look at the heads - but no...it needs replacing likely, and with 252K it's not really worth a half *** rebuild, all or nothing. Time will tell.

 

[jrp458]

I'm still working with my Kobalt set that I got a few years ago. Did just upgrade finally to a full set of Gearwrench wrenches.

 

[racintj]

I never knew how much organization of tools really meant until I recently acquired a box from Sonic tools. Their organization is off the charts. You can buy filled boxes, or drawers already organized with laser cut and labeled foam.

Made my recent 4.2 trailblazer cylinder head rebuild a lot more feasible.

http://www.sonictoolsusa.com/filled-tool-trolley-s10-344pcs-black.html

I got the S10 box filled. Quality is excellent. They are going after the pro market.

 

[kd3pc]

used a class mate's "new" craftsman ratchet today....3 days out of the box and the 1/4" one swaps directions every 4 or 5 pulls, such that you have to reset the "switch" every 5 or 6 pulls.

He told me that he tried 3 or 4 when he bought the set, and this one was the best. That it at least ratcheted. He seems resigned to use it that way?

My 40 year old SnapOn works as well today as it did, then.

 

[theoldwizard1]

It took me almost 50 years before I realized the advantage of having tools in kit form.

Just the opposite. While boxed sets look good, there is no room for expansion. Many of the unboxed socket set that I have purchased were not 100% complete. Over the years, I added to the top and bottom, bought more extensions, hex and torx.

I use socket rails but the other items are loose in my box.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

used a class mate's "new" craftsman ratchet today....3 days out of the box and the 1/4" one swaps directions every 4 or 5 pulls, such that you have to reset the "switch" every 5 or 6 pulls.

He told me that he tried 3 or 4 when he bought the set, and this one was the best. That it at least ratcheted. He seems resigned to use it that way?

My 40 year old SnapOn works as well today as it did, then.

Holy ****, who would have thought raised panel ratchets are bad! Jokes aside, comparing a raised panel to anything but those ratchets that come with the $4 hf socket sets is unfair. It is like comparing a rolex to one of those knock off casio watches that they sell at big lots.

If the manufacturer has bothered to stamp a name on it, it is likely to be better than the raised panel. Only thing the comes close in suckieness is the kd round head, I had an allen branded one and it was very unsatisfying to use. Ended up breaking and got a gearwrench 84t at a replacement, worked out nicely for me.

Even the old USA ones ****, at least they are going to hopefully replace the RP's with those new 72t full polished ratchets that they brought out a few months ago.

 

[Vantastic]

I never knew how much organization of tools really meant until I recently acquired a box from Sonic tools. Their organization is off the charts. You can buy filled boxes, or drawers already organized with laser cut and labeled foam.

Made my recent 4.2 trailblazer cylinder head rebuild a lot more feasible.

http://www.sonictoolsusa.com/filled-tool-trolley-s10-344pcs-black.html

I got the S10 box filled. Quality is excellent. They are going after the pro market.

:supergay: spam

 

[racintj]

:supergay: spam

I'm confused. Explain the supergay an spam comment

 

[Gmonkee]

If you had $4,400 to drop on that Sonic kit good for you.

Most play a peanuts budget and build up as needs arise over years of time. Preselected items that fit most is usually some fluff among the working tools that selective buying can avoid better.

 

[kctyphoon]

Did you just say that a $60 socket set can do 90% of what you need? How dare you bring something like facts, and honesty into a conversation here..

 

[mypov]

I never knew how much organization of tools really meant until I recently acquired a box from Sonic tools. Their organization is off the charts. You can buy filled boxes, or drawers already organized with laser cut and labeled foam.

Made my recent 4.2 trailblazer cylinder head rebuild a lot more feasible.

http://www.sonictoolsusa.com/filled-tool-trolley-s10-344pcs-black.html

I got the S10 box filled. Quality is excellent. They are going after the pro market.

While those tool boxes look nice and are very well organized, I feel like you are paying more for the organization, and idea then you are for nice quality tools. Convenient for some markets that could find something to suit their needs and they wouldn't have to spend time and money coming up with their own organizational solution...I like having my own layout, and reworking my setup as my work habits change, or as new needs arise. I can see that set up being very beneficial for Aircraft Engineers, to prevent Foriegn Object something rather.

 

[Cmjl67]

I think it's down to 'horses for courses' - I carry a cheap socket set etc. in the boot so I know I've everything to handle a minor problem on the road and with the way it's organised I know if I've lost something

The home tool box carries the 'eclectics' - torque wrench, power probe, big hammers and all that stuff (why do I have a set of SAE spanners? I've never owned I think anything that uses anything but metric!)

c

 

[moron88]

i'm in the process of building up a basic tool set which i started with this 200 piece kobalt set http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...catalogId=10051&productId=50194995&cId=detail which i snagged back in may or june when it was $100. shortly after i spent about $50 at harbor freight on a red portable toolbox, a couple sets of pliers, a set of screwdrivers and a couple other things i'm blanking on. i have since acquired tools as the jobs demanded. bought a few large combinations wrenches when i needed to change tie rod ends. just bought a jack, breaker bar, pry bar and a mallet with a pair of jack stands still on the shopping list so i can change rotors and pads. this summer the short list contains a torque wrench so i can rotate the tires and switch between summer and snow tires with proper lug torque. a tool chest is at the top of the long list.

 

[Fender1325]

OP before you pull the engine try a 50/50 mix of ATF and Brake Fluid down the bad cylinder holes. It helps free stuck rings and it does work. Let it sit a couple days, then with all the plugs out rotate the crank pulley with a breaker bar and get the fluid out of the spark plug hole as best you can......then turn the engine with the key and all plugs out to rotate it faster. Put it back together and try and fire it up.

 

[AA/FC]

You have a socket upside down...and it's bothering me!!

This^

 

[zendriver]

I went the opposite direction over the years and my ego - as well as my projects, have not suffered from it, at all.

As a pump jockey, working as a gas repair station in the 70's, I joined the "club" like the shop mechanic, and became an indentured servant to the Snap On man, by buying a 10 piece SAE ratchet set for almost $100, then some 10pc deep well and metric sockets for another hundred.

I firmly remember the absurdity of making payments on tools, especially at low wages. (The gas station closed, but the payments didn't stop). Later I gained some reasonably priced American made wrenches and over the years filled the tool boxes with Craftsman and then HF tools.

I'm obsessed with my tools and still have every one of those sockets and wrenches, with the exception of a a 3/8 1/4 drive Craftsman (I lost this year) and one broken Snap-On socket (replaced by mail free). They are all cherished the same and frankly there is no real difference between the sockets and wrench brands, IMO

And yes, I've repaired the gamut of vehicles - new, old, very old, tractors, 40 year old backhoe, lawn power equipment. Always seem to get the nuts and bolts off, without wrecking the tools, for some reason.

 

[back2class]

Cool set and let's be honest, Stanley hand tools are always pretty good quality. Now, they cheap sockets that have no name are another story. You know, the ones that come with the ratchet so cheap the selector is plastic and skinny handle. But, yeah...that set you have it good quality regardless of price.

I love and hate sets like that. When I worked as a contractor I had a similar set in the truck. AWESOME as they would do 90% of everything you needed sockets for. At home...the lack of expansion drives me nuts so I toss cases like that.

But for the average homeowner, they are fantastic. My dad who's mechanical tinkering consists of maybe fixing a lawnmower, or maybe changing a car battery or bicycle tire and so on...his small SK set and about 20 craftsman combo wrenches have made him happy for maybe 50 years.

 

[53chevy5]

this reminds me of my first great tool purchase , I had to swap the motors in my 1971 Camaro so I went to true value and bought a wrench set, sockets and srewdrivers. Still am using some of the Master Mechanic wrenches and sockets today 20 something years later. I still like the feel of the old Master Mechanic wrenches, not sure when they changed the design but I wish I hadn't lost most of them over the years.

 

[mypov]

OP before you pull the engine try a 50/50 mix of ATF and Brake Fluid down the bad cylinder holes. It helps free stuck rings and it does work. Let it sit a couple days, then with all the plugs out rotate the crank pulley with a breaker bar and get the fluid out of the spark plug hole as best you can......then turn the engine with the key and all plugs out to rotate it faster. Put it back together and try and fire it up.

That's an interesting trick. I shall have to keep that in my back pocket. I have the engine pretty much ready to come out, just need to undue the exhaust, I have an engine for it too, so I will try that next time - and I'll report on the condition of the rings. When I get the engine on the stand I am going to break it doesn't to find the failure. Thanks for posting that - it may come in handy down the line.

 

[kctyphoon]

Marvel Mystery oil was another lube I've read about people swearing by. Gets used a lot on small engine to help free up a seized motor.. Just pour in down the cylinder and wait a week..

 

[Al Borland]

Those kits will have everything you need for most automotive jobs. the kits keep the tools organized, and help remind you to pick up all the tools under the hood. Stanley, Kobalt, Husky, Harbor Freight, or the (much-maligned) Craftsman (mostly Apex anyway...) will work just fine. The much lower purchase price means that it won't hurt as much when you run over the tools you forget on the ground. (Or left on the car roof, your choice)

 

[mypov]

This probably belongs in the "what did you do in your garage section" but I started it here, so might as well put it up. I did have to bring some tools home from work to get the engine out. What was most handy were a set of 3/8" universal sockets (mine are matco), a 3' extension that is 1/2" drive, but accepts 3/8" socket - this was priceless for removing the bell housing bolts. I had to buy an engine hoist, other then that a cheap set of fuel line disconnect tools from crappy tire, a couple of jack stands, a cheap crappy tire jack and the engine was out and on the stands.

Once I had it out, I began moving over the various items that are different, exhaust manifolds, oil pan, removed the mounts, ect. However, while removing the manifolds from the "new" engine, I noticed some studs were broken, and they were broken below the surface of the head -...- my plan was to try some square extractors, and if that wasn't successful I was going to weld on the end of the remaining studs, bit by bit until the ends were protruding from the head - but, my first attempts were successful. Hoping to have the engine ready to be installed tomorrow night.

 

[M1N1ON]

I have a Duralast branded socket set that i have put through hell and back. Never had a problem and i used tools in ways you are not supposed to (2 ft cheater bar on 3/8 ratchet).

It has a lifetime warranty and there are more Autozones than Sears.