Christmas Tool Purchases

[platypus20]

Out of a clear blue sky, my 13 yr old grandson, wants tools for Christmas. He had told his mother (my daughter), his other grandparents (ex-wife and her current and his fathers parents) and the wife and I, that’s all he wants. So everyone got together over Thanksgiving, and decided, I should buy the tools and we will split the cost. I found out about this this morning.

I’m not real happy about this, as I refuse to shop over the web, if I can’t buy it local, I don’t buy it. After 4-5 bad Amazon orders, bad dealings with Epstein’s, EBay and a few others, this not going to be an easy job.

I’m not sure of his long term interest, I don’t want to buy junk, but I’m not buying top of the line either. I just want some basic tools, if it’s a true calling, he probably get a lot from me later on.

I bought a 200 piece Husky socket set from HD, just sockets, no ratchets or extensions ($80) now the search for wrenches, ratchet, screwdrivers, etc, etc, starts now. The sockets look good, hopefully they’re good enough to start with. I’ll start the search of hardware stores in the morning.

I seriously hope this is a true desire for the lad, and not just a passing fad.

 

[measuredtwice]

40 cents a piece is a good deal on those sockets. I recently suggested them to someone on the forum who was looking for some inexpensive sockets. I've thought about picking the socket set up for myself even thought I typically only buy USA. He'll need rails for them since it's just a box full of sockets and organization isn't typically what 13 year olds do best.

I'd suggest the 5-in-1 Klein screwdriver for $10 where you got the sockets. Don't get the 11-in-1 since the bits fall out to easily.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-T...ut-Driver-Cushion-Grip-Handle-32476/100630660

Get him some channellock pliers for $10-12.

Personally, I wouldn't hope that it's not a passing fad. He's 13 and there's still time for him to decide to go to medical school or law school and make tons of money. Haha! ;D

 

[RKA]

Check out Home Depot. They have a lot of inventory on the website that isn’t available in store. You can get it shipped to home or store and if you’re not happy, return it at the service desk. And the prices are competitive with amazon.

Any idea what prompted your grandson’s request for tools? Another hobby requiring fixing stuff? Class that inspired him to build stuff?

 

[rijndael]

My son is also in to tools, but he's not responsible enough for an adult quality starter set. I get his tools at Harbor Freight.

 

[platypus20]

I'm not sure what sparked his interest, I just hope it continues. I have a complete machine shop, tons (truly tons) of hand tools, welders, plasma cutters etc, etc,, except for maybe the resale value, no one in the whole family has any interest, except him. He has been in the shop watching, "helping" and dog wrangling, since he could basically walk, always asking questions. But has never shown any interest in actually using any tools.

I was thinking about maybe a set of the Husky 100 tooth ratchets, I have a couple of them, they are pretty good, maybe some wrenches. Maybe some of Kobalt tools.

 

[yellow wagon]

The Husky stuff is really nice for a DIYer or kid’s starter set for sure! That was a good selection there.

 

[Shane6377]

I think the Husky sockets are a good buy. I buy a lot of tools online but if you are trying to purchase locally in big box stores I would look at some of these options.

Home Depot:
- Channellock or Milwaukee Pliers
- Milwaukee or GearWrench screwdrivers
- GearWrench, Tekton or Husky wrenches
- Estwing or Vaughn hammers
- GearWrench hook/pick set

Harbor Freight:
- Socket ratchets
- Impact sockets

Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[rmack898]

Jack,

I'm pretty sure I was younger than 13 when I got my first set of New Britton sockets and wrenches from the local NAPA store almost 50 years ago. I still have most of them but they have been modified with a torch or grinder to do a special task.

HF has a line of somewhere between the cheap **** and the new Icon stuff that will fill the bill for your grandson. I don't think I would go HF for screwdrivers but there are some good deals to be found elsewhere. Going back to the NAPA store, I have not been disappointed within of their Carlyle offerings.

 

[platypus20]

Jack,

I'm pretty sure I was younger than 13 when I got my first set of New Britton sockets and wrenches from the local NAPA store almost 50 years ago. I still have most of them but they have been modified with a torch or grinder to do a special task.

HF has a line of somewhere between the cheap **** and the new Icon stuff that will fill the bill for your grandson. I don't think I would go HF for screwdrivers but there are some good deals to be found elsewhere. Going back to the NAPA store, I have not been disappointed within of their Carlyle offerings.

Mac,

Yeah, HF could be a viable choice, I’ve never been impressed with Carlyle tools, maybe because they are sold by the f#*knuts at NAPA. If I never step inside another NAPA, my life will be a lot better.

 

[rmack898]

Jack,
When I was a kid, NAPA had parts guys that knew their **** at the counter and I was always impressed when the guy just went to the shelf and got you the right part without having to look in the book.

Then NAPA became just like all the other parts stores that couldn't do **** without a make and model.When they tried to computerize the Weatherly Index, we all got screwed.

When I moved to Florida and walked into the local NAPA store, I found it was staffed buy parts guys and gals that really knew their ****. Its like a time warp and I'm not complaining.

 

[ultgar]

If you want a decent European screwdriver set, I've got 3 of the USAG 8pc sets left in stock. Marked down from $65 to $35.75/set (45%). These are the same as Facom's Protwist series but come with a US warranty. See https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=8546 . Of course, you can always give him some of your old screwdrivers and keep these for yourself.

 

[m6z]

Something like this would be awesome for a kid. There's also a better chance it'll all stay in one place.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-450...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[nichocha33]

Im beginning to sound like a NAPA fanboy but my local NAPAs are great about getting me in Carlyle tools and are stocking more because theyre getting more popular. I enjoy supporting NAPA and I don't think you can go wrong with Carlyle tools, give them a look if there is one near by

 

[Rickster55]

I would go with HF. He's not wrenching for a living and for what he will probably use the tools for, HF is a good start. If he continues on, upgrades can be made over time.

 

[vavet]

Make sure you understand what type of tools he's wanting. Does he want to wrench on his bicycle/skateboard? Does he want to get a project car that he can start on now so it'll be ready by the time he's 16?
Does he want to get into woodworking? All those things require different types of tools. Maybe he wants a set of cordless power tools with a drill, impact driver, and circular saw?
I'd encourage you to embrace his interest, but make sure you know what it is before you spend a lot of money.

 

[driftpin]

Good for the kiddo, buy decent stuff as you have so-far, and see where it goes. Hopefully he will start to get the Liquid Wrench flowing in his veins, and will enjoy the lanolin of GO-JO on his mitts.

I got the Husky set, 200 pc., can't beat the price. The 2nd pic is my actual box after purchase. The store employees had no-clue where the sets were, I used the online inventory tool to search for them, before I arrived at the store, but nothing was where that system said, no-luck. I headed for the exit, and all-across the front of the check-out area was a huge display of toolboxes, cabinets, and, yes, those 200 pc. socket sets!

Over 50 Christmases in the past:
I asked for a set of open-ended wrenches in metric, and a set of 3/8" metric sockets, my dad & mom got me Wright from Montgomery Wards, and I still reach for 'em for metric work, though I have a full set of new S-K 1/4" and 3/8" metric sockets in both reg. & deep, 6 pt. & 12 pt. One of my older brothers had wiped-out the front suspension of our VW Bug Cabriolet my parents bought new in '62, he slid it in the snow of a Great Lake snowstorm and ran head-on into a curb; and I volunteered to work on it if they would get me the tools. They did, I did what I could, and after a winter of it sitting (parents' punishment of the son/driver), the VW was hauled to the shop for the front suspension to finish being repaired. That Wright 'tootsie-roll' rubber-handled ratchet is still going strong. These days, I use it mostly upon my derelict vintage Japanese motorcycle collection.

 

[gatlibs]

You might think about splitting the difference. You got cheaper sockets for the price, but maybe you'll get him ratchets or a small set of screwdrivers (something that will always be needed and standalone) that you'll expect him to have forever. I have read many a post on this forum about someone repairing or replacing or maintaining something that was his grandfather's. I think that something given may be more sentimental than inherited especially from a younger age when received. In other words a bit of volume at cheap and a bit of memorial at value.

 

[Robinson1]

Make sure you understand what type of tools he's wanting. Does he want to wrench on his bicycle/skateboard? Does he want to get a project car that he can start on now so it'll be ready by the time he's 16?
Does he want to get into woodworking? All those things require different types of tools. Maybe he wants a set of cordless power tools with a drill, impact driver, and circular saw?
I'd encourage you to embrace his interest, but make sure you know what it is before you spend a lot of money.

Yes find out what he wants to do!

Growing up if someone mentioned tools I immediately pictured saws and hammers. I've had sawdust in my blood from an early age.

 

[chstrumpetdude]

I came from a Craftsman family, but won't buy them anymore(except for the pre China move). I have sinced turned to Tekton. Their warranty is so easy that if he breaks anything, he can use his phone to send them a picture and they will mail it to his door. $96 from their company website gets you 30 combination wrenches with tool rolls. They are family owned and contract with suppliers and have their origin primarily in Taiwain and some in the US.

I have their 3/8 socket kit and 30pc wrench set. Their ratchetsafter they went to 90 tooth are very nice.

 

[platypus20]

Like I said, I do not shop via the internet, no local Tekton rep, I have 2 of their ratchets, I got in a trade, I’m not that impressed, I’ve seen worse, but nothing I’d purposely search for, very similar to HF offerings, unless I got their cheap ones.

Apparently his interest is driven by mini-bikes, go-karts and snowmobiles......

His mother sent money for a small tool box, it will be probably HF sourced

I bought him a welding helmet last year.

 

[Shane6377]

Like I said, I do not shop via the internet, no local Tekton rep, I have 2 of their ratchets, I got in a trade, I’m not that impressed, I’ve seen worse, but nothing I’d purposely search for, very similar to HF offerings, unless I got their cheap ones.

Apparently his interest is driven by mini-bikes, go-karts and snowmobiles......

His mother sent money for a small tool box, it will be probably HF sourced

I bought him a welding helmet last year.

If you're not willing to shop online in 2019 you're going to be pretty limited. You don't like NAPA so... Husky at Home Depot, Kobalt at Lowe's or Pittsburgh at Harbor Freight. IMO they are all about the same quality so find the cheapest.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Minnesota Steve]

Like I said, I do not shop via the internet, no local Tekton rep, I have 2 of their ratchets, I got in a trade, I’m not that impressed, I’ve seen worse, but nothing I’d purposely search for, very similar to HF offerings, unless I got their cheap ones.

Apparently his interest is driven by mini-bikes, go-karts and snowmobiles......

His mother sent money for a small tool box, it will be probably HF sourced

I bought him a welding helmet last year.

I would just go with Husky. The sockets are made in China, but their ratchets come from Taiwan. I bought their little 1/4" set they had on the christmas aisle for $20, and I think the ratchet is pretty good... I think it's similar quality to the newest tekton ratchet. The tekton sockets are better quality, but the husky ones are more than adequate.

I'd suggest the $20 1/4" and 3/8" set they have from the christmas aisles which have low profile sae/metric and the full polish ratchet. I say that because the ratchets sell for about $20 just by themselves. On dirt bikes and such you really don't need the bigger sockets. I know you already bought that big set of sockets. You certainly could keep those and just buy the ratchets. But if you wanted to divert some money towards some other tools, he could get by with the 1/4 and 3/8 low profile sockets for quite some time.

Throw in a set of combination wrenches, husky set is like $50.

And a set of screwdrivers... husky set is like $20.

And then maybe some pliers... slip, tongue & groove, needle nose, side cutters and a pair of locking pliers. you're probably talking $50 here for husky as they have some on sale now.

For a 13 year old this would be a dream. Then over the years you can add to this with torque wrenches, impact sockets, etc.

 

[platypus20]

My online buying for me is an age problem, I’m 65, I’m use to touching, examining everything before I buy it, it not a money issue, it’s more, if I pay for it, I walk out the door with it, not 4-5 days for it to arrive, I try to buy everything I can locally.

I buy from MSC and few others for machine shop supplies, only because there is nothing available locally. If I need something, I need it now, not later.

 

[platypus20]

I went out to eat with the wife, on the way home I stopped at HD, to pick up the box of 200 socket, that was on sale for $80, it had come in and they said it was now $99. I talked to the asst manager, she asked when I ordered it, I told her Monday, she said okay, banged on the keyboard for about 45 seconds, turn to salesgirl, said here you go, she hit total, it came up as $58.32, $54 plus $4.32 sales tax.

I paid it quickly, when I got home I checked the receipt, it was on sale for $79, less 25%, ($25), must be on the current price, that came to the $54, plus tax. I was very happy, 200 sockets at $58, gives me a cost of about $.29/socket.

 

[jd_1138]

Sounds like an awesome grandson! Most kids his age are asking for smart phones, video games, and $200 sneakers. The fact he grew up helping you in your shop means he's definitely interested in tools and fixing stuff. It gets in the blood.

 

[yrly]

My online buying for me is an age problem, I’m 65, I’m use to touching, examining everything before I buy it, it not a money issue, it’s more, if I pay for it, I walk out the door with it, not 4-5 days for it to arrive, I try to buy everything I can locally.

I buy from MSC and few others for machine shop supplies, only because there is nothing available locally. If I need something, I need it now, not later.

See if anyone local to you carries this set.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009K760/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Keep in mind it’s rather specific because most Allied stuff is junk. Those specific sets were Taiwanese and had very nice ratchets with not a lot of drag. I’ve beaten the heck out of these sets and they just keep on going. If it’s something you’re starting out with it’s durable, reasonably priced and will take some abuse.

Skip the Stanleys at Wal-Mart.

Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears have mixed varieties, so it’s literally hit and miss. If you don’t mind more specified sets I picked up a few of those Craftsman Ultimate Collection sets from Sears just recently and they seem quite well made.

 

[mfewtrail]

See if anyone local to you carries this set.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009K760/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Keep in mind it’s rather specific because most Allied stuff is junk. Those specific sets were Taiwanese and had very nice ratchets with not a lot of drag. I’ve beaten the heck out of these sets and they just keep on going. If it’s something you’re starting out with it’s durable, reasonably priced and will take some abuse.

Skip the Stanleys at Wal-Mart.

Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears have mixed varieties, so it’s literally hit and miss. If you don’t mind more specified sets I picked up a few of those Craftsman Ultimate Collection sets from Sears just recently and they seem quite well made.

I'll second his suggestion of that particular Allied kit. I have one that's 15 years old and everything in it has been great. The amazon reviews at that link are going to be mostly for the junk allied kits by the way and not that pro kit.

 

[yrly]

I'll second his suggestion of that particular Allied kit. I have one that's 15 years old and everything in it has been great. The amazon reviews at that link are going to be mostly for the junk allied kits by the way and not that pro kit.

This set has been good to me. In fact when I went on there they had a “renewed” one for $18.86 as a warehouse deal. I couldn’t not take the gamble, hope it pans out.

 

[driftpin]

I purchased a set of these Home Depot sockets (200 pieces) before Thanksgiving, after seeing posts on the set on GJ. They have dropped the set price below what I paid. The store will refund me the difference between what I paid then, and the price now, which is a double-sawbuck. It's worth the trip to Home Depot, just produce your original receipt, or your electronic receipt from your purchase. You do hit the button at checkout, "email me a copy of the receipt" don't you?

"Show me the money!"