Complete n00b - need help from the wise!

[razzy3789]

hey guys my name is justin, i'm 26 and have virtually no tool knowledge and very little experience...
what started all of this is recently i picked up an 06 subaru wrx sti for cheap b/c of body work issues (i'm a huge car guy)
i got a quote of 5.5 and 9.5 grand to fix the entire thing so i said i'm gonna do this myself and save the cash!

i sourced a bunch of used OEM parts in the same color and then went for it - so far, ended up fixing/swapping out my rear bumper, tail lights, trunk, wing w/ my dad - we're both not the mechanical type and i was absolutely thrilled afterwards of the work we accomplished

i borrowed my dads tools to do that job and i do not have a tool set of any kind at the moment myself. i would like to set myself and my wife up with a set that will last a lifetime and be able to do all home DIY projects and repair as well as auto repair and tinkering that i figured out was SO REWARDING !

i figured on getting a craftsman mechanics tool set of some kind but then went to the store and found all were made in china so i bagged that idea fast...

i looked on CL and found a lightly used snapon set - here it is
http://144.162.92.233/faculty/sherd/GM%20ASEP%20tools.pdf

it includes all of the listed parts but it is only missing a few pieces (¼" 10mm shallow socket, feeler gauge fb325a, and one chisel from chisel/punch set)

but it comes with a tool box and a snapon torque wrench TQFR250E in addition...

they're asking a grand and may be negotiable...

so, what should i do?
good deal for that kit? will it suffice?
other options i have no idea about?

or a usa made craftsman set like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221898421173?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

i'm an open book open to suggestions...only caveat would be USA made and high quality as i don't want to buy again - thanks for the help fellas!

justin

 

[General Geoff]

they're asking a grand and may be negotiable...

You can get a lot more tools than that for a grand. Also don't be afraid to get tools made in Europe, Japan, or other more industrialized nations. Taiwanese tools can be very high quality these days as well.

The cman set you linked to is a better deal, but better still can be had.

 

[razzy3789]

You can get a lot more tools than that for a grand. Also don't be afraid to get tools made in Europe, Japan, or other more industrialized nations. Taiwanese tools can be very high quality these days as well.

The cman set you linked to is a better deal, but better still can be had.

thx for the reply !
do you have any specific recommendations ?
i would think the local SO set is negotiable and the CM set on eBay has an offer button...i eyed that one b/c of the round handle full polished ratchets

most of the other CM sets seem to have the other non polish style with that awful flat shaped handle...

 

[sberry]

For a starter get past the China issue with Sears and get a super sale set. Round it out after with some brand items as needed.

 

[four.cycle]

You can get a lot more tools than that for a grand.

way more. look around. there's all kinds of brands of US made tools.
if "slightly used" Snap-on is okay, check out "slightly used" on Craigslist or Ebay.
The list of American manufacturers of high-quality tools is as long as your arm... don't sell them all short without checking them out.

 

[paulsomlo]

The NOS USA craftsman stuff on ebay sells for ridiculous prices - people bought it up just to resell it. And Snapon is kind of overkill for a DIY guy.

If you're really set on USA, you might look at SK. If you can bear to use non-USA tools, I'd say look at Gearwrench, Husky, and Kobalt. Accessible and reasonably priced. You might also look in Toptul, which I think are Taiwan.

Fight the temptation to buy every tool imaginable right off the bat. My minimum list would include 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" socket sets and if I were buying new, I'd only get metric. You'll want a set of combination wrenches, ratcheting reversible if possible. A set of screwdrivers, some pliers. Buy the rest as you go along. At first, you'll spend a lot of time going to buy tools in the middle of a project, but you won't end up with a lot of stuff that you don't need.

And with regards to the current Sears China offerings, I don't know about the quality, but the prices are very reasonable, and they probably get the job done.

 

[jakemac]

Save money, buy used. You'll get more tools for your dollar that way.
You don't really need to splurge on overpriced box truck tools (SnapOn, Mac, Cornwell, BluePoint,) for what you will be doing. Lower brands like SK, Armstrong, Williams, Proto, and vintage Craftsman will have similar quality for your needs. That is, unless you want to spend the money on them, or are trying to impress someone who isn't really going to care.

You don't have a location in your profile, so we can't offer local places to shop. But, I'd look for a used tool store in your area (if one exists) and build up your tools as you go. It's too late in the season in most areas, but you can check out yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, swap meets, or your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for used quality tools.

When you borrow tools from your father, make a list of what you used. This list will help you learn what tools you will want to look for, and help you avoid loading up on tools you don't need. (Guilty)

Check through the forum for a thread called "Harbor Freight pass/fail" (or something like it) and you will see that HF actually has a few gems that will get you by until you find something else you like better.

 

[sberry]

They are as good as they been since 80. As a tool they are fine,,, dont know what emotional needs they fill.

 

[four.cycle]

The NOS USA craftsman stuff on ebay sells for ridiculous prices

so... you go over to the left-hand side and click "USED" and then click "US ONLY" to weed out the Hong Kong/China listings, and pick through them.

there are boatloads of used/slightly used good quality US-made tools on Ebay that aren't listed at ridiculous prices. Snap-on stuff on Ebay is, for the most part, ridiculously overpriced.
just takes some time picking through all the listings.

example: listed about 4 hours ago:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331727577345?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

take a look at the "Hot Deals" threads in the "Garage Sale" forums.

 

[razzy3789]

I'm located in southern CT and I would prefer to buy US made stuff but it's getting harder and harder to stick by that these days...I am not 100% hard nosed about it but would feel much better about supporting our local economy.
I don't have anyone to impress, but I'm the type who likes to buy the best whenever possible. I also hate buying new...almost everything i own is used, that is feasible buying used...that's how i get away with owning quality stuff at discount prices

I would prefer something that came in a box that can be closed up and moved around easily...

what about something like this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_573356-22328-86768_0__?productId=50194995&store_code=2327&cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-MechanicsTools-_-50194995:Kobalt&CAWELAID=&kpid=50194995&CAWELAID=320011480002778757&k_clickID=7283b1f0-95b6-4ada-b0f5-566065184a55

or this:
http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-170-Piece-Mechanics-Tool-Set/dp/B000LWAX2C/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

i mean if it gets the job done right without problems then that's the bottom line isn't it?

i just don't know where the line is from the best of the best to no you don't want to go there.

just for the record this is my dad's tool kit that we used for the job:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TASKFORCE-TOOL-KIT-AND-SOCKET-SET-/221830281352

yes it worked and did the job, but pops and i both agreed that the tools in that kit are quite poor...otherwise i would just go and buy the same kit he has

 

[andys]

Well, repairing cars is my occupation and I say welcome! to the world of auto repair. I have lots of Snap-On, Mac and Matco along with some Sears and HF. It can all work well depending on what you want to do.

Get metric sets of 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" drive. Get some extensions of each length and a quality ratchet in each size. You'll add more as you need. These can be Craftsman or HF and will likely be as good as you'll ever need. If you find you're doing so much work you exceed their limits then trade up, but not right now.

Basic pliers and screwdrivers will work in the home and garage. I have the $5 Stanley set of drivers from HD at home and they work fine in every situation.

Get metric wrenches from 8mm up to 19, 21, 22 and 24. I don't know the HF quality here as you may be pulling hard on the open ends. I like the Cman here in the regular style.

Some Torx bits and hex keys and bits will be useful too. Cman or HF again.

I have an orange HF deadblow hammer that has lasted 5 years so far in everyday use. It's great for everything and you'll use it quite a bit.

If you think of anything else, shoot me a message. I'm here to help.

 

[djdaredevil]

Heres goood sets from a few places with easy warranty exchanges.

Lowes: 227 piece kit use a coupon to save 20 off 100 after a filler item.
Home Depot: 200 piece metal box
205 piece plastic box
Sears :230 piece Many coupons available with shopyourway
Harbor Freight:301 piece set Its harbor freight theres always coupons check out hfqpdb.com

I wouldnt be scared to use any of these sets and have tools from all of these stores that get used heavily with very few breaking.
Like everyone else says you can fill in the rest as you go but these would all be a good start.

 

[razzy3789]

thanks andy !

maybe something like this will do the trick ?

http://www.lowes.com/pd_573344-22328-86756_1z0wcfv__?productId=50200795&Ns=p_product_price|1&pl=1#img

the price just dropped to 99 - that appears to be the lowest price ever on this

 

[PJNJ]

You have a few different ways you can go with this -
1. Buy used - good deals can be often had on Ebay as long as you don't limit yourself to one brand. Snap On, SK, Armstrong, Wright, Proto, Gearwrench.

2. Buy new but again don't limit yourself to one brand - same brands as above.
A. NAPA has a sale on Armstrong sets this quarter -
$119 for the 1/4 set; $149 for the 3/8 set; and $249 for the 1/2 set. The Armstrong sets have the 88 tooth Maxx ratchets which are very good.
B. SK - has their 1/4 set 91848 for $129.00 on Amazon which goes up to 15mm in shallow and 15mm in deep - sometimes you'll have access problems with a 3/8 and the extra sizes can come in handy.
SK has the 94547 for 3/8 for about $160 and all you need to add is a universal joint.
C. There is usually a Gearwrench BOGO (buy one, get one free) going on a few times a year. Here's a link to a 3/8 and 1/4 set BOGO at CPO outlets for $124. Heck of a deal

http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...0550f,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=gearwrench

D. Buy wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, allen wrenches, torx, etc. separately. Search on here for recommendations.

3. Get the largest big set you can find and afford - Craftsman, Kobalt, Gearwrench, Husky. Per tool price is usually the cheapest but you may get a lot of filler.

I would probably skip getting a chrome 1/2 set and instead get 1/2 impacts shallow and deep in metric to start. Then decide either on battery impact or air impact. With air it's a larger initial cost but the tool cost ratio to power is better and you are not limited in brand. Battery lower initial cost but batteries go bad and are not brand interchangeable.

 

[bpankratz]

That is probably a good set to get you started. Honestly I find with sockets a nice midrange is good. I loose them usually before they could ever break.

 

[PJNJ]

thanks andy !

maybe something like this will do the trick ?

http://www.lowes.com/pd_573344-22328-86756_1z0wcfv__?productId=50200795&Ns=p_product_price|1&pl=1#img

the price just dropped to 99 - that appears to be the lowest price ever on this

That Lowes set is a pretty good deal and would be a good, low cost start.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Another subaru member! I'm one of the super mods on SF.org (and I have an obsession with tools), so hopefully I'll have some good info for you.

That Snap on set will be mostly useless. Missing a lot of the important sizes you need.

8MM, 10MM, 12MM, 14MM, 17MM, 19MM are the sizes you will need frequently. 21 (sometimes on the drain plugs you might have the T70 torx plug instead- not sure what years the 6 speed transmissions in the STI switched to a torx plug) and 22MM (crank bolt) appear sparingly. 32MM is used on the axle nuts.

If you're not messing with the airbags, you don't need any hex bits or torx bits. It's nice to have a 1/4 drive socket (lots of use in the engine bay for removing plastic parts like the intake, air filter, hoses on the plastic radiator inlets, interior work, etc), 3/8 drive set (for the rest of the engine bay work like an alternator or powersteering pump replacement) and a 1/2 drive socket set (suspension, brakes, and a few other spots). 3/4 drive tools are not needed- especially if you get a nice long 1/2 drive breaker bar (25" to 32" or so). Deep and shallow sockets are nice, and if you want to spend the money, mid length (also called semi deep) come in use in a spot or two (adjusting the AC belt tightness without having to remove the radiator fans is the one, removing the rear shifter bushing from the inside of the car on the 5 speeds are literally the only two spots a mid length has come in use, and in both cases there was another way to do the job, but it would have taken more time). A good variety of extensions comes in use when working in the engine bay (some bolts are 8"-12" below where you can reach, so extensions are useful to keep the ratchet out of the engine bay, but still reach a few of those bolts).

As far as wrenches go, I rarely use them..... but they are still required. In fact, if you're going to be installing aftermarket parts, wrenches are probably more important since those parts are a tighter fit often, and a ratchet/socket can't fit in there. Same sizes as before though for your wrench set- 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19. Ratcheting wrenches can be a useful addition, and often just serve to expedite the job if you do find a location where a wrench will fit, but not a ratchet/socket. For engine mounts, a 14MM ratcheting wrench is required however. No other way to do the job without one- unless you want to pull the engine!

Pretty much every screwdriver is a P2 (Phillips 2), with a few P1s that I've run into (moonroof). Torx or Torx security are usually only on really sensitive systems that you shouldn't be messing with- like the airbags. A flat blade screwdriver is critical to release some of the electrical connectors though (or a pick works too).

For pliers, a long needle nose (11in) is useful for some electrical clips too. Otherwise, just get a small collection of pliers for other times you might need them to grab or hold random things.

Some sort of plastic clip/rivet removing tool will be great for when you randomly have a dozen of those thrown in your way.

Prybars aren't used much, if at all...there are more tools you could have to make jobs easier, but they aren't required.

For brake work, you might need a 10 or 12MM flare nut wrench to replace brake lines or a master cylinder (rare for these vehicles).

As far as brands, SK is a great option for USA made and high quality. Don't buy everything from one brand though! SK's sockets are wonderful, but for the same price as their pliers, you could get some excellent german made Knipex pliers! Wiha (german) screwdrivers are fantastic for the price too! Wright makes some awesome USA wrenches for a great price that many think are better than the SK wrenches. SK and Snap On flare nut wrenches are regarded as the best flare nut wrenches you can buy, and many cheaper brands means trouble!

Many of the Kobalt, Craftsman, Husky, Masterforce, Cresent, etc type kits will work. Especially if you really aren't going to get into tools or working with them for your full time job. But if you want to invest in tools, start with a smaller amount of better tools. If you're going to use it once or twice, cheap is good. But if you're using it everytime you work on the car (sockets, ratchets), buy some good stuff.

 

[shoggoth80]

Meh, you have a lot of options out there. For DIY use, any tool is gonna last longer than being thrown through the wringer on a day in, day out environment. Yes, doing your own work can be rewarding, and it can/will save you a lot of money over the long run. There's really not much you can't do with a decent selection of tools, the shop manual, and a bit of ambition.

Snappy is overkill on DIY, but if you really like 'em, it's pretty good stuff. Gearwrench rides a good middle ground between cost, and reliability. I've got some GW stuff that I beat the **** out of daily, and it's still going 2-3 years later. Really like their sockets. No. Really. They're very nice for the price. Toptul is excellent for the price based on my limited exposure (long pattern double box, zero offset)...though sizes do get skipped over.

One of the places I always recommend putting some money is in ratchets. Get some pretty good ones, and in varying styles. Long handles are my go to, though standards and shorties exist for a reason. I like roto heads, and fixed...with comfort handles. I've been a convert for a couple years now. Lol. Any of the bigger name brands will serve you well, for a long time. 1/4" and 3/8" will be your most used stuff on automotive. 1/2" is for big stuff on the small cars. The Carlyle 100t roto head really isn't bad for the money either.

Kobalt Taiwanese sockets are also pretty good. My home set is a mash up of stuff. Cman, Kobalt, Power Built, Proto, Mac, GearWrench, Harbor Freight, Stanley. For what it is worth, all the big name guys have stuff made in Taiwan. That stuff also carries the warranty. I've broken more Cman sockets than I have anything else.

There are a LOT of options out there for you, just jumping in. I can see a newcomer getting overwhelmed by choice. If you want all, or predominantly US made stuff... it'll hit your pocket harder, but it supports workers here. Armstrong, Wright, SK, Proto are the non-truck brands I like. Proto makes some older style coarse rats that have rather thin profile heads. Clearance matters. The toughest 1/2" ratchet I have is a long flex head SK, and my 3/4" is a Wright. SK also sorta pioneered the roto head. If you can find one, I'd say grab it. All reports say it's built like a tank. They pop up on eBay often used, and there's been a run or two of NOS ones (always when I am out of money). SK takes good care of their customers too.

 

[Dave455]

The two choices you have picked out are really the extremes of the spectrum - bit like going out for dinner and saying "I can't decide between the Salvation Army soup kitchen and The Ritz"!

As with dinner, there are loads of options in between, and that's the direction to go in!

Take a look at brands such as Wright, SK, Armstrong and so on! You will need to make a little more effort and order online, but you will get decent tools that really will last a lifetime at reasonable prices!

With less effort you can get Taiwanese tools, perhaps with American sounding names, for similar money, but why would you!

Have no hesitation about buying Japanese or European if you like the look though!

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

That Lowes set is a pretty good deal and would be a good, low cost start.

+1

I bought that set about 5 years ago and used it as my primary set rather than dig out my "real tools." Its been a great set. One nice thing about that particular set is that the bottom drawer is empty so you can add to it, and the spot where the Allen's and ignition wrenches goes is open. I replaced the pouches of Allen's with Bondhus sets since they are organized and way faster to use, and threw the ignition wrenches in a drawer with the other 5 unused sets I've accumulated.

 

[VocaTexas]

NAPA sells a line of tools called Evercraft. They are moderately priced, but of very good quality and they have a lifetime warranty. I've got a Snap-on 3/8 drive flex-head ratchet and the one NAPA sells as Evercraft is IDENTICAL. For someone just getting into wrenching, Evercraft is pretty hard to beat. Many of the sets come in blow-molded cases as well.

 

[APEowner]

The two choices you have picked out are really the extremes of the spectrum - bit like going out for dinner and saying "I can't decide between the Salvation Army soup kitchen and The Ritz"!

Now you've done it. The next thread is going to be What's the fascination with the Ritz It's going to start with this post "I've always found the Ritz to be overpriced for what it is and there's some really good soup at the Salvation Army!"

 

[razzy3789]

wow that's a lot of info guys - thank you!
i absolutely LOVE forums b/c of this!

unfortunately, the 99$ kobalt set is completely sold out and will most likely not be restocked so that's out...bummer b/c that looked nice and would've been a comprehensive quick and easy solution for me... ugh

for the job that my dad and i recently did on my STI, needle nose pliers, dikes, and the ratchet with the 10mm socket were the main tools used...so i'm thinking based upon what i used and what all of you are suggesting is that there aren't that many necessary tools.

all of these individual suggestions are great but they require me to know how to properly piece them all together to make a sensible complete kit without overlap or unnecessary tools...also i would need to buy a box and thus wouldn't be able to easily transport them when necessary. that's why i like the fold up / closable sets that come in the box.

...paralysis by over analysis

 

[djdaredevil]

Thats to bad on the kobalt. Check my other post theres some links to comparable sets. from the other big box stores.

 

[ssdave]

I agree with your last post, you're getting overwhelmed by guys that spend a lot of time on the internet talking about this exact topic, and have vastly different opinions. The answer is there's a lot of ways to get where WE think you want to go. How you get there and where that is depends on your needs and your patience.

As stated before and by you, there's not a lot of "must have" tools to do minimal work. More tools are just the way to get more flexibility in what you can take on. You can buy things as you go to give you more time to find bargains and to learn what works for you.

I would advocate just a bit of patience. I'd wait and buy a set such as the Kobalt. Keep an eye out for it, and get it when you can at a good price. But, I'd also look for used stuff in the mean time. Particularly in SAE and basics like scewdrivers, ratchets, extensions, pliers, chisels, vise grips, hammers etc, etc. There's great bargains out there at yard sales and on craigslist.

I'd also not shy away entirely from cheaper tools. Buy some of them, that look good enough to do what you want to do, and try them. Depending on the level of use your tools get, they may work fine. Or, they will fail you, and you will have a personal understanding of the recommendations you see here to avoid them. Just don't buy the super huge, comprehensive, set to end all sets of them. Target what you need for a particular task and see how it works for that.

Just as an example, I bought a nice set of Snap-on a couple of weeks ago on craigslist for $1200. I sold the tool boxes and some of the cheaper tools that came with it for about $400, leaving me with $800 in the remainder, in the following pictures. If you use some patience and hold out for a deal like this, you will have a good start on your lifetime set for a good price. This set is a comprehensive SAE set, and included 3/8" metrics and most of a set of metric wrenches. All Snap-on. Overkill? maybe. But great tools at a good price in this case. Well worth the extra I paid for them used over new harbor freight or other cheap tools.

 

[razzy3789]

NAPA sells a line of tools called Evercraft. They are moderately priced, but of very good quality and they have a lifetime warranty. I've got a Snap-on 3/8 drive flex-head ratchet and the one NAPA sells as Evercraft is IDENTICAL. For someone just getting into wrenching, Evercraft is pretty hard to beat. Many of the sets come in blow-molded cases as well.

awesome - links?

 

[razzy3789]

http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrench-80942-239-piece-sae-metric-mechanics-tool-set/kdtn80942,default,pd.html?start=10&cgid=gearwrench&srule=price-high-to-low

maybe this might do it?
$215 shipped on ebay...are these "twice" as good as the kobalt ones that went for 99?

 

[djdaredevil]

I cant say they would be "twice" as good. Are they better that would depend on who you ask. The tool brand debate is as old and opinionated as the Ford VS Chevy debate.
Find a kit with a good warranty somewhere local that has what you need at a price youre comfortable with. That way if you break a tool its easy to get a replacement.

 

[razzy3789]

update fellas...that kobalt set is actually in stock locally...the lowes website was wrong go figure...i just called and they've got 2 of them for the 99 bucks!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_573344-22328-86756_0__?productId=50200795&store_code=2327&cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-MechanicsTools-_-50200795:Kobalt&CAWELAID=&kpid=50200795&CAWELAID=320011480002808485&k_clickID=7283b1f0-95b6-4ada-b0f5-566065184a55#img

go for it?

then add in other stuff like screwdrivers, hammer, dikes, impact sockets and driver, etc. later?

 

[djdaredevil]

I say go for it and grab some odds and ends like pliers and a hammer you might need while youre there.

 

[Loscaldazar]

It will work for you- but you will need to pick up some more wrenches. The regular sized wrenches for metric only go from 8-13MM, which is almost entirely useless. 14 and 17 wrenches are used more often than any of the other wrenches. Otherwise the socket selection looks great!

Edit: for a budget price, either the 11, 13 or 15 piece set of Tekton wrenches would be perfect. They are great wrenches for the price, and a much better deal than a separate kobalt wrench set would be (plus, at amazon, if you spend $50 on Tekton tools, you get $15 back, so you could the 15 piece set, a few other tools, and only pay $35+tax for it all).
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZJN3PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[taumac]

A lot of good advice given. My .02 on this is when buying a set of sockets or wrenches is to buy most complete set you can with all sizes included. If don't you'll end up buying more to fill sizes and end up with many duplicates sizes down the road. As for budget, get what you can afford but also think about warrantee. If tool breaks (which they do) how easy is for me to get a replacement? Is Lowes, Sears, or HF local?

 

[razzy3789]

Hey Guys a few things:

1. so i got the kit home and it looks nice...appears to be quality components...love the red/blue on each socket to easily distinguish metric from standard, but like you guys have said, there are a lot of seemingly useless miniature hex keys and mini wrenches that could've been left out but i can supplement some additional tools and the bottom drawer is wide open and can fit a bunch of stuff, there's also more storage on the top to put stuff

2. there's a lot of other comparable kits to this one from other brands, but they're like double the price or more so i can't seem to find a better deal than this even though the kit isn't perfect/ideal as is

3. here's a list from what i know i need and from suggestions from you guys of other items that are a must have for my kit...
let me know if you have specific recommendations and/or additions/deletions from this list - maybe copying and pasting with your suggestion next to the item would be easiest i'd think ?

based upon your feedback, the kobalt set i've got here is pretty comprehensive when it comes to ratchets and sockets right?

TO GET:
impact socket set 1/2" shallow and deep
impact wrench 1/2"
impact driver
power drill driver
Ratcheting Reversible Wrench Set (to replace/supplement what's in the kit) 8mm through 24mm
Hammer
Rubber Mallet
Tape Measure
Level
Picks
Utility Knife
Scissors
Dikes
Needle Nose Pliers
Pliers
Screw Driver Set
Steel Brush
Wire Stripper
Extendable Magnet
Extendable Mirror
Extension Cord Reel
Second Tool Box (to fit the stuff that won't fit in my kobalt box)

I've got plenty of cash to spend to complete this since i'm only a hundred bucks in so far

 

[razzy3789]

i should also mention that home depot, lowes, sears, harbor freight are ALL within a 5 to 15 minute drive from my house

 

[4Kings]

My Sears had the Craftsman branded USA Vaughn hammers on sale over the weekend. Picked up a couple of new ball pein's and a double ended soft face. Might check them out. If you go, see if the still have the USA hook and pick sets, nice set and good value.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Hey Guys a few things:

1. so i got the kit home and it looks nice...appears to be quality components...love the red/blue on each socket to easily distinguish metric from standard, but like you guys have said, there are a lot of seemingly useless miniature hex keys and mini wrenches that could've been left out but i can supplement some additional tools and the bottom drawer is wide open and can fit a bunch of stuff, there's also more storage on the top to put stuff

2. there's a lot of other comparable kits to this one from other brands, but they're like double the price or more so i can't seem to find a better deal than this even though the kit isn't perfect/ideal as is

3. here's a list from what i know i need and from suggestions from you guys of other items that are a must have for my kit...
let me know if you have specific recommendations and/or additions/deletions from this list - maybe copying and pasting with your suggestion next to the item would be easiest i'd think ?

based upon your feedback, the kobalt set i've got here is pretty comprehensive when it comes to ratchets and sockets right?

TO GET:
impact socket set 1/2" shallow and deep Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro Impact Socket Sets (they should be chrome moly, not the chrome vanadium of the regular Pittsburgh line)
impact wrench 1/2" The harbor freight Earthquake are excellent for the price. Many have used them professionally with good luck. If you want a real killer of an Impact, the Ingersoll Rand 2235 or 2135 have massive amounts of power, but are 3x the price of the Earthquake. Or you could buy the m7 mini 1/2 drive impact wrench (NC-4630Q). Under 4" long and 500Ft-lbs of torque. If you want a battery impact wrench, look later for my suggestions on battery lines.
impact driver For battery operated, Porter Cable 20V is high quality and cheap. Only buy the kits with RED batteries. The ones with black batteries are cheapened tools for black Friday and father's day sales. Ridigd is another great bet for the price. They have a brushless drill and impact driver with extra capacity batteries on sale for pretty cheap right now. Lifetime service agreement if you jump through all the hoops correctly. They do have a somewhat powerful (300ft-lbs) impact wrench, but not that great. Milwaukee has an expansive of top notch tools. Search this forum for more info on Milwuakee. It will cost you more, but they have a huge line of tools and they are great quality and power.
power drill driver
Ratcheting Reversible Wrench Set (to replace/supplement what's in the kit) 8mm through 24mm Pretty much every brand is the same for this (if they are imported). You need to decide if you want reversing, flex, offset, locking flex, etc. So many options.
Hammer Vaughan, Estwing, Craftsman are great USA made brands that are affordable. I'd suggest a 3-4 lb mini sledge, and maybe a few ball peens if you get chisels and pin punches later (not really needed for most things)
Rubber Mallet Same brands as above. Get a few deadblow hammers too. The harbor freight orange ones are cheap and have a lifetime warranty with receipt. Every brand of deadblow breaks, so either buy a really expensive brand with a good warranty (Snap on) or buy the Harbor freight ones (few bucks each and easily warranty when they break)
Tape Measure Something that works.
Level
Picks Mayhew makes some good sets that are fairly cheap. USA made
Utility Knife
Scissors
Dikes For pliers, Craftsman, SK, Armstrong are all the same (and great). Channellock is another great brand (also USA). Knipex and NWS are both german and probably the best pliers I've used.
Needle Nose Pliers
Pliers
Screw Driver Set Look to the germans for this too. They make the best screwdrivers hands down. Wiha (my personal favorite, tips last forever and are stupidly strong), Wera, PB Swiss, Felo are good choices that can be found a surprising number of places in the US. A set to cover most of what you need may be $80 for 12 screwdrivers, but they will far outlast many other screwdrivers. Avoid the USA craftsman screwdrivers (except the professional- those are good).
Steel Brush
Wire Stripper Ideal (the company that owns SK) makes a ton of these things that are sold almost everywhere. USA made and very good.
Extendable Magnet
Extendable Mirror
Extension Cord Reel
Second Tool Box (to fit the stuff that won't fit in my kobalt box)

I've got plenty of cash to spend to complete this since i'm only a hundred bucks in so far

Advice in Red....

 

[VocaTexas]

awesome - links?

Here's a link to NAPA's entire tool catalog. This includes ALL tools, not just the Evercraft.

http://tools-equipment.napaecatalog.com/app.php?RelId=6.2.3.2

I live in a fairly isolated area. It's 100 miles to the nearest Lowe's or Sears. The nice thing about buying my tools at NAPA is, when I'm at the parts store getting a part, if I need a tool I can get it at the same place. Plus, I've had great luck with NAPA tools over the years, including the Evercraft line. I've got some MAC, Snap-on, Proto, and Craftsman tools as well.

 

[jipps]

Welcome to the forums, and congrats on your successful work to date on the Scooby! You hit pay dirt with Loscaldazar's response, for your needs on your current car

I would strongly echo a couple of points already made:

1. Get your location in your profile so that people can help you best, now and in future questions

2. Snap On is a hell of a way to blow $1k and possibly not get a lot of bang for your buck. They're great, but 80% of the price is buying a marginal 20% of features and usability which you will likely never notice doing DIY stuff. A good craftsman set will do exactly what you need, and give you a lot of dollars for investment in other stuff: like setting up your garage, getting a bench, a vice, some homeowner tools maybe.

3. A cheaper set helps you learn. Because you will make mistakes, we all do, and wrecking a cheap ratchet is a better way to learn than wrecking a dear ratchet

Just my tuppence worth

 

[jdl25]

Get on craigslist, run some of the local tool ads that catch your eye across this board for guidance. You will quadruple your tools in a month for %20 of what you would pay for new tools.

Harbor Freight is fine for a tape measures, impact sockets, utility knives, picks, I even use their hammers ball peen and dead blow...Screwdrivers I would buy a Klein 10 in 1 and add from there. The Home Depot Husky screwdrivers use to be USA but I have not looked in a long time.

I love to buy off CL.

 

[razzy3789]

Advice in Red....

you're awesome thank you !!!