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Complete Tool Set for 17yr old

Y00PER

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My 17 yr old daughter just completed her 1st year highschool auto tech class,she takes the 2nd year next year as a senior. I have been slowly working on getting her stuff from either consignment stores or garage sales. It's cheap enough, and good enough to get her a start on tools if she continues further after highschool.
 
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Bockscar

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Give this a watch.... just starting he doesn't need tool truck stuff...if he sticks with he can figure what he needs and wants but the kit can let him work.....plus he is a 17 yo kid
 

ptabatcher

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Give this a watch.... just starting he doesn't need tool truck stuff...if he sticks with he can figure what he needs and wants but the kit can let him work.....plus he is a 17 yo kid
I was just thinking of this video.

When I was in high school, I went to the local vocational school for commercial art. Back then, we still did a lot the old way (computers were just entering the class room). I bought my kit from the school since they were able to get better pricing. Maybe the school offers something similar.

I think the idea of involving your son in the procurement would be great. Could be a fun thing to hit up the local pawn shops, estate sales etc…. Or, gift him a small semi-comprehensive set. If he doesn’t use it in class, it could be something he uses on his own. Shortly after I got my first car, my dad got me a small portable Benchtop Pro set from K-Mart. It was 1/4” and 3/8” with some small extensions, a bit driver, some hex keys and a handful of combo wrenches. Metric and SAE. I still have that set and use it for stuff to this day… even though I have much “nicer” stuff that I’ve bought more recently. Had to buy a few little additions over the years (breaker bar, some 1/2” stuff, misc sockets the set lacked, etc..). But, used that little set to do brake jobs, end links. Even used it to change the struts on my old civic.

Good luck
 

richfinn

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My son turns 17 today and he will be taking his 2yr of Automotive next year and it appears he may continue in this field after high school. Looking to buy him a decent set of tools that will work for the time being. Looking for an all-in-one set if they still make them. Or do I need to buy sets individually in order to get a complete set?

Thank you!

I think the Tech School usually provides a required tool list in the USA, right??

If I had to start again, I would go straight for good quality and skip the budget end of the market and make those tools last my entire career.

If Snap-On offer a discount for students there are a couple of items I would buy at 50% discount (flex head ratchets)

I would buy Ko-Ken/Tekton/VIM sockets and extensions in Metric (and skip SAE completely unless he has his heart set on working on old cars/restoration work).

Combo Wrenches I would go Stahlwille 14 series (reasonable price, great quality)

Screwdrivers - Vessel Megadora (I think the perfect Mechanics screwdrivers)

Pliers - Knipex and NWS

Punches and Chisels - Mayhew

Multimeter - Fluke (bear in mind Hybrids/EVs)

Test light - OTC mini

Hammers/Files/Hacksaw/drills/power tools etc (just shop around for the best deals)

Toolbox - Tekton

I would also recommend the "Scannerdanner" textbook (available from AES wave) which explains in easy language how sensors and systems work and crucially how to test them efficiently!!!
 

f121

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I would buy decent but lower cost tools, and see if he sticks with it. The industry drop out rate is obscene so buying for life doesn't always make sense starting out.
This. Plus 17yo kids are still young, they loose stuff, leave stuff in their car in bad neighbourhoods, lend stuff to the wrong people because they haven't learnt those life lessons yet...so he doesn't need a box full of truck tools. Heck I know 30year techs that have saved at least a house deposit by eating their lunch when the snap on truck comes by, this is a useful lesson to learn too.

Starting out today I'd buy whatever the preferred option for cheap but tough tools is that can be easily warranted, get a 8-32mm spanner roll, a comprehensive 3/8 socket set, a set of 1/2" impact sockets, a long 1/2" Ratchet, 1/2" breaker bar, decent flat and #1/#2 Philips screwdrivers, set of decent pliers, wire cutters, electric snips, needle nose pliers and a 18" pry bar.

If I was buying for my kid the Philips screwdrivers and pry bar would come off the snap on truck and the rest would come from harbour freight or equivalent. And if he stuck with it for the first semester I'd give him a FR80.
 

Jazz1

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When my son started as heavy equipment mechanic we hit the pawn shops first, then being November got some sets of sockets and other tools at severe discounts. All name brand tools,,there is lots of used tools around,, Total was $800 and provided him with all the basic tools, then scored a never used 36” GRAY tool chest for $200.
 

CGarage

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There are a few good lessons you can teach him:
1) Tool accountability. Pretty sure when I was 17, I lost some tools and didn’t always put things back as I should have. I learned quickly not to do that and I have aviation levels of FOD anxiety if I do not return what I used to it’s spot.

2) Shopping for deals and what things cost and what to pay. The problem with tech jobs these days is the tool costs are insane. He needs to learn how to shop efficiently to get the most bang for his buck. That is a good life lesson.
 

ybnormal

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Home DIY and automotive work for me

I assembled my first large set from different Black Friday deals. Mostly Craftsman, but Kobalt too.
Worked well until I filled the small set of toolboxes I got with them. Bought a Husky 60" tool chest to hold everything.
I then started replacing socket sets and wrenches with Gearwrench and others as I upgraded.
Flex head (non-120 versions) gearwrenches have been amazing for places that ratchets can't reach.
I add specialty tools to the drawers only as I need them for a job.

Also check for any companies giving a student discount. Some places have a junior/starter mechanics set that is sold exclusively for students.
yep, my local community college auto-tech program has a deal with the local Tekton dealer. I asked why not SO and they said that Tekton was just about as good and 1/3rd the price which made it a lot easier for the students starting out.
 

JradM

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A little more clarity on what you're looking for and the budget might help with recommendations.

E.g. Are you thinking of the classic 299pc Craftsman tool sets of old and just debating whether to choose an all-in-one versus piecing it out - or are we fully outfitting a rolling 7 drawer tool cart for a tech who needs to be ready to work?

We can make recommendations for a $500 budget, but they won't be the same as a $5000 budget.

Are you looking for sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers, prybars, punches, electrical diagnostic tools, pullers, impact wrenches, cordless tools, work lights, bit sockets, torque wrenches, tool organizers, storage, etc. - or just some of that?

Do you want tools this 17 year old will still be using these tools when he retires - or is it better to be fully equipped now and he can replace them as they wear out with better stuff?

If I assume you want a pretty complete but affordable socket set, this one from Tekton is reasonably complete and sells for $445. It has good quality sockets, it is well organized and hard to beat in that price range. Your son can easily warranty items that break and the quality is quite good.
2Fmedia.tekton.com%2Fimages%2Fproduct%2FSKT95302_1.jpg

Probably Tekton's closest competition is from Gearwrench. Gearwrench has some nicer ratchet options in my opinion, but enthusiasm for the sockets seems to be waning on this board. Still, they are some good tools and competitive prices - and they have EVA foam options now too.

That's awesome if working out of a tool cart - easier to grab tools and replace them than a blowmolded case, plus it is obvious if you forget to replace something. It's expensive to do this stuff after the fact, so I consider it a real value-add.

Gearwrench-120XP-Socket-Set-with-Pre-Cut-Foam-Tray.jpg

If you have a larger budget and are willing to piece some things together, I would strongly recommend Williams's USA line. It is basically Snap- On socketry with worse size marking.

Going this route you would buy each socket size separately (e.g. 6pt metric shallow 3/8's) and choose how wide you want the span to be - e.g. for 3/8ths, do you want no overlap with 1/4" and 1/2" sizes, so something like 12mm to 19mm - or 5.5mm to 32mm? Both are options and have no skips. This option would let you customize more.


Williams_Tools_MSS24RC.jpg
WSS-14HRC__30010__00779.1459262944.jpg
BTW, the Williams round-head ratchets like the B52a are pretty sweet. Lousy finish and polish, but inexpensive and shockingly low back drag.
Williams_Tools_B-52A.jpg

Williams also has a Taiwan line that is very comparable to Tekton. It gets overlooked because the USA stuff isn't that much more - but the Taiwan stuff is good too. Consider it like Bluepoint.

If your budget is smaller and your son will upgrade when he advances, even a budget brand like Husky might be worth a look. The sockets are still pretty good - and they have EVA foam options too. Plus, warranty is fast and easy. Add a nicer ratchet or two if you have budget and the socket set would be even better. Don't buy Husky pliers though - they are not good.

husky-mechanics-tool-sets-h244mtseva-64_600.jpg

My recommendations are going all over the place because I'm not sure what budget you're working with or how comprehensive you want the set to be. These are just some options in the mid-tier range for all-in-one socket sets. The options get out of hand if there are no parameters.
 
OP
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octanefam

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While I definitely appreciate you trying to get something nice for your son, the best idea might be to hold off and plan a little bit. Being a student, I imagine your son will probably have access to a lot of tools in school so he won't need his own full personal set right off the bat. Using the tools at school, he can also get a feel for what he actually uses and will need as he goes along.

I'm more of a hobbyist, not a professional mechanic, but I buy things separately and just choose the best option for that specific tool within my budget as I go along. Companies that make one particular type of tool really well can often be more specialized and might not have great coverage of other stuff.

The only real draw that I see to being a brand loyalist or buying a huge set from one place is that warranty service or replacement might be easier if it's all the same place. But people can go years or decades without breaking stuff so YMMV.

Depending upon what type of work you do, you might also want to do something like intentionally buy metric sockets from one company and imperial sockets from another so that they are easy to distinguish at a glance or by feel.

Most of those huge triple digit sets you see at Home Depot or Harbor Freight have some tools that don't work very well, some that you don't really need, or others that duplicate each other for no reason. Which can be ok to get you started if it's really cheap but figure that a lot of that stuff is probably going to get replaced or just sit and not be used.

Which brings us to another major point; storage and access. Someone working in a big garage bay will have a cabinet or set of drawers that is very different than a mobile mechanic working out of a truck or multiple pack-out boxes in a driveway. Having every tool in the same giant heavy plastic clamshell case (like most cheap kits do) isn't terribly practical for either scenario. Poorly organized tools make work far more difficult.

Apparently, my post was a little misleading. His Bday was yesterday and he mention he wanted his own tools. He will be in his second year automotive program through his high school (Senior year). When saying he wants his own tools that is because he was given a tool cart that he wants to fill and he is starting to tinker around in the garage with his 1963 Wagon and quads. I had no intention of spending lots of money it was more just getting him something that is his and not his dad's. So we put together a set at Harbor Freight ( yes I know how some feel about this).

Thank you all for the suggestions and recommendations we will for sure revisit this topic down the road if he continues in this profession.
 
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tamaraw

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Apparently, my post was a little misleading. His Bday was yesterday and he mention he wanted his own tools. He will be in his second year automotive program through his high school (Senior year). When saying he wants his own tools that is because he was given a tool cart that he wants to fill and he is starting to tinker around in the garage with his 1963 Wagon and quads. I had no intention of spending lots of money it was more just getting him something that is his and not his dad's. So we put together a set at Harbor Freight ( yes I know how some feel about this).

Thank you all for the suggestions and recommendations we will for sure revisit this topic down the road if he continues in this profession.
Happy birthday to him! Glad you were able to figure out a good setup and a cart to store it in :)

I actually have a couple things from Harbor Freight myself (plastic deadblow hammer, snap ring pliers, etc.) and I would probably have more if they had a location closer to me. Some stuff they carry ***** but a lot of it is pretty solid for a really good value.

And with some types of tools, there isn't a huge difference between a cheap and expensive version. For example, 6 point sockets are pretty universal (and if a cheap one does break on you, you can probably warranty it). Same with a breaker bar and most wrenches. Or a cheap ratchet might not feel as smooth as an expensive one or get into quite as small of spaces but it will still get the job done in most cases.

Two main things I do think are worth spending a little bit more on are generally screwdrivers and pliers. Crappy screwdrivers don't fit well and make it way easier to strip heads on fasteners, leading to headaches. Crappy pliers won't grip very well or fit into the spaces you need.

If he is ever going to work on Japanese stuff, I would automatically go with Vessel (or another Japanese brand like KTC) for screwdrivers. They adhere to Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) for crosshead fasteners as well as being compatible with normal phillips. Phillips is a very slightly different shape and will tend to strip Japanese fasteners. The difference when you first try it is mindblowing, here's an example:

I would say that Wiha, Wera, and Felo (coincidentally all German brands) are a close second and a good option if you don't do much Japanese stuff. Even if he ends up working in a different field, I would consider a good set of screwdrivers to be a buy it for life type tool.

For pliers, Tsunoda/King TTC, Engineer, Knipex, Channellock, and Wiha are all pretty decent and reliable. And for vice grips that you intend to use in your hand as a wrench or pulling tool (vs just an unattended clamp), look for the ones that have rubber/plastic handles (Milwaukee, Irwin, etc.) because those are way nicer to use than just stamped metal.
 

snickers muncher

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Apparently, my post was a little misleading. His Bday was yesterday and he mention he wanted his own tools. He will be in his second year automotive program through his high school (Senior year). When saying he wants his own tools that is because he was given a tool cart that he wants to fill and he is starting to tinker around in the garage with his 1963 Wagon and quads. I had no intention of spending lots of money it was more just getting him something that is his and not his dad's. So we put together a set at Harbor Freight ( yes I know how some feel about this).

Thank you all for the suggestions and recommendations we will for sure revisit this topic down the road if he continues in this profession.
So what did you end up getting? I use plenty of Harbor Freight stuff regularly. I use two tool carts, 25" 1/2 breaker bar, extendable 1/2 ratchet, 1/2 impact sockets/extensions, and deadblow hammer quite often and they have all done well. The Pittsburgh wrenches from India aren't that great, but their thin size can make them handy---some Toyota slide pins for example.
 

redragoon

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Greenville SC
Apparently, my post was a little misleading. His Bday was yesterday and he mention he wanted his own tools. He will be in his second year automotive program through his high school (Senior year). When saying he wants his own tools that is because he was given a tool cart that he wants to fill and he is starting to tinker around in the garage with his 1963 Wagon and quads. I had no intention of spending lots of money it was more just getting him something that is his and not his dad's. So we put together a set at Harbor Freight ( yes I know how some feel about this).

Thank you all for the suggestions and recommendations we will for sure revisit this topic down the road if he continues in this profession.
I have several HF tools in various places. They make good one-off or just lower cost hand tools.

It is also probably the best option while he is learning and not yet making profit. If the tools get lost/damaged from misuse, he hasn't lost anything of real value. Just learned a lesson for the future. Cheaper tools always end up in my cart/travel kits so if I lose them, I'm not really concerned. Also makes the replacements cheaper.
 

toplessHO

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a buddy who was a SnapOn salesman had a saying his father had passed down to him
"it takes a rich man to buy a poor quality tool".
When my first son was ready for tools I bought him a tool set that was same brand as my tools
big mistake.....he was always getting them mixed up or "refilled" his from mine.
When it came time for next son he got another brand
 

bobg03

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yep, my local community college auto-tech program has a deal with the local Tekton dealer. I asked why not SO and they said that Tekton was just about as good and 1/3rd the price which made it a lot easier for the students starting out.
Snap ons are great, but the trucks are like visiting the local crack dealer.. it's only X amount of $$ each week.:cool:

I worked with guys that it was $200 a week for a car, $25 a week for a TV, $100 a week for furniture, $50 a week for rims and tires for that truck..and on and on and on.

The best advice I can give to any young person today is to live within your means, credit is meant to be your friend not to get everything you want right now...y'all have your whole life ahead of you.
 

dmaxfireman

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My son is signifigantly younger than yours, I am slowly piecing together a set of tools for him as well. But I am focusing on snap on sets. Screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches. I grab repo's from my local rep. Sets, from retiring mechanics, and marketplace, offerup, and craigslist.

If it's a field he decides to go into, he will have a great start at a huge savings, and if not he will have a quality set that will last him until I die and leave him mine. Then he can use mine or give them to his son.
 

RedneckWelder

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Hold off and here’s why

The automotive program may supply a list of tools needed or may even supply tools in the shop and not allow

He will be getting decent discount opportunities with most tool companies, mainly need an .edu email address to sign up with.

He will definitely develop preferences for tools and it’s better for him to pick vs you picking.

Guide him to the good brands such as Tekton, Wright, Knipex, Mayhew, Sunex, Grey Pnuematic, Gearwrench, Milwaukee and so on but tools are a very personal choice to make.
 

CGarage

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My son is signifigantly younger than yours, I am slowly piecing together a set of tools for him as well. But I am focusing on snap on sets. Screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches. I grab repo's from my local rep. Sets, from retiring mechanics, and marketplace, offerup, and craigslist.

If it's a field he decides to go into, he will have a great start at a huge savings, and if not he will have a quality set that will last him until I die and leave him mine. Then he can use mine or give them to his son.

I like Snap-On and they make great tools. However, significant savings can be had by buying from other quality brands including those who are the supplier to Snap-On.
If one is so brand focused that they allocate capital solely to have an “all matching” tool set, that is really financially disadvantageous to your son long term as it robs him of other areas where capital could be better spent, such as education or early investment opportunity. A friend of mine whom I had lunch with recently discovered with all of the money spent on private tuition for his children, he could have bought waterfront property in Florida around the same timeframe as when they entered high school- prior to the recent, meteoric rise in value. Upon reflection, this would have likely been a better investment with a better financial return compared to the projected and summed lifetime earnings of a college graduate- none of which are guaranteed.
Please do not squander other opportunities for your son just so that he can have an “all matching” tool set. There is more to life than this. I realize you are buying deals. That said, you should diversify your investment into his future.
 

Xcursion88

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My son turns 17 today and he will be taking his 2yr of Automotive next year and it appears he may continue in this field after high school. Looking to buy him a decent set of tools that will work for the time being. Looking for an all-in-one set if they still make them. Or do I need to buy sets individually in order to get a complete set?

Thank you!
Coming from someone in the business....
There is definitely no all in one sets.

I can give you a list from another thread and that will cover pretty much most everything he'll ever need. (Most but not all as I'm still buying **** 30 plus years into it but...

Here is a list I made from a similar thread but similar question like yours.


Post in thread 'Reccomended purchases' https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/reccomended-purchases.499458/post-9633869

Obviously you're not getting your son all that but it will give you both a good idea what he will need heading into the real world of auto repair after school if he so chooses.

If I were you I'd get him a complete socket set from SK (I still have mine and use it 30 years later)
Metric wrenches ...Ebay is your friend.
Try to get American if you can....

You can also score air tools on ebay at amazing deals....especially with how well electric is doing at present good used air tools are cheap.
 
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dmaxfireman

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I like Snap-On and they make great tools. However, significant savings can be had by buying from other quality brands including those who are the supplier to Snap-On.
If one is so brand focused that they allocate capital solely to have an “all matching” tool set, that is really financially disadvantageous to your son long term as it robs him of other areas where capital could be better spent, such as education or early investment opportunity. A friend of mine whom I had lunch with recently discovered with all of the money spent on private tuition for his children, he could have bought waterfront property in Florida around the same timeframe as when they entered high school- prior to the recent, meteoric rise in value. Upon reflection, this would have likely been a better investment with a better financial return compared to the projected and summed lifetime earnings of a college graduate- none of which are guaranteed.
Please do not squander other opportunities for your son just so that he can have an “all matching” tool set. There is more to life than this. I realize you are buying deals. That said, you should diversify your investment into his future.
His future is extremely secure, thank you though for the concern, genuinely. Multiple college funds diversely invested. Private school planned and funded right through high school. Investment properties that will eventually be bequeathed to him, etc. A simple quality toolset provided by Dad that will last him forever as well as help make many memories that he will hopefully cherish is a very small investment in the big scheme. Mind you I am no high roller, just worked hard and focused on achieving goals, and live within my means. Now the goal is to spend time with and teach my son good values, the importance of family and good deeds.
 

Dakotadadv8

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Op home gamer here Never hurt to have decent tools for DIY when he owns his own home and vehicles.
 

Chumly

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I'd buy individual sets to avoid useless fillers and hit different companies' better options.
Yeah, I've not used nut-drivers or adjustable jaws myself even as a shade tree. A very basic set of sockets and wrenches is simply a great start for anyone since no one knows what they'll run into next. Construction had like 8 basic things you need to bring to start at the bottom (we each had our own lists for goffers), but automotive all need ratchets and wrenches...probably metric no more than any time in the past.

Had a friend going to that MMI motorcycle school and the school had tools in the shop during the course, then toward graduation he knew what he most used. First purchase was a 300 piece Craftsman took kit with that blow-molded "tool chest". Picked through it, lots of **** you don't use. At least needs a cheap test light, not as as much needle nose pliers.

The actual mechanics will for sure over-rule anything I say here and that's known (because this is their business!)...but if you can educate him that he will meet a tool truck at the first job and that first step on to it is consensual, then Blue-Point-only isn't a horrible choice. Step-son gave a shot at being a pro diesel mech and started with a Pittsburgh full socket/ratchet set and a Harbor Freight (general) cart and I guess that's a starter kit. If it sits here longer, it may be on sale here only for people like your son trying to do things with their lives and need a break. So there's another discussion of buying used tools from a trusted source starting.

Ugh, I rattle on with all these lose bolts and hoping more get into the trades in this weird world that changed on us all. The on-base auto shop only wants Master Mechanics now, so where the hell do you start!? They change tires and oil, why do you need Master Mechanics!?

TL/DR: both socket sets and wrenches with the focus on metric first and I guess 3/8" drive, a good 16" or so prybar, breaker bar, fairly good multi-meter (Autozone level will work, no need for RMS I'd think), 12v test light, carpenter screwdrivers (freaking plastic)...and I guess work up from there. Get fancy when it earns money. God Speed!
 
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