DIY'er starting collection

[ACepero]

I recently purchased a home and have never, ever done work around the house on my own. I almost always pick up a phone and have someone else do it. But now that I have the room to store tools, I have decided to start a collection and take on tasks on my own.

I started out with power tools and have picked up a drill/driver, impact driver, circular saw, and a sander. I usually buy them as I need them. And now I am moving onto hand tools. Picked up a couple of ratchets and a socket set.

I now want to get a screwdriver set. I know that SO seems to hold a pretty damn good reputation. But, I also know the Craftsman can make some pretty good tools.

Should I spend the cash to get a set of SO or save my money and get the Craftsman Professional sets of regular length, long, and Torx?

 

[tsonka]

Get a Snap On ratcheting screw driver, its one of my must have tools if I was robbed and replaced my kit

 

[ACepero]

Get a Snap On ratcheting screw driver, its one of my must have tools if I was robbed and replaced my kit

Funny you say that. I was walking around town the other day and saw the SO truck parked at a gas station. Walked in and picked up a ratcheting screwdriver. It came with just 2 bits but it worked on my loose door knob last night.

But, I'd still like a traditional set.

 

[zbadass28]

If your just doing general work go with craftsman. I love snap on and have all snap on but it was many years of buying to get what I have. Bought what I could afford. Its your call your money so do what YOU want to do. Good luck you be Adicted to tools now!!!! Welcome to GJ.

 

[ACepero]

If your just doing general work go with craftsman. I love snap on and have all snap on but it was many years of buying to get what I have. Bought what I could afford. Its your call your money so do what YOU want to do. Good luck you be Adicted to tools now!!!! Welcome to GJ.

If I were to go with SO, which set(s) are highly recommended?

 

[Davefr]

If I were to go with SO, which set(s) are highly recommended?

If you like SO hardhandles then I'd go with Williams. (same as SO but you'll save a ton of $'s)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NH5F30/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d8_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=11HN473ESZHHTH5TFJTT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938731&pf_rd_i=507846

 

[cburnscrx]

I have the Craftsman Professionals (the cheaper version of the SK cushion grips). They're great. I am sure the SO are great too, but I can do a lot with the difference in price.

If you're just getting into starting your tool collection, have fun! It's a great process and I took a lot of pride in finding deals. In my opinion not everything from Snap On is overpriced, and not everything from Harbor Freight is junk.

Don't know if you have a decent pawn shop in your area, but I've acquired quite a few of my tools from there, things I wouldn't be able to buy otherwise. I think they're good for power tools, especially DeWalt as they seem to be plentiful.

 

[Rico.]

I think where people will go in this thread is that Snap on are one of the best hand tool
manufacturers there is, but you have to be aware that they are also very expensive, and
that there are manufacturers who make tools that are just as good in terms of quality but
are a half, or sometimes a quarter of the price of Snap on.

If you have lots of money, then definitely go for it, but you must post pictures of all of your
aquisitions.... It's the Law here.. However if your not Mr. Minted then look at
tools, if you're in the USA, from Wright, SK, Armstrong, Proto and MAC and if you come
accross any European brand tools like Hazet, Gedore, Facom, Beta, Stahlwille, Knipex and
for screwdrivers... Wiha, Felo, Wera, PB Swiss.... all, arguably, as good as Snap On but with
a bit of hunting around could save you allot of money.

There will be Lovers and Haters of all the different brands listed above, but for the most part
they would be generally considered as premium quality brands. Good luck with your collection
and don't forget the pics....

 

[zbadass28]

If I were to go with SO, which set(s) are highly recommended?

If i was in your shoes this is what I would buy:
10 pc metric wrench set
10 pc standard wrench set
8 pc screwdriver set
8 pc long shank screwdriver set
1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch ratchet.
sockets are up to you. Snap on are great but super expensive.
4 pc pliers set

I'm sure I'm missing something but that's what I started with, and just moved on from there. But there are a ton of other great tool brands out there. I try to buy USA only as well but sometimes that can't be avoided. Hope this helps.

 

[ariscus]

If you keep a good eye on eBay you can find some great deals on full craftsman sets for a good deal. A few years back I picked up a 300 piece professional tool set for $250 on eBay, still in box, that kit retails for around $700. If your patient there are some killer deals out there.

 

[ACepero]

I'm torn between the JH Williams 8 piece or the Wiha 12 piece. Both are on Amazon for good prices.

 

[Arachnotron]

Whia makes very good drivers. Which set you looking at?

 

[ACepero]

Whia makes very good drivers. Which set you looking at?

Wiha 30297

 

[ariscus]

Sorry I thought you were talking about tools in general. I know there has been some talk about their quality going down recently, but I have a full set of Klein screwdrives that I love. They've stayed quite sharp for going on 8 years now, and while they don't get the use they once did, they have held up very well, and aren't crazy expensive.

 

[RKA]

Don't underestimate what you might need around the house to DIY. Meaning a $200 set of screwdrivers might be nice to have, but they won't help you install new baseboards or fix your broken toilet. Make a list of tasks you're willing to learn and do around the house, and then go back and make a list of basic tools to accomplish those tasks. Other than the basic stuff, you're likely to find that the tools for one type of work aren't useful for other types of work, so the list of tools gets long quick. For instance, plumbing tools, electrical tools, painting tools/supplies, carpentry tools, etc.

But for now, what you bought is good. I'd add a multimeter and a couple ladders to your list. Extension or stepladder depends on what you might need to access and how high you need to go.

 

[sberry]

Anything that work, have some I spent a dollar on seem to survive. Buy one when you need it.

 

[ACepero]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I went with the Williams 8 piece set from Amazon. I expect to receive them today.


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[ACepero]

I think where people will go in this thread is that Snap on are one of the best hand tool
manufacturers there is, but you have to be aware that they are also very expensive, and
that there are manufacturers who make tools that are just as good in terms of quality but
are a half, or sometimes a quarter of the price of Snap on.

If you have lots of money, then definitely go for it, but you must post pictures of all of your
aquisitions.... It's the Law here.. However if your not Mr. Minted then look at
tools, if you're in the USA, from Wright, SK, Armstrong, Proto and MAC and if you come
accross any European brand tools like Hazet, Gedore, Facom, Beta, Stahlwille, Knipex and
for screwdrivers... Wiha, Felo, Wera, PB Swiss.... all, arguably, as good as Snap On but with
a bit of hunting around could save you allot of money.

There will be Lovers and Haters of all the different brands listed above, but for the most part
they would be generally considered as premium quality brands. Good luck with your collection
and don't forget the pics....

I'll take some pics this weekend and post. I don't have much, but its coming along on the pegboard.

 

[cburnscrx]

Don't underestimate what you might need around the house to DIY. Meaning a $200 set of screwdrivers might be nice to have, but they won't help you install new baseboards or fix your broken toilet. Make a list of tasks you're willing to learn and do around the house, and then go back and make a list of basic tools to accomplish those tasks. Other than the basic stuff, you're likely to find that the tools for one type of work aren't useful for other types of work, so the list of tools gets long quick. For instance, plumbing tools, electrical tools, painting tools/supplies, carpentry tools, etc.

But for now, what you bought is good. I'd add a multimeter and a couple ladders to your list. Extension or stepladder depends on what you might need to access and how high you need to go.

This is some great advice. I remember when I bought my first house about 10 years ago, and it was new construction. My tool collection multiplied by 4 within the first two years. I have since bought my second house (a fixer upper in a nice neighborhood) and my tool collection is probably 8 times what it was when began home ownership. In fairness I am pretty much gutting this second house, so I needed everything. Big purchases could be in your future. I bought a table saw, compressor, tile saw,paint sprayer, miter saw, drill press. That's not counting things like tool storage, nail guns, power tools, ect. Depending on what you really plan on doing, you could rack up quite a list.

Shop wisely and pick your spots...There are lots of people who know their stuff on this forum, and they can help you get the best value for your dollar.

Good luck, enjoy your new home and shop wisely!

 

[bdamico]

save your money.

i build all kinds of **** around my house and fix everything. that being said, i would never ever spend my money on SO--why? because I'll never use them enough to balance the price. I've had a crappy kobalt screwdriver set for 7 or so years and it's fine. I have a crappy set of wrenches and ratchets--still fine. The one thing I've come to see the light on getting decent tools is the drill/impact set--I think the regular diy guy uses and misuses those more than anything

the other point about not underestimating the number of tools you need also rings true for me. when you're diy without a prof background you always need new tools for new projects. save your money and spend as you go.

edit--and since you already bought whatever this post is worthless

 

[hammlm]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I went with the Williams 8 piece set from Amazon. I expect to receive them today.


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You likely will not be disappointed. I have had a set for a couple of years and I like them quite well. A little cam-out on my #2PH, but it sees pretty much use.

 

[ACepero]

Took a pic of most of my tools.

DeWalt cordless drills
DeWalt cordless impact drivers
DeWalt cordless circular saw
DeWalt random orbital sander
DeWalt screwdriver set
DeWalt ratcheting screwdriver bit set
DeWalt pliers/cutters set
Ryobi cordless drill
Estwing hammer
Craftsman Professional Torx set
Craftsman Professional screwdriver bit set
Craftsman Keyhole saw
Milwaukee Keyhole saw
Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver bit
Snap-on F80 ratchet
Craftsman Premium 3/8 ratchet
Craftsman Premium 1/4 ratchet
Craftsman metric wrench set
Craftsman 1/4 fractional/metric socket set
Blue-Point 3/8 general service set

That's the collection thus far. I'll be receiving the Williams screwdriver set tomorrow.



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[Rico.]

That looks like a lovely collection. The F80 seems to be universally loved here and was a
great Snap On choice. For the rest I think you have purchased very wisely. I don't have
any first hand experience of the Craftsman stuff, but I'm sure others will chime in and the
general service set from Bluepoint I think is great value for money for the amount of pieces
included.

The Dewalt stuff looks great and it's handy being able to share batteries with different power
tools. There aren't a great many jobs around the house or the car that you couldn't do with
that little lot. I think you have done yourself proud.

 

[rick carpenter]

Good looking collection of tools and good choice with Williams screwdrivers, I have that set plus a few more electrical drivers that I added.

Look at some corded tools too. You'll be near the bench doing a lot of tasks and so wouldn't have to worry about running out of battery. Not a big deal, but that's why I have a cordless impact driver and a corded drill. If you want to learn some things you don't know yet, call some friends over or volunteer to help some friends with their projects, or volunteer to help your church outreach program.

 

[ACepero]

Good looking collection of tools and good choice with Williams screwdrivers, I have that set plus a few more electrical drivers that I added.

Look at some corded tools too. You'll be near the bench doing a lot of tasks and so wouldn't have to worry about running out of battery. Not a big deal, but that's why I have a cordless impact driver and a corded drill. If you want to learn some things you don't know yet, call some friends over or volunteer to help some friends with their projects, or volunteer to help your church outreach program.

Good call on the church outreach program. I'd love to learn hands on.


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