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Fill up a tool box for $50. Go.

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thoraudio

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Durnit, that's supposed to say TOOL box blasted fat finger.


Background. Nephew just turned 16 and got a car. Asked my sister what he wanted for Christmas, and she said he's wanting to work on his car some, and tools would be great. His dad is a great brother-in-law but not a handyman, and well, he's likely not getting tools from his dad.

The first thing that popped in my mind was this $49.99 set from HF.

image_23603.jpg


I actually have a coupon for $35 for it, BUT let's face it, while HF does sell some good stuff, this set is slightly above dollar store tools, and I thought we could do better, in quality at least.

So, I've been fiddling around with filling a tool box for $50 to see what I could come up with, and it's actually kinda fun, so I thought I'd throw it out for you guys.

Rules. $ limit = $50 (not including tax).
Setting. 16 year old's first set of tools, mainly for automotive.
Quality. He's not likely going to be a mechanic, so occasional use quality is fine.
Source. Somewhere the tool can be purchased for the price on a consistent basis. Just because you were able to find a 40" Snap-on tool box full of tools for $50 on your local Craigslist doesn't mean I'm going to be able to.

So, let's see what you can come up with.
 
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Duarte

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Keeping it under $50 is a bit tough if you want any decent quality, but here's my suggestion:

Gearwrench ratcheting combo wrenches $30

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_8-piece-reversible-ratcheting-combination-wrench-set--metric-gear-wrench_25984326-p?searchTerm=gearwrench

HF ratchet and socket set (wouldn't be my first choice, but only way to keep in budget..) $12.49 (use 25% off HF coupon code and will be $9.37)

http://www.harborfreight.com/52-piece-socket-set-35338-568.html

HF Pittsburgh pro screwdriver set $8

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html
 
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pendragon1998

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

You would likely do well at a pawn shop for this stuff.

3/8 ratchet and socket set (craftsman has a small one on sale for $10 frequently). Add a 10" extension from pawn shop.
Couple of used or import vise grips
16 oz HF ball peen
8 pc craftsman screwdriver set
$0.99 magnetic pickup tool
Tire gauge
Electrical tape and some zip ties
Cheap tool bag
HF pittsburg PRO wrench set in metric or sae
Basic pliers set
Oil change pan and maybe a funnel
I think that is about all he needs to get going.
 
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1Garageman

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Did a search at Lowes for under $50 and found these.

Kobalt 125-Piece Standard (SAE) and Metric Mechanic's Tool Set with Hard Case
Item
$49.98
820909632634.jpg


Kobalt 131-Piece Standard (SAE)/Metric Mechanic's Tool Set with Case
$49.98
820909626695.jpg


Blue Hawk 185-Piece Standard (SAE) and Metric Combination Mechanic's Tool Set with Case Included $39.98
711688201275.jpg
 
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luke7734

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

pendragon1998 said:
You would likely do well at a pawn shop for this stuff.
Click to expand...

Pawn shop... good idea.. but again like the op said.. not always available...

Damn now i wanna go to a pawn shop.. :lol_hitti

Also PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't buy him that HF kit.. you wanna ruin his automotive experience with bad experiences?? ie: ($h!t tools) Those will do it..

This kid sounds just like me.. My dad for lack of a better term is a city boy.. My mother was a farm kid.. i of course was thrown into the city living from birth.. not till about 16 did i start to learn from my grandfather and pick up good tools.. now when i go to my dad's and need tools he gives me these hf china **** and i always give it a good (excessive) twist and snap his **** wrenches.. then i say, "where's the Craftsman set i bought you last xmas.. chuckling softly.. ":lol_hitti
 
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DeadSock

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

That sears set isn't a bad choice and fits the "general use" starter set.
Do you know if SAE is even a need?

You may also consider what he'll be doing when he's "working on his car some". IMO much of the bugery I've seen done is because improper tools were used.

The first consideration would be "special" tools for general maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire rotation, brake jobs, etc. A starter set isn't going to have a funnel, or breaker for lug removal, or jack and jack stands, etc

It also could be that the "work" he'll want to do involves interior mods. This includes audio, "bling", etc. The proper tools for interior removal generally doesn't involve a short screwdriver. Wiring work takes more than teeth and black tape.

My suggestion would be a jack and jack stands (I think with coupons you can get both for $50 at HF). He can then get a socket set and filter wrench for oil changes.

Are you local to him for some of the more special tools?
 
OP
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thoraudio

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

DeadSock said:
That sears set isn't a bad choice and fits the "general use" starter set.
Do you know if SAE is even a need?

You may also consider what he'll be doing when he's "working on his car some". IMO much of the bugery I've seen done is because improper tools were used.

The first consideration would be "special" tools for general maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire rotation, brake jobs, etc. A starter set isn't going to have a funnel, or breaker for lug removal, or jack and jack stands, etc

It also could be that the "work" he'll want to do involves interior mods. This includes audio, "bling", etc. The proper tools for interior removal generally doesn't involve a short screwdriver. Wiring work takes more than teeth and black tape.

My suggestion would be a jack and jack stands (I think with coupons you can get both for $50 at HF). He can then get a socket set and filter wrench for oil changes.

Are you local to him for some of the more special tools?
Click to expand...

It's a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. As a past owner of one of these cars, I can testify to the fact that both metric and SAE are in use :eyecrazy:

And yes, a set of pic tools would likely be handy.
 
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TheGr8erG00d

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

My vote is for the 125 piece Kobalt kit 1Garageman posted. I think he just won this thread. I don't think you'll get much better than that without banking on flea market/pawn shop scores or buying really poor quality tools. I have a friend who uses primarily all Kobalt tools whenever he has a home project going on (he's a manager at Lowe's). In all the times I've been over there to help out without my own tools, I've never had any issues with them. That said, of those three kits, I like the idea of having real screwdrivers rather than just interchangeable bits and the ratchet in the Blue Hawk kit just doesn't sit well with me. The Kobalts kits have a much more solid-looking ratchet.

That said, HF has improved on quality greatly the past few years. Some great tools can be picked up affordably if you pick and choose and pieced a box together to give as a gift, but I wouldn't hold any stock in the particular box/kit that was listed.

Best of luck, whatever you get he is sure to be thrilled. My favorite gifts have always been tools.
 
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Brownsfan

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Those sets from Lowes look better than any of the others mentioned. Really nice case and decent tools for China made.
 
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Mazdaspeed

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

DeadSock said:
That sears set isn't a bad choice and fits the "general use" starter set.
Do you know if SAE is even a need?

You may also consider what he'll be doing when he's "working on his car some". IMO much of the bugery I've seen done is because improper tools were used.

The first consideration would be "special" tools for general maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire rotation, brake jobs, etc. A starter set isn't going to have a funnel, or breaker for lug removal, or jack and jack stands, etc

It also could be that the "work" he'll want to do involves interior mods. This includes audio, "bling", etc. The proper tools for interior removal generally doesn't involve a short screwdriver. Wiring work takes more than teeth and black tape.

My suggestion would be a jack and jack stands (I think with coupons you can get both for $50 at HF). He can then get a socket set and filter wrench for oil changes.

Are you local to him for some of the more special tools?
Click to expand...
Everyone needs the basics first...yes changing tires and oil changes are necessary and require a few special tools but those are specific jobs. Having screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, etc can be used not just on the car but around the house.

I was lucky enough to have a family who got me tools from a very young age (I used to get a log "stump" to play with about once a year since I was 5 or 6 years old along with my own tools/toolbox). Plus my dad is quite handy and when I was younger would always be building something so I'd get to help (by holding a light or weighing something down so it didn't move lol). Learned a lot from that :) If only every kid was so lucky.
 
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monomach

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Don't give that kid that HF set. That'll make him hate tools and he'll never want to touch another.

I spend so much time defending HF on this forum that people probably think I'm one of the owners...but I wouldn't touch the regular "Pittsburgh" stuff...it's what gave HF their bad name in the first place.

If you look around and make sure to find one of these that says "Made in Taiwan" on the back, he'll be getting something decent for $50.

I believe the 125-piece kits are all Chinese. At least the ones at my store are.

I think it's important to go for mid-grade quality over quantity. Better to get him a decent starter kit that just covers his basic ratchet and socket needs than to load him up with a complete comprehensive set of garbage-to-"meh" tools.
 
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Farmall450

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Brownsfan

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

I know theres a $50 cap. We have the same rule with our nephews. But like you my 15 year old nephew wanted some tools. He is trying to build a go cart and is in a robotics class at school. I bought him this and just told my sister in law it was a black friday deal for $50. Pretty good set for $80. Its his first set of tools and she is a single mom and I am the one he looks up to so yea I went over board. Gave him some of my extra pliers and screwdrivers as well. I have kids of my own but still treat him like my own. This is my wifes sisters son and he is a great student and a great kid. Hell I even had the "talk" with him.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-235-Piece-H235MTS/204339013
 
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Aquaticbob

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Farmall450 said:
OR a better Craftsman set (Same Price)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938108000P
Click to expand...

Going to third this.

I bought this: http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00924963000P?prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

Came with a plastic thing all the sockets click into and the wrench clicks into. I rebuilt the heads on a mustang cobra with that tool set, a pipe, and maybe $10 of a couple misc tools (doesn't include the valve spring tool I borrowed for free). I got the tool set for just doing basic stuff on my car, oil changes, tune ups, etc. With this you can get him a couple other things, and still be on budget. I also believe the in store price was $25, plus at sears all you have to say is I want a discount and they can give you one.
 
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Farmall450

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Duarte said:
My vote would go to this Crafstman set. Can't beat that. Never occurred to me there would be something that price range from Sears. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

The price surprised me too. Normally almost $100. Gotta love Sears :lol_hitti

You could even maybe find a US one. :beer:
 
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DeadSock

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Mazdaspeed said:
Everyone needs the basics first...yes changing tires and oil changes are necessary and require a few special tools but those are specific jobs. Having screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, etc can be used not just on the car but around the house.
Click to expand...

I don't disagree that a "starter set" isn't a bad option. I'm just saying that a pair of jack stands are a necessity.
Would you use a scissor jack by itself to change oil? I suspect not.
The starter set may not have a socket for the drain plug, but the starter set has a pair of vice grips ...

If the kid can save some coin doing his own basic maintenace, he can then fill out his own "kit" of tools.

P.S. since no one has mentioned it yet, an invitation to join garage journal can be put on the xmas card ... that price is $0!
 
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DeadSock

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Farmall450 said:
The price surprised me too. Normally almost $100. Gotta love Sears :lol_hitti

You could even maybe find a US one. :beer:
Click to expand...

Surprised me too since I could see dropping one of those off at my MIL's place.
Note tho that it isn't "crafstman" on the wrenches but "sears" ...
 
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pfctblu

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Nice find Farmall. Ive been working on a similar deal for a friend's kid. Wound up going with a NOS USA Kobalt set and also found him a 4pc Channellock pliers kit for $30. Biggest reason we went Kobalt for the kid was to avoid mixing up tools as dad's are Craftsman.
 
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Farmall450

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

pfctblu said:
Nice find Farmall. Ive been working on a similar deal for a friend's kid. Wound up going with a NOS USA Kobalt set and also found him a 4pc Channellock pliers kit for $30. Biggest reason we went Kobalt for the kid was to avoid mixing up tools as dad's are Craftsman.
Click to expand...

Nice & Good idea!

DeadSock said:
Surprised me too since I could see dropping one of those off at my MIL's place.
Note tho that it isn't "crafstman" on the wrenches but "sears" ...
Click to expand...

I didn't see that. Good catch
 
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Mazdaspeed

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

DeadSock said:
I don't disagree that a "starter set" isn't a bad option. I'm just saying that a pair of jack stands are a necessity.
Would you use a scissor jack by itself to change oil? I suspect not.
The starter set may not have a socket for the drain plug, but the starter set has a pair of vice grips ...

If the kid can save some coin doing his own basic maintenace, he can then fill out his own "kit" of tools.

P.S. since no one has mentioned it yet, an invitation to join garage journal can be put on the xmas card ... that price is $0!
Click to expand...
Oh no doubt...it would all depend what he intends on doing to the vehicle. I know when I first got into it as a young lad, it was very little true mechanical and mostly interior stuff and car audio and the like. Also probably safer to start doing that stuff as it's very easy to misuse jack stands/jacks if you've never been shown how.

If it were my niece/nephew or something I'd just forget the budget and get the tools necessary to do the job for them (or honestly probably upgrade my own stuff and hand-me-down my old gear). Or if they lived in the same city, I'd be sure as heck telling them to come over and we'll do the job together so I can teach/supervise/instruct. Locally I'm part of a car club, once or twice a month during the summer I hold install days for everyone to come over. No cost except a few bucks for consumables (give me $5 for all the lube, anti-seize, towels, etc used) and I'll let you use my garage, tools, and have me there to watch/instruct/help while you work on your car. Usually half a dozen or so guys come out, help each other out, do more complicated installs that need special tools, etc...it's a lot of fun actually.
 
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Tsquare

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

I bought my first mechanics set at 15 from Sears, it was 70 piece Craftsman Mechanics set for $49.00 (1976) real basic. Came with a 3/8 and 1/2 ratchet, maybe 18 sockets a few extensions, 5 open end wrenches, a couple of screw drivers, pliers, a hacksaw and some fill in pieces and it came in one of those grey metal Craftsman toolboxes with a red tray ( I still have almost that complete set still today). It served me well through the years with my first cars, I rebuilt motors, transmissions, suspensions, etc with that set - I usually figured out a way to get those tools to do the job I needed to get completed, when I couldn't, I borrowed a tool or if necessary purchased what I needed. I learned a lot of lessons with those tools. Based on my experience, I would get him fewer tools, but better quality and let him enjoy figuring out how to manage his future tool needs . Good luck on your nephews gift - he's a lucky kid to have a good Uncle :thumbup:
 
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DeadSock

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

A couple of stocking stuffer ideas too ...

#1) A pair of safety glasses and an eye patch
#2) Some ear plugs and an old hearing aid

Each "stocking stuffer" could be put together for next to nothing. Simply state "one you wear for an hour or two, thw other you wear for years".

PM me an address if ya want, and this santa will send off these ;)
 
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ihateminimumwage

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

Definitely with everyone here on going with one of the previously listed Kobalt, Craftsman or Husky sets (that's in my order of preference).
 
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Gmonkee

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Re: Fill up a too box for $50. Go.

If I were buying to use them myself the BlueHawk set apears to have more of the tools I would actually use.

You can't beat those cased sets for price/piece ratio by piecemealing a set together. I did work with those low end tools for years, I didn't need better really at that phase of my life.
Even decades later I was using now full sets of low end wrenches, until about 2005 I took a job as a mechanic.

Then the spending spree began and better quality tools made a difference in getting jobs done with less four letter words. Before then I never used them enough to note the shortfalls.
 
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RedneckWelder

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I did a lot with this set (well the older version) when I had few other tools and had moved out of my parents househttp://www.harborfreight.com/64-piece-14-38-and-12-socket-set-67995.html Got me out of quite a few binds. Still to this day keep it in the truck tool box as emergency tools. The made in Taiwan HF stuff is usually GTG, doubly so for this application.

I don't know about the $22 wrench sets from HF but they might work for him. If you can find a used set of something better, then I'd go for that. Cheap wrenches usually result in busted knuckles and hate.

Add in a couple pairs of pliers and a screwdriver set and you can get a suprising amount of work done.
 
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Two dollar steak

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First car, first time wrenching.......I'd say funnels, drain pan, filter wrench, screwdriver set and combo wrench set. Maybe some ramps if you can find a deal.
 
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PavelK313

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My first ever tool set was this set from Costco that i paid about $60 for. Looking back at it I dont even understand how I was able to do the things I done with it. I still have it until this day (12 years later) and the only thing that broke is 1/2" ratchet but it only broke because of severe abuse.

71ea%2BP7cO5L._SL1500_.jpg
 
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