Fill up a tool box for $50. Go.

[Moose97]

I don't know what that Cresent set goes for but that might be the best beginner set I've seen.

 

[cburnscrx]

I'd probably piece it together...
This gets you a screwdriver set, plier set, 1/4 and 3/8 socket set, wrench set all for $63. It's slightly over your budget, but pretty close and much more substantial than most sets.

Usually a $12.99 coupon floating around
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog/product/view/id/7751/category/427/
Usually a $9.99 coupon floating around
http://www.harborfreight.com/21-piece-high-visibility-14-drive-saemetric-socket-set-67905.html
Use the 25% off coupon - $5.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html
$13.99 for 5 pliers
http://www.lowes.com/pd_253677-1687...?Ns=p_product_price|0&page=3&facetInfo=Kobalt
Wrench set for $29.99
http://www.lowes.com/pd_498909-2232...1&currentURL=?Ns=p_product_price|0&facetInfo=

*if you had a Delorian you could have purchased the 8 pc Craftsman wrench set for $9.99 getting you within $4 of your intended target.

 

[Aquaticbob]

If you do go the craftsman route it should be noted that the some of the evolve series do not have a lifetime warranty

I believe it's the whole evolv series doesn't have lifetime warranty

 

[monomach]

I believe it's the whole evolv series doesn't have lifetime warranty

Evolv hand tools do have a lifetime warranty. The difference is that you need the receipt and you have to be the original owner.

 

[nicksnothereman]

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.

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.

The quality on the non-"pro" pittsburgh tools isn't so hot. But...at that price point that's probably the quickest way to get a starter set that you can use right away and not need to pick up too many other sets. Still got the warranty. Don't think you can do it much cheaper with anything of better quality.

They did have some duralast sets (taiwan) for 20 bucks recently though and I suppose those are pretty good from experience with their brands then you could just pick up singles for the rest of the tools he might need. I actually have good luck with cheap stuff (though I buy a lot of it...). HDX and husky stuff is adequate, durabilt (target) stuff (screwdrivers, hammer) is adequate, tool choice (sears) is adequate for picks, needlenose, other pliers, task force and blue hawk is adequate for low torque, most of the ultra steel (walmart) tools (drilling hammer, screwdrivers, hex keys) are adequate. I think that covers most of the cheap brands. Not the best stuff but I prefer to have more variety even for the stuff I don't use so much.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I know it's not the right season, but hit up yard sales. I bought this Husky kit at a yard sale a few years ago for $10. It has 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. It has just about everything you need. I carry this kit in my vehicle when I travel (an old habit I picked up from my Dad). Im not sure of the COO of the tools themselves, but the case says "case only made in China". There isn't a COO on any of the tools, but they seem to be very good.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Evolv hand tools do have a lifetime warranty. The difference is that you need the receipt and you have to be the original owner.

The impact sockets are pretty good (taiwan). I think they're cr-v though.

Above: that's a nice husky set. They're stanley now (as I recall). Those might be theirs, I don't know off hand. The wrenches kind of look like a matte set they sell but a lot of wrenches look the same.

Edit: they are apex now apparently.

 

[Coach James]

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

You mean the one about buying tools made in China?

Coach

 

[Aquaticbob]

Evolv hand tools do have a lifetime warranty. The difference is that you need the receipt and you have to be the original owner.

Interesting. Just from my browsing around in sears I noticed most said limited warranty and a couple things had limited lifetime warranty (this was awhile ago). The limited warranty things I think the fine print said 5 or 10 years.

Either way, the green on the ratchet will help you find it when it's dropped somewhere in the engine bay

 

[Farmall450]

Evolv hand tools do have a lifetime warranty. The difference is that you need the receipt and you have to be the original owner.

Exactly.

 

[KnurledNut]

Have you considered trying Craigslist or local used tool/pawn shops?
A little search might yield someone elses first set of tools.
An advantage in this might be items negligent in some store bought kits...i.e. hammers, prybars, a nice bag or box, decent ratchets, lubricants/sealants/tape, USA visegrips, assortment of fasteners, misc.
I did a generic google search for "site:craigslist.org bag of tools" and there were a lot of results nationwide...
like this one in PA for $20:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/4175517612.html

 

[Moose97]

This post has really got me thinking and looking. I don't think you can get an adequate starter set for $50.00. I think you can do real well for $100.00 and for $150 a set that will meet most needs but $50.00 is tough.

 

[Farmall450]

This post has really got me thinking and looking. I don't think you can get an adequate starter set for $50.00. I think you can do real well for $100.00 and for $150 a set that will meet most needs but $50.00 is tough.

That cMan set I linked is pretty close to great, and under 50.

 

[Moose97]

That cMan set I linked is pretty close to great, and under 50.

I agree that's a real nice set but no pliers of any kind and no screwdrivers. Few wrenches but it is the place I would start if I couldn't get that Cresent set for $50.00