First "pro" tools, need reassurance

[Codejack]

My two cents:

Absolutely, I would love to buy USA-made tools; Wright and Armstrong are on my list for a shop set, when I get that far. That being said, I had/have some 90s-era Craftsman USA stuff that is garbage; we make some **** here in the states, too

For this set, though, it doesn't make any sense to buy that level of tool; this is going to sit in the trunk of a car overnight, sometimes, and I will be driving around bad areas looking at cars with it. I'm not doing that with $2000 worth of tools.

The ultimate problem with the gearwrench set is that it has too much that I don't need (weighs too much), doesn't have a few key things that I do need (decent ratchets, impact sockets), and has no extra room for anything else. It's going to be $300, altogether, with no local warranty replacement, and my 2nd box will continue to be overloaded. I'll be dragging around over 100lb of tools.

I found a USA-made case with 3 drawers and a top area, I can fill it with exactly what I need of the HF pro line for the same money, and they have 2 locations in town for warranty returns.

Maybe it is a waste of money, but it's also 1/10th the price. If it gets me by until I can find used/sale/discount pro tools, though, then it will pay off. If it gets stolen, I'm only out $300.

 

[jd_1138]

Maybe it is a waste of money, but it's also 1/10th the price. If it gets me by until I can find used/sale/discount pro tools, though, then it will pay off. If it gets stolen, I'm only out $300.

Tools are not a waste of money, because they're making you money as you flip cars and saving you money by not having to hire a pro. If you put together a better set later, you can relegate the HF stuff to the trunk of another car or into the house closet or something.

I wonder if this 301 piece set from HF would work for you? It's $150 after 25% coupon.

That's a lot of tools for $150, and it all comes in one case. If you later upgrade, you can probably re-sell it for close to what you paid for it. Or keep the best tools out of it, and sell off the rest.

Then you'd have time to cherry pick your permanent set in brands/prices you want. Worse time to buy something is when you're desperate and need the item asap. Like when your car blows up, and you have to buy a new one so you can get to work on monday.

I put together a full SK set from mostly ebay and also here on GJ in the classifieds. I already had USA Craftsman, but I wanted nicer tools. And then I inherited a full set of Powr-Kraft (USA made, Montgomery Wards). So I have 3 full sets in 3 brands. Also, it's fun finding quality tools at yard sales and flea markets -- usually for 25 cents each.

 

[Codejack]

Tools are not a waste of money, because they're making you money as you flip cars and saving you money by not having to hire a pro. If you put together a better set later, you can relegate the HF stuff to the trunk of another car or into the house closet or something.

That's my thinking.

I wonder if this 301 piece set from HF would work for you? It's $150 after 25% coupon.

I have seen that, but it's the regular pittsburgh, not the pro; it has tons of stuff I don't need (**** pliers and screwdrivers, 12 point copies of every size,), so extra weight to carry around; it doesn't have a lot of stuff I do need (5 of each SAE and metric wrench?); and I've come to see the molded case as more of a disadvantage.

I want a portable case, and I found this USA-made 3-drawer box:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DP7VBK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And the pittsburgh pro sockets (all Taiwan-made, and there are some impressive torture tests on youtube) are cheap enough to buy just the sockets I need in smaller sets, and I'm just going to buy impact sockets for the 1/2" set.

The one thing that I am not sure about are the wrenches; some say they are awful, others say they are amazing, but I have never had a set of wrenches that I liked, so I figure I'll look at them in the store and see how they feel.

I put together a full SK set from mostly ebay and also here on GJ in the classifieds. I already had USA Craftsman, but I wanted nicer tools. And then I inherited a full set of Powr-Kraft (USA made, Montgomery Wards). So I have 3 full sets.

I've got a couple of Wright/Armstrong sets spec'd out for ~$1,000, but again, that's for a shop set and I'm going to have to save up.

 

[jd_1138]

T
I want a portable case, and I found this USA-made 3-drawer box:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DP7VBK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Good, yeah the blow molded cases are over rated. You can put your wrenches in wrench holders and put the sockets on socket rails or trays and then set the trays in the top part of the box.

 

[Codejack]

I've got some wrench rings in the cart, and the sockets come on plastic holders that I figure will last a little while. I can always buy socket rails or cut some foam inserts to hold everything in place.

I figure the 1/4" and 3/8" will fit in one drawer, the 1/2" stuff in another, wrenches in the 3rd, and the top will be for overflow from my other box

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Why not wait for the Craftsman 311 or 323 piece set to go on sale again for $179 and get those. I can see spending the money for USA made tools to support your fellow American (in reality you are making the shareholders richer), but Taiwan, China, Japan are all the same. I have yet to see any analysis or test proving one COO made tool is better than another. COO is nothing more than opinion and the only thing that should matter is value for the product you receive. Dollar for dollar, Craftsman (when on sale) represents the best value for your money.

 

[Codejack]

Craftsman 311 or 323 piece set

1. My last craftsman experience was bad. I had a socket set back in the 90s, USA made, that I broke the same socket on the same bolt 3 times in a row, not using a cheater bar or anything crazy, maybe 150 ft-lb torque. 2 trips to Sears and back, and it never got the job done. I literally threw the set away.

2. They both have a lot of stuff that I don't need. Oh, I can set it aside and just carry the stuff I do need, but that messes with my OCD, and I start to question the quality of tools at each price point; suddenly, I'm paying more per piece for the harbor freight stuff...

3. Customization. I'm completely skipping the normal 1/2" drive sockets and just getting impact sockets. I'm looking at spline sockets instead of 12 point 3/8" sockets. I'm getting low profile 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets, but a bulkier 1/2" ratchet with a quick release.

4. Risk. "Craftsman" will sell at a pawn shop; "Pittsburgh" not so much. Thieves are more likely to pass it over.

5. Warranty. Sears is going downhill, fast, kmart isn't far behind, and Ace doesn't keep enough stock to reliably replace parts.

"Made in the USA"

Either way, you are enriching shareholders; one way employs Americans and the other doesn't, though.

When I go to buy a shop set, I plan on buying USA, probably Wright or Armstrong.

 

[Codejack]

OK, this is as much for me to keep track of as for anyone else, but any problems anyone can see with this set, please, let me know

-------------------------------------

Box, USA-made, polypropylene case with steel drawers.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DP7VBK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

------------------------------------

1/4", any reason to get 12 point or deep well?

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-drive-professional-low-profile-ratchet-62329.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-14-in-drive-sae-high-visibility-socket-set-67906.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-14-in-drive-metric-high-visibility-socket-set-67940.html

-------------------------------------

3/8", 6 point deep, 12 point standard (still torn between those or the spline set, but the spline set skips 12mm).

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-low-profile-ratchet-62328.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-38-in-drive-sae-high-visibility-socket-set-67924.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-38-in-drive-metric-high-visibility-socket-set-67923.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-38-in-drive-metric-high-visibility-deep-socket-67867.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-38-in-drive-sae-high-visibility-deep-socket-67866.html

Spline sets:

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-3-8-eighth-inch-metric-spline-socket-set-96362.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-3-8-eighth-inch-sae-spline-socket-set-96810.html

--------------------------------------

1/2", impact sockets; I was going to need them, anyway, and I don't see any reason that they won't work as a hand tools.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-composite-ratchet-62618.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-sae-impact-socket-set-67918.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-69345.html

--------------------------------------

Accessories; I already have a set of adapters and u-joints, so I just need extensions:

https://www.harborfreight.com/9-pc-wobble-socket-extension-set-67971.html

And these look really nice:

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-thumbwheel-ratchet-set-94011.html

--------------------------------------

Wrenches, still undecided, can theoretically get by with my old ones for now.

This set is extremely well-reviewed, and has more than I need, but I can always leave the larger ones at home:

https://www.harborfreight.com/11-pc...long-handle-combination-wrench-set-60548.html

But this set has more of the wrenches that I need for less money:

https://www.harborfreight.com/22-pc-fully-polished-sae-metric-combination-wrench-set-69314.html

Universal set, someone is going to have to sell me on; I like the spline drive, but not the largest range of sizes, and I don't like the open end, at all.

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-pc-metric-universal-combination-wrench-set-69329.html

Or, I could manage, say, a Sunex or Tekton set:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQDBZE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-8-22-mm-Combination-Wrench-Set-15-Piece-18792/205730842

Armstrong, Wright or anything better is simply out of my budget.

-----------------------------------------

Screwdrivers, again, something that I can theoretically use my old ones, but I really like acetate handles, and I only have one flathead with it right now.

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-acetate-handle-screwdriver-set-61412.html

-----------------------------------------

Hex Keys; finally, something that I might buy from a different brand! For one thing, the only hex keys Harbor Freight sells are in the normal Pittsburgh line; for another, I can get a Tekton set for basically the same money:

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...-piece-metric-ball-end-hex-key-set-96416.html

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M8K6TUO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

-----------------------------------------

Pliers, hammer, punches I have in either Stanley Fatmax, which I like pretty well, or antique/generic stuff that I will replace as it dies. One of my vise-grips is a Vise-grip.

-----------------------------------------

This is accompanying my box shown here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6627649#post6627649

And is meant to replace the socket set below it.

Anything a mechanic simply must have that isn't there?

 

[Mr_B]

tekton wrench set might be worth a try.
Those palm ratchets okay if ratchet back drag low, do have an old set but hardly use them as got gearless stubby ratchet in 1/4 and 3/8 which made the palm ones redundant, gearless ones real handy but more pricey, titan do them and come under various brands.
Tekton hex key set looks useful for the money.
Screwdrivers okay if you happy with them and at 11 bucks they'll be useful for something plus you already have some .
sometimes 12 points sockets useful as is deep ones but if find need some easy enough pick some up at that point they proven to be required.
perhaps some alignment heel bars and prybars might be handy, circlip pliers and 11" long nose pliers set pretty handy have on hand, I use them a lot on car hoses ht leads and electrical plugs if get hose ended pliers included in the set, standard jaw ones handy on machinary carb linkages and things . Not a must but half decent sets not expensive and massive time saver at times.

 

[Codejack]

Tekton:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-8-22-mm-Combination-Wrench-Set-15-Piece-18792/205730842

Pittsburgh:

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-pc-fully-polished-metric-combination-wrench-set-68790.html

I just seriously have to ask if the Tekton's are twice as good, especially when it looks like they came out of the same factory.

I am interested in what kind of screwdrivers other people like, I've just always liked the acetate handles.

Other than that, it's all "buy it when I need it" stuff; I've never done an alignment in my life, that's what Goodyear is for

 

[Mr_B]

they not for wheel alignment they for aligning things like holes etc .
Lot of people rave on tekton, have seen those spanners and looked okay to the eye and touch but I not used them so no idea how fitment is .
As you already got spanners I would consider just filling in missing sizes with half decent quality of brand you find nice and build up a complete set in the chosen brand over time .

 

[JazzBlueRT]

3. Customization. I'm completely skipping the normal 1/2" drive sockets and just getting impact sockets. I'm looking at spline sockets instead of 12 point 3/8" sockets. I'm getting low profile 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets, but a bulkier 1/2" ratchet with a quick release.

Would cro-mo impact sockets be too "springy" for non impact use?

 

[Codejack]

they not for wheel alignment they for aligning things like holes etc .

Huh, I usually only run into that problem with clutch jobs, and the set comes with an alignment tool.

I guess it would come in handy with some suspension components, changing control arms and such.

Still, "buy it when I need it"

Lot of people rave on tekton, have seen those spanners and looked okay to the eye and touch but I not used them so no idea how fitment is .

The Tekton and the Pittsburgh sets look identical, and they are close to the same price. Something tells me that I would be paying $5 for the "Tekton" name.

As you already got spanners I would consider just filling in missing sizes with half decent quality of brand you find nice and build up a complete set in the chosen brand over time .

I've got too many gaps, though; I need, at minimum, 10mm, 12mm, 9/16", 5/8", 3/4" and 13/16", and 19mm, 7/8" and 1" would be nice. There are too many different sets at HF, though, I think that I am just going to have to wait until I go to the store and hold them in my hand.

And I've found some "nice" wrenches for a decent price (11 each SAE/Metric, Armstrong for $150, Wright for $300), but I'm not carrying those around in my car...

I can get a Sunex set for $70, which I might go for if the HF wrenches don't hold up.

 

[Codejack]

Would cro-mo impact sockets be too "springy" for non impact use?

I can't imagine that being a problem.

The only reason it isn't done more often is that impact sockets usually have thicker walls and are harder to get into tight spaces, but the ones I have spec'd out have thin walls:

https://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-69345.html

vs

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-67899.html

See how much thicker the cheap ones are? The thin ones cost almost twice as much... but I'm skipping the normal 1/2" drive sockets. Seems like it works out

The deep well are a little different:

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-deep-socket-set-67915.html

...but still pretty thin, and have a couple of extra sizes. I'm not buying those, immediately, but probably in the near future. They are $32 per set! $64 goes well over budget.

 

[ocloc24]

Huh, I usually only run into that problem with clutch jobs, and the set comes with an alignment tool.

I guess it would come in handy with some suspension components, changing control arms and such.

Still, "buy it when I need it"




The Tekton and the Pittsburgh sets look identical, and they are close to the same price. Something tells me that I would be paying $5 for the "Tekton" name.




I've got too many gaps, though; I need, at minimum, 10mm, 12mm, 9/16", 5/8", 3/4" and 13/16", and 19mm, 7/8" and 1" would be nice. There are too many different sets at HF, though, I think that I am just going to have to wait until I go to the store and hold them in my hand.

And I've found some "nice" wrenches for a decent price (11 each SAE/Metric, Armstrong for $150, Wright for $300), but I'm not carrying those around in my car...

I can get a Sunex set for $70, which I might go for if the HF wrenches don't hold up.

I got a sunex set of angle wrenches and while they've performed well within a week of use several wrenches have really bad chrome peel. Hopefully I just got a bad batch. I have a set of double box ratchet wrenches on order from them so we'll see if it was an isolated issue.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[Codejack]

I got a sunex set of angle wrenches and while they've performed well within a week of use several wrenches have really bad chrome peel. Hopefully I just got a bad batch. I have a set of double box ratchet wrenches on order from them so we'll see if it was an isolated issue.

I'm going to try the HF ones, first; here's a guy torturing them, and comparing them, well, to snap on and matco:

For that matter, the high end HF sets are as expensive as the Sunex!

Anything more expensive than that isn't going in a portable tool kit

 

[Yarpo]

1/4", any reason to get 12 point or deep well?

Can't think of any reason for 12 points in that size, but deep wells have tons of uses.

Anything with threads longer than your shallow socket can reach, you obviously need a deep socket (Or a wrench) I found myself using a very small quarter inch drive ratchet with a deep or semi deep socket all week while tearing into my head gaskets fwiw.

 

[Codejack]

Can't think of any reason for 12 points in that size, but deep wells have tons of uses.

Anything with threads longer than your shallow socket can reach, you obviously need a deep socket (Or a wrench) I found myself using a very small quarter inch drive ratchet with a deep or semi deep socket all week while tearing into my head gaskets fwiw.

Well, I can always add the deep wells in 1/4" for $20, I just don't see myself using them any time soon; I don't even have a 1/4" drive in my main set, I have an old, cheap set that I use for that, and it doesn't have deep well.

Then again, I am starting to do more stuff... what the hell, it's $20, and gives me overlap on deep well 10mm and 12mm, which I could see coming in handy.

 

[85blazer]

You can put together a pretty nice set of USA made tools if you don't mind doing some hunting and don't need it all right away.
I just picked up a bunch of proto professional stuff this weekend.
8-24 mm wrenches, 7 piece 6point swivel set and complete 1/2" drive socket set for 100.00 on C.L.
Pawn shops have been great to me also.

 

[Codejack]

You can put together a pretty nice set of USA made tools if you don't mind doing some hunting and don't need it all right away.
I just picked up a bunch of proto professional stuff this weekend.
8-24 mm wrenches, 7 piece 6point swivel set and complete 1/2" drive socket set for 100.00 on C.L.
Pawn shops have been great to me also.

I've got several different ideas on how to go about that, but a few things:

1. "Made in the USA" doesn't mean $#!^. Don't get me wrong, I'm as patriotic as you could ask for, and I absolutely want to support American labor. That being said, I have some 90s-era Craftsman USA wrenches that are junk, and some Taiwanese sockets that have been bulletproof.

2. The brand names make them targets for thieves, since they will pawn more easily. I'll get good USA stuff for my shop set, when I get that far.

3. This set needs to be specific (have what I need, but not what I don't, to keep weight down), replenishable (I can't wait 7-10 days for a warranty replacement), and I need it sooner than I can piece together flea market and yard sale finds.

This set is cheap, so if it gets stolen I'm not out $1500, or spending 2 weeks hunting up another piecemeal set. If anything breaks, there are 2 HFs in town, one 15 minutes from my house.

 

[WittHay]

I have always liked the 3 drawer tool box similar to the Husky in the picture for portable use. Fill one or two boxes with exactly the tools you need.

I like to use tool brands from local parts stores that have displays of individual wrenches and sockets. Easy to loose small sockets or leave a wrench behind when working away from the shop.

In Canada we have a bunch of imported mid-level brands Jet, Westward, Mastercraft, Napa Ultra Pro that get the job done. Probably similar to your Pittsburgh Pro or Napa Carylyle. Make sure you get a couple of quality 3/8 drive ratchets. GearWrench 84 tooth or used Snap-on

 

[Codejack]

I have always liked the 3 drawer tool box similar to the Husky in the picture for portable use. Fill one or two boxes with exactly the tools you need.

I like to use tool brands from local parts stores that have displays of individual wrenches and sockets. Easy to loose small sockets or leave a wrench behind when working away from the shop.

In Canada we have a bunch of imported mid-level brands Jet, Westward, Mastercraft, Napa Ultra Pro that get the job done. Probably similar to your Pittsburgh Pro or Napa Carylyle. Make sure you get a couple of quality 3/8 drive ratchets. GearWrench 84 tooth or used Snap-on

I'm getting this box:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DP7VBK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It's about 5 lb lighter than the metal boxes, and the polypropylene is the stuff they make car ramps out of; I have a set that will hold up to 12,000 lb.

The Pittsburgh Pro sockets are at least good enough to survive a little abuse once in a while:

And I am getting the really nice impact sockets instead of chrome 1/2" drive:

https://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-69345.html

They make a couple of different ratchets; I'm getting this composite one to match the 1/2" impact sockets:

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-composite-ratchet-62618.html

And then getting the low-profile ones for 3/8" and 1/4":

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-low-profile-ratchet-62328.html

Here's a torture test of the flex-head version, which breaks, at the flex-head (not the teeth), at close to 500 ft-lb of torque:

There are several reviews of people using them in shop environments and them holding up.

-------------------------------------

I am convinced that these are at least of reasonable quality, the store is close enough to make warranty returns practical, and I could lose the entire set and be out less than $300.

The alternative was this Gearwrench 239 piece set:

http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrenc...-1-2-drive-metric-sae-socket-ratchet-set.html

But I decided against it after trying to pick up a different brand with the same box and tools, because it weighs 60 lb!

I could buy it, and the box, and transfer what I want over, but it's got twice as many sockets as I need, the ratchets included with it **** (45-tooth), it doesn't have impact sockets, at all, and if it got stolen, it would be a disaster, since it would be half a set gone, and the replacements are ~$4/socket and ~$15/wrench.

I would be paying more for a bunch of stuff I'm never going to use and less convenience if something breaks or is lost/stolen, and this way, I get to spec out exactly what I want.

The only thing that has me confused are the wrench sets: It seems like either the wrenches themselves are huge (which would be great, for a shop set), they skip the size I need (beautiful 22 piece set, that skips 15mm! That's easy enough to fix, I suppose...) or they look like garbage (the low end normal Pittsburgh, not Pro, polished wrenches look like they would bend in a stiff breeze).

 

[bcradio]

Here's a good start:

https://www.harborfreight.com/301-pc-professional-mechanics-tool-set-63457.html

 

[Infinia]

Here's a good start:

https://www.harborfreight.com/301-pc-professional-mechanics-tool-set-63457.html

Is that what you use ?
Well at least it has the words "Pro" on the box
Does it have missing sizes and wrench sets so small you must buy more sets?
Isn't the plastic box so heavy and prone to break that it makes it unpractical for portable use?

(I love it when folks recommend tools that they've never actually used. )
I reckon you forgot what the OP was asking for ! .. paraphrased here "a step up from midrange sets and bog standard 45 tooth ratchets." I doubt he be happy and would need lots more than "reassurances" showing this set to his buds.

 

[Tallpilot]

The Tekton combo wrenches are twice as good as Pittsburgh and the set doesn't skip sizes. You can really tell the difference when you hold them in your hand. Tekton is the best value out there in non ratcheting combo wrenches right now. The next step up is 3 times the cost.

 

[bcradio]

Is that what you use ?
Well at least it has the words "Pro" on the box
Does it have missing sizes and wrench sets so small you must buy more sets?
Isn't the plastic box so heavy and prone to break that it makes it unpractical for portable use?

(I love it when folks recommend tools that they've never actually used. )
I reckon you forgot what the OP was asking for ! .. paraphrased here "a step up from midrange sets and bog standard 45 tooth ratchets." I doubt he be happy and would need lots more than "reassurances" showing this set to his buds.

Did you actually read any of this thread? (rhetorical question because the answer is certainly 'No')

-His whole set basically is pieced together from HF tools.
-He wants a case for it
-He wants it to be cheap so if it gets stolen it isn't a $1500+ loss

This set basically fits the bill perfectly. Why do people like you even respond to threads when you are obviously totally clueless?

 

[Infinia]

Did you actually read any of this thread? (rhetorical question because the answer is certainly 'No')

-His whole set basically is pieced together from HF tools.
-He wants a case for it
-He wants it to be cheap so if it gets stolen it isn't a $1500+ loss

This set basically fits the bill perfectly. Why do people like you even respond to threads when you are obviously totally clueless?

You avoided my simple questions and went on some personal attack, nice.
Yep read it and certainly my comprehension must be greater than yours.
Some don't understand "piece" together as a concept and the that case weight and quality is questionable. Ask the OP not me , if your suggestion was acceptable. rhetorical Q indeed!

 

[bcradio]

You avoided my simple questions and went on some personal attack, nice.
yep read it and certainly my comprehension must be greater than yours.
you don't understand "piece" together as a concept and the that case weight and quality is questionable. Ask the OP not me , if your suggestion was acceptable. rhetorical Q indeed!

I could care less about answering your pointless questions. You obviously have selective reading abilities as you like to pick and choose what information you want to report from the OP. I am giving an option that is the cheapest way to get a large number of HF sockets and includes many other tools as well. If he only keeps the sockets and tosses the rest he'll still come out ahead.

Can't spell that out any more clearly for you... sorry if you don't get it.

 

[Infinia]

I could care less about answering your pointless questions. You obviously have selective reading abilities as you like to pick and choose what information you want to report from the OP. I am giving an option that is the cheapest way to get a large number of HF sockets and includes many other tools as well. If he only keeps the sockets and tosses the rest he'll still come out ahead.

Can't spell that out any more clearly for you... sorry if you don't get it.

I noticed all your input to this forum is pretty much pointless! = what some would call " the peanut gallery" one or two "clever" sentences usually aimed at the person helping, not the subject.

 

[bcradio]

I noticed all your input to this forum is pretty much pointless! = what some would call " the peanut gallery" one or two "clever" sentences usually aimed at the person helping, not the subject.

Actually that would be up your alley. What are you like 12 or something?

I make a (just about perfect) suggestion for the OP and then you come in here with your ******* in a bunch and say something about it that shows you basically have not followed this thread at all. Then you try to start an argument about a statement that had absolutely nothing to do with you (basically what a 12 year old would do).

Maybe grow up and mature a bit before you continue to post here...

 

[Codejack]

Easy now, guys, this isn't a contest; there's no award for recommending the tools I finally buy

Did you actually read any of this thread? (rhetorical question because the answer is certainly 'No')

-His whole set basically is pieced together from HF tools.
-He wants a case for it
-He wants it to be cheap so if it gets stolen it isn't a $1500+ loss

This set basically fits the bill perfectly. Why do people like you even respond to threads when you are obviously totally clueless?

First of all, I would rather everyone respond; I might not have thought of something, and I have changed my mind over the course of this thread.

Luckily, this includes you, because I've addressed that set a couple of times, now: The "pro" line is entirely different from the normal Pittsburgh line, and doesn't come in big sets like that. In fact, one of my new rules of thumb might be, "Good tools don't come in big sets"

I decided to piece together a set so I don't have a bunch of **** I don't need (e.g. 8 different 10-14mm and 7/16-5/8" sockets, in each drive size plus deep and 12 point; 5 Metric wrenches doesn't cover enough sizes; **** pliers in a molded case that I can't fit better ones in...); I went and tried to pick up one of the big kits, they are not really "portable" in anything but the strictest sense. Buying pieces saves weight.

I found this box for $50:

I have spec'd out ~$200 worth of sockets, ratchets and wrenches that covers 75% of the 301-piece set (and 99% of what I need) in better quality tools; 86 sockets vs 158, mostly from eliminating triple overlap and most 12-point sockets (I will have 10-19mm in 3/8" 12 point, and triple overlap in 10-14mm and 7/16-9/16", because of the 12 point); and the 1/2" drive sockets are high quality impact grade, I already have 1/2" impact extensions, and the 1/2" composite ratchet is alleged to handle 600+ ft-lb of torque (multiple videos and tests).

$50 more for professional level tools that won't break my back toting them around.

That being said, I'm just waiting for someone to come along and say, "No, you forgot this: XXXXXXXXX" and it will be exactly what I want.

Keep trying

 

[SantaAna12]

Pasadena!

 

[T45]

Well it took 100 posts, but the OP found the correct answer...buy a $50 toolbox...not spend 200-700 on some ****** blow-mold case...that happens to come with sockets...

I'm still having a hard time figuring out the problem here, more broadly. For $500 you can easily build a comprehensive set of taiwan/pro grade tools. you can get the same quality and halve the cost if you tailor the set to actual applications (skip SAE if metric only work; redact some sets, etc)

Buy obscure brands that won't get stolen, preferably some in european finish (matte chrome) so nobody thinks they are valuable. Heck even good sets of wrenches are < $100 and you can fill it out with toptul, carlyle (although its shiny) or the favorite flavour of the week.

I would totally skip craftsman (useless socket duplication, allen keys etc... for the most part). And HF just out of priciple, but Nothing can beat the GW $100 deals if you want those for sheer cost savings.

Sockets: 100+100 for half drive and long ratchets, drive ext etc (toptul, carlyle or GW, YMMV)
Wrenches: 100 for decent small wrenches+100 for SAE and misc sizes (proto or stahlwille)
Pliers: 50 bucks for a cman usa closeout set odf 8-10 pieces
Box: 50 for the waterloo or cman relabel rally box
Other: I'd personally also spend $100 on the VIM master set of hex/torx (taiwan)

There is maybe $50 of luxury built into the wrench budget because nothing ***** worse than wrenches that don't fit or have no feel form poor heat treat and thick chrome. Since that's maybe 10% of budget, in the risk of theft is outweighed by improved actual use.

If the toolset is only used by other people/employees maybe I'd skimp

 

[65k10]

I have always liked the 3 drawer tool box similar to the Husky in the picture for portable use. Fill one or two boxes with exactly the tools you need.

I like to use tool brands from local parts stores that have displays of individual wrenches and sockets. Easy to loose small sockets or leave a wrench behind when working away from the shop.

In Canada we have a bunch of imported mid-level brands Jet, Westward, Mastercraft, Napa Ultra Pro that get the job done. Probably similar to your Pittsburgh Pro or Napa Carylyle. Make sure you get a couple of quality 3/8 drive ratchets. GearWrench 84 tooth or used Snap-on

The Husky is not a bad little box. I got one recently based on positive experiences with them on here. One thing I really like is the little tray in the top portion. It makes for a little better use of the space in that section of the box. Here are some pics of mine to give the OP an idea of what the box looks like partially filled. Don't read too much into the socket and wrench selection. This set was made up of extras left over from several Wright service sets and other extras I had. It is not my main set and works fine for it's intended application.

 

[jd_1138]

Well it took 100 posts, but the OP found the correct answer...buy a $50 toolbox...not spend 200-700 on some ****** blow-mold case...that happens to come with sockets...

I'm still having a hard time figuring out the problem here, more broadly. For $500 you can easily build a comprehensive set of taiwan/pro grade tools. you can get the same quality and halve the cost if you tailor the set to actual applications (skip SAE if metric only work; redact some sets, etc)

He's flipping cars, and most cars are metric these days I assume? Even the American brands. My '11 Ford Focus and '11 Honda CRV are both metric.

Would he ever come across a SAE fastener on post 1990 or so vehicles? Even so, I'd probably at least keep a basic set of SAE wrenches and shallow sockets just in case. Even if it's a crappy brand. Won't take up that much space, not like you'd have to keep the SAE stuff readily at hand.

Plus the SAE stuff would come in handy if he happens to do a house repair of some kind. A lot of houses still have SAE fasteners.

 

[Infinia]

^Lots of excellent points T45.
IMO post #114 needs to be the core part of 'sticky' .
Toptul sockets on rails looks to be an absolute bargain for metric only tools. I haven't used them but they look to be designed for the European user. E.g matte finish.
Ratchets certainly buy individually. perhaps splurge here for a truck brand on 1 or 2 most often used! like 1/4 and 3/8 drives. 1/2 breaker bar, any 17-18" from a car parts/big box store, I don't like HF here.
etc. piece together as you see it / feel it.

 

[sberry]

I like that box. When I slumed around I had 2 boxes, A common tool box with a tray, a decent sizes one and a hip roof box. It was pieced together and it didn't have layers of duplication. My "road" stuff today isn't as complete, I carry what I need.
One of my best Buds was an auto mechanic in a 2 car garage at home and he was like that, had what he needed. He had parts store delivery and could buy a socket delivered if needed.
He finally gave me a valve grinder he never used anyway. I wouldn't have it if I had to give big money, I would find a bud to touch up something if I needed it. But I got just enough stuff that it seems to come in handy a couple times a year.

 

[sberry]

Only thing is 50$ in Sears pliers is not going to cut it for much of a tool collection. The box a couple frames above is a nice start but I could get 2x in it. That and another box, it would take 2, 2 more pairs of v grips and a couple more pliers and a couple more adjustables along with 11R clamp and a heavy 8 inch c clamp along with 4# hammer. If I had to would trade the ball peen for a 20 oz nail hammer. A 4 in 1 rasp and a set of nut drivers along with wire stripper and crimper. Needs a couple more extensions.

 

[Codejack]

The Tekton combo wrenches are twice as good as Pittsburgh and the set doesn't skip sizes. You can really tell the difference when you hold them in your hand. Tekton is the best value out there in non ratcheting combo wrenches right now. The next step up is 3 times the cost.

I don't know about that: A Tekton set is going to run $50, and I can get Sunex for $70. Granted, Armstrong is $150, and Wright is $300.

But we're edging into the problematic territory of the tools being so expensive that it would be bad if they get lost or stolen.

Another problem is that every Tekton and Pittsburgh Pro set that I look at are identical:

Roto ratchets:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRL5AK6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96783.html

Ratchets:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A50N9V2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-heavy-duty-composite-ratchet-66313.html

And some of the polished wrench sets look awfully similar. I'm going to at least look at the HF wrenches, hold them in my hand, and then decide.

 

[Codejack]

Well it took 100 posts, but the OP found the correct answer...buy a $50 toolbox...not spend 200-700 on some ****** blow-mold case...that happens to come with sockets...

I admit to overthinking the problem, but I'm dirt poor in the backwoods of Tennessee; this represents a significant purchase.

I'm still having a hard time figuring out the problem here, more broadly. For $500 you can easily build a comprehensive set of taiwan/pro grade tools. you can get the same quality and halve the cost if you tailor the set to actual applications (skip SAE if metric only work; redact some sets, etc)

Well, that is what I am doing; all of the tools I have spec'd out are the "pro" Taiwan-made line, not the PRC-made cheaper stuff, and I figure that the impact-grade 1/2" set, at least, will be truly up to pro standards.

Unfortunately, in the backwoods of Tennessee, I'm still working on a lot of 90s American cars (and some 80s, and a '71 Fiat is in the near future; when did they switch over to metric?), as well as lawnmowers and such (just bought a used roto tiller for $70 because it didn't run; it does now ) that use SAE.

I would totally skip craftsman (useless socket duplication, allen keys etc... for the most part). And HF just out of priciple, but Nothing can beat the GW $100 deals if you want those for sheer cost savings.

The problem with the cheap GW sets is that the ratchets ****, so it's another $80 for decent ratchets, plus 3 sets... and we're over budget.

Craftsman.... no. Just, no. Not again.

Just out of curiosity, what is the principle you have against HF? No judgement, just wondering.

Pliers: 50 bucks for a cman usa closeout set odf 8-10 pieces
...
Other: I'd personally also spend $100 on the VIM master set of hex/torx (taiwan)

I'm using a set of Stanley Fatmax pliers and cutters right now, and I am quite pleased with them. I also have a decent hex/torx set in Kobalt, separate from my boxed kit, so they can slide right into the new box

There is maybe $50 of luxury built into the wrench budget because nothing ***** worse than wrenches that don't fit or have no feel form poor heat treat and thick chrome. Since that's maybe 10% of budget, in the risk of theft is outweighed by improved actual use.

Yea, what I'm going to do is wait until I actually go and see how the wrenches feel in my hand. Tekton is being pushed pretty hard, so they will definitely be on the list, and maybe Sunex.

Anything better is too expensive for this kit

Awesome advice, though, thanks much!