First "pro" tools, need reassurance

[Tallpilot]

I recommend the AL319 for your first. I got mine for $25 making an offer on EBay. Not only will it read codes it will also show the basic data stream. Of course if you get heavy into engine performance diagnostics, you will end up with more stuff.

I am pretty sure at this point my scan tools, scopes and other electrical testing equipment exceed the value of all my hardline tools combined.

 

[Codejack]

Of course if you get heavy into engine performance diagnostics, you will end up with more stuff.

I've played with some fuel management stuff, just remapping computers for upgraded injectors and such; my brother has an AFC NEO which is pretty handy.

That's much lower priority, though. I've got to get some tools that aren't going to break under reasonable use and leave me in a bind.

 

[Codejack]

First ratchet is here! Snap On GF80:

My first ever Snap On tool... and I am beginning to see the point. The action is completely unlike anything I have ever used.

The sockets, on the other hand, haven't even shipped, even though I ordered them 5 days ago. I didn't pay for expedited shipping, though, and since they are actually in the Amazon warehouse about 20 miles from me, they are waiting to ship them so they don't get here too soon...

There's an advantage to Pittsburgh Pro and Harbor Freight, for you; on the other hand, their chrome 3/8" set was going to be about the same money as the Gearwrench impact set.

 

[cherrybomb]

Check out Blackhawk,one step down from Proto,but exactly what you need.

 

[Codejack]

Check out Blackhawk,one step down from Proto,but exactly what you need.

I have these on my list of options for upgraded combo wrenches:

http://www.toolup.com/Blackhawk-By-Proto-BL-009M-9-Piece-Black-Finish-Combination-Wrench-Set-Metric

 

[Codejack]

Oh, and I beat that 1/4" Kobalt pass-through set:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearRatchet...hash=item29f4388356:m:mSY7vzy4XoboD2jO8QF4tkw

$19 for the Gearwrench version

 

[Mr_B]

doing well on gearwrench deals, can't go wrong when buying at these type prices.
with 1/4 square drive adaptor in kit can use 1/4 ratchet with standard 1/4 drive extensions and sockets which maybe handy one day. useful addition for the 19bucks spent .

 

[Codejack]

doing well on gearwrench deals, can't go wrong when buying at these type prices.
with 1/4 square drive adaptor in kit can use 1/4 ratchet with standard 1/4 drive extensions and sockets which maybe handy one day. useful addition for the 19bucks spent .

I was actually coming around to the point of view that I didn't necessarily need a 1/4" ratchet at all, just a 3/8"-1/4" adapter.

This set adds pass-through ability and should obviate the need for deep well sockets...

 

[Mr_B]

Surprises me you don't use 1/4 drive much, I use it a fair bit on small engine machinery and engine work such as cambelt cover and cam cover bolts on subaru job i'm on today.
1/4 sockets on a good design 1/4 flexi long ratchet are super useful in tight areas and light weight in use .
Your pass through will cover lot of scenarios, long sockets sometimes handy as acts as an extension, cheap enough buy some deep 1/4's if find a need for your work style.
Drive size adaptors a must have for compact kit and hassle saver at times .
Are the tools looking to fit the new mobile box size as hoping .

 

[Codejack]

Surprises me you don't use 1/4 drive much, I use it a fair bit on small engine machinery and engine work such as cambelt cover and cam cover bolts on subaru job i'm on today.

My 3/8" kit went down to 1/4" and 9mm, and I ran into something smaller than that maybe once a year, so I just broke out my old Thorsen set (I'll take a picture of it sometime; it stays on a shelf in a closet, under some blankets and old magazines).

I do mostly brakes, suspension, clutches, stuff like that. I rarely even take apart a small engine; if it needs more than carb tuning, I typically leave it, and you don't need much more than a flathead screwdriver for that.

 

[Tallpilot]

Oh, and I beat that 1/4" Kobalt pass-through set:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearRatchet...hash=item29f4388356:m:mSY7vzy4XoboD2jO8QF4tkw

$19 for the Gearwrench version

Awesome deal! I think you will like the set.

I guess I am going to have to get a Snap-on ratchet to see what the fuss is all about. I have a scan tool and a Vantage but no hardline Snap-On stuff.

 

[Codejack]

The sockets are here! 3/8", anyway:

It was a tight fit on the deep sockets, but they made it:

Now only 2 drawers to fill up, this one for 1/2" ratchet and shallow sockets:

And this one for 1/2" deep and accessories:

I compared them to my chrome Williams/Kobalt sockets, and while these are a little thicker, it's not much.

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

So far, ~$175 for box, 3/8" ratchet and sockets and the 22 piece HF wrench set.

 

[Mr_B]

going be lot for the money and all usable stuff.
Think I would be inclined get stainless or plastic clip on socket rails and cut um down to bunch sockets in like 8 to 10 socket rail strips. I done this in early days as worked in shop and around a friends for couple days so easy portable like that as lay flat in drawer plus easy see something missing on a rail .
Still actually have them same to this day and one of few people with sockets laid on side in stationary tool cabinet lol, just got so use to picking up short rail of common sockets and having it right on job that never wanted do any other way .

What liner in that box .

 

[Codejack]

I may get rails, depending on this works out.

The liner is corrugated vinyl runner, $3/foot, 26" wide, about 1/8" thick. It keeps it quiet, prevents dings and scratches, and lines up sockets quite nicely

I took some pictures comparing the impact to my old chrome set:

 

[bbrins]

You are probably going to want something to hold those sockets together rather than rolling around loose. I have that same 3/8 Gearwrench set that I put on cut down Ernst rails. Usually I use Wright rails from HJE, but decided to try the less expensive Ernst rails, not really sure that I like them, I keep wanting to pull the sockets straight off rather than twist them first.

Sent from my SGP712 using Tapatalk

 

[Codejack]

You are probably going to want something to hold those sockets together rather than rolling around loose. I have that same 3/8 Gearwrench set that I put on cut down Ernst rails. Usually I use Wright rails from HJE, but decided to try the less expensive Ernst rails, not really sure that I like them, I keep wanting to pull the sockets straight off rather than twist them first.

Sent from my SGP712 using Tapatalk

That does look nice.

What I was thinking, though, was cutting notches in the corrugation across the bottoms of the sockets and sticking a thin piece of metal or plastic in it across the tray to keep the sockets in line.

Otherwise, the cheapest option I have found is to buy about 4 sets of these:

$4 each, and those have actual detents, not twist off or metal spring holders.

 

[Tallpilot]

You are probably going to want something to hold those sockets together rather than rolling around loose. I have that same 3/8 Gearwrench set that I put on cut down Ernst rails. Usually I use Wright rails from HJE, but decided to try the less expensive Ernst rails, not really sure that I like them, I keep wanting to pull the sockets straight off rather than twist them first.

I am with you. I don't like twist offs unless it's a beer bottle. I really like the rails from Osla tools. But Ernst are great if you are going to take a hacksaw to them.

You don't have enough room in your vehicle for the blow mold case? I keep my truck sockets in their case and wrenches in a roll. I don't like stuff rattling around.

 

[Codejack]

You don't have enough room in your vehicle for the blow mold case? I keep my truck sockets in their case and wrenches in a roll. I don't like stuff rattling around.

Well, I'm going to have those, the ratchets, combo wrenches, a 1/2" SAE set, a 1/2" Metric set....

I don't like having 5 boxes of stuff to keep track of. If they had a complete 1/2" set like the 3/8", then that would be a definite option, but they don't.

I'm working in 3 different places, so I need to be able to drop 2 boxes, pull out the trays, and get to work.

 

[DadsTools]

Consider picking up used vintage USA tools too. They can often be had at a bargain. I think tool rolls for the wrenches are the way to go.

 

[Tallpilot]

Well, I'm going to have those, the ratchets, combo wrenches, a 1/2" SAE set, a 1/2" Metric set....

I don't like having 5 boxes of stuff to keep track of. If they had a complete 1/2" set like the 3/8", then that would be a definite option, but they don't.

I'm working in 3 different places, so I need to be able to drop 2 boxes, pull out the trays, and get to work.

Sounds like the Ernst rails are the way to go. You can get the sidecars to hold ratchets and extensions as well then it should all stay secured.

I think it's going to get tight in that box if your 1/2" set is very big. But you have done well on your budget and ended up with some nice stuff in a compact package.

 

[Codejack]

Consider picking up used vintage USA tools too. They can often be had at a bargain.

I'll keep a look out, but some of this stuff I need soon

I think tool rolls for the wrenches are the way to go.

I like them, myself, but since the cheap ones I have now didn't come in a roll but that stupid plastic hangar, I spent $2 on wrench rings:

Sounds like the Ernst rails are the way to go. You can get the sidecars to hold ratchets and extensions as well then it should all stay secured.

Either those or the cheap HF ones; I'm not sure how wrong I can go at $4 a set. I can always glue magnets too them

I think it's going to get tight in that box if your 1/2" set is very big. But you have done well on your budget and ended up with some nice stuff in a compact package.

Thanks! I never thought that this is how it would turn out; I was expecting to have that big Gearwrench set to lug around.

As for room, I have two drawers left for 1/2", thinking one for shallow + ratchet/accessories and one for deep sockets.

For that matter, the top area is mostly empty space; I had planned to use it for wd-40, gloves, rags, etc, on top of the wrenches and hex/torx sockets, but there's a ton of room up there.

And a lot of this came out of my seat box, which is now much lighter and could store some overflow.

 

[12vcumminsnut]

high back drag and less reliable pawl mechanism on the 120xp.
84t lot smoother, low back drag (need proper grease before first use) and no binding issue that does occur on well used 120's, Price of the 84t is a steal too, I had the standard and flexi sets for silly prices . Really no need for more than 90 tooth ratchet in my opinion, back drag and reliability more important than few extra teeth . I found 84t good in daily use and I been hard on them, for the price they a low cost but long term ratchet buy .

I have alot of snappy and matco ratchets and my 120s have alot less back drag when properly lubed

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[T45]

OP you're gonna need a drawer/second box for pliers, screwdrivers, picks etc ?

Those rally boxes are very workable in the field.

I find tool control is v. helpful for speed in ad-hoc field work environments. Some may disagree, but the ability to organize and not be constantly sorting around in bags/trays 3 layers deep is very much more economical on your concentration.

As some others have suggested, I would look at some rench rolls or in a pinch use the 10 gauge wire loops for DIY racks. Something where the wrenches are in order and you can grab them without dealing with sequence issues. Playing 52 socket pickup is also no fun with black sockets in low light...would find a way to keep thm organized and well marked...etc

But of course make sure it all suits your personal needs and prefernces.

These are just some experience pointers having worked out of similar boxes used in mobile situations.

 

[Codejack]

OP you're gonna need a drawer/second box for pliers, screwdrivers, picks etc ?

I have a StackOn seat/box:

Those wrenches are gone (well, on the wall in my shop), and the sockets and extensions are in the drawer box.

I'm trying to stay at 2 boxes; the StackOn to sit on and for screwdrivers/pliers/hammers, and the socket/wrench kit.

Those rally boxes are very workable in the field.

They have good reviews, even the new plastic one I got; that StackOn box is 4 years old and I've been sitting my 250# fat @$$ on it all the time without breaking any part of it.

I find tool control is v. helpful for speed in ad-hoc field work environments. Some may disagree, but the ability to organize and not be constantly sorting around in bags/trays 3 layers deep is very much more economical on your concentration.

That was part of the problem; those wrenches in the StackOn box would just fall to the bottom of the pile, and the only way to get to the little ones was to literally dump the whole thing out.

As some others have suggested, I would look at some rench rolls or in a pinch use the 10 gauge wire loops for DIY racks. Something where the wrenches are in order and you can grab them without dealing with sequence issues. Playing 52 socket pickup is also no fun with black sockets in low light...would find a way to keep thm organized and well marked...etc

Here is the current Waterloo box:

And an empty drawer

I have considered painting the stamped size numbers on the sockets, but I may wait and see how long the etching lasts.

 

[Codejack]

Damn you, Gearwrench!

More sales, the GW 1/2" deep set is strongly competitive with the HF Pro:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM692SS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

$84 for a 27-piece SAE/Metric deep impact set. $3.11/piece

The HF Pro sets are $32 each for SAE and Metric, and are only 10 pieces each. $3.20/piece

I was looking at the GW shallow sets, but the Metric set is an exact copy of the 3/8" set I already have: 8-19mm. What's the point in that?! Plus, they are ~$40 each for 12-piece sets ($3.33/piece), where the HF sets are 13-piece each for $26 ($2/piece).

 

[Yarpo]

Damn you, Gearwrench!

More sales, the GW 1/2" deep set is strongly competitive with the HF Pro:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM692SS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

$84 for a 27-piece SAE/Metric deep impact set. $3.11/piece

The HF Pro sets are $32 each for SAE and Metric, and are only 10 pieces each. $3.20/piece

I don't personally own any gearwrench impact sockets, but I love all there other stuff. Ratchets, regular sockets, screwdrivers, whatever else I'm forgetting its all been great to me. I even got some of their sweatshirts!

That said, I use the Harbor freight impacts at work professionally and at home, because they're so cheap and harbor freights are everywhere near me.

HOWEVER, with how cheap those are per piece, I think gearwrench might be the better answer here, but I really don't know. I'd like to think so with how well all of their other tools have been. I'm sure this didn't make your choice any easier so... happy shopping?

 

[Codejack]

I don't personally own any gearwrench impact sockets, but I love all there other stuff. Ratchets, regular sockets, screwdrivers, whatever else I'm forgetting its all been great to me. I even got some of their sweatshirts!

That said, I use the Harbor freight impacts at work professionally and at home, because they're so cheap and harbor freights are everywhere near me.

HOWEVER, with how cheap those are per piece, I think gearwrench might be the better answer here, but I really don't know. I'd like to think so with how well all of their other tools have been. I'm sure this didn't make your choice any easier so... happy shopping?

Well, I've already got the 3/8" GW impact set, so this one would match...

I'm also debating putting off the 1/2" shallow set indefinitely: For one thing, I've never run into a 22mm or 1" bolt that I couldn't get a deep well on; for another, I can always drive 15 min to HF to buy it if I have to; for a third, that would open up a drawer in my box for a 1/4" set.

But these prices are crazy: $60 for 44 3/8" impact sockets, and $84 for 27 1/2" deep impacts? With what I am paying for Snap On ratchets off of ebay, that's ~$300 for what has to be about as indestructible a socket set as I could possibly put together.

 

[Gittgo]

The title is "Pro Tools"
This'll get you started
https://www.ohiopowertool.com/p-154...including-wt523-three-drawer-chest-wr185.aspx

Option 2
http://www.toolup.com/Proto-JCS-MAS-7-Set-1-2-3-8Dr-Skts-1-2Dr-Crwft

 

[Codejack]

The title is "Pro Tools"
This'll get you started
https://www.ohiopowertool.com/p-154...including-wt523-three-drawer-chest-wr185.aspx

Option 2
http://www.toolup.com/Proto-JCS-MAS-7-Set-1-2-3-8Dr-Skts-1-2Dr-Crwft

I was basing my needs on this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060VFYCW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have most of those tools (having never used a drum brake tool, even the last time I did drum brakes, which was in the last millennium), I am just trying to upgrade, piece-by-piece, starting with the ratchets and sockets, because I keep breaking them:

So, top-of-the-line ratchets, on the theory that the smaller parts and finer machining require higher quality, and good impact sockets that I am unlikely to accidentally crack or twist, like the 14mm in the picture above.

If it helps, I am looking at Proto-Blackhawk combination wrenches to go with this set:

http://www.toolup.com/Blackhawk-By-Proto-BL-009M-9-Piece-Black-Finish-Combination-Wrench-Set-Metric

 

[Codejack]

Another contender:

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=GRY1512DM

Grey Pneumatic for ~$110, $3.58/piece.

I don't like those, though; decently thin, and I like the 6-point more than the universal on the Duos, but no knurling around the base, and I don't see a stamped size for when the etching wears off.

For you GP fans, though, that looks like a great deal.

 

[Codejack]

Thinking big, found some deals on GW shallow impact sets:

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT84933N

$61 for 25 1/2" shallow impact sockets, 8mm-26mm, 28mm-32mm, 36mm.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM68KRM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

$55 for 19, 3/8" - 1-1/2".

These are larger sizes than are even available from HF, only really skipping 34mm, which I think only come on GM and Chrysler vehicles, so I'll never need it

 

[Tallpilot]

Damn you, Gearwrench!

More sales, the GW 1/2" deep set is strongly competitive with the HF Pro:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM692SS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

$84 for a 27-piece SAE/Metric deep impact set. $3.11/piece

The HF Pro sets are $32 each for SAE and Metric, and are only 10 pieces each. $3.20/piece

I was looking at the GW shallow sets, but the Metric set is an exact copy of the 3/8" set I already have: 8-19mm. What's the point in that?! Plus, they are ~$40 each for 12-piece sets ($3.33/piece), where the HF sets are 13-piece each for $26 ($2/piece).

That is a good price but it is pretty disappointing that it didn't include 30 and 32mm.

The one you just posted looks like a more complete set. How much SAE are you running into? Probably still some in the engines if you are working on older stuff but it seems the suspension components (where the larger sizes will be necessary) should all be metric on anything that hasn't rusted away. Thoughts?

If that is the case just get a 1/2 in metric shallow and deep and save about $50.

 

[Codejack]

That is a good price but it is pretty disappointing that it didn't include 30 and 32mm.

The one you just posted looks like a more complete set. How much SAE are you running into? Probably still some in the engines if you are working on older stuff but it seems the suspension components (where the larger sizes will be necessary) should all be metric on anything that hasn't rusted away. Thoughts?

If that is the case just get a 1/2 in metric shallow and deep and save about $50.

I have been considering that, but I work on lawn equipment that is still SAE, including some 1" and 1-1/4" bolts.

Screw it, that's what my cheap kits are for, and I'll go get the HF stuff if I wind up needing it.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT84948N

39 pieces for $88; $2.26/piece!

And I already have 32mm and 36mm deep sockets. I am missing a couple of lug nut sizes, though...

 

[Tallpilot]

Nice!

I think that's the best deal for most of what you will encounter. A couple SAE from Harbor Freight or some Sunex ordered individually from EBay when you need them.

Make a few bucks then look at the Milwaukee Mid-torque impact. It will speed you up quite a bit.

I like Tooldiscounter. They are often the cheapest option. Sometimes they take a long time to ship though so be aware of that. I am currently waiting on a few specialty tools from them. When I am in a hurry I used JB Tool Sales. They have a warehouse here in Florida and I usually get my stuff in 2 days.

 

[Codejack]

Nice!

I think that's the best deal for most of what you will encounter. A couple SAE from Harbor Freight or some Sunex ordered individually from EBay when you need them.

I'll fill out my lug nut sizes, then get them as needed; I might get a whole set, though, because I have a couple of classic cars coming up, and I have no idea when Fiat or Austen switched over to Metric.

Make a few bucks then look at the Milwaukee Mid-torque impact. It will speed you up quite a bit.

I've got a porter-cable corded impact, 450 ft-lb (NOT breakaway) torque that I use for lugs and axle nuts, but I need something smaller to get into tighter spaces; I assume that you are referring to the M12 3/8" impact gun?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...-in-Impact-Wrench-Tool-Only-2454-20/203807399

But what about the ratchet version? It seems like it would be more useful, when I have the big gun for high torque applications:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...3-8-in-Cordless-Ratchet-Kit-2457-21/202957709

I like Tooldiscounter. They are often the cheapest option. Sometimes they take a long time to ship though so be aware of that. I am currently waiting on a few specialty tools from them. When I am in a hurry I used JB Tool Sales. They have a warehouse here in Florida and I usually get my stuff in 2 days.

Ew, thanks for the warning; yea, another place took a week to even bother to get the 3/8" set out the door, and with their shipping, I can actually get it from Amazon for only $10 more:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM68WZM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Codejack]

Edit: ****, fooled again; wrong set

 

[Tallpilot]

Some items on Tooldiscounter.com have shipping included. I got my first big Gearwrench flex head set (29 wrenches) on there for about $170 shipped. Otherwise you are correct, their shipping is a little high unless you get multiple items.

If you already have a corded impact you may have more use for the ratchet. I really like mine but it is weak so I break stuff loose by hand then spin it off with the motor. I would wait a month or two for the new version with more torque to come out.

I have the big impact which is great for crankshaft bolts and axle nuts. I have the 1/2 in mid torque which is just small enough with a swivel to get to most brake caliper bolts and occasionally other places the big one won't fit. The mid torque 3/8 might be even smaller but I haven't researched its size or torque specs because I only have 1/2 in impact sockets.

That is weird that the smaller SAE set is more money. It is nice though to just know that no matter what you run into you will have the socket available.

 

[Codejack]

Some items on Tooldiscounter.com have shipping included. I got my first big Gearwrench flex head set (29 wrenches) on there for about $170 shipped. Otherwise you are correct, their shipping is a little high unless you get multiple items.

...and if they are going to take a week to ship, I'll spend the extra $10 or $20.

If you already have a corded impact you may have more use for the ratchet. I really like mine but it is weak so I break stuff loose by hand then spin it off with the motor. I would wait a month or two for the new version with more torque to come out.

Think the HF version is worth a try?

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-m...html?utm_source=hpnewpr&utm_campaign=63538hpb

I have the big impact which is great for crankshaft bolts and axle nuts. I have the 1/2 in mid torque which is just small enough with a swivel to get to most brake caliper bolts and occasionally other places the big one won't fit. The mid torque 3/8 might be even smaller but I haven't researched its size or torque specs because I only have 1/2 in impact sockets.

Exactly, my corded is so long that it won't get behind stuff. Lug, axle and crankshaft nuts, and the odd suspension bolt.

That is weird that the smaller SAE set is more money. It is nice though to just know that no matter what you run into you will have the socket available.

Yea, but you're right, I don't use SAE much, and I have the more common SAE sizes in 3/8". I want to get the 1/2" SAE set, but it is definitely not a priority.

 

[Mr_B]

HF battery ratchet could be worth try at a coupon price but 100bucks too close to the milwaukee which include long warranty on tool and battery and with HF you have pay extra for extended warranty .
HF one seems pretty decent and I'd try one out if saw it it at 79bucks with coupon .
Quite handy when mobile but they still pretty bulky and 3 times size of my stubby 3/8 air ratchet.
I suppose you got ask yourself what going be more useful time and problem solver out of battery ratchet or quality modern battery impact.
If doing lot of brake, suspension work I would say battery impacts more useful (still bit bulky though) and treat yourself to a battery ratchet when see a deal too good to miss .

 

[Tallpilot]

The HF ratchet is getting good reviews. But Mr. B is correct, for a couple dollars more you get a battery technology that can be used in a whole system of tools plus a 5 year warranty. I have the M12 sticklight and it is excellent. The rest of my Milwaukee is M18 but I am eyeing the hood light which is M12. I think the new soldering gun is also M12 but I am going to stick with my butane one for now.

For a one off the HF ratchet is probably decent. So if you have no interest in any of the other M12 tools then go for it.