First Tools - Craftsman

[american lockpicker]

I take it you're just starting out and just got here. If I were you, I'd get some very good tools, tools with a lifetime warranty that will last you a lifetime, like Wiha, Knipex, Wera, Falo, NWS or the like. Do some research here and the net on these brands. Should help you make a better decision than buying only Craftsman tools.

If you buy the best the first time you save money by not having to start over at a later date. Also you can always wait for sales, use coupons and price match to save money on the better brands.

 

[powertrip]

Yeah, I get ya. I see no place for the anti-China rant here on this thread myself. There is just no reason for an average DIYer or home owner to go out of their way searching for and spending tons of money on Snap-On, Wright, Proto, SK, and other high-end more expensive brands of hand tools. Especially for tools that will likely be used infrequently for most of the time. As I said before, nothing wrong with tools from the local hardware store or home-center, even if they are China or Taiwan made. Most of the good old USA manufacturers abandoned and turned their back on the average consumer years ago. For the DIYer, less expensive easy to acquire hand tools are really the only option. Truth is most tradesman buy or replace their daily use tools from these sources as well. I've seen it for years. I can't recall ever seeing a carpenter, HVAC, plumber, or electrician with high dollar industrial brands for hand tools in their tool bag. Most use common off-the-shelf locally sourced hand tools, even if that is Ridgid or Klein at the best. I see lots of Irwin and Stanley hand tools being used by pros. If it works for them on the job I see no reason why it wouldn't work for the home owner.

With that being said, there still are a few high-end, but reasonably priced hand tools that can still be easily acquired locally. Channellock, Ridgid, Klien to name a few.

Good point.

 

[KEH]

For Volunteer: I was referring to regular size pliers. I have noticed the Chinese mini pliers also, don't know any reasonable source of US mini pliers. I also don't feel qualified to advise on computer repair tools.

KEH

 

[rodrigues94]

Update:
Fluke 1AC-A1-II Volt-Alert AC Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Price: $22.99
ProGrade 82067 Utility Knife
Price: $15.21
Empire em81.9 True Blue 9-Inch Heavy-duty Magnetic Aluminum Torpedo Level ...
Price: $8.11
Stanley 20-045 15-Inch Fat Max Hand Saw
Price: $13.91
Stanley 85-610 10-Inch Long MaxGrip Locking Adjustable Wrench
Price: $11.88
Stanley 84-114 3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint, 6-Inch Long ...
Price: $14.54
Stanley 51-621 16-Ounce Curve Claw Fiberglass Hammer
Price: $11.09
Megapro Original 15in1 Mult-bit Screwdriver
Price: $20.95

Subtotal:$119.00

So, I have done some changes
This is probably going to be my kit, I will just wait until tomorrow.
Still accepting suggestion.


Thanks a lot people.

 

[Outlawmws]

Why the adjustable wrench set? adjustables have their use, but nuts and bolts (also on your list, ) aren't their strong suite. I'd get ONE 12" adjustable. (not an Evolv, this is a prime candidate for a yard sale item, and yes get it US made...)

Instead of the adjustable set, a small set of combination wrenches, 3/8 - 3/4 should do for most household duties, and a small set of 3/8 drive sockets in about the same range. Craftsman sockets are fine, but their ratchets have taken a fall. For that I'd go to HF since you are on a budget. That may be your better deal for a socket/ratchet set.

There are plenty of reasons to own a set of good adjustable wrenches. They have their place in residential plumbing, and to a lesser extent in automotive work, they even have a place in electrical at times. Emergency use is an excellent reason to have them handy - try searching for the right sized open-end wrench to shut off the gas should the need arise in a crisis. Yes they can even be used on high grade nuts and bolts or structural bolts, done that many times, however I do agree a combo wrench or socket is often a better tool when available. In fact many nuts or bolts can't even be acessed with an adjustable wrench, so it's good to own a socket set as well.

If a person has to own just one I'd make it a 10" adjustable. But ideally nothing wrong with having a set - 8", 10", and 12". I even find use for my 15" adjustable from time to time, mostly for ball hitches on a towbar anymore.

You completely missed my point. set of 3 adjustables; not a single socket or wrench. = abused nuts and bolts.

And I did include an adjustable; I picked a 12" adjustable as that is by far the most useful of the adjustable wrenches. a 10" is useless on under sink drain pipes, (it's most likely use) and the 12 is perfectly fine for the emergency shut off you mentioned. I have 4" 6" 8" 10" and 15" adjustables. the two that get used the most? The 4" (it's in my pocket 24-7) and the 12's

 

[SMKS]

I have to buy online because actually I'm from Brazil(here the tools are worst than chinese), and I'll ship to a guy that ships for me.Because of that I don't want heavy tool sets(ship. price is equal the weigth). And I probably won't use the warranty.

Now that I see you're in Brazil, that changes things.

What about Tramontina tools? The made in Brazil Tramontina knives I have are really high quality.

http://www.tramontina.com.br/products/categories/1058-civil-construction

I assume shipping to Brazil will be expensive. What could you order by mail/internet that is available in Brazil?

 

[Outlawmws]

Since you added some information (you live in Brazil and you are doing this in a three corner mailing shot) I've modified my recommendations a bit:

Why the adjustable wrench set? adjustables have their use, but nuts and bolts (also on your list, ) aren't their strong suite. I'd get ONE 12" adjustable. (not an Evolv, I'd suggest an older Crescent, Diamond Caulk, or Proto from EBay.)

Instead of the adjustable set, a small set of Craftsman combination wrenches, 3/8 - 3/4 should do for most household duties, and a small set of 3/8 drive sockets in about the same range. Craftsman sockets are fine, but their ratchets have taken a fall. For that I'd Mail order from HF since you are on a budget. That may be your better deal for a socket/ratchet set.

I'll second the bit driver set for screwdrivers, and later you can add a larger set of bit drivers which should help in you computer repair efforts. This also dovetails into a screw gun driver, as if you do much, you will want to get one at some point.

Still need this clarified (unless I missed it in all the unneeded drama)
For your fasteners, can you clarify what you need then for, and likely sizes? Most fastener "handy kits" in the box stores (Do you have "Box" stores?) are utter ****. Do get an organizer box or three for cast off and left over fasteners. Salvaging fasteners from broken items is also a good source. Keep them sorted to some level as you go, and you will discover you can build a decent "Handy Kit" of fasteners pretty easily over time, AND be able to find them when you need them.

 

[Butters]

I'm generally not a huge fan of multi-bit screwdrivers, but they certainly have their place. But I never liked the big plastic handle on those Megapros. The only multi-bit I like, and I really like it, is the Klein 10-n-1. In fact, for a couple bucks more than the price of that Megapro, you could get a Klein 10-n-1 AND a Klein 32 piece bit set. But that's really just a personal preference.

Also, if you don't already I have multimeter, I would get that before I got a AC voltage tester. Again, personal preference.

 

[eeprete]

take your time, build your box slow, but also buy quality. Scour classifieds, yard sales, and ebay and you can score good deals if you are patient and do your searches right. I've seen many name brand/truck brand stuff go for pennies on the dollar. Even if used a little, it doesn't mean worn out. If you buy lots of tools, you can sell off what you don't need to offset the cost of the things you do need.

 

[WR250F]

Check out your local WalMart too.

Lots of folks laugh at that suggestion, but wally world has some decent homeowner grade tools, and, a few better tools (in most WalMart's around here anyway).

Unless you are just set on ordering online, or have to, WalMart carries Stanley, and many of the tool brands mentioned above. I've never shopped WalMart in Brazil, so the line up of stock items may be different there, but I don't see anything recommended above that isn't available in similar quality from a WalMart.

No use paying a small fortune for shipping

 

[idoitproject]

I see your updated list. You still need regular screw drivers. You will find that bit drivers will not work in many places. Sometimes the bit is too short or the adapter shaft is too fat to fit the area or recessed hole.

 

[rodrigues94]

I'm generally not a huge fan of multi-bit screwdrivers, but they certainly have their place. But I never liked the big plastic handle on those Megapros. The only multi-bit I like, and I really like it, is the Klein 10-n-1. In fact, for a couple bucks more than the price of that Megapro, you could get a Klein 10-n-1 AND a Klein 32 piece bit set. But that's really just a personal preference.

Also, if you don't already I have multimeter, I would get that before I got a AC voltage tester. Again, personal preference.

Hum... I like Klein. Could I change for only this one?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018BS7GY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is this multimeter good?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FCIOYW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

thanks

Still need this clarified (unless I missed it in all the unneeded drama)
For your fasteners, can you clarify what you need then for, and likely sizes? Most fastener "handy kits" in the box stores (Do you have "Box" stores?)

Sorry, miss.
I think it's better if I buy the fastener,nuts,etc in Brazil...
I don't have a box store(dont know what it is)

Check out your local WalMart too...

...No use paying a small fortune for shipping

Amazon it's better for me. In Brazil there is mostly 'small' business, they are better than Wallmart(for tools)
Seems like that even with high price of the shipping and TAXES, it worths.

I see your updated list. You still need regular screw drivers. You will find that bit drivers will not work in many places. Sometimes the bit is too short or the adapter shaft is too fat to fit the area or recessed hole.

****. Thanks
I'll search.

Now that I see you're in Brazil, that changes things.

What about Tramontina tools? The made in Brazil Tramontina knives I have are really high quality.

http://www.tramontina.com.br/products/categories/1058-civil-construction

I assume shipping to Brazil will be expensive. What could you order by mail/internet that is available in Brazil?

Hum... tramontina has only good knifes and kitchen stuff in here.
There is tramontina pro, its not that bad but expensive.

People say that the best is geodore(german)or Robust(2nd),belzer and some say stanley, but it's not from here.

Anyway, everything is expensive here, I usually ship from another countries, especcialy with eletronics.

 

[wave180]

Ok, here's my specific suggestions (Total cost $156) :

Channellock TOOLROLL-3 5-Piece Plier Set in Handy Tool Roll $68
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001A3ZBCI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Crescent CTK70MP 70-Piece Mechanics Tool Set with Storage Case $50
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E0P70E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Stanley 51-163 16-Ounce FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe Rip Claw Nailing Hammer $15
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HSGPSQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Stanley 43-511 Magnetic Shock Resistant Torpedo Level $9
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQR7TU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Stanley 20-045 15-Inch Fat Max Hand Saw $14
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005A1JN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rodrigues94]

Channellock TOOLROLL-3 5-Piece Plier Set in Handy Tool Roll - Channellock
$68.55
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001A3ZBCI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Crescent CTK70MP 70-Piece Mechanics Tool Set with Storage Case - Cooper Hand Tools
$49.97
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E0P70E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Stanley 51-163 16-Ounce FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe Rip Claw Nailing Hammer - Stanley Hand Tools
$15.10
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HSGPSQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Greenlee DM-40 Manual Ranging 600 Volt Multimeter Checks AC/DC Voltage, DC Amperage and Temperature Measurement - Greenlee
$33.58
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FCIOYW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Klein 32510 Magnetic Screwdriver with 32-Piece Tamperproof Bit Set - Klein
$24.69
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018BS7GY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

ProGrade 82067 Utility Knife - Allied International
$15.21
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBJRIW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Empire em81.9 True Blue 9-Inch Heavy-duty Magnetic Aluminum Torpedo Level - Empire Level
$8.11
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067F5M0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Stanley 20-045 15-Inch Fat Max Hand Saw - Stanley Hand Tools
$13.91
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005A1JN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Stanley 85-610 10-Inch Long MaxGrip Locking Adjustable Wrench - Stanley Hand Tools
$11.88
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009OYGZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Subtotal: $241.00

OOH ! I would like that. I am going to sleep, I'm dreaming too much

 

[HandyManny]

You completely missed my point. set of 3 adjustables; not a single socket or wrench. = abused nuts and bolts.

And I did include an adjustable; I picked a 12" adjustable as that is by far the most useful of the adjustable wrenches. a 10" is useless on under sink drain pipes, (it's most likely use) and the 12 is perfectly fine for the emergency shut off you mentioned. I have 4" 6" 8" 10" and 15" adjustables. the two that get used the most? The 4" (it's in my pocket 24-7) and the 12's

I have no problem with 12 inch adjustable, in fact I own a few. But I've actually never found any 12 inch adjustable to have a wide enough jaw capacity for things under the sink like strainer nuts, drain pipe nuts, and such. For those I have alway simply used Channellock #430 or #440 pliers, Ridgid Hex wrench, or Wilde smooth jaw 10" pliers. The only other thing under a sink or toilet where a wrench can be used is on shutoff valves and other flare or compression connections, for those nuts on 1/2" and 3/4" supply pipe any 8" and 10" adjustable wrench has plenty of jaw capacity. In fact under some sinks a 12" can run out of room real fast. So I don't see a 10" wrench as useless at all. Only place around my house where I used a 12 inch adjustable for plumbing is on my sprinklers anti-siphon ball valves, but that's outdoors with plenty of room. Also used a 12 inch adjustable and 15 inch adjustabe for fan clutch nuts on an engine. Been at this stuff for many years my friend, not saying that you haven't, but I know what works and where it works.

Again I have no problem with your choice of 12 inch adjustables, they are great, as every situation and work piece is different. I think it's good to have at least three different sized adjustables. Just as long as the user know when and where to use them. They are an invaluable and very practical tool to own. I also agree with your revised suggestion on brands of a 12 inch adjustable wrench. Stay clear of Evolv, there are better adjustables out there, problem is finding the vintage brands that you suggest sends the OP on a wild goose chase. I only own those vintage brands too because I bought them way back at a time when they were very common and easy to find. The OP doesn't want to search for that stuff. There are still a few high quality modern made adjustables that can be easily bought for a fair price - Craftsman, Ridgid, Channellock (Irega), Irwin, etc. There are even plenty of current USA made Crescents sitting on shelves still too, but not for long.

For the OP, if he plans to do some minor automotive upkeep, then a good socket set and combo wrench set should be in order.

 

[HandyManny]

I'm generally not a huge fan of multi-bit screwdrivers, but they certainly have their place. But I never liked the big plastic handle on those Megapros. The only multi-bit I like, and I really like it, is the Klein 10-n-1. In fact, for a couple bucks more than the price of that Megapro, you could get a Klein 10-n-1 AND a Klein 32 piece bit set. But that's really just a personal preference.

Also, if you don't already I have multimeter, I would get that before I got a AC voltage tester. Again, personal preference.

I use my Irwin 9-in-1 more than any other screwdrivers I have these days. Not only is it a screwdriver, but also a nut driver for 3 different sizes. Nothing more uselfull around the house. I think the Irwin is much better and more durable than the Kliens combos are, have owned both.

 

[HandyManny]

Check out your local WalMart too.

Lots of folks laugh at that suggestion, but wally world has some decent homeowner grade tools, and, a few better tools (in most WalMart's around here anyway).

Unless you are just set on ordering online, or have to, WalMart carries Stanley, and many of the tool brands mentioned above. I've never shopped WalMart in Brazil, so the line up of stock items may be different there, but I don't see anything recommended above that isn't available in similar quality from a WalMart.

No use paying a small fortune for shipping

They also sometimes carry Channellock pliers and Vaughan hammers and sell them for a bit less too. +1 on Walmart. I may catch hell for this, but I agree with the suggestion above.

 

[puttsy]

I second @pipsters evolv tool kit.

For hammers, utility knives, etc...I would stay away from Craftsman and get Stanley instead. Stanley are cheaper, can be had at Walmart, and are usually better quality, or at least equal to Cman but at a lower cost.

Picked up a pair of Stanley hammers, 16oz. and 20oz. for $7 awhile back and they are great for basic tasks....I DO prefer my 16oz. Estwing but, that one was 3-5 times the cost and if you won't be swinging a hammer daily for any amount of time, forego the super-expensive ones.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have no problem with 12 inch adjustable, in fact I own a few. But I've actually never found any 12 inch adjustable to have a wide enough jaw capacity for things under the sink like strainer nuts, drain pipe nuts, and such. SNIP.

Sure it will! You just need the "improved" version of a 12!

 

[HandyManny]

Sure it will! You just need the "improved" version of a 12!

Ha ha, nice!! But that's not even a wide-jaw, look like it was modified to exceed the width limitations of that tool.

Not terribly disagreeing with you, but I just see it a bit different considering what you had suggested to the OP.

My point is this: Considering that most drain fittings have a width of more that 1.5 inches (more like closer to 2"). The standard capacity for a modern 12 inch adjustabe is at 1.5 inches these days for most. And, all the vintage brands that you suggested to the OP typically had a jaw capacity of just under 1.5 inches (more like 1.4 inches). This is the reason I didn't see your point. Granted there are wide jaw adjustables these days. For most plumbing fittings of drain nuts I actually find a basic 10" or 12" tongue and groove pliers a better choice as they have a much wider capacity than most adjustable wrenches. Sure they leave some bite marks, but when used correctly they don't damage the fitting, plus those love bites are hidden under the sink away from view in most cases

 

[Outlawmws]

Ha ha, nice!! But that's not even a wide-jaw, look like it was modified to exceed the width limitations of that tool.

Not terribly disagreeing with you, but I just see it a bit different considering what you had suggested to the OP.

My point is this: Considering that most drain fittings have a width of more that 1.5 inches (more like closer to 2"). The standard capacity for a modern 12 inch adjustabe is at 1.5 inches these days for most. And, all the vintage brands that you suggested to the OP typically had a jaw capacity of just under 1.5 inches (more like 1.4 inches). This is the reason I didn't see your point. Granted there are wide jaw adjustables these days. For most plumbing fittings of drain nuts I actually find a basic 10" or 12" tongue and groove pliers a better choice as they have a much wider capacity than most adjustable wrenches. Sure they leave some bite marks, but when used correctly they don't damage the fitting, plus those love bites are hidden under the sink away from view in most cases

It's really becoming a moot point, as any more the only reason you need any tools on a drain is to (maybe) remove the old ones. Everything nowadays is plastic with "thumb-wheel" nuts, and unless someone does something stupid like RTV the threads, no tools are needed.

 

[HandyManny]

It's really becoming a moot point, as any more the only reason you need any tools on a drain is to (maybe) remove the old ones. Everything nowadays is plastic with "thumb-wheel" nuts, and unless someone does something stupid like RTV the threads, no tools are needed.

True, for guys like you and I. Your average middle class joe home owners don't use tools enough or don't work with their hands enough to be calloused. Many of them may still need a tool to remove those new fitting without making their fingers sore. In fact I myself often find a pliers or wrenches nessesary for the all important task of snugging up plumbing fittings if leaks still persist.