Help me decide which tool set to buy for "WORK"

[Hephaestus29]

I need tools for my machine repair
position. I'm stumped on which set to
buy.
Should I spend more money right off
the bat and just get a NOS USA
Craftsman set or spend less on a foreign
set and spend the rest of the money on
odds and ends stuff ??
I was looking at a 235 piece Craftsman
Field Technician Set but a lot of the
wrenches are just open end on both ends
and it doesn't have Crows feet, don't need
the allen wrenches since they are supplied
at work, and probably wont need the nut
drivers either.
Any thoughts??

 

[kd3pc]

If this is a job change in a career you have worked in for a bit...I would spend the extra few bucks and get at least the Craftsman USA/NOS tools you need. I would look at used and auction site tools, as well as sears IF they still have any USA stuff available.

If this is new for you, or a "maybe" I will stay with it...I would get the best offshore stuff you can and see where you are a year from now.

I would get what you need today and add to it, as your needs are better designed, unless there is a tool list/expectations provided by your employer.

Best of luck!!

 

[Hephaestus29]

If this is a job change in a career you have worked in for a bit...I would spend the extra few bucks and get at least the Craftsman USA/NOS tools you need. I would look at used and auction site tools, as well as sears IF they still have any USA stuff available.

If this is new for you, or a "maybe" I will stay with it...I would get the best offshore stuff you can and see where you are a year from now.

I would get what you need today and add to it, as your needs are better designed, unless there is a tool list/expectations provided by your employer.

Best of luck!!

Been with the company almost 7 years, started in Machine Repair a month ago.
They don't really have a list of tools you might need to buy.
They do buy some stuff, like an impact wrench, and reversible drill, and other misc. tools but we now have to buy our own hand tools.

 

[maintguy]

what type of machines?

since you have about a month under your belt. Have you noticed what you are using often? If so get 2 of the commonly used things. I say 2 because being out in the field it is easy to loose one or have it "borrowed" with out you knowing.

 

[Hephaestus29]

what type of machines?

since you have about a month under your belt. Have you noticed what you are using often? If so get 2 of the commonly used things. I say 2 because being out in the field it is easy to loose one or have it "borrowed" with out you knowing.

We use Allen or Hex Wrenches a lot, and work supplies those.

 

[woody 73]

If I were in your shoes I would be firing up the old car and making a bee line to this guy's house and look at what he has to sell; make him an offer.

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/6003850822.html

 

[dr_clyde]

I use SK sockets, proto wrenches, snappy screwdrivers and Knipex/channellock for my core set at work. Lots of other odds and ends from most every US toolmaker. I do industrial fabrication and machine repair in a large brewery. I'm over craftsman in a pro setting. They closed both my local Sears, but I can get service for all my other tools locally if needed.

If I were you, I'd shop around.

 

[woody 73]

Could be a good deal:

https://bloomington.craigslist.org/tls/5955430289.html

 

[maintguy]

We use Allen or Hex Wrenches a lot, and work supplies those.

What else do you use often?

on the hex note. get ball ends if the shop doesn't provide them. also the sockets can be super handy. Especially if working on cnc machines

 

[woody 73]

Make offer:

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/5953055829.html

 

[Hephaestus29]

What else do you use often?

on the hex note. get ball ends if the shop doesn't provide them. also the sockets can be super handy. Especially if working on cnc machines

I carry two sets of those, Ball ends and ball ends that I've cut the balls off of.
The balls are bad about breaking off when too much torque is applied, then they get stuck in the holes.

 

[kctyphoon]

I would take a hard look at the gearwrench promo set posted in the hot deals forum for a few reasons. One being the price, you'll be hard pressed to find a better deal on a 1/4" and 3/8" socket set thats both that complete and of with widely accepted quality. If you require a 1/2" set, I believe Tekton has the MOST complete 1/2" set at a great price. I'd also consider the fact that all 3 sets mentioned are self contained and in their own cases, making travel and organization very easy.

That said - IF YOU ALSO require, or would like to have an impact socket set - I'd forgo the above mentioned sets, and instead consider the DUO socket sets from Grey Pneumatic. They replace both chrome and impact sockets in one set. They are known for offering VERY complete sets, and get AMAZING reviews online.. IMO they are the most for your money instead of buying two sets. They'd cut your purchases in half, and eliminate half the space occupied by socket sets - and also come in their own cases that can be utilized for storage in a tool box or kept self contained.

If I had no sockets myself, I'd probably buy them just to make my life easier and save space at home, but they are professional quality and the reviews speak for themselves.. I would at least give them a look.

 

[Tom.C]

Sunex has tons of hex stuff, gearwrench has very complete sets, and often does bogo deals, harbor freight also offers certain hex stuff that works well

 

[maintguy]

If We knew what type of "machines" you are going to be repairing. I am sure with the vast experience and knowledge on here. We could tale you exactly what to get. This site amazes me with the amount of things that members work on, on the daily basis.

anyway. does your shop provide a meter or testing or do you have to provide it

 

[Hephaestus29]

If We knew what type of "machines" you are going to be repairing. I am sure with the vast experience and knowledge on here. We could tale you exactly what to get. This site amazes me with the amount of things that members work on, on the daily basis.

anyway. does your shop provide a meter or testing or do you have to provide it

I could be working on all sorts of machines.
American Broach
Emag lathes
Enshu Mills
Sampustensil Deburr
Studer Grinders
Hamblen Gage
Fellows Shapers
Motch Lathes
Gleason Hobbs
Robo drills

We don't need meters, that's an electricians job. We shut the power down usually when we work on things.

 

[jeeper46]

Have you asked any of the other Repairmen what tools you will need?