Is this any good for a starter set? Need new tools.

[Ksoh08]

Hello, long time luker first time poster. Looking for new set of tools. So happy times are almost here! About to move into my first home. I have random tools, mostly craftsman, gearwrench,and HF that i pieced together over the years. But I decided to leave them for my little sister, just in-case. So now Im wondering if I should buy this set, or piece together from smaller sets.

Is this husky set for home depot any good?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Me...H432MTS/204602480?keyword=husky+432+piece+set


By no-means am I pro, but like to DIY whenever possible. I just want to get the most for my money. There's just so many opitions I don't know where to start. From Williams, Proto, Armstrong are 3 of the most common brands I see on here. But I really don't know where to start or where to order from. Nor do I know the price ranges for these items. I was leaning towards craftsman again, but it seems quailty control is getting worse and worse.

If any one knows of sites that sell any of the below please link me. Any help is great.

Things I'm really looking for:

1/4 socket/ratchet set
3/8 socket/ratchet set
1/2 socket/ratchet set
Screwdriver set
Wrench set..even better if they where flex-heads.
Crowfoot wrench set
Pliers
1/4 and 3/8 torque wrench

I already have (taking with me )

-Sunex impact sockets set (Both 3/8 and 1/2 master sets) Did the rebate when I saw it posted here.

-Craftsman trox and hex socket set (proudly made in the USA)

THank you. God bless and happy day!

 

[firworks]

I wouldn't get that big set if I were in your spot. If I were you, I'd start writing down or posting a list somewhere, and as you see people talk in threads about a particular piece I'd write it down, then go from there. We can blast out suggestions for you but obviously a lot of it is personal. Start to piece it together through deals. Check the Amazon Warehouse Deals thread over in the Hot Deals forum. We're always posting good stuff in there every day for very reasonable prices. In general just check the Hot Deals forum all the time and you'll soon find yourself overflowing with tools that were a good deal, to the point that you'll curse this forum because everything is too good a deal to pass up and you need to find a deal on storage because you ran out of room for your 6th wrench set in your HF 44".

 

[Ponchoguy]

Hello, long time luker first time poster. Looking for new set of tools. So happy times are almost here! About to move into my first home. I have random tools, mostly craftsman, gearwrench,and HF that i pieced together over the years. But I decided to leave them for my little sister, just in-case. So now Im wondering if I should buy this set, or piece together from smaller sets.

Is this husky set for home depot any good?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Me...H432MTS/204602480?keyword=husky+432+piece+set


By no-means am I pro, but like to DIY whenever possible. I just want to get the most for my money. There's just so many opitions I don't know where to start. From Williams, Proto, Armstrong are 3 of the most common brands I see on here. But I really don't know where to start or where to order from. Nor do I know the price ranges for these items. I was leaning towards craftsman again, but it seems quailty control is getting worse and worse.

If any one knows of sites that sell any of the below please link me. Any help is great.

Things I'm really looking for:

1/4 socket/ratchet set
3/8 socket/ratchet set
1/2 socket/ratchet set
Screwdriver set
Wrench set..even better if they where flex-heads.
Crowfoot wrench set
Pliers
1/4 and 3/8 torque wrench

I already have (taking with me )

-Sunex impact sockets set (Both 3/8 and 1/2 master sets) Did the rebate when I saw it posted here.

-Craftsman trox and hex socket set (proudly made in the USA)

THank you. God bless and happy day!

I'd go with the Craftsman set, but that's me. Plenty of deals on Ebay and garage sales. At least with CM, when you buy a used tool, it's like buying a new one of sorts, but some of the older stuff is better made than today's imports from them.

My .02.

 

[bcradio]

-Craftsman trox and hex socket set (proudly made in the USA)

THank you. God bless and happy day!

Don't get these whatever you do. You should get something like VIM for both of these.

 

[Davefr]

I would not buy one of these huge sets. (too much filler and not always the best value). I'd pick the few things you need the most to get started.

(ie)
- Screwdriver set
- 1/4" and 3/8" socket set
- Combo wrench set
- Plier assortment

Now do some research here and find the sweet spot in quality and value. The sweet spot will likely be a mix of brands.

As new needs/opportunities arise, add to your tools over time.

Also take advantage of opportunities for used tools, sale promotions, as they arise.

 

[firworks]

Don't get these whatever you do. You should get something like VIM for both of these.

He already has it. I agree though VIM would be the best and suprisingly cheap for these.

 

[Brownsfan]

The Husky set is pretty complete and really decent quality for the money. You get a good variety of sockets and wrenches. You even get flex head ratchets and ratcheting wrenches. You would still need pliers and screwdrivers. Of the box stores Craftsman has the best pliers. Or you can stick with Home depot and get klein and Channellock(what I would do). The best screwdriver set available in a box store would be Klein at Home Depot as well. You could get a Home Depot card and get 12 months no interest and I think 10% off your initial purchase. Some here will get on their high horse and say never use credit always buy with cash don't go into debt. But in a case like this it would make absolute sense.

 

[Ksoh08]

The CM torx/hex set was from awhile back ago. Picked it up for under 20$ with all the surprise points. I saw a thread on here about some tekton screwdriver set. Waiting for the bigger set to come back into stock. I'll look into kliens also. Just want to do it right this time. Thanks again.

 

[8comm13]

For me I personally wouldn't get that Husky set, too much filler items. Do you really need both 6 and 12 point sockets? You also said you wanted a screwdriver set but the Husky set comes with a screwdriver with replaceable bits. You also have torx and hex sockets and it looks like the Husky set has those too, more duplicate tools. Not that duplicates are a bad thing, we all have our share, but that comes later.

I would sit down and make a list like the one you have in your post and buy what you need in the order of importance, start with the 1/4" and 3/8" drive socket sets first then get the 1/2" drive set later down the road, that is unless you feel you have a need for them right away.

Get a screwdriver set, wrenches and plier set, then as Davefr said add to your tools as needs arise.

 

[Askme42]

If you really want an all in 1 set check this out. http://www.sears.com/dewalt-socket-set/p-00939204000P

Keep an eye has been on sell as low as $129


If it were me I'd take advantage of the last few hours of SK day and get me 3/8 set.

 

[Jere]

I would take that $400 to hft and double the amount of tools you take home. Forget about those sets they just arent ever as useful as piecing together what you need. Dont forget the used market too, even if you end up using ebay. Try local yard sales and flea markets craigslist too. Used is really the best option but you have to know what you are looking for/at.

 

[fourjeepin]

Some good suggestions so far. I haven't had much success finding good stuff at estate sales (other than the snap on ranching screwdriver for a buck), but I do watch the hot deals thread here. Some great deals pop up there if you are patient.

 

[padroo]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F4AVRGW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is a good starter set at a good price.

 

[Cato]

That's an excellent set. I have been very impressed with all my Husky hand tools.

My advice would be wait until it goes on sale - which it often does.

With that set you can work on your car, lawn equipment, put together furniture, lots of stuff.

 

[ZRX61]

Probably don't need a 1/2 ratchet & sockets etc. I have some but go months without using them... & even then use 1/2in sockets on a 3/8 ratchet with an adapter.

 

[PJNJ]

When you're looking to spend at least $400 as that starter set costs, I would start looking at other options.

Right now NAPA has the Armstrong 1/4 socket set 15-199 on sale for $119 through the end of the year. It's a very good set with the excellent Maxx 88 tooth ratchet. I would start with this set.

Then I would either get the Armstrong 3/8 15-299 which is also on sale at NAPA for $149 or the SK 3/8 set 94549 which you can get from Tooltopia for $164.40 shipped. The SK set comes with the thumbwheel ratchet which is very good. But you'll want to upgrade the ratchet to something like an Armstrong Maxx.

I'd probably wait on getting a 1/2 set though again NAPA has the Armstrong 15-399 for $249 currently. I say wait since you already have the 1/2 impact master set and can use those with a good ratchet. Wright makes a very good double pawl, fine tooth action ratchet, 15 inches long - the 4425. I got one used off Ebay for $35.00 shipped. Tough strong ratchet.

Buy some Williams hard handle or Proto Duratek screwdrivers and then some Wright Grip wrenches and you'd have a pretty good starter set.

 

[taylors tools]

If you are looking for a husky set, id hold out I know for a fact that Home depot has a two hundred sixty and change piece set that they have had for the past couple years on black friday. I think they are around 100 bucks but dont quote me on the price. Also all the husky stuff has a lifetime warranty through HD. I got one a couple years ago and have used it pretty heavily and havent had any issues.

 

[CNGsaves]

When you're looking to spend at least $400 as that starter set costs, I would start looking at other options.

Right now NAPA has the Armstrong 1/4 socket set 15-199 on sale for $119 through the end of the year. It's a very good set with the excellent Maxx 88 tooth ratchet. I would start with this set.

Then I would either get the Armstrong 3/8 15-299 which is also on sale at NAPA for $149 or the SK 3/8 set 94549 which you can get from Tooltopia for $164.40 shipped. The SK set comes with the thumbwheel ratchet which is very good. But you'll want to upgrade the ratchet to something like an Armstrong Maxx.

I'd probably wait on getting a 1/2 set though again NAPA has the Armstrong 15-399 for $249 currently. I say wait since you already have the 1/2 impact master set and can use those with a good ratchet. Wright makes a very good double pawl, fine tooth action ratchet, 15 inches long - the 4425. I got one used off Ebay for $35.00 shipped. Tough strong ratchet.

Buy some Williams hard handle or Proto Duratek screwdrivers and then some Wright Grip wrenches and you'd have a pretty good starter set.

^ ^ ^ This is good advice for OP to get nice quality tools right out of the gate, especially since he already has nice Sunex 3/8" impact sockets master set. That was very smart move OP !!

+1 to wait on the 1/2" drive set until a deal comes along. Using the impact 1/2" sockets OP already has is another good idea. Watch CL and Ebay for quality set. I found 1/2" drive Proto set (SAE complete with steel box) for $40 on CL.

OP as you can't too many good ratchets, get the HF composite ratchets along with the long thin 1/4" & 3/8" combo ratchet. They are very good for the money.

 

[Tim37]

I would look on eBay for one of those craftsman set you can still get the USA made ones and still have enough to up grade the ratchets and add some other things you need.

Or go to Walmart and get Stanley for half that price.

 

[Dave455]

In your position I probably wouldn't rush out and get one of those big sets! There's probably a lot of stuff you don't need, and the stuff you do, you probably need slightly better quality!

If you're about to move into your first home I'm assuming you are a fairly young guy, so you'll be using the tools you buy for a fair time! I suspect if you buy a lot of cheap tools you will end up replacing a lot, so that's probably not a good buy! I'm not saying don't buy any Taiwanese, but you need to mix and match!

So, where to start! Well, not buying cheap **** doesn't mean you have to buy Snap On either! There are loads of mid price manufacturers making good quality tools (many in the U.S.A) at very reasonable prices! Folks steering you towards Proto, Armstrong, Williams (make sure it's U.S. made, some is, which is great value, and some isn't) are absolutely correct!

Have a look at websites such as Harry J Epstein who carry a good range at great prices, and don't feel you have to buy 'sets'. If, for example, you think you will need screwdrivers in 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16, which you probably will, just get those to start. A set may include a costly 3/8 which you may not need often!

Don't feel obliged to buy all your tools from one manufacturer. There are many who just make one type of tool - Channelock Pliers and Vaughan Hammers for example, who make probably the best value tools out there, but you have to buy from different brands to build a set!

Just get the real basic's to start, such as screwdrivers, pliers, hammer, punches and a few wrenches! Get more as the need arises, and you work out what you really need!

Whatever you do, avoid buying Taiwanese tools from expensive places! Some folks go to a Snap On truck, find they can't afford Snap On, so end up buying Blue Point thinking they are taking a step up, when they could get the same quality at a dozen other places for a fraction of the price!

 

[Ksoh08]

^ ^ ^ This is good advice for OP to get nice quality tools right out of the gate, especially since he already has nice Sunex 3/8" impact sockets master set. That was very smart move OP !!

+1 to wait on the 1/2" drive set until a deal comes along. Using the impact 1/2" sockets OP already has is another good idea. Watch CL and Ebay for quality set. I found 1/2" drive Proto set (SAE complete with steel box) for $40 on CL.

OP as you can't too many good ratchets, get the HF composite ratchets along with the long thin 1/4" & 3/8" combo ratchet. They are very good for the money.

Thanks PJNJ, i just chekced napaonline. Thanks for adding the prices and specs. To be honest I dont know how much anything goes for these days. So many vendors and searching all over for the best deals. Really leaning towards those now. I will check out the the armstrong 1/4 and 3/8 sets. Will also look into the HF composite ratchets for spares.

Agree about the 1/2 sockets. I mainly use 21,22,24, and rarely 32mm for axles. I can probably pick up some loose sockets and find a 1/2 breaker bar.

Dave thats what I'm worried about mostly now..overpaying...but tools always pay themselves off over years of hard work
Whatever you do, avoid buying Taiwanese tools from expensive places! Some folks go to a Snap On truck, find they can't afford Snap On, so end up buying Blue Point thinking they are taking a step up, when they could get the same quality at a dozen other places for a fraction of the price!

Gotta get my dollar's worth.

As for wrenches I've been leaning towards these
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBC7U8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And maybe these pliers.
http://www.sears.com/channellock-cn...M7451270103?prdNo=22&blockNo=22&blockType=G22

or http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-pc...0945433000P?prdNo=24&blockNo=24&blockType=G24
probably both, when they're on sale..lol

Thanks everyone.

 

[blkSRT]

If you can wait I'd go for the 204 piece Dewalt set. Usually can be had for less than 130.

http://www.sears.com/dewalt-socket-set/p-00939204000P

 

[VoodooCLD]

I would strongly urge you to look at a reversible ratcheting wrench. I feel like the flex wrenches are a supplement to a standard angle head reversible wrench. If you back a bolt off too far and can't slip the wrench off the backside of it (this mostly happens while working on cars) your going to have the cut the bolt or the wrench to get it off. I've never owned a set of flex wrenches, because every time i run into that situation i point out those non reversible wrenches must be a scam.

 

[jlh92]

My local Home Depot has these sets for $99, at least they did the last time I was in there.

Husky 307pc Mechanic's Tool Set

Might be worth checking your local store. If not I can pick one up and ship it to you.

 

[CobraChevelle]

301 Pc Professional Mechanic's Tool Set

http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html

I bought this set to leave in my car/truck. Found it online on sale for $154 w/o coupon then I used 20% off + 6.99 shipping. SO i have around $130 into it. Great set to start out with. Sockets/ratchets are made in taiwan.

I also have an Old USA Craftsman set I bought 10 years ago and I do like those better. I have also bought some new china Craftsman sockets/ratchets and compared to those I like this Harbor freight set much better.