Just starting my tool collection

[Djstorm100]

I for years have been blessed with having the ability to use my dad's shop and tools but given that I'm about to move out here soon. I was wondering is there one brand to stick with?...now being in college can't afford snap-on/macto. Most of my dad stuff is craftsman/gearwrench. I was going to stick with craftsman for sockets and wrenches.. but when it came to other tools like air tool, screwdrivers etc. etc. is there brand to stay with or away from. There's some good deals on kobalt stuff at lowes but I've never really use them. Then like OEM brand that autozone/advance carries.

Thanks
D

 

[Krokodil]

I think there is a different brand that offers good value for money with specific types of tools. Don't get set on one brand. Much to learn here. Depends on what you are willing to spend. My experience has tought me to rather buy better quality tools when I need them then to try and buy lots of cheap tools upfront!

 

[Djstorm100]

Yea, I was going to get my sockets/screw drives/ common used stuff up front. Then get the specialty tools when I need it.

 

[american lockpicker]

For airtools Ingersoll Rand seems good(I have no experience using them but I know 2 people that like them.)

 

[Teken]

I think there is a different brand that offers good value for money with specific types of tools. Don't get set on one brand. Much to learn here. Depends on what you are willing to spend. My experience has tought me to rather buy better quality tools when I need them then to try and buy lots of cheap tools upfront!

Quoted for truth . . .

Savings can be had by purchasing what I call parts store brands . . . NAPA is well known to have most of their ratchets, sockets made by Danahur . . .

Great value and performance . . .

 

[crewchief888]

IR 231 1/2"dr impact best bang for the buck
SO hardhandle screwdrivers my personal choice, they "fit" my hand
SO allen & torx sockets again, my personal choice
OTC pullers compatability, value/price

ive been wrenching on heavy eq for 25+ years, and working on my own trucks for even longer. most of my work tools are SO, matco, a few mac & CM. air tools IR and blue point
home garage tools are a mixture of CM, SK, mac, matco, SO, HF, IR, astro, & CP .
electric/ cordless tools, B&D, dewalt, ryobi, hitachi, HF, CM, bluepoint, SO, kawasaki, ridgd
searching for tools to build your collection is a long envolved process. flea mkts, swap meets have been my best finds on used quality tools and truck brands.
depending on your area, you may find deals on CL also.


welcome to the dark side of the force

 

[Djstorm100]

so = snap one?

otc and IR stand for?

 

[Kirbot]

Craftsman is great for most things, but stay far far away from there screw drivers.

The first time I used one of them I thought there must have been something wrong with mine, they were so bad.

 

[Basskiller]

Look for used tools on Ebay, Craigslist, swap meets and in our classified ads. You can find some great deals on quality tools.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

so = snap one?

otc and IR stand for?

over the counter

Ingersoll Rand

 

[crewchief888]

so = snap one?

otc and IR stand for?

yep snap on
ingersol rand
otc owatonna tool company major supplier for oem tools in the heavy eq trades.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

otc owatonna tool company major supplier for oem tools in the heavy eq trades.

ah...thought you were referring to a generic tool...

 

[RLRRLRLL]

craftsman sockets, c-man pro screwdrivers, duralast ratchets (autozone, damn good ratchets for the money). Autozone also has a 40 piece ratchet and socket set for 40 bucks, part number 70-502. Which is a GREAT set in my opinion. Craftsman prybars are on sale for 19.99 for a 3 piece set at the moment. If you got the money, and can find them, the USA Cman Pro wrenches are a damn good buy. You can also get a 1/4" set from autozone for about 25 bucks or so. If you stay focused on what works, and dont care if its USA made. There are some taiwan tools out there that are damn good. Also, pawn shops can be helpful to!

 

[Djstorm100]

yep snap on
ingersol rand
otc owatonna tool company major supplier for oem tools in the heavy eq trades.

Is this the same people that make the OEM "brand" that autozone sells?

 

[sac-gunslinger]

I spent 25 years as an aircraft mechanic maintaining various types of aircraft. In that time I assembled a full set of broken sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drives, all imported, to show people. I once tested an associate's tools on a Rockwell hardness tester; they tested at "3" on the C-scale. Buy quality!

But buy cheap! I used Craftsman tools for my basic sockets, ratchets, and wrenches. The discontinued Craftsman round head fine tooth ratchet is the finest ever made, bar none. You can still find them on eBay and Craigslist. Buy used, the guarantee is fantastic. But watch your prices, shipping can kill bargains.

"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

 

[Wes28376]

Sears is always running deals on there tools sets similar to this one:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933192000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

Buy some craftsman pro screwdrivers or buy some used quality screw drivers off of ebay. Once you save up some more cash upgrade the ratchets to some used truck brand or even the new craftsman premium ratchets and keep the raised panels as spares. Just don't get in a hurry as others have advised. Buy specialty tools as you need them not just so you have them. It takes years to build up a nice collection. I've been building my collection for about 15 years and still have a ton of stuff on my "need" list. It will become an addiction and you will never be finished.

 

[Djstorm100]

Thanks for the input, being young and stupid I bought cmans ball bearing tool box this time last year and I've already need a bigger one. Was going to opt for the 699.99 box from sears but seems like they are no good compared to HF. I just love black though

 

[Djstorm100]

Sears is always running deals on there tools sets similar to this one:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933192000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

Buy some craftsman pro screwdrivers or buy some used quality screw drivers off of ebay. Once you save up some more cash upgrade the ratchets to some used truck brand or even the new craftsman premium ratchets and keep the raised panels as spares. Just don't get in a hurry as others have advised. Buy specialty tools as you need them not just so you have them. It takes years to build up a nice collection. I've been building my collection for about 15 years and still have a ton of stuff on my "need" list. It will become an addiction and you will never be finished.

Figure this one would be better as it doesn't have hardly any 12 pt sockets unlike the link you posted. ?

Also anyone have the super coupon for HF was going to pick up that tool car tomorrow as well.

 

[Wes28376]

Thanks for the input, being young and stupid I bought cmans ball bearing tool box this time last year and I've already need a bigger one. Was going to opt for the 699.99 box from sears but seems like they are no good compared to HF. I just love black though

The Craftsman boxes aren't terrible they just aren't worth what they are charging for them. If you put it in your shop and really never have to move it then it will be fine. I have two of the 26" versions which need to be replaced because they aren't holding up very well. Part of that is my fault because I've probably got them overloaded and being in the military I move every 2-3 years and the moving companies aren't gentle.

 

[Wes28376]

Figure this one would be better as it doesn't have hardly any 12 pt sockets unlike the link you posted. ?

Also anyone have the super coupon for HF was going to pick up that tool car tomorrow as well.

Yeah stick with 6 pt if you can but eventually you will probably want both.

I'm picking up one of the HF tool carts tomorrow for my nephew who is getting started as a tech. I own one and love it.

 

[Danglerb]

What sort of college are you going to where you have room for a big toolbox, and a place and time to work on your cars? Mine sure didn't have any of the three.

 

[Djstorm100]

Yeah stick with 6 pt if you can but eventually you will probably want both.

I'm picking up one of the HF tool carts tomorrow for my nephew who is getting started as a tech. I own one and love it.

having trouble finding add on to hang tools off it..like pry bars for exampe

 

[Djstorm100]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942400000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Or these


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944005000P?prdNo=2

craftsman and gear wrench are the exact same right? like honda and acura motors for example.

 

[crewchief888]

Is this the same people that make the OEM "brand" that autozone sells?

i doubt it

OTC has their own branded pullers, filter wrenches, pry bars and specialty tools.
they are also a supplier for specialized dealer tools for deere and melroe. they may supply to others too, but i'm not sure.
for a while, a few years ago, matco and mac sold rebranded OTC pullers and accessories.