Just starting out with tools
- Thread starter betcd
- Start date
ridestreet
Well-known member
keep an eye on the hot deals thread, lately sears has been having some really good deals on decent starter kits. i started with a 60pc craftsman kit right when i joined the air force. Just start with a decent starter kit and build/replace as you have the need/money
bhalv
Well-known member
In my opinion, go get your self a nice set of kobalt hand tools, pick up an older craftsman of newer harbor freight box and start working. I new eagerly await the 10,000 other opinions that will be presented.
sdguy55
Well-known member
If your on a tight budget i would say just go Harbor Freight. Gradually upgrade overtime. Use a duffel bag or get creative with storage.
Welcome to GJ.
If you are just wanting to work on a pickup as a shade tree mech, I'd say start with Cman. Nearly every tech in the world started with Cman. Here is what i would consider getting if i were just starting out.
1) Basic 1/4'' & 3/8'' Socket Set (SAE/MET)
2) Upgrade to Duralast Ratchets from AutoZone
3) Invest in a Basic Impact, for a starter it will probably be battery/electric
4) HF Impact Sockets/Extensions, 1/2'' Deep
5) Basic Screwdrivers, Phillips/Blade
6) Basic Pliers, Waterpump, Slip-joint, Needle Nose
7) Combo Wrench set (SAE/MET)
8) Set of Prybars
9) HF 25'' 1/2'' Breaker Bar
10) One More Tool, You will find that you always need one more tool.
If you are just wanting to work on a pickup as a shade tree mech, I'd say start with Cman. Nearly every tech in the world started with Cman. Here is what i would consider getting if i were just starting out.
1) Basic 1/4'' & 3/8'' Socket Set (SAE/MET)
2) Upgrade to Duralast Ratchets from AutoZone
3) Invest in a Basic Impact, for a starter it will probably be battery/electric
4) HF Impact Sockets/Extensions, 1/2'' Deep
5) Basic Screwdrivers, Phillips/Blade
6) Basic Pliers, Waterpump, Slip-joint, Needle Nose
7) Combo Wrench set (SAE/MET)
8) Set of Prybars
9) HF 25'' 1/2'' Breaker Bar
10) One More Tool, You will find that you always need one more tool.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
OK, but what is a realistic level you expect to work at? basic maintenance like oil and other fluid changes? Battery changes? brakes? more serious work?
Or are you starting a full restorations and expect full tear down?
Do you expect to get more serious as time goes on?
For a basic starter set, one of the many Craftsman sets when on sale are hard to beat. The ratchets are not so good, but most everything else is perfectly serviceable.
How big a set is dependent on answers to the above questions.
Is the truck Metric only? SAE? or a mix? That also will drive a decision on the set to get.
The current crop of tool boxes at Sears are IMO junk, with one exception; the Gladiator 26 inch set. it's still not great, but better than the rest...
Better made boxes, (and I'd recommend a roller if you have space for it) can be had on Craig's list if you shop around. older Craftsman often come up and many are in near new condition. Many other boxes are decent. Three keys to a decent box:
- Make sure the bottoms of the drawers don't easily "oilcan" that indicates too thin of material to hold up.
- Make sure the slides are in decent condition. many prefer ball bearing slides, but friction slide when clean and properly lubed work fine for personal use.
- Don't waste time or money on a three drawer roller, get all drawers. That open space in the bottom is just wasted space...
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
I agree. The Craftsman mechanics sets when found at 50% off Sears in-store sales usually held quarterly are a great starter kit.
Then I;d fill in with many of the sugestions made above.
If you plan on buying the basics and then moving up in quality, keep in mind that you can usually get at least some of your money back should you ever care to sell any of your Craftsman handtool purchases.
I can faithfully and personally say that anything bought from harbor Freight will not carry that worth if sold used. Since HF tools are oftened termd 'disposable", they are better off kept as back-up or gifted to a friend since the cost new to purchase is so low in the first place.
The big goal is to buy a high enough quality tool to ensure reliability but keep costs in line so you get the most for your money.
As for boxes, you need to judge the level of security and size.
Some get by with a rally box to start while others use the bucket caddy and others need a locking roll cab which can be found off CL easily.
You need something to store things in, but it does take funds away from any tool purchases.
It's all about balance of costs and needs.
Last edited:
I'm going to go off on a tangent and say get an air compressor. The 15 amp/ 2 hp (formerly overrated to 5 hp by sears) oiled combo with a few gallon tank is a pretty standard size. You're going to want a "tire inflator" anyway, go whole hog.
This is something you can get used, but you'll pay near new prices. They hold their value. This is also, IMO, something you can get chinese from Big lots or HF.
Watch for the trap of a many item set that includes stuff like twenty tiny ignition wrenches you're never going to use, and redundant hex wrenches. Often consumer wrenches top out at 19mm/ 3/4" as well, so figure out how you'll go bigger. I'd get a 1/2" impact socket set (even if you don't have an impact wrench) that goes up to 30mm or even higher; bigger fasteners you can usually get in with a socket. Naturally if you can't, you're going to need some huge wrenches for stuff like taking lower control arms off.
Consider your OBDii needs, whether you'll borrow the scanner at autozone, get a code reader only, or something that does live data/ connects to your bluetooth etc.
For storage I worked for the longest time out of two hand boxes. This was also my street kit, my junkyard kit, and my honey, I broke down, bring my tools to *** kit.
This is something you can get used, but you'll pay near new prices. They hold their value. This is also, IMO, something you can get chinese from Big lots or HF.
Watch for the trap of a many item set that includes stuff like twenty tiny ignition wrenches you're never going to use, and redundant hex wrenches. Often consumer wrenches top out at 19mm/ 3/4" as well, so figure out how you'll go bigger. I'd get a 1/2" impact socket set (even if you don't have an impact wrench) that goes up to 30mm or even higher; bigger fasteners you can usually get in with a socket. Naturally if you can't, you're going to need some huge wrenches for stuff like taking lower control arms off.
Consider your OBDii needs, whether you'll borrow the scanner at autozone, get a code reader only, or something that does live data/ connects to your bluetooth etc.
For storage I worked for the longest time out of two hand boxes. This was also my street kit, my junkyard kit, and my honey, I broke down, bring my tools to *** kit.
Last edited:
sberry
Banned
Yes, Cman, Husky, Stanley and HF, if on therare occasion something didnt work out get something better.
sberry
Banned
, No, never will, they depreciate so far unless you bought it used for pennies on the dollar, I would like to see where someone got more than they paid new. Ebay and dozens of other places where one can routinely buy used at discounts.
If the theory is, buy new 30 dollar wrench, sell for 15 yes,, it has higher price used than an Asian you got for 3 but an investment it ain't. I could never see the logic as to why I should spend 10K more today in hopes that in 10 yrs I can get 5 more back.
Some machines, like some welders and air comps prices have stayed down, they are durable and have low rates of return, low sales margains and consumable business, you can buy in todays dollars near the same as 20 yrs ago, hand tools not so. I went to a sale, rare, was looking for something in particular but noticed the tools, brand name stuff, 30 cents on the dollar tops, several sets of HF wrenches strung together on baling wire, Amish teenagers in a fab shop beat with hammers routinely, arc strikes and probably missing a few went for more than a guy could buy them new and they were happy as clams to get them,, ha.
Last edited:
american lockpicker
Banned
This. Also when you break or wear out a tool buy a new one thats better.
shoturtle
Well-known member
Get a good 150-200 pc set form sears, that will cover most your needs. It is way cheaper to buy in a set. And sears go one sale every now and then and you get a really nice deal. Kolbolt form Lowes are nice as well. Kolbalt do have the nicer ratchet, the cmans has the nicer sockets and nut drivers.
Scout Driver
Well-known member
Don't be afraid of used tools and tool storage. Get familiar with what you are looking for and what its worth on the used market. Hunt the pawn shops, classifieds etc and be ready to deal.
If you are tempted to buy a lesser expensive tool based solely on its cost but are not sure you will be happy with it, walk away from it. Spend a little more for a tool that you will be happy with and proud of. When you spend a little more for a better quality tool, you may be remorseful for a few days over the extra money spent. Buy a tool that you won't be certain you will be happy with..........and you will be unhappy for a long time.
Scott
If you are tempted to buy a lesser expensive tool based solely on its cost but are not sure you will be happy with it, walk away from it. Spend a little more for a tool that you will be happy with and proud of. When you spend a little more for a better quality tool, you may be remorseful for a few days over the extra money spent. Buy a tool that you won't be certain you will be happy with..........and you will be unhappy for a long time.
Scott
shoturtle
Well-known member
PS, if you are tight on cash right now. I would hold off on the tool cart/box. The craftsmen tools sets, come with a decent storage case. It will do the job till can afford a good tool box/cart.
crewchief888
Well-known member
^ what scoutdriver said
pawn shops, flea mkts, yard and estate sale can be your friend.
get familiar with new prices, and base your purchases off them.
you'll find CL & ebay sellers asking new list prices for used tools.
welcome to the dark side of the force....
It also helps us a lot to know what level of mechanicing you are getting into. If its just fixing a bike you won't need much at all. If a car or motorcycle is in the works most of these guys are in the ballpark. Your work area and storage facility will also determine if a bucket, duffel bag or a full blown roll cabinet are the best choice.
I use bags because they store best when the tools are not in use. There is no secure area to put a roll cabinet in the shop, much less would it roll on a dirt floor well.
As you stated budget is an issue and must be respected, get decent basics to start with. A basic socket set with both SAE and metric, combo wrenches up to 19mm and 1" , basic pliers and screwdrivers.
Get the specialty tools as budget and need dictate. If you never need something you can spend the money on something that will see use later more frequently.
I use bags because they store best when the tools are not in use. There is no secure area to put a roll cabinet in the shop, much less would it roll on a dirt floor well.
As you stated budget is an issue and must be respected, get decent basics to start with. A basic socket set with both SAE and metric, combo wrenches up to 19mm and 1" , basic pliers and screwdrivers.
Get the specialty tools as budget and need dictate. If you never need something you can spend the money on something that will see use later more frequently.
wreckerman5357
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2011
- Messages
- 373
If you are not looking into a pro career, hold off on a roller cabinet. It sounds like this is for at home mechanic work. Save the hundreds of dollars you would have spent there and buy more tools. You will be much happier if you have all the tools you need and have them stored in portable boxes, bags, buckets, and cardboard boxes than having a cabinet that does not contain what you need to do the job. A big toolbox is not going to pull a transmission out of your pickup, your tools are. A toolbox is last on the list of things an at home guy needs to get.
Another bit if you go the pawn/used market make a list of what you need/want and be prepared to buy when you find. You do not need matched sets for working. Its ok if your socket set consists of Mac, Proto, Snap-on and other brands. A lot of used shops have random sockets in bins for a fixed price each. I've bought mixed random lots of tools here to get a few I need or spares for the different tool boxes. So decide if you need 'show' tools or 'user' tools and plan accordingly.
lg
no neat sig line
lg
no neat sig line
Trans1998am
Active member
if you have a pep boys close they are having a 50% off on all handtools cus they are changing their housebrand. I have many powerbuilt tools and never had any problems with them and I feel they are very good quality for the money.
glocker1986
New member
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2011
- Messages
- 1
Buy once cry once. Quality tools will pay for themselves.
I bought a jack and two jack stands as a package deal at Wal-Mart 10+ years ago and still use them. Paid $40 for the set.
shoturtle
Well-known member
walmart has good deals, so does sears. I have a set of 4 ton stands form sears, and they have been trouble free on sale at the time for 20 bucks. Sometime the auto part stores have sales as well. So just keep you eye open.