Need to Fill Tool Chest!

[Mr_B]

as a weekend wrencher gearwrench 84T wrench set in standard pear heads and long flexi's is superb (just lube them well before first use), some sockets on rails from them wouldn't hurt either, stuff is good enough for budget pro use, nice spec tools to use too and last a life time of weekend use . Even 72T generic taiwan and HF pittsburgh good enough for weekend use plus some of their ratchets etc are pretty good pro type design so nice use and very affordable .
I wouldn't buy craftsman sets, Just buy good ratchets and basic socket on rail sets and build rest up, picking up extensions and breaker bars etc used works out good way get quality at lower cost.

 

[sberry]

I just bought the C-man 323 piece set back in May and the sockets are identical to my 1980's era sockets. They are all uniform in size, uniformly finished and without defect. Yes I checked every single one of them. I got the set for $169 and they will last a lifetime as a home DIYer. Nothing at HF can touch them on quality or price.

My modern Chinese Craftsman sockets and wrenches are identical to my 1980's era Craftsman sockets and wrenches.

To claim that 1960-90 USA manufacturing was any better than modern Chinese manufacturing is simply false information.

For $179 the OP can get a 311 piece Craftsman set and be half way towards filling his tool box with 182 sockets, 75 tooth ratchets and 14 ratcheting wrenches. Those tools will last his lifetime and probably be able to pass them on to his children.

I agree with this. Get some stuff to get going, add some things to it, vgrips, channelocks and some screwdcrivers. If something reaslly doesnt work a guy is out a dollar or 2, replace it.

 

[derosa]

Honest question: have you purchased any Craftsman sockets lately? Because if you buy even a small set, there will be sockets with deformed drive ends and sockets that are not the same height all the way around, i.e. they look squished. Strictly in regards to uniformity, they are comparable to the $3.99 sets at Harbor Freight.

Bought a larger set 2 years ago and a 19pc set a year ago for the car, sockets have all seemed fine and normal quality, compared to my mid 90s stuff. The75t ratchets are a lot nicer then the typical 90s kit. Personally I'd do everything Wright and SK as I consider them worth the typical asking price but I wouldn't denigrate craftsman just cause.

 

[Mr_B]

Craftman sets are not that great, it 200bucks for chunky ratchets and cheap looking sockets and lot of fluff make up the numbers, You can get way better sockets in rail sets and buy ratchets as sets and not pay much more. You want be spending for decent set of wrenches as cheap ones are useless and leave you with rounded fasteners and/or bruised knuckles . plenty good mid range options often on deal prices and some stuff can be used or budget taiwan as will last fine for weekend use .
Brands like gearwrench toptul sk wright proto stahlwille knipex all do some amazing tools and sensibly priced if shop about and use sale/deal options.

 

[Tummler]

If I were doing it all over again, I would purchase SK chrome socket sets, Sunex impact socket sets, Wright wrench sets, and screwdrivers from whatever manufacturer you prefer. Unless you are prepared to drop serious coin on a true mechanic's set of tools designed for people starting their career as a mechanic, I wold avoid the large tool sets. I haven't come across a single one of the "lesser" tool sets that didn't have significant omissions that will have you running out to buy individual sockets, wrenches & etc. on a regular basis, at least during the first several jobs you perform after buying your set.

I will admit that I am partial to SK tools because my first ratchet and set of socket at the age of 12 were SK, but I honestly believe that the socket sets that SK offers are good value propositions. I purchased the SK 62 piece 1/4 & 3/8 metric socket set (94562) and then picked up fractional sets as I came across good deals.

I have been exceptionally pleased with my Sunex impact sockets. Sunex's 1/2 in impact socket sets may offer the best bang for the buck in the tool world. As far as I am concerned, buying another brand of impact sockets is indicative of an underlying mental illness.

As for Wright wrenches, they are the best feelings wrenches in my hand, and I have no complaints with respect to quality. They are not the cheapest wrenches out there, but neither are they what I would consider to be exceptionally expensive. Deciding which brand of wrenches to purchase, like screwdrivers, is a very personal decision. I would do plenty of research to eliminate known stinker brands and go from there.

At least one other person mentioned buying used tools. I can confirm that you can save a significant amount of money buying used. I purchased almost all of my hand tools used off of Ebay when I recently rebuilt my tool collection (I was wiped out by a burglar several years ago), and on a strict new-item-to-used-item comparison, I definitely saved a lot of money. However, this only works if you are not in a rush to purchase you tools, you have time to scour new listings on ebay a couple times per day, and you have sufficient willpower to avoid buying items you don't need. If you answer all of those questions in the affirmative, then buying used may be the way to go. However, appreciate that 99.8% of tool listings on ebay are not good deals, and when good deals are listed, they tend to go fast. On the other hand, I haven't had a single problem with any of the tools I ended up purchasing on ebay with respect to them not being as described or otherwise defective.

 

[sberry]

Even if you throw the Sears out eventually you are not out much.

 

[Ditch]

garage and estate sales

 

[ptgarcia]

If I were outfitting a box today, for use at my home to do everything from auto maintenance and basic repair to home maintenance and basic repair I'd buy the good stuff for tools I use most frequently and spend less on tools that mostly stay in the box. I'd buy inexpensive sockets, but would buy good ratchets (not necessarily Snap-on but something like Wright or SK). I've never broken my relative cheap Craftsman sockets but I have broken ratchets. A crappy ratchet can prove frustrating. I wouldn't spend big bucks on truck-brand wrenches, either. Instead, I would get a variety of styles (ratcheting, offset, etc.) and lengths (stubby, long, etc.) of wrenches from a more budget manufacturer (Tekton, Gearwrench, or similar). I find having multiple options to choose from better than having the best of one type. By far, my most used tools at home are screwdrivers, and that's where I only buy top shelf quality. I've been assembling an assortment of Wiha and Vessel screwdrivers and they are wonderful to use and they're really not that expensive. I'd also spend a little more on pliers and look at the American and German offerings (Channellock, Knipex, NWS, etc.). Crappy pliers with soft teeth and misaligned jaws just get me aggravated.

That's what I would do, anyway. Good luck!

 

[pigpen23]

Well, I picked up some tools and ordered some tools. I'm sure some of you will be disappointed but that's alright.

So far I got the Craftsman 311 piece set, Williams 8 piece screwdrivers, Channellock 4-piece pliers, a 10" Knipex Pliers Wrench (never tried one of these), and some Ernst wrench and screwdriver holders. Also found a 3 piece USA Craftsman prybar set on sale at Sears so I grabbed that and some HF socket holders to try.

I really like the look and reviews of the SK sockets and Wright wrenches but for now, I can't justify spending that kind of coin. It'd be different if I was using them more than just on the weekends for the most part. If/when the Craftmans begin to break, I'll start replacing them with more expensive brands.

Still looking for sales on GearWrenches, Sunex Impact sockets, and the Carlyse ratchet set (or something similar). Also will be crusing Craigslist and eBay looking for random things. My GearWrenches and HF Impacts out of the truck will work until then. Will probably keep adding various items each week until I have a solid set and don't need to use tools outta the truck anymore.

 

[TNBurban]

The Knipex set...you will like those. Very very very nice.

The Craftsman 311 piece set...will server you well based upon what you said your use will be. Not pro level, but will serve 99.9% of DYI folks just fine.

Ernst holders are great, have a lot myself. Lots of pros have them in their boxes.

Nice box, enjoy the ride, go fix some sh!t and make your money back!!!

 

[sberry]

That is a good start. Got some stuff to work with. If I had to start over that would be where I would begin. I got no problem spending up but if it works I can slide by, I don't have a golden arm. You can be a collector or want to fix stuff or be both but it isn't a hobby for me and I am not all that interested in fleas and yard sales, I want it and want it now and being affordable is a huge plus.

 

[sberry]

The Lectrolite is about the worst. Never had one strip out but I can actually bend them.

 

[APS2000]

You did good. You got what suited your needs, budget, and time.

 

[edcantu9]

error

 

[hoston23]

be careful when you purchase big craftsman sets, they may claim a bunch of pieces but usually have about 50 allen wrenches that eat up room for better stuff

 

[kythri]

Craftman sets are not that great, it 200bucks for chunky ratchets and cheap looking sockets and lot of fluff make up the numbers

This criticism always amuses me.

I'm not advocating anyone buy new-production Craftsman, but I'm not discouraging it.

The 311-piece set is $199.99.

It contains:

3 of the full-polish ratchets, which, even Chinese-production, are a step up from the raised panels.
20 wrenches, which appear to be midget wrenches.
14 full-polish ratcheting wrenches
201 sockets
26 bits
40 hex keys
7 extensions/bit drivers

So, if we count the midget wrenches, bits and hex keys as "fluff", that's 86 of 311 pieces. That leaves 225 pieces that average out at less than a buck a piece.

Does anyone really care about "fluff" or "filler" at that price? I mean, really?

Hell, just the sockets alone at that price are about a buck a piece.

"Cheap looking sockets" seems to be just another anti-Craftsman dig. How do they look any different than most other sockets?

OP, you did good.

 

[redvalkyrie]

I'd find dschmidt on EBay and buy whatever he is currently offering in Toptul. Then, move over to Tekton to finish up with the first round of buying what I need. I've been having horrible experiences at Sears not because of the tools but because of the absolute rudeness with which managers treat customers and their own employees.

Hammers, can't go wrong with a three pack of Trusty Cook and you get 25% off this week wiith code 4th-25. I am a Trusty Cook addict. I actually think I have one of all of their hammers...but they're so damn good--both the product and people.

And yes, look through EBay for used tools.

 

[sberry]

This criticism always amuses me.

I'm not advocating anyone buy new-production Craftsman, but I'm not discouraging it.

The 311-piece set is $199.99.

It contains:

3 of the full-polish ratchets, which, even Chinese-production, are a step up from the raised panels.
20 wrenches, which appear to be midget wrenches.
14 full-polish ratcheting wrenches
201 sockets
26 bits
40 hex keys
7 extensions/bit drivers

So, if we count the midget wrenches, bits and hex keys as "fluff", that's 86 of 311 pieces. That leaves 225 pieces that average out at less than a buck a piece.

Does anyone really care about "fluff" or "filler" at that price? I mean, really?

Hell, just the sockets alone at that price are about a buck a piece.

"Cheap looking sockets" seems to be just another anti-Craftsman dig. How do they look any different than most other sockets?

OP, you did good.

I agree with this 100% and its worth repeating.
The logic is over my head, a guy buys 10 pc socket set from a truck and the driver throws in a keychain,,,, what a guy,,,, Sears sells 200 pcs for under 200$ and they are robbing you. Same **** they been selling for the last 40 yrs, maybe better at 1/4 the price it was then.
Not only that what a great deal on the little pieces, that stuff is useful too.

 

[Mr_B]

sockets are thick and no knurling or grooves to aid handling. Ratchets are a long way off better taiwan stuff/pittsburgh. hex keys are one of those things that need be decent quality .
Yeh you get what looks like a lot for your 200bucks but it not great work with and can get way better if spend just little more and build own sets from mix of makes.
As a weekend user OP don't need the best but better design and quality makes jobs easier and some issues become non issues with a better design tools .

 

[Thirdyfivepickup]

Listen to these guys... they are far beyond us on their knowledge and experience. You dont have to fill it up overnight. Get the basics and add to it as you go. Don't be afraid to go used... older tools are gonna last you longer anyways.

Pretty soon you'll more tools than room!

 

[pigpen23]

I'd find dschmidt on EBay and buy whatever he is currently offering in Toptul. Then, move over to Tekton to finish up with the first round of buying what I need. I've been having horrible experiences at Sears not because of the tools but because of the absolute rudeness with which managers treat customers and their own employees.

Hammers, can't go wrong with a three pack of Trusty Cook and you get 25% off this week wiith code 4th-25. I am a Trusty Cook addict. I actually think I have one of all of their hammers...but they're so damn good--both the product and people.

And yes, look through EBay for used tools.

Hammers are another thing I forgot about that I'll eventually add. What I've got now will suffice until then. Thanks for the suggestion.

AND THANKS TO EVERYONE ELSE FOR THEIR SUGGESTIONS TOO!!!

 

[pigpen23]

This criticism always amuses me.

I'm not advocating anyone buy new-production Craftsman, but I'm not discouraging it.

The 311-piece set is $199.99.

It contains:

3 of the full-polish ratchets, which, even Chinese-production, are a step up from the raised panels.
20 wrenches, which appear to be midget wrenches.
14 full-polish ratcheting wrenches
201 sockets
26 bits
40 hex keys
7 extensions/bit drivers

So, if we count the midget wrenches, bits and hex keys as "fluff", that's 86 of 311 pieces. That leaves 225 pieces that average out at less than a buck a piece.

Does anyone really care about "fluff" or "filler" at that price? I mean, really?

Hell, just the sockets alone at that price are about a buck a piece.

"Cheap looking sockets" seems to be just another anti-Craftsman dig. How do they look any different than most other sockets?

OP, you did good.

I agree with this 100% and its worth repeating.
The logic is over my head, a guy buys 10 pc socket set from a truck and the driver throws in a keychain,,,, what a guy,,,, Sears sells 200 pcs for under 200$ and they are robbing you. Same **** they been selling for the last 40 yrs, maybe better at 1/4 the price it was then.
Not only that what a great deal on the little pieces, that stuff is useful too.

I like your guy's logic. It'd be a totally different story if I used all these tools daily and made money with them, but I don't and I also don't have a bottomless bank account. My dad has all sorts of nice brands of tools, but he also uses them every day as a Machinist. I work on my own **** and help friends/family out when they need it. I've got other things to spend money on around the house and toys buy that are more important than filling my tool chest with top tool brands.

I agree some of the stuff in the kit may not be very good quality, but as that stuff breaks/wears out, I can always get the better brands once I have more funds to. I know the hex keys in these sets are pretty much ****, so that's one thing I'll be adding to the collection in the near future. Most likely same thing with the wrenches, once I get a nicer set these can be used in various places/vehicles where they can be left and I won't care if they get trashed.

Once I saw the price of all the SK sockets, Wright wrenches, and GearWrenches in the cart vs the price of the Craftsman set I just couldn't pull the trigger knowing the cheaper set might be good enough to get me by right now. If not, well then I'm only out $200 bucks.

 

[ptgarcia]

That set will serve you fine. I'm guessing you'll be replacing tools you lost more often than tools you broke. I bought something like a 225 piece Craftsman set from Sears in 1991 or 1992 and its the same set I use today. I lost the 1/4" raised panel ratchet and most of the hex keys, and had to warranty the 3/8" raised panel ratchet but the rest are in perfect shape.

 

[jshillin]

If I were you, I'd be picking up a set of Gearwrench from Nick on the Facebook tool site or buying them from Advance with Coupon codes. That will cover your ratchets, sockets and even actual gear wrenches. Then find a good set of used wrenches.

 

[pigpen23]

If I were you, I'd be picking up a set of Gearwrench from Nick on the Facebook tool site or buying them from Advance with Coupon codes. That will cover your ratchets, sockets and even actual gear wrenches. Then find a good set of used wrenches.

I don't do the Facebooks so no go on that, but I'll check out Advance. You're talking Advance Auto?

 

[Tallpilot]

Northern tool has a decent looking set.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200624105_200624105

That is the set I started with. I like the markings on the Klutch sockets. I then added Gearwrench ratcheting flex heads and Tekton ratcheting stubbies and recently Gearwrench XL double box ends which are really awesome. That will get through many jobs until it's time to start collecting specialty tools.

Most of my specialty tools are OTC or Lisle which can be found for reasonable prices. I'd rather own than rent but that is just me.

Also don't forget to start stocking up on the specialty bit sockets. Torx (inverse, security, etc), hex, triple spline, etc. I started with smaller sets but ended up with the master sets so it would be cheaper just to buy them from the start if you can afford it.

 

[pigpen23]

I don't do the Facebooks so no go on that, but I'll check out Advance. You're talking Advance Auto?

Just found the Gearwrench sets on sale for $35 each on True Value's site!

 

[sberry]

I bought some bit sets at Walmart as needed figuring i might upgrade, most i got, still in ruff service. I use a few on brake work.
Still use Cman hex keys.
30 and 40 yrs ago this was harder, now the quality with cheap has rocketed, we now have wrenches 20 yrs plus still in good service that cost a buck for singles.
I am not a hobby guy either, I have full shop with men at times, all ruff service. Sourcing some cheap stuff really takes a lot of pain out of it to get something you need or want now vs saving extensively for a handfull . Buy cheap now, replace as needed. You will find you upgrade less than the hype and bust less knuckles than one would be led to believe.

 

[T45]

Toptul is the best quality inexpensive sockets there are IMHO. They have good sets with Metric in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive shallow ($50) and deep ($65) or so. Also3/8 impact shallow and deep for $52.

After that, 2nd place, I would go Gearwrench, for $100 they have the best value of any starter set (1/4+3/8 in sae and metric, long and deep and high quality ratchet/drive tools). You don't get the valuable 1/2 drive sets in GW but you get SAE for messing around the house/shop/farm etc.

Third, I would look at carlyle on sale. Good quality, local availability, reliable service level from NAPA. Nice source of semi-deep sockets on sale as well as good quality ratchets.

In short, for sockets....made in Taiwan is currently the best bet for sockets if you are forced to buy new and want comprehensive sets with no questions asked.

For wremches, anda more advanced user/enthusiast looking at sockets, I would piece patiently buy used sets off ebay in your favorite USA brand. Paying specific attention to Proto.

 

[SantaAna12]

I avoid Sears and Craftsman these days. Some of their deals are pretty good but the tools are not of a consistent good quality. Not knowing tools and what is good you would end up with some junk.

I'd buy used but I also know the market and I know what the name brands are. Follow the Garage Journal site and pay attention to what others are buying. You should do OK then.

I have many different brands these days. That suits me fine. Many want to have the majority of their tools from one manufacturer. Some of these go with Snap On.that's the most expensive way to go. But they are mostly professional mechanics. Many amateurs go this route too and that's OK if you want to spend the maximum amount of money on stuff you don't use very often.

SK and Proto have long been a choice of many pros. Cheaper than SO but not cheap.

Mac, Matco and Cornwall are the other tools that come on the trucks. Not as expensive as SO but usually top quality. The deal with the trucks is they come to where you work. That's why the pros buy them.

If you want a cheaper route but good quality I'd go with Gearwrench. They haven't been around for too long but they are the affordable quality choice these days.

You can save the most money by shopping at Harbour Freight. The problem here is the quality is often pretty bad. Not always but their top line stuff is more expensive too. My personal objection to most HF tools is I don't like the way they look.

Good luck with your shopping.

+1.

Go to the HF pass or fail thread and buy the most mentioned items. Look for a deal on a basic metric 3/8 SK set. Buy a set of Channellock adjustable pliers, NOS Black handled CMAN needle nose, Channellock 8" dykes, etc., etc.
Ease into it using all the knowledge on this forum.
Well.....
Ease into that too.
Enjoy the ride!

 

[Gmonkee]

Pigpen, I have started from zero and gone into overkill a few times now.

Looking back I would suggest just picking up the things you have a need for. No need to fill that big box fast at all.

Good basics in wrenches and a small 3/8" socket set get me through a work week just fine. I have bling but use a mix of good Indian made and random picks used wrenches. Fear of loss is minimal and the bolts don't care.

Spend on the specialty stuff you cannot do with basics. Maybe some bling in the general purpose home kit just for fun.

Think double duty stuff when you can. If it works on the car, plumbing and wiring (should you dabble in that) it is good.

My extravagansa stuff is wobble extensions, good ratchets, wrenches and a little electrical test equiptment.

The rest is used or import bought as I needed to step up over a period of years. If it doesn't fail you don't need to upgrade it.
Oh, and a Bionic wrench just to remind you for decades to come how good and useful the regular old design stuff really is. It will never fit anywhere to be used so get it from a rummage sale for a dime.

 

[Shark Pilot]

I would check out the GearWrench 239‑Piece SAE/Metric Mechanics Tool Set which is $180 on Tooldiscounter. The Craftsman 311 isn't bad given you're getting 200 sockets for $200. For me most of those sockets would gather dust and I would prefer getting fewer sockets and nicer handles but it is convenient to have all that coverage reasonably cheap if you work on a wide variety of stuff. Also check out the GearWrench 80550P:http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P which gets you 120 tooth ratchet and the matching 1/4" set for free on promo for $104 in both metric and SAE standard and deep. Add the GearWrench 80700P in 1/2" for $140 and you have a pretty decent set for home use.

 

[Mr_B]

+1 on the gearwrench master sets
the 3 master sets are a superb buy due to the promotions, so for 244bucks you get very good ratchets and nice ergonomic sockets in all 3 drive sizes in metric/sae short and deep.
Build that up over time with likes of HF titan gearwrench flexi and stubby ratchets and few more extensions, torx/allen sockets etc and you got comprehensive and above average kit for not much money. Wrenches are bit more tricky but budget stuff could go a while and then get better set once money/lust/need permits as never bad thing have 2 off's of wrenches.
Pliers and screwdrivers pretty easy sort and hammers easy source even used etc.
Ball pein's I got came free from an uncle, looked junk but was good old tools so cleaned them up and painted them and still in daily use 25yrs on .
Good stuff is out there used, free or even at HF, i see and used myself hand picked better items from pittsburgh pro line stuff in full time daily pro environment and it lasts good as well as being nice design/made tool with usable lifetime warranty .

 

[Rileysan]

If I was doing it again, I'd spend a lot more time looking at used tools

I totally agree. Try not to buy new!

You can find great American made tools for pennies on the dollar if you take the time to learn what to look for and then shop around (Yard/garage/estate sales, flea markets, swap meets, pawn shops, eBay, Craigslist, etc). The chase is more fun if you don't have an immediate need for a specific tool.

I OFTEN find great American brands like Proto, S-K, Williams, Craftsman and many other brands that were bought up by the big corporations, for sale by people with no idea what they have, or just want to get rid of things. I had to stop buying most of these even at $1 per tool because I acquired too many! The last big swap meet I attended, I came home with over 100 wrenches that I paid $.50 to $1 apiece. 3/8" and 1/2" drive socket sets with ratchets can easily be found for $10-$20 per set. Just keep your eyes open!

Good luck!

Brian

 

[woody 73]

One way of filling up your tool box; in the following example it has too many red flags in my book so I skip it, but just an example of one way to fill a tool box up the fast way.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/6186797082.html

 

[JazzBlueRT]

sockets are thick and no knurling or grooves to aid handling. Ratchets are a long way off better taiwan stuff/pittsburgh. hex keys are one of those things that need be decent quality .
Yeh you get what looks like a lot for your 200bucks but it not great work with and can get way better if spend just little more and build own sets from mix of makes.
As a weekend user OP don't need the best but better design and quality makes jobs easier and some issues become non issues with a better design tools .

All my Craftsman SAE sockets have grooves and my Metric have a knurl.

You are talking a about a basic socket and wrench set, the overall design was perfected about 40 years ago. Modern manufacturing ensures a accurate dimensions regardless of manufacturer.

 

[Rileysan]

Modern manufacturing ensures a accurate dimensions regardless of manufacturer.

I wish that were true, but it's not.

As an example, I was asked to take a look at my MiL's Toyota last summer.

I determined it needed a new battery but I was with my wife in her car and didn't have any tools. No problem, she had an all-in-one tool kit in the house. You know the kind - with a metric socket set and combo wrenches and a hammer, etc - the kind labeled "emergency road repair kit". Anyways, not only did the tools look like total garbage, they were no where near the correct sizes. All I needed was a damn 10 MM wrench but neither the socket nor the combo wrench marked 10 MM fit.

I eventually gave up and drove home to get my car (which has a tool box in it).

The moral of the story: You get what you pay for!

Brian

 

[sberry]

Yes, but those are not real tools in a competitive market.

 

[WittHay]

I think those large sets for around $200 are the best way for a homeowner to get started with tools. Canadian Tire always has a 400 piece set for $199, same quality as the Chinese Craftsman.

You don't need the perfect wrench to put your new wheelbarrow together or expensive sockets to change a bicycle tire. You have a wide variety of tools for common backyard/household projects for about $1 to $2 each and have time to figure out what higher quality tools you really need

 

[Tonyuk]

What type of cars will you be working on?

If its anything German i would forget buying a big socket set and instead buy a reasonable sized metric 3/8's and 1/4's set. Invest good money in a set of torx and spline sockets since they're now at least as common as hex bolts and nuts and cheap ones are fragile / undersized leading to the bolt rounding. Get both long and standard + some good swivel joints.

A good breaker bar and deep drive socket for wheel bolts

Good set of pliers (I use knipex, but i've just got some tektons ans they're very nice)
Good couple of hammers (Ball pein, dead blow, rubber mallet)
Good spanner set, with a good quality flare nut spanner for bleeding brakes (11mm on most modern VAG)
Thick nitrile gloves, some cheap rubber palm builders gloves.
Plastic basin for oil changes, loads of rags, some cheap mid-sized towels.
Good set of allen keys (I like the t-handles, much better than normal but a bit more bulky)
Set of decent screwdrivers
Oil filter socket or pliers/strap wrench (32mm, 36mm & 76mm for most VAG's)

After that some consumables;

Penetrating oil, copper/silicone/synthetic grease, funnels, bit of 3in1 oil, brake cleaner. Good hand cleaner, loads of tape and zip ties, some spare hose clamps. Thick waste bags

Jack and stands.


None of that should be massively expensive but its all useful and all that's really needed for most home jobs. You don't need a big box loaded with tools to work on cars and more often than not is just makes finding the tools you actually need a bit more difficult. If you need something specific then buy it. Put the money you would be saving on tools into better quality car parts.