Need Tool Advice – Starting From Scratch!

[NVR 2L8]

I am not really a “newbie” on this forum, but I have basically spent the past few years lurking around, listening and learning, because I have not had a lot of knowledge or experience to share. With that said, this forum has been an invaluable resource, and I want to openly express my appreciation for all the good advice that I have benefited from.

I am now in the final stage of completing my winter “garage makeover” (I will be posting before / after pictures in a couple of weeks), and it is time to start stocking up on tools.

My current quandary is: What do I buy, what brand, and where should I buy it? I realize that the first question you will ask is “what do I intend to do with the tools?”, so let me explain my situation.

First, I sold a small farm last fall, and the buyer made me an offer that included all of the furniture and tools in my modest shop, so I am basically in the process of starting from scratch in stocking my new shop.

Second, I am not a mechanic by profession, and my skill level is best described as a “hobbyist”. It has been more than thirty years since I have rebuilt an engine or swapped out a transmission, and I am a little bit embarrassed to admit that I don’t even change my own oil in my family cars anymore.

As far as woodworking, I can still knock up some shelving or other basic task, but definitely not a craftsman.

I am pretty active in recreational high performance driving events (HPDE), so I do spend a lot of time changing brake fluid and oil, swapping from street to track tires and wheels, and maintaining both a single car enclosed trailer and a two car open trailer.

I am now suffering from “analysis paralysis”, and I have looked at so many tools that my eyes start to glaze over after looking at so many different options. The only real conclusion that I have reached is that the premier brands of Snap On, etc. are a major “overkill” for my circumstances.

I have already purchased an air compressor (Sears) and two toolboxes. The first is a 54” from Extreme Tools (based on recommendation on this forum), and a Snap On Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition, mainly for decoration. I do not plan to install a lift in my shop.

My questions are:
1. Should I buy one of the big package set of tools, or just buy small packages (like a screwdriver set) as the need arises? If one of the big package sets is recommended, which one?
2. Where to buy? I have looked at Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor Freight and Northern Tool.
3. Local store or on-line? On-line is usually no sales tax, but may be offset by shipping cost.
4. What time of year are the best sales? (Memorial Day, etc.)
5. Is the Sears Outlet store on-line a good option? Some of the prices look pretty attractive.
6. What is a good brand for a set of cordless tools for me? I know I want a cordless drill and impact wrench, but for other tools I do not need cordless, unless there is a good package price.
7. How about tools for sale at flea markets, etc. I saw a 25 piece screwdriver set today for $10., but I passed because I was afraid that it would be junk.
8. Should I consider used? If so, what is the best source? Ebay and CL are the obvious options, but there may be others. However, I would like to avoid buying a complete tool set one piece at a time.
9. As far as cost, I can afford to buy good tools, but my business sense tells me that it would be foolish to spend a fortune on tools that will only be used occasionally. I hope that I will be able to buy what I need for under $1,000.

OK, that is my situation, and I am open to all suggestions and advice.

Again, thanks for such a great forum. I am looking forward to posting the pictures of my new shop, and I think you will like what I have done.

Tom

 

[crewchief888]

if i went from something (toolwise) to nothing, i'd be thinking about what i used to have, what worked, and what didnt as a start.

i think i'd start with CM socket set, and upgrade the ratchets.

HF, GP or sunex impact sockets

screwdrivers more of a personal preference kinda tool

pliers cant go wrong with channelock

so many tools, so little time

 

[Borrego]

Don't know what part of the country you are in,but if you have access to flea markets that have a decent tool selection, I would suggest starting there for your common hand tools - wrenches, sockets, ratchets, etc.....If you are familiar with older, good American quality tools (Proto, Armstrong, Williams, Bonney are the first 4 that come to mind), you can't go wrong.
You never know what you will see, and often, the prices will do you right. At least that's my way of stretching my tool dollars.

 

[Kirbot]

Definitely buy used whenever possible.

I estimate that I own somewhere around $1500 worth of tools, If I had bought them all new.

But I buy almost everything from fleamarkets, auctions, and the occasional yard sale.
I'll buy a big lot of tools, keep what I wan't, then sell the rest in the classifieds.
Considering that, I have actually come out ahead in the money department.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

just buy the best you can afford. little by little build up a set that you know is of good quality. most the time it is better to buy sets instead of individual items. watch for sales and keep an eye on local flea markets/ pawnshops/ CL. good luck.

 

[Kirbot]

Definitely buy used whenever possible.

I estimate that I own somewhere around $1500 worth of tools, If I had bought them all new.

But I buy almost everything from fleamarkets, auctions, and the occasional yard sale.
I'll buy a big lot of tools, keep what I wan't, then sell the rest in the classifieds.
Considering that, I have actually come out ahead in the money department.

Except for pliers, I should point out...

It's not worth messing with old worn out, dull pliers most of the time.

Go Channellock all the way!

 

[bczygan]

You have been here for a while so you must know the answers for most of your questions. Plus, only you know the tasks you want to accomplish, the tools you have used and liked in the past. Combine that with the Hot Deals Index, the HF Pass/Fail and the HF Coupon thread and you should be able to do what is necessary. Sounds like you just need to start. Budget is one of your considerations so I wouldn't just get big sets (Unless they were on the Hot Deals Index and met your needs without too much unneeded content). Start with a tasks list and make a tool list from that. Use all your resources, for all brands, new and used, both online and in person. I'd start with the task you want to accomplish next. For me it was a tuneup and the tools were a combination of Lowes Christmas stocking stuffers for .98, Gearwrench from Sears, misc. Harbor Freight, Home Depot and Advance Auto. Get moving! There's so many tools to buy, and so little time!

 

[shampoop]

Definitely buy good quality the first time. I've seen a lot of people on here with massive tool collections full of dozens of copies of the same tool! It's such a waste! Take your basic 3/8" ratchet for example. There are an insane amount of people on here who own 20 of them! I started my collection with one of the sears 200-500 piece tool set that comes in those ********* blow molded cases. So my first ratchet was a standard craftsman raised panel. After using it for a while i realized it really was kinda ******. The short length means you don't have the required amount of power for many very common 3/8" applications, and only having 30 or so teeth makes for a ton of wasted time and effort in situations where you can only swing the ratchet in a 30* area. There is also a lot of drag when ratcheting so you have to hold your socket with your other hand to overcome it.

So i bought this bad boy

What seems like a somewhat insignificant increase in length makes an absolutely immense difference in the amount of power exerted onto the fasteners. The soft grip is extremely comfortable and ensures your hand will never slip no matter how dirty and oily your get. The 80 tooth design and low drag makes tight work much faster and easier, The very compact head and locking flex design makes the tool extremely versatile turning extremely aggravating tasks into no big deal. And it will do all of these things for the rest of my life because of the warranty. So for 3/8" ratchets, i only have that and one dirt cheap short curved neck HF composite one for weird situations. And I never wish I had any thing else or anything "better", and cannot see a future where that ever changes.

That's why it's a waste of money to go too cheap. You'll just end up not liking the tool and replace it with something you hope will be better, then before you know it you have 20 copies of the same tool.

1. No to big package sets, yes to small ones. The big sets always include either stuff you don't want, or some pieces are not as good as you want.

2. Everywhere

3. Online has a better selection, and you can look for reviews first. Then buy it in store if a local one has what you want, or if you want to go try it out yourself.

4. idk

5. idk

6. Whatever you go with, i'd stick with a big brand name for future battery/accessory compatibility. makita, milwaukee, dewalt and i'm sure there are others that have all great products and a massive lineup of tools that all run off of the same batteries. My brother recently bought a rigid brand cordless drill. A relatively good brand and he loves the drill itself, but the batteries are pieces of **** and die extremely quickly (a few months). Luckily there's a lifetime warranty on the batteries, but the turnover time is very long and he needs it for his job so he's stuck with only one battery while he waits for the other to get replaced. Issues of that magnitude never seem to occur with the better brand names.

7. Probably mostly depends on what kind of tool. Large old american iron kind of tools i would suspect would be best for this situation.

8. For truck tool brands, definitely

9. Whatever you spend, make sure you apportion it appropriately based on what you use the most and things where the difference in quality really shows. Generally, it's good to splurge on ratchets and wrenches, but on things like die grinders there's no reason for most people to buy anything better than HF.

 

[BOONEY7750]

If we are talking homeowner then go mid level. I have a lot of USA made Allen ratchets and sockets that I like, they are rebuildable if it ever came to that. I have some of the import Williams stuff that I am happy with. I am sure I would love a full set of Snap-Ons, but I can not really justify it. I bought the Craftsmen master set of just sockets. I want to say 392 pieces. They are decent in quality and price and I can walk into Sears for a new one. I think it was $400 bucks and the only thing I have added is an O2 sensor socket and some odd ball u-joint sockets. I have some older Craftsman general stuff that is decent, but I stay away from most of the newer stuff. I added the Williams and Allen Ratchets to my C-man sockets. I have a little older Blackhawk stuff, but I like my import Williams better. I went with Gear wrench for my ratcheting wrenches and I am happy with them. Mostly Mid level hand tools too, Eastwing hammers, Channel Lock, Williams, and older Vis-Grip Pliers. Right now I have the Pro line of the house brand for DO-it Best hardware stores for screwdrivers and they are great, strong magnet and durable, but I am looking to upgrade for something with a more ergonomic handle. In other words I buy mid level tools at mid level prices, but I stay away from the really cheap ****** tools. I have not had great luck at flea markets because I have most of the basic tools. I have had good luck with combining best offers on Ebay and word of mouth buys from a couple mechanics who quit or retired.

 

[ourkid2000]

Keep an eye out for 2nd hand Snap On stuff (especially for ratchets). Much of my Snap On stuff I got 2nd hand and at a great price.

 

[route246]

If you're absolutely starting from scratch I would recommend looking at CM sets (the bigger the better in terms of price leverage). Wait for coupons and promotions and look very carefully at the filler items that get the piece count up. You should be able to target a set that has mostly what you would use. That's what I would do if I were starting over.

 

[treasureseeker]

No one can you what the best for you is only what we like. Lots of members like the Duralast ratchets. I tried one out at the store and it was the roughest ratchet I have even felt but the fit and finish was well done. I look for the best quality made and that is extremely subjective. I like Hazet and Snap on ratchets, Wera and PB Swiss screwdriver, and Knipex pliers. It doesn’t matter how much I will use each tool I own. They will get used at some point and buying well-made tools should last a lifetime. I would recommend buying socket sets, starting with 3/8” drive. Ebay has some great deals if you put in the time in finding them.

 

[PepperCrab]

If I had to do it over again, I'd figure out what sized sockets I'd need most, and then buy the smallest set that includes those. Then I'll add on one by one as the need calls for it.

Currently I have a big tray of sockets that I've never used and probably never will because I bought one of those big Craftsman sets. It's a big waste of money.

Also, what a previous poster said about buying the tool you want the first time round is true. When I don't do that I end up with 3 of the same thing, because I later regret buying the one I didn't really want to begin with.

And stay away from this forum. It messes with your mind and makes you want to keep "upgrading" your perfectly fine tools.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Currently I have a big tray of sockets that I've never used and probably never will because I bought one of those big Craftsman sets. It's a big waste of money.

+1

The big Craftsman sets look like a good deal, but you get a loot of tools that you may not need.

I am Craftsman guy, mainly because most of what I own is over 20 years old (better quality back then) and because it is so easy getting replacements.

IMHO, start with a set of 3/8" drive, 6 point, standard and deep English and Metric sockets. You need a standard and flex head ratchet, a U-joint, 3", 6" and 12" extensions.

Next, get a set of 1/4" drive 6 point, standard depth, English and Metric sockets and a hand "spinner". U-joint and 3" and 6" extension. I just have a 1/4" "breaker bar" and a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter.

A set of English combination wrenches and a Metric set. You might want to get a double box 1/2"-9/16" in short and long just as a back up. Same for popular metric (10mm, ?).

Make certain to get screwdrivers in multiple lengths if possible. Also get a magnetic screwdriver with interchangeable tips including Torx.

2 sizes of standard pliers, 2 sizes of arc joint pliers, 2 or 3 sizes of locking pliers, 2 sizes of long nose pliers, 2 sizes of wire cutter and a pair of linesman pliers.

English and Metric long arm hex keys.

If you start with this you will be 90% of the way there.

If you are going to buy Craftsman, the best sales USED TO BE before Father's Day and before Christmas.

 

[route246]

I think it depends on what sort of deal you get on those big CM sets. I needed some of the bigger, high-priced things (try to get a good deal on breaker bars, long 1/2" extensions, larger wrenches and sockets, etc.) and ended up buying one of those premium sets and peddling the smaller stuff to a friend who gladly paid the proportional price (it was something like $.30 on the dollar). We both ended up winners. I could have just as easily sold them at a garage sale, CL or ebay.

If I had to do it over again, I'd figure out what sized sockets I'd need most, and then buy the smallest set that includes those. Then I'll add on one by one as the need calls for it.

Currently I have a big tray of sockets that I've never used and probably never will because I bought one of those big Craftsman sets. It's a big waste of money.

Also, what a previous poster said about buying the tool you want the first time round is true. When I don't do that I end up with 3 of the same thing, because I later regret buying the one I didn't really want to begin with.

And stay away from this forum. It messes with your mind and makes you want to keep "upgrading" your perfectly fine tools.

 

[Skin]

Cman does make 6pt only sets. Actually if you have little to no basic tools [ratchets/sockets anyway] i think the Cman socket module sets are an excellent way to get you some decent ratchets, common extensions, and all of the most common socket sizes and then some. These are the sets in question.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934270000P
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934271000P
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934272000P

All are essentially complete and are incredibly convenient for covering the basic socket drive tools.

As far as calling the larger sets a bad value. Not entirely sure i agree. It helps to have duplicate sizes and most of the sets get dirt cheap. Essentially you can purchase the full range of Cman sockets and ratchets for about what you'd pay for 3 10pc SO socket sets [used-not etched and not beat up].

And remember any sockets you find rotting, say you never touch your standard 12pt, you can sell them.

 

[NVR 2L8]

Wow!

You guys are great!

Many excellent ideas and suggestions, all much appreciated.

I actually went to Sears today, and spent quite a bit of time with their tool specialist. He was very patient, and also seemed quite knowledgeable.

After looking at tool sets, I asked about cordless drills and impact wrenches. He suggested the 19.2v CM with the lithium ion batteries. $250. for both, including two batteries and a charger.

Maybe I will look for a few more days, and then I am going to pull the trigger.

Thanks so much for all the advice.

Tom

 

[amolaver]

as a 'track guy' you have at least a couple specific needs that others may not be aware of (a good cordless impact is a necessity, keeping tool count down / packing well/light, heavier !=better). a good cordless impact is priceless but price is not indicative of performance. i have a 24v from northern tool that is hella strong, but NiCD and heavy as hell. i have a ryobi that is super light and works well for most things but struggles with lug nuts (its most common task). and my old faithful - a 5 year old harbor freight 19.2v NiCD that has outlasted and outgrunts almost everything. i love the ryobi LiIon toolset (have many of them) but the lug nut problem means its a non-starter unfortunately. i can't speak to the craftsman, but $250 is a LOT of money when a $100 northern will do the job although the LiIon CM SHOULD be much lighter and that might justify the cost to you.

I strongly recommend alternatives to Sears/Craftsman for most things. Their new premium ratchets are very nice if you like no-quick release metal handles. the thin profiles are nice for QR lovers. Other than that, there aren't many of their tools I like very much anymore. There are cheaper, better alternatives crawling out of the woodwork. gearwrench comfort grip ratchets are my go-to in the track box. the swivel head ratchets are GREAT. if you're not familiar with them, get 3/8 or 1/2 one from HF and see if you like it. the HF ones feel as nice to me as the gearwrench - incredible value for money.

depending on what kind of vehicle you're tracking and what repairs/changes you're willing to make at the track will dictate what you really need. assuming metric (which includes most modern domestic iron), a ratcheting combo wrench set 8-19mm (or 21mm if you can get it) in the longest pattern you can find - i like gearwrench set 85099. i especially like that wrench set because the ratcheting end is non-reversible, which in turn means it is a zero degree, not the 15 degree so common (and that i hate) and it goes to 24mm. a similar size range of flex head stubby combo wrenches - gearwrench 9550 (i find the stubbies in larger sizes less useful as you can rarely apply the torque necessary to those fasteners). i don't buy chrome sockets anymore (alright, very rarely - damn you nepros!) as impacts have become widely and cheaply available. i prefer to use semi-deep sockets 90% of the time. they are usually deep enough for most applications that you'd use a deep socket on and not nearly as long so have fewer clearance problems. swivel sockets are a godsend and i don't go to the track w/o them. as far as socket brand goes, any of gray pneumatic, sunex, genius, and gearwrench are all widely accepted as excellent for cheap $. harbor freight has been a little hit or miss on impact sockets but i think the general consensus is that their newer 'pittsburgh pro' stuff is durable, well made, and cheap.

you need a tq wrench for wheels. buy the HF 1/2" with a 20% off coupon. mine has held calibration bouncing around in my trailer while my 3x more expensive craftsman went brain dead sitting in my box at home.

at the track i find myself using almost exclusively 1/2" sockets and the cordless impact with occasional ratchet and tq wrench use (along with combo wrenches). when i'm not sure what the task is going to entail i keep a 3/8 ratchet and rail of sockets in hand along with an ernst wrench rack with my combos.

at home, i tend to use a 3/8 air impact mostly. the 3/8 nitrocat has more grunt than any 1/2 cordless impact i've seen (and yes, that includes the SO) and its quiet and light. i'm guessing IR has a more powerful option, but i believe its heavier and louder. my IR 1/2 is rarely but occasionally used. when you need it, you need it (and possibly a torch). you get spoiled with just how strong a good air impact is... a 24" breaker bar can give you the necessary leverage at the track when you don't have air.

i love my bondhus t-handle allen keys, but they don't pack well for the track, so i use a rail of allen sockets and extensions as needed. a williams ratcheting 1/4" bitdriver replaces almost all my screwdrivers. i keep a long flat and philips as well, just in case. a leatherman-type tool is hugely handy.

harbor freight jack and AL jack stands. many people claim to be 'afraid' of HF jack stands or jacks. every guy at the track has a HF AL jack and most don't know they sell AL stands as well. i wouldn't put my dually on them, but a 2500lb car is not a problem. i'm also a big fan of rhino ramps. if you don't have to take the wheels off, they are WAY faster than jacking up and putting on stands, never mind safer.

if buying gearwrench, check out amazon, tooltopia.com, and toolsource.com. for the socket brands i listed above check those and dskatools.com. all of the brands have PDF catalogs of their lineup - peruse at your peril actually, i suggest you look through them before you buy anything so you don't end up re-buying a better/different set.

if all you're doing is changing wheels and brake pads, a cordless impact with sockets and any decent combo wrench set will probably be enough. if you're going to change a trans or engine, things are a little more complicated.

ahm

 

[str8axle55]

If I had to start over, I don`t know WTF I`d do. I think used S/O or older C-man. I used C-man for yrs, but he doesn`t come to my shop. For a track type deal I`d figure out what sizes and tools I need, and build from there. I`ve heard good things about the IR lith/ion cordless. I wouldn`t be afraid of used major brands that you could warr, but if you have limited tools, and break one when you need it what do you do? There always seem to be good used deals out there, both here and on CL, sometimes eBay.

 

[toyotadriver]

Cman does make 6pt only sets. Actually if you have little to no basic tools [ratchets/sockets anyway] i think the Cman socket module sets are an excellent way to get you some decent ratchets, common extensions, and all of the most common socket sizes and then some. These are the sets in question.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934270000P
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934271000P
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934272000P

All are essentially complete and are incredibly convenient for covering the basic socket drive tools.

As far as calling the larger sets a bad value. Not entirely sure i agree. It helps to have duplicate sizes and most of the sets get dirt cheap. Essentially you can purchase the full range of Cman sockets and ratchets for about what you'd pay for 3 10pc SO socket sets [used-not etched and not beat up].

And remember any sockets you find rotting, say you never touch your standard 12pt, you can sell them.

Appreciate those links. However, the 1/2 drive set linked is a 12 pt socket set. I couldn't find a 12 point 1/2 drive set but maybe I'm retarded.

 

[SMKS]

There are a lot of threads on this topic.

From my experience, people come in two camps:
1. Buy the best ever right from the bat.
2. Start with a good craftsman set, replace with better stuff as you feel the need. As you upgrade, sell the old stuff on ebay or the GJ classifieds.

I say #2. Start with a big craftsman set. Replace the ratchets and screwdrivers right away with better quality. The sockets and wrenches will do 99% of anything you ever could want to do.

This is how I started around 10 years ago. I now have lots of other ratchets and wrenches, but my metric socket sets are still basic Craftsman sockets. I only upgraded the wrenches because I wanted to try other brands. The Craftsman wrenches would still be serving me well if I hadn't sold them off.

 

[route246]

Regarding drills, be sure to check out the lower voltage ones. I have Makita and Bosch. The new li-ion drills are amazing. You don't need high voltage anymore, either. If you need something powerful get a corded one. If I were to do it again I would get the Dewalt 12V pair (impact and drill). I have the Makita now and it is also pretty good. I picked it up on a Deal of the Day at Amazon for $120 awhile back. These lower voltage ones are very compact and light and easy on the wrists and arms. I also have the Bosch which I picked up on a promo before .

Wow!

You guys are great!

Many excellent ideas and suggestions, all much appreciated.

I actually went to Sears today, and spent quite a bit of time with their tool specialist. He was very patient, and also seemed quite knowledgeable.

After looking at tool sets, I asked about cordless drills and impact wrenches. He suggested the 19.2v CM with the lithium ion batteries. $250. for both, including two batteries and a charger.

Maybe I will look for a few more days, and then I am going to pull the trigger.

Thanks so much for all the advice.

Tom

 

[ajchien]

I'm also a hobbyist. If I were to start over again, I would also start with a bigger craftsman set. Id add the home depot channellock 4 pack as my pliers, add in the 25" harbor freight breaker bar. I think id splurge and get a nicer longer length flex or roto ratchet, something like 15"-18" in length. I'd then fill in the rest of what I needed or wanted at the flea market/eBay/CL/HF. And you gotta find a nice vise or two

 

[NVR 2L8]

There are a lot of threads on this topic.

From my experience, people come in two camps:
1. Buy the best ever right from the bat.
2. Start with a good craftsman set, replace with better stuff as you feel the need. As you upgrade, sell the old stuff on ebay or the GJ classifieds.

I say #2. Start with a big craftsman set. Replace the ratchets and screwdrivers right away with better quality. The sockets and wrenches will do 99% of anything you ever could want to do.

This is how I started around 10 years ago. I now have lots of other ratchets and wrenches, but my metric socket sets are still basic Craftsman sockets. I only upgraded the wrenches because I wanted to try other brands. The Craftsman wrenches would still be serving me well if I hadn't sold them off.

You are correct, there are a lot (at least a hundred) threads on this topic, and I have read most of them. Sometimes I wish the activity count shown in the "avatar" showed the number of thread views in addition to the thread posts. I would be way up there for thread views.

The one thing that makes my situation a little unique is that I am an older guy (late 50s) who just got rid of all his tools, and now starting over again from scratch. As a hobbyist, I could not even name the many brands of my forty year collection.

I was hoping for that "silver bullet" solution to my problem but, after reading all those threads over the past year, I pretty much knew that would not be the case.

So I will proceed with caution, make a list of the suggestions that were made that were the most relevant to me, and take my time, maybe even have some fun in the process.

Thanks again,

Tom

 

[sk farmer]

if you ar in the position to buy new and want to be up and running fast you have gotten some good suggestions. i am not a big fan of most cman sets but the socket only sets are a good value. actually any of the specific sets of pliers, punch and chisel hammers and pry bars are great sets. if you don't like the their pliers channelock is tough to beat. i despise the pear head and next generation from cman but really like the new professional ones. as far as ratchets , this is were you need to study up. scour the classified here and start picking them up. i have sk, proto, bonney, gray , gearwrench, wright, cornwell, titan and more and they all have something good to offer. you just need to figure out what you want and need. felo, wera and williams come to mind for screwdrivers. good luck, a tool buying spree is always fun.