New Apprentice- Looking for tool advice

[OutsideMachinist]

I have been lurking on the forums on and off for years this is my first post. I am working in ship repair as a marine machinery mechanic/outside machinist
apprentice. Here is a basic tool list I must get. Everything must be SAE no
metric. USA made COO is nice/preferable but not always feasible ill get into that later in the post as well.

Combo wrenches: 3/8 - 1 1/4''
Sockets 3/8 drive: 3/8- 3/4'' 1/2 drive: 1/2 -1 1/4 ''
Extensions: 3/8&1/2''- 2-10'' long
Universal Joints
Ratchet: at least 3/8 & 1/2''
Pliers: Needle Nose 6'', Vice Grips 7'', Diagonal 6'' - Maybe Lockwire/safety pliers.(Though only ones I have seen thus far are SK lockwire pliers for 100.00+ $)
Metal cutting shear
Allen wrench/socket set up to at least 3/8 preferably larger as well
Screwdrivers: stubby, Flat 6-10'', Phillips 4 & 6'', offset screwdrivers
Hammers: Ball peen 8 & 16oz, mini sledge hammers roughly 4 lb?, then not sure if i should get a dead blow or nylon hammer as well looking for insight.
Adjustable wrenches: open to any size really but 8&12'' required
Hacksaw Frame 12''
Pipe Wrenches: 10-14''
Thread Pitch Gauges & Feeler Gauges
Punch Pins: 1/16'' - 3/8''. Large & small center punches(possibly automatic center punch also)
Cold Chisels: at least 3/4''
Drift Drill
Pry Bars: 16''(open to more sizes. Leaning towards ladyfoot pry bars)
Machinist tools: Outside caliper 4-8'', Inside caliper 4-8'', 4 & 8'' Divider, 6'' scales/steel rules(preferably flexible ones), Combination square 12'', Machinist scribe

I apologize in advance for the long post. I know thats quite a bit no one could touch on all at once. The tools I do have are 90+ % metric. I will have to purchase basically all of these tools and more. This is just a basic requirement. Main points I am looking for input on are the machinist tools as they are new to me. Any insight on those and precision measuring in general would be appreciated. Same thing with the punches/chisels/drift drill/drill bits.

Also wrenches and ratchets I would really prefer USA made if possible. I have reasearched the boards and Williams seems to be recommended. My reasons for not necessarily getting all or most USA made tools are many. For one cost at the moment is an issue and money is tight. Also there are many variables in which my tools could be lost or stolen. Whether that be falling in the water/bilges or too many others having access to them. Basically I guess I am looking for which sites/stores you would recommend and which are better for a certain type of tools. I see tooltopia and harry epstein mentioned often. Any advice is appreciate. Thank you and take care.

 

[Tbirdtc]

a lot of items on ur list hf is as good as anything the hammers buy all them 5 to 15 ea tops cman for pry bars 20$ on sale for 3 PC set snap ons aren't better hfs are ****
Extensions c man ratchets mid price craftsman husky isn't bad
The measureing tools it all depends on how important the tolerances are if u can't afford u can get really pretty accurate w a hf caliper hack saw better than cheapie but no way do u need one that costs more than 25$
I gotta wonder y a hack saw a sawzalls is a fast hack saw
U gotta have more than one 3/8 and 1/4 ratchet low end c man are great back ups and unless ur really wrenchin on them or in tight quarters they are fine u want one of ea w 70 + teeth tho fine drive cheap c man are 32 I believe 19$ husky is a 72 the pear shape head idk about the round one cheap ratchets bust knuckles but snap ons are finnicy and way to expensive
Pipe wrench nothing but rigid will do and there not expensive
C man Allen sockets and if needed a bigger set of basic L shape Allen wrenches hf has nice fold up ones but if they will be high torque or rusted u will want the sockets
The rulers square simple measure tools any will do hf is great for that
The only hard answer is the calip

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Thanks for the reply. Yes measuring tools is a bit harder. Generally + or - 5 thousandths is acceptable but it has to be fairly precise yes. I also work with a good bit of hydraulics and very tight spaces. I am looking into what I think most refer to as service wrenches. I also have used a few tools which i believe are referred to as E 110's which are great and I will need to grab a couple of as well.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I think hacksaw is recommended since portable power isn't going to always going to be available at the job site.

 

[Tbirdtc]

Auto center punch hf or hd
Black drill bits from hf it's a waste of $ to spend much on drill bits u can burn up the worlds best bit in 30 seconds it's all about lube and coolant on a drill
Wrenches need to be quality not as much if u are working in open areas wher u can use a 6 pt box
If u are on a tight budget buy cheap black impact sockets in 1/2 deep
The 3/8 sockets u may want quality always 6 pt c man will do if it's all your budget allows but u may want a rail of truck brand they prob run 200$ u can get Sk for around 1/2 snappy price personally I'd spend the $$ for snap on ten year old Mac or Matco just as good not sure if they still are blue points wold be good too

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Yes I agree for wrenches/ratchets or hard line tools I will be using constantly. I have been looking at the high visibility red williams wrenches. I also saw another poster talk about a blackhawk wrench set which I am looking at.

 

[Tbirdtc]

A e110 is a smooth jaw offset pipe wrench prob for taking hex end caps off Hyd cylinders rigid on that one too but doubt hd will have it

 

[RTUmark]

I hate to admit this, but the harbor freight impact sockets are very nice. Have had great luck with them, plus you can pick up a set of deep sockets for $20 and not freak out every time you drop one in the bilge.

 

[Tbirdtc]

Blackhawk is Mac or Matcos blue point the only real reason I'd pick blue point is they are on the snap on truck and snap on is more common
Btw I hate tool trucks they **** *** they are thiefs when u get older n don't buy much anymore the dirty scum suckers screw with u about warranty
But there are a few things u need to buy from them

 

[Tbirdtc]

Yea I didn't clarify most blk sockets are strong no matter brand don't waste $ on good 1/2 chrome sockets when $ is tight the hfs will never break w hand ratchets

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Thank you RTU and Tbirdtc. I have also heard good things about the HF impacts. I would get the PRO ones if i purchase them.

 

[bonneyman]

Don't forget about S-K. Back from bankruptcy, still USA owned and made. They are more expensive than HF, but not as much as S-O. And they make alot of good tools. Plus their customer service is getting rave reviews.
I think their ratchets are the best, and their wrenches and sockets know have advanced broaching (I think it's called Sure-Grip) for better grab. And their comfort grip screwdrivers are quite nice, too.

 

[Westly]

Since money is tight, then HF. You don't buy a Mercedes when a VW will do just fine. Ridgid pipe wrenches are pretty much the standard and aren't especially expensive.

If you have time you could get used Craftsman USA sets and pieces on ebay. The half dozen tools I use most I have the best that money can buy, but since they're so few it's not much of an expenditure! Plus it took a lifetime to reach that point. I could get by without them in other words. I can't recommend Craftsman sockets because I have some that can't be read anymore. Other than that they're great. Used Craftsman USA wrenches are excellent if you like the feel. There is an HF 3/8 ratchet that people on here are preferring over the Snap-ons, so... Good luck and stay warm

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I have used some SK before. They seemed to be great quality. I will keep them in mind as well thank you.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Thanks Westly. I have used the composite HF ratchets and was very surprised. I plan to buy a few for backups. Id like to have a couple good USA ratchets as well. It has warmed up a good bit here. I was using a pair of insulated coveralls by carharrt. Kind of like a snow suit. Thing was very warm if it wasnt 30 degrees or less you'd be sweating. Worked great this year since we had so much unusual snow. Getting ready for the heat now.

 

[alex71]

Your posts are truly painful to read. USE PUNCTUATION.

Yea I didn't clarify most blk sockets are strong no matter brand don't waste $ on good 1/2 chrome sockets when $ is tight the hfs will never break w hand ratchets

 

[bbrins]

I wouldn't buy anything too expensive unless you find that it is absolutely necessary, you will be pretty pissed the first time you drop a Snap-On ratchet over the edge. If you don't mind used stuff, you can find SK ratchets pretty inexpensively on ebay, they aren't really very expensive new either.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

To the OP: If you're on a budget, Cripe Distributing is going to be your best friend. YOu may need to piece some sets together, but there is a TON of Armstrong, Allen, KD, Kobalt etc all USA made.
(Their website is still down, but the ebay store is great. Just request a total and they'll send you the actual shipping amount. My last order said it would be $25 in shipping, and they sent the actual shipping back at $5).
http://stores.ebay.com/Cripe-Distributing

Armstrong Hex Sockets (Impact) 1/8"-3/8" $10.50
Missing 3/16" Socket $3.25
Missing 5/32 Socket $3

Kobalt USA SAE 1/2 Drive Shallow Socket Set (3/8"-15/16") $14 There are also loose sockets well over 1-1/4" available (I have shallow & deep 1-1/4" sockets arriving from them today to finish out my set).

Armstrong Long Combo Wrench Set (7/16-15/16) $75
Matching 3/8" Armstrong Wrench $2.50

Kobalt USA 1" Combo Wrench $6(They also have 1-5/16" & 1-3/8")

They have a TON more good tools. Worth looking through and adding stuff to the 'Watch List'. All the Kobalt USA stuff is a mix of Danaher (KD/Armstrong) and Williams/Snap-On.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Thanks for the tips bbrins and IHMW. I never have used ebay or paypal to be honest. I will definitely look into though. Looks to be a lot of decent deals there. I will eventually need wrenches/sockets up to 2'' so would probably be better to find those used as theyre quite expensive.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Thanks for the tips bbrins and IHMW. I never have used ebay or paypal to be honest. I will definitely look into though. Looks to be a lot of decent deals there. I will eventually need wrenches/sockets up to 2'' so would probably be better to find those used as theyre quite expensive.

For big wrenches, I went for a set from Northern Tool (now called Klutch). I filled in the missing 1-5/16" & 1-7/16" with Kobalt USA through Cripe (Still don't have a 1-9/16" and still have had no need for it).
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612514_200612514

Cripe has a ton of loose 3/4" drive sockets (They had a whole USA chrome set for $82 that I had, but ended up selling). After I sold my set, I bought a set of IR 3/4" drive impact sockets that have been great.

 

[Pumpman1968]

For my everyday use, I have switched to Williams ratchets. Sealed heads. I work in a wet environment........but no idea what they will be like in regards to saltwater. I have bought most of them from toolsdelivered.com which seems to have the best everyday price. Check out Cripe Distributing online or on ebay for leftover Kobalt USA sockets and wrenches......made by Williams.....like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-7pc-...74841514?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item4cf7cbc6aa

Keep in mind....when buying Williams, check the COO......they have everything USA AND imported.

 

[KEH]

Used sockets are plentiful and cheap now. Good quality ones can be had for $1.00 a piece. Snap on sockets don't go for that price but other tool truck ones usually do.
Extensions are plentiful. I would get spares, if fact, I would get spare sockets also.

Ratchets: IMO the Cadillac of ratchets are SO dual 80s, but as someone said it hurts if one is dropped in the water. SK and Wright are desirable RHFT ratchets. The Craftsman Low Profile ratchets are great, but are now Taiwan made. Probably still good. Williams ratchets are good but some are imports. Check closely.

Good combination wrenches, mostly Craftsman, are availiable used.

Were breaker bars listed? Quality ones are expensive, but one trick is to get a cheaper 3/4 drive breaker bar and a 3/4 to 1/2 inch adapter. Has more leverage, is stronger, and you can always use a cheater bar.

KEH

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I have a few of the HF breaker bars at the moment they do fairly well. Striking/ Slugging wrenches are provided for me by work. Breaker bars are useful for tighter areas. I work in some pretty confined spaces at times/ tight clearances especially doing hydraulic work. I plan to get a good set of I think theyre referred to as service wrenches. We have to use a lot of cut off wrenches at times as well. Ill just buy cheap sets of HF ones to have if i have to cut a wrench though.

 

[Tawn]

"Outside Machinist" in Norfolk, VA - In all seriousness, don't forget to invest in Under Armor underclothes and Carhart Bibs and Jacket.

 

[bushmechanic]

a lot of items on ur list hf is as good as anything the hammers buy all them 5 to 15 ea tops cman for pry bars 20$ on sale for 3 PC set snap ons aren't better hfs are ****
Extensions c man ratchets mid price craftsman husky isn't bad
The measureing tools it all depends on how important the tolerances are if u can't afford u can get really pretty accurate w a hf caliper hack saw better than cheapie but no way do u need one that costs more than 25$
I gotta wonder y a hack saw a sawzalls is a fast hack saw
U gotta have more than one 3/8 and 1/4 ratchet low end c man are great back ups and unless ur really wrenchin on them or in tight quarters they are fine u want one of ea w 70 + teeth tho fine drive cheap c man are 32 I believe 19$ husky is a 72 the pear shape head idk about the round one cheap ratchets bust knuckles but snap ons are finnicy and way to expensive
Pipe wrench nothing but rigid will do and there not expensive
C man Allen sockets and if needed a bigger set of basic L shape Allen wrenches hf has nice fold up ones but if they will be high torque or rusted u will want the sockets
The rulers square simple measure tools any will do hf is great for that
The only hard answer is the calip

Dude...

Seriously. I can't read that.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Dude...

Seriously. I can't read that.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Yeah thanks Tawn. I am pretty set for winter gear after this bad one we just had. Need to invest in some rain gear and a camelback now.

 

[KEH]

Forgot to mention, get a good hacksaw frame, like a Lennox. Some frames are made so you can angle the blade, which is neat but I have never had to use that feature.

KEH

 

[Coach James]

After getting mad and breaking another cheapo hacksaw, I pried open the wallet and bought this one. 8 years and no regrets. The difference between it and a cheapo is night and day.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_163712-273-...cksaw&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=hacksaw&facetInfo=

Coach

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Thanks for that KEH and Coach. Didn't know a lot about the frames either. Appreciate it.

 

[wvrailroader]

Surprisingly no one mentioned Armstrong or Proto - both make excellent tools and are much cheaper than truck brands. They can be found used at very reasonable prices and even new aren't overly expensive. I have had excellent luck with both brands.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Grabbed a few things here and there. Just got a 17 piece Blackhawk SAE wrench set 1/4 in to 1 5/16. I am happy with it. USA made great price on zorotools. like 113 shipped I believe.Cripes distibuting has a good armstrong wrench set on ebay as well.