Newbie Starting Tool Collection From The Ground Up

[Bri]

I'm finally at a point in my life where I can start building a respectable set of tools. I'd like your recommendations!

I'd like to start with the basics: screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrenches, and anything else that you all find indispensable for general tool work. Basically non-electronic things for now.

I'm already checking out Craftsman, which my father recommended on the condition that they still offered lifetime warranties on a given tool or set of tools (he hasn't had to shop for basic tools in decades, so he doesn't know). Is the Craftsman series still a quality one? Do they still offer a lifetime warranty on 'basic' tools? I also notice the Craftsman Professional line, which appears to be three times more expensive in some cases. What, if anything, would I be getting for this extra price in terms of performance and durability?

What's the deal with Snap On? They seem to be popular around here. What brands manufactured outside the US, or perhaps more specifically what tools within certain brands manufactured outside the US, are also quality products?

Technically, I'm not totally without good tools. I've got my some Left and Right Wiss tin snips that I'm totally satisfied with. Otherwise, I've always just borrowed tools from my father or bought some cheap no-name sets to tide me over. This ends here! I want to start building my collection with either top quality or best bang-for-the-buck tools.

Thank you.

 

[LoneGunman]

I'm an admitted Snap On,Matco ETC snob but for someone just starting out and if price is a factor you cannot beat Craftsman. Yes they still offer lifetime warranty, quality is good. The Cman Pro line in my opinion is just better ergonomics (thinner wrenches, higher count teeth in the ratchets) and sometimes a better finish. If money is no object go tool truck brand. You can also pick up used Craftsman DIRT cheap from people who are upgrading like me and others, you can also pick up SK dirt cheap, which in my opinion is better than Cman and below the Snap Ons, Matcos,MACs and Cornwell.

If I was going to go with Cman, Id buy Cman sockets and high end ratchets (SO,Matco ETC)

For screwdrivers I suggest Wiha, Witte or PB, makes no sense to skimp on screwdrivers

Toptul, a sponsor here, has received great reviews and is very reasonably priced.

 

[garfunkle24]

I'm finally at a point in my life where I can start building a respectable set of tools. I'd like your recommendations!

I'd like to start with the basics: screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrenches, and anything else that you all find indispensable for general tool work. Basically non-electronic things for now.

I'm already checking out Craftsman, which my father recommended on the condition that they still offered lifetime warranties on a given tool or set of tools (he hasn't had to shop for basic tools in decades, so he doesn't know). Is the Craftsman series still a quality one? Do they still offer a lifetime warranty on 'basic' tools? I also notice the Craftsman Professional line, which appears to be three times more expensive in some cases. What, if anything, would I be getting for this extra price in terms of performance and durability?

What's the deal with Snap On? They seem to be popular around here. What brands manufactured outside the US, or perhaps more specifically what tools within certain brands manufactured outside the US, are also quality products?

Technically, I'm not totally without good tools. I've got my some Left and Right Wiss tin snips that I'm totally satisfied with. Otherwise, I've always just borrowed tools from my father or bought some cheap no-name sets to tide me over. This ends here! I want to start building my collection with either top quality or best bang-for-the-buck tools.

Thank you.

Don't mean to sound harsh but did you do even the slightest amount of googling before you came here? Would you like to spend years pulling wrenches and countless hours on this board researching your purchases or just have me tell you exactly what to buy? And then probably go buy Craftsman anyway.

I have no problem giving opinions and asking for recommendations but seriously....

I'm thinking it can't be that hard to figure out the warranty policy of Craftsman tools. I'd start at http://www.craftsman.com/

Seriously, this is another one of those groundhog threads.

Welcome to the board!

 

[Bri]

Don't mean to sound harsh but did you do even the slightest amount of googling before you came here?

What would you have me do, google "best screwdriver brand" and get thousands of different places telling me hundreds of different things?

Would you like to spend years pulling wrenches and countless hours on this board researching your purchases

Why would I want to do that? It seems reasonable to me to find a knowledgeable group of folks and start from there. Sometimes people that are proud of their knowledge actually enjoy sharing it, and are happy to influence people who are just learning.

I have no problem giving opinions and asking for recommendations

Clearly you do.

I'm thinking it can't be that hard to figure out the warranty policy of Craftsman tools. I'd start at http://www.craftsman.com/

Again, I don't see what's wrong with asking someone who has already read the fine print and has figured out what a corporation will really give you.

Welcome to the board!

If that's a welcome, I'd hate to see how you treat people you don't want around. Thanks but no thanks.

 

[Rigmaster]

Well, you're sure to get 1000000 opinions, but here's mine.


Start with a decent sized set, whatever you can afford, something in the 200-300 piece range at least. This will include a couple of ratchets (1/4, 3/8 maybe 1/2" drive) and assorted sockets + extensions to go with them. Plus some combination wrenches and some screwdrivers, they always throw in a bunch of L shaped allen wrenches to boost up the item count in these sets, so you'll have a bunch of those too.


Don't pay full price, wait until the set you want goes on sale, many of them go on sale for 50% off, so that would be the time to buy.

Once you have your basic set of tools and start using them, you'll see where some special tools might come in handy- deep sockets or mid depth or swivel sockets, crowsfeet, etc. You can buy these as you save up money and as you need them. Keep an eye on this site for good sales and even fellow board members selling stuff.

Of course you'll need a tool box, a small box will suffice at first, but you'll probably want to upgrade at some time- especially as your tool collection grows.


Good luck!!


Rig

 

[Nova72]

save up some money and buy a box and tools from someone who is retiring or getting out of the business. youll get the stuff for pennies on the dollar.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

What would you have me do, google "best screwdriver brand" and get thousands of different places telling me hundreds of different things?
Why would I want to do that? It seems reasonable to me to find a knowledgeable group of folks and start from there. Sometimes people that are proud of their knowledge actually enjoy sharing it, and are happy to influence people who are just learning.
Clearly you do.
Again, I don't see what's wrong with asking someone who has already read the fine print and has figured out what a corporation will really give you.
If that's a welcome, I'd hate to see how you treat people you don't want around. Thanks but no thanks.

A bit touchy aint cha??

You should call your local Snap-On guy and buy a master metric set with complete SAE add on set and a KRL series box to go with it. He will only take a few bucks a week from you until you get it paid off...

 

[billymade]

Here are some good articles about; the tool basics, what to buy, which brands are out there and info about specialty tools etc; the articles are geared towards tools for automotive repair. You didn't say what types of repairs you are going to do but this is a start!

http://autorepair.about.com/od/toolsequipment/a/tools.htm

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/tools/a/aa081800a.htm

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/tools/a/aa082500a.htm


http://4wheeldrive.about.com/od/new..._Hand_Tools_For_All_Your_Automotive_Needs.htm

I think these should get you a basic overview of the process of tool purchasing and getting to know, whats "out there"....

For woodworking check out this page: http://woodworking.about.com/

 

[Red Green]

Bri
What you are dealing with is you asked a very vague question. People will join ask a few questions and then are gone never to be heard from again. Check the Sears website for exactly what has the warrenty but mostly it's the hand tools wrenches sockets ratchets screwdrivers. There are a few other things that have a warrenty.

 

[rsanter]

start with a basic set of Cman. you can get a set in the $300 range that will cove most of what you need and then you can add bits and pieces here and there

bob

 

[LoneGunman]

Don't mean to sound harsh but did you do even the slightest amount of googling before you came here? Would you like to spend years pulling wrenches and countless hours on this board researching your purchases or just have me tell you exactly what to buy? And then probably go buy Craftsman anyway.

I have no problem giving opinions and asking for recommendations but seriously....

I'm thinking it can't be that hard to figure out the warranty policy of Craftsman tools. I'd start at http://www.craftsman.com/

Seriously, this is another one of those groundhog threads.

Welcome to the board!

Why even post to it then? Yeah it's been asked 1000 times, so what? I never understood the "search" and "google" nazis, If I don't want to answer the question or if the guy is a ***** I just move on.

 

[billymade]

Sears has a 201 piece mechanics tool set on sale for 50% off this weds/tues (10/12-11/12 ONLY) and I think with the addition of a set of screwdrivers, ball peen hammer, magnetic pickup tool, safety glasses, mechanics gloves and some pliers (assorted styles), channel locks, possibly a 1/2" torque wrench depending on how deep you go into repairs; you would be on your way to establishing a decent tool set to work from! In the future you probably should consider the addition of Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches; they are 50% off all the time at Sears, keep your eyes peeled!

Craftsman 204 pc. Mechanics Tool Set
Sears item# 00937204000 Mfr. model# 37204
Normal Price $199.99 SALE $99.99!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ol Sets&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

 

[RobertG]

Cornwell Master Supreme set is a good set. I paid around ~$20,000 for mine. It's pretty comprehensive and I think you'd be happy with it. I've since "upgraded" to Snap-On but I still have the Cornwell set in my engine building area.

Craftsman has a set that has the same kind of tools as the Cornwell Master Supreme set for around ~$8,000, but it doesn't come with a toolbox. I bought this set and a toolbox and mounted it in my Haulmark trailer that I use to take my Chevelle to the dragstrip. It's a good set of pit tools.

Hope this helps.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

LoneGunman in post #2 gave some very good advice. If you are not using them professionally CMan are good bang for the buck and some people do them that way. Now through Christmas there will be many sales on these at Sears.

Most people here don't like the raised panel CMan ratchets very much and I don't care for them too much either.

The pro CMan line mostly seem like good tools but there is nothing wrong with the regular line.

Bottom line with the regular vs pro CMan pick them and feel them. See if they feel good in your hand. Proper fit for a tool is like proper fit of a glove. I have small hands and certain screwdriver handles fit my hand better than others. Likewise wrenches, pliers, ratchet handles, etc. Someone with big hands will be more or less comfortable with some tools than someone with small hands.

CMan is a decent, American made, tool sold for a reasonable price. If you can afford SO, Mac, Matco, Cornwell my advise is the same. See how they feel.

As to warranty that seems to be endlessly debated. CMan does have a lifetime warranty on many of the hardline items but not all. And that warranty is subject to the opinion of the person you are trying to redeem it from. Same as SO, Mac, Matco and Cornwell.

I don't have any personal knowledge of Toptuls but Mike seems to be honest and forthright. They are not of US origin if that is important to you.

There are many threads on all these topics. I recommend going through some of the past threads as I've just hit the surface.

Welcome and hope you stick around.

~Steve

 

[jjkrjh]

We get new guy's starting out at the shop with similar question's as yours, and this is what I tell them.

1-craftsman set for most of your chrome 1/4+ 3/8 sockets and drives

2-craftsman wrench set's

3-craftsman screwdrivers

4-snap-on for your 1/2 deep impacts + 3/8 swivels

5-snap-on or similar for air tools (1/2in impact,3/8in impact, right angle die-grinder,3/8 air ratchet)


This will get them going without going completely in debt. They will be able to do most things and can add and replace as needed.

 

[autoace]

I would start with Craftsman, if on a budget, and add select pro tools as needed.

 

[383astro]

You have to do your homework before asking questions. If not then you will get blown up. Even if it is easier for one of the pros on here to tell you than it would be to go find it yourself, you better just go find it yourself. That being said I dont mind giving my .02 cents.

Craftsman sockets
Snap On Comfort ratchets
Craftsman Professional Wrenches
Wiha Screwdrivers, Nutdrivers, Torx drivers
Vise Grip locking pliers
Knipex pliers/cutters

then upgrade to stuff like pick/hook set, crowsfoot wrenches, line wrenches, pry bars, ratcheting wrenches, stubby wrenches, breaker bars, etc

 

[amishman]

I have been collection Craftsman for some time. Not long, but long enough to have a decent collection going. I have been happy with them. I started with their 263 piece mechanics set to start. I also get some Harbor Freight tools and other oddballs when I am low on $$ and need something right away to get a job done. Like a few of the cool new swivel ratchets Harbor Freight are making. A few Harbor Freight items are decent quality, and are cheap to buy, but I base my set on Craftsman.

I myself will continue to get Craftsman, some Harbor Freight from time to time, and now I am starting to get Toptul. Do a search here for Toptul and I think you will be pleasantly surprised that you can get some real nice tools for a great price. The toptul is not as easy to get right away versus Craftsman, since there is only one dealer here in USA at present (to the best of my knowledge), but I would take a serious look at them. They have a great 20% off right now for members here. Check out the banner ad they have to find out more.

So, for me, Craftsman, Toptul, and some oddballs thrown in like Harbor Freight or local FLAPS tools when I needed something quick.

tj

 

[goodfellow]

+ 1 on Billy's advice with regard to the Craftsman set. It's a great deal and you won't be disappointed in the tools, the warranty, or the price.

I've been wrenchin' for over 35 years and started out with MAC. However, over the years I have come to appreciate the value of Craftsman tools.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have to agree with Nova72 who suggested buying used stuff for very little. The economy is bad right now, there are lots of tools showing up on Craigslist, in the newspaper, thrifty nickel, and elsewhere. You can probably get a decent set of tools and a box for a very reasonable amount if you are patient, don't get caught up in the "brand" thing, and are willing to search the advertisements constantly.

Charles

 

[simonb]

i was a newbie like you about 2 months ago- i work for BMW- this is what i got and my thinking behind it- take it or leave it-

ratchets- have to go snap on because of the teeth count (all new 3/8 and 1/2 are 80 teeth). get the small 1/4" round head one from snap on as well- only 3 inches from top to bottom

snap on has the best chrome, and I opted for their sockets as well because i like the feel and strength (and dont want one to break on me, i would break my knuckle)

impact wrench/ratchet- i got the ingersoll rand 2135 qtimax b/c it is strong and quiet from national tool warehouse.com- 250; ratchet from them as well and it is an ingersoll rand 111 which has knuckle saver technology- 140

impact sockets are meant to break, and will break- if you use it from snap on or craftsman, it will break if used incorrectly. snap on are more **** about how you broke it; craftsman is thicker than the snap on; i opted to buy sk impact sockets 3/8 swivel, short, deep- dont remember price; 1/2in short & deep w/extensions for 160
much less than snap on but alittle more than craftsman but better quality.

screwdrivers- people love snap on; people here love wiha/wera; i got the trimolded screwdrivers from sk because i like their feeling, very ergonomical and easy to warranty;

wrenches- gearwrench are very very good; i like their XL locking flex line; i like my wrenches XL and XXL; i also have a few matco which are pretty much the same but alittle more expensive (made by same company- danaher)

pliers- i have a big mix of gearwrench XL pliers and regular pliers; i also have a lot of snap on pliers.

box- matco toolbox- great box

look at nationaltoolwarehouse.com- i have ordered a lot from them- they have great prices and free shipping/tax

also check amazon for some sk

hope this helps any questions, email me; ill help you out no prob

 

[Bri]

Well, I'm happy to tell you all a bit about myself. I don't post on forums all that much, but I'm not going to just hit and run with questions.

I grew up with a relatively strong tool tradition in my family, but not on the professional level. My father and his father both had workshops full of tools that they used for various home-improvement/maintenance projects, and I've come to believe that a person should have a decent set of tools and know how to use 'em.

I don't use tools professionally. I enjoy working with my hands when I create and construct things. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and connects me to the world in a way that is not possible otherwise. I'll do my own repairs, improvements, and creations with these tools. I'm particularly interested in computer case modifications and fabrications. Some of that is really micro and precise, some of it isn't. I'm only limited by my imagination. It's too often that I find myself wanting a tool that I don't have.

Followup questions to your recommendations will be forthcoming...

 

[krusty the clown]

I don't use tools professionally.

sounds like a craftsman shopper to me

they are the best bang for the buck for you. us made, resonable price and decent quality for the handyman, homeowner.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Don't mean to sound harsh but did you do even the slightest amount of googling before you came here? Would you like to spend years pulling wrenches and countless hours on this board researching your purchases or just have me tell you exactly what to buy? And then probably go buy Craftsman anyway.

I have no problem giving opinions and asking for recommendations but seriously....

I'm thinking it can't be that hard to figure out the warranty policy of Craftsman tools. I'd start at http://www.craftsman.com/

Seriously, this is another one of those groundhog threads.

Welcome to the board!

That was areal ****** way to welcome a new guy to the board. How would you have liked it if one of the old timers here had ***** slapped you right out of the gate! Not cool at all.

 

[Rigmaster]

sounds like a craftsman shopper to me

they are the best bang for the buck for you. us made, resonable price and decent quality for the handyman, homeowner.

+1


I kinda chuckled at the guy who suggested the $20,000 Cornwell set for your first set. While that may be fine, and would likely pay for itself IF you're using it on a daily basis to make a living, it's just not practical for the average shadetree mechanic or do it yourself'er.


As has been said, start with a good solid Craftsman set, then build from there as your needs and budget allow.


I have some special tools that are Snap On or Matco or MAC, such as ratchets, some wrenches, etc, but that's personal preference. For the most part there IS a big difference in feel between a $25 CMan ratchet and a $100 SO ratchet, but you have to decide for yourself if it's worth the extra $$$$. Same goes for wrenches and sockets, screwdrivers, etc- but CMan should serve you well for most anything you want to do around the house or on a car or truck in your driveway.


Rig

 

[garfunkle24]

Bri

Bri
What you are dealing with is you asked a very vague question. People will join ask a few questions and then are gone never to be heard from again.

There are many threads on all these topics. I recommend going through some of the past threads as I've just hit the surface.

You have to do your homework before asking questions..

These guys all said it better than I did. I'm sorry if I offended you. Again, welcome to the board, I hope you stick around.

LoneGunman/Hholmberg

Point taken and logged.

 

[Danglerb]

Welcome to the forum.

How can a thread be this few hours old and there is nothing left to say?

Good advice, bad advice, random rambling, all topics are covered.

Owning nice tools, taking proper care of them, are a pleasure in themselves. Having the right tools that you can count on to work properly gives confidence to take on projects that are even more rewarding.

Take it slow, take your time, buy used, and you will do fine.

 

[simonb]

you have to understand there has been a thousand threads on "newbie- what tools to buy"
some research, you will find your answer;

i think there should be a thread that clearly puts down the pro/con w/details of the major tools out there; i think ill start one soon, maybe it should be a sticky;

one thing people need to understand is what companies out there are good for certain things; i think we can all agree on some things:

craftsman for home improvement stuff- cheap and easy to warranty
sk- step above craftsman in quality
matco- tool boxes are great
snap on- chrome- ratchets, sockets
gearwrench- wrenches
wera/wiha- screwdrivers

thats about what people need to know to get started;
buying tools is the same as buying anything else- you know when it comes down to it, it is all the same ****- it depends on how you treat it;
treat it right, it will last you a lifetime; treat it wrong, blame it on the company, call it cheap sh*t and try another 1

 

[bayou985]

LoneGunman-hholmberg Good too see Y'all stickin up for Bri. Ya heard me??

 

[yellowbox]

i use mine to make a living so they see alot of hard use i have mostly snap on .
now if yours is for around the house and garage , light to medium use craftsman is best bet for the money.
snap on matco ******** sears all have lifetime warrenty but, some will break sooner than others at the most inconvienent time

 

[mkdive]

Take it slow, take your time, buy used, and you will do fine.

 

[yellowbox]

thanks for the nationaltoolwarehouse link been looking for a place to get tools
snap on and cornwell rarely stop by i needed another option

 

[simonb]

thanks for the nationaltoolwarehouse link been looking for a place to get tools
snap on and cornwell rarely stop by i needed another option

yea, they truly have the best prices out there
their price on sk is less than i get as a student discount from sk

their price on gearwrench (most of it) are a tad less than the prices from the matco website with a student discount

by the way- i called nationaltoolwarehouse and asked for a discount because i was a student, and they lowered the price of most the things i ordered- it came out to about 10% discount.

o yea, by the way, i received the shipments the day after placing the order;

i will use them for all my tools for the future

just a heads up

 

[terabyte]

check this out
http://www.club4ag.com/faq_and_tech_pages/BUYINGTOOLS.html

 

[Frank Elson]

I'm finally at a point in my life where I can start building a respectable set of tools. I'd like your recommendations!

I'd like to start with the basics
<snip>
Technically, I'm not totally without good tools. I've got my some Left and Right Wiss tin snips that I'm totally satisfied with. Otherwise, I've always just borrowed tools from my father or bought some cheap no-name sets to tide me over. This ends here! I want to start building my collection with either top quality or best bang-for-the-buck tools.

Thank you.

You've already got the basics - the no-name stuff you've used for years.
Has it done the job?
Has it broken?

If it's borrowed, go out and get the same, you've already proved to yourself that it works.
If it's no-name and done the job and not broken - keep it and spend your money on upgrading to items like cordless wrenches and power tools.

 

[Merkava_4]

 

[john w]

welcome to the board! if you're looking for a real bargain on hand tools, i suggest you try mike wren at toptul. i've made 4 or 5 purchases. so far, i am really pleased with the quality, price and service he has to offer. if you're doing work on small cases, you might like the 1/4" drive gearless ratchet - mine is a killer-diller for close-in work. john

 

[kvom]

I was in the same boat 4 years ago. Got the 300+ piece CMan set on sale and added sets of Gearwrench to that, plus random tool thereafter, mainly CMan, Husky, Kobalt. My only SO tools are an old 1/2" impact wrench from eBay and a screwdriver a mechanic left in my car. Bought impact sockets at Northern Tool, and they have held up fine (mostly use the 13/16" on my Jeep's lugnuts).

I bought my first boxes new at Lowes on sale, but now I would look on CL for used.

 

[mrpowderkeg]

I'm a big fan of Proto Tools, you can start out with a cheap set, and slowly upgrade. I was lucky to get some proto and challenger (made by proto) from my pops, mid 70s stuff and they feel way better on the hands than the blocky craftsman wrenches. With that being said, I did pick up a kobalt (sp?) socket set from lowes, I don't like the ratchets but that's no big deal, $150 for the set wasn't bad. Blackhawk tools (lower line of proto) are pretty nice too. Only thing again is the ratchets. I'm a big fan of Facom ratchets, snap on is nice too, sears doesn't make bad tools, just the ratchets ****, change them out and you're golden.

 

[Bri]

The consensus here seems to be that a discounted Cman set is a good place to start for someone with my non-pro needs, and that I should expand or replace Cman with better stuff should I so desire or need to. This sounds quite reasonable to me.

I just sprung for the Cman 204 pc. Mechanics Tool Set @ 50% off. I also got free shipping and a free pair of Medium Cman Mechanic's Gloves with the deal. In total I paid 105.99 with tax. Thanks for the link, billymade!

I'm sure I can get somebody to gift me a large Cman screwdriver set for the holidays and maybe that Cman Mini Torx set (I recently discovered a torx I need to remove that is smaller than a T10!).

I'll be sure to keep in mind some of the higher-end suggestions you all have listed here when the time arises. I'm pretty stoked!