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Newbie Starting Tool Collection From The Ground Up

Rigmaster

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 17, 2008
Messages
1,061
Location
Elm Grove Farm, NC
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!



Sounds like you're on the right track..

Before you know it, you'll be a tool addict like alot of us on this board!!

;)
 
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sberry

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Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
35,747
Location
Brethren, Michigan
The stuff at these box stores is hard to beat these days, I like some of it better than Cman, I have thousands of wrenches and sockets, make my living with tools and so far have about a dozen snappy pieces, I looked into them when I was starting out and could buy others for 20% that did the same job.
 

billymade

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Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Messages
7,461
Location
New Mexico
Hey, glad you picked up the $99 craftsman set; that was the "black friday" price and you will have quite a decent set to start with. The ratchets are probably the weakest link in the Craftsman set; I would recommend you upgrade to a Craftsman pro thin profile, old raised panel style fine tooth or your choice of pro tool brand ratchet for longevity and ease of use. As time, sanity (can you stand to use them?), usage (the 3/8" drive seems to be the most used ratchet) and money becomes available. Snapon seems to be the Standard by which all others are judged. The new Dual 80s seem to be the cats meow!
 
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dxdexter

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Joined
Aug 1, 2006
Messages
1,923
If I was in the USA and had the same criteria as you, then I would go with the predominant opinion and choose Craftsman as well. They give good value for the money and are USA made to boot. I would however stick with Snap-on ratchets and screwdrivers.

That being said if you have the money then you may want to invest in the best quality that you could afford. They will hold their value and be a lifetime asset which can be handed down to generations to come.

Good luck. :thumbup:
 

Ign

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
12,769
Location
Butte Peak ND
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! :)

00937204000

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

According to the flyer in my local paper today (4/8/10) this sale is back this weekend 4/9 thru 4/11. Verify w your local store before wasting your time; I have a "hometown" pathetic dealer store and I'm not positive their sales coincide w corporate.

This kit goes on a sale a couple times a year for $100. For what you get, it's a helluva deal. I bought a set to keep in my work truck awhile back on Craftsman Club sale of $130. Probably one of the most comprehensive sets that still comes in a blow-molded case.
 

TAMPAGT07

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 20, 2008
Messages
11,147
Location
Palm Harbor, Fl
According to the flyer in my local paper today (4/8/10) this sale is back this weekend 4/9 thru 4/11. Verify w your local store before wasting your time; I have a "hometown" pathetic dealer store and I'm not positive their sales coincide w corporate.

This kit goes on a sale a couple times a year for $100. For what you get, it's a helluva deal. I bought a set to keep in my work truck awhile back on Craftsman Club sale of $130. Probably one of the most comprehensive sets that still comes in a blow-molded case.

Wow, this thread is from like 2 years ago.... Why did pull it up?
 
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