Purchasing Full New Tool Set

[John Stephenson]

Hello!

This is my first post to Garage Journal.

I'm in the process of establishing a cabinet and furniture workshop, and one essential item on my agenda is acquiring a mechanics tool chest outfitted with the essentials for my new workspace. While I've got the woodworking tool purchases under control, I find myself a tad uncertain when it comes to selecting the right mechanics tools. Hence, the reason for reaching out through this post.

I'm seeking recommendations and insights from those with more experience, especially considering the preliminary list I've compiled. My objective is to assemble a top-notch tool chest equipped with high-quality tools.

Outlined below are the tools I plan to house in a new LISTA cabinet.

Wera Tools 12pc Kraftform Big Pack 300 Lasertip Screwdriver Set
Wera Tools 8004 A Zyklop Metal Ratchet W/ Switch Lever & 1/4in Drive
Wera Tools 8004 B Zyklop Metal Ratchet W/ Switch Lever & 3/8in Drive
Wera Tools 8004 C Zyklop Metal Ratchet W/ Switch Lever & 1/2in Drive
Wera Tools 6003 Joker 8 Imperial 1 Combination Wrench Set 8pc
Wera Tools 6003 Joker 11 Metric 1 Combination Wrench Set 11pc
Wera Tools 395 HOLO/7 SW 3/16 1/2in Nutdriver Set 6pc
Wera Tools 395 HO/7 SM 7pc Anti Roll-Off Nutdriver Set
Wera Tools Imperial BlackLaser 950/9 Hex-Plus Multicolor 2 L-Key Set
Wera Tools Metric BlackLaser 950/9 Hex-Plus Multicolor HF 1 L-Key Set
Knipex Basic Pliers Set in Foam Tray 4p
Knipex 5.7" Needle-Nose Combination Pliers - Plastic Grip
Knipex Tools - Carpenters' End Cutting Pliers (5001210),Grips Plastic Coated, Red,210 millimeters
Knipex 4004180 Locking Pliers with Universal Jaws, 7 Inch
13 71 200 ME KNIPEX Wire Stripper Metric version

Please have a look at my list and let me know what I am missing and if you have suggestions for better performing tools. One problem I have come across is actual sockets. I like the Wera tool line, but have struggled to find socket sets to fill out my needs.

I look forward to your suggestions.

Best,

John

​

​

 

[msharley]

Welcome to GJ,

You will get plenty of help..

My suggestion?

Look at the work you intend to do (SAE vs Metric)

Then? Purchase QUALITY used implements...

Many purveyors right here on GJ...take a look in the Classifieds...a couple sets of QUALITY wrenches there now.

 

[GeoBruin]

Welcome to the forum. If you're a troll, well played. If not, I'll just say that anytime you set out to acquire such a broad array of tools and you only have two manufacturers on the list, you're probably not opening yourself up to all the best possibilities for each tool.

That said, it doesn't sound like you are a professional wrencher, but rather a woodworker who anticipates doing some wrenching in the course if their work, so you probably don't need the best or perfect tool for each situation. To that end, I'm sure the Wera and Knipex tools will serve you perfectly, and they're sure nice to look at on top of it.

In any case, you better believe I will be subscribed to this thread.

Cheers!

 

[Boogerman]

You say furniture/cabinet shop; are these for that, or for more general use?

For furniture/cabinet shop I would add in several adjustable wrenches for old square nuts on antique furniture. Deadblow hammer. Ball peen hammer. Set of pin punches. Vise grip pliers. Compound cutters for cutting springs. Snap-on Talon pliers for gripping small stuff; great for pulling broken brads, tacks, etc. I think they're way above Knipex for that use. I also use Knipex Pex type crimpers for grabbing and pulling tacks/staples/brads. Knipex round nose pliers (loop bending pliers) for forming loops in wire. Magnetic fish tool for recovering lost metal objects. 4 wire "claw" type fish tool for picking up anything small. Panel removal tool for removing large headed tacks and similar upholstery hold downs. Small selection of metal files.

 

[CS454]

Without knowing your scope of work or any real requirements beyond basic brand fascination, Tekton bundle may save you a lot of money here.

 

[rust in the eye]

Define "mechanic" for me please. Will you be working on your shop machinery, automobiles, ?

 

[F-22]

Try out some Wera stuff in a shop if you can. They are very hyped and have good ads. But I really do not like their screwdriver handles. The ratchets and sockets are very mid-range. You can get better quality for far less money from Toptul and both are made in Taiwan. I'd probably go with mainly Japanese made tools if I was buying everything - they generally have top notch quality for the best prices.

Joker wrenches are extremelly gimmicky in my opinion.

I can fully recommend Wera allen keys though - those are extremely nice. But I personally do not like the rest of their stuff. Screwdrivers are very good if you like the handle (but IMO Vessel is better for far less money, or PB Swiss for just a bit more than Wera).

 

[Raineman]

The "Joker" wrenches are appropriately named, IMO.

Way nicer ratchets available than Wera that also have thinner handles, which you'll likely want for tight furniture working areas.

Looks like you've limited yourself with not only brand, but supplier as well. Open up your search criteria.

 

[mike93lx]

Certainly a chance this isn't spam...

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

If you live in the EU, this list makes a little more sense to me. You’re still really limiting yourself unless you have ******** OCD and want things to match or be from as few manufacturers as possible.

That being said, Wera, like Craftsman, is one of the very divisive brands on these boards. People either love them or hate them. So don’t expect a bunch of pats on the back. I have personally used Wera tool sets in a professional machine shop setting for years and have nothing but positive things to say about them. But I also wouldn’t rely on Wera products if I were planning on doing any serious wrenching. Their sets are just way too limited. They’re much better suited for the non-mechanical trades.

 

[Dave455]

John - can you give us a bit more onfo?

For a start, where are you? This is important because the best options can differ with location, and the answers we might give for someone in the U.S. are different to those for someone in Europe.

Knipex are fairly decent, and probably a solid choice.

Wera are essentially a screwdriver / hex key maker.

Their hex keys are an excellent choice.

The blades of their screwdrivers are decent, but while they a o.k. for clean tasks, their handles with the soft inserts are not great in dirty or oily locations.

Their socket wrenches and accessories are good for odd tasks around the house or adjusting woodworking machinery, but you will find better for general mechanics tasks.

In any case, you have only listed ratchets, and buying those tools individually is an expensive way to obtain a mid grade ratchet.

The Wera “Joker” wrenches are a bit of a novelty / specialist item. If they are the only wrenches you will have, you are better off with conventional wrenches from a wrench manufacturer.

 

[neophyte]

When working on equipment, especially woodworking equipment, there will almost always be “other tools” you will find you will need over time, that no standard “universal” tool kit has as standard, but which you need for adjusting equipment.
Adjustable wrenches in multiple sizes, both large and small are usually necessary, since misplacing wrenches that come with equipment, such as ones needed for changing blades, is always a possibility.
You may also need the adjustable wrenches for adjusting tolerances on equipment, or tightening something within the equipment.
The same goes for “thin jaw” adjustable wrenches, since low torque thin lock nuts are routinely used on woodworking equipment.
A large hook and pick set may be necessary for dealing with belts etc.
Pin punches as mentioned above, and roll punches.
Internal and external snap rings pliers are routinely necessary.
Precision calipers.

Honestly, the list goes on and on.

 

[Rinspeed]

I would start with a big hammer, pair of channellocks and a roll of duct tape.

 

[tez929rr]

I found this interesting. I think I saw it in a GJ thread.

Building a mechanic tool cart for under $1500

 

[bcradio]

OP?
Did you die on us? Or spam us?

 

[m6z]

The AI is getting smarter.

 

[RTM]

The AI is getting smarter.

Maybe, recycling an old name? Isn't that what AI is, plagiarizing previous work?

 

[John Stephenson]

Welcome to the forum. If you're a troll, well played. If not, I'll just say that anytime you set out to acquire such a broad array of tools and you only have two manufacturers on the list, you're probably not opening yourself up to all the best possibilities for each tool.

That said, it doesn't sound like you are a professional wrencher, but rather a woodworker who anticipates doing some wrenching in the course if their work, so you probably don't need the best or perfect tool for each situation. To that end, I'm sure the Wera and Knipex tools will serve you perfectly, and they're sure nice to look at on top of it.

In any case, you better believe I will be subscribed to this thread.

Cheers!

Thank you for your reply GeoBruin. No troll here, lol.

I am the farthest thing from a professional wrencher. These tools will be used to adjust/calibrate woodworking machinery, install hardware and accomplish miscellaneous other tasks. I am looking to invest in quality mechanics tools to match the woodworking tools.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

You say furniture/cabinet shop; are these for that, or for more general use?

For furniture/cabinet shop I would add in several adjustable wrenches for old square nuts on antique furniture. Deadblow hammer. Ball peen hammer. Set of pin punches. Vise grip pliers. Compound cutters for cutting springs. Snap-on Talon pliers for gripping small stuff; great for pulling broken brads, tacks, etc. I think they're way above Knipex for that use. I also use Knipex Pex type crimpers for grabbing and pulling tacks/staples/brads. Knipex round nose pliers (loop bending pliers) for forming loops in wire. Magnetic fish tool for recovering lost metal objects. 4 wire "claw" type fish tool for picking up anything small. Panel removal tool for removing large headed tacks and similar upholstery hold downs. Small selection of metal files.

Thank you for your reply Boogerman!

That is a good idea to have several adjustable wrenches, who do you recommend? I will take a look at Snap-on's Talon pliers.

I forgot to put in the original post the Halder dead blow hammer I have on my list.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

Without knowing your scope of work or any real requirements beyond basic brand fascination, Tekton bundle may save you a lot of money here.

I am looking to build out a basic mechanics tool chest for adjusting/calibrating machinery, installing hardware and other miscellaneous tasks as they come up. I would like to have a full set of 1/4" and 3/8" sockets, wrenches, allen keys in both SAE and metric.

I am not familiar with Tekon. Thank you for the recommendation, I will take a look at them.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

Define "mechanic" for me please. Will you be working on your shop machinery, automobiles, ?

Hey rust in the eye!

Thank you for the question. The tools I am looking for will be used for calibrating woodworking machinery and installing/adjusting cabinetry hardware. No one wants me to work on automobiles, trust me.

John

 

[dcg9381]

Certainly a chance this isn't spam...

I'd say that chance is pretty low, considering that you're forwarded to two sites first before you get to the final.. And that's without looking at the devtools in a browser.

 

[John Stephenson]

Try out some Wera stuff in a shop if you can. They are very hyped and have good ads. But I really do not like their screwdriver handles. The ratchets and sockets are very mid-range. You can get better quality for far less money from Toptul and both are made in Taiwan. I'd probably go with mainly Japanese made tools if I was buying everything - they generally have top notch quality for the best prices.

Joker wrenches are extremelly gimmicky in my opinion.

I can fully recommend Wera allen keys though - those are extremely nice. But I personally do not like the rest of their stuff. Screwdrivers are very good if you like the handle (but IMO Vessel is better for far less money, or PB Swiss for just a bit more than Wera).

Thanks for the reply F-22!

I have worked in a shop that had a set of Wera screwdrivers and I really enjoyed how they fit on my hand. That is what inspired me to go down the Wera rabbit hole. Their allen keys look nice too.

Who do you recomend for my ratchets, wrenches? Do you normally match your ratchet and socket brands? I only have experience buying inexpensive socket sets.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

The "Joker" wrenches are appropriately named, IMO.

Way nicer ratchets available than Wera that also have thinner handles, which you'll likely want for tight furniture working areas.

Looks like you've limited yourself with not only brand, but supplier as well. Open up your search criteria.

Thank you for your reply Raineman!

Can you recommend ratchets for me to look at? Do you like to match your sockets to your ratchet brand?

John

 

[Davefr]

That seems like kind of an odd list for a woodworker. Wera screwdrivers are fine but I'd probably choose Gearwrench or Texton for wrenches, ratchets and sockets. I'd skip the 1/2" drive set unless they are really needed.

Skip Knipex needle nose and buy Snap or Klein pliers.

 

[John Stephenson]

Certainly a chance this isn't spam...

Hey mike93lx!

No spam, just a woodworker with limited knowledge of mechanics tools that is looking for help. I am looking to purchase a basic supply of mechanics type tools to adjust machinery and install/adjust cabinetry hardware. I want to have both SAE and metric tools.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

If you live in the EU, this list makes a little more sense to me. You’re still really limiting yourself unless you have ******** OCD and want things to match or be from as few manufacturers as possible.

That being said, Wera, like Craftsman, is one of the very divisive brands on these boards. People either love them or hate them. So don’t expect a bunch of pats on the back. I have personally used Wera tool sets in a professional machine shop setting for years and have nothing but positive things to say about them. But I also wouldn’t rely on Wera products if I were planning on doing any serious wrenching. Their sets are just way too limited. They’re much better suited for the non-mechanical trades.

Thanks for the reply CHI_Tool&Die!

I am in Idaho, not the EU. Most of my woodworking machinery and tools come from Austria, Germany and Italy. I am looking to build out a mechanics tool chest with similar quality tools. I have limited knowledge of Wera tools, but have enjoyed those that I have used. Mu only other experience is with a cheap Kobalt socket set and I am not going to go that direction.

I do have a touch of OCD, but am open to having a variety of brands. I would appreciate your suggestions if you have the time.

John

 

[Firebrick43]

I personally like wera screwdriver handles almost as much the hard four sided snap ons that are available as the black handles Williams for reasonable money

I have a small set of wera 3/8 metric and sae sockets for a travel box and like the knurling, satin finish and color coding. Lots of other sockets would be comparable as well. If you like polished chrome the already suggested tekton would be a good inexpensive choice that is comparable in quality

I really don’t care for wera wrenches or ratchets.

Since sk isn’t around to suggest anymore I would again suggest tekton.

Wrenches if you want a European style the facom 440 wrenches are available in the states as the craftsman V series. They come with an awesome folding wrench rack that stores them very nicely and compactly.

If you like the wera handles, get their nut drivers by all means.

And you can’t go wrong with the knipex pliers. Some might not like the price but they are worth it to me.

 

[John Stephenson]

John - can you give us a bit more onfo?

For a start, where are you? This is important because the best options can differ with location, and the answers we might give for someone in the U.S. are different to those for someone in Europe.

Knipex are fairly decent, and probably a solid choice.

Wera are essentially a screwdriver / hex key maker.

Their hex keys are an excellent choice.

The blades of their screwdrivers are decent, but while they a o.k. for clean tasks, their handles with the soft inserts are not great in dirty or oily locations.

Their socket wrenches and accessories are good for odd tasks around the house or adjusting woodworking machinery, but you will find better for general mechanics tasks.

In any case, you have only listed ratchets, and buying those tools individually is an expensive way to obtain a mid grade ratchet.

The Wera “Joker” wrenches are a bit of a novelty / specialist item. If they are the only wrenches you will have, you are better off with conventional wrenches from a wrench manufacturer.

Thank you for the reply Dave455!

I am in Idaho.

I am starting to get the feeling I need to find another brand of ratchets to go with. Can you make a recommendation? Also, do you buy your sockets from the same manufacturer as your ratchets? I am only familiar with cheap socket sets and am lost the higher quality manufacturers.

Do you have a recommendation for wrenches? I am looking for both SAE and metric.

John

 

[bobg03]

I'm a bit puzzled in that you have all this woodworking equipment, but have no basic mechanical tools to change adjustments or components?

I'd go easy on tool purchasing too much for a "new" business, look at the equipment and see what you need before dumping a ton of $$ into mechanics tools that you may never need. YMMV

 

[mike93lx]

Hey mike93lx!

No spam, just a woodworker with limited knowledge of mechanics tools that is looking for help. I am looking to purchase a basic supply of mechanics type tools to adjust machinery and install/adjust cabinetry hardware. I want to have both SAE and metric tools.

John

Glad you responded. We get lots of super specific posts from new users that post and never log back on. It's also fairly common for them to use a real sounding first and last name for a username

 

[John Stephenson]

When working on equipment, especially woodworking equipment, there will almost always be “other tools” you will find you will need over time, that no standard “universal” tool kit has as standard, but which you need for adjusting equipment.
Adjustable wrenches in multiple sizes, both large and small are usually necessary, since misplacing wrenches that come with equipment, such as ones needed for changing blades, is always a possibility.
You may also need the adjustable wrenches for adjusting tolerances on equipment, or tightening something within the equipment.
The same goes for “thin jaw” adjustable wrenches, since low torque thin lock nuts are routinely used on woodworking equipment.
A large hook and pick set may be necessary for dealing with belts etc.
Pin punches as mentioned above, and roll punches.
Internal and external snap rings pliers are routinely necessary.
Precision calipers.

Honestly, the list goes on and on.

Thank you for your reply neophyte!

Having multiple adjustable wrenches makes sense. I am familiar with the traditional type like Craftsman sells with the adjustable wheel. As I look at more tools I see other types such as Wera's self-setting wrenches. Can you make a recommendation for adjustable wrenches?

I will start looking at snap ring pliers, thank you for the suggestion.

Yes, precision calipers as well as a ton of other calibration equipment is on my list. I didn't want to bog this thread down with those goodies.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

I would start with a big hammer, pair of channellocks and a roll of duct tape.

Check!

 

[John Stephenson]

I found this interesting. I think I saw it in a GJ thread.

Building a mechanic tool cart for under $1500

Thank you for the link tez929rr! I will take a look.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

OP?
Did you die on us? Or spam us?

Neither, I went to bed. lol

 

[John Stephenson]

That seems like kind of an odd list for a woodworker. Wera screwdrivers are fine but I'd probably choose Gearwrench or Texton for wrenches, ratchets and sockets. I'd skip the 1/2" drive set unless they are really needed.

Skip Knipex needle nose and buy Snap or Klein pliers.

Thank you for the reply Davefr!

I will take a look at Gearwrench and Texton wrenches. From what others posters wrote it sounds like Wera is good for screw drivers and allen keys.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

I personally like wera screwdriver handles almost as much the hard four sided snap ons that are available as the black handles Williams for reasonable money

I have a small set of wera 3/8 metric and sae sockets for a travel box and like the knurling, satin finish and color coding. Lots of other sockets would be comparable as well. If you like polished chrome the already suggested tekton would be a good inexpensive choice that is comparable in quality

I really don’t care for wera wrenches or ratchets.

Since sk isn’t around to suggest anymore I would again suggest tekton.

Wrenches if you want a European style the facom 440 wrenches are available in the states as the craftsman V series. They come with an awesome folding wrench rack that stores them very nicely and compactly.

If you like the wera handles, get their nut drivers by all means.

And you can’t go wrong with the knipex pliers. Some might not like the price but they are worth it to me.

Thank you for your reply Firebrick43!

Growing up we had a Facom ratchet set and I loved it. I will definitely take a look at the Craftsman V Series. Thank you for the suggestion.

John

 

[John Stephenson]

I'm a bit puzzled in that you have all this woodworking equipment, but have no basic mechanical tools to change adjustments or components?

I'd go easy on tool purchasing too much for a "new" business, look at the equipment and see what you need before dumping a ton of $$ into mechanics tools that you may never need. YMMV

Thank you for your reply bobg03!

My woodworking machinery is still being built in Austria and the shop is currently under construction. I appreciate your advice and will keep it in mind as I move forward.

John

 

[legenddc]

I have a small woodshop set up in my basement and I've done some assembly and maintenance on them over the years.

Most of what you need doesn't need to be high end. Your machines aren't going to be rusted, especially if they're new. I imagine a 3/8" ratchet/socket/wrench set from Tekton/Gearwrench or even Kobalt/Craftsman/Husky will do the majority of what you need without any issues. Hex keys are certainly a good idea. You may want hex key sockets if you're having to use them frequently. If you're machines are all new/newer you can probably skip SAE and get only metric versions of everything.

I keep an adjustable wrench (think Crescent wrench) in my shop and use that most of the time unless I know there's a lot to work on. If you're getting machines with carbide cutters that you can rotate you might want to look at getting a torque wrench.

 

[Lassen Forge]

OK, this is starting to sound funny, but... answering EACH reply with "thank you for your reply (user name)" sounds... well, more like an AI and less like a people.