Seeking Input For Building A Set From Scratch

[UrBrainwashed]

Hi,

I stumbled on this site a few weeks back. Originally was looking for a socket set. After scouring this site and countless google results, I'm openly admitting I'm stuck!
Basically, I moved to California a year ago from the midwest. The small collection I did own was mainly Craftsman hand tools (screwdrivers / pliers etc).
A Dewalt wheel (detailed cars / trucks / boats for about 5 years), Briggs & Stratton power washer and a Shop-Vac. If I ever needed anything other than that, I used my dad's stuff at the house or borrowed from the mechanic from the next bay over.
I have zero tools in my possession right now. I never really payed attention to the brand of tools I was using / borrowing either. My buddy is a huge Snap-On fan but that is simply not in my budget.
I currently have a few projects. One is a platform king size bed frame I started last week. The other is an intake manifold gasket and pcv valve replacement project for a Mazda 6. I don't even have a damn drill. Nor do I have a socket set.
I've been so caught up in work since I moved out here, that I literally haven't focused on establishing my tool base. I'm not the most experienced when it comes to them, either.

Need
Socket Set
Screwdrivers
Drill
Wrenches
Air Compressor

For the socket set, I've googled my *** off. I won't be using them everyday, but I also want something that will last for years to come. After reading this thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71734&highlight=3/8+ratchet+shootout I decided to look into a GearWrench set. I'm considering this:
Gear Wrench 118-Piece 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Drive 6 and 12-Point Standard/ Deep Socket Set SAE/ Metric For $103 shipped. I looked up the individual ratchets in that set and didn't seem to find many reviews on them. Do any of you have any input on that set? Bang for my buck? Do you have another brand I should shoot for and look for a good deal on? I've decided I'm not going with Craftsman due to the seemingly negative decline, that is based off of opinions of others though.

Stanley 91-988 1/4-Inch 3/8-Inch and 1/2-Inch Drive Mechanics Tool Set, 201-Piece For $106 shipped.

Stanley 92-824 Black Chrome and Laser Etched Socket Set, 69-Piece For $69 shipped.

Are those over/under priced? Longevity? I think Stanley products are made in U.S.A. but they make GearWrench also and those are made in Taiwan? I'm open to other reasonably priced brands as well. Those are just what I've considered so far. Also, Danaher owns Stanley correct? What were the part numbers of the Harbor Freight ratchets used in that shootout thread?

Wrenches
Not really sure which brand to go with to be honest. I've never really seen wrenches break before but I am aware that it does happen. Obviously chrome vanadium is the best choice? I guess I'm not to concerned with the wavyness people talk about in the finish as long as the measurements are true and the price is right. Harbor Freight? lol.

Drills
I can snag a corded one from just about anywhere. Dewalt is not in my budget for cordless though. Although if I had to wait to get it later, it can be. Definately need a cordless that is reliable and good reputation for battery life.

Budget for now is around $300 for now. Unfortunately, I have fallen victim to the "reviews" saga and don't have enough personal experience yet to make confident decisions without feeling like I'm not getting the most for my dollar. Any input/experience would be appreciated.

 

[70redbee]

Try fleas, pawnshops and garage sales. Your dollar will go a lot further if you buy USA in the used market. If you are not in a big rush to buy what you want this is the best route. Also check ebay, but watch the shipping, it can get expensive. Take your time and you will be surprised what you can get for $300. Almost forgot, check the deals on the board.

 

[machine_punk]

I see used name-brand air compressors on CraigsList all the time in my region of California (North Bay area). For $200-300, you can usually find decent used compressors.

 

[tcianci]

Since you have next to nothing right now, I would suggest Ryobi from HD for cordless stuff. The tools are excellent quality considering the price. Obviously, they'e not Milwaukee or DeWalt, but my experience with them has been that they're a better deal than Makita or Ridgid. In fact, the worst drill I have ever owned was a cordless 18 volt Li Makita. Save your money for good hand tools which do not change from season to season. A good quality combination wrench or socket set will be just as functional and useful 30 years from now as it is today. The power tools change constantly and unless you buy into the very top tier stuff... like it or not, they're all throw aways.

 

[UrBrainwashed]

Try fleas, pawnshops and garage sales. Your dollar will go a lot further if you buy USA in the used market. If you are not in a big rush to buy what you want this is the best route. Also check ebay, but watch the shipping, it can get expensive. Take your time and you will be surprised what you can get for $300. Almost forgot, check the deals on the board.

I've done quite a bit of price comparing over the past week. Starting to get worn out since I'm driving myself nuts thinking I'm overpaying for something. I guess I will hold out for atleast another week and continue the hunt and look into flea markets and garage sales. I take it your not recomending buying hand tools brand new?

 

[UrBrainwashed]

I see used name-brand air compressors on CraigsList all the time in my region of California (North Bay area). For $200-300, you can usually find decent used compressors.

Just checked some local listings and I see quite a few of them to be honest. Anything/brand I should avoid? Any tips for making sure what I'm getting is worth it? I seen a thread on here where a guys house flooded and infested his compressor motor with salt water I think. Wouldn't want to get something that will take a dump on me two weeks after I get it. Certain things I should check for?

 

[UrBrainwashed]

Since you have next to nothing right now, I would suggest Ryobi from HD for cordless stuff. The tools are excellent quality considering the price. Obviously, they'e not Milwaukee or DeWalt, but my experience with them has been that they're a better deal than Makita or Ridgid. In fact, the worst drill I have ever owned was a cordless 18 volt Li Makita. Save your money for good hand tools which do not change from season to season. A good quality combination wrench or socket set will be just as functional and useful 30 years from now as it is today. The power tools change constantly and unless you buy into the very top tier stuff... like it or not, they're all throw aways.

Looked into Ryobi and Black and Decker. Might head the Ryobi direction. Even though I've used Dewalt drills in the past and know how durable they were, Ryobi/B&D are half the cost. I did not consider the fact that most cordless aside from top tier are all going to **** out eventually. As far as hand tools, that is the concern right now considering I'm unsure of which brand to invest in. I don't need top of the line, but I need quality n durability. Are any of those aformentioned socket sets worth the money for whats included? Is GearWrench durable over years with moderate to high usage?

 

[Tom Neimeyer]

Are you looking for SAE or Metric sockets, or both?

You did not mention Craftsman, are you not considering them?

Unless you have to have something now, hold off a little longer and get some more knowledge, if googleing is wearing you out, take a break for a day or two and then come back to it, decisions made in haste will often come back to haunt you.

Cheers, Tom

 

[wintermute]

I have a 148? piece craftsman mechanic's set and it's nearly all I need to work on a car. For automotive stuff, do not ignore the torque wrench! In fact, you'll want at least two! one that will handle smaller loads down into in-lbs, and a larger one that will at least do 100 ft-lbs (that's a pretty common lug nut torque value) I've added a few pieces as needed.

 

[UrBrainwashed]

Yes I am considering Craftsman Tom. In fact, I am comparing differences between these two sets and both deals/promotion codes end soon I think.

Craftsman 200 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with Molded Carry Case. $99

Vs

Gear Wrench 118-Piece 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Drive 6 and 12-Point Standard/ Deep Socket Set SAE/ Metric $103 shipped

Holding off at the moment as I want to see what other sets/lots I come across over the next few days or week. Hopefully I don't come up empty handed. I also am taking into consideration what everyone above has mentioned and particularly tciani's comment about saving up for a good socket set / combo wrench set for durability. That is also part of the reason why I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet.

 

[UrBrainwashed]

Right on Wintermute. Are your torque wrenches Cman as well?