So I started ordering some starter tools, howd I do?

[Aklass]

I start my job as a shop helper in 4 days, and with some help from the family I had $220 to spend to start my collection. So far I ordered:
1. 3/8 Matco 88 locking flex ratchet
2. Napa 62 pc Socket set (Essentially a Gearwrench set)
3. Armstrong 3 pc locking pliers set
4. Mayhew Cats-Paw 10 pc screwdriver set
5. A Sunex extended magnetic parts tray
All for a little less than $220 shipped, I will post pics when they get here.
What do you think? And what do you recommend I buy next? I'm currently saving up for a KRSC46

 

[neonnblack]

Wrenches, you need wrenches, go get a HF set for now till you can afford a better qual set, or just keep the HF ones, they arent that bad. And get the evolv plier set from sears lots of pliers for low dough. Then expand on your sockets get 1/4 drives. But you look to be off to a good start. Dont let the SO people here guilt/bully you into buying all snapon, you dont need it yet, and more than likely never will "need" it. IMO

 

[domain]

Sounds like you bought quality where you need it(i.e. Ratchet)! I agree with neonblack with wrenches and pliers Lowes has their Kobalt USA wrenches on clearance if you can find em!

 

[Aklass]

I'm pretty much set with pliers, my dad has I think 15 channel locks, and I can take a few, he also gave me Klein need nose and linesmen pliers aswell as channel lock diamond cutting pliers. As for wrenches I'm considering saving up for a gearwrench non ratcheting combination set

 

[crewchief888]

I start my job as a shop helper in 4 days, and with some help from the family I had $220 to spend to start my collection.

What do you think? And what do you recommend I buy next? I'm currently saving up for a KRSC46

pair of safety glasses
work boots, safety toe if required
couple of hammers
pry bar or 2
filter wrenches

if i was just starting as a helper, i'd look at a HF service cart, theyv'e gotten some great reviews here on GJ.
pocket the cash you save, and buy more tools.



all depends on what kind of shop you'll be working in, and what you'll be doing

good luck

 

[Aklass]

pair of safety glasses
work boots, safety toe if required
couple of hammers
pry bar or 2
filter wrenches

if i was just starting as a helper, i'd look at a HF service cart, theyv'e gotten some great reviews here on GJ.
pocket the cash you save, and buy more tools.



all depends on what kind of shop you'll be working in, and what you'll be doing

good luck

I've got safety glasses, as for work shoes I've always been using tennis shoes like everyone else in the shop. Pry bars and filter wrenches are on my list of things to get, but till then I'll just borrow from the other guys. I considered the HF cart, but decided hell the KRSC46 allows me a little room to grow, and nothing beats 50% off with a student discount

 

[smallbloc]

Rookie. You need an angle grinder, sawzall, and assortment of big hammers.

 

[IH82BL8]

Screwdrivers should probably be next.

 

[VWandDodge]

IMHO, avoid Harbor Freight at all costs. Buy quality tools when you can afford them. 20 years down the road, you'll have a grin on your face when you remember all the things you've repaired with them and they become old friends. I've stated in another thread around here the problems and disgust I have with HF tools. I recently tossed a bunch of them in my scrap metal collection. Waste of money.

 

[Aklass]

Screwdrivers should probably be next.

I already ordered those mayhew cats paw screwdrivers...

 

[Aklass]

Rookie. You need an angle grinder, sawzall, and assortment of big hammers.

not sure what I would need an angle grinder for other than to patch tires, why would I need a sawzall? Also I have a 3 lbs hammer, I plan on buying so deadblows and some ball peins in the future

 

[Motofixxer]

I wouldn't recommend the Evolv screwdrivers. I bought a set thinking they might be decent, and reasonable price. I missed the statement about they aren't covered on the Craftsman replacement program. I have broke a couple of them already just on a screwhead. The tips shear completely off. Indicating very low quality. I would say buy a couple of the regular Craftsman and keep building it up as you can.
Many of the HF hand tools are kinda cheap low quality but I think most of their sockets, ratchets, and wrenches are pretty decent and comparable to many higher priced tools. I have purchased a few of the socket sets and wrenches and have no issues with them. Many reviews on them also. But again stay away from the small hand tools.
I also agree with one of the tool carts. They are very similar to much higher priced brands and would be very handy.

 

[Zrexxer]

Much as I hate Harbor Freight, their deadblow hammers are probably one place you can save some serious cash. They hold up pretty well and at $5 - $7 apiece on sale you can get by for quite awhile. I never could see paying $40+ for a deadblow mallet.

 

[OGJordan]

Probably best to wait and see what you NEED. That's the best way to build a tool set to USE. Probably 90% of people on here have tools they COLLECT. Nothing wrong with that, but if you're using them for your livelihood, you don't want to waste money on something you don't NEED. At least not yet.

 

[Aklass]

I wouldn't recommend the Evolv screwdrivers. I bought a set thinking they might be decent, and reasonable price. I missed the statement about they aren't covered on the Craftsman replacement program. I have broke a couple of them already just on a screwhead. The tips shear completely off. Indicating very low quality. I would say buy a couple of the regular Craftsman and keep building it up as you can.
Many of the HF hand tools are kinda cheap low quality but I think most of their sockets, ratchets, and wrenches are pretty decent and comparable to many higher priced tools. I have purchased a few of the socket sets and wrenches and have no issues with them. Many reviews on them also. But again stay away from the small hand tools.
I also agree with one of the tool carts. They are very similar to much higher priced brands and would be very handy.

Why does everyone keep recommending screw drivers when I already decided to buy the Mayhew ones? and I already got my 3/8 socket set from napa due to a lifetime warranty, the fact that they're made from gearwrench, and that they're all 6 point. Also although the HF cart is a great deal for the money, $810 for a KRSC46 is an even better deal since the cart retails for $1600, plus I get a lifetime warranty

 

[Aklass]

Much as I hate Harbor Freight, their deadblow hammers are probably one place you can save some serious cash. They hold up pretty well and at $5 - $7 apiece on sale you can get by for quite awhile. I never could see paying $40+ for a deadblow mallet.

Yeah I was planing on buying their deadblows since they're not bad and have a lifetime warranty i believe

 

[supertooljunkie]

The Harbor Freight four drawer service cart will be on sale, with a coupon, for $100 during the three day sidewalk sale on June 8, 9, & 10. I will have to double check, but think that is correct. Great deal.

If you have pawn shops in your area, look in there. I have purchased a lot of great hand tools there for pennies on the dollar, including a Cornwell 1/4 drive ratchet, like new, for thirty eight cents! It can be worth the time spent to dig through the trays.

 

[pooogy]

Too late now, but I would've probably went with something like this for around $200.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

Is this just a general repair shop? Lots of oil changes, trans flushes, differential, etc?

If so, look into buying a flare wrench set. You will need them for doing fuel filters, transmission flushes, brake fittings, etc.

 

[Motofixxer]

Why does everyone keep recommending screw drivers when I already decided to buy the Mayhew ones? and I already got my 3/8 socket set from napa due to a lifetime warranty, the fact that they're made from gearwrench, and that they're all 6 point.

Maybe you have it all bought and figured out. But the thousands that might read this in the next few years might not.

 

[DrunkSmurf]

I believe they were referring to the Harbor Freight 4 or 5 drawer tool cart.
I picked one of the 4 drawer ones a couple months ago and have been totally pleased so far. There's just nothing comparable for the $99 I paid.

The HF deadblows are good enough and their pry bars are pretty decent as well. Craftsman Pro prybars are pretty nice for the price as well IMO.

Congrats and good luck with the new job.

 

[ephotrod]

When I worked in a salvage yard as a teen the boss said to get these items:

1.1/2dr 10-24mm Deep Impact sockets w/with a ratchet (cman worked good) a couple extensions
2. 3/8 dr. Short chrome 6-19mm sockets with a couple extensions and ratchet
3. standard wrenches 6-24mm combo 12pt.
4. mech. pliers, dykes, needle nose, a crescent, medium vise grips and a pair of slip joints
5. stand. length phillips and flat (get a good brand) and a long of each is nice
6. a heavy ball pien hammer
8. 1/2 breaker bar
9. torx t15 through t60 higher with t30 being a tamper proof torx
10. an axle nut set
11. a couple chisels

With this basic list of tools i took off many parts from cars for years. Yes i had to improvise and use vise grips many times or a chisel to hammer out a nut/ bolt, but it will get you through most things.
Josh

 

[frank_c]

The Harbor Freight four drawer service cart will be on sale, with a coupon, for $100 during the three day sidewalk sale on June 8, 9, & 10. I will have to double check, but think that is correct. Great deal.

there's a coupon for that cart in the new Hot Rod mag. picked one up today, $100.

 

[Radio Flyer]

Probably best to wait and see what you NEED. That's the best way to build a tool set to USE. Probably 90% of people on here have tools they COLLECT. Nothing wrong with that, but if you're using them for your livelihood, you don't want to waste money on something you don't NEED. At least not yet.

x2

when I started (18 years ago) the techs were cool. we had the three times rule. It was OK to borrow tools to see what you "need". If you asked to borrow more than 3 times, you needed your own!

 

[Aklass]

x2

when I started (18 years ago) the techs were cool. we had the three times rule. It was OK to borrow tools to see what you "need". If you asked to borrow more than 3 times, you needed your own!

lol I've done that alot more than 3 pays, but that was when i was interning with no pay.
so far my list includes: (In no particular order)
Pry bars
KRSC46
Snap on 24 1/2 breaker bar
2135qtimax
1207max
2115 timax or some sort of 3/8 impact
oil filter removal tools
combo wrenches
XL double box wrenches
flare nut wrenches maybe
1/2 and 3/8 impact sockets in std, deep, and swivel SAE and metric
some 1/4 drive sockets
I'm buying truck stuff and IR stuff because I have a student discount, and why not buy the best at a great price while you can. Hence why I don't want any HF carts or combo wrenches.

 

[bentwrench54]

The Harbor Freight four drawer service cart will be on sale, with a coupon, for $100 during the three day sidewalk sale on June 8, 9, & 10. I will have to double check, but think that is correct. Great deal.

yup! i have a coupon for the 4 drawer cart that expires in september, for $99.99.

my birthday's in august, and i've been wanting a new cart.

 

[Lkdelta]

If you do go to HF and there is an "impact rated" version of what you need..get that for your hand tools (rachets)

I've had good luck with the impact rated extensions, torx, reverse torx, and allen sockets, using them only with the rachets.

 

[ozyborn]

Farm auctions. Go to lots of them. I find most of my deals at smaller auctions. If there is a huge tool auction I will hit up the other auctions in the area since most of the buyers will be busy elsewhere.

 

[VWandDodge]

^^ Sorry, but I never take anyone who uses or advocates the use of a Crescent wrench seriously. I view them as hack tools that are great at ruining fasteners.

 

[sberry]

Yes, there is a certain amount of skill to useing a Crecent wrench.

 

[ozyborn]

Crescent wrenches are good for that metric crud. I do not run into them though much. I love the older stuff. Plus I have a tendency to replace any metric bolts/nuts with real hardware. SAE.

 

[VWandDodge]

Crescent wrenches are good for that metric crud. I do not run into them though much. I love the older stuff. Plus I have a tendency to replace any metric bolts/nuts with real hardware. SAE.

Metric crud? "Real hardware"? It's the US that's out of touch, not the rest of the world.

 

[ozyborn]

Metric crud? "Real hardware"? It's the US that's out of touch, not the rest of the world.

The metric system is the last surviving relic of an attempt by the french to "fix" problems caused by the ancien régime. Though the other two things (the ten-hour day composed of 100 minutes in an hour and the French Republican Calendar) were stunning failures, the metric system, despite the fact that it was completely ready to be a failure, survived.

Whereas our (hereby referred to as "real") measurements came about through evolution by human usage (a foot's roughly the length of a foot, hand a hand, inch a thumb, etc.) the metric system was totally pulled out of someone's *** (one ten-millionth of the earth's meridian? What the ****?)

The metric system makes sense on paper. On paper, communism makes sense. A new unit isn't needed every ten, hundred, or thousand times that unit is repeated. It maybe needed more often, or not as often. That is the beauty of the real system. Humans were able to pick base units that made sense, and new units came about when necessary, capitalism at work! The metric system has always been bureaucratic ("It works because the nouveau régime will guillotine you if you say it doesn't!"), and the fact that the rest of the world uses it is not an argument in its favor. In fact, that argument is a logical fallacy called "argumentum ad populum". Look it up.

The metric system has only easily been put in place in places where the people are ignorant and illiterate (India, Iraq, 19-century Europe, etc.). In places with high literacy, the change has been nearly impossible (Canada, Japan, UK). Japan's system of measurement, though different from ours, came about the same way. It took Japan 42 years to convert before the system was outlawed, and even now, 40 years after the old system was outlawed (in 1966), the old measurements are still used commonly in agriculture, architecture, and cooking.


Bottom line. I hate it. I will not use it. I will not conform.

 

[hilld]

The metric system is the last surviving relic of an attempt by the french to "fix" problems caused by the ancien régime. Though the other two things (the ten-hour day composed of 100 minutes in an hour and the French Republican Calendar) were stunning failures, the metric system, despite the fact that it was completely ready to be a failure, survived.

Whereas our (hereby referred to as "real") measurements came about through evolution by human usage (a foot's roughly the length of a foot, hand a hand, inch a thumb, etc.) the metric system was totally pulled out of someone's *** (one ten-millionth of the earth's meridian? What the ****?)

The metric system makes sense on paper. On paper, communism makes sense. A new unit isn't needed every ten, hundred, or thousand times that unit is repeated. It maybe needed more often, or not as often. That is the beauty of the real system. Humans were able to pick base units that made sense, and new units came about when necessary, capitalism at work! The metric system has always been bureaucratic ("It works because the nouveau régime will guillotine you if you say it doesn't!"), and the fact that the rest of the world uses it is not an argument in its favor. In fact, that argument is a logical fallacy called "argumentum ad populum". Look it up.

The metric system has only easily been put in place in places where the people are ignorant and illiterate (India, Iraq, 19-century Europe, etc.). In places with high literacy, the change has been nearly impossible (Canada, Japan, UK). Japan's system of measurement, though different from ours, came about the same way. It took Japan 42 years to convert before the system was outlawed, and even now, 40 years after the old system was outlawed (in 1966), the old measurements are still used commonly in agriculture, architecture, and cooking.


Bottom line. I hate it. I will not use it. I will not conform.

Tell us how you really feel.

I grew up on the Metric system and find it makes much more sense as the next unit of measure is an increase or decrease of 10. I still can't remember how many feet there are in a mile or how many yards are in a mile, I have to look it up since it is a useless fact in my book. When the numbers get that high, I switch to the next unit of measure.

I certainly respect you for standing your ground, but I do believe the metric system makes more sense. My size 10 foot is not the same as Shaq's size 16 or my wife's size 8. The same can probably be said for the size of the thumb.

 

[HookWorse]

Aklass, it looks to me like you are of to a good start. You're going to hear all kinds of opinions, but you seem to have a pretty good head on your shoulders. Don't go nuts, get what you can afford, and remember the rest of us have all upgraded through the years. We didn't get what we have now just starting out.
Good luck!

 

[VWandDodge]

The metric system is the last surviving relic of an attempt by the french to "fix" problems caused by the ancien régime. Though the other two things (the ten-hour day composed of 100 minutes in an hour and the French Republican Calendar) were stunning failures, the metric system, despite the fact that it was completely ready to be a failure, survived.

Whereas our (hereby referred to as "real") measurements came about through evolution by human usage (a foot's roughly the length of a foot, hand a hand, inch a thumb, etc.) the metric system was totally pulled out of someone's *** (one ten-millionth of the earth's meridian? What the ****?)

The metric system makes sense on paper. On paper, communism makes sense. A new unit isn't needed every ten, hundred, or thousand times that unit is repeated. It maybe needed more often, or not as often. That is the beauty of the real system. Humans were able to pick base units that made sense, and new units came about when necessary, capitalism at work! The metric system has always been bureaucratic ("It works because the nouveau régime will guillotine you if you say it doesn't!"), and the fact that the rest of the world uses it is not an argument in its favor. In fact, that argument is a logical fallacy called "argumentum ad populum". Look it up.

The metric system has only easily been put in place in places where the people are ignorant and illiterate (India, Iraq, 19-century Europe, etc.). In places with high literacy, the change has been nearly impossible (Canada, Japan, UK). Japan's system of measurement, though different from ours, came about the same way. It took Japan 42 years to convert before the system was outlawed, and even now, 40 years after the old system was outlawed (in 1966), the old measurements are still used commonly in agriculture, architecture, and cooking.


Bottom line. I hate it. I will not use it. I will not conform.

Wow. Aside from all that being an utter crock, did you know that the US adopted the metric system in the 1800's? The problem has been getting Luddites like yourself to get to a standard everyone else uses. Measuring in metric units is far easier and more accurate than using outdated British fractional measurements. I also chuckled at your earlier comment that you replace metric "crud" with SAE -- what exactly does that solve?

Next time you go to the doctor, tell him you want all medicines and any tests involving liquids converted to ounces rather than milliliters, milligrams, liters, etc.

Tell us how you really feel.

I grew up on the Metric system and find it makes much more sense as the next unit of measure is an increase or decrease of 10. I still can't remember how many feet there are in a mile or how many yards are in a mile, I have to look it up since it is a useless fact in my book. When the numbers get that high, I switch to the next unit of measure.

I certainly respect you for standing your ground, but I do believe the metric system makes more sense. My size 10 foot is not the same as Shaq's size 16 or my wife's size 8. The same can probably be said for the size of the thumb.

Bingo.

 

[bb1970]

Don't buy anything at habor freight.

 

[Gpgtp]

The Harbor Freight four drawer service cart will be on sale, with a coupon, for $100 during the three day sidewalk sale on June 8, 9, & 10. I will have to double check, but think that is correct. Great deal.

If you have pawn shops in your area, look in there. I have purchased a lot of great hand tools there for pennies on the dollar, including a Cornwell 1/4 drive ratchet, like new, for thirty eight cents! It can be worth the time spent to dig through the trays.

Do you have the link to the flyer for this? Cant seem to find it!

 

[reesez]

Why does everyone keep recommending screw drivers when I already decided to buy the Mayhew ones? and I already got my 3/8 socket set from napa due to a lifetime warranty, the fact that they're made from gearwrench, and that they're all 6 point. Also although the HF cart is a great deal for the money, $810 for a KRSC46 is an even better deal since the cart retails for $1600, plus I get a lifetime warranty

most of my sockets and some ratchets are napa. they are holding up very well. been using them for a couple years no problems as a diesel tech. they arent gearwrench i dont know who told u that, unless they are actuall y gearwrench brand. danaher owns both but they also own kd allied craftsman and a few others i believe. u could get buy with a napa cart im selling lol. also i heard the carts arent lifetime from anyone. might wanna ask SO for sure. but hell that cart is nice and i thought about buying it back when i first started. went with a matco though. wayyyyy cheaper until i outgrew it lmao

wow. i just went and read the whole thread and some people are retarded. thats all im saying lmao.

 

[ozyborn]

Harbor Freight is ok for some things but not all. Most of us started out with buying what we could afford and living with it. then, later on in years, we replace those with the best quality we can find. Takes a lot of money but spread out over a few years. Some like to buy new, some, like myself, like the old tools.

I have seen some great ideas here. From auctions, pawn shops, estate sales, etc.

When I had to cut down some trees at my mom's place. I just got the cheapest electric chainsaw I could find. Once we started we did not stop until they were all down and cut up. Only then did we shut it off. By then it would never start again. In that case it was better that way than buying a good durable saw that I would only be using once..

 

[Aklass]

most of my sockets and some ratchets are napa. they are holding up very well. been using them for a couple years no problems as a diesel tech. they arent gearwrench i dont know who told u that, unless they are actuall y gearwrench brand. danaher owns both but they also own kd allied craftsman and a few others i believe. u could get buy with a napa cart im selling lol. also i heard the carts arent lifetime from anyone. might wanna ask SO for sure. but hell that cart is nice and i thought about buying it back when i first started. went with a matco though. wayyyyy cheaper until i outgrew it lmao

wow. i just went and read the whole thread and some people are retarded. thats all im saying lmao.

The set i bought from cripe, in the picture, you can see it has the same knurling on the base of the socket as gearwrench, and the ratchet looks like a 60 tooth gearwrench ratchet