Starter mechanics set help.

[Bleugrass]

I know there's a lot of these threads, but with tool brands getting better or worse/diversified every year I figured the Internet could benefit from this as well as me.
So I'm building my credit, and plan on getting lots of snap on tools with sep sometime 2016. But til then, I want practice tools that'll double as my spare set down the line. Low budget. I'm small engine and wanna work on my own automobiles.
So, nothing China. Definitely. But I wonder if I should get cheap American made like Craftsman, or top brand Taiwan like Blue Point or some of Matco. I hear craftsman is often loose fitting, and breaks easy. So blue point, is made to snap on specifications but what are your experiences? Don't tell me get USA or die. Pros and cons here.
I'm looking at BLPGSSC100 from blue point. I get it 260, and BLPGSS1233 for 145. Also from Matco sap486v (**** that's china, but thoughts?) 91$ is helluva price but I don't want bulls hit either.
Thanks for all contributions to this thread. This is my first post btw, hello.

 

[mcmtech]

Assuming the set is sockets/ratchets/wrenches? Piece together what you want from gearwrench. I've actually been using my gearwrench ratchets at work more than my snap on lately. Sockets and wrenches seem well made too.

 

[Tim37]

My advise is to a box store get the China ****. Then start upgrading the stuff you use the most. Don't jump on the truck and buy 10 grand and get in to dept buy something pay it down then buysomething else. This also allows you to get the sale items on the truck as they come up. It takes time but you dont end up with a bunch of expensive tools that never get used this way.

 

[MrGiggles]

Craftsman isn't USA anymore, for the most part.

I believe HF and Lowes have the most competitive sets for the money. They contain a lot of stuff you won't use though, and lack some things that you may need. You'd be better off piecing stuff together that you know will be used.

Craftsman does have some sets, and if you are eligible for SEP, Sears offers a small discount to students as well, although it's not as good.

Pittsburg Pro and Gearwrench sockets are probably the best you can get for the money. PP will be easier to warranty, and cheaper.I really like my GW sockets though, great finish and etching. I'm a big fan of PP ratchets too, especially the composite and long handle flex models.

Gearwrench vendors frequently have BOGO deals on socket sets.

Dewalt and Kobalt wrenches are pretty good until you can afford a Snap On OEX set.

 

[WentworthMotorsports21]

This video is worth a watch. I've got very little experience with Tekton tools but the guys in the video seem to say they are pretty decent.

 

[mdtaylorjr]

Great neck actually makes great 3/8 drive sockets. I used them professionally for years after sears quit warrantying my brokens before I upgraded to the snap ons. 7 years of daily use as a pro tech and not a single broken.

 

[tjohnsonr10]

Lets be honest. If you are primarily working on small engines and your own car(s) you should be keeping this cheap.

You will make the same mistakes with cheap tools as you do with expensive tools.

Something the tool brand whores (not there is anything wrong with that) always forget to mention is basically any tool set you buy now comes with a lifetime warranty. If something breaks, then you just go exchange it for a new one.

Given that you said you want this starter set to become your backup/junk yard set down the road, keep it cheap and somewhere with an easy warranty claim.

I personally own a husky 307 piece tool set as my backup and LOVE it. I work on cars all the time with this set and have never found it anything but excellent.

Also have owned lots of HF tools. As long as you read the reviews, you will know what to stay away from.

Long story short, when buying a tool set on a budget that you will eventually upgrade, make it cheap. Any of the major brands (HF, Husky, Cman, Kobalt, Stanley) all have lifetime warranties so don't worry about breaking stuff.

Good luck.

 

[John in OH]

I can't really tell from your OP post whether or not you are going to work as a pro mechanic on cars, or just a DYI guy on small engines and the family-mobile. What you are going to be doing makes a huge difference in tooling plans.

You specifically say "no Chinese" and I fully support that; however, it makes it somewhat more difficult to find low/mid-range cost tools with that restriction. As already mentioned, Craftsman is nearly all China now. Gearwrench is a mix of China and Taiwan. Tekton is a mix of China, Taiwan and US. Lowes Kobalt is nearly all Chinese and Taiwan. Husky a mix of China, Taiwan and US.

You will have to be very careful and "pick & choose" from those various manufactures to avoid their Chinese products and stay with their US or Taiwan items. Or, you can go with a good Taiwan brand like NAPA's Carlyle line (very nice tools). Or, you can stay with US manufacturers like Wright, Proto, SK or Armstrong. These last four are more expensive than Gearwrench/Tekton but significantly cheaper than Snap-On (by at least half) and equal in quality. Snap-On is excellent quality but keep in mind you will be paying for a lot of "burden" (truck delivery, buyer financing, etc) that you may or may not need.

Of course, there are lots of excellent European brands as well, but they are usually higher cost for minimal increase (if any) in quality.

 

[fordnut85]

STAY OUT OF THE TOOL TRUCK!!! Best advise I can give anyone just starting out. There are plenty of tools out there that will be affordable and still good quality. Some that come to mind would be Grey Pneumatic sockets. I have been at this for years and have not found a better quality socket for the money. The tool trucks are nice because they finance but let me tell you, there are better places. Take a look at www.tooltopia.com, you won't find better prices anywhere.

 

[SuperXero]

This video is worth a watch. I've got very little experience with Tekton tools but the guys in the video seem to say they are pretty decent.

Those two guys are a joke. They hardly even review the tools in most of their videos, most of it is just rambling nonsense.

 

[casestudies]

Those two guys are a joke. They hardly even review the tools in most of their videos, most of it is just rambling nonsense.

Agreed. Maybe to see what a product looks like, but as far as a "review" of a tool, I haven't been impressed with the videos I've seen. Waste of time IMO.

 

[Bleugrass]

I can't really tell from your OP post whether or not you are going to work as a pro mechanic on cars, or just a DYI guy on small engines and the family-mobile. What you are going to be doing makes a huge difference in tooling plans.

Okay so professionally I'm going to be a small engine mechanic, and down the line I want to open an OPE/auto service shop, but for now family vehicles. I'm currently a landscaper and I have the opportunity to do preventive maintenance on all of my employers equipment (with a raise), just not confident at that skill level yet.

 

[Bleugrass]

I do qualify for SEP on Snap-on and Matco, probably Cman too. It makes a huge difference from what I've checked out.

 

[Bleugrass]

Take a look at www.tooltopia.com, you won't find better prices anywhere.

Lol hell yeah those are great prices.

So basically youre saying, for a backup set I should get china or cheap US, whatever is better value and has best warranty.

Generally though, whats a better choice between matco/snappy's Taiwan/China stuff, vs cheaper American tools ( Proto, SK, Armstrong, etc) in terms of quality?

Who has the easiest warranties?

 

[John in OH]

Lol hell yeah those are great prices.

So basically youre saying, for a backup set I should get china or cheap US, whatever is better value and has best warranty.

Generally though, whats a better choice between matco/snappy's Taiwan/China stuff, vs cheaper American tools ( Proto, SK, Armstrong, etc) in terms of quality?

Who has the easiest warranties?

In general, the US made tools such as Wright, Proto, SK, Armstrong are far superior to the "matco/snappy's Taiwan/China stuff"; however, the US products will be more expensive (though much cheaper than SO). Also, bear in mind that no single tool manufacturer will have the best of everything ... Wright may make the best combo wrenches, SO the best ratchets, someone else the best sockets, yet another the best screwdrivers, etc., etc. And what defines "best" is often a personal preference.

Don't get hung up or the warranty issue. If you buy quality tools, take care of them, and don't abuse them you'll essentially never need to exercise the warranty. Way too many folks here on GJ make too big a deal of warranty coverage.

 

[atownmack]

Lets be honest. If you are primarily working on small engines and your own car(s) you should be keeping this cheap.

You will make the same mistakes with cheap tools as you do with expensive tools.

Something the tool brand whores (not there is anything wrong with that) always forget to mention is basically any tool set you buy now comes with a lifetime warranty. If something breaks, then you just go exchange it for a new one.

Given that you said you want this starter set to become your backup/junk yard set down the road, keep it cheap and somewhere with an easy warranty claim.

I personally own a husky 307 piece tool set as my backup and LOVE it. I work on cars all the time with this set and have never found it anything but excellent.

Also have owned lots of HF tools. As long as you read the reviews, you will know what to stay away from.

Long story short, when buying a tool set on a budget that you will eventually upgrade, make it cheap. Any of the major brands (HF, Husky, Cman, Kobalt, Stanley) all have lifetime warranties so don't worry about breaking stuff.

Good luck.

This is the best advise. For small engines keep it cheap. Just about everything comes with a lifetime warranty, and he is right about Harbor Frieght. If you look at the reviews you can see what to buy from them, and what to stay away from. Spend the money on the tools you use the most, everything else keep it cheap. Also inexpensive doesn't necessarily mean poor quality. There are some HF gems (impact sockets for example and many of the Pittsburgh Pro tools). No need to go into unneeded debt, especially for small engines which doesn't need cream of the crop tools.

 

[bsg1]

consider paying cash for used hand tools and get the Snap-on that you really want. i pick up Snap-on at an OldSchool swap meet that i attend regularly.

 

[Keelhauled]

I work on my landscaping equipment and have been 100% OK with accumulating tools from various sources over the last few years. I've bought Evercraft, Craftsman, Gearwrench, Harbor Freight, Kobalt, the crappy True Value store brand, all kinds of stuff and been happy. No need to touch a truck. IMO the best strategy in your situation is to go to the nearest store, buy what you need as you go and if you break something then consider upgrading to Wright/Blackhawk/SK or some such. This is personally where I'm looking to go in the next year or so as I accumulate more equipment and vehicles to take care of.

 

[creativecars]

There is nothing that you have mentioned that you NEED Snapon or other tool truck tools. If you want to spend the money that is ok too, but not necessary.
In reality I could fix any and all things discussed starting with the HF 301 pc tool set. Add to that some hammers, prybars, and 22 pc polished wrench set.
So for about 250.00 (using sales and coupons) you could be working.

BTW... If someone has told you these wont work... They are just ignorant.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Even the classifieds here have plenty of options for used and new stuff that will let a few strategic new purchases turn into really good sets and make working of stuff less of a chore and more enjoyable.

 

[d.mcfarland]

So basically youre saying, for a backup set I should get china or cheap US, whatever is better value and has best warranty.

Generally though, whats a better choice between matco/snappy's Taiwan/China stuff, vs cheaper American tools ( Proto, SK, Armstrong, etc) in terms of quality?

Who has the easiest warranties?

No, get Taiwan if possible over China. Much better reputation.

However, the next question's answer is get USA if possible when it comes to heavily used stuff. I have USA and foreign from all over the world, and it all works, some just work better than others.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Welcome Bleugrass-

Working on small engines, most any of the big box store or auto parts store brands should be more than adequate. I started my collection of tools as a kid with USA Craftsman. Over time I have acquired and used some of most all all of the brands that have been discussed.

If you don't abuse them, even the less expensive brands should last you a long time. Probably the most important factor in deciding which tool is right for you is how it feels. Unless I am working in tight places the Wright 4400 (1/2") and 3400 (3/8") are my favourite ratchets, more than anything else is how they fit my big hands.

In summary, there is no wrong answer

 

[kctyphoon]

Your wasting your money buying TWO premium sets.. Tired of reading about kids waste their money on all things snap on (even as a pro- NO $15 or $20/hr mechanic has any business owning tool truck brands) cause the people around them have them convinced it's "needed". these kids get pushed to go into debt before they even have any money saved for themselves... Let me know when a full collection of Snap On sockets earns you more money at work over actually knowing your job..

For the record - you can EASILY find USA craftsman tool sets on eBay. The bigger sets are still suppose to be craftsman USA. How big - I can't tell you, but sockets are still being made in the US which is why almost every loose socket still says "made in the USA" on it.

ANYWAY - with about 20 minutes online, you should be able to find a pretty decent set of Craftsman , Koblat, Husky - since just about everybody has tools on sale.. As far as I can tell, nobody has produced any proof that recent USA craftsman sockets can do anything the made in China craftsman sockets can.. Maybe invest in some decent ratchets, but otherwise anything in the above stores should work well for you.. If I makes you feel better, I'm pretty sure the "tool truck equivalents" thread lists some Titan and Kobalt ratchets as being the same off the MAC Tools truck - though I'd be willing to bet any ratchet from Taiwan is just as good, SOME Harbor Freight models included..

 

[tremek]

If you must have snap on these 2 things will do 90% of most jobs

134.95 USD
Item: FLF80

228.50 USD
Item: 212FSMSY

 

[tremek]

I have a Semi 3/8 metric socket set just like the snap on one above in the shop for 4 years i have yet to brake one its used daily. at about 40$

 

[kctyphoon]

If you must have snap on these 2 things will do 90% of most jobs

134.95 USD
Item: FLF80

228.50 USD
Item: 212FSMSY

And for less than the price of those sockets you can have a 255 piece craftsman set - probably even more with the current sales..


Edit- CORRECTION.
258 piece craftsman set with 3 drawer box/case is $135 now..
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-258-...p-00931783000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
That's WITH free shipping if you order before the 18th

Or the 250 piece version for $115 - FREE SHIPPING
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-250-...0917154000P?prdNo=22&blockNo=22&blockType=G22
They both come with 3 drive sizes, (3 ratchets too) for less then the snap on ratchet.. Let me know if you still wanna "build your credit".

 

[RedneckWelder]

even as a pro- NO $15 or $20/hr mechanic has any business owning tool truck brand

There are ways to buy tool truck brand tools without breaking the bank, and for some items a professional mechanic is definitely going to want to buy a better brand. It's about shopping smart and finding good deals. I'm not saying go out and load up on everything high dollar, but shop smart and buy what is most needed for the premium brands. With a moderate amount of effort a smart buyer can get some really good stuff at decent prices.

 

[BioNerd]

Im as cheap as I can go but I dont like buying disposable items. I also favor USA made when I can afford.

The following list is based on my set and what ive found to be great quality.

I work with a friend that has all truck brands to compare.

Get HF:

Impact sockets and flex head ratchets.

Stubby ratcheting combo wrenches.

A set of picks and hooks.

Extensions.

Nitrile 9mil gloves.

Rags.

Deadblow, brass hammer.

Earthquake 3/8 impact ratchet and 1/2 impact wrench gun.

A set of their allen and torx sockets.

Their 3 level service cart.
...

Get Wera screwdriver sets from Sears.

Get wright grip combo wrenches.

Get Craftsman pro flare nut wrenches.

Get Williams set of 5 locking pliers.

I like DBE wrenches and I own JH Williams made in the US.

 

[kctyphoon]

There are ways to buy tool truck brand tools without breaking the bank, and for some items a professional mechanic is definitely going to want to buy a better brand. It's about shopping smart and finding good deals. I'm not saying go out and load up on everything high dollar, but shop smart and buy what is most needed for the premium brands. With a moderate amount of effort a smart buyer can get some really good stuff at decent prices.

This is true - but for someone who DOESNT even own a basic tool set yet, I think he can afford to wait a bit.. Honestly, I can see splurging on things like ratchets - since it's THE most used hand tool and has moving parts. That said, there's a over a brands to upgraded to without diving into snap on that will serve someone very well for a really long time.

 

[creativecars]

If you must have snap on these 2 things will do 90% of most jobs

134.95 USD
Item: FLF80

228.50 USD
Item: 212FSMSY

Worked on cars and in various shops for 30 years and never needed that set of sockets... many others will do the same job.
Had that floppy headed pos ratchet. Traded it for one with detents. Opinions vary about what is needed.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Alright so here's how I'd handle tooling up in the OP's situation.

I am definitely NOT a craftsman fan but I gotta say the sockets are probably ideal for your situation so long as you buy NOS USA made. Get better ratchets, though, for the love of God. 1/4 and 3/8 drives will be your bread and butter with 1/2 for the bigger stuff.

Screwdrivers- a set of Craftsman for beating on and a set of Snap On (when you get SEP pricing!) for the precision work.

Pry bars- Craftsman has a set of red handled ones made by Wilde that go on sale for around $20-25 that are DAMN GOOD pry bars. You can even grab a 36" one for around $30 to go with it. I use mine daily in a heavy equipment shop and they hold up. Great general purpose set for a great price.

Pliers- Channellock and Knipex. Channellocks are reasonably priced and Knipex can be had on sale. You'll also want a pair of the Crescent double x long reach ones...they aren't that great of pliers but man do they have some reach.

Wrenches- I'm not a fan of Craftsman wrenches by any means but the USA made ones will get you by. Wright and Williams are two brands that I favor but even those which are reasonable in my book are not the cheapest new.

Punches- Mayhew and Wilde. Keep them dressed and be careful. Don't go cheap on punches. Both of those brands are reasonably priced. Mayhew has two lines- cheaper but still US made (you'll find them at Home Depot and Tractor Supply) and premium. Both are good.

Hammers- Vaughn, Estwing, Wilton BASH, Trusty Cook.

If you buy imported tools, shoot for Taiwan and not China (or even worse, India). Carlyle from NAPA is a high quality brand even though it's almost all Taiwanese, I would have no reservations about stocking my box with only Carlyle/NAPA if I had to. Harbor Freight's professional ratchets, their Taiwanese sockets, and their "earthquake" air tools are decent for the money. Don't waste your time with the cheaper air tools there.


Storage- are you going to be mobile with these tools or at a fixed location (home or shop). Mobile- get a good case or box to organize everything in, fixed location start with either the HF cart or just jump straight to the 44, it should hold everything you need for small engine and basic automotive.


Hunt like the devil at flea markets and garage sales. You can find good stuff at great prices. Everybody knows who Snap On, Mac, and Matco are but sellers sometimes don't know what brands like Cornwell, Proto, Wright, Williams, SK are worth so use that to your advantage.


Don't be afraid to have a mutt box, I do and it serves me well.

 

[John in OH]

RedneckWelder ..... nice write-up!!

 

[Gmonkee]

India wrenches turn bolts for me. Taiwan socket set and all have been used without failure or need of warranty.

Quality comes from anywhere as does ****. I have bling too but cheap stuff for mobile use.

Shop wisely and gems will be found in many brands.

 

[creativecars]

Redneck,
I totally agree with what you said, about 15 years ago. I used to recommend almost everything Craftsman offered, then grow from there.

But now, not so much. Our local Sears has all but closed the tool area and you can't rely on them for anything. About 4 years ago I had the biggest part of my US Craftsmen stolen. I replaced my truck box with the HF 301 pc set. It has truly been my go to set for everyday work with zero tool breaks.

So my switch would be from most anything Craftsman... make it Harbor Freight Pro.
With this 301 pc set ( is very complete with very little junk, bits ect... in the set.) add Pro ratchets, extensions and a full set of combination wrenches.
I have used them a lot, and they work. Just my .02 worth.

 

[mrvm]

Alright so here's how I'd handle tooling up in the OP's situation.

This list should be a sticky to end most of the bickering and debate about what a good starter set should be for the novice or strong beginner. It highlights the best of the inexpensive tools without yanking anyones chain or favorite brand. Most of the imported brands from the box stores have stepped up there game with smooth taiwan ratchets that have no problem starting or finishing a job with a life-time warranty. OP.....start by reading RedneckWelder's guide to starter tools

 

[drink]

I know there's a lot of these threads, but with tool brands getting better or worse/diversified every year I figured the Internet could benefit from this as well as me.
So I'm building my credit, and plan on getting lots of snap on tools with sep sometime 2016. But til then, I want practice tools that'll double as my spare set down the line. Low budget. I'm small engine and wanna work on my own automobiles.
So, nothing China. Definitely. But I wonder if I should get cheap American made like Craftsman, or top brand Taiwan like Blue Point or some of Matco. I hear craftsman is often loose fitting, and breaks easy. So blue point, is made to snap on specifications but what are your experiences? Don't tell me get USA or die. Pros and cons here.
I'm looking at BLPGSSC100 from blue point. I get it 260, and BLPGSS1233 for 145. Also from Matco sap486v (**** that's china, but thoughts?) 91$ is helluva price but I don't want bulls hit either.
Thanks for all contributions to this thread. This is my first post btw, hello.

Some people say the Snap-On tool truck, or other tool truck brands are the way to go if you are operating a business. The truck can do sales, service, repairs, and warranty at your business door. You don't have to pay an employee to run all over town trying to find a warranty replacement.

As far as an inexpensive set is concerned I would have to give it a moment of thought. I have been a long time user of made in USA Craftsman tools and have not had many broken tools. During the past several years I have noticed how Sears has been getting a lot of negative statements about their warranty service, store closings, and how the Craftsman tool line is now being made offshore.

During my last visit to a Sears store I noticed how, to name a few, the punches, chisels, pliers, screwdrivers, and hammers were made in the USA. It looked like the sockets, ratchets, socket accessories, locking pliers, and wrenches were made offshore.

If you don't have a problem with the offshore Craftsman tools and have a convenient Sears with good service I would say to try assembling a cheap set and compare it to the other stores that sell tools. If you can find a better product at a better price then you might have something.

 

[PJNJ]

RedneckWelder - great write-up and very good recommendations. In addition, Bionerd was right in recommending Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 impact sockets. In fact, before getting any 1/2 chrome sockets I would get the impacts from HF and their new pro 1/2 breaker bar. Add HFs 1/4 and 3/8 roto ratchets.

To me, ratchets are the most important part of using sockets. I would add the following ratchets along with the HF rotos - the Gearwrench 1/4 120xp flex ratchet and an Armstrong 3/8 88 tooth locking flex (it's now my goto 3/8 ratchet). As for a 1/2 ratchet, visit flea markets for a used SK 1/2 ratchet - 48 teeth and virtually indestructible. I picked up one recently for $8.00 at a flea market. After cleaning and lubing, it works great and will outlast me. Yeah the chrome is worn but it works like new. Otherwise look for a used Wright 1/2 dual pawl ratchet on Ebay. I have the short handled and long handled versions and they also are probably indestructible and will outlast me.

Don't spend Snap On money for tools to work on small engines and family vehicles unless it's necessary. One place on cars I would spend that money is on flare nut wrenches (brake line wrenches). Snap On makes, in my useless opinion, the best flare nut wrenches. But they, with careful shopping, can be purchased relatively reasonably on Ebay.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[2jz4me]

I have owned this set since 2004 before the box changed. One of the best, most complete sets I have ever seen. No skipped sockets (at least in the one I have), pliers, screwdrivers, everything you need to get going. The only tool I ever broke from that set was 10mm hex socket. I took it back and got a new one without hesitation. So, i guess i would say that I recommend this set.

There is nothing that you have mentioned that you NEED Snapon or other tool truck tools. If you want to spend the money that is ok too, but not necessary.
In reality I could fix any and all things discussed starting with the HF 301 pc tool set. Add to that some hammers, prybars, and 22 pc polished wrench set.
So for about 250.00 (using sales and coupons) you could be working.

BTW... If someone has told you these wont work... They are just ignorant.

 

[AutoTeck84]

I am new on the this site and pretty young as a tech. I am cheap as all get out but I beat rate a lot with the tools I have. A few suggestions: 1 gear wrench 120xp flex head comfort grip. 2. Sk sockets (metric)3. Sk combination wrenches (metric) 4. Gear wrench locking extensions. 5. Sunex magnetic extension and u-joint set 6. Run of mill IR impact 7. HF Impact sockets. 8. Tekton pliers 9. Wilde prybars 10. Sk long picks. Kobalt short picks 11. Wera screwdrivers. 12. Gear wrench ratchet wrenches 13. Anything standard I still use craftsman that came in a old mechanic set. 14. HF breaker bars. 15. HF earthquack air ratchet. Not saying any of this stuff is the best but I don't have a lot of money ******* in tools and they get the job done.

 

[shoggoth80]

Hey, another newbie thread. These pop up a lot, there should even be a couple within the first three pages. That's not trying to be mean, it's another source for information that can help you.

If you have the money, the Armstrong stuff is pretty good. I've had very good experiences with their wrenches. Not the fanciest out there, but damn tough.

One place I will always recommend putting money is in your ratchets. I've got a mash up of USA, Taiwanese, EU. Snap On is pretty good stuff. I've got roto heads and comfort grips. When you use them all the time, having the cush helps. Fine tooth count helps for tight areas. Cornwell makes a damn fine ratchet as well. Coarse tooth, very strong, and comfortable to work with (very smooth, the action belies its tooth count). If on a tight budget I recommend Bahco. Owned by Snappy, and they have basically Dual80 series guts for a fraction of the price. Smooth, fast, and feel lighter than they probably are. Dribble a bit of oil on any of the guts, and off you go. If you go Taiwanese ratchets... I've had good luck with GearWrench, and even Pitts Pro. Hold up really well to a beating. Wallet will thank you later.

Sockets... you could spend a LOT here. However, I use a bit of everything. If you are lucky you could pick up used Mac, Cornwell, or Matco for not too much. Blue Point sockets aren't overly expensive piece by piece...especially if you jump negligible sizes. I've used a lot of stuff, and most of it is pretty alright. I've busted Cman sockets. More so than anything else. Split them down the sidewall. I don't shy from Taiwanese sockets. At all. All the big names have some made there. There is a reason for that. I've got Mac, Gearwrench, Kobalt, have used a bunch of other stuff. Anything with warranty. If you want USA made, then you could save some bucks via Armstrong, SK, or Proto. All solid stuff (got Proto and SK in chrome, SK and Armstrong in impact).

Someone mentioned the Earthquake series. Thumbs up on that. Avoid Kobalt air tools. I've blown a bunch of them up, and not through neglect. I've also blown up IR guns, but after repair... so far, so good. I work fleet shop, we bash the hell out of our stuff half the time to get the job done.

Screwdrivers... Wera. Man those things work good, feel good.

If you are working on mostly new/newer cars... go heavy on metric. If heavy diesel/equipment, you will also want SAE, and BIG. IF you work on the odd years transitional cars... get your SAE used for cheap, or get a big box basic set. Wrenches and sockets.

There is a lot of choice out there, and even a lot of the entry level stuff holds up well. Get it, beat the **** out of it, find out what works for you, improvise, improve, upgrade what you must. Only throw down big bucks for something when you KNOW it is going to make you money, or when you know you are in for the long haul. Upgrade stuff when you've found a shortcoming. Or be a tool junkie, and buy new stuff when you get a little bumper cash. Don't go broke trying to earn a buck. Don't be afraid of good quality used stuff. Ain't broke? Cool, don't fix it.

Hammers... I run HF hammers. 3lb drill sees the most use, after that my deadblows (I think I have a 2lb and a lb), and then my 1lb/16oz ball peen. Eventually want to get a heavier one... because why not. Lol.