Starter tool set

[Tonyuk]

If you really dont mind brand then just get sockets off ebay;

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-2-inch...651641&hash=item51fefc9851:g:j5gAAOSwuTtZxLgq

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BERGEN-I...322530?hash=item237c1fed62:g:~w0AAOSwZQRYhN-b

My box is full of the above and similar no-name finds from the back end of taiwan or china. Honestly they don't feel any different than my facom sockets. Spend more on the tools they attach to than the sockets themselves.

Fill in any missed sizes with singles, also from ebay.

You can get very complete, decent quality sockets set now for very little money compared to a few years ago.

Don't cheap out on torx or spline however, that's one place where you still get what you pay for, MAC and Facom do good ones (the same company)

Also i would avoid any tool truck finance like the plaque, they charge a high APR. Look into either a low interest loan to get stuff up front or build credit to get a decent low interest credit card. I went the credit card route after a few years of buying fuel on a pretty poor interest rate card.

 

[Mr_B]

Many years ago I bought good USA made tools and used them hard in a pro shop for many years. They all held up well and are as useful today as they were new. I'd try to find used quality tools whenever possible. I would also stay away from HF and anything made in China. Your unbroken hands will thank you.

Avoiding HF totally not wise, a few very decent buys to be had in HF for the pro, he best learning them and using them as saves lot of money and have him equipped quicker .

As Tony points out, avoid tool truck loans full stop and avoid being a tool truck junkie as it a sad condition that ruins many a career and young life, I would avoid against buying anything on credit unless you pretty serious on finance handling and make most of super deal credit card term to your financial benefit of being more productive and having increased income from the credit card purchase .
Also take you time and buy as you going and learning what tools most useful once in the job .
It never been so cheap or easy for a start out guy get a tool cart or roll cabinet/bench and pick up the basic hand tool in pro usable design/quality

 

[Specs]

I never handled one but it's made in China so I think there is better to be had for not much more.

That particular set are made in Taiwan..... says so in the pics and it doesn’t come with little fluff pieces like allen wrenches, bit driver handles or bits. So annoying when someone gives you 95-120pc toolset, 16 pieces are allen wrenches, and the ones you can source yourself for $1 for SAE or Metric.

 

[Tallpilot]

That particular set are made in Taiwan..... says so in the pics and it doesn’t come with little fluff pieces like allen wrenches, bit driver handles or bits. So annoying when someone gives you 95-120pc toolset, 16 pieces are allen wrenches, and the ones you can source yourself for $1 for SAE or Metric.

I stand corrected! I was thinking of the Channelock set with similar packaging.

I do agree with you. I can't stand the sets that are loaded with fluff pieces. Like all cheaper sets though that one stops at 18mm to keep the cost down. I wish they would just do 3/8" drive up to 19mm and forget about 1/2" entirely.

 

[kythri]

scored a vintage williams 1/2" 3/8 to 1 1/4" with breaker bar and s52 rachet for $69.00.

I don't want to knock this set, but I would point out that, depending on vintage, some vintage tools may not have some really nice newer features, such as the vendor-specific version of "Flank Drive" (off-corner socket engagement).

It may be less of an issue on larger fasteners, so less of an issue with 1/2" drive stuff, but if it were me buying now, I'd personally stay away from sockets that don't have this feature.

 

[Tallpilot]

Not true, the 301 pc set has many 6 point sockets.
As far as "nut-rounders" that is usually the user, not the tool.

Fortunately this isn’t a HF bashing thread. In fact I recommend he get some long handled ratchets there until he can afford better. But that 301 piece set isn’t one of their gems. The pliers are garbage and the wrench collection is very small. If you forced me to buy a box set like that for a weekend trip to the four wheel drive park it isn’t a bad deal. For a professional headed to a new job we can make better suggestions to get a much larger range of sizes and higher quality items by buying purpose built sets. Any general purpose set will always have some major compromises to meet the price point.

Also we often have a scope problem here. People are suggesting screwdrivers, pliers, pry bars, etc. no doubt he will need some of those tools. But he asked about sockets and wrenches so that is what this thread should be about.

 

[Zewnten]

I work with a lot of rental equipment. You nwvwr know what you'll need size wise so going econo my is the only way to go. The HF 301 piece sets sockets are made in Taiwan, they are 6 point design and very good for the money even if you only bought the set for the sockets alone. The various 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive bits also hold up well (even using my 15" 3/8 ratchet, i've broken one). Then get the gear wrench wrench set up to 1 1/2 for $200, then buy the Carlyle 1/4 and 3/8 long handle locking flex head ratchets and their #1 and #2 screwdrivers one your next paycheck. At least for me the pliers and screwdrivers in the HF 301 pc set did well enough to get me through a couple paychecks.

 

[Zewnten]

Also I don't know the size of stuff you are working on but a lot of times I've working on skids and mini ex''s and I've hardly touched my half inch stuff, almost entirely 3/8''s so there was no point in spending much on that part of my set up.

 

[Specs]

X10000 on those long flexy premium ratchets. That 301 set is ****.

I wanted to give a close friend the 301 set for the house he just bought.... could not even get the drawer on the store demo open... the case is that plastic that you need to sand down the edges of the molds so you don’t skin yourself and the ratchets are the BASIC.

For $400, you can walk out of HF with a comprehensive tool rig with rolling cart and there is no shame in it cause 8 months later, you shoulda acquired enough money and experience to know which pieces are the weakest link and buy the better stuff.

I CANT STRESS ENOUGH GOING TO CRIPES DISTRIBUTING FOR THE RANDOM TOOL ON THE CHEAP!!! Ive been eyeballing these Kobalts(by JHwilliams) SAE 3/8” impact sockets... like $38

 

[Lucky13don]

I should qualify my situation. After 18+ yrs of being a 3a tow operator. Our boss comes in one Monday at and tells us in 26 days he's closing the doors. So I do have some tools, I've used harbour freight impacts for years. But nothing "high end" like snap on, etc. I've never really spun wrenches for a living. So this is kinda a new experience for me. And it's strange being the "fng" again. I appreciate everyone's advice. And please keep them coming.

 

[Mr_B]

^^^ Bit of coverage on other tools not the specific thread point of sockets got bought in by kind of pointing out all brands do something decent even if not the socketry .
He best doing research so ready to buy and perhaps be armed with 3/8 drive first then buy further once in job and see what needed and most useful as otherwise likely spend big part of budget and tools just be sitting and looking pretty, can't see a lube tech needing go all out on socket range and going be lot more basic stuff and oil drain plug and filter tools that going be priority and want be half decent pro design/grade .

 

[ssdave]

scored a vintage williams 1/2" 3/8 to 1 1/4" with breaker bar and s52 rachet for $69.00.

You're on the right track if you have the time and patience. That Williams set will resell for most of what you have in it when you're done with it. If you buy new asian stuff, it will depreciate rather than hold it's value, and my experience is the higher quality USA stuff will both last and work better in hard use. The flip side of looking for good deals on used USA top tier tools is that it takes time and patience. If you need the tools now for work, that doesn't work out as well. And, modern metric tools will be more expensive on short notice to buy them than new Asian stuff. If you can effectively use your time to make money, the time taken to search out good deals on top tier tools will be expensive. If you have more time than money, it might be a good trade off.

Buy what you need to get started at work, wherever you need to get it. The slightly off the bottom asian stuff you're getting recommendations on is as good a place as any to start. Replace it with better if you feel the need, but do it as you can find a good deal on top tier tools, and buy the minimum off the truck that you can, particularly on credit. As you get to the point in your work that buying the top stuff immediately when you need it is imperative, do that. But, don't get caught up in the tool collection for the sake of show mentality. There's a lot of cost to that, without much gain.

At the same time, be cognizant that you ought to be putting together a set of tools that is comprehensive enough, and in good enough shape that will give confidence to your current boss and potential employers that you know what you're doing and are committed to excellence in doing it. First impressions are important in any trade, and regardless of how people think things "should be", the reality is that you will be judged on your tools. A mess of dirty, worn, and mismatched stuff thrown into a beat up box doesn't inspire confidence. Likewise, a meticulously arranged and polished set in a polished box screams newbie without real world experience; the question will be whether that person will sacrifice production for the sake of keeping their "collection" nice. What an employer will be looking for is someone that understands that they are tools, to be used quickly and effectively for the task on hand, not rummaged through to find something, and not preserved at the cost of getting the work done.

Like many on here, I've spent many years finding good deals on top tier tools, and trading out whatever lower quality, worn stuff I've been using for work every chance I get. After 40 years of doing that, I have matched sets of Proto and Snap-on throughout, and fairly nice boxes. But, I didn't start out that way. I bought it a bit at a time, when I could afford it, and paid cash. I made do with lower quality and worn stuff to make money, until I could afford better or found a great deal on better.

In some ways, you have better options than we did 40 years ago. There were no acceptable lower quality sets to start with, Craftsman was about as low as you could get and they were somewhat expensive then. In real dollar buying power, you can get acceptable starter tools for 20 percent of what Craftsman stuff would have cost us in the 70's.

 

[crewchief888]

A couple things i didnt see mentioned are filter wrenches. Dont cheap out on them. Depending on what you are working on, you may only need a couple sizes. I mainly use the angled pliers type.
Another good investment is a pair of the largest channellock you can find.

You'll also find on a lot a drain hoses, you'll need 2 of the same size wrenches. 7/8" is the most popular size I use.
I've been at const equipment dealers for 30+ years.

My most used sockets are 3/8" dr.

 

[Lucky13don]

^^^ Bit of coverage on other tools not the specific thread point of sockets got bought in by kind of pointing out all brands do something decent even if not the socketry .
He best doing research so ready to buy and perhaps be armed with 3/8 drive first then buy further once in job and see what needed and most useful as otherwise likely spend big part of budget and tools just be sitting and looking pretty, can't see a lube tech needing go all out on socket range and going be lot more basic stuff and oil drain plug and filter tools that going be priority and want be half decent pro design/grade .

Next search is filter wrenches.

 

[Lucky13don]

A couple things i didnt see mentioned are filter wrenches. Dont cheap out on them. Depending on what you are working on, you may only need a couple sizes. I mainly use the angled pliers type.
Another good investment is a pair of the largest channellock you can find.

You'll also find on a lot a drain hoses, you'll need 2 of the same size wrenches. 7/8" is the most popular size I use.
I've been at const equipment dealers for 30+ years.

My most used sockets are 3/8" dr.

Thanks. Looking for large wrenches next. Doubles would be good. Maybe a set of crowsfoot too

 

[Tallpilot]

You'll also find on a lot a drain hoses, you'll need 2 of the same size wrenches. 7/8" is the most popular size I use.
I've been at const equipment dealers for 30+

This is where starting with Tekton wrenches then adding a top tier set pays dividends. Sometimes it makes sense to “buy once, cry once” but in the case of wrenches having two sets is advantageous plus it gives you a set you don’t feel bad beating on with a hammer.

 

[Lucky13don]

I work with a lot of rental equipment. You nwvwr know what you'll need size wise so going econo my is the only way to go. The HF 301 piece sets sockets are made in Taiwan, they are 6 point design and very good for the money even if you only bought the set for the sockets alone. The various 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive bits also hold up well (even using my 15" 3/8 ratchet, i've broken one). Then get the gear wrench wrench set up to 1 1/2 for $200, then buy the Carlyle 1/4 and 3/8 long handle locking flex head ratchets and their #1 and #2 screwdrivers one your next paycheck. At least for me the pliers and screwdrivers in the HF 301 pc set did well enough to get me through a couple paychecks.

Thanks. This is great advice. Do you have a tool cart or roller box?

 

[dimichele]

The clutch mechanics set from northern tool looks decent.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200624105_200624105

 

[Specs]

Preach on! Amen.

If and when you get the Premium tools, make sure you get your Initials engraved, or etched into them so sticky fingers will be happy to return them to you cause you “dropped them” lirl...

Just on your own time get memberships to estate sale websites, you’d be surprised how much you can get in terms of tools, and stroage too.

 

[Parrothead]

Preach on! Amen.

If and when you get the Premium tools, make sure you get your Initials engraved, or etched into them so sticky fingers will be happy to return them to you cause you “dropped them” lirl...

Just a point to remember, a lot of people trumpet the resale value of the premium tools...that’s gone if etched or engraved.

 

[crewchief888]

Thanks. Looking for large wrenches next. Doubles would be good. Maybe a set of crowsfoot too

in my service truck, i have doubles/triples of all my wrenches up to 1"
single wrenches up to 2" 1 3/8" is the only double i have. i keep a 15" adjustable on hand as well.

i started with a single set of SK, slowly added truck brands as my "primary", kept the SK's as a 2nd set. bought a set of bluepoint's and took the SK's home.

crowsfeet can be useful, but doing PM's you (probably) wont be needing them.

just remember, you dont HAVE to have every tool known to mankind on the 1st day....
but, if you have to borrow a tool more than a couple times, it's time for you to buy it.
i remember my 1st tool purchase after i started at my first dealer...
a CP 1/2" dr impact, and the 2 impact sockets i used almost every day.

you havent mentioned, unless i missed it, what size/type eq you'll be working on...

 

[Tallpilot]

The clutch mechanics set from northern tool looks decent.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200624105_200624105

I like this set better than the HF set. However I hope we have already established that the savings from these big sets is relatively small compared to buying socket sets and wrench sets individually and you end up with more sizes and better quality. Plus you end up with a little size overlap between drive sizes which can be useful.

 

[Lucky13don]

in my service truck, i have doubles/triples of all my wrenches up to 1"
single wrenches up to 2" 1 3/8" is the only double i have. i keep a 15" adjustable on hand as well.

i started with a single set of SK, slowly added truck brands as my "primary", kept the SK's as a 2nd set. bought a set of bluepoint's and took the SK's home.

crowsfeet can be useful, but doing PM's you (probably) wont be needing them.

just remember, you dont HAVE to have every tool known to mankind on the 1st day....
but, if you have to borrow a tool more than a couple times, it's time for you to buy it.
i remember my 1st tool purchase after i started at my first dealer...
a CP 1/2" dr impact, and the 2 impact sockets i used almost every day.

you havent mentioned, unless i missed it, what size/type eq you'll be working on...

its a equipment rental company, so from chain saws to man lifts. delivery trucks to bobcats and more.. b.s.ing with a guy before my interview he said biggest wrench is 1 1/4" or so.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Gear wrench for a basic set

Add some stuff like OTC filter wrenches with 1/2 drive holes and a strap wrench plus a pair of Channelock filter pliers

Also a couple pairs of pinch off pliers for fuel hoses while you chance filters

 

[Mr_B]

its a equipment rental company, so from chain saws to man lifts. delivery trucks to bobcats and more.. b.s.ing with a guy before my interview he said biggest wrench is 1 1/4" or so.

Buy the tekton 15pc sets in sae and metric, just shy of 50bucks a set, they above average for lower cost wrenches. If can spend more the carlyle long paterns decent but it big jump and not a must for a new guy as the tektons good first set and 2 sets wrenches tend be a must and you want a beater set .
1/4 and 3/8 be your most useful sockets to start with, the roto head and long flexi pitts pro ratchets not bad if budget tight and use a coupon plus warranty super quick and easy on pitts pro . Try get at least on ratchet of each drive size pro grade like williams but don't be in rush, cheaper options get you by for 1st year plus as find your feet the cash and the deals/sales .
Only lower cost brand sockets I would buy is gearwrench as be best live with long term as a pro and they are durable as well as decent design .
any extension sets do within reason, even pitts pro, tekton worth looking at as warranty quite easy, extensions about one thing do break a bit so easy warranty works well on those. I broke about 3 chrome sockets in 40yrs, 34 of those pro daily use so see no real need worry much on socket warranty and they so cheap self warranty way go as cheaper/quicker/simpler .
One thing do as building up your kit is keep a folder or something for all receipts etc, some companies may not be fussy on receipts at moment but small print states receipts for warranty and as warranty tightens up you may need them.

 

[hotdogstand]

I use Kobalt tools from Lowe's. They're good enough quality, lifetime warranty, and sold single as well as in kits, so you can always get what you need. Their 300 piece runs between $200-300 usually and includes combo wrenches. They have a good selection of specialty sockets, too. My pliers are Ironton from Northern Tool. Nothing special, but it was $90 for the set and a rack. I buy HF impacts because I won't cry when they break.

I've had a few different boxes, but most of my commonly used stuff is in a HF 5-drawer cart. I honestly wish that I had bought it years ago. I like the more expensive Northern variant with the sliding tops, but I'll pocket the $300 difference and live with my choice.

 

[Tallpilot]

I buy HF impacts because I won't cry when they break.

I've had a few different boxes, but most of my commonly used stuff is in a HF 5-drawer cart.

That cart is excellent and the new redesign is even better. I buy Tekton impacts and they don't break or wallow out at the drive end.

 

[Mr_B]

^ because tekton impacts are cr-v, only downside on tekton is design is poor with tapered noses over more expensive manufacture of proper stepped down sizing .
plenty amazingly decent off brand taiwan cr-v impacts if look for them and they last years in pro use, absolute no need spend crazy money on impacts and don't be fooled that cr-mo is best and don't think you must have a lifetime warranty either .

 

[Parrothead]

Buy the tekton 15pc sets in sae and metric, just shy of 50bucks a set, they above average for lower cost wrenches. If can spend more the carlyle long paterns decent but it big jump and not a must for a new guy as the tektons good first set and 2 sets wrenches tend be a must and you want a beater set...

I’m a big fan of the Tektons but I have others too. What I will say is that if you like the Carlyle wrenches, just buy the Channellock versions at a much lower cost. They’re both made by Infar (Taiwan)

 

[hotdogstand]

That cart is excellent and the new redesign is even better. I buy Tekton impacts and they don't break or wallow out at the drive end.

I've been meaning to check Tekton and Gray Pneumatic out. When it's time to replace my current set, I might just upgrade the lot of them. The HFs do wallow pretty bad after some abuse.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

I like this set better than the HF set. However I hope we have already established that the savings from these big sets is relatively small compared to buying socket sets and wrench sets individually and you end up with more sizes and better quality. Plus you end up with a little size overlap between drive sizes which can be useful.

This has never been established. Buying in bulk will ALWAYS result in a lower per tool cost.

 

[Lucky13don]

thanks everyone. im writing a list and price checking.

 

[Zewnten]

I started with the black HF tool cart bought used off craigslist, but even new they are always on sale for $100. Then I bought a KR-555 for $200 that was pretty ugly, held a ton of tools but was easy to move around the shop. I too work on anything from a chainsaw and anything bigger with everything in between. You will run out of box space really fast but if you get a decent cart or bottom roller and a used box set (HF or whatever) so it doesn't break the bank to hold all the rest of it ( that's all my big box does is sit there.) Don't be like my coworker paying $150/week for his box and no money for tools haha.

Idk if you will have other mechanics tools to look at what they use but sometimes that can really help avoid buying things you'll rarely if ever use, in my case 1/2 sockets. Most of the time if my 3/8 aircat won't do it the half won't either and so I've taken to going straight to 3/4. Luckily I spent $60 for my 1/2 sockets (HF impacts, HF chrome, used matco impact extensions), other than my 1/2 ratchet. (HF impact sockets work fine for me, even when used on my M18 high torque impact. So far they have held up the same as the chrome moly sockets I have)

If you have any questions or want more details, feel free to pm me

 

[Specs]

Just a point to remember, a lot of people trumpet the resale value of the premium tools...that’s gone if etched or engraved.

Your work tools gotta stay yours Parrothead. None of my Home tools have any etchings or engraving... and Im piecing together a decent gearwrench set for when i start working, so its gotta stay mine. I know locking your box up is key, but on the rare occasion you got a fire alarm drill or something, your tools are I.D.’ed. I don’t believe I should have to ID anything, but hindsight always 20/20 and expensive looking back.

Rather harsh lessons from co-workers that know what is it to be a newb ...

 

[Tallpilot]

Rather harsh lessons from co-workers that know what is it to be a newb ...

Stealing another man’s tools isn’t teaching a lesson or a hazing ritual for the new guy. Very few things make my blood boil as much as thievery. Most of us work hard for what we have and someone who doesn’t respect that isn’t fit to live.

 

[Mr_B]

I’m a big fan of the Tektons but I have others too. What I will say is that if you like the Carlyle wrenches, just buy the Channellock versions at a much lower cost. They’re both made by Infar (Taiwan)

But do channellock do same size range/sets, I not seen them ? If exact same design/spec wrenches they would be absolute steal at 25-40% less cost .

 

[65k10]

But do channellock do same size range/sets, I not seen them ? If exact same design/spec wrenches they would be absolute steal at 25-40% less cost .

They don't have quite the variety of set sizes as Carlyle, but it they are cheaper.

https://www.doitbest.com/products/3...305669702d410a00406b,57c7305769702d410a004073

https://www.doitbest.com/products/3...305669702d410a00406b,57c7305769702d410a004073

 

[Specs]

Stealing another man’s tools isn’t teaching a lesson or a hazing ritual for the new guy. Very few things make my blood boil as much as thievery. Most of us work hard for what we have and someone who doesn’t respect that isn’t fit to live.

This.Forever This. When people tell me “oh, you shouldn’t have made stealing from you so easy,” I fire right back and say, “guess you go to funerals and check the body for loose change and bills cause its so easy” they dont like that answer..

 

[shoe1]

I bought my son the 301 piece set from harbor freight to get him started in my shop working on power equipment. I think it is a great buy for sale price of 160 or so. haven't broken anything in a year lots of sockets and drive tools. yea pliers adjustable wrench and wrenches screw drivers kind of a joke but the sockets and drive tool have been really good and great coverage. Yes you are going to have to buy couple sets of decent wrenches to start a set of decent screw drivers pliers but it will get you started cheep. I wouldn't buy harbor freight end wrenches or screw drivers I just don't think they are very good and skip to many sizes. I really like my channel lock oil filter pliers better then any others I have used. Good luck in your new job

 

[Parrothead]

But do channellock do same size range/sets, I not seen them ? If exact same design/spec wrenches they would be absolute steal at 25-40% less cost .

They don't have quite the variety of set sizes as Carlyle, but it they are cheaper.

https://www.doitbest.com/products/3...305669702d410a00406b,57c7305769702d410a004073

https://www.doitbest.com/products/3...305669702d410a00406b,57c7305769702d410a004073

They do make the Channellocks in SAE from 1/4 to 2-1/2 and in metric from 7mm to 32mm, but they skip 23, 25, 28, 29 and 31. For some that’s an issue. Again, both are made by Infar.

2-1/2” https://www.channellockproducts.com/products/302991

32mm
https://www.channellockproducts.com/products/306770