...for home auto work. I currently have one of the craftsman sets that comes with its own box for like 200. I recieved a standup box a while ago, and would like to fill it with some decent tools. I'd go ahead and put my pre-existing tools in it, but its a pain to move them back and forth from box to box when I take them somewhere ie; junkyard, work on friend's cars, etc. What recommendations are out there?
starter tool set...
- Thread starter Chris94L
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kartracer55
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What are you looking for? I use craftsman sockets almost exclusivly at the track. I like them because they are relativly cheap... Good enough quality for me to depend on them, but not nearly as expensive to replace if I loose one ya know? Alot of guys like HF for junkyard tools, but im not a big fan of buying chinese handtools ya know?
The only thing I can say is maybe invest in some high end ratchets... either SK or Snap On depending on which style you like better. Not a big fan of craftsman ratchets. Thier other tools are pretty good though. Other than that and maybe screwdrivers, thier tools are pretty good. I own alot of Snap On, Matco and SK, but I also have ALOT of craftsman too. Dont get caught up in everybody's "SNAP ON IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIX CARS" thing...
Jim
The only thing I can say is maybe invest in some high end ratchets... either SK or Snap On depending on which style you like better. Not a big fan of craftsman ratchets. Thier other tools are pretty good though. Other than that and maybe screwdrivers, thier tools are pretty good. I own alot of Snap On, Matco and SK, but I also have ALOT of craftsman too. Dont get caught up in everybody's "SNAP ON IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIX CARS" thing...
Jim
If you need a whole bunch of tools at once, the Craftsmen sets are about the best way to go. You then fill in the pieces that are best updated like the ratchets unless you get one with the thin ratchets.
That will get you buy for a while. I was looking at the sets that do not come with the box and have an assortment of most styles of tools. Then it is putting together the list of what you would like and realizing there are many companies that can provide good quality tools usually with made in USA on many of them. The research and tracking them down at the prices that are affordable on Ebay, etc, can be a good part of the fun.
When you are not using the tools for your profession, you need to keep the cost down and you can do it with good quality again made in the USA stuff for a decent price if you have some fun with the hobby and do not have to have everything instantly. That polished SK flare wrench set with minimal use for a few bucks off Ebay just beats the heck out of any no-name ones at a cost I can afford for home use and was fun too.
That will get you buy for a while. I was looking at the sets that do not come with the box and have an assortment of most styles of tools. Then it is putting together the list of what you would like and realizing there are many companies that can provide good quality tools usually with made in USA on many of them. The research and tracking them down at the prices that are affordable on Ebay, etc, can be a good part of the fun.
When you are not using the tools for your profession, you need to keep the cost down and you can do it with good quality again made in the USA stuff for a decent price if you have some fun with the hobby and do not have to have everything instantly. That polished SK flare wrench set with minimal use for a few bucks off Ebay just beats the heck out of any no-name ones at a cost I can afford for home use and was fun too.
BQuicksilver
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Tough to say IMHO without knowing your budget and how often these get used. I've had friends who almost run one-man shops out of their garge to my buddy who pays for most everything done to his Z06, but wanted to have emergency tools around - took him to HF.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
It's hard to answer this question... do you want good tools that'll be around for a while, or do you want something to just get you by???
I was looking for basic tool sets for my brothers last Christmas and I was very disappointed at what was included and what was left out of the available tool sets (Craftsman). I mean, how can you call something a tool set without screwdrivers and pliers?????
If it were me, I'd start with Craftsman Pro combo wrenches (SAE and Metric), a large set of sockets (Craftsman 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives), 3/8 drive torx and hex sockets, Craftsman Professional screwdrivers and Craftsman Professional plier sets. There is your basic tool set. You can "upgrade" as you wish (Snap On ratchets, etc), but this set will allow you to do most things.
I was looking for basic tool sets for my brothers last Christmas and I was very disappointed at what was included and what was left out of the available tool sets (Craftsman). I mean, how can you call something a tool set without screwdrivers and pliers?????
If it were me, I'd start with Craftsman Pro combo wrenches (SAE and Metric), a large set of sockets (Craftsman 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives), 3/8 drive torx and hex sockets, Craftsman Professional screwdrivers and Craftsman Professional plier sets. There is your basic tool set. You can "upgrade" as you wish (Snap On ratchets, etc), but this set will allow you to do most things.
KingPerformance
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Craftsman is about the best bargain for a first starter set there is. Made in USA, medium quality; which is leaps and bounds beyond over seas quality for the most part excluding some high dollar swiss/german tools etc. And you can buy in huge sets. Just make sure you evaluate everything they are putting in the set, as they will throw in "junk" tools that you will never use just to make it appear more attractive. As kartracer said, not everyone NEEDS Snap On, though it is the bench mark of tools for a reason.
I would agree with the general consensus. While I don't really care for the quality of the current Craftsman offerings, they are reasonably priced.
As kartracer55 said, if something gets lost or stolen it's no big deal.
I bought a socket set and some wrenches for my daughter to keep in her car, added some pliers and screwdrivers (all on sale) and was out the door for about $100. She can take them to any Sears store for warranty issues, and an added benefit is that HF didn't get any of my money that day.
As kartracer55 said, if something gets lost or stolen it's no big deal.
I bought a socket set and some wrenches for my daughter to keep in her car, added some pliers and screwdrivers (all on sale) and was out the door for about $100. She can take them to any Sears store for warranty issues, and an added benefit is that HF didn't get any of my money that day.
PAToyota
Well-known member
Chris94L said:
Keep the 200 piece set for mobile work and get another for the box? As far as "filling" the box - get the tools that you need to use. Don't just blindly buy stuff to fill the box...
the intimidator
Well-known member
Give him a while he will turn into one of us sooner or later
Just last week I went to the store for a couple grinding wheel's I ended up coming home with a new grinder on sale with 30 wheels 50$ a hammer drill kit also on sale for 50$ with a bunch of bit's, (directly linked to the how many drills thread) 
another set of screwdrivers and a bunch of car cleaning stuff that was on sale. Total bill was around 175$ all because I needed a 4$ grinding wheel. It's a illness and the only cure is more tool's 
Anyways I think you would be happy with the craftsman set buy the pro line for everything though they will be better quality then the non polished stuff and upgrade you're most used tools ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches, torx tool's, and air tool's if you use them to snap-on I/R s/k ect I highly reccomend you spend the money on a good set of torx drivers and torx sockets if you plan on using them much I would buy these before upgrading the ratchets and screwdrivers to snap-on as they are a enough of a pain in the *** without poor fitting tool's and their is a difference and a reason why snap-on is king just most of us can't justify the cost difference vs quality.
PAToyota
Well-known member
Give him a while he will turn into one of us sooner or later
I'm not saying you shouldn't buy tools - just don't set out to fill a box for the sake of filling a box...
I know I have quite a few esoteric tools, but all of them are used! You guys have a great site, here, and it's helping me decide on a tool-chest for the house. Thanks.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200315065_200315065
I purchased this set since I brought nearly all my tools in to work. Great set for the price. Mimicks the quality of craftsman and husky/stanley. Comes with some 12 point sockets, extensions, and good ratchets. Missing some smaller sizes in 1/4" deep, but I don't use them anyway. First thing, unload them from the "holder" they provide... Organize them in a real box. You'll like them SO much more. Haven't broken any yet... But I do believe the package said lifetime warranty through northern tool.
-josh-
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200315065_200315065
I purchased this set since I brought nearly all my tools in to work. Great set for the price. Mimicks the quality of craftsman and husky/stanley. Comes with some 12 point sockets, extensions, and good ratchets. Missing some smaller sizes in 1/4" deep, but I don't use them anyway. First thing, unload them from the "holder" they provide... Organize them in a real box. You'll like them SO much more. Haven't broken any yet... But I do believe the package said lifetime warranty through northern tool.
-josh-