Starting a new toolbox

[AreYaSerious]

Getting rid of my hand me down tools, and starting my new tool box. What do you recommend? I was leaning towards Williams or Gearwrench. I can't afford SnapOn, Proto, and I'm not a professional tech. Just a hobby thing for me, looking for mid grade tools. This discussion is mainly ratchets, sockets, wrenches but any kind of tool is fine. Let me know what your opinions are.

I have a US General 44' tool box I just bought. Let's fill it with decent priced quality tools. (Again I'm not professional)

I was thinking this https://www.circlecsupply.com/gearw...z_1E35NOhE_bbhNqyYBNn8suShhqshwsaAoKnEALw_wcB



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB7HM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or this

https://protoolwarehouse.com/willia...z-Y4NAbh5kaX-3nio30532J09dxtk42gaAneuEALw_wcB


Now Gearwrench is more bang for the buck but if Williams are better quality then I don't have an issue with going up in quality. This is just a base starter set I'll be adding much more, but what is the best to get me started on the right track. Please share your thoughts.

 

[Mgdoug3]

Advanced auto has a lot of GW sockets on sale right now, 50% off on select GW. I didn't have a complete set of 3/8 and 1/2 metric deepwell sockets and they fit the bill. I did have to buy a 21, 22 and 24 1/2 drive socket since it only goes up to 19mm. I think the kit should include the bigger sockets.

My toolbox is a mixture of brands and except for the really cheap kits (which have been thrown out), they all work fine. I'm fond of older sockets so a lot of my sockets are Indestro Super which can be picked up cheap at the flea market.

Edit: GW sockets are only partial broached. Some people like fully broached, others don't. Pros and cons to each type.

 

[ReggieR]

Those 44 and 56 and ??? 72 inch harboringa Fart boxes are the steal of the century. Go get some.

 

[Moparman390]

Given your use requirements, just about anything above no name junk will actually suffice. You're about to get a lot of really expensive recommendations. I wouldn't do anything until after the Craftsman launch event in three weeks to see what SBD has to offer in that mid range they are targeting with Craftsman. Also, look into Tekton if you are considering GW, comparable tools, outstanding customer service.

 

[AreYaSerious]

Those 44 and 56 and ??? 72 inch harboringa Fart boxes are the steal of the century. Go get some.

For someone working on their own cars I think it serves its purpose.

 

[AreYaSerious]

Given your use requirements, just about anything above no name junk will actually suffice. You're about to get a lot of really expensive recommendations. I wouldn't do anything until after the Craftsman launch event in three weeks to see what SBD has to offer in that mid range they are targeting with Craftsman. Also, look into Tekton if you are considering GW, comparable tools, outstanding customer service.

Thank you.

 

[wyattstihl]

Look into MasterForce tools from menards, for screwdrivers, ratchets, wrenches and sockets. Made in the USA and a great value. I think they have been discontinued but theres still a lot of new old stock. Everybody knows where to go for pliers.

If you want to step up from that, theres SK, but ive heard mixed reviews of them recently.

For what you are doing I think Tekton will serve you just fine.


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[plinker]

Gearwrench would cover about anything needed, Sunex if you're looking at impact sockets, ete... The best thing to do is shop around and be an informed buyer. There is a "tool truck equivalents" thread that shows what is rebranded by who.

For US made Williams, Wright & S-K. Keep in mind not all Williams tools are US made.

Here are some good places to buy from, I tend to see who has the best price with most anything I buy.

https://www.tooltopia.com/
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/
https://www.harryepstein.com/
https://www.jbtoolsales.com/
http://www.ebaystores.com/Cripe-Distributing/_i.html?_sop=10&_dmd=2&_sid=23016926&

 

[Wamsutta]

Keep in mind not all Williams tools are US made.

The catalog makes it very apparent which tools are USA made and which tools aren't, but some people either don't want to download the catalog, or they have some other reason for not reading the catalog; I never could figure out what that reason is.

 

[bert1913]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158341

 

[Mr_B]

gearwench sockets and extensions and ratchets not a bad buy, sets with buy 1 drive and get another drive free cheaper than the AA sale .
Williams taiwan would be waste of money.
williams hard handle screw driver sets are total steal .
craftsman pound through prybars a total steal
Napa carlyle brand ratchets are superb and if buy when on sale not bad prices .
Toptul worth looking at too.
Tekton not that great besides warranty very friendly, they do some good tools but would not bother with any of their socketry .
A mix of what each mid range maker does best will serve you well for a lifetime with ease and won't cost too much if make most of sale pricing .

 

[tanukiboy]

For screwdrivers, I'd recommend the Japanese brand Vessel. (Reasonably priced too.)

 

[AreYaSerious]

Thanks for awesome recommendations.

 

[wyattstihl]

Channellock blue handle screwdrivers are awesome, but pricey. I paid 40 for the 6 peice USA made set and 60 for the 7 peice nut driver set.


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[El Duder]

I've been looking at the GW stuff on sale at AAP. I have their 3/8 metric set and it's very nice. They also come with pretty decent rail holders which is an added bonus. I may drop by the store and pick up the 1/4 metric deep set.

 

[ptgarcia]

I love my Vessel screwdrivers but this 12-piece USA made Tekton screwdriver set is a steal at $21 from Walmart. You can save a $1 if you're a Sam's Club member and buy from them.

This USA made Tekton 18-piece Punch Set is a steal, also.

These are solid USA made Tekton Pliers, too.

 

[Tallpilot]

Getting rid of my hand me down tools, and starting my new tool box. What do you recommend? I was leaning towards Williams or Gearwrench. I can't afford SnapOn, Proto, and I'm not a professional tech. Just a hobby thing for me, looking for mid grade tools. This discussion is mainly ratchets, sockets, wrenches but any kind of tool is fine. Let me know what your opinions are.

I was thinking this https://www.circlecsupply.com/gearw...z_1E35NOhE_bbhNqyYBNn8suShhqshwsaAoKnEALw_wcB

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB7HM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://protoolwarehouse.com/willia...z-Y4NAbh5kaX-3nio30532J09dxtk42gaAneuEALw_wcB

As was mentioned above the Williams set you linked is made in Taiwan and has similar design features to the other Taiwan sockets you linked but more expensive. If Taiwan will suffice this Gearwrench bogo is your best deal and those sockets have knurling; the others do not. The ratchets are nicer too.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

What's the difference between USA Williams and most Taiwan sockets? Look at the picture. Taiwan sockets tend to be all the same length in a drive size while Williams USA sockets step up. That extra length might keep it from fitting somewhere; especially in a modern engine bay. This is really noticeable on 1/4"; the short sockets from Taiwan are the same length in 3/8" and 1/4" The USA Williams are several mm shorter and again that might make the difference one day.

Note the USA Williams is necked down all the way from the drive end. If you are going into a deep recess to get a fastener that might make enough difference that the Taiwan socket won't fit. This obviously only matters on the smaller sizes in each drive size since the hex end eventually gets bigger than the drive size.

To save money you can get the big Gearwrench set then buy a few Williams USA in the smaller sizes to make sure you have all bases covered.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

If I were starting over and did not want to get into the more expensive brands, I'd go with GW for ratchets. I do have a couple 84 T in 3/8" drive and I like them quite a bit and they have worked well. I's start with their standard set and then add the locking flex head set followed by the stubby flex and bent handle flex both in 3 /8". That should cover a huge percentage of what most would need. Sockets could be GW, Carlyle, Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt, Tekton, or Williams. Combination wrenches would be similar to the above sockets brands. Pliers would be the same as above with Channel lock as an option. I would also get some Knipex Cobra's and their 10" dykes. Screwdrivers couild also be from the same from above with Wera or Whia as possible upgrades for just a little more coin.

 

[wyattstihl]

This USA made Tekton 18-piece Punch Set is a steal, also.

Wish I knew that a few days ago when I bought my Wilde punch set.


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[BroncoAZ]

I just upgraded all my impact sockets to master sets from Sunex. Price was decent and they have a good rep here for Taiwan impacts. For 3/8” impacts the Gearwrench looked about equivalent, but their 1/2”sets weren’t what I was looking for.

Most of my stuff is older USA Craftsman, but I’m in the same boat as far as looking for some upgrades.

 

[PR1Gneon]

Ratchet 3/8= Williams USA B52EHLA, Proto 5249XL, 5250XL, Gearwrench 84T

Chrome sockets= Apex (GW, Craftsman, Husky)

Screwdrivers ser= Williams USA hard handles, Tekton

Prybars= Meyhew, Craftsman with striking cap

Locking pliers= Milwaukee torque lock

Ratcheting wrenches= Apex (GW, Craftsman, Husky)

Impact sockets= Gearwrench, GP, Astro



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[highland512]

Get a basic little set for the time being if you need it.

Over time build your collection up with good brands found at auctions, pawn shop, and garage sales. Where are you in Indiana? I grew up and lived in Indiana until 2012 and I assure you there are some prime picking to be had if you know the right spots.

 

[AreYaSerious]

Get a basic little set for the time being if you need it.

Over time build your collection up with good brands found at auctions, pawn shop, and garage sales. Where are you in Indiana? I grew up and lived in Indiana until 2012 and I assure you there are some prime picking to be had if you know the right spots.

Northern

Ratchet 3/8= Williams USA B52EHLA, Proto 5249XL, 5250XL, Gearwrench 84T

Chrome sockets= Apex (GW, Craftsman, Husky)

Screwdrivers ser= Williams USA hard handles, Tekton

Prybars= Meyhew, Craftsman with striking cap

Locking pliers= Milwaukee torque lock

Ratcheting wrenches= Apex (GW, Craftsman, Husky)

Impact sockets= Gearwrench, GP, Astro


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Awesome suggestions on adjustable wrenches?

Channellock blue handle screwdrivers are awesome, but pricey. I paid 40 for the 6 peice USA made set and 60 for the 7 peice nut driver set.


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Channellock is one of my go too with everything. USA made, and they will always remind me of my dad. Drawer full of adjustable pliers 20 years old and still quality. Can't argue with that. He also has US Craftsman, however I just don't like the way craftsman feels in my hand US or not.

I love my Vessel screwdrivers but this 12-piece USA made Tekton screwdriver set is a steal at $21 from Walmart. You can save a $1 if you're a Sam's Club member and buy from them.

This USA made Tekton 18-piece Punch Set is a steal, also.

These are solid USA made Tekton Pliers, too.

Nice finds!

If I were starting over and did not want to get into the more expensive brands, I'd go with GW for ratchets. I do have a couple 84 T in 3/8" drive and I like them quite a bit and they have worked well. I's start with their standard set and then add the locking flex head set followed by the stubby flex and bent handle flex both in 3 /8". That should cover a huge percentage of what most would need. Sockets could be GW, Carlyle, Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt, Tekton, or Williams. Combination wrenches would be similar to the above sockets brands. Pliers would be the same as above with Channel lock as an option. I would also get some Knipex Cobra's and their 10" dykes. Screwdrivers couild also be from the same from above with Wera or Whia as possible upgrades for just a little more coin.

I love channellocks, I'll check out knipex too.

As was mentioned above the Williams set you linked is made in Taiwan and has similar design features to the other Taiwan sockets you linked but more expensive. If Taiwan will suffice this Gearwrench bogo is your best deal and those sockets have knurling; the others do not. The ratchets are nicer too.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

What's the difference between USA Williams and most Taiwan sockets? Look at the picture. Taiwan sockets tend to be all the same length in a drive size while Williams USA sockets step up. That extra length might keep it from fitting somewhere; especially in a modern engine bay. This is really noticeable on 1/4"; the short sockets from Taiwan are the same length in 3/8" and 1/4" The USA Williams are several mm shorter and again that might make the difference one day.

Note the USA Williams is necked down all the way from the drive end. If you are going into a deep recess to get a fastener that might make enough difference that the Taiwan socket won't fit. This obviously only matters on the smaller sizes in each drive size since the hex end eventually gets bigger than the drive size.

To save money you can get the big Gearwrench set then buy a few Williams USA in the smaller sizes to make sure you have all bases covered.

I assumed the others had the 120xp but you're right they don't. Thanks. Ordering that set Friday.

I just upgraded all my impact sockets to master sets from Sunex. Price was decent and they have a good rep here for Taiwan impacts. For 3/8” impacts the Gearwrench looked about equivalent, but their 1/2”sets weren’t what I was looking for.

Most of my stuff is older USA Craftsman, but I’m in the same boat as far as looking for some upgrades.

My dad is still using his USA craftsman, he refuses to buy any other sockets. He said when they stop working he's done working.

 

[PR1Gneon]

Awesome suggestions on adjustable wrenches?

I rarely use adjustable wrenches but heard great things about Channellock WideAzz and Bahco X-wide.

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[plinker]

On adjustable wrenches, The older US made Kleins are very nice (current ones are made in Spain like most everybody elses). Cant go wrong with wide jaw Channellock. Western Forge is US made and decent as well.

 

[tanukiboy]

Awesome suggestions on adjustable wrenches?

TOP Hyper Monkey Zero adjustable wrenches from Japan. Split spring-loaded worm, no play. Replaced the Bahco adjustables in my toolbox.

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[Mr_B]

Those Top japan are good, about smoothest tightest tolerance screw adjustment I had on an adjustable .

 

[Tallpilot]

Since I got my Knipex pliers wrench I haven't touched an adjustable.

 

[wyattstihl]

I bought a new old stock Craftsman 12” adjustable wrench from some backwoods old store up north. I was always used to using my dads old cheap overseas made adjustables, figured that would work better.

Believe me when I say, that wrench didn’t back off a nanometer when I used it. Best adjustable I ever used, and the last I will even need.


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[C.L S2000]

TOP Hyper Monkey Zero adjustable wrenches from Japan. Split spring-loaded worm, no play. Replaced the Bahco adjustables in my toolbox.

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View media item 80235

Man, that is a nice adj. wrench.. now I want one

For Prybars, they already got it answered with Meyhew or Craftsman with striking cap.

For impact sockets, I would probably go with Astro nano sockets and the nano gun (even non-professionals get into some tight quarter jobs here and there) where these both will come in handy. They even got these "flank bite" sockets / wrenches that remove damaged fasteners. Pretty good stuff, there is a rep. of Astro on here too who I see comments on a lot of posts addressed to him. I have read of people commenting about one of his tools and he helps out just by PM'ing him.

For combo wrenches, you probably don't want to hear it but when I would do alignments with stubborn fasteners, etc.. SNAP ON combo wrenches open ends would not spread at all. When using the GW, Craftsman, would almost round off the fastener. So I know you said you cant afford Snap on for your whole box but for combo wrenches only, I would pay and cry once and never have to worry about them again.

 

[WWheeler]

The catalog makes it very apparent which tools are USA made and which tools aren't, but some people either don't want to download the catalog, or they have some other reason for not reading the catalog; I never could figure out what that reason is.

I suspect most people wouldn't know that there even is a catalog. I own a fair bit of Williams tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets, some sockets, etc) but have never seen or heard of a catalog. All I have is made in the US though.

 

[wyattstihl]

I suspect most people wouldn't know that there even is a catalog. I own a fair bit of Williams tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets, some sockets, etc) but have never seen or heard of a catalog. All I have is made in the US though.

I didn’t. Ive heard of Williams tools but the only ones I have are a 3/8” round head ratchet, (SUPER smoothe and fine tooth, don’t know the count) a 3” extension and a 9/16 socket that I got for 50 cents each at an antique store. Its now my go-to ratchet.


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[bmwrd0]

A lot of good advise here, but one thing to keep in mind is that if you are not going off of a truck (good) the internet lets you shop around for good deals. Also, you mention that you can't afford Snap-on or Proto, but if you check eBay you can find great deals on both those brands and other top-notch brands used at the prices you are looking to pay for GW and others. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[AreYaSerious]

A lot of good advise here, but one thing to keep in mind is that if you are not going off of a truck (good) the internet lets you shop around for good deals. Also, you mention that you can't afford Snap-on or Proto, but if you check eBay you can find great deals on both those brands and other top-notch brands used at the prices you are looking to pay for GW and others. Just something to keep in mind.

Was gonna add snap on or blue point ratchets if I wasn't satisfied with gear wrenches. I was in auto tech in high school we used blue point and snap on. I have to admit they're incredible. Might go ahead and invest in Williams US if I can find a fair price one.

 

[MrDeerHunter]

As an SK fan. I think you need a few SK ratchets in your new box. You can buy a brand new one or a 50 year old one and rhwy work just as well.

I would just buy a quality socket set and not go wild on the price. Spend your money on ratchets. In my book a socket is a socket as long as the size is accurate. But having a bunch of different style ratchets makes working on anything enjoyable. I like SK and have nearly every ratchet they made and I also have some HF and craftsman ratchets that rarely get used, when they are needed it is worth having.
If you aren't making money off your home tools I wouldn't spend too much on single items. But buy a nice regular 3/8 ratchet, I chose SK but the F80 can be had in that ball park.

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[PR1Gneon]

Was gonna add snap on or blue point ratchets if I wasn't satisfied with gear wrenches. I was in auto tech in high school we used blue point and snap on. I have to admit they're incredible. Might go ahead and invest in Williams US if I can find a fair price one.

The Williams is $40 in Amazon. That's a SO quality ratchet for the price of a Taiwanese.

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[AreYaSerious]

Anyone suggest a Blackhawk by proto ratchets and sockets?

 

[Mgdoug3]

As an SK fan. I think you need a few SK ratchets in your new box. You can buy a brand new one or a 50 year old one and rhwy work just as well.

I would just buy a quality socket set and not go wild on the price. Spend your money on ratchets. In my book a socket is a socket as long as the size is accurate. But having a bunch of different style ratchets makes working on anything enjoyable. I like SK and have nearly every ratchet they made and I also have some HF and craftsman ratchets that rarely get used, when they are needed it is worth having.
If you aren't making money off your home tools I wouldn't spend too much on single items. But buy a nice regular 3/8 ratchet, I chose SK but the F80 can be had in that ball park.

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As a fellow SK fan, I agree with this. 95% of the time I grab my SK ratchets. They just feel right in my hands. Having a good pear head ratchet is good in tight spots but rare for me. If in doubt buy a SK, Snap-on dual 80, Mac, GW, Proto, William's, Wright and any other ratchet you might like. One can never have too many ratchets.

 

[AreYaSerious]

Seen SK on sale might go ahead and get them. They're just salty. However being 25 now, they will be around when I'm 75 can't say that for sure about gear wrench.

 

[Tallpilot]

The Williams is $40 in Amazon. That's a SO quality ratchet for the price of a Taiwanese.

I see this advice often but I am not sure I agree. A 36 tooth ratchet from Yesteryear may be awesome for an industrial guy with no clearance issues. If I am working in a modern engine bay I would rather have something with a smaller swing arc.

My 3/8 electronic torque wrench is 36 tooth. It drives me nuts sometimes compared to my 1/2 Techangle.

As a fellow SK fan, I agree with this. 95% of the time I grab my SK ratchets. They just feel right in my hands. Having a good pear head ratchet is good in tight spots but rare for me. If in doubt buy a SK, Snap-on dual 80, Mac, GW, Proto, William's, Wright and any other ratchet you might like. One can never have too many ratchets.

This is true.