Starting All over...

[driftpin]

ugh, short version; Thieves have relieved me of 100% of all the tools i've amassed over the last 25 years. Every hand and power tool i've ever had. Jacks, jackstands and motorcycle lift included. I only have my 110 Lincoln welder and a smattering of hand tools that were in my car. Anywho...

Need some reccomendations on starting new tool collection. years ago, I would have started with a Craftsman mechanic set and built from there, but the latest word on craftsman tools has not been good. Where should i Look for modestly priced, decent quality tools? I would prefer US or German made, but i've looked at the Kobalt and Husky stuff from the big boxes, they seem decent for the money, but i'm sure they're overseas made.

Also, recs on cordless systems too. Dewalt? Ryobi? Craftsman?
Thanks for any help, this has been a very stressful time for me.

I'm sorry about the death of your mother. I wish you had more luck in documenting the thieves, but we all see the slap on the wrist they get if ever-caught.

You don't have your location in your screen name area, that might help get your tools donated from posters here.

I have used the Craftsman lithium ion 19.2 volt tools and like them for my hobbyist use. They have provided me w/good longevity. If someone was going to gift me a system, red or yellow would do. Milwaukee/DeWalt

Flea markets, yard sales and the like should get you some decent stuff.

I can say that I have been the unfortunate victim of thieves, and the PD has never caught them. I don't need to go into various events, buy the best insurance you can afford, with riders for your collection. The PD serves as report-takers, in my experience.

 

[Wamsutta]

Buy all new Snap-on and then get you a SIG Sauer P220.

Sleep next to your tools with the SIG Sauer in your hand.

 

[lincwelder225]

Buy all new Snap-on and then get you a SIG Sauer P220.

Sleep next to your tools with the SIG Sauer in your hand.

 

[visionguru]

....
Need some reccomendations on starting new tool collection. years ago, I would have started with a Craftsman mechanic set and built from there, but the latest word on craftsman tools has not been good. Where should i Look for modestly priced, decent quality tools? I would prefer US or German made, but i've looked at the Kobalt and Husky stuff from the big boxes, they seem decent for the money, but i'm sure they're overseas made.

Also, recs on cordless systems too. Dewalt? Ryobi? Craftsman?
Thanks for any help, this has been a very stressful time for me.

Actually, a Craftsman tool set is still a good idea. The complaints in this forum seem mostly about they are "made in China", not the actual quality. I have mechanical sets from Snap-On, GearWrench, Napa Carlyle, Craftsman, and Menards inhouse brand. The difference in functionality is minimal at best.

I remember seeing Costco selling a big mechanical set for about $100.

Power tools is another matter. Craftsman seems old in design.

 

[sberry]

I would go for a big cman set to get started if I needed to and fuss with becoming a collector later.

 

[tonyciambrone]

I think you should make an excel spreadsheet of what's needed and post it with somewhere people could send. I think a lot of us have duplicates we would be willing to send.... I have lots of non-matching sockets and wrenches (mostly USA craftsman and Husky) that need to go

That said- Kittstools, Cripe, HJepstein as others have said will do wonders.

 

[bonneyman]

I think you should make an excel spreadsheet of what's needed and post it with somewhere people could send. I think a lot of us have duplicates we would be willing to send.... I have lots of non-matching sockets and wrenches (mostly USA craftsman and Husky) that need to go

That said- Kittstools, Cripe, HJepstein as others have said will do wonders.

Yeah, make a list available to the forum.

I've got tools I can spare but knowing your areas of need would help me focus.

 

[bwringer]

...I remember seeing Costco selling a big mechanical set for about $100...

Yep. My Costco is selling a DeWalt branded set for $99 that would make a fantastic starter set for someone in this situation who's on a really tight budget.

 

[sberry]

Yes, that kind of money is so cheap that its foolish not to have it if you need some tools. Lose em, abuse them, use them, its not much loss if you need to upgrade something.

 

[victor252]

Buy all new Snap-on and then get you a SIG Sauer P220.

Sleep next to your tools with the SIG Sauer in your hand.

Typical Wamsutta! Why buy an expensive and dare I say over-priced Sig 220 when a CZ 97 will get the job done?


Is the Sig more "flippable" like those favorite wrenches of yours? On pistol that might be a liability!

 

[bczygan]

If someone took my HF tools, I'd be just as sad because they are what I have.

Bill

 

[Mgraves235]

thanks for all the suggestions, and good vibes, people. I still routinely check the pawn shops in the area, and nothing has shown up yet.
Technically, it was a rental, and like an idiot, i had no renter's insurance. that's a mistake that won't be made again.
I'm in southeast arkansas, right near the Louisiana border. I'll ad my location to my info. thanks again.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Depends on your budget and how urgently you need to fill up your tool box. If you've got lots of time and care about COO, buy used. Otherwise, Harbor Freight, Tekton, and Gearwrench have loads of stuff at relatively affordable prices. For cordless, it depends on how hard you are going to use it. Ryobi should be fine if you're an occasional user. If you have money to burn, Milwaukee has the most extensive line of cordless tools and a 5 year warranty on the tool. Others have mentioned ridgid which I have. The only reason why you would want ridgid is the lifetime service agreement. The limited selection of tools for ridgid is annoying.