starting (over?) from scratch - piece by piece or kit?

[moron88]

i'm curious, how did you guys start out gathering tools? also, if you had to start over again what would you do? in both cases, what was/is your reasoning?

i haven't bought many stand-alone tools, mostly because i've only recently (starting last year) bothered actually taking care of my tools. because i usually needed a number of tools, i've always found it cheaper to get a kit. that and harbor freight (where i used to buy all my tools) doesnt sell very many individual tools.

but now that i've collected and retained the basics, i find that kits contain fewer and fewer pieces that i lack. in some cases none of the big kits, or the group sets, even include some "less common" pieces/sizes.

now there are those huge "mechanic's" box sets at lowes, home depot and sears. card board boxes with 300, 400, even 500+ pieces in them for <$2 per tool. if i was starting form scratch and had the funds, i'd be very tempted to get one of those and a 26" combo box. i know a lot of those tools would just collect dust (especially for a weekend warrior like me), but there's always value in a potential "one day" tool. you dont know for a fact it was a waste until you're dead, and then you dont care.

so, what say you?

 

[blown94conv]

I started buying kits, large packs because I found they were ususally the best deal. After 20 years, now I buy the single sockets, odd ball things, etc. I have quite a few tools that don't get used often, but nothing beast needed something and having it.

 

[oldldh]

Sets...

I bought GearWrench Master Socket Sets, Craftsman Wrench Sets, Proto Screwdriver Sets, etc, etc...

Good way to do it, me thinks...

 

[Infinia]

but now that i've collected and retained the basics, i find that kits contain fewer and fewer pieces that i lack. in some cases none of the big kits, or the group sets, even include some "less common" pieces/sizes.

The smaller the mech. set the more holes needs to filled, once the basics are covered you tend to buy only small sets, deep drives, impact etc.. If you need the individual pieces to fill gaps, I reckon you probably bought the wrong set. Sell it and start over?

The problem w/ buying cherry picked or piecemeal sets is, what can you use until you have the basics covered?

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Sets, but not necessarily those 500+ ones... I like variety and tool makers excel in certain areas. There are some tools I would buy at HF, but I certainly wouldn't fill by box with them... same with Craftsman. I wouldn't mind filling it with Snap-On, but I don't have a need or desire to spend that much money.

I pick and choose.... most of my sockets are SK, wrenches are Wright, ratchets are SO, etc.... Once you get the basics covered, then its singles as needed.

 

[Tenex]

If I'm looking for sockets, then I'll buy a socket set. If I want wrenches, then I'll buy a wrench set. Sets are most generally the best value.

Stay away from the 200-300 piece "master" sets. Most of the time they come with a lot of cheap bits and allen wrenches to increase the piece count.

 

[Tellingthem]

I did start over from scratch. Moved across country and had to get rid of most everything. Bought a big set to tide me over at first. (Craftsman but it was USA still at that point.) then have slowly been adding and upgrading things since then. Lots of newer and vintage tools from garage sales, pawn shops, etc. But since I had a better idea I've been trying to buy the quality stuff this time versus what I had previously.

 

[sberry]

If I had to start over it would be with a big set, Cman, HF etc to get my feet under myself and go from there.

 

[M6erfan]

I started with individual sets. Metric combo wrench set, 3/8" socket set, 8 piece screwdriver set, etc. I avoided the large multi hundred piece sets for two main reasons:

1) in my view they contained tools that I didn't want/need
2) I prefer to buy tools from different manufacturers depending on that manufactures strength

I would do it the same way if I had to do it all over...

 

[moron88]

The smaller the mech. set the more holes needs to filled, once the basics are covered you tend to buy only small sets, deep drives, impact etc.. If you need the individual pieces to fill gaps, I reckon you probably bought the wrong set. Sell it and start over?

The problem w/ buying cherry picked or piecemeal sets is, what can you use until you have the basics covered?

the personal experience that led to that line was when i was doing the brakes on my mom's minivan. it needed a 7mm hex key for the guide pins. my sets (ALL of them) skipped from 6 to 8. ended up buying a 7 piece 3/8" drive crescent set so i could skip metric hex keys all together for most jobs.

 

[Infinia]

the personal experience that led to that line was when i was doing the brakes on my mom's minivan. it needed a 7mm hex key for the guide pins. my sets (ALL of them) skipped from 6 to 8. ended up buying a 7 piece 3/8" drive crescent set so i could skip metric hex keys all together for most jobs.

hehe sounds like a HF special set/ E.g. they didnt even give you a complete set filler tools. Craftsman never pulled that on the large sets

 

[APEowner]

When I started over 30 years ago I bought a big Craftsman set and box to put it in. Over the years I replaced it with good stuff, mostly Snap-On as the need arose. As the Craftsman stuff broke or wore out I replaced it with truck brand stuff, warranted the Craftsman stuff and put it in my road kit. Initially the truck stuff was bought in sets but over the last 10 years or so it's mostly been one off pieces that I need.

 

[gdocktor3]

I started piecing together small sets, only to end up buying complete 50+ piece sets from SK and Gearwrench later on. For 1/2" I'd only buy Sunex impact socket sets and forget the chrome. Then, I'd spend the money on a couple dual 80's, instead of buying 15 different ratchets of each drive "just to have them." I would honestly have no problem doing it all over again using all Gearwrench socket/ratchet sets. Add a good set of wrenches and some Gearwrench ratchet wrenches, then buy up all the USA made Craftsman tools you can because they're actually still pretty good stuff. Lastly, use the Tool Truck Equivalents Thread 2.0 to fill in the rest.

 

[moron88]

hehe sounds like a HF special set/ E.g. they didnt even give you a complete set filler tools. Craftsman never pulled that on the large sets

it's a kobalt 200 piece set. has 147 square drive pieces (sockets, bits, extensions and 1 swivel) plus ratchets and a 1/4" spinner. total filler pieces come to about 34 (metric and sae hex key, 1/4" hex drive nut setters and screwdriver bits). none of the hex key sets i have (6 or 7, varying quality) had a 7mm.

 

[jd_1138]

I bought an 80 piece USA Craftsman set when I was out on my own for the first time (and no longer near my dad's set of tools). Then I quickly added a couple other 50-70 piece sets. Sets are a good and fast way when you need the basics.

I no longer have those. Sold them, and now I have SK, Mac, Powr-Kraft.

 

[bcradio]

Starting out, I'd say sets... then add the pieces as needed.

 

[MrGiggles]

I started with a basic socket set and a couple cheap wrench sets.

Most of the stuff included with kits is not very desirable, and just filler. You'll mostly use the sockets and ratchets.

Good wrenches, bit sockets, screwdrivers, hammers, punches, etc. won't come in a kit.

Besides, where's the fun in buying it all at once?

 

[Infinia]

it's a kobalt 200 piece set. has 147 square drive pieces (sockets, bits, extensions and 1 swivel) plus ratchets and a 1/4" spinner. total filler pieces come to about 34 (metric and sae hex key, 1/4" hex drive nut setters and screwdriver bits). none of the hex key sets i have (6 or 7, varying quality) had a 7mm.

that's starting to get on larger hex size, just buy a metric hex socket set from 4mm on up.
no biggie mine stopped at 7mm

 

[kwschumm]

I've been buying tools since my first job. I have been a DIYer since my first bicycle and have accumulated a lot of stuff over 50 years.

 

[crewchief888]

i'd buy piece by piece.

no one company has the "best" tool for the job....

 

[sberry]

Depends on how fast a guy wants to do a job or if he wants to be a collector? The thing about sets like this is there really isn't much waste as it's so cheap, great for tools one gets and find out that never use.

 

[Jacobson]

I bought the C-man 299 pc "mechanics set", and that is the only large kit I've ever bought.
I buy little sets of stuff like hex keys or swivel sockets. But, not a huge set of stuff.

 

[Zeke]

I'd wait for one of those crazy CL ads that has a ton of tools in a SO box and the dude is asking for your first born. But I'd hit him up in about 2 months with a small stack of 100's.

 

[bczygan]

How do you know what you need, until you know what you need?

The best way is to read and research here on GJ.

You will still make mistakes.

Get the basics that you can, at Harbor Freight.

Keep a shopping list with you at all times.

Buy in targeted sets. By that, I mean a set of deep Metric 1/2" drive sockets.

The giant sets always have fillers and miss sizes.

Every time you find yourself needing a tool, add it to the buy list.

Some tools you need duplicates of, but mostly you need a wide variety of tools.

Buy what you need to work on what you have.

As you tackle more ambitious work, you will add more tools.

Always look for tools that make the work easier.. Sometimes that means more expensive ones.

Don't forget supplies.

The best tool is knowledge. Get that from factory and aftermarket service manuals, YouTube videos and right here on GJ!

Bill

 

[3TV]

I gave my entire tool collection to my son when he moved away from home, and started over again with my own tool collection, one year ago. I bought a new 56" Extreme Tools toolbox to replace my 30" Husky toolbox. Then to replace all of my old HF, Husky, and CMan tools I bought Silver Eagle sockets, Matco ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, hex sets, torx sets, pliers, cutters, hammers, punches, chisels, pry bars, picks, a few other tools, and a creeper. Pipe wrenches are from Ridgid, and all of the electrical tools are from DeWalt, including the new air compressor.

 

[bczygan]

One other thing.

Experience is a great teacher. Go looking for it.

Volunteer to help other people work on their vehicles. I just spent the afternoon helping a neighbor remove a broken lower control arm and axle shaft. Had never done that, and learned how myself. His vehicle was the opportunity, without having one of my own to learn on.

Some schools have auto tech classes.

And like a lot of guys here on GJ, having a project car lets you work and learn without the stress of it being your DD.

A project car can be a vehicle you have replaced with newer, more reliable transportation, but kept just to wrench on. I have a couple of those.

Bill

 

[Empty Pockets]

I started out borrowing Dad's tools.

As I began working, I bought small sets. My dad always stressed "QUALITY". I first bought Wright SAE Wrenches, Metric Wrenches, & SAE Socket Set. I worked for Uncle Bill's and got a discount, as we sold them.

Next I filled in with Craftsman Screwdriver set, Powr Kraft Metric Sockets, CM adjustable wrenches and Petersen Vise Grips. After that I bought odds and ends, as I found a need, and still buy odds and ends, now if I want, need isn't always there

 

[Derek420]

Im currently kinda starting over I'll explain: I had all my tools tools taken by mother in law after using fer spare garage as storage and got a job at a junk yard pulling engines and trannys but did have to pull everything else, anyways I went to get them and all my stuff was gone and I asked her about it and she acted like she didn't know about it so I got pissed flipped out and left. All the stuff was replacements after having my tools all stolen my ex gfs ex husband. Anyways ended having to work with a loner box of mixed **** which made my work harder but made do. Well my step dad got all new craftsman tools and gave me his old tools all but craftsman stuff which was just a small sk box. It wasn't much but still have it all but since then my mother in law got divorced and moved and one day I was in her garage and decided to look for my tools and I ended up finding most of all my tools which took me 3 trips to get it all back by having to sneak it all out and she to this day has not noticed them gone or just hasn't mentioned it. But you can't steal something that was taken from you to begin with. After all that I still needed some tools which no longer work at the junk yard but I needed a lot so I started going to flea markets, pawn shops, and craigslist and in not much time upgraded all my tools to truck brands and industrial brands and also craftsman USA also bought a snap on top box full of USA tools for 50$ and a snap on tool bag full for 40 and found a blue point box in trash with tools. If I had all my tools taken again I'd feel like dying but would keep doing what I'm doing because haven't paid more than $5 for a single tool and it was newer snap on sockets. Also I'd buy a tool kit like kobalt or husky to build on, first I'd start with buying bondhus Allen wrenches because they are awesome.
Anyways sorry for the book lol.. But it's a long story.

 

[Derek420]

I forgot to mention power tool as everyone else has but I bought all mine from Craig's list which is best imo I bought 1/2 Matco impact with 2 batteries for $50 and 3 snap on electric screwdrivers with 6 batteries 2 charges for 100 and a makita lithium drill/driver/light combo with 2 batteries and bag for $40 I got makita grinder in the green snap on bag full of tools for $50 came with all USA tools and a 24" Matco extension plus a air hose guy was a diesel mechanic. I got a couple more b&d as well cheap one from Amazon which is the 85th anniversary all aluminium bodied drill for 60 it's a 3/8 drill while my makita is a 1/2. Anyways what I'm saying BUY USED..

 

[Richard Cranium]

I would buy a large set and fill in what I needed but didn't get.

 

[sberry]

Bill made a point about not knowing and that is why cheap is good. If a guy buys something he doesn't need it's better than spending a buthole full on it. You can always but more later, it won't go anywhere.

 

[Finky198]

I started with craftsman socket and wrench sets and I've bought everything else separately from numerous sources, I do my research and saved when I can... don't be afraid to spend money on tools if the extra funds are available. They can make the not so fun jobs very enjoyable...and or easier on the back

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Bang for your buck? Buy the big sets. You probably won;t get the "best" of every tool, but you will probably get most of the tools you need to do most of the jobs and they will do a fine job of it.

I have a 2xx piece Kobalt set, as well as a variety of Snap On, Mac, Matco, Williams,Craftsman USA, etc... 99% of the time, I grab whatever is closer. Is my SO 1/2" ratchet better? Yes. Is it an extra 10 steps away better? Almost never.

As for buying tools you don't need, or filler pieces? No, I don't need another set of ignition wrenches... and that is the one thing I really think tool sets need to stop adding in. But even if you take those out of the equation, you usually save money on the set. Stuff like hex keys, I can never have enough, they are a consumable. They wear out. The same for driver bits. In the end, usually, the price per tool is low enough that you are well served by having those sizes you rarely need, since they are relatively cheap.

 

[gte718p]

It depends on the situation you are in. If I was to have to start over it would be from something catastrophic, fire, flooding, or massive theft. I'm in a pretty good place financially and well insured. I would watch craigslist and buy an entire set of used tools from someone leaving the trades. It requires having a good bit of cash upfront, but is by far the best bang for the buck.

 

[James-W]

I think what you should buy depends on what you need. For example, if you need half a dozen sockets because you don't have those sizes, it may be cheaper to buy a whole set of sockets instead of buying them individually, especially if there is a sale going on. I find that most new tool sales apply to kits rather than individual items. Yes, buying the whole kit means that you will now have duplicates of some sizes of sockets, but so what? It doesn't hurt to have "extra" tools, especially if you have a tendency to misplace tools, or lose them.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I would by smaller sets and supplement with pieces. No need to buy sets just because they are sets.

 

[maxpower_hd]

When I started my side business I found that I needed a lot of tools at the work shop AND home shop. I was carrying stuff back and forth in my truck a lot. I ended up buying a used box full of tools and that was the answer for me. Now I have two or more sets of many things but buy individual items as needed.

I still carry certain things back and forth in my truck that I don't need often in either location but need in both and that are kind of pricey to buy two. Like my welding helmet for example.

 

[bczygan]

One good thing about acquiring tools as you need them, is that you are immediately using the tool, and can judge it in use. And if it isn't a good choice, you can return it. It also helps you avoid "Collecting".

Over time, you will find what tools you like, and what ones don't fill the bill.

As important as the tool choices are, equally as important is their storage and organization. If you can't find a particular tool, you are apt to buy another.

Years ago, I had all my tools stolen, along with my car. Afterwards, I just gave up on having tools, for many years. But that narrows what you can do in life, and gradually I have increased the array of tools I have, with a big jump since joining GJ.

And I'm thankful, because every tool gives you more potential capabilities. Acquire the skills to use them, and your world widens.

Bill

 

[Irongrave]

I started out with one of the 200 piece craftsman sets and have added groups of tools as I have needed them. like a deep impact sockets or metric ratchet wrenches. I do try and buy the best I can afford at them time or a brand that I like the feel of and comfort is another key when buying tools.