Tool Haul For The Regular DIY’er

[QualityToolHunt]

Hey guys, been reading up on this forum for a few weeks now.

I’ve recently started to build up a set of essential tools for regular DIY tasks (vehicle/home maintenance and repair) to save money when I can.

I’ve purchased tools from two opposite ends of the tool spectrum, Snap-On and Harbor Freight. The bulk of tools are Harbor Freight, but I decided to purchase one Snap-On ratchet to understand the reputation behind the brand.

Tool Haul:
1. Snap-On F80 Ratchet
2. Pittsburgh Pro 1/4 Ratchet
3. Pittsburgh Pro 3/8 Ratchet
4. Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 Ratchet
5. Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 Breaker Bar - 25’
6. Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 Metric Impact Sockets - Regular
7. Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 Metric Impact Sockets - Deep

The Snap-On F80 quality is apparently high; it far exceeds the amateur use it will see from me and will hopefully last me a long time. I believe the Pittsburgh Pro equipment will serve me appropriately - and if the Pittsburgh Pro tools break, nice easy lifetime warranty.

Thanks guys, be safe.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Re: Tool Haul For The Regular DIY’er

Not that they aren't good quality tools but the Snap-On reputation largely consists of availability, warranty support and credit (mainly through regular visits from the tool truck).

 

[Nineeightyone]

Re: Tool Haul For The Regular DIY’er

Seems like a pretty good set of choices. I've used and abused the Pittsburg Pro stuff and it seems to hold up well (similarly, I'm doing DIY work).

I can't speak highly enough though (and I'm sure others will agree) of Tekton, a set of wrenches for ~$45 with excellent fit and finish, their ratchets are high quality (though I think you're covered on those, eh?) and the hard-handled screwdrivers seem to be pretty popular as well.

What else are you looking into, and what's your takeaway on the F80? I'd like to get some Snap-On, but it would need to be worlds above what I'm used to, and I'm not convinced yet.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Tool Haul For The Regular DIY’er

The average DIYer will RARELY use any 1/2" drive tools EXCEPT for lug nuts !

Save your money. Get a full set of (standard and deep) non-impact 3/8" drive sockets. All of my 1/2" stuff (most over 30 years old) in now in the back of the bottom drawer, except my set of lug nut flip sockets and a 1/2" torque wrench.

 

[BrandoJames]

Re: Tool Haul For The Regular DIYer

Welcome to the forum! For your next haul, you might pick up a nice set of flex ratcheting box wrenches for those difficult to reach fasteners.

I own the Tekton flex ratcheting box set (6 pt metric), highly recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tekton+flex+ratcheting+wrench+set&crid=1ZE0DRL184P9Z&sprefix=tekton+flex+rat%2Caps%2C176&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_15

 

[Superdavey]

Re: Tool Haul For The Regular DIY’er

The average DIYer will RARELY use any 1/2" drive tools EXCEPT for lug nuts !

Save your money. Get a full set of (standard and deep) non-impact 3/8" drive sockets. All of my 1/2" stuff (most over 30 years old) in now in the back of the bottom drawer, except my set of lug nut flip sockets and a 1/2" torque wrench.

I'd say for most suspension work 1/2 is a must. A regular length 1/2 ratchet is pretty useless I think but an extra long half inch is an absolute necessity in my opinion.

 

[QualityToolHunt]

Re: Tool Haul For The Regular DIY’er

Not that they aren't good quality tools but the Snap-On reputation largely consists of availability, warranty support and credit (mainly through regular visits from the tool truck).

Understood; thanks for the insight.

Seems like a pretty good set of choices. I've used and abused the Pittsburg Pro stuff and it seems to hold up well (similarly, I'm doing DIY work).

I can't speak highly enough though (and I'm sure others will agree) of Tekton, a set of wrenches for ~$45 with excellent fit and finish, their ratchets are high quality (though I think you're covered on those, eh?) and the hard-handled screwdrivers seem to be pretty popular as well.

What else are you looking into, and what's your takeaway on the F80? I'd like to get some Snap-On, but it would need to be worlds above what I'm used to, and I'm not convinced yet.

I ran across Tekton when I was doing some initial research and got the same consensus as you stated, high quality - reasonable price. I'm actually looking into the Tekton chrome socket sets in 1/4 and 3/8. Price is reasonable and the set is complete which makes the most sense.

I couldn't give you a good assessment on the F80. I haven't used it yet and I'm as amateur as you could get with tools. The advice would be better provided by the professionals and/or experienced wrenchers on here.

The average DIYer will RARELY use any 1/2" drive tools EXCEPT for lug nuts !

Save your money. Get a full set of (standard and deep) non-impact 3/8" drive sockets. All of my 1/2" stuff (most over 30 years old) in now in the back of the bottom drawer, except my set of lug nut flip sockets and a 1/2" torque wrench.

I'm looking to tackle a rotor/brake pad replacement, then see if I can do a strut/shock replacement depending on how the first project goes, lol. Taking the advice for the 3/8 socket set, thanks!

Welcome to the forum! For your next haul, you might pick up a nice set of flex ratcheting box wrenches for those difficult to reach fasteners.

I own the Tekton flex ratcheting box set (6 pt metric), highly recommended.

I'll look into those, I didn't even know I needed them. Thank you.

I'd say for most suspension work 1/2 is a must. A regular length 1/2 ratchet is pretty useless I think but an extra long half inch is an absolute necessity in my opinion.

I figured that. Looking to tackle brakes, struts, and shocks later down the road so I figured the 1/2 would be useful.

 

[QualityToolHunt]

I just saw that Harbor Freight has the 1/2 Pittsburgh (Non Pro) Impact Sockets in SAE on clearance for $9.97. I’ll probably end up picking that up since I need the 13/16’ and 1’ for the strut replacement I wanted to do.

Can you use the 20% coupon on clearance items?

 

[Ton ton]

I use 1/2" quite a bit. But I am not your average diy. Thanks for the Snap-On recommendations. I would like a long handle Snap on fixed head ratchet. The options that snap on has in the catalog are amazing but my local tool truck is very limited actual inventory.