Tool kit suggestions for a young man just starting out?

[ADSR]

DeWalt 204 Piece Mechanics Tool Set; 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2-inch Drive

Gets my vote.

 

[Codejack]

OK, my OCD took over (I love spreadsheets!), and here's what I came up with (not saying this is absolutely, or even remotely, what you should get, but it seems to cover all the bases), all from Harbor Freight and pretty much everything from the Pro line:

21” Voyager Steel Tool Box $26.99
3/8” shallow Metric sockets $8.99
3/8” deep Metric sockets $11.99
3/8” ratchet $17.99
3/8” extensions $7.99
6” diagonal cutters $2.97
6” Long Nose Pliers $2.99
6” Slip Joint Pliers $3.99
6.5” Long Nose Locking Pliers $5.99
7” Curved Jaw Locking Pliers $4.99
22-pc SAE/Metric Combination Wrench Set $14.99
8-pc Acetate Handled Screwdriver Set $10.99
25' Tape Measure $3.99
16 oz. Fiberglass Professional Rip Hammer $7.99
36 pc SAE/Metric Hex Key set $7.99
16 pc Precision Screwdriver Set $4.49

Total $145.32

To add SAE shallow and deep sockets brings it up to $166.30. Wrench rings, socket rails, etc are a few dollars, and there's room in the budget for extras or better options for any HF stuff you don't like the look of.

I recently got the combination wrench set, and they are at least as good as the VA-series Craftsman USA wrenches that I got 25 years ago. I haven't really beaten on them, but the fit and finish is very nice, and I've put them through some moderate use, i.e. holding one end of a rusty alternator bolt while I ratchet the other end, without incident or complaint.

NOTE ABOUT THE SOCKETS! The 3/8" chrome sockets are all 12-point, but they are the exact same sizes as the 1/2" sets, which are 6-point, so if you want the 6-point, just get the 1/2" ratchet, sockets and extensions instead, they're only a few $ more.

Edit: The tool box, especially, could probably be replaced with something better. I've had good luck with Stack-On and Waterloo brand boxes.

 

[ez-duzit]

You can sure buy an awful lot of **** for $145!

 

[Cummins_Tech]

Guess you could buy from matco and get dang near the same Taiwanese impacts sockets you get from the HF pro line for triple the price...

Yup. ****-o-la.

It's all **** to someone, somehow, some way or another. Snap on is **** because it's expensive, HF is **** because it's cheap. Blah blah blah. Same old song every single day.


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[Codejack]

Snap on is **** because it's expensive, HF is **** because it's cheap.

Craftsman is middle-of-the-road, and you remember what happened to the thread on Cman quality, right?

So, it's hit-or-miss, too.

-----------------------------------

OP, the answer seems to be, you have 3 options:

1. Shell out $$$ for guaranteed quality, i.e. Snap On. Idiotic to send off to a college dorm.

2. Shell out $$ for mixed, but probably pretty good quality, i.e. Husky, Kobalt, etc. You surely can't go too wrong, and I recently ran out to check when someone got a great deal on a Kobalt set (I didn't get it ).

3. Shell out $ for what purports to be quite good quality stuff, that everyone seems to distrust just because it is inexpensive.

I'm in the middle of building my own portable set, a little more specialized, but I got 1 top end ratchet (Snap On), a good 3/8" socket set (Gearwrench) and will be filling the 1/2" set out with a Pittsburgh Pro (Harbor Freight) ratchet and more mixed GW and HF sockets.

I wouldn't leave it in a college dorm, though.

 

[Gmonkee]

I have some good stuff in a basic home kit and it's not really required. I have more mid range stuff and even some cheap stuff around the house too.



It all works for occasional use. All day every day some of it would truly ****.
Sometimes the need and area of use make it ok to not have the best of something.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Get a used craftsman USA set for him like the v series it's your only option with a measly $100 budget i paid that much for my used Snap on 3/8 shallow sockets which are $250 or so new. $100 gets you a ratchet that's about it even SK new is out of your budget but do check ebay as I've seen 2 complete sets sell for around that on ebay.
I got to ask why are you so concerned about coo why not go to harbor freight and fully outfit him with a huge cart load of tools instead of a socket set?

 

[visionguru]

My son is starting college. Cheap car, apartment, part time job, college life, all the rest. Basically if it's not in his car, he doesn't own it.

I'd like to get him a basic tool kit. No cheap china-****, including crapsman.

What suggestions do you have for me? Assume budget +$100 or so, with some flexibility if it comes with value.

Thanks,

Frankly, anything except those from dollar stores is good enough for a college kid. Why so negative about Craftsman? It's still a pretty good value and decent quality.

Surprised that nobody have mentioned this: are you that tool poor and can't find some duplicate ratchets, sockets, etc. hand tools? His car only need a handful of socket sizes.

My son is 7. When he goes to college, I can easily pick out a set from my no longer wanted tools.

 

[Coolabah]

I would suggest that he's going to college, not opening a shop. Cheap china **** is exactly what he should have. He's not going to use it very often, especially the non-car related stuff, because he's going to be in rental properties whether it's a dorm or an off-campus apartment, and the property owner will be responsible for using tools there.

And if you give him expensive tools they're likely to walk off in the hands of his drunk friends, whether accidentally or on purpose.

I made it all the way through college with cheap **** from Menards - and this was before the Masterforce days, and I'll tell ya, Tool Shop was utter garbage. But it was fine for what I was doing with it, because I had enough on my plate with 18+ credits per semester and didn't have time to be fooling around with DIY projects.

Hah ! Me too. I moved out of home with literally 2 flat blade screwdrivers , a pair of needlenose pliers, a 6 inch adjustable wrench and a beer brewing kit. Got a set of 13 Australian Stanley screwdrivers ( yeh - actually still have them and the blow mould box ) for a 21st birthday present , bought other stuff once I was "forced" to fix my own car ( otherwise it was off the road forever LOL )
I tried to do the same thing as the OP is planning for my son but he looked at me like I was crazy.... he did not score my DIY LOVE TOOLS genes

 

[dar24601]

Use vs. sit in the trunk? I don't know but if I was to bet on it: Sit. But kids have a way of surprising you, so quality is important.

If he wants more and/or better quality, let him work for it, then he'll appreciate it more.

Hence, the focus on off-the-shelf kit buys.

General set vs. strictly mechanic's set. Think things to fix around a car and home vs, just working and wrenching on a car. So he needs more than just a set of ratchets.

Personally, I'm leaning for the Kobalt set above, supplementing it with whatever you recommend.

Please don't be turned off by the china-made comment. I mostly meant cheap ****. My first tool set was from Penny's (anyone remember Penncraft?).

I want something that he'll still have, use and remember +40 years from now.


Thanks,

I don't remember penncraft but yeah as a younger man i bought my share of dept. store tools. In today's market that going to be anything made in india, yes true some shoddy stuff still comes from china but if it's made in India it's gonna be ****.

First off everyone of the "off the shelf kits" will have a lot of filler. i.e. stuff he doesn't need/wont use. Take that Kobalt set, it comes with 3 Crescent wrenches, and more screwdrivers than he'll need, a bottle opener... oh wait college kid.. that bottle opener probably be the most used piece out of that set. what those sets offer is convenience your better off buying pieces.

If it's gonna sit and you want solid tools with room for him to upgrade then any of the store name brands will work. Craftsman, Dewalt, Husky, Irwin, Kobalt, Stanley (no preference listed them alphabetically) All are solid homeowner grade tools really depends on what feels better to the individual and all come with the "lifetime warranty".

you said you live in the sticks so i assume no Harbor Freight nearby. If by chance there is only tools that will fit your needs will be anything under the Pittsburgh PRO line anything else is a coin toss. Note I have yet to find a wrench or socket set from HF that didn't skip some sizes.

I understand the thought that you want to give him something that will still be around 40 yrs from now but any tool no matter how well made will turn to Junk if not properly cared for. Another thing to consider is people "borrowing" tools, good stuff always seems to grow legs but surprisingly the "cheapo" stuff has always found it's way back home to me.

 

[sberry]

Cman isn't middle of the road but is basically cheap right along with the rest of it. The stamped India is junk but,,,, no real reason to buy is as decent cheap can be had for the same price. When a premium adjustable is 30 and a functional one cost 5 why buy a junk one for 4?
A lot of the HF class tools are now sold with a different stamp under brand name, different store and different package as well as a different price. I got a lot of stuff, if it all disappeared tomorrow I would start right over at the HF store and as I went add a few items in particular brands, channelock and some Vgrip where they don't seem to be able to exactly duplicate with cheap models although I havnt tried them all.
I am really surprised at some pliers, I got some lineman generic from a cheap tool store that managed to stay sharp, every good as brand. Some dykes managed to lose an edge but in all fairness really brutalized them. I no longer pass over the linemans to get to the Klein, doesn't seem to matter to the wire.

 

[sberry]

The kits contain some small stuff but the price is right and its eventually used anyway. It would be a different matter if that little stuff was hundreds of dollars but it isn't. So, there are a few pieces not used, how does make it worth spending double not to get them? I fail to see the logic with that.
These sets are a bargain, great way to get started.

 

[joseywales]

Riddle me this Batman:

It's 2AM, sleet and snow, and you're just trying to make it home, when mechanical difficulties occur. Sure, you could call AAA, but that could take a while and you have the ability to fix the vehicle and make it home. When you open the trunk, what quality of tools are staring back at you?

It's the difference between a combat rifle and a range gun...

 

[LawnBoy-5247]

I am in college right now and will add my input. I love tools but I left all my really nice stuff at home. I brought a kobalt set that is halfway decent, some craftsman 3/8 and 1/4 sockets, several crescent adjustables, channel locks, vice grips and some misc screwdrivers. I did bring a SO GF80 and a SO ratcheting screwdriver but the rest is middle of the road, if it walks off I will not be too unhappy. So my advice is to stick with kobalt craftsman and similar things for him because they may disappear and get him something nicer later on.

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[Codejack]

The kits contain some small stuff but the price is right and its eventually used anyway. It would be a different matter if that little stuff was hundreds of dollars but it isn't. So, there are a few pieces not used, how does make it worth spending double not to get them? I fail to see the logic with that.
These sets are a bargain, great way to get started.

I agree, but it depends on the application.

Look at the list of stuff I spec'd out from HF for $145, then find a kit that has all of that for the same money. Add the SAE sockets for $166, or even take the budget up to $200. I couldn't find it.

Compare to this $175 Gearwrench kit:

That's got 100+ more pieces of high quality stuff for just a little more money.

BUT.

1. It weighs 60#.

2. No hammer, tape measure, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.

3. It has six 14mm sockets: 1/4" shallow and deep; 3/8" shallow 6- and 12-point, deep 6-point; 1/2" shallow 12-point.

That kit is exactly what I would want if I needed a complete socket set for a garage or shop.

For my portable kit, I am spending more to avoid having to carry all that **** around, and because I don't need half of it but DO need other stuff, i.e. I don't need 12-point sockets but I do need impacts... so I just bought impacts. Again, though, that wouldn't make sense for a kid going off to college.

Every application is different... which is why they make still make empty toolboxes for us to fill up instead of everything coming in blow mold cases

 

[Two Door]

Riddle me this Batman:

It's 2AM, sleet and snow, and you're just trying to make it home, when mechanical difficulties occur. Sure, you could call AAA, but that could take a while and you have the ability to fix the vehicle and make it home. When you open the trunk, what quality of tools are staring back at you?

It's the difference between a combat rifle and a range gun...

1). Just how much work can you do in the sleet and snow, especially without also carrying, in the trunk, a light source, something to lie on, a trunkload of parts which still might not be what you need, a helper, etc.


2). How safe is it to work on the car on the side of the road?

The only things I know you could possibly fix in short order would be a leaking hose, or possibly a belt. So you could carry a spare belt or hose and just the tools to change them, or you could just be more diligent about inspecting/replacing your belts and hoses. In my opinion, trying to equip someone to repair a modern car as if they were going on an expedition into the outback is purely ridiculous.

I went to off to college in the early seventies, driving a ragged out car. I had been working on cars for several years at that point and had plenty of tools, which I carried in the trunk because that was the only secure place I had. Although I did plenty of car projects on the weekend with those tools (some on my car, some for others), I never had to use them on the side of the road. These days, that is something I would never do, and obviously I don't tote tools or parts.

Edit - I will grant that it might be helpful to be able to change a battery, but how many tools does that involve?

 

[FTG-05]

A lot of good points, I appreciate all that have commented.

Someone asked about HF: the closest one to me is about 40 miles away, HD is about 20 and Lowes about 25. I got to HD since that's where I get my lumber and it's the easiest to get to (read no city traffic). There's no HF where he lives, but there is a HD.

So reading all the comments, I put this together, let me know what you think.

3/8" ratchet set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...andard-Socket-Set-18-Piece-H3D18SWS/202934484

Metric combo wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Metric-Combination-Wrench-Set-10-Piece-HCW10PCMM/202934505

Crescent wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-6-in-and-10-in-Adjustable-Wrench-Set-AC2610CVS/206967927

Dewalt screwdriver set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-DWHT62513L/202710566

20 oz. hammer: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-oz-Fiberglass-Ripping-Hammer-N-G20SHD-HN/205386294

Folding Utility knife: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-4-in-Compact-Folding-Lock-Back-Utility-Knife-97550/204757634

Tape measure: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-PowerLock-25-ft-Tape-Measure-33-425D/100019154

Channelock plier set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Channellock-9-5-in-and-6-5-in-Tongue-and-Groove-Pliers-Set-GS-1/100001589

And a tool box to hold it all: http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Tool-Box-Black-222570/205440481

Cart total: $176.67.

Will that work?

Thanks!

 

[Citation]

How do we think this kit is really going to be used? Is the guy really going to work on his car? Is he even going to do a brake job? In college about the only thing I did with cars and tools was fixing the heater controls on my car. That didn't require high quality or fancy tools, just a screw driver, a 10mm nut driver and a twist tie. A 1/4" socket set would have been nice but I never used heavier tools. When I was working on my bike I got away with an adjustable wrench.

Anyway, based on my experience, home owner type tools were more useful since I wasn't actually working on my car, I was fixing things around the dorm/apartment or my bike (I was living local to school so the car wasn't used that much). I didn't need "good" tools and could have used even the Durasomethings that are the cheap tools from Walmart. In this case, other than the pure junk tools I think it's better to "have more" vs "have better". By more I mean a wider range of tools. I also don't know that I agree with the emphasis on larger automotive type tools vs smaller tools.

Drill and other basic around the house tools, $45. This is cheap B&D stuff but it's a start.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-an...-Ion-Drill-with-64-Piece-Project-Kit/54604944

Combo wrenches $10 or $20. Nothing great but enough to get by. It's not going to be a big deal if they get lost or borrowed and never returned. The size range is enough for most jobs and again, I'm going for low price.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-18-Piece-Combination-Wrench-Set/49701823 or
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-32-Piece-Combination-Wrench-Set/49701824

Small screwdriver set $6
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-Hand-Tools-66-052-6-Piece-Precision-Screwdriver-Set/19901177

Glue gun $10
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Surebonder-Dual-Melt-High-Low-Temperature-Glue-Gun/870381

Tire plug kit, $6
I've found these very handy over the years. Sure beats driving on a compact spare for 200 miles after hours.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Slime-Deluxe-Tire-Repair-Plug-Kit-20302/47301725

Cheap soldering iron and kit $15, Well, I did use mine in college.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ktaxon-1...dditional-Soldering-Wire-Iron-Stand/542681063

Socket set $50
This socket set is good enough to be a lifetime set and has good coverage of the 1/4 and 3/8 drive sizes. Based on my experience this isn't something I would have used much in college. I would have used it a lot after college.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-92-824-69-Piece-Black-Chrome-Socket-Set/16491607

I would consider the socket set as optional. Without the sockets this is about $100 in tools. Many are low buck but sufficient for the one or two times they might be needed. The wrenches might surprise and be sufficient for a lifetime of homeowner, back up, light duty use. I do have a set of similar wrenches that I bought to change my battery on the side of the road. They were sufficient for that job and not as cheap as the old pot metal stuff that used to be the cheapest thing. These actually appear to be forged and broached.

Anyway, this is what I would suggest for ~$100 or $150.

 

[visionguru]

A lot of good points, I appreciate all that have commented.

Someone asked about HF: the closest one to me is about 40 miles away, HD is about 20 and Lowes about 25. I got to HD since that's where I get my lumber and it's the easiest to get to (read no city traffic). There's no HF where he lives, but there is a HD.

So reading all the comments, I put this together, let me know what you think.

3/8" ratchet set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...andard-Socket-Set-18-Piece-H3D18SWS/202934484

Metric combo wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Metric-Combination-Wrench-Set-10-Piece-HCW10PCMM/202934505

Crescent wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-6-in-and-10-in-Adjustable-Wrench-Set-AC2610CVS/206967927

Dewalt screwdriver set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-DWHT62513L/202710566

20 oz. hammer: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-oz-Fiberglass-Ripping-Hammer-N-G20SHD-HN/205386294

Folding Utility knife: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-4-in-Compact-Folding-Lock-Back-Utility-Knife-97550/204757634

Tape measure: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-PowerLock-25-ft-Tape-Measure-33-425D/100019154

Channelock plier set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Channellock-9-5-in-and-6-5-in-Tongue-and-Groove-Pliers-Set-GS-1/100001589

And a tool box to hold it all: http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Tool-Box-Black-222570/205440481

Cart total: $176.67.

Will that work?

Thanks!

You are a great father! Your son will be well equipped with those tools.


This cheapo tool set gets me through college and graduate school. With a few more additional tools, I was able to do fluid changes, brakes, valve adjustments, spark plugs, distrbutor cap, etc. basic maintenance with those.

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[Citation]

A lot of good points, I appreciate all that have commented.

Someone asked about HF: the closest one to me is about 40 miles away, HD is about 20 and Lowes about 25. I got to HD since that's where I get my lumber and it's the easiest to get to (read no city traffic). There's no HF where he lives, but there is a HD.

So reading all the comments, I put this together, let me know what you think.

3/8" ratchet set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...andard-Socket-Set-18-Piece-H3D18SWS/202934484

Metric combo wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Metric-Combination-Wrench-Set-10-Piece-HCW10PCMM/202934505

Crescent wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-6-in-and-10-in-Adjustable-Wrench-Set-AC2610CVS/206967927

Dewalt screwdriver set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-DWHT62513L/202710566

20 oz. hammer: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-oz-Fiberglass-Ripping-Hammer-N-G20SHD-HN/205386294

Folding Utility knife: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-4-in-Compact-Folding-Lock-Back-Utility-Knife-97550/204757634

Tape measure: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-PowerLock-25-ft-Tape-Measure-33-425D/100019154

Channelock plier set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Channellock-9-5-in-and-6-5-in-Tongue-and-Groove-Pliers-Set-GS-1/100001589

And a tool box to hold it all: http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Tool-Box-Black-222570/205440481

Cart total: $176.67.

Will that work?

Thanks!

At the homeowner/hobbyist level those should be very good tools (ie last a lifetime if not abused). I would suggest a smaller hammer. That one is a bit big for hanging a picture. While I really like the Husky ratchets (they are simply lower tooth count GW + QR... in fact I prefer that ratchet to the 120T GW) I would suggest the Stanley kit I linked to vs the Husky. The Stanley ratchets aren't as nice but it's a far more complete tool set and I find 1/4 to be VERY handy. No 1/4 drive would be a BIG negative for me.

 

[Codejack]

If you are both closer to HD, then that makes perfect sense. I had a Husky socket set for a while that worked just fine, but it got stolen.

I like Ridgid stuff, so that box should be perfect, and I'm sure that it will all work, just a couple of notes:

I also like Channelock, but think that he is less likely to need 2 different groove pliers than needlenose and diagonal cutters. That set is $20 more expensive, though, which seems odd for only 1 more tool. I would at least look at Stanley, I've been using their Fatmax series with good results.

The socket set is a little small, but if he's not going to do that much car work, it's probably fine; the wrenches, though, I think that he is more likely to need at least some in SAE. A lot of aftermarket battery terminals, for example, are still SAE.

Here's a mixed set:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Combination-Wrench-Set-28-Piece-28CW002NC/205093597

I'm also not wild about the screwdrivers, but I don't like that kind of handle; I like the large acetate handles. Personal preference, what does he like?

Also, I went to rip hammers years back because it can be used as a pry bar in more situations than a claw hammer can, and I have yet to find an advantage to a claw hammer.

--------------------------------

That all looks like good quality stuff, I'm just pointing out the stuff that I would go looking for. I could add locking pliers, punch set, etc, but I freely admit that I'm getting carried away

 

[Tdubyac]

As someone just outside that age range (27), having just lived that life i would splurge on a bosch 12v impact driver/ drill kit. I used those tools for more around the house/apartment stuff than any of my others. Lets be honest if anything goes really wrong in the apartment you call the maintenance man of the complex. As far as car work I got by with a small kobalt set and a cheap craftsman bottle jack for most my needs. When i had to change my engine mounts and needed deep metric sockets i went to harbor freight and picked some up for almost nothing, and they have served me well since. Don't feel the need to prep him for the apocalypse so to speak, as he works on his car he will acquire the tools he needs to get the job done.

 

[dar24601]

So reading all the comments, I put this together, let me know what you think.

3/8" ratchet set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...andard-Socket-Set-18-Piece-H3D18SWS/202934484

Metric combo wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Me...n-Tongue-and-Groove-Pliers-Set-GS-1/100001589

Thanks!

Solid kit you put together just some suggestions on couple

Nice splurge on the toolbox, a bit big for his needs but he'll have the space for when he adds to the collection.

3/8 socket set. with this one you get some deep sockets and a bit screwdriver and save a couple bucks.

combination wrench set same price and comes with SAE. yes true for cars SAE basically gone way of the dodo but for home use still useful. On negative side does add lot of bulk and weight to the set.

Just a note on the channellock set. The needle nose pliers don't have a wire cutter. he's probably no gonna be doing much electrical work so really shouldn't be an issue but just something to note

And of course I assume your tossing in WD-40, zip ties, gloves etc.

 

[yamaha0343]

I'd get a Kobalt/Husky/Dewalt set for now until he's in his own place, especially if the set is staying in his car. Get him the nice stuff later on.

 

[yamaha0343]

A lot of good points, I appreciate all that have commented.

Someone asked about HF: the closest one to me is about 40 miles away, HD is about 20 and Lowes about 25. I got to HD since that's where I get my lumber and it's the easiest to get to (read no city traffic). There's no HF where he lives, but there is a HD.

So reading all the comments, I put this together, let me know what you think.

3/8" ratchet set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...andard-Socket-Set-18-Piece-H3D18SWS/202934484

Metric combo wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Metric-Combination-Wrench-Set-10-Piece-HCW10PCMM/202934505

Crescent wrench set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-6-in-and-10-in-Adjustable-Wrench-Set-AC2610CVS/206967927

Dewalt screwdriver set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-DWHT62513L/202710566

20 oz. hammer: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-oz-Fiberglass-Ripping-Hammer-N-G20SHD-HN/205386294

Folding Utility knife: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-4-in-Compact-Folding-Lock-Back-Utility-Knife-97550/204757634

Tape measure: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-PowerLock-25-ft-Tape-Measure-33-425D/100019154

Channelock plier set: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Channellock-9-5-in-and-6-5-in-Tongue-and-Groove-Pliers-Set-GS-1/100001589

And a tool box to hold it all: http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Tool-Box-Black-222570/205440481

Cart total: $176.67.

Will that work?

Thanks!

That dude will be in good shape!

 

[jgromada]

You are a great father! Your son will be well equipped with those tools.


This cheapo tool set gets me through college and graduate school. With a few more additional tools, I was able to do fluid changes, brakes, valve adjustments, spark plugs, distrbutor cap, etc. basic maintenance with those.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

I liked this post the most. Keep it simple, functional yet simple. Supplementing it with a drill, hammers, tape measure & a meter would be great. If he needs to build something he can get a cheap jig saw too.

 

[FTG-05]

Solid kit you put together just some suggestions on couple

Nice splurge on the toolbox, a bit big for his needs but he'll have the space for when he adds to the collection.

3/8 socket set. with this one you get some deep sockets and a bit screwdriver and save a couple bucks.

combination wrench set same price and comes with SAE. yes true for cars SAE basically gone way of the dodo but for home use still useful. On negative side does add lot of bulk and weight to the set.

Just a note on the channellock set. The needle nose pliers don't have a wire cutter. he's probably no gonna be doing much electrical work so really shouldn't be an issue but just something to note

And of course I assume your tossing in WD-40, zip ties, gloves etc.

Added the 3/8" socket set. That combination wrench set isn't available either at the store or online; I don't know why it's even on their website.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!!!

 

[ez-duzit]

05--you show SAE ratchet set and metric combo set. Which does he need, metric or SAE?

 

[APS2000]

Check Lowes for clearance prices. It'll vary from store to store. Read the reviews. There will be sizes omitted from the set you might require.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6664547&postcount=1014

 

[Don53]

Decent made in USA kit for $170. Add in a nice little socket set for a few more bucks.

($8) 6” Adjustable wrench: https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/6-cobalt-allen-adjustable-wrench.html

($15) 10” Adjustable wrench: https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/10-craftsman-cobalt-finish-adjustable-wrench.html

($24) Tekton screwdriver set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014US21JA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

($6) 16 oz. hammer: https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/grayvik-16-oz-rip-hammer.html

($5) SuperBar: https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/usa-superbar.html
($10) Snips: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wiss-Multi-Purpose-Snips-MPC3S/100065525

($5) Level: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-9-in-Torpedo-Level-587-24/100653523

($18) Hex / Torx Wrenches: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E7VG4S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

($9) Folding Utility knife: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-Instant-Change-Knife-10-788/100152150

($10) Tape measure: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-P...425D/100019154

($30) Tekton Pliers set (needle, linesman, cutting) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011L0CRDU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

($5) Tire Gauge: https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/tire-gauge-passenger-5-50-lbs.html

($6) Putty Knife: https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-1-4-stiff-brass-black-silver-hyde-putty-knife.html

($20) 17” Waterloo Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y3I224W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

------------------------------------

($118) Splurge – ¼ SK socket set (will fit in box): https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-1-4-socket-sets-27981.html

 

[Infinia]

I agree with some of the others in this thread. As the saying goes 'You can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink'. IMO Don't even get him the absolute basics for an oil change, it's a good activity but low to zero payoff. Next time he complains about the cost of the auto dealers or mechanics car repair quote, do the math and apply the savings towards some tools. Remind him by going DIY perhaps on a single easy brake job he'll be able to fund any of the tools sets you linked too. Also he'll have greater regard on tools he himself has picked out and purchased, right? Otherwise the most likely scenario is showing little interest in getting greasy and forgetting those unwieldy gift tools left in the cars trunk. (Do cars that teens drive even have trunks?) If you want to help him out ONLY when the time comes buy or donate a jack and some stands for the cause.

 

[Moose97]

You might consider...http://www.sears.com/craftsman-311-...ellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1#

 

[rnscustom]

Not sure if it was posted yet but if their like my kids get one that has an alarm that when you close it and it's not full you can't shut it off . Mine comes back every time with something missing . I refil it and they come back missing a few again ( well when I took it dad those were not in there ) .

 

[rnscustom]

Otherwise that set at sears the 155pc goes on sale for $79 all the time and my old 156pc set has always had what I needed ( as long as I refil it before I take it )

 

[Sidney Porter]

I am going to go in a different direction. I had a circular saw and an electric drill. Fall semester I would build several lofts. I also built a couple bars for rooms in fraternity houses.


I pretty much had 3 loft plans for 3 different dorm rooms. I could build one in a day. I would walk away with 200-300 in profit. This was in the early 90's 4 lofts was nice drinking money. It was a skill saw and a b&d drill. The drill didn't even have reverse.

I don't remember my hand tool. I had them because I remember replacing my brakes one year. I also replaced a battery or 2 (not mine). One year I had my car towed how for Christmas break. It was 99 miles door to door, AAA paid for 100