Tool kit suggestions for a young man just starting out?

[FTG-05]

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,

 

[strength_and_power]

You said you didn't want cheap **** but with a $100 budget, that limits your options. I would probably hit up Harbor Freight, 1/4,3/8,1/2" socket set in metric and standard, an assortment of screwdrivers, wire cutters, vise grips and a crescent wrench or two with a tool bag to hold it all.
It's for minor repairs, not like he will be earning a living with the tools.


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[FTG-05]

S&P, make your case for more $$$, please. Quality counts, as does versatility.

Just after a few minutes search:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Mechanics-Tool-Set-142-Piece-DWMT73802/205806339

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-171-Piece-39053/204141559ll

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent...chanics-Tool-Set-170-Piece-CTK170MP/205156099

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-80-Piece-Household-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/1000266027

And after I said no Crafstman:

https://www.craftsman.com/products/craftsman-evolv-52-pc-homeowner-tool-set?taxon_id=3067

I'm just spit-balling it here guys, throwing stuff against the wall, see if anything sticks....

My Dad never gave me one tool, I bought all mine myself. Maybe he doesn't have an interest simply due to lack of tools, dunno. He used to help me wrench on stuff all the time when we rock crawled.

Thanks!

 

[bsg1]

if you want high quality with the budget you're working with you'd do best to begin treasure hunting in the wild. consider the OldSchool swap meets, yard sales and whatever other venues for used tools that are available in your area of residence. to make things more interesting and meaningful it would perhaps be optimal to have your son participate with the search. then take it as it comes, enjoy the time with your son and happy hunting.

 

[jakemac]

You stated that a big concern was "No cheap china-****".
You should note that none of the sets you posted make any mention of COO.

The best way to assemble a set of quality tools (USA or other countries) within the budget you set, would be to take the time to to gather the pieces you need from the used market. CL, eBay, pawn shops, yard sales, flea markets, or estate sales. BUT, this will take time and effort.

Any of the sets you posted will be fine (except the Evolve [personal opinion]) if they're only going to see casual use, or sit in the trunk of the car unused. If your son is the type that dives deep into wrenching, then you'll need to look for something better (and costlier). SK, Wright, Tekton, Williams, Proto, etc.
Once again, nothing wrong with buying used.

 

[cajunrebel`]

When I moved out I spent about $350 on hand tools. That got me a fairly diverse set of Craftsman hand tools (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive plus wrenches and pliers). Came in a blown molded case similar to the Kobalt set above. Since then I have kept buying as I needed more. Harbor Freight has a similar set for about $200
https://m.harborfreight.com/hand-to...pc-professional-mechanics-tool-set-63464.html

It should be enough for most things a young man might need to do.

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[Gmonkee]

College kid with practical skills or just a kid going out to learn on the fly? Some skills s more complex set but for the newbie a bag with a basic wrench set and the hammer-pliers-screwdrivers stuff. But one of each, no 26 pc pliers sets.

Reason is borrowed they will be and misused frequently. Big sets the parts get lost and
usually the most useful bits. Leaving the weird inapt thing as the last option he has. Buy good dual purpose things in an easily stashed bag and he will eventually buy what he needs to fill the gaps in his uses.

 

[Codejack]

What all are you looking for in a kit? I'm seeing a lot of purely mechanic's toolkits, but is that all that he needs? No hammer, tape measure, level, wire strippers, putty knife, etc? If he will be living in a dorm, I can see that.

For the ultimate high quality mechanic's set in a box, though, the current champion simply must be...

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80942

$175.50.

 

[anndel]

At your budget, you're in the china-**** price range. If you want at least USA Made, you'll have to go to garage sales, flea markets, Swap Meets and maybe Ebay for used.

 

[dar24601]

Just after a few minutes search:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Mechanics-Tool-Set-142-Piece-DWMT73802/205806339

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-171-Piece-39053/204141559ll

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent...chanics-Tool-Set-170-Piece-CTK170MP/205156099

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-80-Piece-Household-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/1000266027

And after I said no Crafstman:

https://www.craftsman.com/products/craftsman-evolv-52-pc-homeowner-tool-set?taxon_id=3067

I'm just spit-balling it here guys, thoring stuff against the wall, see if anything sticks....

My Dad never gave me tool one, I bought all mine myself. Maybe he doesn't have an interest simply due to lack of tools, dunno. He used to help me wrench on stuff all the time when we rock crawled.

Thanks!

in your OP you said "no china ****" yet to most people on these forums all those sets would fall under "cheap china ****" banner. So is COO (country of Origin) that important or do you just want best value for around $100?
I just recently put together a housewarming gift for my brother and i kept going around in circles trying to figure out what to get. Best advice i can give you is tailor the kit to his needs/abilities.

I don't know what kind of time frame your looking at but hit up yard sales/flea markets also pawn shops are places you can find some good deals. another way to stretch the budget is to take a minimalist approach. sure having a pair of slip joint, adjustable, locking and groove joint pliers nice to have but you can get by with just a pair of locking pliers.

Quickly off the top of my head i'd toss this together.

Sockets:
Tekton 3/8 socket set $44

Screwdrivers:
Tekton 4pc screwdriver set $15 note many people like these but I hated the handles.

Husky 10pc screwdriver set $15 i pickup these to use as "kitchen drawer" tools. handle simple jobs well.

Pliers
Husky 4pc pliers set $20

So your looking at $80 toss in a cheap tool bag, light hammer, zipties, duct tape and wd-40 and your son have a basic toolkit that will get the job done. if your son does lot of his own work on his car you may want to stretch the budget a bit and pick up metric combination wrench set. Tekton is the brand id go with.

 

[Mikeske]

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,

For the price and not China you will not get anything but maybe a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. You have to realize that you are going have to buy used tools from the flea markets, pawn shops and thrift stores and even then you are likely going to exceed $100.00 assembling the basic kit and its a lot work you will do to hit all those places and good luck getting a good USA at those places as they also know the value of the USA as they want to get the top dollar also as they have to make a profit also. I know as I am retired and do hit those places looking for tools.

The 2nd question is rally related to your son, actually how mechanically minded is he. Does it really matter if you want USA made when he has little to no interest in mechanical things. My father absolutely was not mechanical as he was a store manager at Sears and a retired Air Force member in the administrative fields and I am very mechanical and enjoyed working with my hands. I acquired all my tools on my own. My son is a lot like me but he is a a aviation engineer and he was trained in aviation mechanical fields first.

 

[Tonyuk]

What kind of work will he be doing? If he onyl feels comfortable with oil and filter changes then just buy tools specific to that, eg for my car i would only need;

3/8 ratchet
19 & 32mm socket
T30 torx screwdriver.

You could probably get all of that for £20.

No point buying a large kit to work on a car if the majority of it is going to sit unused, things like a good measuring tape, hammer, screwdrivers, utility knife, spare screws, spray oil, duct tape, bit of adhesive etc.. are all pretty much indispensable but wont be found in most toolkits.

 

[ADSR]

Those dewalt taiwan sets are pretty nice.

 

[ez-duzit]

Rather than buying one of those cheap tool sets you could find quality used tools specific to his car. If it is an import you could just buy a set of metric combination wrenches plus a 3/8"-drive set of metric sockets with ratchet, breaker bar and a few extensions. Add an Allen wrench set plus a 4 or 6-way screwdriver and a couple adjustable wrenches, needle-nosed pliers/Vise-Grips, diagonal cutting pliers, etc.

 

[FTG-05]

Up the budget to $150-$200 or so.

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, keep the suggestions coming!

 

[FTG-05]

You stated that a big concern was "No cheap china-****".
You should note that none of the sets you posted make any mention of COO.

The best way to assemble a set of quality tools (USA or other countries) within the budget you set, would be to take the time to to gather the pieces you need from the used market. CL, eBay, pawn shops, yard sales, flea markets, or estate sales. BUT, this will take time and effort.

Any of the sets you posted will be fine (except the Evolve [personal opinion]) if they're only going to see casual use, or sit in the trunk of the car unused. If your son is the type that dives deep into wrenching, then you'll need to look for something better (and costlier). SK, Wright, Tekton, Williams, Proto, etc.
Once again, nothing wrong with buying used.

Which one is the Evolve set?


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.


I live in the sticks and his birthday is the end of this month. No pawn shops within +20 miles and I'd prefer to buy new anyway. 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.

Thanks,

 

[creativecars]

The Harbor Freight 301 piece set has enough tools to get some work done, without a bunch of magnetic bits thrown in to bump up the tool count. Usually a coupon can pick this up for 150 + or - . For the same dollar amount you cant buy a US made set of anything. And it has a place for everything, and everything in its place.

 

[joseph.a.owens.9]

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...d=0ahUKEwig8-PMy97VAhUBzIMKHfk5A-4Q8wIIiAEwCA

It don't have every thing but I have and use the black Stanley chromes and love them.

The 3/8s ratchet feels and works good. I have used a two ft cheater and my 240 lb body to break loose a few bolts. I haven't used any of there wrenches but I am impressed with there sockets and ratchets.

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[ez-duzit]

Avoid HF!

 

[ssdave]

I just did the same for my son. No cost to me, I just shopped in my own box and took out duplicates. He has a 2 drawer Craftsman box, but it's too bulky for his needs at the moment, and he wanted to leave it in my shop and get something more compact that he can leave in his car.

I got a small SK green socket box, put in a T72 Snap-on ratchet, a set of metric sockets, extensions and such, and a selection of every metric wrench on his Toyota. He added a Williams ratcheting screwdriver and a set of Talon SO pliers from his own box, as well as a few other things. Not a set that will work to lend out or do work on other stuff, but fits in the spare tire area of his car and has all he needs for emergency stuff on his own vehicle.

What I would focus on is buying high quality stuff that he needs, not a comprehensive set in a blow molded case. The case takes up too much room, and the sets have numerous things that are of no use to him. You don't need a 99 or 275 piece set to work on a vehicle, you need the specific 15 or 20 sockets, ratchets, drivers and wrenches that apply to that vehicle. Now, if you want him to have the capability of doing brake jobs for his friends on the side, that's a different story.

 

[ScottsGT]

OK, I'm going on the assumption his curriculum is not calling for the tools, just emergency use? Yea, get the cheap HF stuff. It will be fine for a young man adventuring out into party land for the first time. Those tools are going to get thrown into his dorm closet so he has more room for beer and friends in the car.
You're better off giving him a credit card along with AAA and start shopping mechanic shops around his campus that can help out if the need arises.
But yes, tools are handy if he can use them.
I speak from experience, and my son is away at mechanics school.
He knows how to work on things, but it if comes down to his car, he accelerates straight to panic mode.
Another great thing to get him is a HF Jump pack. Has been a God send for my son. Alternator died as he was leaving work on night. (No less, working at an auto parts store, LOL!) He called me in a panic. I asked him four questions.
1) Are you in a safe location.
2) Do you have your car tool set?
3) Is that spare alternator still in your trunk?
4) Then Why the hell are you calling me instead of changing the alternator?

"Oh, yea, I guess I can do this, huh? Called me 20 min. later and told me he was back on the road again.

 

[joseywales]

...
3) Is that spare alternator still in your trunk?
4) Then Why the hell are you calling me instead of changing the alternator?

"Oh, yea, I guess I can do this, huh? Called me 20 min. later and told me he was back on the road again.

I'm a "two is one, one is none" guy all the way. But he carries a spare alternator? I gotta believe he was having issues prior to that night? Either that, or I'm a horrible father!

 

[ScottsGT]

I'm a "two is one, one is none" guy all the way. But he carries a spare alternator? I gotta believe he was having issues prior to that night? Either that, or I'm a horrible father!

Na, his original died one night and he had a friend come help him. He went to Advance Auto (Where he works now) and bought one of their alternators.
Next time he came home, I handed him a spare I had from my old '95 Mustang that was sitting on the shelf. Told him, "Here, you're going to need that since you bought that Advance alternator."
Sure enough, I was right. Now he's carrying around a dead Advance alternator in his car because he keeps "forgetting" to warranty it.

 

[sberry]

There is a lot of exposure to loss here, the cheap stuff is still good. Not a big point in searching fleas and used when this stuff in the kits is common and at disposable pricing. After a bit and its sure he can take care of it (with the cheap car) pick at better stuff along the way.

 

[Codejack]

At that point, I think that I would just hit Harbor Freight and piece together a kit of exactly what you want from their Pro (higher quality) line.

If he's driving a modern/non-US car, for example, he is unlikely to need SAE sockets (probably get him a mixed wrench set, just in case).

Buy the best toolbox they have and fill it up, for $200 you can put together a really nice set.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

Kid doesn't need a pro set. A 301 piece HF kit will last him until he gets out of college and by then, if he is even still into wrenching, he'll be able to buy whatever he wants. If not, your out $200ish and can say you tried.


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[theoldwizard1]

First, I am NOT a fan of those blow molded cases where everything fits in a specific spot. There is not room for expansion.

Second, 1/2" drive sockets are just going to eat your budget and rarely get used.

Third, you are still going to need both SAE and metric sockets and wrenches. SAE is fading fast but still necessary.

Last, for the stated budget, the best you are going to do is buy used Made in USA Craftsman. Lot available on eBay.

At that point, I think that I would just hit Harbor Freight and piece together a kit of exactly what you want from their Pro (higher quality) line.

By far the best advice !

The important things are hammer(s), screwdrivers, pliers (2 sizes plus needle nose), side cutter (dykes), locking pliers (2 or 3 sizes including needle nose). ALL SOCKETS MUST BE 6 POINT !

Nut drivers are nice, but they take a lot of space in a small tool box. Just use 1/4" drive sockets and a 1/4" square drive hand spinner.

Might blow the budget, but a cheap (not the HF freebie) DMM, a outlet test (for ground, reverse polariity etc) and a non-contacting voltage detector are great addition. If he is likely to do any auto work, a 12V test light is a must.


There really isn't money in the budget, but if you want splurge, a GOOD, 12V, lithium ion, 3/8" drill and bits.

 

[greg86z28]

Having went through college a few years ago, things I found helpful:

Cordless Drill (and bit set) -- I know that's not in the budget, but I found this incredibly useful. In fact, nearly 10 years later, I'm still using the thing on our 2nd home. Probably one of the best gifts my parents gave me.
Hammer
Putty knife
Screwdrivers
Few different pairs of pliers
1/4" socket set (just some cheap kit)
flashlight (headlamp might be better now these days)
Maybe a small hand saw of some sort? Milwaukee makes a little hand device that you can load sawzall blades into.
Tool bag

I most often used the "fix things around the dorm/house" type tools. I never wanted to work on my car in a parking lot. College was only 2 hours from my parents home, so I always planned repairs/maintenance for when I was going to be home. When home, I was able to use my dad's junky, but good enough to get the job done selection, of tools (he was never mechanically minded). Truthfully, unless my dad gave me Snap On stuff (or some other quality American set ($$)), I probably would have kept it but had a hard time "loving it". I'm glad I have the freedom now (and space) to purchase the quality tools I want.

Greg

 

[bcradio]

OK, I'm going on the assumption his curriculum is not calling for the tools, just emergency use? Yea, get the cheap HF stuff. It will be fine for a young man adventuring out into party land for the first time. Those tools are going to get thrown into his dorm closet so he has more room for beer and friends in the car.
You're better off giving him a credit card along with AAA and start shopping mechanic shops around his campus that can help out if the need arises.
But yes, tools are handy if he can use them.
I speak from experience, and my son is away at mechanics school.
He knows how to work on things, but it if comes down to his car, he accelerates straight to panic mode.
Another great thing to get him is a HF Jump pack. Has been a God send for my son. Alternator died as he was leaving work on night. (No less, working at an auto parts store, LOL!) He called me in a panic. I asked him four questions.
1) Are you in a safe location.
2) Do you have your car tool set?
3) Is that spare alternator still in your trunk?
4) Then Why the hell are you calling me instead of changing the alternator?

"Oh, yea, I guess I can do this, huh? Called me 20 min. later and told me he was back on the road again.

Quite interesting to carry a spare alternator in the trunk???


I vote the HF set too. It will still be with him in 40 years and the path will go one of two ways (both of which will benefit from the HF set)

1) He takes little to no interest in tools and the set mostly just sits there except for the once a year when he might need it to work on something. The set will be perfect for this as it will have enough stuff to get a bunch of work done.

2) He takes interest in tools. If this happens, he will want to spend money on upgrading his tools as he sees fit. People spend money on what they are interested in (whether you buy him a fancy set or not). If that happens, he can move this set to be a portable or backup set and still benefits from having it.

Win-win.

 

[FTG-05]

First, I am NOT a fan of those blow molded cases where everything fits in a specific spot. There is not room for expansion.

Second, 1/2" drive sockets are just going to eat your budget and rarely get used.

Third, you are still going to need both SAE and metric sockets and wrenches. SAE is fading fast but still necessary.

Last, for the stated budget, the best you are going to do is buy used Made in USA Craftsman. Lot available on eBay.


By far the best advice !

The important things are hammer(s), screwdrivers, pliers (2 sizes plus needle nose), side cutter (dykes), locking pliers (2 or 3 sizes including needle nose). ALL SOCKETS MUST BE 6 POINT !

Nut drivers are nice, but they take a lot of space in a small tool box. Just use 1/4" drive sockets and a 1/4" square drive hand spinner.

Might blow the budget, but a cheap (not the HF freebie) DMM, a outlet test (for ground, reverse polariity etc) and a non-contacting voltage detector are great addition. If he is likely to do any auto work, a 12V test light is a must.


There really isn't money in the budget, but if you want splurge, a GOOD, 12V, lithium ion, 3/8" drill and bits.

A bunch of good points.

Excepting the HP Pro line, any recommendations for tool brands? Kobalt, Stanley, whatever HD has (Dewalt, Channellock etc.)?

Thanks,

 

[joseywales]

Na, his original died one night and he had a friend come help him. He went to Advance Auto (Where he works now) and bought one of their alternators.
Next time he came home, I handed him a spare I had from my old '95 Mustang that was sitting on the shelf. Told him, "Here, you're going to need that since you bought that Advance alternator."
Sure enough, I was right. Now he's carrying around a dead Advance alternator in his car because he keeps "forgetting" to warranty it.

Ah...smart man on the AA alternator. BTW, I think I know where your son's missing twin is. Of course, his twin doesn't need a spare alternator. The body damage is always so bad, they just replace the entire vehicle

 

[joseywales]

First, I am NOT a fan of those blow molded cases where everything fits in a specific spot. There is not room for expansion.

No argument here, and I find them sometimes to fat to fit anywhere. But aren't kits the most economical way to buy sockets?

 

[poriggity]

pittsburgh pro 301 peice set is the best for the $$ IMHO...

 

[Eslader]

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.

 

[trekgod3]

Piece together a set of sockets and ratchets from Harbor freight using their 20 percent off coupons. Each of you can use one and get 2 items per visit. That's how I got most of my ratchets . Good prices and a no hassle lifetime warranty. Plus you each can get a free item each visit. Get the magnetic parts tray, screwdrivers or tape measure to round out the tool collection.

 

[Codejack]

A bunch of good points.

Excepting the HP Pro line, any recommendations for tool brands? Kobalt, Stanley, whatever HD has (Dewalt, Channellock etc.)?

Thanks,

I am buying either Pittsburgh Pro (The HF Pro line) or Gearwrench for pretty much everything, and I am setting up for professional use.

Of the big box brands - Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman, etc - they are all pretty much the same, with maybe a little edge for Stanley tools (esp. if you get the "Fat Max" or professional series) and Channellock stuff.

"Craftsman USA" BE CAREFUL!!!!! There is at least one series of Craftsman USA, from the early-mid 90s, that is utter garbage. I know, I have a few pieces left from the sets I bought.

 

[Gmonkee]

A few years ago I had waaayyy to much stuff and the family wes always borrowing for tiny basic jobs. Return rate was iffy and I got tired of three boxes of stuff I used to use.

I had extra boxes of varied quality also. I didn't toss anything.

Got sick of tripping over most of it one day. In turn depending on mechanical ability and how much I liked each one the family was invited to take, free of charge, anything they knew they would need or use.
Nobody got abusive.

Seven people were able to equip themselves to a level each understood and knew how to use.

The last was allowed to take what remained and SHE accepted the lot.
It ended almost all tool borrowing instantly, has held for years now.

My wife got a kit chosen for her based on what I knew she could use, and a bit more but not much.
She has not used my tools in years. She has not used some of hers.

None of them even considered the 'need' of a socket set and ratchets. Most would not be sure how to use them really.

As a study in psychology goes I was the anomoly on several fronts.
Why was there so much extra?
Why did I need a year to find the perfect ratchet when they don't even want one?
Why was brand important to me when function was all they ever seen?

Then I looked at it from thier veiw and over the years have revised even my work tools to a level where function is king and bling is a nicety in certian items.

Even after massive sell offs of sets and unused nicer stuff to mechanic friends I could sell off half again of what remains and not even get into losing ability to my job.

Thus I say, get your son what he knows how to use now, in lessor brands.
He will buy for himself later what he grows into. Or not.

 

[jakemac]

"Craftsman USA" BE CAREFUL!!!!! There is at least one series of Craftsman USA, from the early-mid 90s, that is utter garbage. I know, I have a few pieces left from the sets I bought.

I'm not crazy about the "G" series, but you may be referring to the "EE" series. Pure junk as far as I'm concerned. The good stuff is the "=V=" and "-V-" series from the 60's to the early 80's. The "VV" series seems to be ok as well.

 

[Codejack]

I'm not crazy about the "G" series, but you may be referring to the "EE" series. Pure junk as far as I'm concerned. The good stuff is the "=V=" and "-V-" series from the 60's to the early 80's. The "VV" series seems to be ok as well.

I have the VA series; also junk.

 

[Citation]

If he's not going to work on cars I would focus on around the house type tools like pliers, drill and bits, screwdrivers etc. Even a cheap set of wrenches and sockets would be fine. I would consider a set of small screwdrivers as well as small sized bit set. The HF set would certainly be decent.