Tool set (in a toolbox)

[chazzz]

I have many tools in my garage, like screw drivers, sockets, wrenches, allen wrenches, star-sockets, hammers, mallets, measuring tapes, etc etc. My 20 year old son borrows my tool to do his simple thing, such as drive a small nail in the wall to hang his picture in his bedroom, etc. He did borrow some of my tools to work on his scooter.

Last week, he moved into his apartment with a roommate, next to California State University San Marcos. He told me he really needed some basic tools and a measuring tape for himself.

I am looking for a nice, simple tool set (with a hand-carry toolbox). I don't think he'll need something like saw, electrical-related tools, etc. Just a basic tool set, like socket set, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.

Which tool set (in a hand-carry toolbox) do you recommend? Not too expensive, but should be under $100. I checked Lowe's website looking for Craftsman tool set, but they don't have what I'm looking for (must include soft or hard tool box, able to carry by hand - like a small baggage). Harbor Freight has one called "Tool Kit with 4-drawer chest, 105 pcs" for $46.99. Do you think it's a good one for my son? Is there a better one out there than Harbor Freight tool kit?

Thanks

 

[sk farmer]

i find those type of kits overpriced and under equipped, things you don't need and missing things you do. most of the tools are marginal at best . find a nice soft bag/case, load it up with some of your extras and buy some new things to supplement it.

claw hammer, pliers, philips 1, 2 and slotted drivers, 1/4 socket set, 6 or 8 inch adjustable, tape measure and maybe a few other bits and call it a day.

if you want to get real fancy, add a hand saw, some smaller wrenches, hex keys and a 1/4 hex bit set .

 

[mslim]

This one looks OK for under a C-note. I don't have much confidence in Craftsman any more but it might be a good set for a 20 y/o with a roommate. I do like it has 6 pt sockets.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Those Harbor Freight kits like that are real knuckle busters. The ones that aren’t in the big set are not though. My mom needed a toolkit for work so what me and my dad did was buy a little plastic toolbox at Walmart and went to the pawn shop and got a bunch of stuff for it and it has worked fine for her she hasn’t used it once lol.


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[matt_i]

I'd shop at Tekton.com (someone else could use those "reward points" ) although I'm partial to Channellock pliers and the classic Stanley 25' Powerlock. The tools could live in a well-taped cardboard box at that age.

 

[3footpipe]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Kob...A7tJ&cjevent=85347d410ef411eb836301360a240613

 

[CGarage]

You need to assemble one on your own.
Try and make it locking or lock capable so the tools don’t go walking off.

 

[seber]

Your best bet is to put it together yourself. Hammer, six way screwdriver, adjustable wrench, allens, pliers, and a HF 3/8 socket set. Put it in a garage sale tool box or canvas tool bag. Tools can be added as needed and there won't be any useless garbage or duplicates.

 

[chazzz]

Alright I will buy tools separately and put them together in a tool bag.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Eric Essen]

The iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit is awesome for students/dorm life and very compact/portable.

We get contsant feedback from students that it made them the dorm hero. From game consoles and phones to disabling smoke detectors in your dorm room, it's developed with data tracking what driver types and repairs people are actually doing/searching for online. (shameless plug from the guy who developed it, available all over online, so I won't link to any specific source).

 

[tez929rr]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Kob...A7tJ&cjevent=85347d410ef411eb836301360a240613

That looks just like what the OP is asking for, at a decent price.

 

[jives]

I spent a lot more money assembling tool kits for my kids, and got fewer tools. Buying a packaged set may get you some tools you don't need, but probably at a better price.

HF kit below is only $40 and will do well for any apartment dweller.

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-kit-with-case-130-pc-63248.html

 

[Lassen Forge]

You need to assemble one on your own.
Try and make it locking or lock capable so the tools don’t go walking off.

claw hammer, pliers, philips 1, 2 and slotted drivers, 1/4 socket set, 6 or 8 inch adjustable, tape measure and maybe a few other bits and call it a day.

if you want to get real fancy, add a hand saw, some smaller wrenches, hex keys and a 1/4 hex bit set .

Love this list. I'd make the socket set 3/8", you can do more than with a 1/4.

Double emphasis on:

Try and make it locking or lock capable so the tools don’t go walking off.

You may be looking at closer to a couple bills, but that would make a REALLY capable tool kit. And think abuot this for Christmas (or whatever)...

The iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit is awesome for students/dorm life and very compact/portable.

We get contsant feedback from students that it made them the dorm hero. From game consoles and phones to disabling smoke detectors in your dorm room, it's developed with data tracking what driver types and repairs people are actually doing/searching for online. (shameless plug from the guy who developed it, available all over online, so I won't link to any specific source).

Totally different set of tools, but they are truly awesome... and yes, it WILL make him a dorm hero. Most kids have a LOT of electronics that need to be worked on / upgraded / futzed with, and this kit will do it.

I got one for myself a couple years back (and other than that, I have no connection with them), and it's come in beyond handy more times than I can count. From fixing a coffee maker to taking the back off a laptop to blow the dust out (reminds me, I gotta do that), it paus for itself over and over.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I recently got the Wera Toolcheck Plus kit for around the house use. The quality of everything is absolutely fantastic and it includes a solid range of bits and sockets that I think would cover 90%+ of situations. It comes with a screw driver and small ratchet. And it all fits neatly in a pocket if you want with its super compact carrying case. Add a hammer and an adjustable wrench and I think that's pretty much every common tool you'll need around the house and all easily carried in one hand.

 

[midorix]

This is not a bad tool set with a great bag when it's on sale. Unfortunately, the sale just ended but it does go on sale for $50 frequently. If he's not in the rush. Combine this with simple socket set, you got pretty much all you need for basic stuff.

https://www.costco.com/irwin-14-piece-mixed-tool-set.product.100574261.html

Or, like you noted, if primarily needs socket, wrench set, and screw driver (and perhaps give some of your extra tools for missing tools), this may not be bad for $100 + $5 shipping.

https://www.costco.com/dewalt-184-piece-polished-black-chrome-tool-set.product.100653821.html

 

[RTM]

When my daughter mived into her first apt for college, I put a small box together, channel locks, crescent etc, it was so nice, when the bldg handyman came to repair the sink drain, he didn’t have big enough pliers, so she loaned him hers. They walked with him, the landlord deducted the cost from rent. She had better tools than her boyfriend, and I could fix stuff when I visited. But I would never buy a kit for her, except maybe a pink one as a joke.

 

[m6z]

The chances of whatever you buy getting stolen/lost/abused is high. This is one of those situations where Harbor Freight shines.

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[Don1357]

Bags are far superior to plastic cases by a very long shot. They look as awesome today as they will look 30 years from now. Plastic cases? Scratched off and the occasional seam crack? Not so much. Then there is the fact that you are not limited by the specific slots on the plastic case, and if you break/lose a tool on the bag you can replace it with any similar tool. On the case a different screw driver may not fit or look extremely out of place.

 

[M6erfan]

Make your own.

1/4" socket set, screwdrivers, bit driver kit, and grove joint pliers. A small hammer, level, tape measure, utility knife. Storage box or bag.

You can go to Tekton.com and it would be nearly one stop shopping for fairly high quality tools and excellent customer service/warranty. Have your son sign up and get 10% rewards points for future purchases in addition to free shipping.