Tools Stolen - Need ideas to replace basic tools for Fathers Day

[JessC]

Recently our garage was broken into and my husbands tools got stolen. I need some suggestions on what to replace for basic tools as we are on a budget with only one of us working. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am mainly looking for household tools and would like to give them to him for Father's Day. Just in case the question comes up - we did not file with the insurance because it was probably less than $1500.00 worth of tools and we didn't want our premium to go up.

Thanks,
Jess

 

[JakeKohl]

Recently our garage was broken into and my husbands tools got stolen. I need some suggestions on what to replace for basic tools as we are on a budget with only one of us working. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am mainly looking for household tools and would like to give them to him for Father's Day. Just in case the question comes up - we did not file with the insurance because it was probably less than $1500.00 worth of tools and we didn't want our premium to go up.

Thanks,
Jess

Sears has some nice tool kits in many different configurations (probably more online)...you could start looking at this LINK. If you buy a set like this, you'll probably end up with some tools that are rarely used - but it's a quick and easy way to start populating the workbench again.

Insurance companies have us so brainwashed - I had my agent advise me once that "you don't want to file a claim, that will make your premium go up!". Well...what do I have insurance for then? On a serious note, if $1,500 isn't worth filing a claim for, you should at least make sure your deductible is $1,500 so you can pay for the insurance that you might want to use someday and not paying for that which you are not.

 

[Chaznsc]

Did you discuss a claim with your insurance company? Im not sure a theft would cause a rate increase. I had the same thing happen and it didnt affect my rate.

That said, Lowes KOBALT tools serve me well. Maybe you could contact friends and family to each buy just ONE thing from a list you make for him.

Also, check Craigslist in your area. Lots of tools on there for sale. Just make sure you have someone who can help you with values, etc.

BASICS LIST:
Socket Set (SAE and METRIC)
Screwdriver Set
Vise Grip Set
Hammer
Builders Square
Level
Palm Sander
Drill (cordless or corded)
Drill Bits
Toolbox
Extension Cord

Those are very basic tools.

 

[Automatic Slim]

I usually prefer a giftcard, or ebay card, etc... to someone trying to buy me tools. Probably like some of these other nuckleheads on here, I'm somewhat specific to my taste (understatement).

Tool lots for basic stuff can be had for very little........... but ---- it seems like everyone on ebay thinks things are made of gold these days. 10 years ago i bought boxes of tools for 20-30$ - but L3Y haven't been as blessed.

CL can be hit or miss. I never get a good deal, b/c I work too much and alot of that is people sitting on their **** just cruising CL all day and jump on deals. I don't have the time myself.

I do like the Kobalt from Lowe's for basic stuff - cheap and realiable, imo & always appreciate a gift card.

Not as big on Husky from Home Depot, but it'll do too.

If you have a sears, deals can be had for good price - but giftcard to sears has limits - as they do not have materials or hardware for job application.

Pawn shops can be OK, but the ones around here, seem to think everything should go for 10% off retail.

May be best option to PLACE add on craigslist in what you are looking for. Always some junkie wanting to make a quick buck. Meet at public place, cash deal.

"wanted: basic tool lot. willing to pay cash for right offer"

Sorry to hear about the violation and good luck moving forward. Nice gesture. GL

 

[GORDON S]

Make contact with me i'm going to help you with a starter set. I know how important tools are to a person and i will ship them to you at n/c. Gs

 

[RKA]

1 post on this site and you're going to ship sell her a starter set huh? Jess, you would be wise to be careful with that one.

I'd start with a 300+ pc craftsman set. That typically comes with a good assortment of sockets, ratchets and some other misc items. Uusually it includes a lot you won't use, but it's still a good overall value if you're starting from 0. From there fill in with whatever wasn't included. Adjustable wrenches, pliers, screwdriver sets, power tools if he uses them (drill, saw, etc.). That should get you to around $600 give or take a few. Beyond the basics, I would put the rest of the money aside and let your husband choose what is needed.

 

[Ryf]

chaz has given you a good list to work from, sorry for your loss, make sure you fix whatever caused the problem to begin with though, dodgy locks or bad practices of locking doors, etc.

I would throw on chaz's list,

wire strippers & small/medium linesman pliers for basic electrical
set of channel locks/similar wrenches for plumbing
flat prybar
driver bits for drill

 

[scarney1988]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

I would recommend getting a nice cordless drill kit (Dewalt, Makita, Bosch, etc....). The more voltage the better. If you can verify the charger, drill, and battery are in working order than you are set. I would not worry about getting them new and stick to craigslist or pawnshops for these. OF course, new will offer a warranty so that is something to consider.They can be good sources of other tools as well. Also, I would not shy away from a corded drill either if you have (or are willing to get) a decent length extension cord. Corded drills exchange portability for power and are an asset to any tool collection. If you do choose a cordless drill try to stick to the same system for your other cordless tools. You could easily spend $1500 just on power tools, so try to only get the ones that you know he will use frequently. If your not sure I would consider a drill(corded or cordless), circular saw (corded or cordless), Working light (corded or cordless), vacuum (corded or cordless).

For handtools, I have had good success with these brands:
Klein
Vice-Grip/Knipex/Channel
Kobalt
Stanley
Craftsman
EZRed
Husky

I recommend the use of tooltopia.com. They offer free shipping on orders of over $100 and I have always had great success with them. Use the following for a general guide to get you pointed in the right direction:

Drill
Circular Saw
Flashlight
Stand light (halogen)
Screwdriver pack (about 10 or so different screwdrivers phillips and flat)
AC Voltage Detector
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Box of respirators
Drywall saw
Retractable utility knife
Hammer (with claw)
1 foot level
Assorted Vice-Grip package
A few different size Slip joint pliers
Linemans pliers
Needle nose pliers
Wire cutter/stripper
SAE and Metric wrench pack
SAE and Metric socket and ratchet kit (3/8" drive recommended)
Putty knife assortment
Tape Measure
PAck of carpenters pencils
Benzomatic starter kit + 1" copper pipe cutter if you have copper plumbing
PVC primer and glue if you have PVC plumbing
Basin Wrench


I would also save some money to figure out a way to put your husbands future tools under lock and key in a fixxed location (i.e. secured jobbox).

Hope this helps get you started.

 

[Glenn M.]

Watch Craigslist for your stolen tools being hawked on there as well. I guess you filed a police report? I wouldn't hesitate to turn your claim in to the insurance company. Like Chaz and Jake said, your premium may not rise, and if you're willing to stand for a high deductible, you may find your premium lowered a bit. At least go over the facts with your agent.
I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[HelisandHarleys]

Lowe's has an 18v Dewalt cordless drill with 2 batteries, charger and case on clearance for $99 right now which is half price. It's Nicad batteries, not the latest Lithium-ion, but will likely last close to forever in a garage/household environment.

I second the gift card idea for the hand tools. He could also prioritize better what he needs, perhaps. Maybe get him the drill and put the card inside? You can't go wrong with a cordless drill.

Thieves ****. Same thing happened to my brother a month ago, but his tools were in his liability only insured truck because he was helping a friend out. Stole his truck with the tools in it. I'd love to get ahold of sh!theads like that.

 

[Kevin54]

I may be wrong but something is a little smelly. For a first post, someone is wanting to know about tools and that all were stolen, then for a first post someone else is going to send her tools at no charge?

Sound to me like a little spamming going on. If one person is going to send tools for free, then maybe just maybe they can drum up a few more people to send some free tools also?

If it is on the up and up, then they should have called the police, made a report, and then called the insurance company. Just doesn't sound right for a first time posting.

 

[70redbee]

I may be wrong but something is a little smelly. For a first post, someone is wanting to know about tools and that all were stolen, then for a first post someone else is going to send her tools at no charge?

Sound to me like a little spamming going on. If one person is going to send tools for free, then maybe just maybe they can drum up a few more people to send some free tools also?

If it is on the up and up, then they should have called the police, made a report, and then called the insurance company. Just doesn't sound right for a first time posting.

I agree! This was my 1st thought too. Some kind of scam, but you never know.

 

[Hiball]

I may be wrong but something is a little smelly. For a first post, someone is wanting to know about tools and that all were stolen, then for a first post someone else is going to send her tools at no charge?

Sound to me like a little spamming going on. If one person is going to send tools for free, then maybe just maybe they can drum up a few more people to send some free tools also?

If it is on the up and up, then they should have called the police, made a report, and then called the insurance company. Just doesn't sound right for a first time posting.

I agree! This was my 1st thought too. Some kind of scam, but you never know.

You guys really think that Gordon S has been laying low since 2009 waiting for the perfect time to Scam us with this Story in 2013?

I dont think so... There are still people out there who have a soft spot for People in Need.

 

[Hiball]

Sorry for your Loss Jess.. I hate Thieves, More than anything in this World. Maybe some Details on what your Husband typically uses the tools for? Homeowner stuff? General Maintenance on the Vehicles? Heavy Maintenance? And Dont be Afraid to contact the Insurance Company, That is what you carry insurance for... In Reality, Im not really sure how the Insurance company would handle the loss of tools under the homeowners policy alone. Ive heard good and bad stories as far as replacement value is concerned.

 

[keithh2oskier]

Ill probably get flamed for this but depending on where you are at it may be worth checking out Harbor Freight for some basic home tools like wrenches and sockets. This migh be good to just get what you need to get you by and slowly upgrade over time.

Personally I have craftsman (when it was still made in the USA) but harbor freight has a lifetime warranty (as does Craftsman) and its a fraction of the price. For what its worth, craftsman is now made in China... I think this is only worth while if you have a harbor freight store that is close by.

 

[jd_1138]

This is where it's a good idea to record the serial number of your items, so you have proof if you do find the stuff being sold on CL or at the local pawn shops.

 

[GORDON S]

Fyi you are correct. I would be willing to help if the need is real. I have been in the same situation when i was a young person. Someone took all of my tools and no coverage. I know how it feels!

 

[Jim B]

You guys really think that Gordon S has been laying low since 2009 waiting for the perfect time to Scam us with this Story in 2013?

I dont think so... There are still people out there who have a soft spot for People in Need.

^this

My garage was burglarized a number of years ago and a majority of my tools were stolen. I filed a claim on my home owners insurance with no ill effect but the process was lengthy.

If I may make a suggestion you might follow some of the excellent advice in this thread regarding tool choices and buy some standard every day tools that everyone needs. Then get some gift cards to replace the remaining tools that were stolen. I had a really hard time remembering all the stuff that was stolen and your husband might also. With the gift cards he could replace stuff as he remembers what's missing and by buying some standard tools for him you would be able to provide a nice Father's Day gift.

(edited because I can't spel)

 

[jd_1138]

Ill probably get flamed for this but depending on where you are at it may be worth checking out Harbor Freight for some basic home tools like wrenches and sockets. This migh be good to just get what you need to get you by and slowly upgrade over time.

Why settle for HF garbage? Extremes need to be avoided -- the extreme cheap **** like HF, or for the homeowner the extreme price of the tool truck brands. There are lots of options in between these 2 extremes.

 

[keithh2oskier]

Why settle for HF garbage? Extremes need to be avoided -- the extreme cheap **** like HF, or for the homeowner the extreme price of the tool truck brands. There are lots of options in between these 2 extremes.

My point was why spend the extra money on Craftsman when its basically the same as HF at 1/2 the price. It all depends what the OP's situation is. If they have the time to search estate sales/craigslist I would go for the used quality tools over the cheap HF but sometimes just running to the store and spending a few hundred to get everything you need and being done with it is the way to go...

While i haven't had any of my tools stolen (Thank God) I did talk to my insurance company (USAA) about the best way to document my tools in the event it happens. He recomended taking photos of everything. I did so and store them on photobucket so if someone steals my tools, I can just easily show what i had. I took pictures of every drawer.

 

[Hiball]

Why settle for HF garbage? Extremes need to be avoided -- the extreme cheap **** like HF, or for the homeowner the extreme price of the tool truck brands. There are lots of options in between these 2 extremes.

Everyone Stop... Breathe and Exhale

It will do the OP Absolutely NO good to turn this into a Brand Bashing thread.

Nobody here knows what the OP is capable of buying in regards to tools, If "We" read what the OP actually typed (budget and only 1 working) HF might be the best bet for them. Something is Always better than Nothing.. Especially when you have to Rebuild from Scratch on a Budget. Then again.. if there is NO HF local to them, Maybe something like Sears/Lowes will Work, We need more Info from the OP.

 

[Kevin54]

You guys really think that Gordon S has been laying low since 2009 waiting for the perfect time to Scam us with this Story in 2013?

I dont think so... There are still people out there who have a soft spot for People in Need.

Yes there is. I'd help anyone that truly needed help, and I've been stung by it many of times, but I still help out people. But when you see a first post person with a hard luck story, it sort of throws up a red flag. I also hope I'm wrong about the OP, but we'll see if there are any replies from her. And if I'm wrong, I'll be the first to make a public apology.

I also think back of a few other new members that desperately needed help. One that comes to mind was the one that wanted to surprise her husband when he come home from the big sandpile. A few post from her, a lot of offers for helping out, then ****.....vanished into thin air.

So hopefully the OP is on the up and up and no one gets scammed. It would be a little better though to have an appropriate introduction, or a more legit explanation of what she is doing. A little more thorough explanation. More along the lines of......"I'm looking to replace tools that were stolen from our garage. I've called the police and have contacted my insurance company, but unfortunately, not everything is covered. In doing a search, this site come up, so I thought I would ask what the members ideas would be. My husband is a fill in the blank and I really am not sure what to buy him as far as replacement tools."

And she's looking for "household tools"? So is he a carpenter or not?

Like I said, if I'm wrong, then I will make a public apology, but there's just a few red flags. Also, if a place is broken into, nine times out of ten, the premium will not go up like it does in an auto accident.

 

[Thumper68]

Personaly I have had craftsman mechs tools, portercable cordless tools and Milwalkee corded tools, but over the last few years I have started buying HF sockets and some other stuff, the quality is fine (For me I now have 3 complete sets of tools in 3 different locations.) For cordless tools I have gone over to ridged, (made by emerson elec, same as dewalt, porter cable and black and decker) They are the only brand that uses the same mounting for their Lion and the old NiCad, so you can buy older tools and just upgrade the batteries.

When I had to replace one whole set of tools due to a vehicle fire I went to the local pawn shops, and auctions bought what I could used and then filled in with new from HF and sears

 

[Hiball]

Yes there is. I'd help anyone that truly needed help, and I've been stung by it many of times, but I still help out people. But when you see a first post person with a hard luck story, it sort of throws up a red flag. I also hope I'm wrong about the OP, but we'll see if there are any replies from her. And if I'm wrong, I'll be the first to make a public apology.

I also think back of a few other new members that desperately needed help. One that comes to mind was the one that wanted to surprise her husband when he come home from the big sandpile. A few post from her, a lot of offers for helping out, then ****.....vanished into thin air.

So hopefully the OP is on the up and up and no one gets scammed. It would be a little better though to have an appropriate introduction, or a more legit explanation of what she is doing. A little more thorough explanation. More along the lines of......"I'm looking to replace tools that were stolen from our garage. I've called the police and have contacted my insurance company, but unfortunately, not everything is covered. In doing a search, this site come up, so I thought I would ask what the members ideas would be. My husband is a fill in the blank and I really am not sure what to buy him as far as replacement tools."

And she's looking for "household tools"? So is he a carpenter or not?

Like I said, if I'm wrong, then I will make a public apology, but there's just a few red flags. Also, if a place is broken into, nine times out of ten, the premium will not go up like it does in an auto accident.

Without a Doubt.. there are people out there looking for a Free Ride, I guess based off the facts that the OP didnt ask for "Free Tools" and the Guy who was supposedly working with her, has been here since 2009.. I think its fair to say that she is more than likely just looking for some help in choosing some tools for her Husband. Obviously your entitled to your Opinion.. I just dont see it the same way.

 

[jd_1138]

Everyone Stop... Breathe and Exhale

Ok.......I was just making the point that there are tools in the middle of the price range, or lower-middle. I guess calling HF garbage was a tad snarky sounding. Didn't mean to sound that way. I am for people buying what fits their budget and needs even if it is Pittsbugh Tools from HF.

 

[luv2diy]

Good eye Kevin54!!

SCAM, SCAM SCAM!

 

[fflintstone]

As someone who lost all my hand tools and more due to fire, please do file a claim with your insurance company. You pay for insurance for a reason. USE IT!

I can also tell you that no matter how much you think you lost you will NEVER remember all of it. 2 years later I am still looking for stuff I no longer have and forgot to claim.