Ubiquitous New Guy "this or that" Thread

[jeremy v]

It does seem like your list is leaning heavily towards the socket and impact side of things instead of the wrench side of things, so you might want to skip the ratcheting wrenches for now to help your money go further.

 

[JoeOef]

I just went ahead and ordered all the little stuff and 1/2 impact stuff from HF. Makes me cringe a little but I've heard good things. Ordered Bonhus hex keys. I can't believe all the knowledge to be had here.

 

[jeremy v]

Bondhus hex keys are nice, you will like them. That is what I have and use and I have not had any issues with them at all.

Harbor Freight is not as bad as many claim either. There is some really good stuff there, and I will be the first to admit that there is also a lot of real junk. If you are cautious and selective in your purchasing from them however, you can save a lot of money and get some really nice tools that will last a long time for very little money.

 

[JoeOef]

I think I'm going to for-go the ratcheting wrenches for now and pick up needed sizes when I know them. I need to cut the budget where I can and I just can't responsibly justify them right now.

 

[jeremy v]

One thing I was wondering is did you put the pipe wrenches on your original list, or did they tell you that you needed them? I am asking because they specifically mentioned a strap wrench in your recent tool list email, and usually when someone specifically mentions a strap wrench it is because the pipes being worked on will be larger than 2-3" in diameter or because the items you will be working on cannot be dinged, scuffed, gouged, and marked up with pipe wrench teeth for appearance reasons, etc. You might actually be able to return the pipe wrenches and use that money towards buying just the two most common sized strap wrenches instead and possibly even have a little money left over if you shop around a little bit.

You also might want to ask, because as other posters have also mentioned you might not need metric sockets in 3/4 drive (or only 1 or 2 individual sockets). You might be fine with just an SAE set which would save you a lot of money right now.

 

[JoeOef]

I thought about that too, but the list states strap and pipe wrench. On the upside, I clarified that I do not need a 24 inch pipe wrench, saving money on that front. As far as 3/4, I do only need standard.

 

[jeremy v]

That helps a lot not needing the 3/4 in metric. SAE sets are usually pretty complete with only 1 or 2 sockets missing from even the most basic sets. If you are wanting chrome thinner wall sockets instead of impact in 3/4 the Cripe set mentioned on this site recently is a good deal and does include sizes larger than 1-1/2" which is where many other sets end. They are 12 point and US Danaher made so they are just rebadged Craftsman and will last a long time. There are 3 sizes missing from the set, one of which is an 1-1/2" which I would definitely get, but the other two missing sizes (1-5/16" and 1-9/16") might not matter depending on your situation.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-3-4-...109?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3588eb4d

 

[JoeOef]

Thanks for that link. That looks to be about perfect.

 

[jeremy v]

No problem. I just realized that there is another socket that is missing from the set, but it is another rare one, a 1-15/16.

 

[crewchief888]

i wouldnt buy sets of hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, punches, or pipe wrenches.

my day to day use consists of a pair of dykes, a pair of 8" channellocks, one or two screwdrivers, small hammer for small things, med hammer for most things, and a "it's really stuck" BFH, and assorted hand tools.


wire strippers, pair of crimpers, 12" pipe wrench, a couple of med size chisels/punches, and a DVM are things you may need right away, but may never use the rest of the "set" you paid for.

just my $0.02

 

[JoeOef]

I did end up buying pliers and ordering screwdrivers, but I sourced punches, chisels, hammers, drifts, wire strippers from my overflowing home box. Good advice there.