jareddavidj
New member
What are some good mechanics tool sets for 4runners? I have almost no tools and I just need a set that will get most jobs done that is not terribly expensive.
Some good mechanics tool sets?
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fish0281
New member
You should buy a basic set of metric wrenches (9-17mm), sockets (9-17mm), a 3/8" ratchet, and a breaker-bar (with 1/2"-3/8" adapter, if needed). I like Sears because they sell Craftsman and if a tool should break, just walk in and they give you a brand new one. I try to avoid the no-name brand tools like the plague - they WILL break, it's just a matter of time (often in a short amount of time too) and there's no recourse.
Oh, also, a BFH is a good tool too.
Oh, also, a BFH is a good tool too.
theizzardking
New member
just go to harbour freight and fill your basket, when you start to use them enough to break them, then spend the money on a nice snap-on,craftsman (the good stuff) and the like, it's a waste of money to buy high quality tools that you only use so often, HF will be just fine for those just starting out and only use them so often, additionally, if you can learn how to take care of the HF stuff and how to use it correctly the high grade stuff should last long enough to hand down to your kids......fyi, i still go to HF quite a bit for things that are specialty tools and such as they really are good enough for average home use, but if your doing multiple builds or work in a shop type setting then i would start to consider the $$$$ tools. otherwise save some of that cash and put it somewhere else in your life.
Whitson Metalworks
New member
lowes and home depot sell some big sets too, like 300+ pieces. wrenches sae and metric, tons of sockets in sae and metric 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive. mine came with allen and torx sockets as well. the y both offer lifetime warranty too, same deal just walk in and give them the broken tool and they tell you go grab another. MUCH cheaper to buy in a big set
So Many Roads
New member
Costco has some good mechanics tool sets, and a great jack for the 4R.
You'll need a trolley jack and a pair of 6 ton jackstands to start. and wheel chocks wouldn't hurt either.
Metric socket and wrench set up to 22mm is good to start, buy extras you need as you go
A 2' breaker bar will come in VERY handy.
An LED shop light
A set of torx/philips screwdrivers will come in handy as well.
Metric socket and wrench set up to 22mm is good to start, buy extras you need as you go
A 2' breaker bar will come in VERY handy.
An LED shop light
A set of torx/philips screwdrivers will come in handy as well.
rideexileex
Senior Member
This is a great starter set - It's mainly just sockets and doesnt have too many things that you won't ever use:
Craftsman 255 Piece Tool Set: Get the Job Done with Sears
I went the same route. I had too many mismatched sockets, that I just decided to buy a whole new set, then bought more tools on the side. As mentioned, Harbor Freight has a great deals on those other tools, especially some of the 6pt 1/2" drive sockets.
but...
BLACK FRIDAY!!!
Sears has some awesome deals there - The above set I showed I believe was 150? I got a set of the flex gear wrenches, which are normally 100 bucks, for 30. Probably one of my favorite tools/purchases.
Craftsman 255 Piece Tool Set: Get the Job Done with Sears
I went the same route. I had too many mismatched sockets, that I just decided to buy a whole new set, then bought more tools on the side. As mentioned, Harbor Freight has a great deals on those other tools, especially some of the 6pt 1/2" drive sockets.
but...
BLACK FRIDAY!!!
Sears has some awesome deals there - The above set I showed I believe was 150? I got a set of the flex gear wrenches, which are normally 100 bucks, for 30. Probably one of my favorite tools/purchases.
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BlackCat914
New member
Harbor Freight all the way. Their stuff is so cheap they practically pay you to take it. Most of, if not all of their wrenches and stuff have a lifetime warranty, too.
Atlanta_man
New member
If doing it all over again I would buy quality sockets and wrenches instead of the cheap 'kits'.
But the key is to buy only the sizes you need, most of those in the kits go unused.
8,10,12,14,17mm, maybe a couple more seem to be the only ones that matter for Toyotas.
But the key is to buy only the sizes you need, most of those in the kits go unused.
8,10,12,14,17mm, maybe a couple more seem to be the only ones that matter for Toyotas.
theizzardking
New member
if you have reached this point in your tool collection, i say go and buy the nice stuff.
also get some of those ratcheting flat wrenches, they make your life sooooo much easier .
jareddavidj
New member
Thanks for all the responses guys! Really appreciate it! I think rideexileex's idea of going on Black Friday would be a good idea..for now ill just have to pick up parts as I go until I'm able to buy a full set.
blizz86
New member
While it is true that HF has great entry tools, when it comes to it you dont want something breaking in the middle of a job. Buy it once, buy it right. You shouldn't have too much maintenance to do for a month, so just wait until black friday and pick up a mechanics set from costco or sears. My dad has a full set at home and work (hes a helicopter machinist), so i bought a 150something piece from sears during a sale for around 70-80? Just get an extra half inch extension for lug removal, and another 3/8 enxtension to get into the spark cylinder.
fish0281
New member
A frustratingly stuck bolt is only made worse when a cheap tool breaks. I've broken the heads off of ratchets, open-ended wrenches flexed, and way too many crap-allen wrenches stripped (the tool and the bolt due to poor fit).
Some cheap tools have their place, but not when it comes to wrenches, sockets, and ratchets imho.
Some cheap tools have their place, but not when it comes to wrenches, sockets, and ratchets imho.
LittleCaesar
New member
rideexileex has it correct in saying tha one should wait for Craftsman sales (think right before Xmas so they don't have to pay tax on inventory for the end of the year). I have had the same Craftsman 200+ set since 1995, and have only had the 1/2"ratchet fail on me, which the guy rebuilt in front of me at Sears.
The early Kobalt stuff, when made by JH Williams (makes Snap On as well), was good for the money, and some of their ratchets are still great. Husky is no slouch either.
For the tight spots, buy good ratchets. 72+ tooth helps in the tight spots.
I also have some Snap On, Matco, SK and Blue Point specialty tools that are specific to a job and are time savers IMHO.
The early Kobalt stuff, when made by JH Williams (makes Snap On as well), was good for the money, and some of their ratchets are still great. Husky is no slouch either.
For the tight spots, buy good ratchets. 72+ tooth helps in the tight spots.
I also have some Snap On, Matco, SK and Blue Point specialty tools that are specific to a job and are time savers IMHO.
Stick Figure
New member
Craigslist is always a good option and if you have cash ready to go you can find some great deals. Another good option is The Garage Journal classifieds. A lot of those guys are looking for the more rare stuff, so the basics get put up in the classifieds for pretty cheap. For the most part as long as its not warn beyond it life the older stuff is far better than any of the new crap. Look for older Craftsman, SK, Proto, Williams, and basically anything that says made in the USA.
The Garage Journal has been VERY educational about tools and where the brands are heading IE Craftsman is now being made in China and crap quality is now acceptable.
Handy Man Journal mag just did a comparison for entry level sets from the major brands and HF wasn't too bad, along with Husky and Kobalt. You just have to be watchful, since I've rounded a few bolts with cheap tools.
Handy Man Journal mag just did a comparison for entry level sets from the major brands and HF wasn't too bad, along with Husky and Kobalt. You just have to be watchful, since I've rounded a few bolts with cheap tools.
LittleCaesar
New member
Stick Figure is right about checking out Craigslist; for the areas around here in DC all the tools unfortunately are mostly used and only $5 off the list price or look as if they have been used by Uncle Wilbur on the farm and left out to rust. But deals can be had.
Craftsman, at least the low end (Evolution) tools, is made in the PRC, but I think their tool sets still are being made here. Not 100% sure about that though.
Craftsman, at least the low end (Evolution) tools, is made in the PRC, but I think their tool sets still are being made here. Not 100% sure about that though.
theizzardking
New member
same here i've never had any luck with standard tool sets on the CL, everyone seems to want way to much for them..at least for used ones, i'm with you i'll spend the extra $5 and have new with a warranty tied to me thank you very much!
i also thought they had 2 lines now, a less quality and better quality......i could be wrong, i have had my craftsman's for over 15 years now. i usually just use the husky brand ones for in the car or the travel kit.
blizz86
New member
+10000000000 pts for snap on. ridiculous quality hand tools
costco has been having some span on labelled ratcheting straps and multitools but idk if the quality is the same as hand tools
