starter tools

[simple]

Hey all,

So I've been living on my own for sometime now, and I took some of my Dad's tools (like all the common toyota sockets), and I've been picking up small stuff as I've needed it. But now I want to invest into a gook tool kit that will last me. I don't have a ton of money, but I am willing to invest 100-200 bucks. Anybody know good brands of what I should be looking at, or recommend any certain kits?

Thanks!

 

[toto]

Craftsman tools are excellent, and Sears usually has a sale on something every week. It's Memorial Day now and Father's Day is coming up, so expect some good deals in that department. I got one of those 190-piece mechanic's sets with a variety of sockets and wrenches, and I've been very glad to have it. Since you have a Toyota, look for a set that's heavy on metric sizes. My set also has the huge easy-to-read laser-etched sizing information on the sockets.

 

[Annoyed]

I too would recommend Craftsman hand tools. They are good quality, and if you manage to break one, you can take it back, and they hand you another. This even applies to misuse. Such as a 3 foot breaker bar being applied to a 1/4 inch drive ratchet wrench. =)

 

[gjmack3]

For work, I use the big names exclusively, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell. Those tools work very well for everyday use. At home, I use Craftsman. I don't have to use my tools at home everyday, and they are considerably cheaper than the tools in my box at work. Go down to sears and get a set of Craftsman tools, you can't go wrong.

 

[BlairB]

+1 for Craftsman

 

[HB 4X4]

Another for Craftsman. Just go down to Sears and look at all of their kits. Find the one that you feel fits your needs/budget and grab it.

 

[G.I.G.]

Another one here for Craftsman!

You can't go wrong with a lifetime warranty on ALL hand tools. Craftsman tools are easy to find (all Sears stores), are reasonably priced for the quality, and will last forever. You'll be giving those tools to your grandkids.

When we bought our house a couple of years ago (I was always apartment bound with no garage before then) I went to Sears and bought a Craftsman roll-around tool chest and a nice Craftsman 150+ piece ratchet and socket set. It came with hex keys, 90 degree screwdrivers and a few other odds and ends. Other than that, I just go to Sears on a as-needed basis to buy the tool I need for a specific job.

$100-$200 will get you some nice tools. I would suggest buying as much tool set as you can afford because buying individual sockets (like the 17mm socket I needed to change the gear oil in my rear diff) costs considerably more.

 

[004Gunner]

Yeah I have to agree with everyone here too. Craftsman is the most convenient to replace and most of their hand tools are good quality. I have some Kobalt stuff, the Lowe's brand, but if you break it, it's a pia to replace. You can even intentionally break craftsman hand tools and they replace it with no questions asked. The mechanic sets are good deals but wait for sales because they run specials frequently. Snap-on is probably my favorite brand but it isn't as convenient as craftsman is for service or replacement unless you work at a shop.

 

[simple]

Thanks gents, particularly the heads up with the sale this weekend. I went to sears today, and as appealing as the complete tool set for 7.99 in the "Made in China" bin was, I did opt for the Craftsman. Got a sweet 260pc kit!

Thanks again!

 

[riceandpho]

i got a stanley 190 peice or smaller from walmart lol, gets the job done, but i have used snap on and matco too, good stuff.

 

[leftyguns21]

craftsman all the way. i have a tool chest and its loaded with all craftsman. get yourself every size of screw driver, get one of those sweet craftsman cordless screw drivers those are life savers. ive had mine for about 10years now..the battery life isnt as long as it used to be but still great. get all of the wrenches and sockets. an allen wrench key. that will get you going.