Tool set

[Jaketino]

I've been stealing my fathers tool set for years. He is getting fed up with that so I'm in the market for a tool set. I'm trying to find something that will fill all my needs for the rig at least. It needs to be small enough and hopefully cheap. Any ideas? Curious to see what everyone else is using.

 

[Jaketino]

Actually, second thought. It doesn't have to be small if someone has a good idea where to put it in the rig.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

So, this would be just a set of tools to be kept in the truck, not meant to be your main garage tool set?

I'll tell you what I did. I made a list of all tools I could really need on the road, knowing that a premade kit wouldn't have what I want without excess stuff. I then went out and bought all those tools, in mostly individuals, from Craftsman. I keep everything in a tool bag, but you can choose the best carry method for you. I say, don't skimp or go cheap on the tools that you might need in an emergency.

My tools include hand wipes, first aid, and some other extras.

 

[jeff88]

I would say to start, you would want:

*Socket set, make sure that you have all the sizes you need. If it doesn't come in the set just get the individual one (i.e. a 22mm deep socket for your pcv valve, or a spark plug socket).
*Socket extensions
*A large and small adjustable wrench
*2-3 sizes of phillips and flathead screw drivers

If your looking for an emergency kit, then all of the above, a first aid kit like Shooter said, along with some gloves, water (to drink and for the radiator), one of those rain jackets that fold up to fit into your pocket, etc. If you want to get fancy, you can even get a fire extinguisher.

 

[Nelsonmd]

You could get this stuff from Home Depot for pretty cheap.

This is a good start and in a nice self contained case (though it has SAE stuff too which you don't need): Husky Mechanic Tool Set (92-Piece)-H92MTS at The Home Depot

On top of that you might want to add a spark plug socket (or equivalently a 5/8" deep), and I'd add one of these:

Husky Metric Universal Wrench Set (10-Piece)-HSPW10PCMMN at The Home Depot

I have 2 of these (one for the car and one for the garage) and they have taken alot of abuse so far.

I wouldn't worry too much about screwdrivers, just one of each is fine, or get a universal one with some bits of different sizes. I wouldn't carry 3 sizes of each

Personally I'd add one of these as well: Vaughan RM24 14-Inch Professional Rubber Mallet with Flame-Treated Hickory Handle - Amazon.com

I love mine for knocking off stuck wheels, impacting bolts and nuts by hitting the box end wrench with this thing, etc. I use mine all the time.

Beyond that stuff, then I think you need to be looking at specific maintenance that you might want to do, like if you want to be able to to Diff drain and fill, you need a 24mm socket (not wrench) for the rear and 10-12mm Allens for the front (try these: Husky 3/8 in. Drive 10 mm Hex Bit Socket-H3DHBS10MM at The Home Depot, and Duralast/3 pcs. hex bit set (70-065) | Driver Bit | AutoZone.com)

Most stuff can be done with just the sockets, wrenches, 2 screwdrivers, and the hammer (yes the hammer is necessary if you have rust, otherwise you will strip off bolts and break heads).

It would be nice to go with the ratcheting box end wrenches, but if they are going to be your only set, then I'd stick with the regular ones, they fit in tight spaces better and they go up to 19mm (ratcheting from HD only go up to 17mm).

Oh, and one more thing that I think it borderline a necessity... http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Magnetic-Tray-Set-3-Piece-TSE2790/204284889. Magnetic trays are a lifesaver for keeping track of bolts, washers, and nuts.

 

[Jaketino]

Thanks guys. Yeah, should've mentioned that I have a screwdriver set already in the rig along with all my recovery and first aid gear. I have some ratcheting wrenches at home that I tend to use a lot but the sockets are the big problem. I'll put these tools in the truck so I have them when I'm out, but I would like something easy to pull out and work on the truck when I'm at home also. Then it can all fold away and be put back. Anyone tried fitting a case like these under the rear passenger seat?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Thanks guys. Yeah, should've mentioned that I have a screwdriver set already in the rig along with all my recovery and first aid gear. I have some ratcheting wrenches at home that I tend to use a lot but the sockets are the big problem. I'll put these tools in the truck so I have them when I'm out, but I would like something easy to pull out and work on the truck when I'm at home also. Then it can all fold away and be put back. Anyone tried fitting a case like these under the rear passenger seat?

HD sells a combination SAE and Metric socket set in a plastic case that I used to store under the rear seat.

You might want to trim some of the metal under the rear seat to be able to store stuff easier. It was a really tight fit to get the sockets in there.

 

[busmup808]

Metric tools are the tools you will need for your truck. You don't even need all of it. The only sizes you will need to perform on the road fixes are 8,10,12,14,17,19,& 21. Anything more on a breakdown will have to be towed. Now all insurance Companies have free towing anyway. Other pieces would be a combo ratchet screwdriver. Pliers adjustable, open hand wrenches same size as above and some needle nose pliers. I carry these metric sizes in 3/8 & 1/2.

When wheeling, you can bring Alot more gear, fluids, & parts.

 

[Singtoe]

For a guy that fixes things all the time, I don't carry any tools except the factory jack and tire iron.

i don't even need them because I don't carry a spare.:humble:

 

[the great him]

im a quality kinda guy... there is nothing worse than doing a repair or fix and having a tool break on you half way through the job, especially if its a tool that you really need or use a lot... i dont buy cheap tools. im partial to snap-on and matco, sure i have others but those are the majority of my tools. i try to buy them used, or second hand -eaby and craigslist are great places as well as pawn shops, and garage sales/estate sales. i will even go so far as to buy broken tools, especially if like craftsman or snap-on, mac, matco ect, as they all have a lifetime replacement on most hand tools. i will then take the broken tool and get it fixed or replaced with a new one.

id say have a full set of wrenches from 8-18/19mm and same with sockets, id first get med depth sockets then as time goes on get shallow and deep, also try to stay away from 12point sockets, as 6 point sockets are stronger. 3/8" is fine for anything you will be doing by hand, i have some 1/2" stuff but its mainly for air tools. i even use my 3/8 snap-on ratchet for changing tires -i have found that the handle from a 6-8ton bottle jack fits nicely over the end of the ratchet and doubles as a nice cheater bar. i have only broke one 3/8" ratchet and it was not doing that (snap-on replaced it no questions asked). a few different extentions -1", 3 or 4", 6", and a 10 or 12" should cover it. i keep a set if wire cutters as well as crimpers, and several plyers, screwdrivers ect. the two odd ball tools you will need are a 35mm socket(this will probably be a 1/2" and so its nice to have a 1/2" drive ratchet) for the CV axle nuts, and a good strong pry bar. also a 3lb hammer is nice to insure CVs are seated into the diff. other than that your basic socket set and wrenches(i use gearwrench for my mobile kit i carry with me in the rig 24/7 and have never had any issues -you can get them on sale at napa from time to time for under $40 a set 8-18mm). will get you a long ways

 

[awthorn]

I will be the first to offer up harbor freight because well I use to be a tool snob until I started to see how brands are really manufactured especially the one I was partial to, Craftsman. As the craftsman brand has developed they have traded quality for low cost but kept their prices the same.

I have found myself using my impact sockets that I purchased from HF for most of the work on my truck, the tolerances are nice and tight ( all impact sockets will be), they are 6 sided. I have had many years to build up all the tools that I have which is a hodgepodge of tools that have been purchased as need. I did start with a craftsman, mechanic's tool kit my parents purchase for me when i was younger, well cause my father was too tired of me stealing / loosing his tools.

I have never been a professional mechanic but I do understand the brand loyalty to tools you have to use and rely on EVERY day. I do the same with the tools for the industry I work in, the best or nothing! But there is a degree at which cost does supersede the quality you can afford. I would say buy what you can afford and need and go from there. I am sure you will find that a that as time goes you too will have a hodgepodge of branded tools; the ones that got the job done.

I would say to heed the advice that others have said, start with the basics and buy what you need as time goes. Also it never huts to have a good friend who likes to wrench with you that has some of those specialty tools you do not have.

Rock on and good luck!

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

...also try to stay away from 12point sockets, as 6 point sockets are stronger...

I agree with this; good advice. This is one reason I have never bought a Gear Wrench set, because I have only seen them in 12 pt.

 

[IBallEngineer]

im a quality kinda guy... there is nothing worse than doing a repair or fix and having a tool break on you half way through the job, especially if its a tool that you really need or use a lot... i dont buy cheap tools. im partial to snap-on
also try to stay away from 12point sockets, as 6 point sockets are stronger.

OK, two quick points. First you should know, I worked for Snap-on in the 90's for 7 yrs and I went back to work for them last year. So am I biased, yes. But I also owned my own shop for 14 yrs and have been a customer for over 30. Good tools are good tools. Not every Snap-on tool is the best available, but as a general rule they are hard to beat.

My second point is the 6pt/12pt myth. In a quality socket there is no difference in strength, the contact point is identical on both 6 and 12. Snap-on patented "flank drive" in 1965, but I'm pretty sure the AS954 standard is open to anyone now. Now in a cheap socket, there could be a strength issue, but then if your using a cheap socket you already know it.

I should add, I don't sell tools for Snap-on this time around, I am in their undercar division dealing with wheel and tire equipment.
:couch2:

 

[JohnsD90]

Just get a craftsmen set, it will do whatever you need it to do, if it breaks you drive to sears and get a replacement on the spot. Snap on, SK, and mac are better tools, but they are also 5-6x the price, and when you start out and need tools that will get the job done for a DIY person, the craftsmen and kobalt stuff will last you many years, and it is usually only $150 for a decent set. $150 will buy you MAYBE 2 snap on Ratchets.

Down the road i would suggest getting a nice used Mac or Snap-on Ratchets to replace the cheap craftsmen ones, the sockets don't matter as much for DIY as you likely wont kill them that fast, but a nice ratchet is very nice to have vs a shitty one.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

...My second point is the 6pt/12pt myth. In a quality socket there is no difference in strength, the contact point is identical on both 6 and 12...

Do you hold that same viewpoint even when dealing with heavily rusted bolt heads? Personally, if I am dealing with a rusted bolt head or nut, with points that are substantially missing already, I think the 6 pt is the safer bet. This matters to me because I have one car that is quite rusted.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Start out with a basic tool set, as many 6pt as possible, such as the good aforementioned Husky as well as Kobalt and even Stanley. This should cover 90% of repairs. $100 to $200 out of pocket.

If you are in it for the long run, invest in good hand tools. I have used my grandfather's SK pieces, some as old as 60 years. If you wrench enough for a long period of time, you will see where the cost of the Snap-On comes from. If you were to win the lottery, flag down the SO truck in your area.

For the 4runner I have an old soft case Husky 3/8 tool set that fits right beside the bottle jack. Never had to use it......yet.

 

[IBallEngineer]

Do you hold that same viewpoint even when dealing with heavily rusted bolt heads? Personally, if I am dealing with a rusted bolt head or nut, with points that are substantially missing already, I think the 6 pt is the safer bet. This matters to me because I have one car that is quite rusted.

I do, but if the bolt head is no longer a hex, well it won't matter what you use then. I restored an 85 runner that spent most of it's life in Utah, all those bolts just snapped. Some were already so rounded no socket would hold it. Not eager to go through that again, so good luck!

:couch2:

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, it is way overboard for a weekend warrior mechanic to buy snap-on, Matco, etc., even at the typical used price. Used is still at least several times the price for new stuff at Home depot. I know HD isn't as high quality, but it still has a lifetime replacement warranty, so not much lost there. I have replaced 1 Husky ratchet (free on warranty), and zero sockets or box end wrenches, and I have abused mine doing everything possible to the 4runner chassis.

If you are comparing to Craftsman or Stanley or the like, then as was suggested earlier, they are made by the same people as Husky/Kobalt, and are probably the exact same thing. Now HD has started selling the brand HDX which I would compare to Harbor freight quality, which is below Husky/kobalt for most stuff (though some stuff like impact seems to be ok at HF).

Also, I would say there's a difference between 6 and 12 point if you are risking completely rounding out a bolt head, or having to pound the socket onto a rusted bolt, but it's not actually that big a difference. The majority of the torque is applied at the very tips of the hex features, which the 12-point hits, much less is applied by the inner part that only the 6 has, and for most applications, you'll never notice the difference.

A good enough set shouldn't be $100, it should be about $30. If I won the lottery, I would flag down the Snap-on truck, but that's not happening, so I am sticking to Husky/Kobalt for the time being, and I'm not really expecting to have to replace them anytime soon.

I do troll craigslist for nice stuff though. There's no harm in looking.

 

[LittleCaesar]

My brother has this Husky set, got it in 1998 I believe. SK quality, but not offered anymore . I do still like what Husky offers today:
Husky Pro Mechanics Tool Set 254pc | eBay

With all Craftsman ratchets being made in the PRC, I'd say look elsewhere than Sears.

Let us know what ya get.

 

[youngr]

I carry a Craftsman metric socket set that comes in a plastic case, an assortment of flat and philips screwdrivers and a set of wrenches, channel locks and needle nose pliers in a bag. There are also a few misc. larger sized sockets for the bigger items. I recommend Craftsman due to the fact that almost anywhere you go in the US a Sears is not far away and I have never had an issue with swapping out a broken ratchet on the spot.