What tools do I need?
- Thread starter SCRunner12
- Start date
CO_FlyFisher
New member
Craftsman are decent for the money, but they are not what they used to be unfortunately.
One thing to be careful of if you do go with Craftsmen; not all of their hand tools carry a lifetime warranty anymore. They have a cheaper line of tools which are made in China and don't have the lifetime warranty like the US made ones do. Also fwiw, be careful if you have to take a tool in for warranty; they'll try to give you the crappy Chinese stuff as a replacement if you don't tell them otherwise (that has happened to me several times).
One thing to be careful of if you do go with Craftsmen; not all of their hand tools carry a lifetime warranty anymore. They have a cheaper line of tools which are made in China and don't have the lifetime warranty like the US made ones do. Also fwiw, be careful if you have to take a tool in for warranty; they'll try to give you the crappy Chinese stuff as a replacement if you don't tell them otherwise (that has happened to me several times).
SCRunner12
New member
What size breaker bar should I get? They have the 3/8 and 1/2.
I have a ton of questions and none of my friends have laid a tool to their cars, so I'm out on my own. I think I will try to stay away from Craftsman unless I have to. Good to know about the warranty. I plan on building my collection slow and I want to do it right the first time.
I have a ton of questions and none of my friends have laid a tool to their cars, so I'm out on my own. I think I will try to stay away from Craftsman unless I have to. Good to know about the warranty. I plan on building my collection slow and I want to do it right the first time.
SCRunner12
New member
Anyone have any experience with this type of jack? Advance Auto Parts: 3.5-Ton Garage Jack by Torin - Part T83012
StreetKill831
New member
Get the 1/2" breaker bar first, then if you decide you want another get the 3/8". If you go to Sears, all of their Craftsman stuff has a lifetime warranty.
My brother and myself each have our own set of these jack stands:
Advance Auto Parts: 3-Ton SUV Jack Stands by Torin - Part T43006
They work great and are able to go decently tall. I don't know about the jack itself, but with how well these stands work I'd say it may be good as well.
My brother and myself each have our own set of these jack stands:
Advance Auto Parts: 3-Ton SUV Jack Stands by Torin - Part T43006
They work great and are able to go decently tall. I don't know about the jack itself, but with how well these stands work I'd say it may be good as well.
Bigrupp
New member
I wouldn't count them out. If you're on budget you can get some decent couple hundred piece Craftsmen sets for a good price, especially with the holidays coming up. I've still got the set that I bought ten years ago when I was on a budget and it's still complete thanks to the warranty, which I've only had to use when I've had a five foot pipe on a socket wrench. I've only added to it over the years and it has proven to be my go to set when I gotta take tools with me somewhere.
Maritimer
New member
:nicethread:
I got a small Mastercraft set for $50. I couldn't resist the sale price. I got a cheap torque wrench just so I could rotate my tires in confidence, as well.
Mastercraft 162-piece Socket Set | Canadian Tire
I need more flat wrenches, though, as I couldn't get a socket into a tight spot yesterday for the power steering belt.
I got a small Mastercraft set for $50. I couldn't resist the sale price. I got a cheap torque wrench just so I could rotate my tires in confidence, as well.
Mastercraft 162-piece Socket Set | Canadian Tire
I need more flat wrenches, though, as I couldn't get a socket into a tight spot yesterday for the power steering belt.
Awz
New member
I'd recommend some swivel sockets. Unbelievable how much I end up using those. Also would suggest getting some socket adapters (1/4-3/8, 3/8-1/2, 1/2-3/8, 3/8-1/4) Helps when you need a little more torque, or have less room from ratcheting. I bought a 1/4 breaker bar too, don't use it much, but am always happy I have it when I need it. Used it on serp belts a few times. If you find yourself on one of the tool trucks, ask them about they're little pocket screwdrivers. They usually pass them out at shops around Christmas, I've got one in my runner, one in my corolla, and about 5 in my toolbox. They're very convenient have a magnet on the back end, and probably one my most used tools.
Mike
Mike
