Need opinion on tool kit

[yessir240]

so buy a cheapo impact wrench for 40 bux then when you have the money to get the good stuff you buy one that is 80 bucks... now you have spent 120 dollars.. : ( id rather just get a good quality one first

[mrzabala]

I bought a generic impact tool for 40. Worst decision ever made. I plugged it into the air compressor and all bad things happen. Oil started to leak and fly, it wouldnt torque, it would spin on its own. Thats why F generic tools. Why waste money with something you get for what you pay for and you dont even get warranty (for good reasons so stfu already)?

[green13fb]

We all do realize that a large majority of all the tools out there are made in SE Asia? Craftsman included. Craftsman has also changed their warranty drastically to reflect the change in cost of material and workmanship put into their products. I've broken enough tools working on jets and cars to understand that quality is important but you don't always get that by buying a name.

To the OP: Walk into a few hardware stores or places like Harbor Freight/Sears and handle the tools before you buy them. Comfort, fit, grip and general aesthetic appeal all come into play when making a purchase like this. Buy what you are comfortable with in terms of price and quality by comparing them. When shopping sockets, I suggest getting impact sockets first as they will generally replace your deepwell sockets in 3/8" or 1/2" drive (not to mention they are usually 6 point and give good fit and grip on the bolt or nut). I also suggest a stubby ratchet that has 1/4" drive on one side and 3/8" drive on the other. That is probably one of the handiest tools I own other than a big flathead screwdriver (which is probably the one type of tool you don't want to skimp on the most as they get abused the most). Ratchet wrenches or crow's feet are a good investment as well for quick jobs in tight places.

Hope that helps.

[Jiggyfry]

You just want the tools for home? Then go with a Sears set, should do you fine.

Ive been in a dealer for 2 years now. Started out buying Craftsman and Mastercraft to get my tool set started, mainly because of the lack of funds at the time and because they offer a lifetime garentee. Now that im settled in, im starting to buy more and more Snap-On tools. There is obviously a big difference in the tools' quality and price, but I still dont really have any complaints aboot my "cheaper" tools. I have broken one wrench, and did manage to snap a ratchet but both were replaced fast and free of charge. My only problem I have with Snap-On is their return/replacement policy. Every tool we break has to be sent out to be checked by Snap-On to see if it was broken through mis-use. Often times the tool will just simply break and snap-on will refuse to replace it saying misuse caused the failure. Other than that, they do offer high quality tools. And gear wrenches are my Saviour!

[Mr1der]

for sockets and ratchets, Craftsman are the best bet, hella tough, cheaper than the truck tools, and you can take them to a store and get it replaced when you break them.

wrenches...harbor freight's a great place....it's pretty damn hard to break a wrench.

Snap On, Cornwell and Matco honestly haven't impressed me enough to justify the price.

for the love of god don't buy one of their boxes either....get a Craftsman or Kobalt from Lowes with the ball bearing drawers and save about 5 grand on a comparable box from Snap On.

[Bumnah]

gotta say, snap on tool box, filled up snap on tools, helluva a beautiful sight.

[heartofaskyline]

for sockets and ratchets, Craftsman are the best bet, hella tough, cheaper than the truck tools, and you can take them to a store and get it replaced when you break them.

i disagree with this, yes there sockets are fine, most sockets are, but there ratchets sucks horribly. they slip after alot of use. ive worked in an auto shop for 1 1/2 years, and we've gone thru 4 or 5 craftsman ratchets, but never had a snap-on one slip...

[safxtacy]

harbor freight big sale black friday. make sense i thought so. haha but yeah they have a craftsman 4hp air compressor for 49.99. can u beat that? anyway ill try to dig up the add.

[Chief_Suicide]

I like Sears Tools. The warranty is awesome, but be careful, cause not all craftsman tools have the lifetime warranty.

I have some Husky Tools and I've yet to break one. If you're in a bind and that is all you can afford, then that's what you have to do.

Hard to beat Harbor Freight, but like some of the guys said, I would be more apt to buy equipment there and not hand tools.

Just my opinion.

[turbo_dreams]

wow...what the hell have i started...but i decided to go for the craftsman set from sears n then eventually build up from there...and as for that one comment where a noob was quick to judge that im not serious about my cars n dont plan on being a "pro" mechanic like he is, well you can keep your modesty to yourself...as for everyone else thanks for all the suggestions, they really helped, and "mrzabala" , i know you're interested in some parts so just bear w/ me as i try n get the right toolds n w/e to get various parts off

[heartofaskyline]

how you gonna call me a noob. ive had a 240 since before you even thought about buying a car. i was just making rationalizations from the way you talked, i never said you werent serious about your cars. i was just saying that you dont have a deadline like some of us, therefore you can afford to go get a new tool if you break one. your boss isnt riding your *** if you dont get something installed before the end of the day. and yes i am modest, just ask me

[s13redtaz]

go with craftsman tools. wait for the sale! (day after thanksgiving sale)

[mrzabala]

No problem glad some of us can be of help. Take your time, I know you have a busy schedule and im in no rush. All is good.

[turbo_dreams]

how you gonna call me a noob. ive had a 240 since before you even thought about buying a car. i was just making rationalizations from the way you talked, i never said you werent serious about your cars. i was just saying that you dont have a deadline like some of us, therefore you can afford to go get a new tool if you break one. your boss isnt riding your *** if you dont get something installed before the end of the day. and yes i am modest, just ask me

right because you can read my mind as to when i've wanted a 240, but anyways thanks s13redtaz about reminding me of that thanksgiving sale, i forgot all about that

[BigMACKenzie]

there are only two types of tools: Those with lifetime replacements, and those without. It doesnt matter when you break it, if you use it, eventually it will break, every tool EVEN snap on tools will break. but if you have lifetime replacement on it, who gives a rats @$$? the only thing then is how fast will the company sends you the replacement part? I use Matco at work for sockets, prybars and screwdriver type tools bc they are good tools, well priced and they get delivered right to my shop. For big things (impact wrenches, torque wrenches & other big $$$ hoo-ha) I go snap bc they are worth the extra $$ to me (extra features, durability etc). But if you are just a home wrencher, the craftsman stuff from sears is just fine, you may have to wait a week or two for your piece to get back, but you dont have any customers crawling up your butt waiting for you to finish teh job.