What SOCKET set and tools should I buy?

I'm not a serious mechanic by any means, just need your basic stuff for tasks like installing sliders/skids/bumpers, tightening loose bolts, and basic trail repair. I don't want to spend hundreds on an impact gun, etc- just some basic hand tools.
Any idea where to start much appreciated
Thanks!

 

With lifetime warranty

 

I think you could do a lot worse than to go to the Harbor Freight store in Missoula and check out the Pittsburgh Professional hand tools. Surprisingly good quality for the price. Plan B for me would be Lowe's to check out the various Kobalt tools and tool sets on sale. My local Lowe's seems to always be running various sales and clearance events with hand tools at a 50% discount from list price.

 

I picked up a craftsman set on sale for 120ish, 1/2", 3/8" metric and standard.

 

Start with a basic set you can take with you on, like I have an old Task Force 100 peace set that has been through a few jeep and truck builds. I keep it in the floorboard of the back seat. Then peace together the other tools you need as you do different builds. Attached is a pic of the tool set I keep in the taco.

 

I'll second the harbor freight stuff, it really is surprisingly good. I bought a 1/4 and 3/8 drive ratchet and socket set with 21 pieces each and 18 wrenches for about $50. All I need are some pliers and screwdrivers and that should cover my basic needs.

Edit: oh and extensions, I definitely need to get a set of extensions.

 

http://bestride.com/research/buyers-guide/best-200-dollar-mechanics-tool-kit

A recent comparison of four different brands of tool sets.

 

Kobalt seems like good stuff

 

Craftsman and Kobalt from Lowes when onsite are hard to beat. I have destroyed many different Kobalt tools over the years and they replace them no questions asked. If it is something they no longer make, they just give me the newest version at no charge.

 

I know there are some harbor freight fans but every single piece of hardware, tool, whatever that I have purchased from there has broken. Literally everything...broken.

 

I agree. Easy walk-in walk-out to your local Lowe's store and they have no questions asked, no receipt required replacement. Pretty good deal

 

Harbor freight all the way.

 

Also look into a half decent torque wrench after getting a socket set. Amazon has some decent deals on them that won't break the bank.

 

channel locks are hard to beat in the middle of nowhere when you don't have that 1 socket or wrench that you need, or if something is broken or misshaped. They can also double as a hammer if need be.

 

Harbor freight and their great coupons

 

I used to like the USA Craftsman, but they are no longer made here. For today, I really do like the Husky tools if you aren't going to go with something made in the USA.

 

Every tool has a hammer end! I say harbor freight. Just don't buy stuff with batteries or shit that'll kill u when it fails (grinding wheels etc). Hand tools are perfectly fine.

 

I went with Gear Wrench personally. Was able to find some pretty good deals online. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the options mentioned. Besides, almost all of them come with lifetime warranties.

 

I got a Costco set. Its been fine so far, but I rarely use them.

 

Craftsman