Tools (Where to start, how to get there)

I got this impact socket set on Amazon.

 

Whatever you do buy a good quality set of tools and they will last you a lifetime. That is what I was told as a kid and so far it is true.

 

So I got some updates I know these are not the best, but it's a nice start.

- My first tool box!!
- Got a ratcheting box wrench set
- Torque Wrench.

Craftsman


Gear wrench




Craftsman (on sale)

 

Words to "LIVE" by...^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

My Original tool box is still with me; I'm OLD and started this "build" my freshman year of high school.....1 week at a time but my Snap-on,Mac and Matco tools have been around that long..

That Craftsman box will serve you well and last if you remember to keep the draw slides greased,drawers closed after use and occasionally wipe it down...

I just handed my Craftsman Box down to my brother as I "downsize" to one box instead of 3 and with it the misc tools that were spares...

You are on the right track BUT remember that $1 or 2 saved might be the "Tool" you need during an OFM....

My wife reminds me that $100-300 wrench set pays for itself when I save us 3-4 hours of labor @ $85-105 an hour...

 

Thank you! Yeah the toolbox is no snap on, but I will absolutely maintain it. I have already heard that greasing the drawers on it make it last much longer. I got the whole thing for $340.

I work at a family business, so that is where I am putting all my tools. It's nice because when we are not open, I have access to our warehouse. I needed a box asap. I have started purchasing some nice tools and the guys that work for us do not treat them correctly. By that I mean lose them, not put them away, use my wrenches as hammers that kind of bs.

Now that I have the box, I no longer need to look at kits of stuff. I am going to get organizers for the drawer, and slowly add the good stuff as I need it.

 

I started off with the same box setup - it served me well for many years (until I outgrew it)

I'd still look for a kit, though - if you can afford it. It's cheaper in the long run than piecing it together as you go. I started off with 300+ piece Craftsman mechanics set, and added from there. Look for the sets with the bigger sizes wrenches / sockets (>1"). You'll be happy when you need them and they're sitting there waiting for you - rather than having to make a trip to the store to buy the one size they are out of.

 

I was looking at those 300+ kits. I am very tempted because of the variety it comes with. I feel like craftsman seems to get shit on, but I have literally never seen their stuff fail. I am sure I just haven't spent enough time using any of them, but what fails? Obviously a shitty ratchet will bind up, but whats wrong with the regular stuff? Screw drivers, sockets, wrenches, etc.

 

I have an older set, and they've held up very well. As long as they honor their warranty, I wouldn't worry about the newer stuff - maybe just keep a spare ratchet hanging around....

Just carefully check the set's contents - now they like to give you 20 screwdriver bit and 30 allen wrenches in a "100 piece set".

If you have 5 bills to spend, the Craftsman 348 piece set looks pretty nice. Since you already have the ratcheting box end wrenches, the fixed heads in this set are a plus.

 

UPDATE:

So I have accumulated quite a bit of tools now. I have a pretty full tool box already and I am loving it. I have installed suspensions, changed brakes, spark plugs, etc all with my own tools.

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