Knowing that this is probably the best place to talk to anyone about tools, and saving money, I suspect talking about saving money while buying tools will be equally suited.

Now that I'm a grown-up (according to the AF at least, lol) and will finally have the room, I need to start accumulating tools. Drills, hammers, wrenches, tape measures... you name it.

I don't want to buy crap. That said, I'm not a contractor, I won't be using my tools everyday. Home repairs/improvement, mild automotive maintenance, etc.

So where's the best place to buy? I went to Home Depot to start a list of things I'll need to buy, but is it worth it to buy from them?

The power tools are easy enough, as there seem to be a good number of reviews online (I like the Makita set in a thread here from a few days ago). But as far as sockets, wrenches, etc... what should I be looking out for?

Again, I don't need the best and most expensive, but I would like a quality tool that won't shit out on me after mild use. I know Husky is the Home Depot brand, so if buying from HD is ok, is that brand similarly OK?

Then comes storage. I plan to put up a large peg board for the larger things, but I'd like to get a tool cabinet as well. Again, at HD they have the Husky chests, which look nice enough, but I'm guessing there is a ton of experience with tool cabinets here. I don't want to spend thousands just to hold my tools, I simply can't afford that.

What say you, tool-gods? Thanks for the info.

first, I'd figure out how to post in the right fucking forum :flipoff2:


Then, I'd search in the right forum :flipoff2:

If only there was a tool forum. :p

Oh and hi. :)

For what it's worth I dig a lot of the Stanley tools, especially my ratchets.

Everyone here seems to bad mouth Craftsman and how manly they are because they can break Craftsman sockets. Honestly, I'd say that 95% of my tools are Craftsman. I rarely break anything, but I love being able to walk into a retail chain anywhere in the US and exchange it no questions asked. I have some Snap On tools from the 60s that are top notch, but I don't like to use them cause they're technically not mine. I have many friends who have technicians and I rarely see a major difference between Cornwell/Mac/Matco/Snap On and Craftsman stuff. Hell, most of them use Craftsman and the only high end stuff is the stuff they needed right then and there. I have some Cornwell specialty tools that I like, though.

Harbor Freight has some decent stuff if you don't use it a lot, a/c gauges, three jaw pullers, etc. Basically, don't buy anything from HF with a motor or too many moving parts, and it's usually decent enough for a DIYer. I wouldn't buy their hand tools though.

My impact sockets are Ingersol Rand. They are nice and I haven't messed one up.

As far as battery powered and power shit, can't go wrong with DeWalt, Makita, or Milwakuee. I prefer DeWalt battery powered tools because EVERYONE seems to have DeWalt, thus making it easier to bum a battery. For plug power tools, I like Milwaukee.

For hammers and shit. I've been beating the shit out of a HF fiberglass ball pein set for about 7 years. I managed to break the handle on one of their sledges but I welded a piece of 1" pipe to the head and use that as a handle.

Craigslist. There is nothing wrong with used tools, especially non-electrical chrome plated stuff ;)

I have purchased Husky tools before, the quality for occasional usage seemed fine.

Sears still has a decent reputation, and if you watch on-line you will see that they have basic mechanics tool sets on sale all the time (204 piece set for $99 or $129, etc.)

There was a recent thread (on here I think) regarding tool boxes. I think the opinions there were all over the board, from the Husly to even the HArbor Freight boxes. Craigslist is another good place to find a toolbox that someone has outgrown or needs to sell for some cash.

The HD stuff seems to be decent as far as I can tell.

You can spend an infinite amount of money on tools. Buy the basics first, and take it from there.

Get a good high quality set of screwdrivers, pliers, and sockets. I like the Craftsman hand tools, but they are pricey.

Even the cheap tools aren't bad if you don't abuse them. People break 1/4" ratchets all the time because they are trying to use it for a breaker bar.

I've found that the ratcheting wrenches are extremely handy to have around.

That's all I've got for now. Good luck :)

Kobalt and Husky were recommended to me by a former pro-mechanic for light to medium use. Might check the Shop & Tool forum. ;)

Clearly a misunderstanding. I only trust the Chit Chat crowd.

Get a good high quality set of screwdrivers, pliers, and sockets. I like the Craftsman hand tools, but they are pricey.

Craftsman aren't too bad if you buy the sets, especially when they're on sale. Wait till around Fathers day.

I recently bought a big set that is normally $299 for $99. I needed an extra set for the ranch.

So are you buying woodworking tools or mechanics tools?

I would also add that I havent found a one stop shop for tools. You will just have to shop around. You will know your budget better than anyone here and you should know by your skillset what level of tool you need to own.


I buy the best tools that I can afford but sometimes the cheaper tools need a second glance. I had a JMR dimple die set that was stolen from me. I dont feel like I got enough use out of that set so when I went to replace the Dimple dies I bought BWOR's set for a fraction of the cost.

I gave up on Craftsman when they wouldn't replace a broken *newer* socket wrench with a brand new one when it broke. I got a refurb that was a POS. That being said, I still have their laser engraved sockets and have gotten great use out of them. They just go on Husky or Kobalt wrenches since their warranty is the real deal. I also like that Home Depot or Lowes has better store locations...Sears is a pain in the ass to get to for the most part.

I buy quality power tools that I use often or want to last. My current cordless set is Milwaukee and it is the cat's meow.

HF is great for impact sockets and things without a lot of moving parts. Or those things you are sure you will only use once or twice...because that's all it will last :)

Craigslist is good if you have the time to sift through it all....you can find a lot of Snap-On or Mac but people usually want a mint for it.

Not sure if this still holds true but Kobalt tools are a division of Snap On

I would start with a $299 or less mechanic's kit from Craftsman to get you started, they even come in a blow molded tool box until you are ready to move up. Beyond that, it really depends on what you need toos FOR.

Woodworking or mechanicing? Big difference in the tools used.

I think the Craftsman set, along with some vise grips, tape measure, claw hammer, ball peen hammer, hand saw, corded drill, and wood & metal drill bit set will get you started enough then you buy tools when you NEED them.

you buy tools when you NEED them.

This is the hard part. Hopefully you dont have a tool buying addiction like I do. I have bought thousands of dollars worth of tools for "just in case".


But alot of my friends seem to benifit from it so I guess it works out.

Not sure if this still holds true but Kobalt tools are a division of Snap On

Lamborghini is a division of Volkswagon, doesn't mean they're the same shit.

for what its worth, Ive got a set of sears 'second rate' Champion brand sockets...


been using them for years and havent broken or so much as marred a single one.

also, the duralast sockets they sell at auto-zone arent bad. Ive bought a few random larger sized sockets from then when I Had a need for somethign over 1" and they are great.

Ive scored some great craigslist deals...

got a basic impact wrench, air ratchet and metric AND sae deep well impact sockets (all craftsman) on CL for $50.

also bought a 33gallon belt driven oiled Husky air compressor AND a 17 gallon oilless husky compressor for $75. sold the oilless unit to a buddy for $75. both were in perfect working order... you just gotta keep your eyes open and be ready to jump in the car and be first one there to grab some of these deals...

Pawn Shops. I have come across some great deals on old higher up tools like Snapon/MAC/Proto/Blackhawk (when they were still good) etc. for CHEAP! They also tend to have a lot of electrical stuff such as drills and such, and pneumatic stuff for cheap. I have never had problems with any tools I have bought from pawn shops, but I also check it out so I am not buying junk.

That said, I have never had a problem with Craftsman. I tend to get there stuff for Christmas, or I get sears gift cards and use them for tools.

Everyone here seems to bad mouth Craftsman...

I've never seen that...

Most of my stuff is Craftsman - I've bought most of it used from garage sales and craigslist.

The best part is - I busted an ancient ratchet right after snapping a deep 19mm socket in half... walked into the local Sears and walked out with the brand spanking new fancy smancy equivalents.

A few things I have learned about tools:

buy the best you can afford at the time, and when it breaks or wears out, replace it with better if you can.

Cheap tools are just that, Cheap. by the time you buy two or three of them, you could have purchased a higher quality tool that you would still be using.

worn tools are dangerous, inspect used tools carfully befor you buy them.

Buy the proper tool for the job, too small and you will damage the tool, the work, or yourself, too large and you damage the work.

Screwdrivers are not prybars, chisles or scrapers.

Keep you wrenches sockets and other tools clean, they are an investment and safer to use.

i have to agree with the people that say buy the kit. take a look at what a set of wrenches would cost and then ratchets and screw drivers and then look at the big kits. you can save a ton oof money buying it all together. you can also join the craftsman ckub and sometimes they have things stupid cheap.

My tool chest and all of the hand tools in it are Craftsman. I have one Snap-On adjustable wrench that I found on the side of the highway.

For me the Craftsman stuff is the way to go. They're not too expensive, they're made in the USA, and I can get them replaced if/when they break.

I spent ~$200 on Craftsman wrench sets this week. Got the racheting combo wrenches on sale in both standard and metric a few days ago, and just got home from picking up a set of metric line wrenches.

What also helps when getting the Craftsman stuff is to wait for things to go on sale. Sears is constantly putting items on sale.

...and you can always become a member of the Craftsman Club and get discounts that are often cheaper than in-store prices. I bought a T-handle set that was regular $40, was on sale in the store for $30, and Craftsman Club price was $20. They're still making profit at $20 - no sense in NOT buying them.


I went to Lowe's a while back and was looking at the tools there. I was in Florida and ended up being selected to work on the in-laws plumbing. They didn't have much in the house for tools so I made a trip to Lowe's. I was going to get their Kobalt brand adjustable wrench until I saw it was Chinese made. I spent a little more and bought the American made Crescent wrench. I started looking at the Kobalt stuff and it's really hit and miss when it comes to where the stuff is made. Some of it is American made, but a lot of it is Chinese too.

Screwdrivers are not prybars, chisles or scrapers.


They are if they say Craftsman. :laughing:


I always make sure I have about 4 of the little ones if I need to change a unit bearing.

They are if they say Craftsman. :laughing:


I always make sure I have about 4 of the little ones if I need to change a unit bearing.


Yea, well I do agree with you there. :laughing:

Its just a general rule is all. I have seen too many of them used for prybars and break sending pieces flying.

I dont have a problem buying certain tools from Harbour Frieght. Like the impact sockets and such, but good quality screwdrivers are a must.

Also, when buying sockets (any brand) buy 6 point sockets mainly, you only NEED 12 point sockets rarely.

Also, when buying sockets (any brand) buy 6 point sockets mainly, you only NEED 12 point sockets rarely.

I love the sound of a 12 point socket hooked to an impact wrench rotating around a rounded out head.

Screwdrivers are not prybars, chisles or scrapers.

I don't belive you.

Go to Harbor Freight and stock up

replace stuff as it breaks with better quality stuff, this way you end up with quality tools that you use all the time and shit tools you never use..... its cheaper that way :laughing:

HOLY CRAP LORD RATNER POSTED!!!!


Secondly just find your local Mac Tools guy. cheaper than snap on, same warranty(or about there), quality tools

This is what I was suggesting for a starting point: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934260000P?keyword=mechanics+tool+ set

Then while you are there, add this: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_010W436228660001P?vName=Tools&cName=Hand+Tools&sName=Home+Owner+Tool+Sets&keyword=saw&sid=K-on-Sx20k061224x0000002

I think between those two, you have a decent *start* with minimal hassle and time wasted hunting all over.


No, they aren't the best... but you can upgrade as you find a need.

How are you guys telling him what tools to buy when he still hasnt said what he plans to do with them?

That Craftsman set is going to be a real big help when he is remodeling his house:flipoff2:

How are you guys telling him what tools to buy when he still hasnt said what he plans to do with them?

...

Home repairs/improvement, mild automotive maintenance, etc.

This is what I was suggesting for a starting point: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934260000P?keyword=mechanics+tool+ set


That was the first real set of tools I got, freshman year of college.


That's also the same kit I bought this year for $99 on sale.

I love the sound of a 12 point socket hooked to an impact wrench rotating around a rounded out head.


:laughing::laughing::laughing:

There are good reviews of the stainless steel rollaround toolbox at Costco.

There are good reviews of the stainless steel rollaround toolbox at Costco.

The one I got at Sams about 8 years ago kicks that one in the ass.

http://www.texasblake.com/gallery/d/8222-2/IMG_1890.JPG

Not sure if this still holds true but Kobalt tools are a division of Snap OnNope Williams a subsidiary of Snap-on used to make the Kobalt tools for Lowes but that's been at least 10ish years ago now most of them are made by Danaher (the same folks that bring you many Craftsman, NAPA, MATCO, Armstrong, etc tools).

They are if they say Craftsman. :laughing:


I always make sure I have about 4 of the little ones if I need to change a unit bearing.
I saw a good deal at a swap meet and picked up a whole set of prybars.

I f-ing love those things. I never would have thought I'd love prybars - but I find excuses to use them.

Everytime I would normally stab it with a flathead, my eyes light up and I run for my prybar collection. :D

I saw a good deal at a swap meet and picked up a whole set of prybars.

I f-ing love those things. I never would have thought I'd love prybars - but I find excuses to use them.

Everytime I would normally stab it with a flathead, my eyes light up and I run for my prybar collection. :D

I just have that set of 3-4 Craftsman pry bars. I use them all the time, but a lot of times the ends are too thick to jam in little spaces like removing a hub bearing.

Come to think of it, the only Craftsman tools I think I've ever broken were screwdrivers. I probably never have broken a ratchet like a lot of people because I have like 6, so they all get frequently used.

I do use the piss out of my 1/2" ratchet and never have broken it. SOmetimes I like to do "poor man's impact wrench" where I get a hammer and beat the shit out of the ratchet handle to remove something tight.

I treat my tools like shit if they say Craftsman on them. :laughing:

I just have that set of 3-4 Craftsman pry bars. I use them all the time, but a lot of times the ends are too thick to jam in little spaces like removing a hub bearing.

Come to think of it, the only Craftsman tools I think I've ever broken were screwdrivers. I probably never have broken a ratchet like a lot of people because I have like 6, so they all get frequently used.

I do use the piss out of my 1/2" ratchet and never have broken it. SOmetimes I like to do "poor man's impact wrench" where I get a hammer and beat the shit out of the ratchet handle to remove something tight.

I treat my tools like shit if they say Craftsman on them. :laughing:
I've busted a ratchet and a 1/2" breaker bar because I was putting 3-4' long pipes on them for leverage. :D

Fucking lug nuts.

Power tools wise, seriously check out amazon. Somehow they seem to be like the clearing house for discontinued power tools. Which isn't a bad thing, they're often half off or better.

I broke a 10mm ratcheting craftsman wrench, only craftsman tool I've every broken.

I agree with starting with the tool sets. That's how my current collection is growing.

Starting out with Craftsman should work fine for you. Craftsman is ok but I'm not a big fan of their ratchets. Tools are expensive, but if you save up or spend about $20 a week you will have a pretty good collection in a few years. Shop around and check out craigslist and pawn shops.
Also check out msc and enco. They have some good sales sometimes. I'm not sure about the cost of their shipping to a persons house though. Maybe somebody else knows. I like industrial tools like SK, Proto, and Armstrong. Armstrong ratchets are big and beefy, it would be hard to mess them up. They are also a fraction of the cost of Snap-on, Matco, and Mac. But the bad thing is about the big tools is they don't fit everywhere you need them to, and they can get heavy if your working under something.
Cheap tools are ok for some things. I have some cheap tools, but mostly are used in places where they might get lost. Like in off road toys. If you buy some cheap tools they can always be upgraded and moved to places where its no big deal if you lose them. But I wouldn't buy Stanley or Harbor Freight tools that will be used often unless I had no choice. And I would never buy new tools from Mac, Matco, or Snap-on based on their price. But I don't turn wrenches for a living.

Oh, and I just like to ad this is one of the best tools I've ever bought:

http://www.powerprobe.com/powerprobe/Home.html

I always check the reviews on tools at http://garagejournal.com/ these guys are usually right on. I have mostly craftsman stuff but I do have a lot of gear wrench stuff. Their ratchets are top notch I bought the gearwrench 81206 3 piece set from amazon.

Oh, and I just like to ad this is one of the best tools I've ever bought:

http://www.powerprobe.com/powerprobe/Home.html
That looked prettyh cheesy at first, but then it was actually kind of cool...

I always check the reviews on tools at http://garagejournal.com/ these guys are usually right on. I have mostly craftsman stuff but I do have a lot of gear wrench stuff. Their ratchets are top notch I bought the gearwrench 81206 3 piece set from amazon.

I dig the gear wrench stuff too, i got the crossbeam XL flex head set at my local sears, they mis-priced it at 25bucks a set, so i got a metric and standard set for 50 bucks total:grinpimp:
that was a good day.http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rVotQC2%2BL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
like those but the ratchet head flexes.

Soundguy's Makita thread convinced me to buy the 6-piece kit, and it fully kicks ass for $510. Drill, impact driver, circular saw, sawzall, and grinder, plus a rebate for a free 6th real tool (I don't count the flashlight) and battery. Get the BHP454 drill as your free tool, hock the wussy one it comes with for $50, and you have 5 kickass tools and 3 batteries for under $500. From what I've read, the BHP450 1/2" impact driver is badass for a cordless, and it's about $150 as a bare tool.

I've had a couple kits of the black Kobalt tools, and I don't think any of them have failed me. At least not before I've lost them or they've been stolen. I like the gold-on-black laser etching better than Craftsman chrome, and they're usually cheaper too. I think I was paying ~$100 for something like a 120-piece kit... it was SAE & metric, mostly 3/8" and 1/2", with a bit of 1/4" stuff and combo wrenches. It was a complete enough kit to not be wanting other shit right away.

Well, except Gearwrenches. Those rock.

A few things I have learned about tools:

buy the best you can afford at the time, and when it breaks or wears out, replace it with better if you can.

Cheap tools are just that, Cheap. by the time you buy two or three of them, you could have purchased a higher quality tool that you would still be using.

worn tools are dangerous, inspect used tools carfully befor you buy them.

Buy the proper tool for the job, too small and you will damage the tool, the work, or yourself, too large and you damage the work.

Screwdrivers are not prybars, chisles or scrapers.

Keep you wrenches sockets and other tools clean, they are an investment and safer to use.


↑This

I'm a big fan of stationary benches and cabinets. If you get your garage set up they way you like it why do you need a huge mobile tool box. I'd search for factories selling out extra cabinets. They usually have brands like Lista or Lyon. They are both really heavy duty and expensive so find a deal.

I came into some cash got one of the big sets from Craftsmen and a 3 piece tool box. Cheapest way to get them new. Some of the tools I have never used in the past nine years, but I don't really have a need for tools unless its something special...

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_009H0251000B?vName=Tools+%26+Equipme nt&cName=Hand+Tools&sName=Tools+Sets

If you're looking at getting a drill for building shelves or whatever with 2x4's, you should definitely look at the newer impact drivers. I have standard cordless drills, but just bought a Ridgid tool kit, and I LOVE the impact. It's fast and easy, and when pushing 3" screws through 2x4's I don't get a sore wrist. (I do with a normal drill after a few hours of work, carpel tunnel and a couple broken bones in the wrist will tend to get aggravated.) And the screws WILL push right through if you're not careful. :laughing:

I bought a Husky toolbox from Home Depot a few years ago, it's ok with the ball-bearing drawers, but it doesn't keep the drawers closed unless you lock it with the key. My garage has a slight slope to it, and a couple of the drawers are always open 1/2 way when I go in the garage. It's not a big deal, just kind of annoying when you walk by it and snag your shirt on one of the sharp edges...

I think everyone has been steering you in the right direction - start with a basic set, look on Craigslist weekly to find deals, but don't blow too much money before you actually need the tool, or at least think you will need it for an upcoming project.

Everyone here seems to bad mouth Craftsman and how manly they are because they can break Craftsman sockets. Honestly, I'd say that 95% of my tools are Craftsman. I rarely break anything, but I love being able to walk into a retail chain anywhere in the US and exchange it no questions asked. I have some Snap On tools from the 60s that are top notch, but I don't like to use them cause they're technically not mine. I have many friends who have technicians and I rarely see a major difference between Cornwell/Mac/Matco/Snap On and Craftsman stuff. Hell, most of them use Craftsman and the only high end stuff is the stuff they needed right then and there. I have some Cornwell specialty tools that I like, though.

Harbor Freight has some decent stuff if you don't use it a lot, a/c gauges, three jaw pullers, etc. Basically, don't buy anything from HF with a motor or too many moving parts, and it's usually decent enough for a DIYer. I wouldn't buy their hand tools though.

My impact sockets are Ingersol Rand. They are nice and I haven't messed one up.

As far as battery powered and power shit, can't go wrong with DeWalt, Makita, or Milwakuee. I prefer DeWalt battery powered tools because EVERYONE seems to have DeWalt, thus making it easier to bum a battery. For plug power tools, I like Milwaukee.

For hammers and shit. I've been beating the shit out of a HF fiberglass ball pein set for about 7 years. I managed to break the handle on one of their sledges but I welded a piece of 1" pipe to the head and use that as a handle.

I agree!
Don't forget to check out the local Pawn shops too. I know a few people who pawned tools.
I have many Harbor Freight tools, that are either trail tools, or 1 time use.

Remember, everything in your toolbox is a hammer but the screwdrivers. Screwdrivers are chisels.

Don't buy it unless it is a deal. The more deals you get the more tools you get. Things you use all the time like screwdrivers and wrenches get the best you can. Stay away from most if not all tools from Walmart or equivalent styled store as you would be buying knuckle busters.

My tools are a mix of Craftsman/Husky and many many other brands. Craftsman and Husky are good tools but I would pick Craftsman before Husky. Stay the hell away from cheap ass wrenches and socket sets. They will either break and make you smash your knuckles or they will round off every bolt they touch.

When somebody says "you get what you pay for" they are probably talking about tools. It's just up to you to decide wether you will use them enough to justify the cost of SnapOn or if Craftsman will do just fine for you......

Oh... and tag sales are the shit for finding good used tools. I cant tell you how many boxes of random tools I have gotten for a few bucks because the person selling them had no freakin clue what they even were.

Awesome info, guys. I really appreciate it.

I'm going to go through tomorrow and start responding to these posts, (can't now, since I have an early flight tomorrow) but I thought I'd throw another question out the for tomorrows crew.

Anyone know anything about Hilti tools? Its another one sold at HD only. I wouldnt have thought twice about them, but they had a very friendly rep, and I figured I'd at least look into their tools before blowing them off. At first glance, they seem to be a bit more expensive. Thoughts?

Go to Harbor Freight and stock up

replace stuff as it breaks with better quality stuff, this way you end up with quality tools that you use all the time and shit tools you never use..... its cheaper that way :laughing:

HF really isn't that cheaper whever you buy a Craftsman set...

That looked prettyh cheesy at first, but then it was actually kind of cool...

If you go to my Porsche site, there's some little writeups I've done that shows how easy it is for electrical diagnosis

http://www.texasblake.com/porsche/tech/icv.html

http://www.texasblake.com/porsche/tech/turbopump.html

Remember, everything in your toolbox is a hammer but the screwdrivers.

So I'm not the only one who is too lazy to go find a hammer if I'm holding a 1/2" ratchet and I'm under a car or something. :laughing:

Anyone know anything about Hilti tools? Its another one sold at HD only. I wouldnt have thought twice about them, but they had a very friendly rep, and I figured I'd at least look into their tools before blowing them off. At first glance, they seem to be a bit more expensive. Thoughts?

I have had VERY good luck with Hilti tools. They seem to be very high quality. 5+ years ago they used to be pretty damn expensive, but now they are just a little bit more than the DeWalt/Milwaukee.

Best thing about Hilti is that IF YOU REGISTER THE TOOL ONLINE it will have a lifetime warranty. I've used lots of Hilti tools but I only own a 1/2" electric drill (3/8" drills are for batteries). The next Hilti tool I will buy is the drill press, it's pretty damn pimp.

So I'm not the only one who is too lazy to go find a hammer if I'm holding a 1/2" ratchet and I'm under a car or something. :laughing:
No way, I just used the butt end of a phlips yesterday as a hammer...

I find myself using the battery part of a cordless drill as a hammer more times than I really aught to. Usually I try to use hammers for hammers though.

I agree with most everyone here. The Craftsmen set will work just fine for 99% of people. I would replace the wrenches with Snap-on's though. Yes they're expensive but the snap-on wrenches seem to have better quality control, i.e. they fit tighter on the bolt heads and don't seem to round off. At least that's my experience.

I agree with most everyone here. The Craftsmen set will work just fine for 99% of people. I would replace the wrenches with Snap-on's though. Yes they're expensive but the snap-on wrenches seem to have better quality control, i.e. they fit tighter on the bolt heads and don't seem to round off. At least that's my experience.

How does Snap On compare with the full polish. I have a set of Snap On tools from the 60s. I try not to use them since they're not mine, but I LOVE the wrenches.

On the subject of wrenches. Those cheap wrenches from AutoZone will do if it's big odd ball shit you hardly use. I have a bunch of big metric wrenches that are from AutoZone that are only used for a few things on the Porsche. 22mm+

Not gona spend $30 on a wrench when they'er $8 at AutoZone.

starting looking around at woodworking tools and holy crap they are expensive. 400-600 bucks for a tiny assed table saw? :eek: Same with the compound and sliding miters.

On the big stuff a little bit of play isn't going to make it round off. The vast majority of bolts that are found on the average automobile that people are going to be using their tools on are going to be 1/4" thru 3/4" and the metric equivalents. These will round off easier if the wrench tolerances aren't tight or the open ends use cheap ass chinese pot metal that will flex on a tight bolt.

As far as comparing Snap-on to the full polish Craftsment set the full polish set is nice and somewhat better than their standard set but in my personal oppinion I thing the Snap-on set still feels better.

Craftsmen and Milwaukee are my favorite, period. The best way would be to start out just buying things as you need it for projects as I've done. I was on a college budget the last 6 years and still am due not finding a full time job in this fucking economy:mad3: and just bought as I needed. The second thing I do is wander to Home Depot or Sears or whereve whenever I get the chance, The CLEARANCE racks are my favorite thing ever. I buy more shit off clearance racks than anything else. Sears always has at least a small section of clearance stuff and every couple months Homo Depot puts out clearance tool racks. The more you stop in the more you'll find things you just have to have cus of the deal. I just bought a Milwaukee Rotary Hammer drill brand new for $150, pretty good deal. Watch the Shop and Tool thread here too as they often post deals they find online.....Milwaukee camera snake for $99 on amazon and there was even a $5 rolling Stanley toolbox link from Home depot on there, but I missed that one:mad3:. Just buy when you need and then buy when you find the deals and you'll accummulate more quickly than you think.

So I'm not the only one who is too lazy to go find a hammer if I'm holding a 1/2" ratchet and I'm under a car or something. :laughing:


Nope, whatever has a little weight to it and a flat enough spot to hit what I need is a good enough hammer for me:D

95% of hand tools i have are craftsman. broken a few socket wrenches and had them replaced. kind of disappointed when they started giving refurbs instead of new, but a working one is still better than a broken one.

had bad luck with a ryobi grinder, broke w/in 30 minutes, had it new the in box for a few years before it was touched so couldn't return it, been using a craftsman for about 8 months for all my body work and it still works perfect.

ive had bad luck with the craftsman flat heads. broken alot of them. i have some black handled screwdrivers my dad gave me a few years back, best set i have ever had.

for wood working (my dads tools) he has a few craftsman and porter cable mainly, think the router is a ryobi, never had an issues w/ any of them.

I agree!
Don't forget to check out the local Pawn shops too. I know a few people who pawned tools.


I got some tools at a flea market. Not sure how big of a pain it would be to do this now, but some of the tools I got were Craftsman and beat up big time. I traded them in and got new ones as they got too crappy to use.

I got some tools at a flea market. Not sure how big of a pain it would be to do this now, but some of the tools I got were Craftsman and beat up big time. I traded them in and got new ones as they got too crappy to use.

That's how I got a new torque wrench for $5. :D

I got some tools at a flea market. Not sure how big of a pain it would be to do this now, but some of the tools I got were Craftsman and beat up big time. I traded them in and got new ones as they got too crappy to use.

When I was younger, I used to go to garage sales, pawn shops, etc. get craftsman stuff for cheap, and purposely break it just so I could get new stuff from sears. It was wrong, but I got a lot of basically free tools that way.

i like HF for just about anything except stuff that HAS to be sharp, or run on electricity (though my 4x6 bandsaw is a major exception). dont we have a HF good tools list?

dont we have a HF good tools list?

It's in that pesky tool forum.

i like HF for just about anything except stuff that HAS to be sharp, or run on electricity (though my 4x6 bandsaw is a major exception). dont we have a HF good tools list?

Some of the power stuff aint that bad. I've got an electric impact, angle grinder, sawzall etc. that have been beat to shit and still work.

Most of my hand tools are Craftsman but I've been leaning towards Kobalt lately. They seem to be the same quality but a little cheaper and still have the lifetime warranty.

Some of the power stuff aint that bad. I've got an electric impact, angle grinder, sawzall etc. that have been beat to shit and still work.

Most of my hand tools are Craftsman but I've been leaning towards Kobalt lately. They seem to be the same quality but a little cheaper and still have the lifetime warranty.

Do you have the blue angle grinder or the orange angle grinder. I had the orange angle grinder and it was a piece of shit. It spun about as fast as my ceiling fan.

A friend of mine says the blue one is bad ass, but I have a 10 amp Milwaukee grinder so I never have bought one. Wouldn't mind getting a cheaper grinder to leave a wire wheel on it so I'm not switching back and forth.

Do you have the blue angle grinder or the orange angle grinder. I had the orange angle grinder and it was a piece of shit. It spun about as fast as my ceiling fan.

A friend of mine says the blue one is bad ass, but I have a 10 amp Milwaukee grinder so I never have bought one. Wouldn't mind getting a cheaper grinder to leave a wire wheel on it so I'm not switching back and forth.

Orange. It did just fine stripping the metric shitton of rust on the last pair of axles I put in. Along with cutting off brackets etc. I had one when all of my shit got stolen and went back to it if that says anything.

I just looked. They are both rated at the same RPM.

The blue is on sale for only $9.99 on their website. FYI

FYI, I'm moving this thread to the proper forum.

Tooltopia.com has some pretty good pricing

I will never buy Dewalt cordless tools again. For about $40 more than the price of two replacement batteries, you could buy an entire new set of tools. They are just stupid expensive to replace the batteries. I would get the Craftsman set in the roll around box. Very good set for the price, they have them on sale quite a bit also. Then I would pick up a Makita cordless impact later on if you so desired. Yes, Snap-On impacts will snap lug nuts, but the makita is very light and comfortable to use. I have Air power for snapping bolts if I need to. I have neither, but plan on the Makita pretty soon. I've used the Dewalt and it was alright too, but like I said, never buying one of their cordless units again.

Harbor freight, buy the crap you know is going to get ruined easily. My go to example is always picks, you know you are going to bend them, so why buy a high dollar set when you can buy two of the harbor freight sets at like $.99 a piece?
I had the blue grinder for about 5 years, finally ran down the brushes, then lost one of the caps for them. Then went and picked up the orange one. I haven't even plugged it in yet, I hope it works as well as that old blue one.
I also have a set of their impact sockets, still have yet to bust one.

Hand tools, where is it easiest for you to replace tools that have a lifetime warranty? Are you going to be having a Snap-On or Matco guy stopping by your house on a regular basis, probably not. Do you have a Sears right around the corner, or a Lowe's? I don't have any of these, but Sears is usually the best option for me so that is what fills my Snap-On box!

My $.02

For all hand tools (screwdrivers, ratchets, sockets) I buy Craftsman. Last week I broke a breaker bar. Walked in, they gave me a new one. No questions asked. If your stuff gets corroded or rusty, just replace them.

For all power tools, I now buy corded tools. The corded tools last 3-4x as long as those battery powered tools. The corded tools are lighter too. I don't think I have ever worked anywhere that I didn't have access to a power outlet. I am sure some guys in construction may need cordless.

I buy tools as I need them. Unless there is a great deal. You can never have every tool. You can have most tools, but not everything. Buy them as you need them and it will help you save up money to get some nice stuff. I usually keep an envelope for tool money. Whatever I need I spend from the envelope. It helps me keep a budget.


Edit: Wait, LordRatner, how do you have 1800 posts on the pirate4x4, and you don't have any friggin tools? That is a bit wacky.

I can't complain about my HF Impact Sockets.

Stronger than normal sockets that's for sure, and warrantied, and a LOT cheaper than most all other Impact Socket Sets.

I haven't used their normal sockets mine are mostly Craftsmen.

I can't complain about my HF Impact Sockets.

Stronger than normal sockets that's for sure, and warrantied, and a LOT cheaper than most all other Impact Socket Sets.

I haven't used their normal sockets mine are mostly Craftsmen.
I love there impact sockets, BIG adjustable wrench set and there angled head wrenches.

I will never buy Dewalt cordless tools again. For about $40 more than the price of two replacement batteries, you could buy an entire new set of tools. They are just stupid expensive to replace the batteries. I would get the Craftsman set in the roll around box. Very good set for the price, they have them on sale quite a bit also. Then I would pick up a Makita cordless impact later on if you so desired. Yes, Snap-On impacts will snap lug nuts, but the makita is very light and comfortable to use. I have Air power for snapping bolts if I need to. I have neither, but plan on the Makita pretty soon. I've used the Dewalt and it was alright too, but like I said, never buying one of their cordless units again.

Ummmm... welcome to pretty much any cordless tools. The batteries are almost always ass-out expensive compared to tools. I just bought a drill kit to get a pair of the small Makita batteries. The batteries alone were $110 for the pair, the drill/charger/2 batteries was $165. I looked at the Ryobi lithiums for the crappy tools my FIL kept buying me, and they were $90 a pop, even though they go on a $30 tool. :eek:

I don't know much about Crapsman's cordless sets, except hearing a lot about the batteries not lasting long (lifetime-wise, not between charges), and it violates the cardinal rule- 'Never buy anything from Sears with a motor or an engine'. The Makita BTW450 is a solid choice though... it's only about $25 more than the BTW251, and it's apparently built much better and has a lot more torque. Almost as much as the Snap-On cordless impact.

all power built tools at checkers are on sale for 50% off till the end of the month

Ummmm... welcome to pretty much any cordless tools. The batteries are almost always ass-out expensive compared to tools. I just bought a drill kit to get a pair of the small Makita batteries. The batteries alone were $110 for the pair, the drill/charger/2 batteries was $165. I looked at the Ryobi lithiums for the crappy tools my FIL kept buying me, and they were $90 a pop, even though they go on a $30 tool. :eek:

I don't know much about Crapsman's cordless sets, except hearing a lot about the batteries not lasting long (lifetime-wise, not between charges), and it violates the cardinal rule- 'Never buy anything from Sears with a motor or an engine'. The Makita BTW450 is a solid choice though... it's only about $25 more than the BTW251, and it's apparently built much better and has a lot more torque. Almost as much as the Snap-On cordless impact.

my 19.2v crapsman cordless drill is going on year number 3 on its 2 original batteries, and its been the best cordless drill ive ever owned

my 19.2v crapsman cordless drill is going on year number 3 on its 2 original batteries, and its been the best cordless drill ive ever owned

:shrug: Of course some of them will work just fine, for some people. If they were all 100% pure shit, and not Harbor Freight-cheap, they wouldn't be in business anymore. The Craftsman Pro stuff isn't any cheaper than real tools on sears.com. I'd rather have Makita, Milwaukee, or maybe Hitachi or DeWalt, than try to pinch pennies buying less reputable stuff. I learned that the hard way with the Ryobi junk, thankfully not using my money.

I'll never bash Craftsman hand tools, but I've always found it to be a good idea to steer clear of anything more complicated than a ratchet from them.

If only there was a tool forum. :p

Oh and hi. :)

Come on, you know I only trust the chat crowd.

I've found that the ratcheting wrenches are extremely handy to have around.

Yes. I love those things, and plan to get a set at some point

Craftsman aren't too bad if you buy the sets, especially when they're on sale. Wait till around Fathers day.

I recently bought a big set that is normally $299 for $99. I needed an extra set for the ranch.

Noted. I'll add myself to the mailing lists, and start looking for deals.

Ive scored some great craigslist deals...

My tragedy is that while I'm here in San Antonio (2 more weeks :( ) I have access to CL, and all the deals (got a 42U server rack for $100. Amazing)

Mississippi, especially the part I live in, is not so lucky.

HOLY CRAP LORD RATNER POSTED!!!!I know, I'm trying to bring PBB back into my crosscheck. It's been a busy few years.

Power tools wise, seriously check out amazon. Somehow they seem to be like the clearing house for discontinued power tools. Which isn't a bad thing, they're often half off or better.
Ya, and the free shipping and no sales tax is a hell of a perk too. Thanks for the heads up.
Soundguy's Makita thread convinced me to buy the 6-piece kit, and it fully kicks ass for $510. Drill, impact driver, circular saw, sawzall, and grinder, plus a rebate for a free 6th real tool (I don't count the flashlight) and battery. Get the BHP454 drill as your free tool, hock the wussy one it comes with for $50, and you have 5 kickass tools and 3 batteries for under $500. From what I've read, the BHP450 1/2" impact driver is badass for a cordless, and it's about $150 as a bare tool.
This is looking like a real possibility for me, since that promotion lasts until June. See bottom of post for further questions.
I bought a Husky toolbox from Home Depot a few years ago, it's ok with the ball-bearing drawers, but it doesn't keep the drawers closed unless you lock it with the key. My garage has a slight slope to it, and a couple of the drawers are always open 1/2 way when I go in the garage. It's not a big deal, just kind of annoying when you walk by it and snag your shirt on one of the sharp edges...
I'll have to see if the prices ever drop. Seemed like a nice enough box, and the price was at least below four-digits.


-----

So tell me about cordless tools. For example, that 6 piece Makita kit comes with a circ saw, and recip saw. I've used cordless drills, but how well does an 18 volt battery really power a circ saw? I'm fairly set on getting a cordless drill and impact driver, but are the rest worth having, or is corded the only way to go with the cutting tools?

The vibe I get is Sears for the non-powered tools. I can dig that. I'll start watching for sets, since I have a couple months before I need to start buying.

More replies and questions later. Thanks to everyone so far for their input!

So tell me about cordless tools. For example, that 6 piece Makita kit comes with a circ saw, and recip saw. I've used cordless drills, but how well does an 18 volt battery really power a circ saw? I'm fairly set on getting a cordless drill and impact driver, but are the rest worth having, or is corded the only way to go with the cutting tools?

To be honest, I haven't even tried the circ saw yet. I was all ready to sell it off and buy the trim saw and a metal blade, except their trim and metal saws both use 5-3/8" blades with 5/8" arbors, which next to no one makes. So I'll probably keep this one, unless they pull their head out of their ass and make a trim saw with a 3/8 arbor so I can actually buy blades for it. I don't do much woodworking stuff, and about the only thing the 6-1/2" saw can do that the trim saw can't is single-pass 2x at 45 degrees.

There's a review of the 7 piece kit here (http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/2009/01/makita-lxt-circular-review-bss611/), it's the same as the 6 piece, they just added the radio.

The recip saw and grinder are both pretty handy. I have corded versions of both available to me, but I don't use them much, so it's nice to be able to just whip out the cordless and go to work. The grinder is limited more by power than battery life from what I can tell, you just can't really lean on it with an abrasive disc like you can a corded grinder. Still does the job, you just have to watch how much pressure you put on it. I've been using it with a flap disc and cup brush to clean up my frame, and it works great.

Oh yeah, the flashlight works with NiteIze LED Maglite bulbs, too. I left it on for about 6 hours with one of the 1.5ah packs on it, and it's still going. :laughing: You could probably leave it on for a whole weekend with the larger battery. Makes it actually useful, unlike the regular bulb.

The mini 1.5ah batteries are kickass on the drill and impact driver. Really makes a big size and weight difference, if you can stand having 1/2 the run time.

I started with a 200 +/- piece craftsman set and a small tool box -- then got a small tool chest - then got a bigger craftsman tool chest --- now I have an even bigger tool chest. If I had to do it again I would have skipped the cheap 'home owner' grade chest and gone straight to the mid-range stuff.
I love my craftsman stuff and abuse it all the time.

I do buy stuff at a local place that has both HF level stuff and high end stuff and usually something in the the middle. It is an independent store and the service is top notch and the return policy (as long as it stays in business) is iron clad.

As for home repair and remodeling tools - I just finished remodeling my entire house inside and out and probably bought a $1000 worth of tools in 2 years for various projects. I only bought them as needed - you really won't know you need 90% of them until you start planning for some part of the job. Of all the tools I bought the 2 that have sucked are my cordless drill - cheap home depot Skill brand - and my ultra cheap garage sale table saw (the motor caught on fire last weekend - my fault for overloading it but it sucked before that).

Home Remodel tools that have done me well: Hitachi nail gun. Porter Cable finish nailer. Makita chop saw, old and heavy. Stanley chisels. Big 4 foot sheetrock square -- get this early in your process - they are way handy for tons of stuff!