Help Needed- Recommended Tool Set

[TNGWag]

After purchasing a new fan clutch to hopefully fix my overheating at idle, I've decided that I can't/shouldn't continue borrowing tools from my neighbor whenever I need to work on my Wag.

Being new to working on cars, could anyone recommend me a tool set that 1) contains the tools that I would reasonably need, 2) is durable, and 3) is fairly inexpensive?

I appreciate any input.

Thanks!

[Dr. Marneaus]

i started out with a standard craftsman 'mechanics tool set" like 100something piece.

I havent damaged a single tool or bit or whatever that came with it.

something like this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935154000P?adCell=TS_Tools_1

sears sells tons of different sets. I liked that one ebcause it came with 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" sockets and a bunch of box wrenches, etc.

from that point, you can buy what you need, in 6 years i haven't had to buy an additional socket wrench or socket.

[joe]

The pros that can write-off tools on their taxes are going yell Snapon but for us mere mortals a basic hand tools Craftsman set works just fine as a starter set. I started out in about 1960 rounding heads off bolts with a basic Sears set and not counting the ones I've lost from driving off with a tool on the bumper or the ones the lawn mower launched into the next county I still have and use them. No they aren't the quality and feel of Snapon but they're still good tools that are affordable. Just get the basics and add to them as needed. You'll be buying add ons forever anyway. Beware of the mega piece deal sets. You don't need 50 hack saw blades or 40 magnetic driver inserts or 100 allen wrenches to get started. If you're dealing with 1980 and up era rigs you'll need SAE and metric.

[tgreese]

I think your best bet is a Craftsman mechanics tool set. Wait for the set you want to be on sale, and it will be a bargain. Craftsman tools are made by Danaher in the USA (mostly) and are a good compromise between quality and price. Gearwrench stuff is also made by Danaher, and is pretty good (but no complete sets, like Craftsman).

Some of the Harbor Freight tools are ok, but you have to pick and choose. And they honor their guarantee, so if you ahve a store nearby, take a look. I would only recommend sets of wrenches or sockets or extensions ... or something similar. Some things from them , like cutting tools and pliers, can be particularly wretched. I bought a set of their screwdrivers for carrying around, and they seem fine.

Re "enough" tools, you'll never have enough. I suggest you buy what you think you'll need, then fill in with specific tools as you need them.

[Millerluck]

This makes a great starter tool kit.

From Costco

http://toolmonger.com/2009/12/08/cos...scent-toolkit/

I have my share of Craftsmans....but this is a great set to add to your daily driver too.

Larry

[blkwarrior]

Totally agree with all the above... get the bargain set learn how to properly use them, then add speciality tools as you need them. Get a good battery charger and a multimeter you are well on your way to doing most of your wrenching.

[hookedup50]

I agree with the Craftsman camp. They still replace what breaks. In 30 years I broke a 1/2 inch wratchet and breaker bar. Both were abused with cheaters on spring eye bolts. The gear wrench stuff is useful as well. I thought they would be gimmiky, but saved me time getting at fasteners behind the engine down the firewall, without having to regrip nut. The other brand I abuse with out breakage is kobalt(socket and box wrenches). Some of thier screw driver bits sets and folding utility knifes are rubbish.

[Strode]

Yea, you don't want to be that guy that comes over to borrow tools.

I agree with Craftsman. Buy the biggest most complete mechanics set you can afford. At least the 300 piece set, I think you can usually get that for $200.

[KaiserMan]

I'd go with craftsman myself. Blue Point makes some good general service sets. Better ratchets then C-man. Chrome will fall off after hard use but Snap-On will warranty that as well as breakage. They hold up nicely to impacts. More pricy than C-man, but MUCH cheaper than Snap-on.

I have a set that includes 10-19mm wrenches, 1/4-3/4 wrenches

1/4" drive
something below 1/4-9/16" and 4mm-14mm
3 extensions, a universal joint and a ratchet

3/8" drive
6-24mm, 1/4-1", E4-E18 (I think), three extensions, one ratchet and a breaker bar.

Cost me around $350 or so a few years back.

[thing2]

Check your local Craigslist. Was able to pick up an older craftsman double box with tools for like 250.

[serehill]

the two C's are the deal

Craftsman all the way & craigs list. Mine is like the 100 + set Had itover 10 years. I like to het the sets with the case so you know where every socket goes you'll know what you don't have saves a lot of headaches.

[tgreese]

Craftsman all the way & craigs list. Mine is like the 100 + set Had itover 10 years. I like to het the sets with the case so you know where every socket goes you'll know what you don't have saves a lot of headaches.

The Hansen socket holders are excellent, but you have to spend more money.

http://www.amazon.com/Hansen-HAN3802-Metric-Socket-Holder/dp/B000I1LTO2

There are thousands of different tools and accessories that you may want ...

[Rich88]

After purchasing a new fan clutch to hopefully fix my overheating at idle, I've decided that I can't/shouldn't continue borrowing tools from my neighbor whenever I need to work on my Wag.

Being new to working on cars, could anyone recommend me a tool set that 1) contains the tools that I would reasonably need, 2) is durable, and 3) is fairly inexpensive?

I appreciate any input.

Thanks!

Whatever you get, you'll need a set of 6 point sockets. After rounding off too may rusty bolt heads I finally threw away all my 12 point sockets, and never looked back. FSJs have many rusty bolts to contend with.

You'll also want a set of flare wrenches. These are "open end" six point wrenches that you can slip over steel fuel, air or brake lines and get to the bolt securing the line in place.

[8man]

It's a Jeep, so don't forget the 2 lb hammer. I started with Craftsman and I have broken an extension and a ratchet and they replaced them no questions asked. An NO I did not hit the ratchet with the 2 lb hammer. But I did hit the Jeep.

[jaber]

I too started with Craftsman and built from there. I have also bought tools from the McParts houses and they have been good on replacement also. Lately, I have gotten to know the local Mac man and he has been doing me great. The nice part is that he will give me the tool I want/need and let me pay it off $20 a week. That makes it awesome for me.