which tool set should i get?

[Dave003]

Cant speak for what brand since I only use craftsman sockets but definately wait till black friday I bought a cordless 1/2" drive impact gun a couple weeks ago that is now $100 less and soon even cheaper

[kts]

I take the ratchet to sears and the guy is really cool about it takes my wrench and grabs a different one out of a box behind the counter. This 'new' on has No packaging No nothing. It has grinding marks all over and but mechanically it seems like it might work better. So beware, no brand new replacements.

Things like sockets and screwdrivers are replaced by new stuff but ratchets have been replaced by rebuilt ratchets for a few years now. They will fix up the one you took them and give it back out to someone else who returns their broken ratchet someone.

I was pretty pissed when I had the same thing happen to me a few years ago, I had a very good looking ratchet of theirs break and it was replaced buy a pretty beat up one that was mechanically functioning. :( Oh well.

[tom d]

I was pretty pissed when I had the same thing happen to me a few years ago, I had a very good looking ratchet of theirs break and it was replaced buy a pretty beat up one that was mechanically functioning. :( Oh well.

just bring a small set of needle nose pliers with you. when the sales man hands you the rebuilt ratchet, take it apart and put the new ratchet wheel in your tool. 3 minute job at most.

[bmwstudent]

you get what you pay for when you buy tools. if you plan on using them all the time get something decent.

[joshh]

but the question is, have you ever tried using Snap-Ons for hours at end?

there is nothing like the feel of a quality tool in the hand and harbor and craftsman just don't measure up.

I've never not been able to do something on my cars because of the lack of quality in my tools. Plus if I lose one of them or it gets stolen I can laugh all the way back to Harbor freight.

[tom d]

^ i can buy 5 street hookers for the price of one pro, but i guess it's all about the level of expectation.

[Nsquared97]

Anybody else use Crescent? I got their 211pc set a couple years back as a starter kit and really like it. Only problem I have had is the 10mm 1/4 drive socket cracked. Only $100 from Costco at the time.

[ldsbeaker]

Devon, I have about 80-90% craftsman as well. Built up from a "starter" kit, and now I have a toolbox taller than I am.
Something that may be a little bit wasteful but is nice is having multiples of some things. I think I have 3 sets of box end wrenches now, and the ratcheting wrenches make me SO happy.

A set that I just picked up for CHEAP was this:
(holy shit it's on SALE)

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4145_200304145

It has a lot of the BIG wrenches that you normally can't find for cheap. There are some holes in the lineup, but if you buy the rest separately, you still won't break $80. That's a hell of a deal for a full set up to 32mm. decent wrenches. They are my backup to the backup.

[5Toes]

All I need is a set of my own extensions and I am good to go...

My Dad has a whole Craftsman tool tower thing full of early 1990's craftsman, but I try not to use it. He is anal about his shit

[cabriodster87]

buy craftsman so that if you break it you just get a replacement :)

and carry case is the best, when the jobs over everything has a place.

[HarukoE30]

All I need is a set of my own extensions and I am good to go...

My Dad has a whole Craftsman tool tower thing full of early 1990's craftsman, but I try not to use it. He is anal about his shit

Haha all Dad's are, just comes with the territory ;)

[Gooch]

Whatever set you end up getting, I suggest getting a set of GearWrench ratchets and swapping in Matco 88 tooth rebuild kits. I did this after using my friends SnapOn ratchets when I realized the Craftsman ones just flat out suck.

[joshh]

^ i can buy 5 street hookers for the price of one pro, but i guess it's all about the level of expectation.

Good analogy because they all get the job done...except with the cheaper ones you save a lot of money as well.

[tjmonsen5]

Cheap tools suck, they may get the job done, but they really dont feel good. I hate tinkering at my friends houses, because they use shitty tools. All china crap, no name. Probably from walmart or the dollar section at ace.

Bare minimum, go with craftsman. Craftsman polished wrenches are nice, i dont like the feel of raised panel wrenches, or the raised panel ratchets. I bought an SK ratchet, and I LOVE it. Its not that expensive, and feels lightyears better than craftsman.

Im thinking of picking up some snapon wrenches, tough decision.

[Restoman]

next $65 of disposable income I have is going towards me chasing down the Snap-on truck and buying a nice ratchet. 72 tooth means 5 degrees of rotation to engage! It's like tool masturbation.