Starter Set of Tools Recommendation

[Sean]

Hey Guys! New guy here. In terms of Eric the car guy fan and DIYer mechanic. Im starting to buy tools so I can work on my own vehicle and close family vehicles. I’m slowly starting to build my Tools, Bought some braker bars and torque wrench, extensions, universal, adapter reducer set etc. I have been using my little Craftsman 150PC tool set for basic jobs but want to step up my own game and need better tools for the bigger jobs I plan on doing to my truck in the near future IE: suspension overhaul, new motor and trans swap.

Now I really don’t think I want to piece together a set from snapon,matco,cornwell. For a couple of reasons. There is no truck that comes near my house and to be honest for a guy like me, there just too expensive. I get it. There great tools that will last my whole lift with a guarantee. But i am just not a professional. But would like a well rounded set of tools.

So here we go. I might get flack from this but I came here knowing I probably would anyways. I am looking at one of the large craftsman all in one 540 piece tool set that comes with practically everything Id mostly ever need besides special tools IE pullers, etc. . The WHOLE MAIN REASON for me to buy that set is because I can do layaway, and make payments on sears.com. Again I am not a professional, and I don’t have a bunch of money, but would like to have a well rounded set of hand tools where I don’t have to worry about buying more. (I know, Ill always need to buy more) but that is just me justifying it in my head I guess..

I hope links are allowed:
Craftsman 540:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-540-piece-mechanics-tool-set/p-00949540000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5#

Now there is a craftsmen set that is a 500 Piece for $400 less here

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-500-piece-mechanics-tool-set/p-00902297000P?rrec=true

I did a detailed item by item cross reference of what was there and what wasn’t and honestly its not that much different. They just take the last few top wrenchs and socket sizes out. Along with the bit drivers and a few extensions, flex head rachets etc.. So anyways. Please give me some advice. Tell me I am stupid. Or tell me its decent. I don’t have any body that actually works on cars to ask. So I came here. Thanks guys.

I also attached a file. Everything thats Highlighted comes in the 500 Piece set and the page itself is from the 540 piece.

Attachments:

• 540PieceMissing.pdf

Topic

[Nicholas Clark]

Well you certainly have your research down. I might get some hell for this, but Harbor Freight’s Pittsburgh Pro series is pretty good. Plus their hand tools have a lifetime guarantee. Kinda hard to beat. I wouldn’t get their cheapest tools if you are going to use them hard, even as a hobbyist. Gas ain’t free and going back and forth for free tools still wastes time and money.

If you were a technician I wouldn’t really suggest HF, but for the DIY guy, yeah, HF is good.

[James P Grosso]

For the price, the 500-piece kit looks nice.

If your a tech student you can get the 540-piece set for 50% off the list price Or about $649.
That is how I got my set.
I was actually taking welding classes at Lincoln Tech, but it qualified.
Snap-On and MAC also have 50% off tech student discounts.
Here is a link to my introduction post, and it has a link to a video of my cluttered garage, but shows the 540 tools.
https://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/3-New-Member-Introduction/64132-451mopar-new-here-from-co

For the really large combination wrench sets not included in the sets, I found E-Bay has sellers that have the Craftsman large wrench sets (non-polished type.) Also, Harbor Freight has a decent large wrench set that should be fine for non-professional use as it is not often I need a 1″ or larger combination wrench.
For wobble extension sets, I bought some GearWrench brand off Amazon that I am happy with.
Don’t buy the Harbor Freight version, they are junk.
My friend had the Snap-On version that I like, but it is almost 10x the cost.
For torque wrenches, I like the CDI brand. This is a Snap-On company. Do a web search to find best prices.
Micro/click type 10ft-100ft 3/8″ drive CDI 1002MRPH (plastic / comfort handle) 1002MRMH (straight steel handle) About $120 – general purpose
Micro/click type 30ft-250ft 1/2″ drive CDI 2503MRPH / 2503MRMH About $160 – Larger fasteners, has longer handle for leverage.
Dial Torque wrench, dual scale 0-300 in/lb 3/8″ drive CDI 3002LDIN About $150 – Might not need unless working transmission/differentials?

Wobble impact sockets are nice to have too, but usually not used much by DIY.

[zero]

Look out for anything full of 12 point sockets. Usually the more affordable stuff has all the 1/2 drive sockets being 12 point and some of the 3/8 stuff too. It’s not useful unless you actually have 12-point fasteners on your car.

For $600 you could probably piece together something better by taking advantage of sales and focusing on what you know you will need.

[Author]

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