"Custom" Craftsman Tool Kit (3 Viewers)

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elmariachi said:
That scale is way too big. You need something small with a short draw that's easy to pull, and you don't need 50 lbs. Something like:

http://www.1stopfishingshop.com/DigitalScales.html
We're golden! :D
The list keeps gettin' better.
If you haven't noticed, I've been editing a lot adding stuff to the "Additions" list. Hopefully helpful.
At this point, opinions are welcome. Anything anyone would tweak for a great Cruiser tool chest?........besides air tools :flipoff2: We're not there yet.
 
LoveTractor said:
The list keeps gettin' better.At this point, opinions are welcome. Anything anyone would tweak for a great Cruiser tool chest?........besides air tools :flipoff2: We're not there yet.

Three things I use a LOT...a telescopic magnet pickup tool, the retractable claw tool, and a Petzl light for your head. The light is the best damn toy I have ever bought...super bright, easy to wear, very handy.
magnet.gif
clawpickup.jpg
petzl.jpg
 
I have a magnetic pick up tool up on the list, but this one is more like the one you mention:
26-3/4 in. Pick Up Tool http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00904132000
Personal preference dictates which to get.

23-1/2 in. Pick Up/Retractable Claw Tool http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00941322000

Craftsman doesn't make a headlamp. This is the closest thing:
Long Life LED/Lighted Frames http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=03493339000&tab=ser#tab
I personally love the head lamps like the Petzl you've got. REI has a good selection, for example this cheapie LED:
Princeton Tec Scout LED Headlamp http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...78&parent_category_rn=4500596&vcat=REI_SEARCH
or, if you really wanna stick with Sears:
Energizer 4 AA Head Beam Flashlight http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...pid=03493326000&subcat=Flashlights+&+Lanterns
 
DAMN! :eek:

If we ever start an outfitting FAQ this thread should definately be the first one placed in it upon completion with all the other suggestions I'm sure are to come. Welder, Compressor, etc...lol.

Nice work dude, nice research and very reasonable price for a killer setup for a wrenchin newb. :cheers:
 
I emailed craftsman and asked if they offer a kit with all of the lazer etched sockets. They said no. The biggest kit is not lazer etched http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...OL&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=CRAFT&pid=00933446000, the closest is the 290 piece set. http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=CRAFT&pid=00934290000If you buy that one, at least you get the better tear drop rachets but you still have to sell/trade/give away the wrenches and buy the professional wrenches instead and buy the remainder of the sockets one at a time.
166 sockets instead of the 331
 
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treerootCO has found a very good alternative (and I'm kicking myself! :flipoff2: ). I was so set on not needing SAE sizes, I didn't even think about it. :whoops: His idea is a little more expensive when encompassed into the basic kit from my first post, but you'd get standard/SAE sizes as well.

In relation to the "basic" kit from post #1, the set is:

290 piece Mechanics Tool Set
Torque Wrench, 3/8 in. Drive
Torque Wrench, 1/2 in. Drive
10 pc. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 6 pt. Metric, 1/2 in. Drive(9-15,17-19mm)
24mm Socket, 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Standard
6-piece Professional Pliers Set
14 pc. 6pt. Wrench Set, Metric
2 pc. Strap Wrench Set
2 pc. Locking Plier Set includes 10 WR and 7R Pliers
25 in. Pry Bar, with 18 in. Curved Bladed Screwdriver
Tool Storage- You're on your own for that one. :flipoff2:

Removed from post#1 list:
3 pc. Thin Profile Ratchet Set, 10 pc. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 6 pt. Metric, 1/4 in. Drive, 10 pc. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 6 pt. Deep Metric, 1/4 in. Drive, 22 pc. All 3/8 in. drive Metric 6 pt. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 6 pc. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 12 pt. Deep Metric, 1/2 in. Drive, Various Extensions and Adaptors(Ex:#43539, #44261, #44264), 3 12 in. Utility Cases, Screwdriver Set, Ratcheting, 2 pc. Hex Key Caddy Set, SAE and Metric, Tool Carrier

Total: $718+tax+shipping...+tool storage
More expensive, but you get the standard/SAE sizes too. More bang for your buck IMO. Up to you. I'm seriously thinking about making an exchange (gotta love Craftsman! :D ). I haven't ordered all of it so it wouldn't be hard at this point.
 
get one of the telescoping mirrors also...i don't use mine often, but when i do, damn am i glad i have it. handy for the few bucks it costs.
 
This seems like a better deal all around anyway. A 2-in-1 tool:
Magnetic Pick-Up Tool with Mirror http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00947095000

Good call on the magnetic tray.

More tweaks and additions(why waste it in a new post? :D ):

This pry bar set instead of the single 25in. from first post. Two more for extra $20:
3 pc. Screwdriver Pry Bar Set in tray http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00943278000
Wire Cutter-Stripper http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00973653000
Solder Gun, 150/230 watt http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00954046000
16 oz. Rubber Mallet http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00945787000
Compression Test Kit http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00947089000
And thanks to https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=46992:
Harbor Freight 20 Gallon Parts Washer http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=7340
 
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I know where I need to go to borrow tools now. Sounds like you are working up to a fine tool set. Im jealous.
 
mooker82 said:
I know where I need to go to borrow tools now. Sounds like you are working up to a fine tool set. Im jealous.
You're welcome to borrow anything, buddy...when I actually fully complete the set. :D I'm not gonna order all this stuff at once. (For all the hand tools alone we're talking around $1600 :eek: ) I've bought the "basic" list from the first post which should hold me for a while and I'll gradually accumulate the rest. I just finished the basic list and kept listing to help other beginning wrenchers out.

I'm also waiting for my Craftsman Club Membership (which you can join for free by calling 1-800-682-8691 :D ) to go through so some discounts kick in.

On another note, does anyone have suggestions for sawhorses? I know you can build your own, but, for those that don't want to go that route, which are some good sturdy sawhorses off the shelf? Sears has a few options(none of which are lifetime-guaranteed), but what others are out there?

And nice going, chuglife. That's one heck of a deal! :flipoff2: Love the "huckleberry" line. Kilmer was so much better than Quaid.
 
Thanks man. Hopefully I will not have to do much work on the 80 anytime soon. Still looking for a 40 project to work on though which will probably mean lots of welding. Good thing my Bday is coming up soon and my girls getting me a new welding setup.
 
The tool list is nearly complete besides miscellaneous tools or others I'm forgetting. Keep throwing out ideas.
I've taken reffug's suggestion(and also to help ya' out, Steven) and started researching welders and compressors. Don't know a darn thing about either, but that's what's so great about 'Mud. Wealth of knowledge!

Looking at what others here have said about welders, I've gathered that a MIG is the way to go. Yes, there are those here that say TIG or Stick, but that debate is for other threads. From my research, I chose MIG. Miller and their subsidiary Hobart seem to have a loyal following so I kept to those. 220v or better also seemed to be the general consensus. These models seem to be great welders especially for the backyard mechanic and they are not that expensive compared to other options. I put this list in order from lowest priced to highest priced:

Hobart Handler 180® MIG Welder http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00920503000
MILLERMATIC 175 http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_175/
Hobart IronMan™ 210 MIG Welder http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00920575000
MILLERMATIC 210 http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_210/

I still don't know which welder I'd get. Most likely the MM175. Versatile and would accomplish a great many things. But I've got time...I ain't buyin' tomorrow.
And some good welding tutorials:
Miller Student Pack(bottom of page) http://www.millerwelds.com/education/tools/index.html -thanks, Junk!
Welder's Handbook by Richard Finch http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...104-7134138-6652738?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 -thanks, White Shark!

With the air compressors, it's confusing. Apparently the info/specs published by the companies are usually wrong/fraudulant. Everyone seems to have varying opinions on which air compressors are the best. But I gathered the things to look for: Definitely go cast iron. Horse power varied between 2-6-12. Bigger the better(ie. 60 gallon "at least"). Not oil-free. CFM above 5.
Ingersoll-Rand(http://www.irgaragesolutions.com/product_information.asp) seems to have a very loyal following so I decided on the IR Garage Mate:
http://www.air.irco.com/IS/product.asp/id/50,188,52,84,38
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...OOL&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=null&pid=00919568000
I chose this one because it is IR, it is one of their least expensive, and I don't think I need too much. CruisinGA has this model and it sounds like it has worked very well for him. He used a grinder with it for 30 minutes straight without having to stop and wait for it to refill.
Others mentioned that the Craftsman compressors were a good value. Your own research will most likely turn up more.

Air tools:
Craftsman 3/8 in. Impact Wrench http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...L&pid=00919916000&subcat=Automotive+Air+Tools
which is supposedly a rebadged
Ingersoll-Rand 3/8 in. Impact Wrench, Ultra-Duty http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...L&pid=00919673000&subcat=Automotive+Air+Tools
Official specs:http://www.irtools.com/auto/2115.asp
but correct me if I'm wrong on that. Dearborn got the IR version and said it rocked. Many others have agreed.

Ingersoll-Rand 3/8 in. Composite Ratchet, Super Duty http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00919679000
I couldn't find a Craftsman equivalant. Also notice that this is the replacement to the IR-1107 they have on their website. It is also the Ultra Duty and not the Super Duty as Sears labels it.

Craftsman 21 pc. Impact Socket Set, 6 pt. Metric http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...&vertical=TOOL&pid=00919361000&subcat=Sockets

At this point, I guess the "'Custom' Craftsman Tool Kit" thread title should be changed to "'Custom' (mostly Craftsman) Tool Kit." :doh: But at least you can still get most of it at Sears right?
As usual, all opinions, suggestions, and additions are welcome. :)
 
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LoveTractor said:
Just curious, what's the soldering iron/gun for? Anything I've soldered that would be far too big and far too much heat...but I've only used a soldering iron for fixing/adding electrical wires, not sure what you have in mind for that.

Impressive list so far of tools...but remember sometimes you have to get creative with tools...you'd be amazed what vise-grips, channel-locks, a few sockets and a screwdriver can do for you when that's all you have.. :D
 
That is the style soldering iron I use for small rewiring projects. Instant heat and enough heat to pull the solder into the wire instead of making boogers on the outside.
 
I want to see how you choose to organize it all. That's my favorite part. I love my laser etched sockets. One of the best advancements in socket technology :D I wish I had ratcheting wrenches too though.
 
mabrodis said:
Just curious, what's the soldering iron/gun for? Anything I've soldered that would be far too big and far too much heat...but I've only used a soldering iron for fixing/adding electrical wires, not sure what you have in mind for that.
:confused: I dunno. I've never done much electrical work. But perhaps you are correct, sir. A bit too hot for a "general" list of tools. Soldering irons may be in order:
Soldering Iron, 30 watt http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00954041000
Soldering Iron, 45 watt http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00954042000
What are you using treerootCO?
mabrodis said:
Impressive list so far of tools...but remember sometimes you have to get creative with tools...you'd be amazed what vise-grips, channel-locks, a few sockets and a screwdriver can do for you when that's all you have.. :D
That's what this list is all about. I've been downright wickedly imaginative with my old selection of tools. Old Ace socket set missing a bunch, bent screwdriver set, rusted vise grip, oil pan, a hammer, and boards to put under OEM jack. Scary how far I've gotten. :D
tabraha said:
I want to see how you choose to organize it all.
Burlap sack, dude. :flipoff2:
No, I see a garage being built in the future. With lots and lots of shelves. For now, that Craftsman Tool Carrier and Utility Cases I got are workin' fine for the basic set. I'll leave it up to everyone else to organize.
Some helpful organization/garage set-up threads:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=5628
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=38673

And a late tool list addition:
Craftsman 7 pc. Locking Flex Ratcheting Wrench Set Metric
 
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