mechanic tool set for husband

[mx4white]

Need some help on a mechanic tool set for my husband. We are new cruiser owners and my husband is under the car today replacing the starter. It is obvious he needs some tools! Suggestions on what I should by, where is the best place etc.... How much should I spend..... We are looking at just doing minor repairs and such.... we are trying to learn as we go.... it has been fun doing things for ourselves..... he just got back inside she started right up

Thanks in advance
Michelle

 

[Rocky_LC]

I think Sears (and K-Mart) have basic Craftsman tool sets.

A Metric 3/8" Drive Ratchet Set with a 4" and 8" extension is a requirement.

A Metric Open End Wrench Set (6mm - 17 mm) is a requriement.

A Screwdriver Set (Phillips and Flat Blades) are a requirement.​

Other special tools will come later.

Good Tools are a real help.

Lots of other sources for this stuff - Autozone's stuff has a lifetime warrenty (like Craftsman) too.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

He needs TWO sets. A set to do most work with, and an emergency road set to squirrel in the Land Cruiser. Early Land Cruisers had a lockable tool box under the diver's seat. Later ones had room to slip a kit under the seat. Basically the home set should be more complete, and it doesn't matter if it has a fitted carry case or not, because eventually the tools will wind up in a larger tool box or chest. The vehicle set should be in some sort of fitted case or small tool box. If budget constraints are an issue, get a basic sset for the vehicle, and then get a better set for home later.

Craftsman tool used to be at the top of the heap for non-mechanics (who use the incredibly expensive but high quality Snap-On tools). But S-K makes good tools too, and many auto parts stores carry them. Home Depot carries a decent line with lifetime warranty. If I was looking for an alternative to Craftman, I'd get theirs. (in fact, since they're substantialy closer to me, I have bought some there). The Home Depot brand has a lifetime warranty as well.

What you should NOT get are cheapo Wally Work kits that are made from poor quality metal. The rachets often fail, and that means under torque, so hubby will tear the skin off his knuckles.

 

[aksnowryder]

The home depot tools are good. I've also found good tools at my local hardware store and auto parts store. Word of advise... buy the best you can afford. Your husband will thank you many times for it! My personal list of preferences by brand;

Snap-On
Master Mechanic (The higher grade not the cheap stuff)
Craftsman
Home Depot

I've owned my Snap-on tools for over 25 years now and they are still my first choice.

Metric tools as mentioned above, but you will also want a good set of screwdrivers. One word of caution here, if your husband has a habit of using flat bladed screwdrivers for pry bars, then don't buy expensive... no matter the brand, they aren't designed for that. Get a scraper and a pry-bar. Just my .02

 

[n2666s]

Snap-on/ Mac/Cornwall/Proto or Hazet these are the pros choices.......craftsman is nice but for the amatuer, have had poor tools fail and have veen very lucky to come out with only a few stitches luckely not a broke bone or tendon injury; look for a used set/sets on craigslist or ebay;.....agree about the prybar/crowbar; you might also invest in about 2 feet 1 1/2 or 2 inch pipe to use as a "cheater" cheap but it comes in handy along with a propane or map torch; my 0.02


Lou

 

[Rigger]

I'm in agreement that Sears Craftsman has good tools at reasonable prices. They are good at taking things back or exchanging if the tool fails. They are a good value. I look for US made tools.

You can buy him tools as gifts for years to come! Creeper, jackstands and floor jack are good gifts if suspension work is upcoming. Electrical tester if there is wiring work to be done. Tool box is always a good gift. Torque wrench is necessary for some projects.

In my opinion, you're a great wife to take notice of your husband's needs and help him out! Good for you!

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I agree on the Craftsman stuff. Mostly good to very good. Their big sets are the best bang for buck as a starter kit, but quickly get him a big rolling tool chest so his tools stay organized. You have to be disciplined with tools or they quickly become a disorganized mess and thus hard to use. Make sure he knows to put them away in their spot at the end of every working day.

He will also need a set of basic stuff to stay in the Cruiser. Harbor Freight tools are perfect for that, meaning you don't really care if they get stolen.

I am still using many Craftsman tools that were my Granfather's and have his serial # from when he worked in the shipyard during WWII. I kind of treasure those, but they still get full use.

 

[Weedhopper]

I took my 78 parts truck completely apart with a simple metric socket set from Ace hardware.some other common tols of course..............And an angle grinder.......... A metric socket set would be great for him!

 

[fjatheart]

Kobalt tools from Lowes are quality and comparable to Craftsman.

 

[nspctr1]

If you have K Mart near you, pick up a couple of these. GREAT PRICE>>>>>

http://slickdeals.net/?sduid=0&t=68...ol+Set&sLevel=0&sid=KAx20050801x13xSlickdeals

 

[bsmith123]

metric tools

For the cuiser remember to get metric sizes those are 8mm 9mm 10mm wrenches and so on.

A lot of sets these days carry both metric and imperial sizes though

I saw some nice husky sets in black chrome at Lowes they caught my eye and I have a full pro set of Matco tools

for toolboxes always leave extra drawers or room to add tools

another great gift is pegboard and hooks to hang tools on and it's cheap

also magnetic bars for holding tools are great as well as magnetic tool trays.

a mechanics stool with wheels is nice as well as a roll around cart. and not expensive but they are super handy

plastic organizing trays and boxes for holding bits drill organizers and so on

And if you want to be really really nice get some two color foam from snap on and cut out the shape of the tools with a craft knife to fit in the drawer. Missing tools are instantly visible.

sockets for air tools are super tough and not much more than regular sockets

Buy one really good tool rather than a bunch of cheap ones he'll love you for it!

Good luck and merry christmas

 

[e9999]

Costco has several tool sets at various prices.
They have a huge one with a couple of hundreds or more (it seemed) of sockets and wrenches and various stuff for about $100. Seemed like just about anything basic would be covered.