sets versus pieces?
that is the time honored question. I buy sets because the individual parts cost less per item when the price is spread over a whole set of items. one tap/die might cost $10, where as the whole set might cost $60.
this is of course, no excuss to just throw money around. i eventually find other applications for some of the other pieces and then the savings is worth the effort.
this scheme did not help me when i rebuilding my last engine. i busted the tap for the head bolt hole on top of the block, and not only did i have to get the busted end out, but the individual tap was abotuu $29. so, some day i break even, and most days i win.
i like an organized tool box, and so having the set in a box of pieces helps that happen automatically.
i do buy individual parts. when i needed the socket to turn the crank bolt off/on/engine over, i bought just the one that fit, and not the whole $250 set of 7 sockets it was in, so i do have limits myself.
either way, have fun, stay focused, and keep them running. eventually some movie maker will offer thousands more than their worth just to blow one of em up in some movie set. all the $$$$ will come back home to rosot in our pockets. and we can use it to buy tools galour, and fj's more.