Where to Buy Tool Sets

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I got my first socket set as a gift from my Dad when I was ~10. it had something like 12 sockets, a rachet, and an extension. I still have nearly every piece. My Dad would be shocked at the tools I have amassed....That first set was SK I buy predominantly craftsmen. The best winfall for me was about 7 years ago... I was visiting my brother whose father in law had recently died (the FIL was a mechanic for many years, his death was not the good part of the story or a winfall of any sorts- RIP) so anyway....my brother takes me down to the basement of his house where there is literally a pile of tools that would amount to about 2 cubic yards. He said. "I've taken everything I want tomorrow I'm putting whatever you don't want on the curb" Sorry neighborhood...nothing made it to the curb....
 
stayalert said:
I got my first socket set as a gift from my Dad when I was ~10. it had something like 12 sockets, a rachet, and an extension. I still have nearly every piece. My Dad would be shocked at the tools I have amassed....That first set was SK I buy predominantly craftsmen. The best winfall for me was about 7 years ago... I was visiting my brother whose father in law had recently died (the FIL was a mechanic for many years, his death was not the good part of the story or a winfall of any sorts- RIP) so anyway....my brother takes me down to the basement of his house where there is literally a pile of tools that would amount to about 2 cubic yards. He said. "I've taken everything I want tomorrow I'm putting whatever you don't want on the curb" Sorry neighborhood...nothing made it to the curb....
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Man - sounds like my FIL. Alive and has more energy at 84 than most people on this planet. He is a tool geek - if there's a tool, he's got at least one if not two. His four daughters are dreading the day he dies regarding what to do with all his tools. He's got wood and metal lathes, welding equipment, all the woodworking equipment. He's a licensed locksmith, so he's got several key cutting machines...you get the picture. All this stuff takes up several small buildings that make up a complex of his 'workshop' area. It's the size of a small house on it's own.

I think I'm like you, MIL will probably tell all the daughters and SIL's to have at it first, but I'm not looking forward to that day. I'd rather have him around!

And to not totally hijack this thread - he's a very firm believer in buying quality first and always, including Craftsman.
 
Brent,

Same with my father in law, was bummed when he passed on a few years ago. I really miss him. Working on getting his old Mustang on the road again for my wife. My tool collection is a big mix of stuff, but I cherish all the bits from my great grandfather, grandfathers, and father in law. Was just thinking about tnis, as I used my grandpa's ax to chop some wood. Good tools last several lifetimes.

Dave, if you need more tools, hit up the pawnshops in San Leandro and Hayward, lots of stuff for pretty cheap. Also, garage sales in your area turn up some good buys. Wait, it would have to stop raining in the Bay Area for garage sales to happen.....

Brian
 
Brian-
Thanks for the tips. This RAIN SUCKS. I could never live up north. Yeah we are spoiled in California.

Not many pawn shops around Walnut Creek.
The kit I picked up will work as the base for
the tool kit for teh truck now I need to add all the stuff missing.
Dave
 
I really like craftsman...
Someone was baggin on Harbor Freight, but I havent had any problems with their Pittsburg WRENCHES, in fact, we actually use them at work doing fire sprinklers...We broke the 1/2 in drive wratchet after 7 years, using a cheater bar trying to break underground bolts free. I think most any wratchet would have busted the same. We ended up using a cutting torch in the end.
Harbor Freight sells some s***ty stuff, but I trust their wrenches (pittsburg) pretty well.

Chicago
 
I own Craftsman. Sears is everywhere for the most part and they are guaranteed for life. I once broke the head off the center bolt on a puller while hammering it like hell. Returned it and they replaced it. They used to tell me at Sears to use my screwdrivers as chisels since the chisels were not part of the guarantee but that screwdrivers were. Just bought my 13 year old a set to start working on rebuilding a 72 cruiser.
 
Craftsman. I just got a good deal on 3/8 drive extensions. 4 piece for 9.99 plus tax. Get a Crafstman Club card and get better deals.

I have a stanley ratchet that I use cus I lost mine. I must say it feels like it works better than the Craftsman, smoother.
 
A mechanic friend of mine told me long ago to get 6 point sockets, as you are less likely to round over heads. Well, I just tried the Craftsman (Sears) site just to see what they had, and they sell...SK 6-pt sets. They have some 6-pt Craftsman stuff for impact wrenches, but their sets are 1/2 " drive SK.

And quite Pricey I might add.
 
I would say buy mac that is what I use at work, home and in the truck they are great quality and you can get them replaced for free if they break. They are a bit pricy but worth it. Just my two cents.........ben
 
I BUY ALMOST ALL SNAP- ON AND MAC TOOLS AT THE PAWN . And many power tools. Must be lots of crackhead theives 'round here.......

Also the fleet and farm stores. Good selection.
 
For my basic tool set, I have two Metrinch sets. High quality and very useful (each wrench and socket works with two sizes--an SAE & metric). I have tons of Craftsman stuff too and highly recommend them.
 
dieseldog said:
For my basic tool set, I have two Metrinch sets. High quality and very useful (each wrench and socket works with two sizes--an SAE & metric). I have tons of Craftsman stuff too and highly recommend them.
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I also have a Metrinch set...it is awesome! Not sure where to get them now but my wife bought it for me as a gift when they first came out. Stripped down a 76 with nothing but that set for the most part.
 
Again with the pawn....

Found this at pawn for $35 two weeks ago: SNAP-ON TORQUE.


Plus you get a receipt, so you know if it is stolen?
Ass covered.........
 
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I bought my first Metrinch set from a TV infomercial. The second set was purchased on the internet--along with an impact set for lug nuts.
 
Wow, Metwrinch. I had completely forgotten about them. Are they still available? I don't see the infomercials anymore. I thought it would make a good car tool kit because I would only have to carry half the number of sockets with me. A friend of mine bought a set about 10 years ago, I was tempted to buy one also.

However, i used them for a short time working on his truck and they felt funny. They worked well, but one thing i didn't like was the fact that everything felt "loose". Kinda like when you use the wrong size socket which *almost* fits. So it was hard to hold a bolt in the socket like in a normal tool. Maybe I just gotta get used to it. How do you guys like your set? Would you recommend them over craftsmen?
 
ducktapeguy said:
Wow, Metwrinch. I had completely forgotten about them. Are they still available? I don't see the infomercials anymore. I thought it would make a good car tool kit because I would only have to carry half the number of sockets with me. A friend of mine bought a set about 10 years ago, I was tempted to buy one also.

However, i used them for a short time working on his truck and they felt funny. They worked well, but one thing i didn't like was the fact that everything felt "loose". Kinda like when you use the wrong size socket which *almost* fits. So it was hard to hold a bolt in the socket like in a normal tool. Maybe I just gotta get used to it. How do you guys like your set? Would you recommend them over craftsmen?
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The reason they feel loose is due to the design. They actually grab the nut or bolt head on the sides versus the points. A 6 point socket is probably better, but they are much better than a 12 point IMO. Plus you anly need half as many if you need to worry about SAE and Metric. Not sure about cost as I have not looked recently, but I have never broke one. Then again, I have rarely broken a Craftsman if I am using it correctly, and they are much easier to get replaced. :cheers:

Pete
 
I have mostly Craftsman tools in the garage but I wanted a portable tool set to keep in the cruiser. I ended up buying a Cresent brand tool set at Costco. I'm usually a little wary of "all in one" sets like this but the tools looked to be pretty good quality. I got it home and opened it up and was VERY impressed! I went back and got another one for the boat. Has 3/8 drive std and metric sockets (reg depth and deep), 1/4 drive sockets, 1/2 drive sockets, needle nose pliers, 3 screwdrivers, bit-driver with 20 or so bits, combination end wrenches, allen wrenches, the works! And the best part is the case. The tools actually stay in their spots when you open and close the case. I showed it to my Dad and my brother and they each went and got one. Highly recommended. About $60 I think :cheers:
 
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