I bought a craftsman 1/2" Ratchet + metric set with deep sockets aswell. I like it, but I was wondering if I should have found a set that also had SAE as I have no standard sockets. Is there any good sets that have both? What would you recommend?
I bought a craftsman 1/2" Ratchet + metric set with deep sockets aswell. I like it, but I was wondering if I should have found a set that also had SAE as I have no standard sockets. Is there any good sets that have both? What would you recommend?
Husky stuff is good. I have been slowly filling in the holes in my hand tools with there stuff.
As someone who had very limits Storage I'd like to buy a full mechanics set with an amazing carrying toolbox that has everything nicely slotted in. But most the ones I see comes with a super cheap box
You've touched on one of my biggest complaints.
The tools are often good but the cases suck on many sets.
I want a durable box too with slots for every tool that then lets me easily see if everything is accounted for at the end of the job.
I have an old Lowes Kobalt socket set where I really like the tools. On the other hand, the hinge on the box was just a fold in the plastic. It didn't take long before the hinge wore through. I then had to add my own hinge by screwing a piano hinge into the box.
I have a Craftsman set that has 1/4"-3/8"-1/2" drives, metric and SAE, and regular and some deep sockets in the 3/8" drive. It came in a nice plastic case that I can carry to whatever job I'm working on. It wasn't to expensive and would make a great starter set that you can add to as needed.
I use Lowes as well, but I have the sliding holder where the sockets lock into it. Fits in my tool bag better.
D2W wrote: I have a Craftsman set that has 1/4"-3/8"-1/2" drives, metric and SAE, and regular and some deep sockets in the 3/8" drive. It came in a nice plastic case that I can carry to whatever job I'm working on. It wasn't to expensive and would make a great starter set that you can add to as needed.
Can you link me to this when you get a chance?
I recently picked up the harbor freight 301 piece kit, the only thing I can say I don't like about it is the lack of breaker bar and the wrenches suck, but the rest of the kit is amazing.even the case is pretty well built and has a slot for everything
D2W wrote: I have a Craftsman set that has 1/4"-3/8"-1/2" drives, metric and SAE, and regular and some deep sockets in the 3/8" drive. It came in a nice plastic case that I can carry to whatever job I'm working on. It wasn't to expensive and would make a great starter set that you can add to as needed.
How long have you had it?
I had a Crafstman box like that, that I had bought a decade or so ago. The plastic box quickly degraded and broke with normal use.
"Normal" = I drove an old E30 at the time.
So really the best thing to do is get a good canvas duffle bag to throw all your tools into.
That's what I have, a "doctor's bag" in the car, but frankly I don't like it. It's a complete hodgepodge and takes me minutes to find anything at all. I need to get some of those roll-up cloth/plastic things for the wrenches, and those snap-in holders for the sockets. That would organize the bag quite a bit.
kb58 wrote: That's what I have, a "doctor's bag" in the car, but frankly I don't like it. It's a complete hodgepodge and takes me minutes to find anything at all. I need to get some of those roll-up cloth/plastic things for the wrenches, and those snap-in holders for the sockets. That would organize the bag quite a bit.
Right! I think a doctors bag and some socket holders and wrench holders would be in order.
A good quality cantilever toolbox will let you store a good amount of tools with some reasonable organisation.
Something like this.
You don't need sae sockets. There is always a metric one that fits. Use 6 point sockets, not 12 point.
Here's my thought - most socket or tool sets have a few tools that you need, and a lot that you don't. (Example, 9mm socket). What about making and selling vehicle-specific tool kits that come with nice blown plastic cases? Like make a miata one that only has the common sized sockets, but also has screwdriver, pliers, flashlight, flying miata timing belt tool, etc.
daeman wrote: A good quality cantilever toolbox will let you store a good amount of tools with some reasonable organisation. Something like this.
What is that one? I like!
I like S&K alot here recently but for cheaper stuff i still like the craftsman kits. In the end i feel your better just buying a good socket set and adding your own wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers
That's a sidchrome set, not sure you'll find one of those available outside of Australia though. Sidchrome is pretty decent gear.
Don't get too caugt up in the idea of a set, while they're a good starting point building your own allows you more choice in what's in it. Often when you buy a set you'll find out really like the sockets, but hate the spanners, or it'll include pliers or screwdrivers that you don't like, things like that.
If you buy an empty cantilever box, you can set it up how you like, with what you want. You can make your own Eva foam tray inserts, use magnetic strips, or even make custom wood or metal holders for things.
I'm putting together a specific tool kit for the rally car and thanks to you guys I now NEED a cantilever tool box. Dammit.
Coldsnap wrote:kb58 wrote: That's what I have, a "doctor's bag" in the car, but frankly I don't like it. It's a complete hodgepodge and takes me minutes to find anything at all. I need to get some of those roll-up cloth/plastic things for the wrenches, and those snap-in holders for the sockets. That would organize the bag quite a bit.Right! I think a doctors bag and some socket holders and wrench holders would be in order.
cheap aluminum carabineers are the best things in the world for keeping your box end wrenches together. useless for climbing or holding any weight, but slide the closed end of all wrenchs over it and let it click shut and they are easy to find, always together, and extremely easy to separate for use.
I use different colours for SAE and Metric and for my gear wrenches
Coldsnap wrote: So really the best thing to do is get a good canvas duffle bag to throw all your tools into.
I have a nice one with pockets and dividers I will give you if you want it. Probably some extra tools as well. Get them the berkeley outta here.
I think what you want is a used GMTK.
Dusterbd13 wrote:Coldsnap wrote: So really the best thing to do is get a good canvas duffle bag to throw all your tools into.I have a nice one with pockets and dividers I will give you if you want it. Probably some extra tools as well. Get them the berkeley outta here.
I'll take it! I was thinking a duffle will squish up nicely and fit into the wheel well compartment of my wagon. Gonna be out west near Raleigh anytime soon?
Nope. Not planning on it....
But i do have a few days off.
You working monday? I feel the need for a Winston Salem pull a part run....
I bought a Craftsman mechanics set with something like 160 pieces when I bought my house. It has the 3 main sizes of ratchets and sockets(deep and regular); sae and metric common wrenches; sae and metric allen wrenches; and a 1/4" driver handle with common bits. For a miata, its got everything and more. It is nearly enough for the 944 and Lexus. Saabs required the addition of torx drivers.
All of that said, it also sucks. If you open it upside-down everything will spill out. I once spent an hour chasing sockets all over a parking lot after making a trailer adjustment. Its also somewhat limited for adding tools in.
I've built up a 3 drawer Craftsman tool box that I end up taking to the track and working mostly from it there. I have the metal socket holders loaded up in it with another set of (HF) color coded sockets, a big set of impact sockets, my torx drivers, zip ties, tapes, a full set of screwdrivers, trouble light, multi-meter, and who even knows what else. I find the drawers and top section work fairly well for this, but you have to really keep up on organization. It also fits perfectly in a cabinet I have in the garage where I can open the cabinet door and open it all up as needed without pulling it out. It also weighs a ton.
A Hazet tool trolley would be awesome.
You'll need to log in to post.
