tools every guy needs

[Flipped Gazelle]

Duct tape and Channellocks.

 

[Hyperlite]

i have an awesome little 40pc ratcheting screwdriver set that i got form lowes for about $15, i've used the hell out of it. It's a plastic case with two small storage compartements in the bottom that i keep surgical tweezers and krazy glue in. They would also fit a roll of electrical tape. There is no substitute for a good set of screwdrivers and a good pair of pliers. You'll want a cheap pair of wire strippers if you'll be doing any electrical work. If you have a solid workbench, a benchmounted vice is a wonderful thing to have.

 

[Colt45]

Real men are perpetually obtaining every tool known to man.

 

[Pliablemoose]

That's a nice set, I may buy it too.

The 1/4" drive is for electrical components more than mechanical work, but very handy to have.

Do you belong to the Craftsman Club for an additional discount?

 

[zerocool84]

Don't listen to all these people telling you to buy all those expensive ass tools. Yes they are good and you can tell a difference but I bought a $70 set from pep-boys and I've had it for 5 years. I didn't buy their cheapy set cus they do sell really crappy stuff. From then on I've bought little special tools and such to expand my set. Many times you won't even know exactly what you need until you start whatever project you are doing.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
i'm not exactly handy around the house or car, but i'm somewhat of a DIY'er on basic stuff.
for the car i've done jobs like changing brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), oil, trans fluid, battery.

i'm less adventurous at home because i don't want to mess with plumbing/electrical/gas stuff because one wrong move could be thousands of $.
probably the biggest project was mounting my 42" plasma, which was just screws and bolts.

so anyway, i moved out a couple of years ago and don't have my own tools aside from a hammer, a flat and phillips screwdriver and a wrench which i plan to upgrade since these are all cheap pos.

i plan to start with this socket set.
might be a little overkill for basic work, but i figure it's craftsman and will last a lifetime, why not.

what else do i need?
should i get a set of screw drivers, or ones with changeable bits?
a drill and set of drill bits?

oh wait, this set comes with a screwdriver + 10 bits.

I have the same socket set. It is NOT overkill if you work on a car at all ( I do not). However I got mine through slickdeals, for $100.

Makita or Rigid (a brand I like more and more), 18v cordless drill
Estwing Hammer
Set of Klein electrician's screwdrivers
Set of Chan-L-Lock pliers and grippers
Klein wirestripper
Stanley 30" measuing tape
Stanley stud finder
Stabila 4' bubble level
Tool belt
Bucket Buddy
Wonderbar
Adjustable right angle ruler
Some kind of Dremel
Pencils (can not have too many)
A sharp wood chisel or two is nice
Some rasps and files
Assorted clamps

More important than what you get sometimes is what you DON'T get:

Any small-sized hobby-sized power tools. There is nothing more frustrating than a too-small, hard to handle, underpowered, and PLAIN DANGEROUS tool. I have found nothing to be more dangerous than a portable table saw.

I listed brand names because cheap tools are never worth it. They either break or break you. I have slammed my hands too many times because a tool failed. I am lucky to have all my fingers after some run in with junky tools. I have never saved a nickle getting a cheap tool. Please avoid Harbor Freight at all costs. Others to avoid are Wen, Husky, and Ryobi.

Good luck!

 

[CraKaJaX]

You were born with the only real tool you will ever really need.

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
Don't listen to all these people telling you to buy all those expensive ass tools. Yes they are good and you can tell a difference but I bought a $70 set from pep-boys and I've had it for 5 years. I didn't buy their cheapy set cus they do sell really crappy stuff. From then on I've bought little special tools and such to expand my set. Many times you won't even know exactly what you need until you start whatever project you are doing.

Starting off, I think that's the best way to go -- expand as you find you need more tools for a given project. That being said, I've been helping my grandmother fix up her house. My grandfather's old workshop is still basically intact in the basement and having a million and one tools at your disposal is amazing.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Zebo
Overkill.

Try this
http://www.costco.com/Browse/P...tial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

That set is actually a decent first set.

Most people get hung up on MAC/Snap-On...they are overpriced and beyond the needs of most shadetree folks. Not to mention warranty replacement means you have to hunt them down. Sure if you are using the tools EVERYDAY and can't afford downtime they make a bit of sense, but at the same time you'd also have a backup box with every tool duplicated.

I like Craftsman a lot. Their new EVOLV line is pretty interesting (I picked up 20 something hex/allen sockets for $27 a week ago)....

The trick for Craftsman is become a club member, hunt the good coupons and combine with the big sales (Father's day is one of those).

Get the biggest 'mechanics' set you can afford as it will include a lot of supporting tools. Add in a drill and you should be set. Get brave a circular saw etc...

If you are looking to do woodworking that is a whole nother ball game.

I have been buying tools for 25 years almost now. My dad started me off with a cheap stanley set when I was a kid and as I got more responsible and learned more added Craftsman to the mix. I still would love to get a table and radial arm saw, but as far as mechnanical stuff unless it's requiring 3/4" drive I have it...sockets into about 2" / 50mm, adjustable wrenches I can use as walking stick, gazillions of bits for custom fasteners, drill bits of all sorts, torque wrenches, pulley pullers, etc.

What I do now is buy the tools as I need them, unless the job is cheaper than the tool.

Also ebay is a great place (and pawn shops) for Craftsman tools.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS
I listed brand names because cheap tools are never worth it. They either break or break you. I have slammed my hands too many times because a tool failed. I am lucky to have all my fingers after some run in with junky tools. I have never saved a nickle getting a cheap tool. Please avoid Harbor Freight at all costs. Others to avoid are Wen, Husky, and Ryobi.

Good luck!

Being that you are quoting Klein several times above I'd say you are more a light duty dude.

Ryobi makes decent things...don't know about hand tools buy them but I have had some gas lawn gear that worked great.

Also Harbor Freight is a great place for tools if you know what you are buying.

Most people that end up busting knuckles are trying to use a rachet to do the job of a wrench or breaker bar. As well as trying to use the wrong type of tool (deep socket to break a high torque bolt)...

HF is good for air tools, chisels, clips/clamps and tarps esp. There are tons of junk they have though too.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
i'm not exactly handy around the house or car, but i'm somewhat of a DIY'er on basic stuff.
for the car i've done jobs like changing brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), oil, trans fluid, battery.

i'm less adventurous at home because i don't want to mess with plumbing/electrical/gas stuff because one wrong move could be thousands of $.
probably the biggest project was mounting my 42" plasma, which was just screws and bolts.

so anyway, i moved out a couple of years ago and don't have my own tools aside from a hammer, a flat and phillips screwdriver and a wrench which i plan to upgrade since these are all cheap pos.

i plan to start with this socket set.
might be a little overkill for basic work, but i figure it's craftsman and will last a lifetime, why not.

what else do i need?
should i get a set of screw drivers, or ones with changeable bits?
a drill and set of drill bits?

oh wait, this set comes with a screwdriver + 10 bits.

I have the same socket set. It is NOT overkill if you work on a car at all ( I do not). However I got mine through slickdeals, for $100.

Makita or Rigid (a brand I like more and more), 18v cordless drill
Estwing Hammer
Set of Klein electrician's screwdrivers
Set of Chan-L-Lock pliers and grippers
Klein wirestripper
Stanley 30" measuing tape
Stanley stud finder
Stabila 4' bubble level
Tool belt
Bucket Buddy
Wonderbar
Adjustable right angle ruler
Some kind of Dremel
Pencils (can not have too many)
A sharp wood chisel or two is nice
Some rasps and files
Assorted clamps

More important than what you get sometimes is what you DON'T get:

Any small-sized hobby-sized power tools. There is nothing more frustrating than a too-small, hard to handle, underpowered, and PLAIN DANGEROUS tool. I have found nothing to be more dangerous than a portable table saw.

I listed brand names because cheap tools are never worth it. They either break or break you. I have slammed my hands too many times because a tool failed. I am lucky to have all my fingers after some run in with junky tools. I have never saved a nickle getting a cheap tool. Please avoid Harbor Freight at all costs. Others to avoid are Wen, Husky, and Ryobi.

Good luck!

really? i heard good things about husky.
but i agree about not getting cheap tools which is why i am going with craftsman.

 

[LordMorpheus]

Originally posted by: ZeroIQ

Originally posted by: ElFenix
unless you buy snap-on you're not a real man

Or MAC Tools.

Then someone shoved their boot up my ass and I learned differently.

Yeah, no kidding, if you are a garage DIY person buying MAC or Snap-On, you're either consumed by your hobby, this is forgivable, or you've got way too much money and you pour needless thousands of dollars into tools you use once in a while in the hope it will make you happy.

Craftsmen tools are fine, most have good coverage plans.

I'd recommend you buy one of the large sets of craftsmen sockets / assorted. They sell stuff like "131 piece mechanics toolkit" usually for a decent price. Find one that suits your needs and augment it as necessary.

 

[daveshel]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
unless you buy snap-on you're not a real man

Craftsman is for people who buy tools.
Snap-on/Mac is for people who use tools.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

There's no sense buying specialty tools until you need them. Just have a good hammer, some good screwdrivers, pliers and a set of wrenches. Add whatever else when the need arises.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
That's a nice set, I may buy it too.

The 1/4" drive is for electrical components more than mechanical work, but very handy to have.

Do you belong to the Craftsman Club for an additional discount?

signed up last night.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: rh71
where'd you move to & from?

why?

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: Zebo
Overkill.

Try this
http://www.costco.com/Browse/P...tial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

sigh... this @ $50 or the craftsman @ $170?
i agree the craftsman is a bit overkill for the little jobs that i do.

do they have this on display at costco b&m? i want to get a feel for these.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
i'm not exactly handy around the house or car, but i'm somewhat of a DIY'er on basic stuff.
for the car i've done jobs like changing brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), oil, trans fluid, battery.

i'm less adventurous at home because i don't want to mess with plumbing/electrical/gas stuff because one wrong move could be thousands of $.
probably the biggest project was mounting my 42" plasma, which was just screws and bolts.

so anyway, i moved out a couple of years ago and don't have my own tools aside from a hammer, a flat and phillips screwdriver and a wrench which i plan to upgrade since these are all cheap pos.

i plan to start with this socket set.
might be a little overkill for basic work, but i figure it's craftsman and will last a lifetime, why not.

what else do i need?
should i get a set of screw drivers, or ones with changeable bits?
a drill and set of drill bits?

oh wait, this set comes with a screwdriver + 10 bits.

I have the same socket set. It is NOT overkill if you work on a car at all ( I do not). However I got mine through slickdeals, for $100.

I also have the same set and am very happy with it. I spend a lot of time working on my Jeep and it's got 98% of what I need (breaker bar, ratcheting wrenches, added a few others).

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS
I listed brand names because cheap tools are never worth it. They either break or break you. I have slammed my hands too many times because a tool failed. I am lucky to have all my fingers after some run in with junky tools. I have never saved a nickle getting a cheap tool. Please avoid Harbor Freight at all costs. Others to avoid are Wen, Husky, and Ryobi.

Good luck!

Being that you are quoting Klein several times above I'd say you are more a light duty dude.

Ryobi makes decent things...don't know about hand tools buy them but I have had some gas lawn gear that worked great.

Also Harbor Freight is a great place for tools if you know what you are buying.

Most people that end up busting knuckles are trying to use a rachet to do the job of a wrench or breaker bar. As well as trying to use the wrong type of tool (deep socket to break a high torque bolt)...

HF is good for air tools, chisels, clips/clamps and tarps esp. There are tons of junk they have though too.

I thought the same thing... You are free to have all my air tools I purchased at HF.

You could pay 4 times more for a set of Snap-on screwdrivers, but they are not as comfortable, and will break down just as quickly. Unfortunately screwdrivers do not last no matter what. You just want ones that are easy to grip and won't suddenly fail. Name a better wire stripper/screw cutter.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS

I thought the same thing... You are free to have all my air tools I purchased at HF.

You could pay 4 times more for a set of Snap-on screwdrivers, but they are not as comfortable, and will break down just as quickly. Unfortunately screwdrivers do not last no matter what. You just want ones that are easy to grip and won't suddenly fail. Name a better wire stripper/screw cutter.

like I said, you have to know what you are buying at HF...

Klein makes a good stripper, but their screwdrivers I would not rank too high esp based on price. I think you work on different things than the majority of homeowners seeing your tools scream more electrician than anything.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: daveshel

Originally posted by: ElFenix
unless you buy snap-on you're not a real man

Craftsman is for people who buy tools.
Snap-on/Mac is for people who use tools.

Outside of pro's most of those with $10k+ snap-on/Mac rolling sets still take their cars in...lolz.

What do you do for a living? What tools do you PERSONALLY own?

For most spouting off about snap-on/mac you either are in the business/have a dad in the business or don't use your tools.

 

[nutxo]

Something that people arent really takin into consideration is things YOU MUST have on hand.

Like a water shut off tool Text

Its not all about projects. Its being prepared to fix things before more damage can be caused. Dont expect a hardware store to be open at 10pm when a pipe or something breaks.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: nutxo
Something that people arent really takin into consideration is things YOU MUST have on hand.

Like a water shut off tool Text

Its not all about projects. Its being prepared to fix things before more damage can be caused. Dont expect a hardware store to be open at 10pm when a pipe or something breaks.

if one has a decent range of tools they can get the water shut off without a specialty tool.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS

I thought the same thing... You are free to have all my air tools I purchased at HF.

You could pay 4 times more for a set of Snap-on screwdrivers, but they are not as comfortable, and will break down just as quickly. Unfortunately screwdrivers do not last no matter what. You just want ones that are easy to grip and won't suddenly fail. Name a better wire stripper/screw cutter.

like I said, you have to know what you are buying at HF...

Klein makes a good stripper, but their screwdrivers I would not rank too high esp based on price. I think you work on different things than the majority of homeowners seeing your tools scream more electrician than anything.

Professionally I was a cabinet maker, which means I had to know everything about how to build cabinets, and a little about everything else to be able to install them.

I have yet to find a durable screwdriver. If the SO or MAC ones were worth it, I would have those. Kleins are not too much more than the generic set they are sitting next to at Home Depot. I mostly prefer them for their grip.

While I have all the tools required to fix anything of an electrical nature in my home wiring, the vast majority of my tools are for wood working.

HF does have one use for me. I get cheap orbital sanders from them. Some jobs are too hard for quality tools.

 

[Zolty]

My advice is to go to walmart and buy the $20 socket set, if you use it more than 3-4 times a year then get the expensive one. I suggest you do this with all general tools to keep yourself from buying expensive stuff that you never use.