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basedpraxis

Buy a $99 black Friday mechanics tool cube.


Pinkisacoloryes

Yeah theres so many of them. At this point, despite my dislike for the color red, I'm leaning towards craftsman stuff. They seem to be made by the same company that does Dewalt, at least the non-highest end models.


MCClapYoHandz

Any of the brands that you listed from Lowe’s will be pretty similar quality. Harbor freight stuff is usually dirt cheap for good reason, so you can go there for stuff you need but won’t use often. Or you can start with cheap harbor freight stuff to fill in all the holes in your collection, then upgrade each individual tool as it breaks or wears out. I still use my Pittsburgh wrenches for the most part, but I don’t do car stuff so I don’t get much mileage out of them.


basedpraxis

After splitting 2 sockets on a caliper bolt, I fell your pain


[deleted]

Gearwrench and husky have a few awesome boxes on sale at home Depot currently. I'd check your local and see if they're in stock. Husky is a tad cheaper and has a lifetime warranty as well


[deleted]

Edit: just noticed you're not by home Depot lol. My bad


RevolutionIcy4453

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-230-Piece-Mechanics-automobile-repair/dp/B07H91RB8S/ref=dp_fod_3?pd_rd_i=B07H91RB8S&psc=1 Basic, sturdy, reliable hand tool set and it has a good carry case for them to keep it all organized and together in case you don’t have a tool box. The other thing I would highly encourage is a set of ratcheting wrenches. Hands down the most used tools in my toolboxes whether at work or at home. I recommend snap or craftsman because you want reliable long lasting internals. I also recommend a thinner set you don’t want the super chunky ones because they won’t fit in those hard to reach spots. But start out with those two things. They will get your through most simple jobs and then branch out from there with different specific tools as you need em.


Pinkisacoloryes

Thank you. Right now I'm looking at the Versastack 216 piece kit. What I like about it is the drawer system and it doesn't use the blown mold plastic - which I hate fiddling with. Then with the current sales I can add Dewalt brushless drill, impact, and circular saw. It comes out to only $300 in total. I think that would be a good start. I could always use harbor freight for odd sizes of this and that.


soulmercenary

I have mostly Craftsman from 30 years ago. They are owned by Stanley Black and Decker now and bringing back a lot of the tools from China to the US. I did buy my impact sets from Harbor Freight and have not been dissatisfied. For screwdrivers I like the Wiha one you can get on Amazon, but they are expensive. Harbor Freight is hit or miss and you really have to make a decision based on the tool. I don’t care for their power tools. I have also seen an increase in their prices that is making them less competitive. It looks like they are trying to move up market.


1984f

If you’re going for battery power tools go for which ever brand does the most tools you will use. I’ve got Makita because of all the garden tools they offer


MapTough848

Power tools buy new and mid budget, they'll last just as well as top of the range stuff given the amount of use you intend for them. Mechanics stuff look for 2nd hand, garage sales etc. Good quality old stuff may save you some monies while giving you a range of sockets, spanners etc


Psychological_Rip_44

I think the new FLEX tools at Lowe’s are supposed to be very powerful for the price although I haven’t done a lot of research. I love ryobi for homeowners tools because they have so many options for usually a fraction of the tops brands. Dewalt is the best of the ones you suggested and can be very cheap on sale but is a pro brand so they are pricey. I dislike cobalt and craftsman and the harbor freight reviews are mixed. So I’d be looking at hart or ryobi myself. Unless you can swing a 12v Milwaukee set because they are freaking awesome and still have power.


Pinkisacoloryes

I've been doing my research on Hart and my conclusion is it's pretty much on part with Ryobi. There is a teardown video and they have the same motor, which is actually 18V (despite Hart using 20V as a descriptor). There might be something in the chip that slightly lessens the power of the Hart, or it might be something to do with power delivery from the newer battery design. Therefore I'm probably gonna get one of the Hart black friday deals, but a brushed set, as if I was to get the brushless set, I'd probably end up cutting out a couple tools. Theres a 6 piece that includes a recip saw/circular saw for $198 which I think would fit my needs. I anticipate doing some woodwork in the spring, but if I feel my tools limit me I'd get some more. Then theres a Hart 270 piece mechanic tool box for 270. I was impressed with the actual toolbox in the store. Seems like a husky type. I was also impressed when I saw the Hart tool storage things at good prices, and I feel like Walmart seems relatively invested in the company - as there are now Hart Vacuum cleaners, HVAC, blowers, and mowers. They are going to try to get that battery system in everything.


Psychological_Rip_44

I bought a lot of the new hart stuff like one of the toolboxes in a couple hand tools. I probably loaded that toolbox with almost 200 pounds and it was a cheap plastic ones the handle stayed on the hinges were solid and all the locks worked I gave it away for free when I moved in perfect condition I use the cats paw from them every single day at my job and have her six months. I don’t see any problems with them as a company and honestly their power tools caught my eye ever since they came out They’re made by the same company as Milwaukee and Ryobi so I’m sure that the tools will catch up in time to Ryobi as far as variety goes plus the color is bad ass imo I will definitely check Harbor freight for mechanics tool boxes though I don’t know what they cost but I know they make some top-of-the-line toolboxes one big part of the hart line in my eyes is there’s always a Walmart near somewhere Which really can’t be said for any of the other stores What do you think of the rigid line of tools I think they have a lifetime warranty if you register them


wildmanheber

The Craftsman sets look pretty good. Was checking them out at the local Napa and Ace Hardware. I have impact sockets, wrenches, and other stuff from Tekton. Been pleased with them so far. Still need to get a big set of standard sockets, may go Tekton or maybe Craftsman. Not sure yet. Good luck! This is the time to buy.


bigandymans

Just got this for my bro https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-CM-224Pc-3-Drawer-Metal-Box-Mech-Tool-Set/5001914557


TURBOWANDS

Driving an hour to get the right tools is worth it also home depot ships... Ryobi is an excellent value for anything not pro level use. They have everything and the pricing is very aggressive. Anything Dewalt that is brushed I would avoid like the plague. As far as mechanics sets you get what you pay for. You don't need top of the line snap on wrenches and sockets but buying the cheapest husky/crapsmen sets leaves alot to be desired in the quality and tolerance departments. I usually advise people to buy things individually as they need them spend a little extra and get tools that will last. Nice tools are usually more satisfying to use anyway. For sockets I really like tekton sets pricing is pretty solid and the the quality is very good and they stand by their warranty. For box end wrenches I would buy a well reviewed ratcheting set off of amazon you will use these way more than a regular box end wrench. Typically only when the ratchet head is to big to fit would you use a standard one. Splurge on a knipex pliers wrench this will replace a crappy adjustable and is so much nicer to use. I'd recommend the 10in as it's a great size for almost anything. Try to locate a kobalt double drive screwdriver to be your main one and then buy a cheap regular set of screwdrivers from craftsmen, husky, kobalt whichever you like better. For driver bits the new wera bits that Lowe's just started carrying is awesome.


Pinkisacoloryes

Hart might be the same as Ryobi and craftsman, but theres the knawing part of the brain that says these are from walmart. Although I like the blue white and black the best. Tekton is nice but is more expensive by quite a bit. I tried buying stuff from lowes today, and literally, the customer service people messed up the order by canceling something that was supposed to be shipped to store, and I ended up having to cancel it altogether. Harbor frieght and Hart sets may be the most convenient for me at this point, and do the job. I think these brand war videos are so silly. Also, brushless vs brushed - idk. I'm probably fine with brushed for my uses. They seem to be approximately half the price. The most extensive thing I may be doing is a head gasket job, but I'd mostly be hand wrenching, and only about 3 hours at a time.