tool set

[warrior24]

Hope this is the right spot. What size of tool set should I get? How big of sockets should I get? And from what work I have done my 92 ranger is all metric any one have standard bolts? I do not want to get a toolkit that is already made as many times they have filler tools that I don't need in my truck. Unless someone has had any experience with a specific tool kit. I would like to get craftsman but use my old style craftsman ratchets as new ones suck. I just picked up 2 Gi saw Boxes Size: 12" x 6 3/4" x8 1/2".
Already have tester, vice grips, adjustable crescent small and large, Electrical tape, Teflon, wire stripper/ crimpers, wire cutters, knife, Allen wrenches, fuses, torx bits t10t15 t20 t25 t27 t30 t40 t45 t47 t50 t55 t60, black death gasket maker, wire nuts connectors, chisel, file, screwdriver, razor blade scraper, small pry bar, 7mm-19mm combination wrenches,hammer,sharpie, battery wire brush,

Surefire on my waist so no need to put in the box.
Have extra 10w30, tyranny oil, antifreeze, funnel
need jumper cables, tow strap, socket set, clamps,

Am I missing anything? I would consider getting other brand of socket set it the price is right.

 

[RobbieD]

You've already got a pretty good tool kit going. There's nothing wrong with Craftsman brand tools, in my opinion, for DIY wrenching. I would suggest, at this point, that you just pick up a socket set. I like 6-point sockets over the 12-point; helps when the bolt head or nut is rusted or worn. Then later on, you might want deep-wells, larger drive or impact sockets.

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Ive got a set of Stanley sockets and ratchets Ive had for 6 plus years and haven't broke or stripped anything.
even has Allen and torx bit sockets,all in a handy case.would buy another set in a minute.

 

[rickster]

Craftsman is just fine, easy to replace when broken. Get better ratchets or stick with the older Craftsman ratchets. I'd start with the metric tools and follow up with the SAE's. 3/8 drive is fine for most engine and vehicle work, but if you intend to do any suspension work you'll need the 1/2 in drive stuff. The sizes in the sets will cover most of your work, the larger ones you can buy one at a time. You'll need a set of shallow and deep sockets, get them on sale and get one set in 6 point and the other in 12 point to start out with. You'll need a full compliment of combination wrenches. Get the standard length and also a set of shorty's. You can add the ratchet wrenches afterwards. Go with a nice set of screwdrivers, not the cheapos. Probably should get a larger prybar. Check garage sales and flea markets for good tool brands on the cheap; Snapon, Matco, MAC, Proto and Cornwell are top of the line, Lesser known brands like Williams and Armstrong are also quality tools. Almost forgot, you'll also need a set of 1/4 drive in both metric and SAE, should get those early on.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I started out with a like 180 piece mechanics tool set from Sears. Then I just started adding things as I could afford and as I found a need.

Then about a year ago or so I decided my tool collection was getting a bit bulky. I had the tote that the ratchet set came in, I had a 3-drawer toolbox with screwdrivers in one drawer, pliers in another, and wrenches in a third an anything that didn't belong in one of those in the top. Plus I had a long hip-top box for the breaker bar and long extensions an such. Plus a short hip-top box for my shop rags, grease tubes, etc. Plus a toolbox for my tow straps and chain and hammer....plus stuff that didn't fit in any of those. So I decided to consolidate....

Bought a GI grenade box (I like it better than the SAW cans, it's still waterproof, but you can fit a couple socket rails down inside the grenade box among other tools). Then I got in the habit of whenever I worked on one of my trucks, any tools that I used, when I was done, they got wiped off an thrown in the box. Now the box weighs about 40 lbs, but I know that I could darn near build an RBV from the ground up with it. Then I have a .50 cal can for my electrical stuff (code reader, bits of wire an connectors, etc), a SAW box for part of my towing tackle (the remainder fits nicely in the toolbox it started out in, I keep the lesser used stuff in the toolbox so I can easily take the most important stuff in the ammo can).

I've ended up with a motley assortment of Craftsman, Stanley, S&K, and Snap-on tools. I love the quality of the Snap-On stuff but replacing a damaged tool is a real PITA since I don't work at a mechanic garage. Stanley and S&K are almost as bad for trying to replace. Craftsman quality isn't all that great, but the ease of replacing stuff is nice, especially when you crack a socket in half on a suspension bolt using a breaker bar and long cheater pipe and don't have a spare socket.

 

[OilPatch197]

I just love those plastic cases that comes with a Craftsman tool set.

...they last longer than most, but still plastic.

I have a 192 piece craftsman tool set, it has most of what you need. I'm amazed how long this plastic case has lasted, and I like these cases, you always know when a socket is missing!

Or it could be that I very much dispise cheap socket sets where the sockets "snap" into the case, and the plastic is soo stiff that you have to pry out tools with a screwdriver....

 

[Daniel_187]

if you get the torx bits try to get the one's with the hole in the center of it. I got some at checker and there rock. I needed a T-20 for my MAF sensor and it had the tamper proof torx bits holding it in place.

 

[rickster]

The Snapon and other truck brands are difficult to warranty broken tools if you're not one of their regular customers, but they do produce high quality tools. That's why I would recommend using their ratchets. SK is a quality tool manufacturer also and their tools can be warrented by mail through their website.

 

[97ranger4x4]

I have a 151 pc craftsman set that my dad got me for xmas when I was like 16 or 17. I love that thing! I still keep everything in the craftsman plastic box which makes it nice and organized. My next big tool purchase will be a good set of open ended wrenches. I have a few from like 6mm to 12 or 13, but I need my set to go much larger... So eventually I will upgrade. To be honest when I got my first set I never thought I would fill it. Now I have that thing over flowing with tools and would like to purchase another larger chest. I try and collect tools over time and If I see a good deal on something that I know will come in handy I usually go for it. Ill be honest I do have some cheap harbor freight crap. I love that place for like suction pumps, zip ties, and stuff like that. But all of my tools that I use often (wrenches, sockets, etc) I try and stick with craftsman. The only snapon tool I own is my 3/8 torque wrench. But it is a beautiful tool! The craftsmanship is so much better than craftsman, but the price is to high for a shade tree mechanic!

 

[Psychopete]

Are the tools as a precaution for a break down on the side of the road or do you need tools for on the trail? The thing that sucks about tools is sometimes you have the right size of something, but not the appropriate configurations to access it to loosen (extensions, u-joints, etc). Or even something that wouldn't give you enough leverage to break it loose.

I hate my 3/8" Craftsman socket wrench, it's short and it's hurts the hell out of my hand due to it having a "boxy" handle. Usually when something breaks down on me, it's usually something that cannot be repaired on the road (lack of part, somethings busted, etc).

Pete

 

[v-8power]

I always buy more tools around christmas time. They usually have good deals on "Black Friday" at sears.

My wife keeps asking me why I need more tools. I tell her "The same reason you need more shoes".

 

[warrior24]

I guess I should have said I already have a set but I keep that one in the garage as its to big and not necessary to keep with me as I don't do trail driving just staying on the road.

Here is the set I have I would rather not cannibalize it but if i have to I will, in the way of saving money.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ols&cName=Tool+Sets&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets

 

[warrior24]

Oh and I do have a set of tamper proof hex and assorted bits. Love this set its a Whia, Thanks for telling me about the MAF as I had forgotten that it is a tamper proof one. The torx I was going to carry are not tamper proof.

 

[rboyer]

For tamper proof torx bits I highly suggest the link below. They have a tamper proof hole on both ends and a long shank which makes them handy when you have to take apart things like drill batteries where the screw is down inside a narrow hole.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Titan-Tamper-Re...0|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[Dangeranger3]

I just carried a five dollar socket set from autozone along with a handfull of wrenches, a cheater pipe, hammer, pb blaster, and other misc stuff. Electrical and so on. The cheap set from autozone never let me down. Oh except for the ratchet, that gave up the ghost rather quickly. But another ratchet took its place. And don't forget u joints for the sockets and extensions.