Well, in about a week I'll be finishing my last class of college and graduating this august but here's the background story first- I started on restoring our old farm fuel truck (65 F-250 4x4) my senior year in High School and that project has been put on the back burner for the last four years, now that I'm done with school, ITS TIME TO BUY TOOLS AND GET STARTED! I'm looking forward to eventually doing a frame up restoration on it, but I need to figure out what I'm going to start out with for tools. I'd really like some high quality tools that I"m truly going to enjoy for a lifetime - for this reason I"m leaning towards snap-on - I really like their ratchets a lot better (not too crazy about craftsman's plastic direction reverser) but I'm also on somewhat of a budget and I'm deffinitly open to options - and Craftsman is not exactly a K-mart special either! I've been toying with buying Snap-on tools and maybe a craftsman tool box to save some money where maybe it isn't as important? Or any other suggestions for starting out? like buying sets verses just what I should have to get started? ANY INFO HERE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!! Like I said, I'm open to all the options, I think I might be able to drop possibly 3-4 thousand to get started within the next year or two, but where I go from there is questionable. I really want a complete high end set eventually but getting there seems a long way off - since my wish list will eventually include an Engine lift, parts washer, maybe bead blaster, welder etc...(more in the long long term there, but essential for finishing my project the *right way* which really adds up to some $$$ quick! My employment outlook isn't all that great either (Airline Pilot) so its a flight instructor salary for a while - then regional which isn't much better, at least until the industry picks up again, so thats a consideration too - maybe I'll go back to school at UTI or Wyo tech! lol. Always been my other passion anyway...(hard to let go of that Ag/mechanic background!) Crossing my fingers I'll find decent employment (in my field of study) and that I can find some good tools anyway! Sorry this got so long and thanks for reading this far! Thanks for any info too!!

-Aaron

 

Aaron-

How's it going? I went to MMI (Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, division of UTI) and they provided us with a list of hand tools intended to last us a lifetime for pretty much any situation. Since then, I've only replaced or had a need for tools I've lost along the way. They laid out two pricing sheets at the beginning - Craftsman and Snap-On. Quite frankly, I think Snap-On is a ripoff to the nth degree. Even if I had a million dollars, I don't think I could justify a 1/2" ratchet handle for $100 when I could get the same exact thing, with the same exact expected longevity, from Craftsman for $40. Craftsman has a great guarantee, and their tools are tough. I was able to purchase my entire set, with all the tools necessary to work on both domestic and foreign bikes, and a roll-away for a hair under $900. For Snap-On I was looking at around $2000.00. Before I went to MMI, I taught high school math, but I think ANYONE in his right mind can look at those figures and see the advantage. So, I'd say call up UTI, request a list of required tools, go the Craftsman route, and have fun! Just my two cents.

hope that helps

-aaron

 

One More thing - I don't want to start any snap-on / craftsman or mac wars or anything - just wondering whats working for some others out there - but I'm also willing to wait and get what I really want, what's going to last me, and what I'll enjoy for a lifetime. If all goes well I won't be turning that one ratchet only twice a year, could even be a backup career, who knows?? I would also consider putting my big ambitions (with the truck anyway) on hold for a little while so I can save for some tools. This is more important to me than throwing a lot of money at it at this point - if I have the tools I can tinker with the cheaper mechanical things for a little while, then get on with some heavier work, ie trans, engine, paint etc. I'll just have to see what the cash flow is going to look like over the next couple years and see what I can come up with. Thanks for all the input!

-Aaron

 

Well, I can sort of relate to what you're trying to do. I started out working on cars with a $25 Taiwain socket set and hand-me-down screwdrivers. I now have an overflowing Craftsman rolling cabinet.
I would follow the advice above and go with Craftsman. Their tools really are very good for the most part, and the advantage of getting replacements when YOU want them and not when the tool truck decides to come around is a big advantage. As a beginner I've wailed on my tools with little mercy and they have held up just fine. Couple of comments for you to consider:
1) Craftsman sells sets of tools pre-packaged, and you can save money buy buying a big set all at once.
2) I like the Snap-On wrenches better than Craftsman. This is one product that is really made better just from a comfort level. I'd consider splurging on these maybe, but since I already have Craftsman wrenches it doesn't make sense now.
3) Sears has a couple different ratchet styles, some are good, some are crap. Pick the right ones and you'll be happy with them.
4) Most commonly broken items are sockets and screwdrivers. I'd get Craftsman sockets because of the faster replacement as noted above. Screwdrivers I may suggest getting better ones, as Matco, Snap-On, etc all offer some really nice ones with better tips that fit various screw heads better than the generic Craftsman versions.
5) Don't be afraid to mix and match your tool brands to get what you want. Blind brand loyalty is stupid.
6) Craftsman cabinets are just fine. I mean really, it's just a box to hold tools, who cares what name is on it? I would spend the money on the roller bearing drawer versions though.
7) You don't need Snap-On, but DO buy name brand air tools. They are usually more powerful than the Taiwan stuff (which is what I have).
8) Taiwan tools have their place. Some things you only use once every 10 years you can get by with the cheapo version. No need to buy a Snap-On tubing bender if you only plan on making 2 brake lines in your lifetime.

 

Congratulations! Your `65 F-250 4X4 will keep you busy. If you want to restore it from the frame up, may I suggest that you invest in some jack stands and a good floor jack? If you have a jack already, please make sure that you have good solid stands to support the truck frame on after you jack it up to do work on the powertrain, brakes, etc. while the wheels are removed. I would also suggest having a fire extinguisher handy in your work area, I know that your question was about tools, but alot of the time we associate "tools" with ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers.
I prefer Craftsman handtools for their warranty and price, but regardless of brand I perform no work unless I am wearing ANSI approved eye protection. Please get some safety glasses before you start. captainal@lewiston.com

 

Sears has a Craftsman 122 piece set on sale right now for $79.
It has 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 " drives / sockets....It's a nice set in a
case.....

 

After haveing over $8000 worth of snap on stuff get stollen i when the craftsman ProTool set route. The boxes are better then the harry homemaker ones the tools are for the most part the same but some are better. Just remember that if you brake a snap-on tool you have to find a dealer you will swap it out for you, Sears is open on sundays. Don't get me wrong! I've got tools from all the tool trucks in my boxes too. Mac, Cornwall, Snap-on, Sears, Husky, etc

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I just don't think you can beat Craftsman for the quality and price. The lifetime warrantee is worthy of special note. I have NEVER gotten any grief when returning a Craftsman tool. Their 1/4" ratchets aren't great, but that's the only complaint I have. I don't use them for what I should be using a 1/2" ratchet for, either. Especially considering that really nice sets (in the crappy blow molded plastic carry cases, unfortunately) are on closeout at Sears like every 3 months or so. I have a 144 pc. set that includes SAE and metric six point box wrenches and all 6 pt. metric and std. sockets up to 1-1/8" in 1/2" drive and a bunch in 3/8 and 1/4" as well and it does almost anything I'd need. I do have additional reserves in the home if needed, for unusual jobs (such as female torx, 8 pt. sockets, etc.). I can't imagine spending more than $300 to have a great set of basic tools and most of what would be needed for the unusual jobs as well.

I did mention 6 pt. sockets and wrenches and I swear by them. The wrenches are a bit more difficult to wield when your swing is limited, but I do have a $20 set of craftsman 12 pt. box/open end wrenches when absolutely necessary, but I can't remember the last time I've found it necessary to break them out of hibernation.

I almost fell into the trap that captainal was referring to. He makes a point that all should heed before spending dollar #1 on anything that could end up hurting you.

* whatever you do, never, ever stick a chrome socket on an impact wrench!!!!!!!*

Anyway, I'm not a salesperson for Craftsman, but I certainly believe in tooting the horn of companies I've had good experiences with and they are one of them.

 

In terms of what kind of tools to buy - I think everyone has covered - I went with Craftsman - but I am a cheap SOB. The one tool that I couldn't live without though is a cheap lead light, crimping tool (not the stripper, a tool just made for crimping Klein seems to be the best), and a GOOD soldering tool (one that gets hot quick so you don't melt the wires).

If you go with Craftsman, Snap On, Matco, or Mac Tools - you can't go wrong.

Listen, being an airline pilot has to be tough - I would love to fly everywhere I go - it's just like I said, I'm cheap (course my '66 won't fit in an overhead bin!)