I've done my research on tool sets, craftman, ebay, etc. I would have to admit that I like Craftman due to their reputation and quality. However, they have SO MANY sets for mechanics.  Was wondering if one could recommend a good quality set that will include everything you need for your car repair needs. Any imput or recos??? Thanks to all for all the great help!  |
| Reply » Complete mechanics tool set??? |
I always had bits and pices of kits, but was given the Craftsman 122 pice mechanics kit (I think) for Christmas.
The tools are top quality, and with both the metric and standard sockets, the screwdriver with swapable tips and a set of metric and standard alan wrenches, I don't think there is much I won't be able to do.
I have always gone for Craftsman, and am a third generation owner of their tools. Neither my grandfather nor dad have EVER had one of their sockets or other "heavy" tools break.
My dad has had a couple of lesser items break 10~20 years after purchase and Sears honored their word with no quesitons asked...you can't beat that!
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| Reply » Complete mechanics tool set??? |
For the amount of DIY work I do Craftsman quality and warranty fits the bill for me just fine.
I started out with a fairly extensive ratchet and socket set that retailed for about $45. This covers most of the fasterners I need to work on in the house, motorcycle, bicycle and car. Then I just added pieces depending on the job at hand.
Odd size sockets
Breaker bar
Allen and Torx drivers
Pliers
etc.
I now need a good screwdriver set, torque wrench and T handle.
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| Reply » Complete mechanics tool set??? |
My wife picked up a 500 (or so) piece kit for me from Sears Craftsman a couple years back.
It was on sale (as they often are over the course of the year) plus signing up for a new Sears CC would get you 10% knocked off and/or interest-free for a year.
I'm pretty happy with this highly complete set...it has everything and then some. I expect it to last well into my old age and serve me well, it has. 
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| Reply » Complete mechanics tool set??? |
The generic sets still need a LOT of filler pieces to be useful for doing more than really basic stuff on a BMW. For example, most Craftsman sets don't have any 16mm metric combination wrenches. Well, a swaybar install on a E46 really needs TWO of them.
And you still need:
BIG torx bits
E-torx bits
6/7/14mm hex bits
Bigger sockets/wrenches (19mm+)
Also, if you do get the huge sets, put the stuff you'll rarely use on the cars in a 2nd toolbox. It's much easier when you don't have to go digging through a pile of extra junk to get to the stuff you need.
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| Reply » Complete mechanics tool set??? |
I bought the huge set from Sears - but as Kaz said, I occasionally have to run off to the store to buy even more stuff: 7mm allen socket (for calipers). 36mm socket (oil filter). Metric Flare wrenches. Metric stubby wrenches. Also add an OBDII tester and Digital voltmeter.
The nice thing about getting a smaller set is that they usually come with a plastic storage case. My laarge set came in a series of paper bags. 
Here is an idea for organizing sockets. Draw a grid and drill a line of holes in a 1x8 piece of wood. Glue in short lengths of dowelling: 1/4. 3/8 or 1/2 for the different drive sizes. (these size dowels are friction fit for the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets). See the picture
The sockets ~will~ fall out if you turn the thing over - but otherwise its pretty good for organizing and storing them. I keep it in a drawer in my tool chest when not in use.
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Complete mechanics tool set???