Beginner's toolset

[JTM]

Hey guys,

I have big plans this summer for my CB7. I want to get the rear main seal, rotors, and timing belt done. I have recently become interested in DIY mechanical repair. What I need is a toolset for a beginner mechanic. I've decided that I want to at least get Craftsman because it's guaranteed for life.

My budget is about $300 dollars, of course less would be better. I have been looking at this, but wont' be buying anything until early April.


What did you start with and what do you recommend? Thanks for the help.

['93CB7Ex]

Thats a good set. use the rest and get specialty tools.

[XcluziveAZN]

craftman tools is shit then again lifetime warranty and bring it to sears is good.

Remember those too set are SAE and Metric.

most of the time i don't even touch SAE.


I say build you own set of tools.

get a set of 1/4" and 3/8" Metric, short and long breaker bar.
some long and short extension

when you need something special just go out and buy it.

don't waste your money on the stuff that you are not going to need.


i love love love Blue Point Tools. Their Wrench can be use as breaker bar and not break (from personal experience) LOL

Blue Point is the same company as Snap-On but made in china. Quality is great.
http://www.snapon.com/

[JTM]

I've heard that I should build my own set slowly, however, it seems like the 255 pc set is pretty solid. Will have a decent amount of what I need?

[bobbycos]

Hey guys,

I have big plans this summer for my CB7. I want to get the rear main seal, rotors, and timing belt done. I have recently become interested in DIY mechanical repair. What I need is a toolset for a beginner mechanic. I've decided that I want to at least get Craftsman because it's guaranteed for life.

My budget is about $300 dollars, of course less would be better. I have been looking at this, but wont' be buying anything until early April.


What did you start with and what do you recommend? Thanks for the help.

the craftsman set is nice to start with BUT the rear main seal is a bit involved for a beginner. best to have a reputable pro do that, everything else you can handle.

i got tools that are gathering dust because i haven't worked on certain brands of cars that required their use

[92d-jk]

Craftsman set aint bad at all i got the same one, good stuff but it is true u wont use half of them i use more metrics on american cars then sae now in days.

[JTM]

the craftsman set is nice to start with BUT the rear main seal is a bit involved for a beginner. best to have a reputable pro do that, everything else you can handle.

i got tools that are gathering dust because i haven't worked on certain brands of cars that required their use

I've been watching a lot of videos, reading a lot of information, and have a haynes manual, along with this forum. I'm going to attempt it

[cp[mike]]

youll use hardly anything beyond 8, 10, 12, 14, 17. so get a socket set that includes those in 3/8 and 1/2 drive, some extensions, a breaker bar, and then some ratcheting reversible wrenches of the same sizes (they come in a set). other misc unique tools can be picked up one by one, like the 36mm axle nut socket.

none of the SAE or other tools youll ever go near.

[XcluziveAZN]

this is what i have

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Lifetime warranty too

One thing i love about it also that Ratchet is very strong unlike craftman. I can use Ratchet with Long pipe and it will not break on me


I only use this set to replace my headgasket, timing belt , brakes, intake manifold and etc



did i buy this? No, I borrow it from a friend and never return it LOL

[JTM]

youll use hardly anything beyond 8, 10, 12, 14, 17. so get a socket set that includes those in 3/8 and 1/2 drive, some extensions, a breaker bar, and then some ratcheting reversible wrenches of the same sizes (they come in a set). other misc unique tools can be picked up one by one, like the 36mm axle nut socket.

none of the SAE or other tools youll ever go near.

Thanks, maybe I'll do that and a toolbox.

[XcluziveAZN]

youll use hardly anything beyond 8, 10, 12, 14, 17. so get a socket set that includes those in 3/8 and 1/2 drive, some extensions, a breaker bar, and then some ratcheting reversible wrenches of the same sizes (they come in a set). other misc unique tools can be picked up one by one, like the 36mm axle nut socket.

none of the SAE or other tools youll ever go near.

you forget 19mm :P

[sykoh412]

A jack and stands are always nice to have around

[jkrolikowski]

I follow the "buy as I need" rule. This way I don't accumulate things I won't need. This also helps to stay organized.

This is one of my favorite tools: http://www.greatnecktools.com/products/show/51056
I'm not sure if this is the brand I have, but it's the same type of dual set. Bought at AutoZone. Have held up for a year now w/o any play in the ratchet mechanism. Eight common sizes on just two ratcheting wrenches.

Something I wish I had was one of those Stack-On standing tool chests on wheels,with the sliding drawers! I'm always sifting through a box of random tools, digging, and then putting tools on top of others which could damage those beneath.

[RUGER 2.2L]

So far the tool sets posted up all look good. I personally would opt to buy a kit instead of piecing it together simply for the reason of having most of your tools in one place. One brand that hasn't been mentioned yet that I thought I would bring up is Crescent. They are cheaper than any of the other sets you guys have posted up but I think they still are great tools (comparable to craftsman). I bought my kit at Costco for $60 several years ago and it has paid for itself a hundred times over. I couldn't find it on Costco's website but here is a link to the exact kit I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-Mecha.../dp/B000BQMLLY

Costco now sells another kit that is $100 I believe and it looks even better than what I have. I think it has the ratcheting open-end wrenches. I know these tools are not exactly snap-on, but I believe they have a huge bang for your buck value for someone just starting out. Hope this information helps.

Oh and also my buddy has that same exact craftsman kit that you had in your first post. It is pretty damn good lol. You can't go wrong with craftsman.

[JTM]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll keep you guys updated on what I choose.