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complete set of sockets, metric and deep ranging 1/4 drive to 3/8. You can get the 1/2 drive for larger stuff, but for basic maintenance they are not needed...

Set of nut drivers, slotted and Phillips screw drivers.



A basic 200-300 piece set that most places advertise.. Can copy that...

Also any ford specific tool, like the fuel line tools...

Also snap on is very expensive, you may be better off getting a set of craftsman on sale.. they sell kits ranging from $30.00 to $3,000. If i remember correctly the last sale flier i got had a nice 300+ piece set for around $400.00

Todd Z
 
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i'll take craftsman tools anyday over snap--off... 21 years of using/breaking snap-off tools in the air-force as a jet engine mechanic and they just don't hold up.. then when we would try to get them replaced ,, they always said it was tool abuse and not covered by the warranty.. sears doesn't care if you use a ratchet for a hammer and break it. they just give you another.. also sears is everywhere.. try to find a snap-off guy when you need a tool replaced.. anywho?? you can fix almost anything with a cresent wrench, hammer, and a screwdriver right?

everyone needs reversable GEAR WRENCHES.. Both SAE and Metric.. don't know how i lived with out them..;)



troy
 
I concur with Troy, Craftsmans tools all the way. Pretty much my entire shop is decked out with Craftsman tools. My main socket set was bought back in 1984 and I still use it almost every day. The only way you will ever have to replace a Craftsmans tool on your nickle is if you lose it!
 
I am VERY familiar with Snap-On tools. In hand tools alone I have over $40,000 dollars. In technical tools, (scanners, A/C machine, Motor-Vac etc etc) I have about $125,000 dollars.



They are without a doubt one of the best hand tools there is. Mac is a good competitor as well as MatCo (I think that is the name). Their is nothing wrong with Craftsman tools. Normally they are built just a bit bulkier, (I think for strength). Sometime the bulkiness can be an issue when getting into a tight area. Most of Craftsman's ratchets have a course tooth design which makes them strong but requires more swing than a fine tooth design. Not making one better than another, just noting some differences I have come across.



For the most part their tools are expensive. But with my shop I really did not care. Number one I own at least two of every hand tool that I would normally use. If one broke I'd go to the back-up. When Snap-On came on Thursday he'd replace them no questions asked.



You will be totally shocked when you see the prices of the hand wrenches as well as some of their specialty tools like ratchet drive Torx bits and allens. A standard set of Torx bits that run from 3mm to 15mm is something close to $200.00. A set for home will be cheaper as you will not need every one. Just the popular ones. That set will be close to $110.00



They sell a product called "Mid-Well" sockets. These are between traditional shallow well and deep well sockets. If you want sockets and don't want to go nuts on buying various sets I strongly recommend getting the mid-wells. It is the best of both worlds.



As far as cost goes you will find the Craftsman brand to be considerably more affordable and still be a decent tool. For home use, I think they will be fine.



Basic set of tools:

Socket set and Ratchet: 1/4inch and 3/8inch drive socket set and 1 ratchet of each. As far as the ratchet goes you will get more general use out of it if it is a swivel head ratchet (the handle can pivot to allow for clearance depending on application).



Wrench set: 1/8inch thru 7/8inch. Comparable metric is 10mm thru 18mm. I personally would get an 8 and 9mm as well as a 19 and 20mm wrench.



Then you will want/need an array of Pliers, Side cuts (dikes), Adjustable Wrench (Crescent Wrench), Vise Grips and a pair of Slip Pliers.



 
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I must go with TroY & buck_henry on Craftsman choice. The ease of replacement is a large factor.



get metric for the ST, 1/4", 3/8", & 1/2" up to 20mm, regular & deep sockets, socket adapters, end wrenches, a breaker bar, VOM(Volt Ohm Meter) auto ranging.



Rodger, call me for the too much to list items.
 
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Rodger, if you ever plan on changing tranny fluid again(I know you already have) you will need a 22mm socket or wrench. Just mentioning it since it lies outside of the sizes mentioned above. I'm also an advocate of Craftmen tools for the weekend mechanic. The snap-ons tend to be prettier though :).

 
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Get your son a set of ratcheting wrenches. Honestly, they're probably my favorite of any tool. Sockets will get you through most mods and repairs; they'll get you through the rest. :)
 
One caveat on purchasing tools from Sears... make sure they say CRAFTSMAN on them. If you somehow purchase the generic sears brand tools and they break, the store may or may not replace them for you. If, on the other hand, they say craftsman they'll replacement (although sometimes in either case you just need to scream loudly).
 
I can't believe you guys left out the most important tool of any tool kit. The biggest largest toughest roll of Duc Tape that you can find. If you can't beat something into submission with a ball peen hammer then you just Duc Tape the hell out of it. If you go for an off brand of duct tape remember to exponentially increase the amount of tape used for your given application.:lol:
 


I would say go with crafstman have been useing them since 1958 got my first set still have most of them. If you brake it they will give you a new one no hassle. And not had good luck with snap-on. And get a set of BFH's to 20 lbs good luck and have fun. Bill
 
We have Craftsman, we love them. They break, you take it back, and get a new one. Period. No argument. They don't care how you broke it or how long you have had it.



We have had some snap on tools and they broke too easily. The sockets split in half. We tried to get them replaced and got so frustrated that we threw them away and replaced them with Craftsman.



As for a good set, Craftsman makes a mechanics set, with a lot of stuff in it. The biggest things are sockets, drivers, wrenches. Also need screw drivers and a hammer, as well as a rubber mallet.
 
Snap-On Tools are very good tools but they are very expensive, 2 to 3 time more expensive than

Craftsman tools. I have them both. If you work in a shop where Snap-on comes in each week then it is convenent to have a broken tool replaced. The shop I'm in new doesn't have Snap-on dealer come in. So when a tool breaks I have to find someplace to get it replaced. Sears are very easy to find and will replace all hand tools no questions asked. Just find your tool and take to to the cash register. They will do an exchange. GO WITH CRAFTSMAN

 
On of the main reasons I had/have Snap-On is because they come to my shop. If I broke something I did not have time to run and get replacement. That combined with the fact they had many specialty tools that made my life as a mechanic much easier. As well as being able to pay a flat rate every week helped.



I always carried a balance with them. Paid 100 dollars a week from years. But I was making money with my tools so my attitude is different then it is now.



I'd buy Craftsman in a heart beat know I can get another for no additional money. Before, my tools paid my bills. Now, my tools either save me money or let me enjoy what I want to do when I want to do it..
 
My dad is the head machanic around here , he won't have a tool that doesn't have Snap-on written on it and he has a pretty good sounding reason why . I'm next to him but not near as dependant on my tools , so I bought Kobalt . They were much cheaper and are supposed to be made by Snap-on . My son started machanic school about two years ago , he came home talking about he needed a set of Snap-on tools for school . I told him he could use the Kobalt set for the time being as I just couldn't afford to buy Snap-on and pay for his school to . Now I'm building me another set , (Craftman ), just buying another brand name so we can keep our tools apart , as we all will end up in the same shop . I used my dad's before I was old enough to buy my own and they worked just fine . When I got my own , they worked just fine to . My new one's work just fine to . My son did show me that Mac makes a smoother working wratchet than Snap-on , Kobalt or Craftman . I think you should buy what you like yourself and what you can afford . Once you buy them , they seem to become different from all the others anyway ,( because they are yours ) .:cool:
 
Craftsman .... traditionally were an excellant buy. I do have some concern since Kmart and Sears are one company now.



Lowe's sells the Kobalt which are okay. Home Deport sells Husky and Ridgid brands. Home Depot stands behind their stuff and will do the same warrenty as Sears does with Craftsman.



I personally am starting to move over to the Husky and Ridgid brands.
 
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