rouseyss

Well ive been on the forums for a while and have mostly been a lurker but now Im in the military and had to move and left all my tools back at home with my parents. So now I need to start my own tool collection. Let me say I plan on starting a build soon so I dont want cheap tools that are going to constantly break. Ive always trusted craftsman so anything close to that quality I will be happy with.

I have $500 to start my new collection, I have nothing not even tool box anymore I let my parents have it all. What would you guys do with $500 bucks to start a new collection? Any info is appreciated.

Need_a_Camaro

iTrader: (27)

You can get a decent box/tools at Lowes or Home depot. They are about the same quality as Craftsman, and have a lifetime warranty too.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

I'd say it's flea market/auction/thrift shop time (after checking prices for new stuff at the big box stores and Harbor Freight). At auctions especially, I've seen tool boxes and power tools go for stupid low prices. I got a new-in-box jig saw for $2 this summer.

MattSapp95_T/A

iTrader: (35)

i like Husky and Cobalt tools from Lowes and Home Depot and they are priced well...

I have had Snap On, Matco, Mac etc and I just cant justify the money for them...

Craftsman's quality is going down hill...

513camarors91

iTrader: (5)

i would look on ur local craigslist....theres always ppll selling complete tool sets for good prices

bore.me

iTrader: (15)

I agree. I see young guys drop out of auto school and sell their sets for cheap. I have craftsman, not the best but they're good budget warrantied tools. Plus sears is everywhere.

JUSTINSWS6

Thats because craftsman is no made in ping pong country.

No Hope

On a budget Craftsman is your best bet for anything new. Get the Polished sets, the regular Craftsman tools have a raised center that digs into your hand. Its a shame they are all made in China now but they still offer the "Break it and we replace it for free" warranty.

Craig's list is a good place to get high quality used tools from. Snap On is "Considered" the best, Williams, Mac, Proto, and S&K are all high quality but only S&K offers a life time warranty like Craftsman.

Tool Boxes are an investment, if you don't have the money for a nice box now get a cheap plastic hand box until you can afford a good box. Snap On stands alone as the absolute best Tool Box. The are very expensive, even used they are more than most of the other brand tools boxes new.

JUSTINSWS6

Snap on tools is all i have beside some other brand of specialty tools for cars.

rouseyss

I appreciate all the replies. Im definitely gonna check craigslist and see whats all out there. I dont have the money for an expensive box right now so Ill probably just be getting a small box or something along those lines unfortunately

therealcreeper

iTrader: (37)

this goes on sale for $150 around holidays:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ku=00935255000

that's probably the best deal out there for a starter set to build off of. I bought that, then a screwdriver set, plier set, nice impact, then cheap breaker bars/picks/extensions/swivels etc

and then bought a craftsman heavy duty ball bearing lower, 3 drawer middle, and 6 drawer upper all for $300 to store it all in

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

Our LOWES has some hand tools that were for Xmas sales.. Now marked down to as much as 50% off...

txcarbuilder

I would definitely go the CL/garage sale/ flea market way on this given your budget. I frequently see really good tools for pennies on the dollar at these places.

rouseyss

ive been scouring cl all morning. when i get off duty tomorrow morning im gonna head up to the local lowes and see whats out there. also february 3-9th is the craftsman club so hopefully theyll have some decent deals

bwilde86

iTrader: (5)

Whatever you buy just make sure its lifetime warranty

rouseyss

Heres the two tool chests ive decided its between. I understand its not Snap-on or anything but its full ball bearing and looks like two very nice pieces

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25ec...1&keyword=tool chest&storeId=10051

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...1&keyword=tool chest&storeId=10051

I also get a 10% military discount through home depot
Let me know which one you would choose of the two..

rouseyss

does anyone know of some organizers that lay sockets down instead of them standing up? I cant seem to find any that make them lay down

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

Just the clip on strips that suck

To get started Id grab the $100 craftsman 154 pc tool kit from sears/K-mart. It has 98% of the tools you will be using for most jobs. Next, hit up harbor freight for the simple and 1 pc tools like hammers, pickle forks, screwdrivers, breaker bars etc. Super cheap and have yet to break anything. For the more complex stuff like air tools, torque wrenches, hit up craigslist and ebay

Track_FC

iTrader: (2)

I bought a 350 piece and it's served me well. Ie replaced a couple of ratchets and Sears didn't have a problem. I've even used normal sockets with an impact and they have replaced them.

rouseyss

I think im going to start with the 311 socket set. Some good mac, snap-on, or williams fine tooth ratchets and an complete ratchet wrench setup. Thatll put me about $700 in and I can get some of the cheap non essential tools at hf or somewhere on sale.