Mechanics tool set
- Thread starter yodaisgod
- Start date
dravnx
Well-known member
I've mic'd the HF cheap junk. The sizing is all over the place. If you want to round off bolts and nuts, go for it. The cheap junk may work OK but for that one difficult fastener, you'll pay the price.
scootergmc
old and slow
HF is the best place to get tools to make other tools. I've torched and bent handles for tight fitment, ground sockets into spanners, fabricated custom pry tools from screwdrivers, etc. The free microfiber towel coupon with any purchase is my favorite.
FWIW- 12 point sockets are of the devil unless you're using them as intended.
FWIW- 12 point sockets are of the devil unless you're using them as intended.
lizard
Well-known member
JesasaurusRex
Deleted User
I learned a long time ago to grab an sae and a metric closest size and whichever fits snugger is the one I use.
JesasaurusRex
Deleted User
I can go to HD or lowes with a broken tool and walk back out in 10 mins with a new one assuming it's not the busiest time of day on the weekend. Costco doesn't even carry the same items week to week. You may not care about that but I know I do. Takes longer to walk to your car from the entrance of costco lol.
Probably a little late but I am not a big fan of massive mechanic sets. I would buy a good ratchet set and then some open end/box ends and then pick up everything else on its own to fill out the rest of my needs.
I have a variety of tool brands and so far none have failed me no matter how hard I wrench but maybe I got lucky. The one ratchet set I like is the Kobalt one that allows long bolts to go through the ratchet head so you don't always need a deep socket set. But I also have a complete set of regular ratchets so there is that.
I think my wife would describe me as a tool hoarder......
I have a variety of tool brands and so far none have failed me no matter how hard I wrench but maybe I got lucky. The one ratchet set I like is the Kobalt one that allows long bolts to go through the ratchet head so you don't always need a deep socket set. But I also have a complete set of regular ratchets so there is that.
I think my wife would describe me as a tool hoarder......
aminalmutha
Well-known member
I never bought big sets. I have generally just got racks of what I need. Probably 85% of my stuff is Sears-era Craftsman, some Kobalt and miscellaneous shit.
I have a few specialty tools from HF that pay for themselves after one use. I will say most of their stuff is vastly better than the absolute feces they were 20 years ago. That’s what I could afford in college. Very frustrating.
Generally speaking, screw drivers, allen keys, etc are going to wear out way before sockets and wrenches, so don’t be afraid to toss them when they do.
I don’t think I have a single tool I haven’t used and hasn’t paid for itself. Money up front will save you a lot of headaches down the road.
I have a few specialty tools from HF that pay for themselves after one use. I will say most of their stuff is vastly better than the absolute feces they were 20 years ago. That’s what I could afford in college. Very frustrating.
Generally speaking, screw drivers, allen keys, etc are going to wear out way before sockets and wrenches, so don’t be afraid to toss them when they do.
I don’t think I have a single tool I haven’t used and hasn’t paid for itself. Money up front will save you a lot of headaches down the road.
aminalmutha
Well-known member
Large or special?
TheRobSJ
Großer Mechaniker
Special. 12 point spark plug socket.
scootergmc
old and slow
Dude euro cars now?
yodaisgod
KHAAAAAN!
Thanks everyone. I picked up this one today at lunch. For what you get in this kit, the price is hard to beat really.
It will suit my needs for now.
aminalmutha
Well-known member
I think I paid $20 for mine, but it is not going to get a ton of use. Still paid for itself first time I used it.
AbsolutEnduser
Throttle Pusher
makes me feel better :laughing
$12 for mine but it's for an oil filter not even spark plugs--and a "bad" brand (think 12 year durability) not a super-OEM one.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ce-tool-oil-fuel-filter-socket/w80677/4614549
a 35mm buster..
Lunch at Costco with some brand new sockets--guilty pleasure.. :gsxrgrl :thumbup
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aminalmutha
Well-known member
I have a buddy who is a heavy equipment mechanic. I think he put the Snap-On guy’s two kids thru college. Makes me feel a little better about spending a tiny bit extra on tools.
JesasaurusRex
Deleted User
i hate that all those sets always seem to come with 12 point 1/2" drive sockets. If i need a 30mm socket it's gonna be 6 point hoe!
lizard
Well-known member
$99. Wow.
Yep. If you're busting a 1/2" drive you're obviously putting some ass into turning something. No need to round it off with a 12pt.
TheRobSJ
Großer Mechaniker
Yuuup. The regret of moving off Easy St. of Japanese and riding the strugglebus to Europe is very real.