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-   -   Where could I get cheap but nice tool sets. (https://camaroforums.com/forum/93-02-general-41/where-could-i-get-cheap-but-nice-tool-sets-65013/)

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 07:55 PM

Where could I get cheap but nice tool sets.
 
I have a 1994 Chevy Camaro V6 3.4L Car. I dont really have any tools at all because I am fifteen and my dad doesnt like me messing with his tools. I need Jack stands that are reliable because I need to change the transmission mount and then Im not sure what other tools a person needs for fixing a car maybe a socket set alen wrench etc I really dont know what are the most common used tools for fixing a car and I am looking to find cheap but reliable tools because I wont be working on the car much but that occasional time when I do I would like tools. If you know of a tool kit or Jack stands along with a Jack and all of the Jack stands and Jack have to be reliable. I am looking to spend like 75 bucks for Just the tools and I will spend what Is needed for a reliable set of Jack stands and Jack. I know that seventy five bucks Isnt much but I dont have a whole lot of money to spend. Thats why Im trying to find a tool set deal. Thanks for the help. Then.

z28pete 09-22-2011 08:15 PM

Try Harbor Freight. Their stuff is decent enough to get started on a budget. They have stores all over the country, and also on line. Don't expect Snap On quality, but the tools work pretty well. The also have some very good sales and coupons.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 08:22 PM

I will check there site out.

BasicConcepts 09-22-2011 08:25 PM

for hand tools get craftsman dont even look at the price ive had the same set of craftsman hand tools for 10+ years and if anything breaks i just go to sears and get it replaced no questions asked (about 3 weeks ago i brought back 2 3/8ths ratchets 2 1/2 ratchet a 1/2x18 inch breaker bar 6 sockets and a 8 inch 3/8ths extension over $250 worth of tools brand new replaced)

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 08:53 PM


Originally Posted by BasicConcepts (Post 573156)
for hand tools get craftsman dont even look at the price ive had the same set of craftsman hand tools for 10+ years and if anything breaks i just go to sears and get it replaced no questions asked (about 3 weeks ago i brought back 2 3/8ths ratchets 2 1/2 ratchet a 1/2x18 inch breaker bar 6 sockets and a 8 inch 3/8ths extension over $250 worth of tools brand new replaced)

I dont have the money for that though.

boone 09-22-2011 08:53 PM

+1 on the Craftsman tools. They are reliable and the lifetime warranty is hard to beat. Just carry them in to a Sears store. I used to work at Sears and I remember swapping out tools that were clearly used incorrectly and abused.

boone 09-22-2011 08:55 PM


Originally Posted by 94ChevyCamaroV6 (Post 573173)
I dont have the money for that though.

You don't have to buy everything at once. Just start with the basics and go from there.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 08:55 PM

I said earlier that Im not sure what tools are needed for working on a car but I have found a few links and I am wondering If you could share your Input on these like If the ratchets will be big enough, If there are any other tools I will probably want for working on a car, If the things I am getting will be big enough sockets for a engine etc I have little knowledge on cars and what tools are needed so help Is nice then.

36 Piece SAE/Metric Hex Key Set

105 Piece Tool Kit

25 Piece Extra Long Hex Key Set

40 Piece 3/8" and 1/4" Drive Socket Set .

torque_is_good 09-22-2011 09:00 PM

those are some decent prices

but


you will use the 10mm a lot and you should get a set that has a 3/8 inch drive for the 10mm

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 09:04 PM

I know that this Is a dumb question but could you maybe find me what your talking about on the site then.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 09:04 PM


Originally Posted by boone (Post 573176)
You don't have to buy everything at once. Just start with the basics and go from there.

What would you say are the basics and I think what I picked out should work then.

BasicConcepts 09-22-2011 09:24 PM

This is exactly what you need... 7-19mm deep well sockets 3/8th inch drive a ratchet 7-19mm open end wrench (box wrenches) some good screw drivers a hammer a good set of vice grips and a pipe that fits over the ratchet that's it you could probably get all of those in craftsman for 150-200$ a great deal the warranty will pay that back over and over again

NEVER cheap out on tools crappy ratchets and sockets break and your knuckles will get the brunt of the damage then when the ratchet breaks you have to go and buy another one for 25$

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 09:40 PM

That seems like a small amount of tools for 150 and I am Just starting out and probably wont do work on my car at all unless It needs It or I find something easy because I dont have a Job to pay for this as I am In school but I will be getting a Job. Anyway I cant see spending one hundred fifty dollars on a couple sockets and a ratchet. Idk dude. I think I should start out small but I dont want tools breaking on me and hurting myself. Although I said that I wont be working much at all on my car unless a repair comes up so I wont use these much and wont need high class tools because I cant afford them.

3800camaro 09-22-2011 10:52 PM

Look at sears for a 100 peice or more ratchet set. Craftsman is awesome. Not cheap quality and not high end but they replace anything that breaks. For around $100 you can get a pretty good starter set. I have a 100 peice set that I got back when I was 14-15 and that's what I've used ever since. It's a good set up and as you get older and need more tools you buy what you need.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 11:06 PM

Um are you basically saying all I need to repair a car Is a ratchet along with socket set then.

Catmaigne 09-22-2011 11:08 PM

Avoid Harbor Freight. I went through two different grade slide hammers and a puller when removing my pilot bearing. The square end of a 3/8 extension broke off in a socket while unbolting my stock exhaust manifolds. I had to use a chisel to remove the socket from the bolt. The tools aren't heavy-duty enough for engine work.

You're going to need a lot more than a socket set.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 11:12 PM

Are you sure that these tools are low quality because Im not really sure what else to get like I said I cant really afford 150 on tools when I wont even be using them often at all because I dont work on the car much unless It needs work so Its kinda a for fun Investment but also a Investment I should make then.

JGuy07 09-22-2011 11:16 PM

I literally went out and bought a ratchet set, some screw drivers and adjustable wrenches once I got my car. From then on whenever you need something different that's when you get it. Little bit at a time is how you build up. I also use some of my fathers and grandfathers tools when I can't get my own, but you get the idea.

Catmaigne 09-22-2011 11:17 PM

I've gone through many HF tools. I'd avoid buying anything unless you absolutely need it and Craftsman has yet to fail me. Quality is pretty linear with price.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-22-2011 11:20 PM

I will buy a good ratchet set along with wrenches Is there any other basic tool I need then.

BasicConcepts 09-22-2011 11:41 PM

To do basic repairs that's all you need... shoot I could dismantle your entire drivetrain with just a socket set

RFxCamaro 09-23-2011 12:20 AM

Here is a good set. Its their lowest end stuff and only comes with 1 year warranty but its only $50. This would probably cost the same at Harbor Frieght but this is much better.
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

JGuy07 09-23-2011 12:23 AM

Harbor Freight is a pretty good place to start. I wouldn't get anything for heavy work but it's good for the smaller things. Screwdrivers, wrenches, wire brushes etc. simple tools at a cheaper price.

BasicConcepts 09-23-2011 12:57 AM


Originally Posted by RFxCamaro (Post 573234)
Here is a good set. Its their lowest end stuff and only comes with 1 year warranty but its only $50. This would probably cost the same at Harbor Frieght but this is much better.
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

this is perfect

mab6680 09-23-2011 07:56 AM

i have that same evolv set and let me tell you i think its better then craftsman tools. now dont get me wrong that is not my main set of tools but my girlfriend got a flat in nyc one time. when i got there there was no tire iron in the car go figure chics and there are no auto stores in nyc that i no of. i picked up that tool set cause it was the cheapest one in there tool section at kmart. im 6.1 290lb and i used it to break the lugs loose by standing on it. i was shocked that was 4 years ago i still have the set and its still going strong keep it in the trunk in case of emergency. hell i use it for most of the small jobs i do on my camaro. its right there in the trunk and easy to carry the only cons i have with that evolv set is the ratchet handle is comfy in the hand but theres no way to get a wrench or pipe on it for leverage and you should deff buy some long extensions with it cause it only comes with short ones

craby 09-23-2011 09:46 AM

i like the 260 pc set from sears. can get them on sale sometimes for 160 bucks. tools are not just used on cars, i use mine on the boats, mowers, bikes, house, etc. consider what it costs to have a shop do the work then look at the cost of tools so you can do it yourself

torque_is_good 09-23-2011 09:48 AM

every time I go to the mall I browse the tool section at Sears. I just picked up a set of picks the other day.

I've been adding to my tool collection for years (not as many years as Gorn though) and I don't think you ever stop

libertyforall1776 09-23-2011 10:13 AM

Crescent has a VERY nice kit I bought at Costco for ~$99. One with a case like this and handle is perfect for car work -- you can always find wrenches and sockets easily!

For other random tools inexpensively, you can't beat Harbor Freight -- pretty much everything goes on sale throughout the year -- watch for the ~$55 aluminum racing jack sale...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._AA1000_.jpg

98rs 09-23-2011 10:34 AM

I have a 50 piece ratchet set from Craftsman that I got on sale for around 35 bucks. It has everything I needed for engine work like swapping the water pump, belt tensioner, and other repairs. It's surprising how much you can do with just a basic ratchet set and a couple of screwdrivers.

RFxCamaro 09-23-2011 11:25 AM

True ^^^ but if you do a lot of work trust me you want better tools. Some cars are more trouble and those expensive tools come in handy. I used the evolv before and you just can't beat its price. I don't like rubber handles but that's just me.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-23-2011 03:38 PM

I like that evole kit It also seems to be reliable tools but I saw above that I should get 7-19mm sockets or something like that Is this going to have all that stuff I need or doesnt It go as low as 7mm as high as 19mm are there any tools I should get that are not Included In the kit.

Gorn 09-23-2011 04:39 PM

IMO there are two types of tools. China tools and non-China tool. If you are buying China tools then by all means get the China prices. China tools have gotten a lot better in the last ten years. None of them are anywhere near the Snapon, Mac type tool but when you compair HF "Pittsburg" higher end stuff ver Craftsman low end stuff thay are not far apart. Lower end Craftsman if China made stuff.

Do you have a HF around you? If so I would say grab the HF you can aford for now. If you watch HF for the best sale price and you use a (in every car magazine) 20% off coupon you can get a good deal. The pittsburg also come with a a life time warranty. If you care for the tools In a year when your ready to upgrade sell you complete set for $30 or keep them as your junk yard set.

One thing great about all tools is as long as you take care of them they are worth something. I bought a HF mig welder years ago when I got into back into body work. I had it for a year or so. Fixed some exhausts welded up some brackets but when I tried to do some body work the welder would just not give me what I needed. After using half the spool I sold the unit for $75, about $9 less then I paid for it. Now I have a lincoln and I understand why I need this grade of machine :)

Grandpaswagon 09-23-2011 05:06 PM

Another place to look for tools is yard sales, flea markets, swap meets, and estate sales. Just don't get attached to the bin of tools, set the max price you will pay and walk away once that amount is reached. We have a local auction house here in town that sells anything anyone brings in. They always have a good selection of tools. You may not have a complete set, but missing one or two sockets is not bad.

One of our long time residents recently passed and his widow put all of his tools and shop equipment into the auction. For well under $100 I got three Proto 1/2 drive socket sets (standard and metric), a box of screwdrivers (stanley and craftsman mostly), several sets of pliers, a couple of adjustable wrenches (Crescent and Proto) a set of chisels, a box of files (some are still sharp), a box of drill bits, and a couple ball peen hammers. I could have gotten a 240 volt stick welder for $50 and an old compressor for another $50. But I already have a compressor, and a Lincoln welder so I passed on those.

Look around, and you will be amazed at what you can and will find.

I used to buy Craftsman exclusively, then I started buying Snapon. I have a good selection of both brands and they are indeed nice. However, I have bought all four of my jack stands from HF, along with all of my body working hammers and dollies, lots of screw drivers, and more pliers than I know what to do with. A lot of my HF hand tools are their Pittsburgh brand, and they are very good quality for the price. I now work at HD, and their Husky brand is at least as good quality as my older Craftsman stuff. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty (just like Pittsburgh, Snapon and most Craftsman).

Follow the advice of others here. Get a set with most of the pieces you will need for basic, beginner repairs. Get the best quality that you can afford, but by no means go overboard. You are only 15 and will be collecting tools for decades. When you get older, you will have more tools than you can use. Heck, I have boxes of sockets and wrenches under my work bench that never see the light of day anymore. They are decent pieces, but I have better quality on the peg board now.

Used tools are good tools if they have been cared for and were decent quality to begin with.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-23-2011 05:23 PM


Originally Posted by Gorn (Post 573432)
IMO there are two types of tools. China tools and non-China tool. If you are buying China tools then by all means get the China prices. China tools have gotten a lot better in the last ten years. None of them are anywhere near the Snapon, Mac type tool but when you compair HF "Pittsburg" higher end stuff ver Craftsman low end stuff thay are not far apart. Lower end Craftsman if China made stuff.

Do you have a HF around you? If so I would say grab the HF you can aford for now. If you watch HF for the best sale price and you use a (in every car magazine) 20% off coupon you can get a good deal. The pittsburg also come with a a life time warranty. If you care for the tools In a year when your ready to upgrade sell you complete set for $30 or keep them as your junk yard set.

One thing great about all tools is as long as you take care of them they are worth something. I bought a HF mig welder years ago when I got into back into body work. I had it for a year or so. Fixed some exhausts welded up some brackets but when I tried to do some body work the welder would just not give me what I needed. After using half the spool I sold the unit for $75, about $9 less then I paid for it. Now I have a lincoln and I understand why I need this grade of machine :)

Are you saying that the tools I found for cheap that people said were crap are pretty much the same as the quality of tools evolve. I dont want a ratchet breaking on my like a person said earlier. But I dont want cheap tools. I kinda like that set of evolve but If Its the same quality as the harbor stuff then I mise well get the harbor tools then.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-23-2011 06:27 PM

Whats the difference between a drive socket; Drive deep socket set then what Is the different things like a quarter or three eights drive socket. I see that the three eights drive socket has 8-19mm which will work because above was said to get 7-19mm. But like I said are these quarter and three eights sockets going to work on a car or are there other tools that I should also get that I might want but they arnt Included In the set because I need these tools for cars then.

BasicConcepts 09-23-2011 08:35 PM

I get craftsman tools at the flea market all the time then go to Sears and get them replaced... I forgot all about that... now that I think about it I prob have 5000$ worth of tools and have prob only paid like 2000$ for them

vanquishfist 09-23-2011 09:12 PM

A hammer will be the most useful tool to get for working on your car.:icon_lolsign:

Actually you'd be surprised how often a hammer is needed.

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-23-2011 09:28 PM

Are there other tools or different size sockets I would want to get other then the sizes on the evo then.

BasicConcepts 09-23-2011 10:01 PM

10 12 14 15 16 and 18mm is pretty much all your going to need as far as sockets (granted there are other size bolts on the car these will be most common)

94ChevyCamaroV6 09-23-2011 10:10 PM

The set should work then.


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