Jobsite Tools

tc262 · Nov 24, 2016

I'm looking for a mechanics tool set to keep in one of the trucks. I'm a big fan of best bang for your buck, but really don't want complete junk. I have nice tools at the shop so it will only be used for in the field repairs. I want something that is compact and travels well. Any suggestions? Are the harbor freight sets good enough to get my by or should I look elsewhere? The Sears by me closed down and their website doesn't have a detail description of what's included in their sets. What do you guys keep on the truck for tools?

Gorman · Nov 25, 2016

As long as there's no moving parts harbor freight is the best bet.

Kevin Myers · Nov 25, 2016

I've always found pawn shops and second hand stores to be good places to get good tools for relatively cheap...especially if they are backups.

tc262 · Nov 25, 2016

I have a tool box in the truck with various stuff in it now. I have plenty of tools for another box. I'm really looking for a complete set that's compact, easy to store, transport, and have whatever I'll need. Well most of what I should need, I'm sure I'll add a few extras to any set I buy. I think it would be nice to have a organized case where everything has its own place and is easy to find what I need and stays organized.

JD3000 · Nov 25, 2016

Yer in luck. Two recent post regarding new tools called the Happy Hooker and The New Creation are showing great promise.
Just keep both away from your junk.

monkeylove · Nov 25, 2016

Black Friday sales, check your local HD or Lowes if you got them out there.

cerviarborist · Nov 25, 2016

Costco sells a Kirkland branded wrench set http://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature-159-piece-Mechanics-Tool-Set.product.100145342.html . I bought one just to keep in my equipment trailer. They normally sell for $99.99, but a couple times a year you'll find them on sale for $79.99. They're chrome vanadium, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" sae and metric sets with shallow and deep sockets. I've been very happy with my set.

Tom Dunlap · Nov 25, 2016

I used to buy Craftsmen hand tools. Since there are so few Sears stores anymore warranty returns are a challenge. Now I buy from HD or Lowes. The quality is good enough and no matter where you are you're not far from either

HF...keep your expectations low...read my sig hahah. Value is there and so is disappointment

Pawn shops and flea markets!

tc262 · Nov 25, 2016

JD3000 said:
Yer in luck. Two recent post regarding new tools called the Happy Hooker and The New Creation are showing great promise.
Just keep both away from your junk.

Only problem is the Happy Hooker won't help me if I have a leaky hose, might cause one tho!

tc262 · Nov 25, 2016

Tom Dunlap said:
I used to buy Craftsmen hand tools. Since there are so few Sears stores anymore warranty returns are a challenge. Now I buy from HD or Lowes. The quality is good enough and no matter where you are you're not far from either

HF...keep your expectations low...read my sig hahah. Value is there and so is disappointment

Pawn shops and flea markets!

Yeah my local Sears is gone now too

I think I'll probably pick up this set from Home Depot http://m.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-268-Piece-H268MTS/203541462
Kinda pisses me off that they have a ten thousand word description of the set but still don't tell you what sizes the sockets and wrenches are. I've seen to many sets like these where the largest 1/2" drive socket is 5/8" and your lucky if you get wrenches that go up to 3/4". This one looks decent, I'll see if it is soon enough.

tc262 · Nov 25, 2016

cerviarborist said:
Costco sells a Kirkland branded wrench set http://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature-159-piece-Mechanics-Tool-Set.product.100145342.html . I bought one just to keep in my equipment trailer. They normally sell for $99.99, but a couple times a year you'll find them on sale for $79.99. They're chrome vanadium, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" sae and metric sets with shallow and deep sockets. I've been very happy with my set.

I'm looking for something in a blow molded case like that but want a more complete set of tools.

tc262 · Nov 25, 2016

monkeylove said:
Black Friday sales, check your local HD or Lowes if you got them out there.

Yeah I usually never leave the property on Black Friday. Way to many crazies out there. Maybe this will be my first venture out.

TCtreeswinger · Nov 25, 2016

Go into description then specifications pdf

tc262 · Nov 25, 2016

TCtreeswinger said:
Go into description then specifications pdf

Thanks, they had to hide it in there from me!

Jasonk · Nov 25, 2016

tc262 said:
I'm looking for a mechanics tool set to keep in one of the trucks. I'm a big fan of best bang for your buck, but really don't want complete junk. I have nice tools at the shop so it will only be used for in the field repairs. I want something that is compact and travels well. Any suggestions? Are the harbor freight sets good enough to get my by or should I look elsewhere? The Sears by me closed down and their website doesn't have a detail description of what's included in their sets. What do you guys keep on the truck for tools?

We have a couple pretty nice sets of blue point tools that are mobile. A couple very basic with 1/4" ratchet, screwdriver etc. then a couple larger with common wrenches, 3/8" ratchet set pliers, adjustable, etc. see or ask your snap on dealer if you have one.......

Treezybreez · Nov 25, 2016

Last time that I was at Home Depot I was impressed with the Ridgid tool boxes. They have some tool boxes that have a rubber gasket seal all the way around. I am going to try one for my chain saw files, parts exct. since my last box fell off the truck. http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Organizer-Black-222571/205440492

cerviarborist · Nov 30, 2016

I found this head-to-head comparison of tool sets by Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky and Harbor Freight. Thought it might make for an easier review and decision. http://bestride.com/research/buyers-guide/best-200-dollar-mechanics-tool-kit

Tom Dunlap · Nov 30, 2016

Great find on the reviews. Not a performance review though...I wonder how any of the sets would stand up to use.

Like I said, where do I get warranty? This is from the linked article:

The question in any of these tools is the same: If something breaks, how convenient is it to replace? Sears has 731 locations as of 2014, but that number is dwindling. Harbor Freight has expanded significantly to 700 locations across the country, which makes that store more convenient than ever before. But it’s still a shadow of the footprint of retail giants like Lowe’s (1,840 locations), Home Depot (2,274 locations).

tc262 · Nov 30, 2016

cerviarborist said:
I found this head-to-head comparison of tool sets by Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky and Harbor Freight. Thought it might make for an easier review and decision. http://bestride.com/research/buyers-guide/best-200-dollar-mechanics-tool-kit

Thanks! I came up with just about the same conclusions as that review. I probably would have went with Lowes Kobalt set but Home Depot is so much more conveniently located for me that I choose to buy the 268 piece Husky set. I also picked up an additional tool bag, pliers set, flashlight, razor knife, wire strippers, electrical tape, and tire pressure gauge. On black Friday I was out the door with tax for less than $220. Out of stuff I already had I added in a 1/2" breaker bar and additional 1/2" extensions, two big adjustable wrenches, two pry bars, tire plug kit, a couple screwdrivers, lighter, and probably a few more odds and ends. I should be able to repair just about anything on site if the need arises, but now that I am all set up I'm hoping I'll never have to touch these tools!

tc262 · Nov 30, 2016

Tom Dunlap said:
Great find on the reviews. Not a performance review though...I wonder how any of the sets would stand up to use.
...

I was not disappointed with the Husky set! The Harbor Freight junk and the new Crapsmen stuff didn't compare. I've used the set a little bit on some smaller repairs over the weekend just to get a feel for what was lacking in it. Felt like durability won't be an issue.