Craftsman Professional Socket Wrench Sets: 27-pc 6-pt 1/4" Drive Set w/ Case $18, 20-pc 12-pt 3/8" Drive Set w/ Case $22.50, 11-pc 6-pt 3/8" Drive Set w/ Case $9 & More + Free

Quote from Corwin76 : Gasoline in San Diego no less. That's a pretty good reason alone I think. I don't miss CA gas prices at all.

Seriously...just one of the many ways we pay for the weather. ahh well I'll probably just suck it up and take it. I figured on keeping these tools forever so it's not that big of a deal. Just irks me when they have a big "sale" and then they drop the prices right after...

I want to start working on my vehicles but I don't have any tools.

Which of these kits would be ideal for someone in my position? Thanks.

Edit - I need a torque wrench as well so I don't strip oil pans or bolts!

Quote from Tellingthem : Seriously...just one of the many ways we pay for the weather. ahh well I'll probably just suck it up and take it. I figured on keeping these tools forever so it's not that big of a deal. Just irks me when they have a big "sale" and then they drop the prices right after...

It's a bit of a crap shoot, if you wait for a lower price you might possibly be out of luck if they sell out, but if you buy early, you might end up in your situation. It all depends on how much they have laying in the warehouse and how low they're willing to sell it for to clear it all out.
As far as "paying for the weather" goes, I think it's probably worth it. I have 4-6 months of nasty cold weather that keeps me from getting much done and I'd take the higher cost of living out there over that.

Quote from TheeeGod : I want to start working on my vehicles but I don't have any tools. Which of these kits would be ideal for someone in my position? Thanks. Edit - I need a torque wrench as well so I don't strip oil pans or bolts!

I think the 82pc set would cover most of what you need for many general repairs.
Perhaps someone else can chime in with a torque wrench recommendation, I have a
bad habit of not using them most of the time and when I need one I usually borrow it
from my master mechanic cousin.

Quote from TheeeGod : I want to start working on my vehicles but I don't have any tools. Which of these kits would be ideal for someone in my position? Thanks. Edit - I need a torque wrench as well so I don't strip oil pans or bolts!

It depends on what you already have and what you want to do. You might want to check out some of the mechanics kits like these:

Craftsman 154 pc. Mechanics Tool Set
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1015...0Setsmv=rr
Craftsman 260 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with 3-Drawer Flip-Top Blow Mold Chest
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-26...ockType=G2

It is usually cheaper to buy the big sets versus individual wrench and socket sets. I already have a ton of basic tools so i didn't need any of the allen wrenches screwdriver bits, etc. And wanted some specific sizes and cases for easier transport (I travel alot for work so having them broken up is nice for me).

All the tools are wrenches they dont have any screwdrivers or anything else.

Quote from Corwin76 : I think the 82pc set would cover most of what you need for many general repairs. Perhaps someone else can chime in with a torque wrench recommendation, I have a bad habit of not using them most of the time and when I need one I usually borrow it from my master mechanic cousin.

I have a old craftsman torque wrench I bought about 20 years ago while rebuilding my 67 mustang. Still got it and works great for what I do at home.Now at work I use a snapon but was bought not with my money but the company but I'm not rebuilding delicate equipment at home.

Biggest thing about torque wrenches is periodically getting them calibrated, not abusing them (turning past the torque setting, click, slip or whatever yours may do when torque it reached) and using them as a ratchet. Now you get what you pay for so a 15 dollar wrench may be in the ballpark but I wouldn't trust it torque down a head bolt but a lug nut it would be ok...

Quote from Rei : All the tools are wrenches they dont have any screwdrivers or anything else.

They're mechanics sets, so typically no, although some larger sets have some extras like screwdrivers. It sounds like you're looking for something more like this?

iWork 119 piece Tool Kit $20 [kmart.com]

Quote from recountryman : Biggest thing about torque wrenches is periodically getting them calibrated, not abusing them (turning past the torque setting, click, slip or whatever yours may do when torque it reached) and using them as a ratchet. Now you get what you pay for so a 15 dollar wrench may be in the ballpark but I wouldn't trust it torque down a head bolt but a lug nut it would be ok...

All are very good points, I bought a cheap-o 3/8 HDC torque wrench once, and it was never good for anything other than personal defense. On the other hand, my larger Great Neck 1/2" seems to work fine.

Quote from TheeeGod : I want to start working on my vehicles but I don't have any tools. Which of these kits would be ideal for someone in my position? Thanks. Edit - I need a torque wrench as well so I don't strip oil pans or bolts!

Basic ratchet set with extensions and/or deep sockets like the 82 piece or 65 piece, but a ~200 piece for ~$100 is a great start.

Combination wrenches are useful, non-ratcheting is cheaper and perfectly adequate

Good assortment of needlenose pliers

Jack stands + wheel chocks + hydraulic jack + catch pail

1/2" breaker bar

Lots and lots of rags

You really dont need all that many tools to do basic maintenance on a car. Screw-drivers, couple wrenches or ratchet set, and a pair of needlenose can suffice for most routine stuff. Getting the right tools though makes maintenance and repair safer, easier, and lessens the chances of screwing up.

Quote from Corwin76 : They're mechanics sets, so typically no, although some larger sets have some extras like screwdrivers. It sounds like you're looking for something more like this? iWork 119 piece Tool Kit $20 [kmart.com]

My mother has a set like that but in pink. She said at least that way her sons wouldn't be using them them and forgetting to put them back...

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the input.

Considering this: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1015...5850&aff=Y - it is less than a 89.99 and seems to have a lot of stuff. good enough?

Jack stands - do I need a jack really or can I get away with using a rhino ramps?


Also, thanks for the tips on the torque wrench. Should I get a craftsman or another brand?

Breaker bar - any recs? I tried undoing a rear diff plug on a acura and damn near gave up bc it was on so tight, but then the old biceps kicked in ultimate gear and all was saved haha

Quote from TheeeGod : Breaker bar - any recs? I tried undoing a rear diff plug on a acura and damn near gave up bc it was on so tight, but then the old biceps kicked in ultimate gear and all was saved haha

I have a good "Cheater" pipe that's ~3 ft long. Easy to stand on... works great.

Quote from TheeeGod : Thanks guys. I really appreciate the input. Considering this: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1015...5850&aff=Y - it is less than a 89.99 and seems to have a lot of stuff. good enough? Jack stands - do I need a jack really or can I get away with using a rhino ramps? Also, thanks for the tips on the torque wrench. Should I get a craftsman or another brand? Breaker bar - any recs? I tried undoing a rear diff plug on a acura and damn near gave up bc it was on so tight, but then the old biceps kicked in ultimate gear and all was saved haha

That's a good set, it was $75 after codes a few days ago, but now only searstools seems to work on it, so it's $80 now. You can use the rhino ramps, but what if you need to work on your brakes, you'll have to take off the wheel, so you'll need a jack and jack stands.
I have a couple of older Craftsman breaker bars and they have always taken whatever punishment I've given them, including sliding a 3 ft. pipe over them to torque them even more. I really like the 1/2" set with the breaker bar in the OP, but it's SAE, so unless you have some large inch bolts it might not be worth getting for you.