Best bang for the buck tool set?

quote:

---

Best bang for the buck

---

quote:

---

Harbor Freight

---

You'll be replacing your bang for more bucks in a year or two.

I don't wrench hard core at all. Just occasionally use on the truck that still has 3yrs of warranty.

Exactly. Harbor Freight is decent for short-term usage but if it's something you'll be using long-term, get it from somewhere else.

Do you require the tools to fit all in one case or are you willing to build your own kit so to speak?

What will your application be?

DeWalt makes some made-in-taiwan kit similar to the HF kit you mentioned. HF kit isn't terrible. Some of the HF kits may even be taiwanese too.

My only issue with the Kobalt or Husky is the case the larger kits typically come in. Some of their smaller kits are robust, but I find the larger the kit the flimsier the case. A bad case makes an decent tool set terrible if you ask me.

I assume you mean socket set?

Tekton is a good brand and middle of the road in quality.

Buy wrench sets and socket sets separately. The combo sets have weird sizes and some of them skip sizes also.

I have a Crescent ratchet set and it's badass - most of the stuff I do I use this set. A 10-year old one of these: LINK

I have a set of SAE Harbor Freight end wrenches and they're sufficient. I'm skeptical of their other stuff.

If you are you are talking mechanics tools then you can't beat the $99 tool kits on black friday from lowes or home depot. Has 99% of the tools you would need for most car repairs. Most people aren't doing anymore then oil changes, brakes. Batteries, etc.

quote:

---

225pc

---

A mistake a lot of people make is buying cheap for quantity sake. The vast majority of DIYers use an extremely small collection of sockets out of the bigger sets. I suggest getting a quality set of 3/8" sockets, a collection of extensions, and a good ratchet. That along with a set of good screwdrivers, combo wrenches, and a few other bits will serve you better in the long run than a large set that you use 10-15% of.

quote:

---

sloopy

---

hang on

quote:

---

DeWalt makes some made-in-taiwan kit similar to the HF kit you mentioned. HF kit isn't terrible. Some of the HF kits may even be taiwanese too.

My only issue with the Kobalt or Husky is the case the larger kits typically come in. Some of their smaller kits are robust, but I find the larger the kit the flimsier the case. A bad case makes an decent tool set terrible if you ask me

---

I agree with the general idea posted above.

Harbor Freight hand tools are below par. Everyone would love Snap-On tools, but we’re not all OT rich; however, you don’t want tools that get broken, rounded and bent the first time you put them to the test.

Harbor Freight just won’t cut it. Husky (Home Depot brand) is better, and Kobolt (Lowe’s brand) is even better. Old Craftsmen are very good, but new Craftsman are on par with Kobolt, IMO.

Now, the part that gets undervalued is the tool chest they come in. If you have a fancy tool cabinet, then you can probably afford higher end hand tools, but if you’re an occasional mechanic, you’ll need a case that holds up and that keeps the sockets in place. For some damn reason, these tool companies can’t seem to figure out how to make a decent tool case for sockets.

Of the cheaper brands mentioned, Kobolt’s case is better than Craftsman for some stupid reason, but it depends on the size/model of the case.

When you shop them, notice if the sockets fit snugly or are prone to bouncing around. Believe me, it will matter to you!