Please recommend a basic tool set ... Perhaps Sears Craftsman or Lowe's ?

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HorseloverFat

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Apr 11, 2014
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I've been asked to recommend a basic tool set for a young man's first tools , but it has been a long time since I've bought tools. Sears Craftsman came to mind first, but it looks like they are made in China now. What tools are essential components for a first set ? This would be for basic home and automotive tasks ...

Thanks in advance ...
 
Husky brand hand tools have a life time warranty, and they a 're decent quality for an affordable price. Avoid places like harbor freight. Home depot, Lowe's or Sears are your best bets.
 
Craftsman also have a lifetime warranty, I purchased a kobalt tool set from lowes after christmas this year, (it was on sale, a pretty good deal) mine was a somewhat basic, all I added was a good pair of pliers some diagonall cutting pliers, and a set of wrenches, and im really happy with it, the only thing I find lacking is that my kit didnt come with deep sockets. I find the quality of kobalt tools to be acceptable, and so far they hold up just fine. Personaly I perfer SK tools, but as a college kid I cant justify it right now.
Also I recomend checking out napa, they have a "bargin bin" thing that I got an adjustable wrench for like 5 bucks and a set of brushes (a copper steel an synthetic) for another 5 bucks.
 
HorseloverFat said:
Sears Craftsman came to mind first, but it looks like they are made in China now.
Click to expand...

Craftsman hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers are still made in the USA. At least some of them. Have to watch the labels and avoid their low-end product lines.

How "young" of a young man? A boy in elementary school could be called a young man, but so could someone who just finished college and needs their first tool set for a paying job...
My "young man" started getting tools when he was 3 or 4 years old. A wrench here, a hammer there; tape measure on one trip to the hardware store, pliers the next. We've been jumping around brands, looking for good quality and preferably USA-made. ChannelLock, Crescent... We've also found some great store-brand products, particularly Ace.

Myself, I don't mind Craftsman wrenches. But for sockets, I look for SK or similar. Screwdrivers, I have piles of them for everyday use, mostly Craftsman, and they work OK; Klein screwdrivers, pliers, and electrical tools are much better but they're also much more expensive so I only buy them when I need a single specific tool.
Power tools, I wasn't happy with the most recent Craftsman, although the old table saw from them is excellent. I still like DeWalt for being affordable and functional, but I've recently begun shifting to Makita more. I stay well clear of Black and Decker or other low end brands sold at certain discount department stores.

Hope this all helps!
 
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wsm0807 said:
Husky brand hand tools have a life time warranty, and they a 're decent quality for an affordable price. Avoid places like harbor freight. Home depot, Lowe's or Sears are your best bets.
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Good choices. The HD and Lowe's tools are also sometimes still made in the USA. You have to read the packaging though. The difference is about 30-40% of the price. Plus the lifetime warranty. Craftsman isn't bad either, just read the packaging again.
 
Best bang for the buck

Kobalt from Lowes
Husky from Home Depot
Craftsman from Sears

in no particular order...

If you are made of money:

Snap on
Matco
 
To add on to everyones suggestions- I have found that generally, tools made in Taiwan are of a better quality than those made in China. So if you can't find some made in the US that will work for you, then go with a brand that is Taiwanese with a lifetime warranty. I rarely buy new tools anymore because I have some very good pawn shops and thrift stores where I live. I pick up US Craftsman, SK, Williams, Snap on, ect on a regular basis in like new condition for pennies on the dollar. But if you are just making a recommendation to someone this will not work. Good luck
Bruce
 
I used to sell one of the big (made in China) name brands of tools. If you're close by to somewhere that'll take care of the warranty and the tools aren't going to be used professionally, most of the China made stuff is alright. They work for the average hobbyist. For automotive tools, you can usually get them all in one set. The sets that come in molded plastic cases with labeled spots for every socket are most convenient, and with the brands everyone's mentioned, you'll be safe if you just get a set in your budget. Be careful of them inflating the tool count by including dozens of screwdriver bits, but don't assume that makes it a bad set.

When it comes to around-the-home tools, find a box, bag, or tote (the open top ones are pretty popular and can be had for cheap) that's the right size for how many tools or how much you want to spend. Then fill that carrier with a hammer, measuring tape, level, pliers (needlenose and diagonal, maybe slip joint if you'll need them), screwdrivers (6- or 9-in-1's are great for light use), crescent wrenches, wire stripper (if there's any reason to expect electrical work), locking pliers, gloves, and a sturdy tape. That'll have you covered for most jobs. Beware of tool sets including all or most of the tools I just listed, as those are usually packaged for inexperienced buyers and either don't have a warranty or are made to much lower standards.

I don't have a lot of reason to invest in tools, so I have a very small bag that has three pliers, measuring tape, a 6-in-1 screwdriver, gorilla tape, and a medium sized crescent wrench. I'd say that's a bare minimum for around the house stuff. When it comes to power tools, a drill/driver and a dremel can really come in handy to complete the jack of all trades set.
 
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Bob W said:
Craftsman hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers are still made in the USA. At least some of them. Have to watch the labels and avoid their low-end product lines.

How "young" of a young man? A boy in elementary school could be called a young man, but so could someone who just finished college and needs their first tool set for a paying job...
My "young man" started getting tools when he was 3 or 4 years old. A wrench here, a hammer there; tape measure on one trip to the hardware store, pliers the next. We've been jumping around brands, looking for good quality and preferably USA-made. ChannelLock, Crescent... We've also found some great store-brand products, particularly Ace.

Myself, I don't mind Craftsman wrenches. But for sockets, I look for SK or similar. Screwdrivers, I have piles of them for everyday use, mostly Craftsman, and they work OK; Klein screwdrivers, pliers, and electrical tools are much better but they're also much more expensive so I only buy them when I need a single specific tool.
Power tools, I wasn't happy with the most recent Craftsman, although the old table saw from them is excellent. I still like DeWalt for being affordable and functional, but I've recently begun shifting to Makita more. I stay well clear of Black and Decker or other low end brands sold at certain discount department stores.

Hope this all helps!
Click to expand...

A young man in his forties. :D Let's call him young because he never acquired his own set of tools like a mature man. :shame: It's pretty sad when he meets women that own more tools than our hero ...

Thanks much for the advice !
 
RevDevil said:
Good choices. The HD and Lowe's tools are also sometimes still made in the USA. You have to read the packaging though. The difference is about 30-40% of the price. Plus the lifetime warranty. Craftsman isn't bad either, just read the packaging again.
Click to expand...

Thanks , Mr. RevDevil. I hope that this one provided enough context.

Good advice with regard to reading the small print in order to confirm place of manufacture. And if it doesn't state where it is made on the package this is usually a bad sign.
 
Murphenstein44 said:
I used to sell one of the big (made in China) name brands of tools. If you're close by to somewhere that'll take care of the warranty and the tools aren't going to be used professionally, most of the China made stuff is alright. They work for the average hobbyist. For automotive tools, you can usually get them all in one set. The sets that come in molded plastic cases with labeled spots for every socket are most convenient, and with the brands everyone's mentioned, you'll be safe if you just get a set in your budget. Be careful of them inflating the tool count by including dozens of screwdriver bits, but don't assume that makes it a bad set.

When it comes to around-the-home tools, find a box, bag, or tote (the open top ones are pretty popular and can be had for cheap) that's the right size for how many tools or how much you want to spend. Then fill that carrier with a hammer, measuring tape, level, pliers (needlenose and diagonal, maybe slip joint if you'll need them), screwdrivers (6- or 9-in-1's are great for light use), crescent wrenches, wire stripper (if there's any reason to expect electrical work), locking pliers, gloves, and a sturdy tape. That'll have you covered for most jobs. Beware of tool sets including all or most of the tools I just listed, as those are usually packaged for inexperienced buyers and either don't have a warranty or are made to much lower standards.

I don't have a lot of reason to invest in tools, so I have a very small bag that has three pliers, measuring tape, a 6-in-1 screwdriver, gorilla tape, and a medium sized crescent wrench. I'd say that's a bare minimum for around the house stuff. When it comes to power tools, a drill/driver and a dremel can really come in handy to complete the jack of all trades set.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice.
 
HorseloverFat said:
A young man in his forties. :D Let's call him young because he never acquired his own set of tools like a mature man. :shame: It's pretty sad when he meets women that own more tools than our hero ...

Thanks much for the advice !
Click to expand...

I was also a "young man" (age 5) when I started acquiring tools. The first was a hammer. Don't recall the brand but it had (has) a blue fiberglass frame and rubber handle. 40 years later it's still my primary hammer, although I've taken a liking to Wife's Eswing. :D
 
a couple sites that might be really useful, one is cooltools over at kk.org/cooltools, lots of reviews of tools and solutions. Another one is tested.com, not as sorted out, but Adam Savage has done a few articles on tools. He's the kinda guy who can build nearly anything, but isn't a professional, so he comes at everything as an amateur, and on a budget.

Another idea might be a membership to a tool library if there is one near by. That way he can get some quiet advice before tackling the jobs, and looking like a hero.
 
HorseloverFat said:
What tools are essential components for a first set?
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As the others suggested, I'd head to Home Depot, Sears, or Lowes. I believe most of the Husky and Kobalt brand stuff is made in China for Home Depot and Lowes, but are guaranteed for life. I would go to Sears myself and start filling my "buggy". I believe anything with the Craftsman name (vs Sears) on it will be USA made. Check if it's important to you.

Basic tools have not changed really. Screw drivers, ratchet & sockets (English and Metric) (probably 3/8" to start and 1/2" later, ball pein hammer, pliers, cresent wrenches, ....standard stuff.

I highly recommend the Sears Robogrip adjustable pliers in the three available sizes. These get used a lot for me.

I use an electric drill with nut drivers a lot and recommend such. These I would probably get at Home Depot as I like the Ryobi drills, but own several brands including Milwaukee, Ryobi, Craftsman, Hatachie, and DeWalt. I would avoid Black and Decker power tools generally. I use primarily cordless, but keep corded backups for the larger drills.

The basic power tool set would include skil saw, reciprocating saw, and electric drill.
 
HorseloverFat said:
What tools are essential components for a first set ?
Click to expand...

Everyone probably needs a screwdriver, claw hammer, pliers, and drill from time-to-time. Good stuff can last a lifetime, especially if used infrequently.

Some people need a wrench once in a while, at least common metric and/or English sizes. Buy one at a time as the need arises, or buy a set. They are cheaper by the set in the long run.

Most people probably don't use ratchets and sockets on a regular basis. But borrowing stuff is for losers, and these are also much less expensive if purchased in a set. Maybe buy a small set that comes with a high-quality 3/8" ratchet and add extra sockets and accessories as needed.

Some people need and use a large number of tools if they are determined to complete their own home repairs, auto repairs, and have construction-type hobbies like woodworking or historic restoration. Quite frankly this doesn't sound like your friend, especially if he's 40 and doesn't already have this stuff. Me, I have separate tool kits and parts bins for home wiring, motorcycle, bicycle, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, small electronics and computers, plastering, general mechanics, lawn work... I can buy some pretty nice tools, spend all day doing an easy job, and still save money over paying a plumber or electrician.
 
Things like claw hammers, I would just buy at Lowe's myself. And, I would probably just buy when the need presents itself. Even though a lot of my tools came from Sears, my more recent stuff came from a combination of Lowes and Home Depot and I have not been let down with their quality.

I have several tool boxes "full" that I use for work stuff. Inside my house, I keep a basic tool kit and it includes the stuff I mentioned without the ratchet & sockets as they don't get used much anymore (and I can dig them out if I need to). I didn't buy all the stuff at once and generally bought sets as the need presented itself and I didn't feel like digging stuff out of my regular boxes. That was a bit lazy, but I feel a modest amount of tools inside the house are a good thing that you don't have to go hunting for. My most used electric drill is a 12volt (have three actually) which these days is low powered, but it does most of what needs done. The more powerful stuff is generally for work tasks. But if I only wanted one, I'd probably go with 18v even though I think they are a bit heavy for little jobs which are most jobs. Things like installing mini-blinds, opening up the HVAC to check something, drilling a small hole to place a larger wood screw in and so forth.

I really like the Robogrip pliers. I have a set in each tool box (at least three sets) and they get used. Even for simple things like loosening the garden hose that is too tight to hand twist.... out come the robogrip pliers. Add a reasonable pair of wire cutters also. Most of the old style pliers don't get used ever. One thing about the robogrip pliers, don't get them wet and leave them wet as they rust easily.
 
HorseloverFat said:
All the way from China !? :D

Seriously though, I'm not ruling them out ...
Click to expand...
Fortunately I haven't had to buy any new tools in years nor have been in a Sears in 3 years so don't know where they're made now. Also I know someone who found an old rusty Craftsman ratchet in a field a few years ago, walked into a Sears, and they swapped it for a new one. Same with broken sockets.

On the other hand I hate to say it, but some high quality stuff is coming out of China these days, and I think that's something we're all just going to have to deal with for the foreseeable future.
 
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