A typical Crafstman tool set, including tool box.

In previous versions of Tool-Time Tuesdays, we have talked about specific tools. One purpose tools like drop lights, voltmeters, floor jacks, cordless drills, and ratcheting wrenches. 

One of the most widely used tools is a “tool kit.” This is a set of tools that comes with ratchets, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers and a host of other hand tools. These tools are used when you’re wrenching on your ride, fixing the dryer, or replacing a towel rack. 

Which Tool Set?

There is many variations of tool sets out there. A simple set can be picked up that might only have 20 pieces in it. An average set would have somewhere between 150-200 pieces in the kit. A high end kit might have 500-1000 pieces in it. Naturally, the more tools in the kit the more the price goes up. 

Which set is right for you? That depends on how in depth you are going to get. If you’re somebody that’s just changing oil and brakes, a basic set would suite you well. However if you’re going to be replacing engines and suspension, you’ll want a more complex set. 

If you’re a weekend mechanic compared to a full time mechanic, your needs will vary wildly. When choosing a set, get the biggest that you can. This will help ensure that you have more than enough tools and variations of tools to hopefully fit any job that you can. 

Which brand of tools?

There is just as many brands of tools out there as variations in screwdrivers. The brand will dictate the price of a tool set and generally the quality as well. When choosing a brand, you have to consider how often you will use the tools. If you’re just hanging a towel rack once a year or doing oil changes, a really cheap set will work great for you. 

If you’re a little more involved then that, you’ll want something better and something with a warranty. This would be a set such as Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky, etc. These are good quality tools that will last you a lifetime. 

When you’re a serious mechanic, or the guy that just has to have the best of the best, your pricing goes up. These brands would include Snap On, Mac Tools, Cornwell Tools, etc. These are true “professional” grade tools that will last for generations. They cost the most, but when you’re wrenching for eight hours a day, you need the best. 

Hopefully this helps you navigate your way to the correct tool kit for your purposes. Again we would recommend to get the largest kit that you are comfortable purchasing. This gives you the greatest variation to ensure you have the right tool for the job.

Stay tuned as we bring you more Tool-Time Tuesdays!