Craftsman, although it has gotten cheaper over the years, is still my go-to choice. Snapon is too expensive to justify unless you're a professional mechanic.

You break something, you go to sears, you get a new one. No BS.

I have this:

Craftsman 255 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with Lift Top Storage Chest

Which contains about 90% of the tools I use for my cars and around the house.

I'm also a fan of the Max Axess kit which is a straight through precision ratchet/socket set. Ergonomically shaped, has 72 teeth, and is the lowest profile ratchet I've used.

 

I don't like buying socket sets because you end up with a lot of sizes that you will never use. I prefer to buy my sockets individually in the size I want. There are really just a handful of sizes that you would use on a regular basis. Most common sizes are 10, 12, 14, 17 mm and 19 for the lug nuts. I like 6 points and I my most-used socket ever is probably my 10mm deep well socket. It's pretty versatile. I usually order from Amazon. I also have a DeWalt 18-Volt impact which is really handy for removing bolts quickly.

 

This (his craftsman link) is what I have and what I would recommend if you're just starting out. There will be things you need as you go along, but you'll just have to buy them as needed. Throw that ragged ass plastic case in the trash and get a better one though. I was done with it after the third time that it fell over and dumped all of its contents. That's a long game of 52 pickup.

I second sylvan on the impact wrench, though I have a small makita version (quick connect, not 1/2" drive), they are nice.

Get a decent torque wrench too. One that goes to 100 ftlbs. I have a kobalt and as much as I dislike their tools, it's actually been a good wrench.

 

Meh, have fun over spending for the individuals and going to the store in the middle of a project when you find that you need an oddball. I'd rather spend the extra to cover all my bases...but that's just me.

OP, I would also suggest that you buy a 1/2" drive, 18" breaker bar, a 3/8" drive, 6" wobble extension, and a 3pc universal joint set. Torque wrench is only really necessary if you're doing engine work.


Air tools are unnecessary. Go to a metal supply company, have them cut you a 12-18" steel rod and use the above mentioned breaker bar like this:



The ONLY time I use my impact is to get those stupid ass rotor locator screws out. God knows why they torque those things do damn tight at the factory.

 

8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19mm will cover pretty much everything on the car. Get yourself a 1/2" ratchet and a few extensions and swivels and you are good to go.

 

You can also get a length of pipe that fits over the end of the breaker bar and use it for more leverage.

As for air tools, I usually use them spin nuts and bolts on and off. Air rachet's are great when space is tight. I usually loosen them initially with a breaker bar and then give them a final tightening with a rachet or torque wrench.

 

Amazon - torque sticks
I got a set of 7 from 40 to 180 #/ft for about $25 and I use them on the end of my electic impact

 

this

 

quote: "OP, I would also suggest that you buy a 1/2" drive, 18" breaker bar, a 3/8" drive, 6" wobble extension, and a 3pc universal joint set. Torque wrench is only really necessary if you're doing engine work."

depends on how anal you are. i torque everything to factory specs, but i'm anal as it gets. if you do your own work, which it sounds like the op is planning on doing, a torque wrench is good piece of mind.

X2 on the 1/2" drive breaker bar. along with that a can of aerokroil and a big hammer.

 

This sounds like a great way to start..... I will have to agree on this. also I love the craftsman ratchet wrenches.