I have a junior member of my family that is showing interest in our hobby. He has been more and more been borrowing my tools which is not an issue because he generally returns them to to the place and condition in which he found them. I would love for him to adopt the fever of our hobby. And with Christmas approaching I would like to gift him a proper beginners tool set. He is 16. I like Craftsman. Would like to give him something made in USA but is that possible within an reasonable price range ? Figure sockets, screwdrivers, open end wrenches. Thank you men.

 

The definition of reasonable varies by individual? What is reasonable to you?

 

I still have pieces of the first Montgomery Wards Powercraft socket set I got from my folks at 16 from Christmas about 1972. Makes me smile to this day when I see the Powercraft emblem on them. So yes a great idea !! I think I would try to get a Craftsman set, cuz when he is older they will probably be out of business and will still be there and stand out in his tool collection as my old Wards sockets still do... I think I have seen them Craftsman sets still. One thing - get em on sale- sale prices for sets can be less than 1/2 price of regular prices.

 

There's not much if any new USA-made Craftsman.

I'd get him a starter set of Craftsman or even Harbor Freight to start. They have about the same warranty and HF usually doesn't give as much grief on a warranty issue.

Then... Start taking him to swap meets/flea markets, estate auctions and the like and search for well-kept older USA tools, any brand. He'll have fun, acquire some neat stuff at good prices, and may even become a tool junkie in the process.

I went to an auction Friday and found some neat stuff. 40s-50s Craftsman ratchets w Flying V selector buttons, a Billings monkey wrench w wood grip, and an Erie curved handle adjustable wrench. Didn't get any of it, a 20-year-old old tool junkie outbid me, but after talking with the kid they went to a good home and will be there a while. Whereas at 64, if I'd gotten them odds are they'd be sold at auction again in ten years. Plus I've made a new friend.

 

Buy good tools and you won't need a warranty. Sears is pretty much out of business. The Craftsman line has been sold to someone else, and I think Home Depot or someone handles them.

 

If theres a walmart near you try there. The bigger ones have a bigger selection, but even the smaller ones have some sockets, rachets, wrenches, screwdrivers, torx etc.

ive seen stanley, dewalt, bosch maybe some others, they probably sell cheap stuff too i dont even look at that tho.

stanley is good quality ( made by mac tools i think).

i recently purchased a 1/2” drive 18” stanley breaker bar ( non ratcheting rachet) that im happy with. Ivehad a set of stanley torx bits for years from WM that have held up very well too.

lowes picked up craftsman if youwant that specifically.

 

Lowes carries Kobalt and Craftsman. I have a few Kobalt tools and I like them. Their 3/8 drive ratchet is my favorite of several I own. Northern Tool carries Klutch which I have found to be pretty good stuff. They will have some sets including a tool chest on sale pretty often.

 

Let's not make this more complicated than it needs to be. I don't know of anyone who makes a "beginner's" tool set, unless you're talking about plastic screwdrivers you buy for your six year old. There are just tool sets, and they have as many tools in them as you want to put there. Get him a set of English and metric wrenches, a set of English and metric sockets, a good set of screwdrivers, a couple of pairs of pliers, and a couple sizes of adjustable wrenches. The brand doesn't matter. Anything you buy will last a 16-year-old long enough for him to develop his own tastes. As he needs additional tools, he can buy them.

Instead of buying things individually, you can get him something like this 290-piece set, currently $150 at Home Depot. It doesn't include screwdrivers.





And please give us an example of an "unreasonably" priced, American-made tool. There are cheap tools and expensive tools, and both kinds are made all over the world. Go with a brand you trust. Don't worry about where it's made.

Some of the best tools I've used in recent years are Duralast brand tools sold at Autozone. They come with a lifetime warranty, just like Craftsman, and they're made in Taiwan. I've found their ratchet sets to be particularly well made and comfortable to use. While I've never needed to have one of their tools replaced, the fact that there's an Autozone on practically every street corner in America should make it easier to get a replacement if I ever need to.

 

Get him this set. Haha only kidding. My Mom bought me a 99 piece Craftsman set when I graduated high school. That had to be hands down the best present I have ever gotten. Used to be Kobalt and Craftsman were made by the same people and had the same warranty. I don't know about Craftsman anymore, but you can buy them pretty much anywhere.

This is an excellent idea and your junior family member will treasure whatever you come up with.

 

Unfortunately, your not going to find much American made tools, unless you buy old stuff at swap meets. It makes my skin crawl typing that, but it’s a fact of today’s life.

I’d buy the best quality that’s easy to get replaced under warranty. Lowe’s carries Craftsman tools now, but the their selection isn’t that good (at least my Lowe’s store is this way).

Buy a decent set of SAE wrenches and sockets, assortment of good screwdrivers, basic pliers, basic electrical tools, and keep nurturing the automotive interest.

 

Honestly, the best option is to get a kit like Jaunty recommended. I have a Husky set that my parents got me when I was in high school. I now have old school craftsman, snap-on, MAC, and that Husky set. The Husky is a solid set and serves as my traveling tool set. Other brands in that range like Stanley, Cobalt, Craftsman work too.

If you want to put the work in, you can go around to thrift shops, auctions, and the like to find used Snap-on, MAC, Matco tools. They're out there, just takes more work to find them. That's how I got my sets. But honestly, for someone just starting out, I wouldn't go for top-of-the-line. They'll appreciate the nicer tools more if they have spent time using cheaper tools. Or they won't - they'll never care for the higher-end tools and you've saved effort/money.

 

This is what I do. My basic set is Craftsman that I bought new in the 1970s. Most of the rest have been swap meet tools.

 

Check out garage sales, auctions, estate sales, and flea markets for old school USA made tools at a reasonable price. Look at Craigslist and Facebook Market Place for some great deals on old school tools.
Plenty of old guys hanging up their hats with chests full of tools....the good stuff.

High end such as Snap-On, Mac, Matco all suspect of chineasium nowadays,

Last time I purchased tools for our company I searched out USA manufactured tools. I found Proto, Armstrong, Klein, Channellock, and some Stanley. Google.

All that said I started out with the cheapest crap made...thou circa the late 60s So take that for a grain of salt as the influx of offshore junk had not begun to spew the raw sewage into the USA market just yet.... so he will likely be ok with whatever gets the job done(safely).

 

Other way around. MAC is one of many tool brands in the Stanley Black & Decker conglomerate.

Home Depot bought the rights to the Husky name. Husky as a tool company started in 1924.

 

I am of the same camp as those saying look on facebook market place, craigslist and garage sales, many older guys passing and most young guys don’t want hand tools any longer. I have saw nice tool boxes with old craftsman, proto, s-k and some snap on for very reasonable prices. He will get quality and many more tools for his dollar..or your dollar.

 

There should be an abundance of SAE tools now since most vehicles have been metric for several years. Just a thought.

 

I don't disagree with buying tools at a swap meet and whatnot to get quality tools. However, I think if you were to buy a decent set, that were shiny and brand spankin' new, the young man would appreciate them more, from a point of pride I suppose. Something about starting out, everyone gets hand-me-downs. Old, quality tools have dirt, stains, rust on them. Not a bad thing. But let the boy get a new set, that's all his and no one else's, and he can get his own dirt, stains, and rust on them. Then go to the swap meet together and look for the old stuff.

 

My Dad bought me a set of Craftsman ratchet, sockets, and wrenches when I was 12. Still have them and they are great quality but they do break occasionally so where do you get them replaced? The options are narrowing. As mentioned earlier, tools from Auto Zone will be available for the forseeable future. Harbor Freight offers the same lifetime warranty on ALL hand tools and they do have some decent tools that will give great service. They have some very nice tool sets that go on sale almost every week. They also offer some poorer quality stuff so be selective!

I have everything in my toolbox from cheap Taiwan stuff to Craftsman, Snap-On, Proto, MAC, Matco, Plumb, S&K, Williams, you name it, I probably have some of it. But I started with the NEW set my Dad gave me.

A basic set like this is a great STARTER set from HF. On sale now for $129.99. One 3/8 drive socket set from Snap-On would cost that much. If your youngster develops a taste for more tools, then break out into the used market. As mentioned above, there are some great deals on high-end used tools out there.

 

I am a big fan of Craftsman tools. They do the job well, and the lifetime warranty is great. Back in the '80s I had a very old 1/2" ratchet I inherited from my grandfather, and the ratchet spun freely both directions. I probably should have just kept it, but I needed another good ratchet. Sears replaced it no questions asked.

A few weeks ago, the replacement ratchet started having troubles, so I took it to Lowe's since they now carry Craftsman tools, too. Same deal. Easy exchange for a brand new piece.

I will buy tools from HF, too, but usually only oddball pieces that I may not use more than once or twice. Their quality seems fine for something like that.

 

Mike you make a good point. It is called pride of ownership.

 

As said before you won’t find American made. Harbor freight Pittsburgh Is decent stuff. Lifetime warranty and is usually no questions asked. But I have yet to break my ratchet wrench’s from there so probably won’t need the warranty

 

When I first got a car, I put together an assortment of cheap stuff. Then the car was stolen, with the tools in the trunk (it was always breaking down!). I waited until Craftsman had a big sale on one of their tool sets. Had this for years, but the more I worked on old cars, the more I appreciated the "better" tools, and have replaced all of the old Craftsman tools, with Snap On. Craftsman stuff is back in my old car, or at the house garage, while the "good stuff" is in my shop.
I'd buy him Craftsman when it's on sale, no use buying him the best tools, if he does this for a few months, then decides working hard isn't for him, like most younger folks.

 

As a lot of people here have said, you're not going to find an affordable option for a USA made tool set. That said, the Husky sets mentioned are very nice and the Home Depot warranty makes for an easy exchange should anything go wrong. I have their 211pc kit and haven't had any issues with them over the years of general use I have given them. I will say that I prefer the Husky ratchets to Craftsman as they have a finer tooth, and both the Husky ratchet and wrench handles beat out Craftsman for comfort. I always hated the raised ridge that Craftsman puts on their tools and find them very uncomfortable when really torquing on them. All in all, spending $100-$150 would get a young beginner enough tools to dig into almost any auto repair he wants.

Over the years I have never owned or needed anything beyond a middle of the road brand of mechanics set. My first set was a Craftsman set from back in the 1990's when they were still USA made which ended up getting stolen, second set was a Channellock set that was very nice for the price, but over time tools disappeared through use by careless family, and now Husky. I have only broken one ratchet in all my use back in the early 2000's and Sears replaced it without hassle. Any of these brands will ultimately serve him well, and I would recommend avoiding anything with plastic ratchet handles for years of easy cleaning and longevity.

 

That he returns the tools he borrows tells me he'll take care of whatever you choose to get him.

After one too many tools didn't find it's way home, I have a 100% no lending tools policy.

A kid borrowed my engine stand in 1997 and I had to get the sheriff involved to get it back. He fell out with the guy he rented a garage stall from and the guy padlocked it with my stuff in it. He gave me a ration of lip too so I got a stolen property arrest warrant and showed up with a county deputy and a pair of bolt cutters. Yeah it got ugly but my stand came home. Haven't loaned out a tool of any description since and don't intend to. Not even a cheap screwdriver.

 

I'm another one that received a Montgomery Wards Powercraft set for my 16th Christmas. Most of them are still going strong. My point, find a decent set with appx 100 pieces, by a Name Brand, then start hitting up the estate and garage sales that have been mentioned. Mom and Dad have been gone a number of years now, and I still smile when I pick up one of the Powercraft tools when I reach into the box.

 

hit up the local pawn shop,or resale shop. we have 2 that are excellent,bins of socket,wrenches etc.sockets up to 1 in,1.00 for craftsman.i go there to fill up my partial s-k sets ive been collecting forever. and since sears closed near me, i just pick up replacements there. along with the o/p i too have some powerkraft tools i found at an antique mall,now trying to fill that one. husky are pretty decent tools also,dad bought 3 sets in 1970,i have most of the 3 now

 

I always worry that pawned stuff may be stolen so that's my last resort.

That's the trouble with finding old well-loved tools. You think "wouldn't mind making up a set of these". Doing that with Wizard (Western Auto house brand) and now also with Fleet. And already had a comprehensive set of Craftsman with duplicates of a lot of that.🙄 Been giving young friends a lot of the duplicate stuff the last couple years.

We never had Montgomery Wards close by, closest one was 70-some miles away, but my uncle bought a lot of Powr-Kraft hand tools when they lived in Baltimore. Always appeared to me to be nice quality and good value.

 

This is a great idea on many levels. Last Christmas was my son’s (14,16 years) “tool Christmas). I got them some very respectable tools that will function for life provided that they are not abused, stolen or lost. I turned 47 in September and still have tools that I was gifted for my thirteenth birthday. I don’t expect my son’s to have the mechanical passion that I possess, but I do hope at a minimum that they have and know how to use tools. It provides a great source of accomplishment and builds self worth. It also gives one a perspective for the folks that serve you when you do need to pay a professional for tasks that are beyond your skill set. Kudos on you for a truly thoughtful gift idea. A side benefit is they don’t ravage your collection!!!😂😂😂

 

After reading your posts I think a good sized Craftsman set would be a good starting point. And then maybe a set of Klein screwdrivers for his birthday. He likes to come to swap meets so maybe he’ll add to his tool set on his own - I will just get him up and running. Expensive - crazy expensive to me are Proto, MAC, Snap-On are still American made ? If not they must be made in Switzerland for their prices. I understand they are professional grade used by mostly craftsmen who usually use them on a daily basis. I never “shopped” for tools before at sway meets - but I’m gonna take a look next time out !

Thanks Men.

Mike

 

You and he both should make a list of "nice to have" tools when you head to the swap meet. You might be stunned at what you find. You'll find vendors selling loose stuff and others who have made up sets of wrenches, sockets etc.

I've done really well finding the Wizard and Fleet this way because lot of guys aren't familiar with them and overlook them as junk, which they are anything but. I've bought Snap-On and Matco too; stuff I could never afford off the tool truck because I flat refuse to buy tools on a payment plan, and I'm not into conspicuous consumption or trying to impress.

 

Just yesterday I was looking for a 5/16 end wrench and got to the bottom of my standard SAE tool drawer. My God what a eclectic bunch of tools I have, but no 5/16 end wrench. That being said I can't remember the last time I broke any tool and I have some odd ball stuff put together by the United Nations. My thoughts are why not get him a larger set of the cheaper stuff no matter of the nationally and let him go from there. The sets are usually the best deal by tool count and come with a tool organizer which is important when you get started at least till he knows which way he is going in the mechanic world.

Back in the day the company I worked for carried many tool lines and around Christmas there were specials run on sets of tools, Crescent comes to mind and I bought two sets as emergency tool kits for my traveling cars. They would make good starter kits for a young mechanic want a be.. I had one kit out yesterday but no 5/16 end wrench there either...... Tedd

 

I personally have this kit. It is my go to even with my big box ..easy to take to what your working on, has metric and standard.




I

 

Time for Tedd to hit the tool store!

Crescent. Made in Jamestown NY. Good stuff.

Had to rescue my cousin yesterday with battery trouble. Threw the cables, load tester and a handful of metric combos (Hyundai Elantra) in the truck. Natcherly the one wrench I needed wasn't in that handful.

Turned out to be corrosion on the terminals. Since the plague came she doesn't drive much. Cleaned the terminals, dabbed some red grease on them and charged the battery for an hour and she's good to go.

But I couldn't help thinking all these tools I have and still didn't have the one I needed.

 

All good choices. I started with craftsman also that was almost 50 years ago, and still have some of those. I really like gearwrench they just feel comfortable in my hands. Stanley gets decent reviews and Home Depot has a nice 210 piece set on sale now for $89.97. Has all you need in one set.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-...3795/313313799

 

I'd watch Craigslist for ones like this:
https://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls...229016533.html

Remember when 200-piece tools sets included 20 hacksaw blades?

 

I bought a top box and an combination wrench set from Montgomery Wards when they were going out of business and still have them today. Powercraft tools were almost as good as Craftsman.