Starter tools for novice mechanic

Great info above. Also, Harbor Freight hand tools carry a lifetime warranty.

Several mentions of the elusive 10 mm socket. Check this out> https://www.harborfreight.com/10mm-metric-essential-socket-set-10-piece-58957.html

joniki said:

Great info above. Also, Harbor Freight hand tools carry a lifetime warranty.

Several mentions of the elusive 10 mm socket. Check this out> https://www.harborfreight.com/10mm-metric-essential-socket-set-10-piece-58957.html

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SOME do. Pittsburgh in particular, so you can load up on sockets & ratchets and beat the crap out of them. The only one I've had to replace ever was the 13mm 12 pt I needed to remove the unit bearing. That sucker was obliterated. Replaced it, no questions asked.

Does Icon have a similar warranty?

I’d go HF before Husky or Kobalt. I have some of their hand tools and I’m not impressed. HF Pittsburg tools are not always the best but the higher end brands are better. I’m really happy with the Milwaukee hand tools especially their screwdrivers.

The Tekton tool sets you will leave for your Grandkids. They are very good quality, but not necessary to spend the $$ if all you want to do is basic maintenance like fluid changes, greasing stuff, changing battery, etc. Cheaper Harbor Freight will work just fine.

The Newer Craftsman is very good, too - Particularly if you can find the now discontinued 'V' series. Rumored to be made by Tekton, but didn't sell well as I'm afraid Craftsman tarnished their brand with all the CCP stuff they sold. There were many 50% off sales going on, recently.

I have Snap On, Tekton, MAC, Craftsman, every brand under the sun, but honestly, I always just use whatever I can find first at the moment I need it.

Good luck. Happy wrenching.

I'm a big fan of the new locking adjustable (crescent) wrench.

LONGJP2 said:

I'm a big fan of the new locking adjustable (crescent) wrench.

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Is that one metric, or SAE?

Obi-Wan said:

Tekton has an excellent 212 socket set kit that doesn't have all that filler crap. Their warranty is "No time limits, no receipts, and shipping on us". I personally have this set and used it as a marine mechanic for years with no issues. https://www.tekton.com/6-point-socket-and-ratchet-212-piece-set-skt95304

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I have that middle set (3/8") for my Jeep's emergency tool kit. It has been good so far and I am happy with the purchase.

I solely shop at harbor freight. Their warranty is incredible. I had a 300 or 400 piece husky tool set that got stolen out of my car in Atlanta and I replaced it with This One from harbor freight. That was years ago and its still running strong and its what I reach for most often out of convenience even though my tools collection has expanded a ton since then. At a 140 price point I think you can't go wrong.

If you want to step it up this one is much more complete, looks really nice and ive seen good reviews. however 400 bucks and you'd still need a tool cart; doesnt come with a case.

My two cents, skip Lowes and Home Depot these days HF is where its at.