During my early 20s, my father gifted me a substantial Craftsman socket set, which I failed to fully appreciate at the time. However, over the years, I've come to value its utility immensely, and I still use these tools regularly, having expanded the set further. Now, as my own son enters his early 20s, watching your video has inspired me to continue the tradition by presenting him with a quality set of tools. While I understand he may not fully appreciate them now, I'm confident he will in the future. Thank you for the insightful video and for consistently providing valuable content
Man I don’t know why but as a kid that was the best thing I could ask for from my dad my dad bought me a very nice tool set with a pair of gloves with little hammers and wrenches on them I miss them even tho I know I won’t be able to fit them also my dad asked if I would let my cousin his nephew to use them and then i/we never got them back I was mad for many years to come
My stepdad gave me a masterforce 3/8 master-set from Menards up north, I looked at it the other day when i was pulling my washer apart and it was actually from when they were making all their stuff in the US! Almost don't wanna use it anymore now that masterforce has went the way of craftsman, unfortunately... they were obscure when they were still in full swing 😂
For anyone new or just starting off, please know over the years you'll acquire tools as they are required for different jobs. Get some of the essentials to start and then you build your arsenal from there. I can't tell you how many trips to Harbor Freight and the like I've made over the years for one off things, but I end up finding multiple uses for them!
As a 40 something year-old woman who has started doing things on my car myself, I will say that tools mean different things to different people for different reasons. Regardless of where you’re starting in life, use common sense, and buy what you need as you need it. Over time, you will end up with a great collection of tools that are valued by you because you bought each of them exactly when you needed to and afterwards continued using them to grow your skill set and do incredible things. 😊
14 years of car ownership and 8 years of home ownership. From Ryobi to Milwaukee, from Harbor Freight to Home depot and other chain stores. I haven't regretted any tool purchases. There are a few cheap tool that fail and obviously you get your lesson but for the most part even my cheaper tools have serve their purposes. Anyone shaming others for their tool brand choices have other things going on within shd should get no attention. I'm waiting for the day my boy turns 18 or buys a place and I get to buy him his tool start up kit.
Tools are great for older kid/young adult gifts. Tools were often gift for me for Christmas from 15-early 20’s from my parents. Both my kids have tool kits in their cars, and ones in their dorm rooms at college-a basic set is used often. Then I have been slowly adding as projects need them (or I just need some new things)!
For anyone in the UK instead of the Craftsman tool set which doesn’t have a lifetime warranty here, look at Halfords Advanced tool set as this comes with a very easy lifetime warranty and the have stores all over the UK. You will find most trainee mechanics in the UK buy Halfords for this reason. If you can wait for their offers you could save a nice amount of money as well. Also if you can buy a tool set with deep sockets.
When i started out 2 decades ago all i had was a £20 ratchet set from Halfords (i am from the uk) to service my car and up until a month ago i still had that set i decided to down scale as i had accumulated a lot of replica tools so donated all my tools i hardly use and more (mainly because i have better quality ones) to a local teenager just starting out learning about cars/bikes he is over the moon, anyways the only other thing that i think should have been added to this list although its common sense (trust me it isn't for some of us) is appropriate gloves for the job in hand and also SAFETY GLASSES i wrote that in caps as 10 year ago i still wasn't wearing them until i was using a Dremel to do some fine grinding and the bar snapped at full speed and the blade and bar went straight to my left eye causing me to go blind the hospitals didn't think i would regain sight in it but luckily 6 month later i had my vision back against all odds, that was the most horrifying experience as we take our eyes for granted, just thought i should put that out there for any one starting up, i loved the video though took me back through the years acquiring new tools and being amazed how much easier they made certain jobs.
I started off with a mechanics set from channel lock that I got at Sam's about 4 years ago. Slowly but surely I've added a ton of tools. It started as a nice set to have for simple things but now it has grown into a hobby. Just did a whole new suspension on my Yukon, and while i was there I also put in a new ac compressor. I have all the tools to do the work except for a ball joint press, which i rented out at O'Reillys. Glad there are videos like this to inspire the youth.
My dad was appliance repairman and a missile mechanic in the Army. He has only ever had Craftsman, Irwin, and Stanley. I find myself following in his footsteps. Every vehicle and every project around the house these brands have made my life easier. Just great quality
I have the same Daytona jack and highly recommend it. I also go overkill and bought four 6 ton jack stands for my compact SUV. I recommend newbies buy relatively cheap brands unless and until they know better what they'll need and use the most. However, I also think it's smart to start small with a few tools specific to the job(s). You don't need to make a huge investment - you don't even need a socket set - if you want to get started by just committing yourself to oil changes, tire rotations and trans/diff fluid. See how you like it and buy more when you want to expand your repertoire.
I bought my first car when I was 13 from throwing hay through the summers. My parents bought me a large Craftsman mechanics set I have used the crap out of them. For decades and decades. They have saved me thousands and thousands of dollars over 30 years. I use most of my new sets, but I still have all the originals. I have built an extensive tool collection over the years. Now I have shifted my focus to finding tool storage that I can come up with systems with. So I have the Mission Control tools and then two crash carts I can take out in the drive way. I still need a welder, and a good tap and die set. I am also going to wait till my Bi Directional scan tools updates run out and upgrade to a professional grade scanner. I’ve also delved into tuning so I am going to need to build a tech cart to house my tuning laptop, adapters and all my odb2 tools and scanners.
I watched the whole video, and I find the message/ target audience a bit confused. A lot of this stuff is pretty extra, and a couple things were missed. If you're trying to start fixing cars: get a jack, 2 jack stands and chalks. Get a full 3/8" drive socket set, a 24"+ breaker bar + either a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter or preferably some common 1/2" sockets (17, 18, 19, 21, 22 24mm) get a full wrench set, get some screwdrivers, get some pliers (needle nose, side cutters, vice grips, and a set of 16" channel locks), get a comfortable, mid-sized hammer. Get some pry bars as well (maybe a 6", a 24" and a 60"). These tools will get you most of the way to anywhere you want to go. You don't have to acquire them all at once; it's better to buy tools for the project you're trying to complete.
A 60" automotive pry bar? Goodness; what are you prying? Anything I can think of on a car that might need that much leverage wouldn't usually have access for a 5-ft bar.
@@ncooty I worked in a big garage and we didn't have a 5' dedicated pry bar but we did have a piece of thick wall chrome moly tubing that we used occasionally. We worked on cars, trucks and tractors. Working on cars at my house I've never used anything bigger than 18".
If you're working on Japanese vehicles, you need some J.I.S screwdrivers.. although they look like Philips they are different. A Philips will mess up a j .i .s .screw, but a j.i.s. screwdriver will work fine in a Phillips screw. JIS stands for Japanese industrial standard. They are not expensive but they are indispensable for Japanese cars and motorcycles.
@@mikereisner3335 as someone who owns snap ons, Mac’s, PB Swiss, and some German Phillip screw drivers. Look at vessels. Japanese made JIS for a fraction of the cost of everything I said above and just works better.
Back in the day, USA craftsman did "skip" sizes...well sort of...you had to know the SAE and metric equivalents. For example, my old craftsman set skipped the 16 mm socket because they gave you a SAE 5/8 which is equivalent so they could save some space. Not a big deal, but at least the included all the common sizes for SAE and metric while US slowly moved over to metric. Also if i was just starting out, i would skip buying chrome and get impsct sockets first. Then down the road you can add the shiny chrome sockets
It a wonderful thing when you've a strong foundation, as you mentioned your grandfather and having access to tools from an early years, thanks for sharing this video, excellent information 🤜🏾🤛🏾🙏🏽
My father owned an automotive repair shop for over 60 years. He almost always used chrome sockets and we never had any problems with them, we were using the best you can buy. We used them on air impact tools as well as with hand tools. If a person wants to use impact sockets that's fine but I would only worry about using them on 1/2" drive tools. 3/8" drive and 1/4" drive sizes just don't stress the sockets that much. I've seen 1/2" drive socket sets that include an 8mm socket, you will not develop much torque with a fastener with 8mm head so you can't ever damage a chrome socket on that size fastener. In my experience the chrome sockets last longer because they are heat treated better. Impact sockets are left soft so they will not crack as easily. A good brand of sockets won't crack even with repeated use on an impact wrench and they won't wear out as fast either. Oh yeah and we did use beam torque wrenches back then. My older tools are a mixture of USA Craftsman and SnapOn. A few years ago I bought that non-USA Craftsman set to carry in my vehicle. I cannibalized a few things from my home tools to build that set of tools and I've been slowly rebuilding the home tool set. I still need to buy a good set of 1/2" sockets. Now that I have a pretty good cordless impact I might go ahead and buy impact sockets.
I bought a 154 piece husky set about 13 years ago. I stll own it,bought it for $100 and It was worth every penny. I've worked on my last 3 vehicles and still have the complete set without anything missing. I recently been upgrading all of my mechanics tools too Icon. I was examining my old sockets and wrenches the other day to see how they have held up after so long, no rolling, no bends or rounding off at all. Still work like the day I purchased them. Great polish no rust. Very impressed. I will have it until the day I die. They have never let me down! I look forward to creating memories with my icon tools. But my ol husky set will always have a special place in my heart. One day when my son gets of age, I will buy him his first set! And it will be a husky!
Still using a half drive socket set I purchased in 1978. One or two sockets have been replaced because of my abuse of them( split open,), but the rest are perfect , I can live with that after 40+ years of use ---- It's Kamasa branded.
Tools really make a difference. I have an old pair of vice grips. That was my Grandpa's from probably the 60's, he owned his own shop in Tacoma. Anyway, there's nothing like an old American pair of vice grips and yes, WD40. They're good to go for a long time. And they have a nice positive click. There's nothing like an old set of vice grips that have been well taken care of. Unfortunately, I spaced out recently and left them out overnight in a rain storm. They have some surface rust now. But they're still solid. Camo Joe looks like he wants to be ridden again, soon. Great video, Jason. I too have a lot of craftsman or harbor freight tools, Amazon tools, etc. They work! Instead of paying a shop, I invest in the tools to do it myself. Engine rebuilds, transmission work, motorcycles, cars, trucks, gas, diesel, turbo, etc. It's all doable. You're doing great! Can't wait to work with you some day and make some fun helpful videos. Keep it going, this is awesome!
See if the Malco ones are still available. They reopened the original vise grip factory a few years ago and made them as good or better than the originals. They were massively overpriced being US made and sold so poorly they recently shut it back down. Some inventory is still available for purchase, now at a discount over what they were first offered at. I also have a few pairs of the originals I've purchased used locally and on eBay. 100% agree they are better in every way than modern imitations.
The Malco locking pliers are made in the old vise grip factory in the US. They since sold to Snap On. You can still find the Malcos for a good price, but they’re disappearing. Snap On charges roughly double what Malco was. So buy the Malcos if you want USA made for cheap. Otherwise Snap on is charging roughly $80 a pair. For those who want quality tools that you could hand down to your kids or grandchildren in the future. Look for USA made or German/Japenese tools. Avoid Chinese garbage at all cost (some is okay, but none will last your lifetime). Taiwan is a better option over China manufactured tools.
@@spevakdesignsMalco did shutdown the factory but a I believe they sold to Snap On fairly recently. I haven’t seen news on this, but snap on about 3-4 months ago released a new needle nose locking pliers that look identical to the eagle grips they were already selling. I assume Malco was looking to release these needle nose version shortly before they decided to shut down. I just don’t see snap on releasing these as a new product a year and a half after Malco decided to shutdown if snap on didn’t buy the factory. No way they’re just selling leftover inventory but hey you never know. I suspect snap on bought the factory for this reason. They were rebranding Malcos for about 2 years prior to Malco deciding to close down the factory. Snap on does this often anyway when they find a product they want to rebrand as their own brand. Usually starts as a rebrand and if they sell well, they buy the company out. I assume they just bought the tooling and factory from Malco. I hope anyway, as I think they’re even worth what snap on charges.
Majority of DIY home mechanics don't need 12 Ton jack stands. Use that money to buy a better quality jack or power tools. I'd recommend checking out US General tool chests at Harbor Freight. Better build quality than what you find at Costco, lowes homedepot etc.
Dude your production quality and editing is top notch as well as camera presence I honestly can’t see why you wouldn’t hit a million subs. Keep it going 👍🏻
I basically started with a Kobalt 3/8 and 1/4 drive socket set and a small toolbox with a bunch of other hand tools in it. Pretty much every job I would do would require a different tool I didn't have, so over time I would just acquire more tools.
Always go bigger then you need so you don't day - it is best advice ever! Guys listen to this man he knows what is talking! For things like jack stands which keep your life I can't describe how important is to take something really heavy duty.
I would say Irwin water pump pliers, some locking pliers to pinch hoses, some picks, a couple pry bars, your owners manuals, a multi meter scanner, and something to charge a battery are pretty important too
@@pjhall4380 Especially not that. When you loan you usually get neither the loan item back nor the money you would regret making for selling one. Tools and firearms are heirloom items.
Over the years I’ve taken a more minimalist approach to buying tool and I like to use a basic tool set a set of semi deep sockets a set of combination wrenches and a good regular length flex head ratchet and of course extensions pliers screwdrivers and miscellaneous little odds and ends
Cool tooool, man I be watching 90s commercials like I am still back there. Can't go for too long cause then I get that "uuuugh, when will the show ccome back?" feeling
3:01 I haven’t progressed further yet but this bit about “with a usable case” you also want to make sure that case is sturdy. I bought my first set of hand tools in a Canadian Tire with their “Certified” brand (aka the “economy” stuff) and it had everything laid out in its bird-wind style plastic carrying case in a way I liked. But.. after about a year the case SPLIT and became progressively less and less useful, to the point I just dumped all the pieces into a metal toolbox and tossed the case away. Now I spend all my time seeking the right socket and the right drill bits because nothing is labeled either 🙄 so anyways, carrying case build quality also matters. I should have known better to buy once cry once but here I am looking for another set.
@@JasonExplainsThings In the US, we tend to use 3/8 unless we need bigger or smaller. Europeans and British tend to use 1/2 and 1/4, and wonder why we need 3/8. Both ways work.
As a mechanic for 40 years I use alot of tools but cordless tools I never use. Yes there good for some but I have no need for them. Air impacts is what i use.
Makes sense because they weren’t great until recently. I don’t use air tools that often but every time I do I love them. I might use an pneumatic impact more in the future. My air compressor is a 26 gallon. Not awesome but big enough for most jobs.
I have six Tacoma pick ups. I also have several homes and two farms. In short, I need to be mobile with my tools or load them on a trailer. I also have homes on the neighbor islands therefore I have to take some on a plane Or just buy more on that island! What do you think is my best solution I work on my truck as well as the house. Maverick
Probably just list out all the sizes you know you’ll need and try to limit what you carry to that range… and do some sort of mobile tool storage like Milwaukee Pack-Outs or something.
Well, im happy to say I have most of mentioned required tools. Not many of the "nice to have but not required" tools but the necessities. Just went out and bought a high torque on sale earlier today so that really kinda rounds off the essentials. The only thing I'm missing from this video, is honestly the most expensive part of DIY mechanics or workshop, and that's organization, ie. tool chests. God damn are they expensive.
The old dewalt batteries had weird storage settings to keep them from dying fast from shelf life but the new ones have the technology built in so they last a while now
If you have ratcheting wrenches when would you use the regular wrenches? is it duplicative and I don't need both and I should prefer ratcheting wrenches if it's in budget? do you need quarter inch rachet if you have an adaptor? Then you can have less overlap in sockets too.
I work as a product engineer for a major tool company and I’m developing mechanic sets and torque wrenches. I’m a car enthusiast that does all the standard maintenance and minor to medium repairs on my f80 m3. This video was extremely helpful in that it reinforces all the design decisions and kit content I’ve been pushing for. We’ve been talking to professional mechanics over the past few months which has been good feedback. However, our first few products to the market will be “geared” towards the DIYer and those two categories of individuals have differences in budget and means of work. That being said, any suggestions on what you would like to see in a “mechanic set” are much appreciated. I’ve been pushing hard to include a breaker bar….😂
I was searching through you video and and you never mentioned a very important specialty tool… no where ! Until the storage entry…. On the tail gate of your truck . Big sigh of relief …. When I saw your Stanley and coffee ! :)
I too had been gifted tools over the years. I appreciate videos like these for ideas on rounding out my selection. For 1/2 drive I went impact. Getting "consumables" with a convenient warranty is such great advice. I like how I can indulge in one area and still maintain a level of quality. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy a new set of sockets. It's an enjoyable pursuit
For power tools, there is honest to God, not 1 best brand ALL of the top end stuff (milwaukee, flex, makita, dewalt) are awesome! They all have HUGE pros and pretty minor cons. I highly recommend you look at things like features, ergonomics, weight, unique tools that brand offers, etc to make your decision Go to the store IN PERSON and pick up these tools and move them around, flip the switches, etc You will know what is best FOR YOU easily when you do this! It'll just "feel right" to you! Don't decide this based purely on specs or a TH-camrs opinion!
Old school harbor freight for the win! :-) They're from before the period when some were failing. I still keep them around and use them. New ones are beefier and safer.
If you’re starting out, you’ll gradually collect tools as needed. Start with the essentials and expand over time. I've made countless trips to Harbor Freight for specific items, only to discover they’re useful for many tasks!
@0:15 the only reason to have tools 🤣 I’m not that young, ‘82 baby and I don’t remember Cool Tools. Edit: (sorry couldn’t finish watching earlier) @3:06 are you missing an Allen key set? Yeah, I have some of that but not multiple sizes of the stuff I do have. Of course I’m limited on storage living in a small apartment. I’m not allowed to do major maintenance here. That little dance at the end 🤣
I'm just starting out. I know about skips but I can't find a written list of what full sizes are for standard or metric. Anybody found that so I can screen shoot it?
Well, every vehicle is different. My advice is just to get tool kits or sets that don’t skip sizes so you aren’t surprised that you’re missing something. Honestly Icon stuff at Harbor Freight is very nice for the price. Craftsman and Tekton are also pretty good.
I've got a question I don't see anybody answering. Why do you need regular sockets if you have impact sockets? The impact sockets are the same but rated higher for impact... and why do you need a set in every size like 1/4 3/8 and 1/2, when you can just buy one size and adapters? Same with the ratchets... seems like 75% can be eliminated and simplified.
The short answer to both questions comes down to size and thickness for accessing different things in tight spaces and torque. Adapters add length to sockets. Chrome sockets are thinner than impact sockets. 1/2 ratchets are longer and thicker for more torque which if you added an adapter to use smaller sockets you run the risk of snapping bolts because it's easier to apply too much torque than the smaller bolts can handle. 1/4 ratchets are small and great for tight spaces but provide less torque. 3/8 ratchets are middle of the road.
I disagree with you on a few points. Get a 1/2" drive socket set and a 1/4" set. That will let you do most everything. 3/8" is great, it's my go to, but the idea is what you need to have to get started. Get 3/8" when you can. Some people say to just get impact sockets, but that can bite you. Thin wall impacts aren't bad, but the thick walled ones don't fit everywhere, like recessed openings or tight clearance areas. Get pry bars from Walmart, The Hyper Tough ones that have the cap on them. They are USA made by Wilde and Walmart's price is good. The also have 5 sizes. Power tools are great, but aren't necessary at first. Don't get me wrong, I have many air and cordless tools. When that time comes that you can justify the need, instead of spending $300 on a Milwaukee or Dewalt cordless impact, get a decent compressor and get air tools when it's time for power tools. You can get cordless later. The main reason I say this is price, air tools are cheaper, air guns, and the one tool that will save your life and doesn't come cordless, the air hammer/chisel. Also once you have air, you can get an air impact at Harbor Freight that is as powerful as that $300 cordless for under $100. Remember that it takes time to build a tool collection, I've been at this 40 years, started in a truck garage, I have a lot of really handy stuff but get basics to start and build from there.
Yeah I’d disagree on the sockets. As I started I pretty much only used 3/8 for years… then slowly got 1/2 and 1/4. But there’s no wrong answer i guess.
@@JasonExplainsThings 3/8" is my go to as well, but if you are on a budget you will have trouble doing suspension work, some engine or drivetrain work with 3/8. If your not doing the heavier work 3/8 is fine. I guess my views could be colored by starting out working on trucks.
Awesome video and insight. Harbor Freight is a must when you're getting started. More bang for your buck and they do offer the good, better, and best options.
Getting the Lowe's where I live to honor the warranty is like getting my kid to eat Brussels Sprouts. I won't try either again for a long time. I'm stuck with my kid, but at least I don't have to buy more tools from Lowe's.
Is the old Torque Wrench I showed in this video usable today?! Find out here! th-cam.com/video/je9_m-77k_U/w-d-xo.html
During my early 20s, my father gifted me a substantial Craftsman socket set, which I failed to fully appreciate at the time. However, over the years, I've come to value its utility immensely, and I still use these tools regularly, having expanded the set further. Now, as my own son enters his early 20s, watching your video has inspired me to continue the tradition by presenting him with a quality set of tools. While I understand he may not fully appreciate them now, I'm confident he will in the future. Thank you for the insightful video and for consistently providing valuable content
Sucks craftsman don’t mean the same thing today. Those sears years were epic
Man I don’t know why but as a kid that was the best thing I could ask for from my dad my dad bought me a very nice tool set with a pair of gloves with little hammers and wrenches on them I miss them even tho I know I won’t be able to fit them also my dad asked if I would let my cousin his nephew to use them and then i/we never got them back I was mad for many years to come
My stepdad gave me a masterforce 3/8 master-set from Menards up north, I looked at it the other day when i was pulling my washer apart and it was actually from when they were making all their stuff in the US! Almost don't wanna use it anymore now that masterforce has went the way of craftsman, unfortunately... they were obscure when they were still in full swing 😂
For anyone new or just starting off, please know over the years you'll acquire tools as they are required for different jobs. Get some of the essentials to start and then you build your arsenal from there. I can't tell you how many trips to Harbor Freight and the like I've made over the years for one off things, but I end up finding multiple uses for them!
Made this the pinned comment. Very well said!
I even have tools that i find on the side of the road
@@timothymichael2561 so true... I wish we have Harbor Freights here... closest thing is PrincessAuto.
@@GabrielZuniga-z6ngot my 1/2 snap on ratchet on the side of the road. Only snap on I own haha
As a 40 something year-old woman who has started doing things on my car myself, I will say that tools mean different things to different people for different reasons. Regardless of where you’re starting in life, use common sense, and buy what you need as you need it. Over time, you will end up with a great collection of tools that are valued by you because you bought each of them exactly when you needed to and afterwards continued using them to grow your skill set and do incredible things. 😊
Well said!
As a 38 yr man, The intro just got me hooked! That commercial was iconic! Thank you for that!
I haven’t seen cool tools commercial in years ,what a treat that was 😂
I have never seen a man so happy to show off his tools, we are truly simple creatures.
Just picked up a Milwaukee high torque 1/2 and the M12 ratchet for mobile mechanic service. Glad to see I chose well, research pays off
14 years of car ownership and 8 years of home ownership. From Ryobi to Milwaukee, from Harbor Freight to Home depot and other chain stores. I haven't regretted any tool purchases. There are a few cheap tool that fail and obviously you get your lesson but for the most part even my cheaper tools have serve their purposes.
Anyone shaming others for their tool brand choices have other things going on within shd should get no attention.
I'm waiting for the day my boy turns 18 or buys a place and I get to buy him his tool start up kit.
18? Late start for trying to get ‘your boy’ into wrenching and tools. 8*
Tools are great for older kid/young adult gifts. Tools were often gift for me for Christmas from 15-early 20’s from my parents. Both my kids have tool kits in their cars, and ones in their dorm rooms at college-a basic set is used often. Then I have been slowly adding as projects need them (or I just need some new things)!
For anyone in the UK instead of the Craftsman tool set which doesn’t have a lifetime warranty here, look at Halfords Advanced tool set as this comes with a very easy lifetime warranty and the have stores all over the UK. You will find most trainee mechanics in the UK buy Halfords for this reason. If you can wait for their offers you could save a nice amount of money as well. Also if you can buy a tool set with deep sockets.
When i started out 2 decades ago all i had was a £20 ratchet set from Halfords (i am from the uk) to service my car and up until a month ago i still had that set i decided to down scale as i had accumulated a lot of replica tools so donated all my tools i hardly use and more (mainly because i have better quality ones) to a local teenager just starting out learning about cars/bikes he is over the moon, anyways the only other thing that i think should have been added to this list although its common sense (trust me it isn't for some of us) is appropriate gloves for the job in hand and also SAFETY GLASSES i wrote that in caps as 10 year ago i still wasn't wearing them until i was using a Dremel to do some fine grinding and the bar snapped at full speed and the blade and bar went straight to my left eye causing me to go blind the hospitals didn't think i would regain sight in it but luckily 6 month later i had my vision back against all odds, that was the most horrifying experience as we take our eyes for granted, just thought i should put that out there for any one starting up, i loved the video though took me back through the years acquiring new tools and being amazed how much easier they made certain jobs.
Thanks!
I started off with a mechanics set from channel lock that I got at Sam's about 4 years ago. Slowly but surely I've added a ton of tools. It started as a nice set to have for simple things but now it has grown into a hobby. Just did a whole new suspension on my Yukon, and while i was there I also put in a new ac compressor. I have all the tools to do the work except for a ball joint press, which i rented out at O'Reillys. Glad there are videos like this to inspire the youth.
Well said!
My dad was appliance repairman and a missile mechanic in the Army. He has only ever had Craftsman, Irwin, and Stanley. I find myself following in his footsteps. Every vehicle and every project around the house these brands have made my life easier. Just great quality
As a professional mechanic and business owner this was a great list! This guy knows his stuff!
I have the same Daytona jack and highly recommend it. I also go overkill and bought four 6 ton jack stands for my compact SUV.
I recommend newbies buy relatively cheap brands unless and until they know better what they'll need and use the most. However, I also think it's smart to start small with a few tools specific to the job(s). You don't need to make a huge investment - you don't even need a socket set - if you want to get started by just committing yourself to oil changes, tire rotations and trans/diff fluid. See how you like it and buy more when you want to expand your repertoire.
No such thing as overkill when your life depends on it!
I bought my first car when I was 13 from throwing hay through the summers. My parents bought me a large Craftsman mechanics set I have used the crap out of them. For decades and decades. They have saved me thousands and thousands of dollars over 30 years. I use most of my new sets, but I still have all the originals. I have built an extensive tool collection over the years. Now I have shifted my focus to finding tool storage that I can come up with systems with. So I have the Mission Control tools and then two crash carts I can take out in the drive way. I still need a welder, and a good tap and die set. I am also going to wait till my Bi Directional scan tools updates run out and upgrade to a professional grade scanner. I’ve also delved into tuning so I am going to need to build a tech cart to house my tuning laptop, adapters and all my odb2 tools and scanners.
Awesome story. 👍
I watched the whole video, and I find the message/ target audience a bit confused. A lot of this stuff is pretty extra, and a couple things were missed. If you're trying to start fixing cars: get a jack, 2 jack stands and chalks. Get a full 3/8" drive socket set, a 24"+ breaker bar + either a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter or preferably some common 1/2" sockets (17, 18, 19, 21, 22 24mm) get a full wrench set, get some screwdrivers, get some pliers (needle nose, side cutters, vice grips, and a set of 16" channel locks), get a comfortable, mid-sized hammer. Get some pry bars as well (maybe a 6", a 24" and a 60"). These tools will get you most of the way to anywhere you want to go. You don't have to acquire them all at once; it's better to buy tools for the project you're trying to complete.
A 60" automotive pry bar? Goodness; what are you prying? Anything I can think of on a car that might need that much leverage wouldn't usually have access for a 5-ft bar.
@@ncooty I worked in a big garage and we didn't have a 5' dedicated pry bar but we did have a piece of thick wall chrome moly tubing that we used occasionally. We worked on cars, trucks and tractors. Working on cars at my house I've never used anything bigger than 18".
I live in a place with hell of rusty vehicles (salt for snow) some pieces are fckin hard to get off. A big pry, breaker bar are really helpful.
If you're working on Japanese vehicles, you need some J.I.S screwdrivers.. although they look like Philips they are different. A Philips will mess up a j .i .s .screw, but a j.i.s. screwdriver will work fine in a Phillips screw. JIS stands for Japanese industrial standard. They are not expensive but they are indispensable for Japanese cars and motorcycles.
Good point on old Japanese motorcycles. 👍
@@mikereisner3335 as someone who owns snap ons, Mac’s, PB Swiss, and some German Phillip screw drivers. Look at vessels. Japanese made JIS for a fraction of the cost of everything I said above and just works better.
Back in the day, USA craftsman did "skip" sizes...well sort of...you had to know the SAE and metric equivalents. For example, my old craftsman set skipped the 16 mm socket because they gave you a SAE 5/8 which is equivalent so they could save some space. Not a big deal, but at least the included all the common sizes for SAE and metric while US slowly moved over to metric. Also if i was just starting out, i would skip buying chrome and get impsct sockets first. Then down the road you can add the shiny chrome sockets
It a wonderful thing when you've a strong foundation, as you mentioned your grandfather and having access to tools from an early years, thanks for sharing this video, excellent information 🤜🏾🤛🏾🙏🏽
My father owned an automotive repair shop for over 60 years. He almost always used chrome sockets and we never had any problems with them, we were using the best you can buy. We used them on air impact tools as well as with hand tools. If a person wants to use impact sockets that's fine but I would only worry about using them on 1/2" drive tools. 3/8" drive and 1/4" drive sizes just don't stress the sockets that much. I've seen 1/2" drive socket sets that include an 8mm socket, you will not develop much torque with a fastener with 8mm head so you can't ever damage a chrome socket on that size fastener. In my experience the chrome sockets last longer because they are heat treated better. Impact sockets are left soft so they will not crack as easily. A good brand of sockets won't crack even with repeated use on an impact wrench and they won't wear out as fast either. Oh yeah and we did use beam torque wrenches back then.
My older tools are a mixture of USA Craftsman and SnapOn. A few years ago I bought that non-USA Craftsman set to carry in my vehicle. I cannibalized a few things from my home tools to build that set of tools and I've been slowly rebuilding the home tool set. I still need to buy a good set of 1/2" sockets. Now that I have a pretty good cordless impact I might go ahead and buy impact sockets.
Great points all around!
The tips on socket sets are so spot on. The sockets needed are always the ones not included 😅
I bought a 154 piece husky set about 13 years ago. I stll own it,bought it for $100 and It was worth every penny. I've worked on my last 3 vehicles and still have the complete set without anything missing. I recently been upgrading all of my mechanics tools too Icon. I was examining my old sockets and wrenches the other day to see how they have held up after so long, no rolling, no bends or rounding off at all. Still work like the day I purchased them. Great polish no rust. Very impressed. I will have it until the day I die. They have never let me down! I look forward to creating memories with my icon tools. But my ol husky set will always have a special place in my heart. One day when my son gets of age, I will buy him his first set! And it will be a husky!
Still using a half drive socket set I purchased in 1978. One or two sockets have been replaced because of my abuse of them( split open,), but the rest are perfect , I can live with that after 40+ years of use ---- It's Kamasa branded.
Tools really make a difference. I have an old pair of vice grips. That was my Grandpa's from probably the 60's, he owned his own shop in Tacoma. Anyway, there's nothing like an old American pair of vice grips and yes, WD40. They're good to go for a long time. And they have a nice positive click. There's nothing like an old set of vice grips that have been well taken care of. Unfortunately, I spaced out recently and left them out overnight in a rain storm. They have some surface rust now. But they're still solid.
Camo Joe looks like he wants to be ridden again, soon.
Great video, Jason. I too have a lot of craftsman or harbor freight tools, Amazon tools, etc. They work!
Instead of paying a shop, I invest in the tools to do it myself. Engine rebuilds, transmission work, motorcycles, cars, trucks, gas, diesel, turbo, etc. It's all doable.
You're doing great! Can't wait to work with you some day and make some fun helpful videos. Keep it going, this is awesome!
See if the Malco ones are still available. They reopened the original vise grip factory a few years ago and made them as good or better than the originals. They were massively overpriced being US made and sold so poorly they recently shut it back down. Some inventory is still available for purchase, now at a discount over what they were first offered at. I also have a few pairs of the originals I've purchased used locally and on eBay. 100% agree they are better in every way than modern imitations.
The Malco locking pliers are made in the old vise grip factory in the US. They since sold to Snap On. You can still find the Malcos for a good price, but they’re disappearing. Snap On charges roughly double what Malco was. So buy the Malcos if you want USA made for cheap. Otherwise Snap on is charging roughly $80 a pair.
For those who want quality tools that you could hand down to your kids or grandchildren in the future. Look for USA made or German/Japenese tools. Avoid Chinese garbage at all cost (some is okay, but none will last your lifetime). Taiwan is a better option over China manufactured tools.
@@spevakdesignsMalco did shutdown the factory but a I believe they sold to Snap On fairly recently. I haven’t seen news on this, but snap on about 3-4 months ago released a new needle nose locking pliers that look identical to the eagle grips they were already selling. I assume Malco was looking to release these needle nose version shortly before they decided to shut down. I just don’t see snap on releasing these as a new product a year and a half after Malco decided to shutdown if snap on didn’t buy the factory. No way they’re just selling leftover inventory but hey you never know.
I suspect snap on bought the factory for this reason. They were rebranding Malcos for about 2 years prior to Malco deciding to close down the factory. Snap on does this often anyway when they find a product they want to rebrand as their own brand. Usually starts as a rebrand and if they sell well, they buy the company out. I assume they just bought the tooling and factory from Malco. I hope anyway, as I think they’re even worth what snap on charges.
Majority of DIY home mechanics don't need 12 Ton jack stands. Use that money to buy a better quality jack or power tools. I'd recommend checking out US General tool chests at Harbor Freight. Better build quality than what you find at Costco, lowes homedepot etc.
Maybe so, but it seems a bit sketchy to use the jack stands at their max height.
Dude your production quality and editing is top notch as well as camera presence I honestly can’t see why you wouldn’t hit a million subs. Keep it going 👍🏻
Baby steps!
I basically started with a Kobalt 3/8 and 1/4 drive socket set and a small toolbox with a bunch of other hand tools in it. Pretty much every job I would do would require a different tool I didn't have, so over time I would just acquire more tools.
In regards to the floor jacks, if you have a lifted vehicle I strongly suggest the badlands floor jack from harbor freight
Thank you! 👍🏻 I’m just an mechanic enthusiast, and I buy the tools at the moment that I needed. This is a cool video 👍🏻
Always go bigger then you need so you don't day - it is best advice ever! Guys listen to this man he knows what is talking!
For things like jack stands which keep your life I can't describe how important is to take something really heavy duty.
I would say Irwin water pump pliers, some locking pliers to pinch hoses, some picks, a couple pry bars, your owners manuals, a multi meter scanner, and something to charge a battery are pretty important too
Two things you NEVER sell: Tools and Guns.
Agreed completely brother 🇺🇸
Or loan out lol
@@pjhall4380 Especially not that. When you loan you usually get neither the loan item back nor the money you would regret making for selling one. Tools and firearms are heirloom items.
🇺🇸
I sell guns because I’m irresponsible with my money with guns I want 😂
Over the years I’ve taken a more minimalist approach to buying tool and I like to use a basic tool set a set of semi deep sockets a set of combination wrenches and a good regular length flex head ratchet and of course extensions pliers screwdrivers and miscellaneous little odds and ends
I started with a 1/4 socket from walmart and kept buying more and more tools as i did more projects. Good breakdown. Subbed
Cool tooool, man I be watching 90s commercials like I am still back there. Can't go for too long cause then I get that "uuuugh, when will the show ccome back?" feeling
3:01 I haven’t progressed further yet but this bit about “with a usable case” you also want to make sure that case is sturdy. I bought my first set of hand tools in a Canadian Tire with their “Certified” brand (aka the “economy” stuff) and it had everything laid out in its bird-wind style plastic carrying case in a way I liked. But.. after about a year the case SPLIT and became progressively less and less useful, to the point I just dumped all the pieces into a metal toolbox and tossed the case away. Now I spend all my time seeking the right socket and the right drill bits because nothing is labeled either 🙄 so anyways, carrying case build quality also matters. I should have known better to buy once cry once but here I am looking for another set.
I don't even do automotive work but I still love to buy tools!
Very helpful information Ty -a new DyI mechanic here
I have a full set of 1/2" sockets and ratcheting spanners plus a small 1/4" set for the little stuff. I don't have any 3/8"
Interesting. I haven't heard of anyone doing that.
I use my 3/8 sockets the most…lol
@@JasonExplainsThings In the US, we tend to use 3/8 unless we need bigger or smaller. Europeans and British tend to use 1/2 and 1/4, and wonder why we need 3/8. Both ways work.
I bought some socket holders you recommend. Thanks
As a mechanic for 40 years I use alot of tools but cordless tools I never use. Yes there good for some but I have no need for them. Air impacts is what i use.
Makes sense because they weren’t great until recently. I don’t use air tools that often but every time I do I love them. I might use an pneumatic impact more in the future. My air compressor is a 26 gallon. Not awesome but big enough for most jobs.
I have six Tacoma pick ups. I also have several homes and two farms.
In short, I need to be mobile with my tools or load them on a trailer.
I also have homes on the neighbor islands therefore I have to take some on a plane
Or just buy more on that island!
What do you think is my best solution I work on my truck as well as the house.
Maverick
Probably just list out all the sizes you know you’ll need and try to limit what you carry to that range… and do some sort of mobile tool storage like Milwaukee Pack-Outs or something.
For 1/2 in. sockets, you can save a bit of money and just get the impact versions. Thanks for sharing your process.
I did that myself. 👍
I changed my break pad and rotoer myself, the first time DIY. It saved me $1200 labor. More than enough to buy all the tools you showed?
Thanks for the video! Good tips and informative advice on tools. I’m slowly building my tool sets up.
301 piece Pittsburg kit from harbor freight for $200. Jackstands are about $50 and a decent floor jack is $220 👍🏾
Well, im happy to say I have most of mentioned required tools. Not many of the "nice to have but not required" tools but the necessities. Just went out and bought a high torque on sale earlier today so that really kinda rounds off the essentials. The only thing I'm missing from this video, is honestly the most expensive part of DIY mechanics or workshop, and that's organization, ie. tool chests. God damn are they expensive.
The old dewalt batteries had weird storage settings to keep them from dying fast from shelf life but the new ones have the technology built in so they last a while now
I bought the US JACK 3 ton jack stand after watching project farm video about jack stands. I know it’s expensive and overkill , but i rather be safe !
If you have ratcheting wrenches when would you use the regular wrenches? is it duplicative and I don't need both and I should prefer ratcheting wrenches if it's in budget? do you need quarter inch rachet if you have an adaptor? Then you can have less overlap in sockets too.
Sometimes ratcheting wrenches won’t fit in the space you’re working.
Thanks for that shot of nostalgia. Always wanted those as a kid
Craftsman warranty is not always that easy at Lowe's. At least not the two near me.
Weird. Has been for me.
What’s the exact number or link for that craftsman set? The new 159 doesn’t have nearly as many deep walls from what I can see
Nevermind, that’s the 189 pc you have in the video. Found it lol
I work as a product engineer for a major tool company and I’m developing mechanic sets and torque wrenches. I’m a car enthusiast that does all the standard maintenance and minor to medium repairs on my f80 m3. This video was extremely helpful in that it reinforces all the design decisions and kit content I’ve been pushing for. We’ve been talking to professional mechanics over the past few months which has been good feedback. However, our first few products to the market will be “geared” towards the DIYer and those two categories of individuals have differences in budget and means of work. That being said, any suggestions on what you would like to see in a “mechanic set” are much appreciated. I’ve been pushing hard to include a breaker bar….😂
Have you ever used tekton? If so what are your opinions on them vs that craftsman set? Their sets are incredibly affordable and they don’t skip too!
I’m a big fan. I have several Tekton tools.
I was searching through you video and and you never mentioned a very important specialty tool… no where ! Until the storage entry…. On the tail gate of your truck .
Big sigh of relief …. When I saw your Stanley and coffee ! :)
Tekton is the nee Craftsman, they are the best bang for the buck quality option for socket sets imo
Yeah I’ve been impressed.
I more or less skipped 3/4 and went for 1/4 and 1/2, with the 1/2 in impact version.
If someone doesnt make a video like this for mobile mechanics, I will.
Need to stress the importance of organization of tools within a moving vehicle
Great idea! You should do it!
I too had been gifted tools over the years. I appreciate videos like these for ideas on rounding out my selection. For 1/2 drive I went impact. Getting "consumables" with a convenient warranty is such great advice. I like how I can indulge in one area and still maintain a level of quality. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy a new set of sockets. It's an enjoyable pursuit
I use to be able to fix most things on our vehicles and around the house, but my vision has changed because of my age.
I was already going to "like" this video, but playing "No Easy Way Out" at the end really sealed the deal! 💪🏻💪🏻#rocky4
😂
For power tools, there is honest to God, not 1 best brand
ALL of the top end stuff (milwaukee, flex, makita, dewalt) are awesome! They all have HUGE pros and pretty minor cons. I highly recommend you look at things like features, ergonomics, weight, unique tools that brand offers, etc to make your decision
Go to the store IN PERSON and pick up these tools and move them around, flip the switches, etc
You will know what is best FOR YOU easily when you do this!
It'll just "feel right" to you!
Don't decide this based purely on specs or a TH-camrs opinion!
Maravilloso trabajo. Gracias por compartir tus conocimientos.
A good brand for sockets and wrenches is Tekton. They have a really soild rewards plan.
Great video but I think you forgot a couple important tools like: Hammers, punches, pry bars, lights, and car ramps
Yeah if I included everything the video would be over an hour long.
What jack stand would you use for a RAV4?
3 ton would be fine.
I HAVE THOSE SAME ORANGE JACK STANDS!!! 😂 my dad had them and I’m never getting rid of them.
Old school harbor freight for the win! :-) They're from before the period when some were failing. I still keep them around and use them. New ones are beefier and safer.
If you’re starting out, you’ll gradually collect tools as needed. Start with the essentials and expand over time. I've made countless trips to Harbor Freight for specific items, only to discover they’re useful for many tasks!
@0:15 the only reason to have tools 🤣 I’m not that young, ‘82 baby and I don’t remember Cool Tools.
Edit: (sorry couldn’t finish watching earlier)
@3:06 are you missing an Allen key set? Yeah, I have some of that but not multiple sizes of the stuff I do have. Of course I’m limited on storage living in a small apartment. I’m not allowed to do major maintenance here. That little dance at the end 🤣
🎶 They look and they feel... COOL TOOLS! 🎶
My Facom spanners have exactly the same folding plastic retainers as your Craftsman spanners...👀
New subscriber here. Because of this video. Awesome content brother
I love your energy 😂
What kind of Jack Stand is that at 12:33?
So those are Rennstands from Safejack. They’re very cool for vehicles with a pinchweld down the side. Some of my older GTI videos talk about them.
That's right, stay focused, don't be obsessed with brands.
I'm just starting out. I know about skips but I can't find a written list of what full sizes are for standard or metric. Anybody found that so I can screen shoot it?
Well, every vehicle is different. My advice is just to get tool kits or sets that don’t skip sizes so you aren’t surprised that you’re missing something. Honestly Icon stuff at Harbor Freight is very nice for the price. Craftsman and Tekton are also pretty good.
Tecton has a nice magnet chart.
best intro i have seen in a long time 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Just wondering why buy 2 sets of sockets instead of buying just one impact sockets to be used by impact tools and non impact tools ...
You can do it that way. Many also just use chrome sockets with an impact even though you’re not “supposed” to. :-)
Some impact sockets are heavier walled and won’t fit everywhere a chrome one does.
Is there like a list here, like words? Thanks for the vid btw! God bless!
I could email you my script. 🤣 Which was just written from my chicken-scratch notes.
You walk into Sears?
LOL... we still had a Sears up until a few weeks ago! But joking aside I've gotten Craftsman tools replaced at Ace Hardware and Lowes.
Great content. Keep up the great work
The ratchet wrenches 🔧 are clutch!!! 🫡💯
Yes they are!
I've got a question I don't see anybody answering. Why do you need regular sockets if you have impact sockets? The impact sockets are the same but rated higher for impact... and why do you need a set in every size like 1/4 3/8 and 1/2, when you can just buy one size and adapters? Same with the ratchets... seems like 75% can be eliminated and simplified.
The short answer to both questions comes down to size and thickness for accessing different things in tight spaces and torque. Adapters add length to sockets. Chrome sockets are thinner than impact sockets. 1/2 ratchets are longer and thicker for more torque which if you added an adapter to use smaller sockets you run the risk of snapping bolts because it's easier to apply too much torque than the smaller bolts can handle. 1/4 ratchets are small and great for tight spaces but provide less torque. 3/8 ratchets are middle of the road.
First 13 SECONDS
Truer words have never been spoken! 😂
Personally I skip 3/8. I have a big 1/4 inch and a big 1/2 inch set. The 3/8 is nice but I never miss it with the other 2 types that I do have.
I have duratech and At Ryobi power tools
Loved the video very honest ⚒️🥇👍👍
It's a great video. Loved it. ❤
I disagree with you on a few points. Get a 1/2" drive socket set and a 1/4" set. That will let you do most everything. 3/8" is great, it's my go to, but the idea is what you need to have to get started. Get 3/8" when you can. Some people say to just get impact sockets, but that can bite you. Thin wall impacts aren't bad, but the thick walled ones don't fit everywhere, like recessed openings or tight clearance areas.
Get pry bars from Walmart, The Hyper Tough ones that have the cap on them. They are USA made by Wilde and Walmart's price is good. The also have 5 sizes.
Power tools are great, but aren't necessary at first. Don't get me wrong, I have many air and cordless tools.
When that time comes that you can justify the need, instead of spending $300 on a Milwaukee or Dewalt cordless impact, get a decent compressor and get air tools when it's time for power tools. You can get cordless later. The main reason I say this is price, air tools are cheaper, air guns, and the one tool that will save your life and doesn't come cordless, the air hammer/chisel. Also once you have air, you can get an air impact at Harbor Freight that is as powerful as that $300 cordless for under $100.
Remember that it takes time to build a tool collection, I've been at this 40 years, started in a truck garage, I have a lot of really handy stuff but get basics to start and build from there.
Yeah I’d disagree on the sockets. As I started I pretty much only used 3/8 for years… then slowly got 1/2 and 1/4. But there’s no wrong answer i guess.
@@JasonExplainsThings 3/8" is my go to as well, but if you are on a budget you will have trouble doing suspension work, some engine or drivetrain work with 3/8. If your not doing the heavier work 3/8 is fine. I guess my views could be colored by starting out working on trucks.
Peep the flight chops sticker. I mess with this guy already
I filmed some videos with him back when I worked at an aircraft manufacturer! Awesome dude.
Tekton complete socket sets are the most convenient ones.
never buy twelve point sockets unless you are work on 12 point fasteners always use 6 point sockets.
Do an on trail tool kit vid.
Great idea. For now I’ve been carrying that Craftsman kit on long trips but a custom tool roll would be a great idea/video subject.
He skipped the best power tool brand, which is Makita. They have lasted me years with no issues!
Awesome video and insight. Harbor Freight is a must when you're getting started. More bang for your buck and they do offer the good, better, and best options.
The Icon stuff is shockingly good.
if you were low on a budget it would make sense to just be buying the impact sockets vs chrome
Great video
Getting the Lowe's where I live to honor the warranty is like getting my kid to eat Brussels Sprouts. I won't try either again for a long time. I'm stuck with my kid, but at least I don't have to buy more tools from Lowe's.
Interesting. That stinks.