If you have to borrow a tool once, consider getting one someday. Borrow a tool twice, and you better plan on making sure you never have to borrow it a third time.
There are very few people at work I'll let borrow a tool. Probably 3/50 employees. I'll straight lie to your face and tell you I don't have the tool you need, and if you call me out on it, get ready to get cursed out, YOU FUCKING BUMS lol. INVEST IN YOURSELF. I buy a new tool every week, that tool cost me the same it cost you, not my fault you chose not to buy it.
rebelcat420 its not like that where i work...but all the guys have been here along time very rarely do we get new mechanics...if you have to borrow something then sure we end up buying that tool...but noone has a problem lending tools on the rare occasions someone doesnt have it...it only becomes a problem if that tool is not returned timely, is returned damaged, or it dissapears...
You automotive mechanics are dicks to each other, in an ag shop we all help each other out loan tools if we need to share info that someone els may not know to get the job done.
I just got into Kobalt; my grandfather, father, and I were diehard Craftsman guys. Their tools went overseas and became one of the more unreliable imports which prompted my breaking the family tradition. They're good to great hand tools and I agree on the set you covered. New to your channel but this was well done. Great job
I’m an amateur starter mechanic and searched TH-cam for a video on the best all-around tool set bundle. I’ve gotta say, pretty impressed with this kit, but more importantly, I’m impressed and appreciate how much in-depth you went showing each tool. Consider the video added to my liked playlist :)
Dude is a freakin saint. Jus finished tech school. Have an interview at a small independent shop. They asked if i had tools. I have none but have 300 bucks saved for some. I dont want to spend the $300 on certain tools and find myself without small special inexpensive tools only because i didnt know any better. So this was beyond helpful. Now i watched one of your videos on the quality of certain tools and i am now im trying to find a good quality tool set that will last me until i can afford better ones. Stuck between Pittsburgh, kobalt, sears and some huge piece sets i see on amazon. But thanks for the cool vid. Very informal man
Dude. my Saturday was dragging and then I came across your video. Got my step back to productivity. the socket set and screwdriver sets looked pretty good to me. Enjoy the weekend!
Great video! I'm a DIYer that wants to start working on my own cars. Going to rewatch all this again and write down a list of all the stuff you showed on the video. Have a few of the items you mentioned, but planning on getting everything and more. Subscribed. Thanks again!
Looks like a nice starter kit for a young mechanic on a budget. I still have most of the Husky kit I bought about 20 years ago when I started out. The ratchets from that kit STILL work perfectly to this day. I use them around the house from time to time.
As a 35 year auto and aviation mechanic, this was one well done review. I sure wish I had you 30 years ago to get tool advice from..lol ide probably be a lot richer by now. But at least I helped out the Snap-on guys kids through college. Thanks again for a great tool review. Very well done. I conquer with your entire video. 🇺🇸👍🏾
Three go to tools for me beyond the basics (sockets, wrenches, pliers, etc.) are the following: Magnetic Pickup Tool, Headlamp, and Magnetic Screw Tray. I use these not only when working on cars, but also in my secondary job of computer repair/building. Never know when you'll drop a screw into a hard to reach area, and always need your screw secure.
Good timing on the video. Been considering a small, basic kit for a work truck so we don't have to keep packing a bag full of tools if we gotta go fix a machine or a trailer or whatever in the field. I will say one of the most crucial tools for early riser and night owls is a head lamp. I keep a couple under my seat and sometimes need them during the day if I'm trying to look into an engine compartment or dark pump.
Great Vid.... I got this Kobalt set on your recommendation and am truly impressed with it.... I am just a weekend warrior and work on my dirt bike and UTV thanks love the Channel!!!
Very nice video ! Harbor Freight has a very nice Dual Drive ratchet....one end has 1/4" drive, the other end of the same ratchet has 3/8" drive. Worth it's weight in Gold !!
That is a great kit for mobile jobs and someone starting out. I think the additional tools you suggested were great. I would add a cheapo code reader and the lug nut flip sockets. When I started out as a tire & lube those metric standard flip sockets were amazing!
I think that is a great idea. I may do a video about what kind of things I look for in a cheapo code reader for the average DIY or starting Mechanic. Cheers and thanks for the comment.
Justin Dow I know when I first started out I had one of those 2 button pocket code readers and a diagnosis code manual to point me in the right direction. Love the videos! Keep them coming! Cheers!
lisle hood prop is one of those tools many people don't think about but it's such a life saver... not only for holding hoods up but if you need to check brake light function and don't have a helper you can use it to hold down the brake pedal
Alternatively you can just press the brake and look at the reflection off something behind it. If you need to bleed the brakes you just pump it then use something like a sledge hammer handle to hold it down
U made a good video Justin, it's a really good pick 4 a starter or home owner projects? Did U tell the viewers about the red & blue lines on the sockets? Perhaps I missed it? And your add-ons are on point bud. Thank you for your time kind Sir.
Just picked up a TSC Job smart 324pcs mechanic tool set for $99 on a Xmas sale. It is mostly sockets, bits, wrenches and Alan keys. I like that kobalt kit too. Just got my first mechanic job as an apprentice with no real garage experience. So, pretty pumped. I need to start building my tool collection now.
Sometimes when you are first starting out you have to go with what is convenient, 12 years ago I bought a 200 piece craftsman set and just added to it . Sears was 20 miles away .lowes and home depot 100 miles away. Nice set though, great video
Yes....I have this set...I use it and it's great... for low cost quality tools..... And those Pittsburgh Flex head ratcheting wrenches are actually pretty good... I bought my set for $25 about 5 or 6 years ago and I still use them.... incidentally, Tekton sells the exact same ones made from the same place that makes the Pittsburgh ratcheting flex head wrenches... and a lot of other similar tools
Been a shade tree mechanic for over 40 years. I mostly agree, Justin. I like that Kobalt set, except for the slop you noted in the box end wrenches. That looks like almost 2 degrees! The storage box it comes in is really great also. Also the test light needs to be a logic type these days to avoid false readings or excessive loading of the engine computer. Instead of the multimeter, I'm ALMOST thinking a cheap code reader. Seen a lot of good ones for under $50.
It's kind of a shame what has happened to Sears. I bought a craftsman set 14 years ago and only had to replace a warranteed socket I chewed up once. Those days are no more.
I know I'm late to the party, but craftsman sets now are awful. I was given one as a gift, the actual ratchets are great, but the sockets are neither a 6 or 12 point. It's a weird slotted socket. Strips bolts like none other.
A tip, the gearwrench belt tool will accept the craftsm 3/8 socket attachment (still sold?). Very handy. Makes the worthless rubber oring one they supply obsolete.
Excellent presentation. I agree with your additional recommendations. Add a small bright light to that to see where you dropped that nut. Oh, and get a long 3 finger reaching tool to get at said nut.
Growing up my dad would refer to those pocket screwdrivers as tweakers. Because he used to use them to make minor adjustments (tweaks) to screws on electronic equipment. This was before the more modern and less flattering use of the term. Also, oil filter sockets and oil filter end cap wrenches. A low profile 32 mm is absolutely necessary if you're doing oil changes on any kind of regular basis. GM 2.2 oil filters do not give you enough room to get a regular size 32 socket in there. And crows feet or crescent wrenches will just round the plastic off. And those motors are still some of the most common out there.
PB Blaster, first I heard of the product, I am wrestling with a rusty water valve. Going to give it a try tomorrow. I think it will do the trick....Thank You!
I bought a kobalt 3/8 12 inch long flex head rachet a year ago and I abuse it everyday in the shop even beating it with a hammer it's held up great I spent 26 dollars on it and will buy another when I get back to Lowe's
About the ratchet. I think the logic why the switch is not what you used to is. We all hold ratchet using right hand so the switch is turned left or down when you hold it using right hand, then the switch is up if your going to loosen.
This is a great set, I have a kobalt set I think it's like a 130 peice, but this one is much better I like the case. One thing I will say is keep the torx and the carbon steel bits greased or oiled even a little bit of moisture rusts these kobalts pretty quick.
Great overview of the tool set. Thanks. With you on those additional beginner additions. A small add on... a length of 2x4 and a 1x4 about 8" long is good enough for all around...and a set of jack stands. Thanks again, Beer Man. Recently subscribed.
for those looking to pay a little more ive personally looked into the husky 432 pc tool set. i looked at the list and for 350 to 400 bucks isnt bad. if your in an all metric shop (95% of cars anymore lol) ive seen a craftsman all metric set for under 200 as well. i personally am looking into getting the husky set and taking my older HF stuff home so i can start doing some light side work.
That was great film, Dow. I liked your demonstration with the wrench and socket and kudos to Lowe’s for the inclusion of the bottle opener. Snap-on doesn’t even do that! I pert near expected to you offer that Kobalt set as a giveaway to the qualifying, recent tech school grad whose school didn’t have a tool program, and then the tech could save his money for purchasing the other needed items you displayed.
I am buying either this set or the 223 dollar one for my son for Christmas this year. He just bought a 94 Ford ranger....in Ohio.......he's going to need them.
Nice. I just did a video on the new Craftsman 224 piece set that I just picked up and am using everyday now. Check out my video review on it. Using it everyday far better set but I'll let you decide. Cheers!
Got a craftsman 450 piece set for half off and then $20 off it ended up being $180. It comes with a whole lot more sockets 12 point and 6 point and 1/2 inch drive, torque sockets, and spark plug sockets. This though has actually screw drivers instead of a bit and magnetic handle quick is nice. They would be a nice compliment to buy both.
Got to say this blowed the craftsman 239 piece set out of the water. I bought the craftsman and it has no screwdrivers, no pliers, and not even a darn spark plug socket!
I have the channelock made in USA bottle opener.. gets used daily lol. Have an old number 3 Craftsman as my "beater" screwdriver in my tool bag. Sweet video brother
A word on fitment. The high end tools with tight fitment tolerances are sometimes a pain in the back side if a bolt is painted or rusted. The really expensive wrenches wont fit unless the debris is removed first. The expensive tools are very pretty but most working mechanics with any experience can do the job with whatever they have.
Dewalt 192 piece is by far the best mechanic set you can buy for the money. Every size you need deep and shallow for 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 along with 3 extension sizes for each and swivels for all three. You should check it out. It's about $160 right now
another great video my man glad i stumbled onto ur video channel I've been mechanic bout same as u goin on 18yrs now but still always great seein what another great mechanic has to say n info u can get from each other..
Good review. Looks like a nice kit. I may get one to have an extra set. Heck of a lot better than my expensive gearwrench set that are way too soft and distort on bolts.
This is more for the truck drivers rather than mechanics but I do alot of my own work so I went to the truck stop and got a spare red glad hand for the airline and stuck a 3/8ths quick connect female fitting on it so now I can run my impact in the middle of Wyoming in the winter at a rest area along with a pneumatic wrench I got all my fitting and air hoses from home depot and stuck fittings even on a dual sided tire chuck with a locking valve stem head and gauge and a fitting on an air gun but that glad hand and female fitting is a god send for the drivers out there who don't want to wait 5 hours at a shop to replace an airbag then spend 3 hours in the shop getting it replaced... in one hour ill have it done and I'm gone! It's about 30-40 bucks for the glad hand and the female fitting and some Teflon tape I say it's a must have! Even works with an air hammer for stubborn tandem rail pins!! It's a must have before all other tools in my opinion
I think they give you the 6 points in shallow and 12 points in the deep well so if you need the 12 point sockets you can just switch to the deep wells. It makes some sense I guess. I prefer the u-joint for the sockets to be surrounded by a spring to help keep it straight. Also it's been way too long to change over to metrics. Even the english who invented SAE switched a long time ago.
I don't know if they still make these but Thorsen sockets are some of the best I ever used, super high quality. I would add the biggest channel locks that are made. They come in handy in more situations than you might expect.
I found a Kobalt 401 piece set on clearance at Lowes for 200.00 I searched around and settled on it because it didn't have 150 stupid tips,bits,hex keys etc. Mainly real tools. MM and Sae sockets,wrenches,3 ratchets extensions. No screwdrivers pliers but I bought a nice set from Jegs for cheap. No case either included. I found an old blow molded craftsman case on offer up and filled it with Kobalt tools. Bam
I’ll be honest, I just started as a lube tech while I’m in school. At the beginning of the video when you said it was only around a 100 some tool count, I was gonna comment how the craftsman 150/180 some piece starter set was a better deal for the same ish price. But then I kept watching and saw how diverse this tool set is compared to mine, I have all the sockets and ratchets I’ve needed from 1/4-1/2 inch but I’ve literally had to buy everything else. So now I see I truly coulda got a better deal. Great video, thanks for the info 👌👍
Impact gun & I would just go with impact sockets for 1/2”. Otherwise that’s a great starter set & the rest of the list is pretty good. Definitely the gearwrench belt tool. It’s scary when the 3/8 breaks off the long bar on those other ones.
Channellock has a 133 or 123 piece mechanics tool set that is really nice amd more compact at least for junkyard use etc. A magnetic tray, flashlight or worklight, a small or medium pry bar or lady slipper and a quality pair of Irwin wire strippers and you can make it through just about anything. Also maybe duct tape a rivet gun and some epoxy for those bad days....
Adam A i second that. have some of their wrenches and i have been noticing channel lock has some NICE tools. I dont have their kit tho i do however have a bunch of different brands. Everything ive seen from channel lock is nice
Alex58924 17 their quality is pretty decent and there newer sockets and extensions all have the ice knurled areas to help grip and tge sockets have improved from my older set which was already nice... I give i them a A for quality and an Aplus gor customer service as they sent me the big set for free after I had an issue with a couple older sockets in my set.. Funny thing was my old set had 90 tooth ratchets and the nee set has 45 tooth ratchets... So i put my old ratchets in eith the new tool set so I had nice fine ratchets in my to go or car box... Just as nice as my dual 80,s...
Around Father's Day and Black Friday, Lowe's often has their 227 piece kit on sale for $99. It's a really nice kit for the price, IMO. Add a set of screwdrivers and some pliers, and Robert's your parent's sibling.
I couldn't agree more with you. I recommend that to everyone all the time tbh it's a set I use all the time and they are quality.they carry one that is almost the same but it has 1/2 inch stuff were this one had screwdrivers and that other set don't also no pliers they have different stuff instead.
I’m not an automotive mechanic but I will definitely say that a set of torque wrenches is a must have. Harbor Freight sells them in all the common drives with their 1/4” drive being an inch-pound designation. And they’re cheap: $12-$20 each
I'm no beginner, but, I know a bunch of them. I've been working on vehicles for about 40 years, not as a pro, but, friends, neighbors and coworkers seem to consider me a pretty fair mechanic to keep their "junk" running. I actually enjoy it when some of my young coworkers bring their vehicles over after work because they want to learn how to maintain them. Those 20 somethings make this 50 year old feel young! However, we drink Busch in my shop lol! Anyway, I have a few suggestions for a beginner that you didn't mention. First-a basic OBD II reader. Even most work beaters these days are OBD II. I have a basic one from H-F that you can buy for about $40 and it works great. No, it won't read ABS or SRS codes, but, they have others there that do. I'm just starting to work on newer stuff (because of these "kids") so I'm sure I'll upgrade my OBD II scanner in the near future. Second-a good 1/4" cordless impact driver along with the adapters that allow using it with sockets. Mine is a DeWalt 20v brushless that I bought on sale for $100. Obviously, there are less expensive ones available that are just as good. I bought the DeWalt because my other cordless stuff is all DeWalt so I can use the same batteries. Third-for home gamers like me, a good floor jack and at least 1 set of jack stands is probably more valuable than the other things I mentioned. I absolutely LOVE my H-F 3 ton jack. It replaced my old Craftsman 3 ton and has served me faithfully for about 5 years. With the $80 (or so) coupon that's ALWAYS floating around, this jack is a no brainer. I also have at least 6 pairs of jack stands, but, my go to sets are always the 3 ton H-F sets. You can usually find coupons for them priced under $20. As I said, I love being in the shop with younger people and having an ice cold Busch with them after doing my best to help them learn how to maintain their vehicles. The biggest problem that I have is trying to keep them from drooling, not on my tools, but, on my '74 Camaro, and, my '78 GMC K-35! I'm glad that they appreciate classics like them though.
had mine for 2 years and i can tell you its been a good set. i don´t know about this one because i got mine when the plastic was a darker blue and haven´t looked to see if they are the same quality being the lighter blue case...
your rite us heavy diesel guys can throw the metric out the window i have a box full of both used to work on cars so have a whole bunch of metric but now am diesel so got way more standard but my standards go way way bigger than metric which all diesel tech's I'm sure do
I'll use 1 5/16 instead of a 33 for big truck lugs a 1 5/16 feels tighter on most to me neway sum guys in my shop'll use a 33mm.. I've got both but jus prefer standard since most everything else is standard..but I am noticing on the newer trucks they r startin to use metric
DeWalt and Kobalt both US based company, both have lifetime warranty, Kobalt seems to be better is the same US company that'd made Craftsman tools before they sold out to China. I also hear techs complain about the 1/2" ratchet in the 204 piece set that comes with the DeWalt, any input or feedback be great, starting out soon, better/durable teeth on ratchets and which have less chance of rounding nuts and bolts. Cheers Justin 🍻
Had a little trouble finding the kit -- turns out if you look for a Kobalt "mechanic's tool set," you get a lot of options but none of them are the kit you've got here. (Makes a big difference -- this is a nice kit! The others don't have as good a breadth of tools, imho. Though holy crap who needs this many full-size screwdrivers. Waste of space. Only complaint.) Did a little digging, and it turns out this isn't the 100-piece "mechanic's tool set" -- this is the 100-piece "household tool set." Kobalt p/n is 89998. Hope that helps folks looking for it.
I will preface this comment by saying i am a heavy equipment tech but the set seems like a decent value, just my 2 cents if it was me i would add some twist flip sockets for stripped lugs and wheel locks as well as the harbor freight lugnut flip sockets if you want to go cheap, also i would reccomend buying a band oil filter wrench that has interchangeable bands so you can just switch band sizes and not have to worry about having 4 band wrenches taking up space but awesome video and seems like a decent value for someone starting out
This set is a "Household Tool Set" on Lowe's website. While it does have a good assortment of tools, it has Phillips screwdrivers. A JIS driver can be safety used on Phillips fasteners, but a Phillips will strip the heads of JIS fasteners A interchangable long bit JIS set of #1, #2 and #3 is around $15. I'd have a starting mechanic buy gloves and an LED bar light before getting any more tools, and for auto work jackstands and fender cover,.
Also a good thing to keep on hand is a Small Roll of Black Electrical Tape and Small Roll of Duct Tape, also a Good Pair of Wire Strippers that has the Cutting and crimping features. I even keep a pair Wiss Brand Straight Jaw sheet metal cutters in my vehicle to cut all types of items with if I would need to but I could add a few more things to have for basic tool needs but it would be a huge size comment
One important feature on these sockets and wrenches is they have the wall drive style broach design, if you look they do not grab right on the points of the bolt head, but rather right behind it on the flats - this allows for much higher torque application and far less chance of stripping the bolt heads, the play is deceiving with wall drive not as critical. Any good wrench or socket worth its salt these days has this wall drive feature, its an important one that really gives a solid grip on the bolt.
Good for you man, Trying to help the people just starting out is great. When I first started out, IT WAS NOT EASY & people talkin shit and giving ya shit because you dont have a 200dollar wrench is not possible for everyone. Honestly I say buy made in USA BUT!, Do not get in debt unless youre sure. Also, I bought cheap stuff then bought good stuff I needed. Also If you buy Impact sockets for everyday use, you dont need the chrome ones. I get shit for this 😂 But You can just buy impact sockets and only have impact sockets. Someone told me about them being in debt and I started thinkin, its alright to buy haborfreight but My point is if you should buy a decent tool that is made in the usa that isnt always off the tool truck, dont buy habor freight then off the tool truck. I spent a lot if money and put miles on my car always warrantying out tools. Im telling constant warranty a tool can cost ya money.
The sockets are supposed to have play so that the pressure is applied to the side of the head of the fastener and not on the corner so you don't round them off on the corners and that is why the open ends are snug as opposed to the closed ends.
My story with Kobalt stuff: 15-18 years ago or so I was in need of some new impact sockets when I happened to be at Lowes and saw they had a set that was on sale. At the time I was only working on old muscle cars and bought the standard set. Beat on those for a few years when I changed focus to modern junk and all their metricness. I thought you know...those Kobalts are holding up ok so went and bought a deep and shallow set in metric at Lowes. Been beating on these impact sockets for years and the ONLY issue I can report is where the anvil attaches on the 19mm socket is wallered out to the point where its starting to wobble on the anvil. That aside...no complaints. Yeah the sockets are thicker than Snap-ons or other truck brands but its rare when I have to put the Kobalt away for that reason. The only other Kobalt tool I own is a pneumatic die grinder which has held up fairly well too. Not going to say Kobalt is great because I have limited experience with there stuff but the stuff I do have has really impressed.
I know this list is for newer "techs" or "DIYers" just starting out... And I don't even know if this categorizes as a "tool" but I find myself always using the cheap Bluetooth OBD2 scanners along with the torque app (or similar). I'm sure a professional scan tool can do a better job but they are expensive. For $20 bucks this thing can at least point you in the right direction and you can use Google from there and do some research. So a must-have tool for me, a cheap obd2 scanner & a cellphone. I carry one in my glovebox at all times. I find myself pulling it out much more than actually wrenching on something. Sometimes my engine won't feel or sound right but doesn't have a code. There are about 75 sensors that you can setup as it's own on-screen gauge and watch live as you drive the vehicle and sometimes catch a problem before it even starts. Technology is great. Awesome video, nice set.
That is a great starter set and if you have say a 500 budget you still have money for mor specalist stuff great video and a blow lamp (blue tourch) is a must i use it everyday lol
I wasn't ready, no beer in hand but I still enjoyed the video, sockets look handy and all the tools in the top for quick access, gotta upgrade the bottle opener to snap on if ur drinking on the job! Lol I looked up the dodge tool is it the lisle 57030 for diesel and gas? I have some kobalt diagonal cutters and they feel too good in the hand but I prefer the ones I got from a harbor freight pack with a spring to keep them open!
Lone Star Auto till ur in a tight spot the impact socket won't fit. Overall yes that's a good way to save some bucks but will put u in a bind sometimes as well
I really started in the Army after going to a mechanics course and reporting to a unit I was issued a tool box with very little more to work with and that was all I ever got.
If you have to borrow a tool once, consider getting one someday. Borrow a tool twice, and you better plan on making sure you never have to borrow it a third time.
rebelcat420 The man who loans his tools isn't here.
There are very few people at work I'll let borrow a tool. Probably 3/50 employees. I'll straight lie to your face and tell you I don't have the tool you need, and if you call me out on it, get ready to get cursed out, YOU FUCKING BUMS lol. INVEST IN YOURSELF. I buy a new tool every week, that tool cost me the same it cost you, not my fault you chose not to buy it.
In my day you never ever ask to barrow a tool.
rebelcat420 its not like that where i work...but all the guys have been here along time very rarely do we get new mechanics...if you have to borrow something then sure we end up buying that tool...but noone has a problem lending tools on the rare occasions someone doesnt have it...it only becomes a problem if that tool is not returned timely, is returned damaged, or it dissapears...
You automotive mechanics are dicks to each other, in an ag shop we all help each other out loan tools if we need to share info that someone els may not know to get the job done.
I just got into Kobalt; my grandfather, father, and I were diehard Craftsman guys. Their tools went overseas and became one of the more unreliable imports which prompted my breaking the family tradition. They're good to great hand tools and I agree on the set you covered. New to your channel but this was well done. Great job
I’m an amateur starter mechanic and searched TH-cam for a video on the best all-around tool set bundle. I’ve gotta say, pretty impressed with this kit, but more importantly, I’m impressed and appreciate how much in-depth you went showing each tool. Consider the video added to my liked playlist :)
The best thing about the set you show are the cases. They look like they would last a long time and keep the tools organized quite well.
Dude is a freakin saint. Jus finished tech school. Have an interview at a small independent shop. They asked if i had tools. I have none but have 300 bucks saved for some. I dont want to spend the $300 on certain tools and find myself without small special inexpensive tools only because i didnt know any better. So this was beyond helpful. Now i watched one of your videos on the quality of certain tools and i am now im trying to find a good quality tool set that will last me until i can afford better ones. Stuck between Pittsburgh, kobalt, sears and some huge piece sets i see on amazon. But thanks for the cool vid. Very informal man
Dude. my Saturday was dragging and then I came across your video. Got my step back to productivity. the socket set and screwdriver sets looked pretty good to me. Enjoy the weekend!
Thanks Brother. Always glad to entertain. Hope the day goes quicker for you. Cheers to the weekend!!
Great video! I'm a DIYer that wants to start working on my own cars. Going to rewatch all this again and write down a list of all the stuff you showed on the video. Have a few of the items you mentioned, but planning on getting everything and more. Subscribed. Thanks again!
Awesomeness. Happy Tool Collecting! Best of luck brother and thanks for the support.
Looks like a nice starter kit for a young mechanic on a budget. I still have most of the Husky kit I bought about 20 years ago when I started out. The ratchets from that kit STILL work perfectly to this day. I use them around the house from time to time.
As a 35 year auto and aviation mechanic, this was one well done review. I sure wish I had you 30 years ago to get tool advice from..lol ide probably be a lot richer by now. But at least I helped out the Snap-on guys kids through college. Thanks again for a great tool review. Very well done. I conquer with your entire video. 🇺🇸👍🏾
At minute 5:20 did you guys see that 10 mm socket trying to jump away and run away so you can never find it again
lol
To be followed shortly thereafter by the 13 mm and the 1/2 inch ones too.
Lol!! Good one! So True!!
@@timkaldahl right
Only to roll off into some dark, desolate, hidden-away corner of the shop never to be found again.
Three go to tools for me beyond the basics (sockets, wrenches, pliers, etc.) are the following: Magnetic Pickup Tool, Headlamp, and Magnetic Screw Tray. I use these not only when working on cars, but also in my secondary job of computer repair/building. Never know when you'll drop a screw into a hard to reach area, and always need your screw secure.
Good timing on the video. Been considering a small, basic kit for a work truck so we don't have to keep packing a bag full of tools if we gotta go fix a machine or a trailer or whatever in the field. I will say one of the most crucial tools for early riser and night owls is a head lamp. I keep a couple under my seat and sometimes need them during the day if I'm trying to look into an engine compartment or dark pump.
Great Vid.... I got this Kobalt set on your recommendation and am truly impressed with it.... I am just a weekend warrior and work on my dirt bike and UTV thanks love the Channel!!!
Right on. Thanks brotha. Cheers & glad your enjoying it.
Very nice video !
Harbor Freight has a very nice Dual Drive ratchet....one end has 1/4" drive, the other end of the same ratchet has 3/8" drive.
Worth it's weight in Gold !!
That is a great kit for mobile jobs and someone starting out. I think the additional tools you suggested were great. I would add a cheapo code reader and the lug nut flip sockets. When I started out as a tire & lube those metric standard flip sockets were amazing!
I think that is a great idea. I may do a video about what kind of things I look for in a cheapo code reader for the average DIY or starting Mechanic. Cheers and thanks for the comment.
Justin Dow I know when I first started out I had one of those 2 button pocket code readers and a diagnosis code manual to point me in the right direction. Love the videos! Keep them coming! Cheers!
As a current tire and lube guy, those flip sockets are a God send. So convenient to have. I flip my shirt if I can't find mine
lisle hood prop is one of those tools many people don't think about but it's such a life saver... not only for holding hoods up but if you need to check brake light function and don't have a helper you can use it to hold down the brake pedal
Agreed! Cheers!
Alternatively you can just press the brake and look at the reflection off something behind it. If you need to bleed the brakes you just pump it then use something like a sledge hammer handle to hold it down
U made a good video Justin, it's a really good pick 4 a starter or home owner projects? Did U tell the viewers about the red & blue lines on the sockets? Perhaps I missed it? And your add-ons are on point bud. Thank you for your time kind Sir.
Just picked up a TSC Job smart 324pcs mechanic tool set for $99 on a Xmas sale. It is mostly sockets, bits, wrenches and Alan keys. I like that kobalt kit too. Just got my first mechanic job as an apprentice with no real garage experience. So, pretty pumped. I need to start building my tool collection now.
Sometimes when you are first starting out you have to go with what is convenient, 12 years ago I bought a 200 piece craftsman set and just added to it . Sears was 20 miles away .lowes and home depot 100 miles away. Nice set though, great video
Yes....I have this set...I use it and it's great... for low cost quality tools.....
And those Pittsburgh Flex head ratcheting wrenches are actually pretty good... I bought my set for $25 about 5 or 6 years ago and I still use them.... incidentally, Tekton sells the exact same ones made from the same place that makes the Pittsburgh ratcheting flex head wrenches... and a lot of other similar tools
Been a shade tree mechanic for over 40 years. I mostly agree, Justin. I like that Kobalt set, except for the slop you noted in the box end wrenches. That looks like almost 2 degrees! The storage box it comes in is really great also. Also the test light needs to be a logic type these days to avoid false readings or excessive loading of the engine computer. Instead of the multimeter, I'm ALMOST thinking a cheap code reader. Seen a lot of good ones for under $50.
I use cheap little cobalt set to have on hand for yrs never had problems with kobalt there actually good quality great vid
Thanks Brother. Cheers!
Nice video. Hey....neat tip on putting tape on a swivel when it's worn out. Thanks for that tip.
Barry
Glad to help Cheers!
Incredible kit for the money. My local Lowes are starting to sell Craftsman tools. They have a nice big red box on display today. Great vid!
bill beckett yes,only in sets, no replacement sockets.
Selling off their Chinese made junk!
It's kind of a shame what has happened to Sears. I bought a craftsman set 14 years ago and only had to replace a warranteed socket I chewed up once. Those days are no more.
I know I'm late to the party, but craftsman sets now are awful. I was given one as a gift, the actual ratchets are great, but the sockets are neither a 6 or 12 point. It's a weird slotted socket. Strips bolts like none other.
@@prairiefarmer5994 Which one is better Craftsman 450 piece mechanics tool set or Pittsburgh 301 Piece Mechanics Tool Set from Harbor Freight?
A tip, the gearwrench belt tool will accept the craftsm 3/8 socket attachment (still sold?). Very handy. Makes the worthless rubber oring one they supply obsolete.
Excellent presentation. I agree with your additional recommendations. Add a small bright light to that to see where you dropped that nut. Oh, and get a long 3 finger reaching tool to get at said nut.
Growing up my dad would refer to those pocket screwdrivers as tweakers. Because he used to use them to make minor adjustments (tweaks) to screws on electronic equipment. This was before the more modern and less flattering use of the term. Also, oil filter sockets and oil filter end cap wrenches. A low profile 32 mm is absolutely necessary if you're doing oil changes on any kind of regular basis. GM 2.2 oil filters do not give you enough room to get a regular size 32 socket in there. And crows feet or crescent wrenches will just round the plastic off. And those motors are still some of the most common out there.
Great vid. That tool set is an excellent starter set.
A pocket screwdriver can also flip a bottle cap off in a pinch.
Cool. I would also add an extendable magnet, inspection mirror, and pen flashlight
PB Blaster, first I heard of the product, I am wrestling with a rusty water valve. Going to give it a try tomorrow. I think it will do the trick....Thank You!
That is a good starter set. Harley Davidson motorcycles have a lot of SAE fasteners to this day.
I bought a kobalt 3/8 12 inch long flex head rachet a year ago and I abuse it everyday in the shop even beating it with a hammer it's held up great I spent 26 dollars on it and will buy another when I get back to Lowe's
About the ratchet. I think the logic why the switch is not what you used to is. We all hold ratchet using right hand so the switch is turned left or down when you hold it using right hand, then the switch is up if your going to loosen.
I have the sae and metric 19 piece Kobalt kits from Christmas a few years ago. The sockets are solid, nice chrome and coloring.
Justin. That’s awesome. Great suggestions you have there. This kobalt set looks really decent.
Have a great weekend bud👍
This is a great set, I have a kobalt set I think it's like a 130 peice, but this one is much better I like the case. One thing I will say is keep the torx and the carbon steel bits greased or oiled even a little bit of moisture rusts these kobalts pretty quick.
Freaking awesome video! I'm picking up this set this weekend. It has everything I'll need and then some. Cheers brother!👊
Nice setup for starters. Only thing I might add is alan wreches and e-torqx. Wish they would have had sets like this when I started 35 years ago
Great overview of the tool set. Thanks. With you on those additional beginner additions. A small add on... a length of 2x4 and a 1x4 about 8" long is good enough for all around...and a set of jack stands. Thanks again, Beer Man. Recently subscribed.
I love how most of us use some brand names for common tools, like a crescent wrench, vise grips, saws all, etc
Just saw this set the other day at Lowe's and told the dude there to recommend it to new mechanics since it offers so much
That's Awesome! I completely agree! Cheers!
for those looking to pay a little more ive personally looked into the husky 432 pc tool set. i looked at the list and for 350 to 400 bucks isnt bad. if your in an all metric shop (95% of cars anymore lol) ive seen a craftsman all metric set for under 200 as well. i personally am looking into getting the husky set and taking my older HF stuff home so i can start doing some light side work.
That was great film, Dow. I liked your demonstration with the wrench and socket and kudos to Lowe’s for the inclusion of the bottle opener. Snap-on doesn’t even do that! I pert near expected to you offer that Kobalt set as a giveaway to the qualifying, recent tech school grad whose school didn’t have a tool program, and then the tech could save his money for purchasing the other needed items you displayed.
Let's not forget about the extendable magnetic pick up tool!!!
Ooo Ya!! A must have for sure!
Cheers!!!
I need to get one of those. Only a few dollars but I never get it while I'm at the store.
A grab all is great to have too. So many fasteners are now plastic.
A deeper broach in the socket is nice for adding in a magnetic bolt holder to put a bolt in where you might not be able to otherwise.
I am buying either this set or the 223 dollar one for my son for Christmas this year. He just bought a 94 Ford ranger....in Ohio.......he's going to need them.
Nice. I just did a video on the new Craftsman 224 piece set that I just picked up and am using everyday now. Check out my video review on it. Using it everyday far better set but I'll let you decide. Cheers!
Got a craftsman 450 piece set for half off and then $20 off it ended up being $180. It comes with a whole lot more sockets 12 point and 6 point and 1/2 inch drive, torque sockets, and spark plug sockets. This though has actually screw drivers instead of a bit and magnetic handle quick is nice. They would be a nice compliment to buy both.
Got to say this blowed the craftsman 239 piece set out of the water. I bought the craftsman and it has no screwdrivers, no pliers, and not even a darn spark plug socket!
I have the channelock made in USA bottle opener.. gets used daily lol. Have an old number 3 Craftsman as my "beater" screwdriver in my tool bag. Sweet video brother
A word on fitment. The high end tools with tight fitment tolerances are sometimes a pain in the back side if a bolt is painted or rusted. The really expensive wrenches wont fit unless the debris is removed first. The expensive tools are very pretty but most working mechanics with any experience can do the job with whatever they have.
Dewalt 192 piece is by far the best mechanic set you can buy for the money. Every size you need deep and shallow for 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 along with 3 extension sizes for each and swivels for all three. You should check it out. It's about $160 right now
another great video my man glad i stumbled onto ur video channel I've been mechanic bout same as u goin on 18yrs now but still always great seein what another great mechanic has to say n info u can get from each other..
Thanks Brotherman. Cheers!
Good review. Looks like a nice kit. I may get one to have an extra set. Heck of a lot better than my expensive gearwrench set that are way too soft and distort on bolts.
This is more for the truck drivers rather than mechanics but I do alot of my own work so I went to the truck stop and got a spare red glad hand for the airline and stuck a 3/8ths quick connect female fitting on it so now I can run my impact in the middle of Wyoming in the winter at a rest area along with a pneumatic wrench I got all my fitting and air hoses from home depot and stuck fittings even on a dual sided tire chuck with a locking valve stem head and gauge and a fitting on an air gun but that glad hand and female fitting is a god send for the drivers out there who don't want to wait 5 hours at a shop to replace an airbag then spend 3 hours in the shop getting it replaced... in one hour ill have it done and I'm gone! It's about 30-40 bucks for the glad hand and the female fitting and some Teflon tape I say it's a must have! Even works with an air hammer for stubborn tandem rail pins!! It's a must have before all other tools in my opinion
I think they give you the 6 points in shallow and 12 points in the deep well so if you need the 12 point sockets you can just switch to the deep wells. It makes some sense I guess. I prefer the u-joint for the sockets to be surrounded by a spring to help keep it straight. Also it's been way too long to change over to metrics. Even the english who invented SAE switched a long time ago.
Love it Justin, not a mechanic, but I love tools!
I don't know if they still make these but Thorsen sockets are some of the best I ever used, super high quality. I would add the biggest channel locks that are made. They come in handy in more situations than you might expect.
Years ago they got bought out and went to extreme junk. But yes the old one where amazing
I found a Kobalt 401 piece set on clearance at Lowes for 200.00 I searched around and settled on it because it didn't have 150 stupid tips,bits,hex keys etc. Mainly real tools. MM and Sae sockets,wrenches,3 ratchets extensions. No screwdrivers pliers but I bought a nice set from Jegs for cheap. No case either included. I found an old blow molded craftsman case on offer up and filled it with Kobalt tools. Bam
I’ll be honest, I just started as a lube tech while I’m in school. At the beginning of the video when you said it was only around a 100 some tool count, I was gonna comment how the craftsman 150/180 some piece starter set was a better deal for the same ish price. But then I kept watching and saw how diverse this tool set is compared to mine, I have all the sockets and ratchets I’ve needed from 1/4-1/2 inch but I’ve literally had to buy everything else. So now I see I truly coulda got a better deal. Great video, thanks for the info 👌👍
Impact gun & I would just go with impact sockets for 1/2”. Otherwise that’s a great starter set & the rest of the list is pretty good. Definitely the gearwrench belt tool. It’s scary when the 3/8 breaks off the long bar on those other ones.
Channellock has a 133 or 123 piece mechanics tool set that is really nice amd more compact at least for junkyard use etc. A magnetic tray, flashlight or worklight, a small or medium pry bar or lady slipper and a quality pair of Irwin wire strippers and you can make it through just about anything. Also maybe duct tape a rivet gun and some epoxy for those bad days....
Adam A i second that. have some of their wrenches and i have been noticing channel lock has some NICE tools. I dont have their kit tho i do however have a bunch of different brands. Everything ive seen from channel lock is nice
Alex58924 17 their quality is pretty decent and there newer sockets and extensions all have the ice knurled areas to help grip and tge sockets have improved from my older set which was already nice... I give i them a A for quality and an Aplus gor customer service as they sent me the big set for free after I had an issue with a couple older sockets in my set.. Funny thing was my old set had 90 tooth ratchets and the nee set has 45 tooth ratchets... So i put my old ratchets in eith the new tool set so I had nice fine ratchets in my to go or car box... Just as nice as my dual 80,s...
You'll also want cartridge oil filter sockets. Any tool truck or Amazon will have a small set that covers just about everything you come across.
I used a C clamp from either walmart or autozone to compress a brake piston once. Snapped it in half while tightening it with just my hands.
I really appreciate the tip of putting electrical tape on loose universal.
Glad you liked. Cheers!
Around Father's Day and Black Friday, Lowe's often has their 227 piece kit on sale for $99. It's a really nice kit for the price, IMO. Add a set of screwdrivers and some pliers, and Robert's your parent's sibling.
Air compressor, air ratchet, cordless 1/2 inch impact. The most time saving tools I have.
I couldn't agree more with you. I recommend that to everyone all the time tbh it's a set I use all the time and they are quality.they carry one that is almost the same but it has 1/2 inch stuff were this one had screwdrivers and that other set don't also no pliers they have different stuff instead.
Of the thousands of TH-cam videos I've watched, I have never heard anyone sneeze. Haha.
lol
Awesome video will be buying this set. I have mostly Milwaukee but I need more tools. Thx mate
I’m not an automotive mechanic but I will definitely say that a set of torque wrenches is a must have. Harbor Freight sells them in all the common drives with their 1/4” drive being an inch-pound designation. And they’re cheap: $12-$20 each
Yeah, but if you're just a parts changer, all you need is an impact wrench!
I'm no beginner, but, I know a bunch of them. I've been working on vehicles for about 40 years, not as a pro, but, friends, neighbors and coworkers seem to consider me a pretty fair mechanic to keep their "junk" running. I actually enjoy it when some of my young coworkers bring their vehicles over after work because they want to learn how to maintain them. Those 20 somethings make this 50 year old feel young! However, we drink Busch in my shop lol! Anyway, I have a few suggestions for a beginner that you didn't mention. First-a basic OBD II reader. Even most work beaters these days are OBD II. I have a basic one from H-F that you can buy for about $40 and it works great. No, it won't read ABS or SRS codes, but, they have others there that do. I'm just starting to work on newer stuff (because of these "kids") so I'm sure I'll upgrade my OBD II scanner in the near future. Second-a good 1/4" cordless impact driver along with the adapters that allow using it with sockets. Mine is a DeWalt 20v brushless that I bought on sale for $100. Obviously, there are less expensive ones available that are just as good. I bought the DeWalt because my other cordless stuff is all DeWalt so I can use the same batteries. Third-for home gamers like me, a good floor jack and at least 1 set of jack stands is probably more valuable than the other things I mentioned. I absolutely LOVE my H-F 3 ton jack. It replaced my old Craftsman 3 ton and has served me faithfully for about 5 years. With the $80 (or so) coupon that's ALWAYS floating around, this jack is a no brainer. I also have at least 6 pairs of jack stands, but, my go to sets are always the 3 ton H-F sets. You can usually find coupons for them priced under $20. As I said, I love being in the shop with younger people and having an ice cold Busch with them after doing my best to help them learn how to maintain their vehicles. The biggest problem that I have is trying to keep them from drooling, not on my tools, but, on my '74 Camaro, and, my '78 GMC K-35! I'm glad that they appreciate classics like them though.
had mine for 2 years and i can tell you its been a good set. i don´t know about this one because i got mine when the plastic was a darker blue and haven´t looked to see if they are the same quality being the lighter blue case...
Your version of a "little" bit of play vary's a "little" bit from mine. Lol great video keep it up.
for the diesel/equipment guys go heavy on the america sizes and light on the metric sizes and the cars guys are the opposite!
your rite us heavy diesel guys can throw the metric out the window i have a box full of both used to work on cars so have a whole bunch of metric but now am diesel so got way more standard but my standards go way way bigger than metric which all diesel tech's I'm sure do
yeah i went my 1st year with only like 4 metric sockets and like 3 metric wrenches worked out fine but i got full sets now
only metric i really use are 8mm 10mm 13mm 24mm and 33mm which you can use 1 5/16 for a 33mm
I'll use 1 5/16 instead of a 33 for big truck lugs a 1 5/16 feels tighter on most to me neway sum guys in my shop'll use a 33mm.. I've got both but jus prefer standard since most everything else is standard..but I am noticing on the newer trucks they r startin to use metric
yeah i noticed that too! i did an egr cooler and only used metric! i used a 15mm! what? i have never used a 15mm before!
DeWalt and Kobalt both US based company, both have lifetime warranty, Kobalt seems to be better is the same US company that'd made Craftsman tools before they sold out to China. I also hear techs complain about the 1/2" ratchet in the 204 piece set that comes with the DeWalt, any input or feedback be great, starting out soon, better/durable teeth on ratchets and which have less chance of rounding nuts and bolts.
Cheers Justin 🍻
I would trade the bottle opener for a light. Nice video.
Awls are great for lining up screw holes. The actual tool for that is called an alignment punch but an Awl works great.
Youd be surprised how well them kobalt ratchets hold up. Ive piped wrench axle nut off a 2002 2500hd with the 3/8ths one
Nice set, beer bottle opener is the cherry on the shake!
Had a little trouble finding the kit -- turns out if you look for a Kobalt "mechanic's tool set," you get a lot of options but none of them are the kit you've got here. (Makes a big difference -- this is a nice kit! The others don't have as good a breadth of tools, imho. Though holy crap who needs this many full-size screwdrivers. Waste of space. Only complaint.)
Did a little digging, and it turns out this isn't the 100-piece "mechanic's tool set" -- this is the 100-piece "household tool set." Kobalt p/n is 89998. Hope that helps folks looking for it.
I like that he always has a beer in hand.
I will preface this comment by saying i am a heavy equipment tech but the set seems like a decent value, just my 2 cents if it was me i would add some twist flip sockets for stripped lugs and wheel locks as well as the harbor freight lugnut flip sockets if you want to go cheap, also i would reccomend buying a band oil filter wrench that has interchangeable bands so you can just switch band sizes and not have to worry about having 4 band wrenches taking up space but awesome video and seems like a decent value for someone starting out
This set is a "Household Tool Set" on Lowe's website. While it does have a good assortment of tools, it has Phillips screwdrivers. A JIS driver can be safety used on Phillips fasteners, but a Phillips will strip the heads of JIS fasteners A interchangable long bit JIS set of #1, #2 and #3 is around $15. I'd have a starting mechanic buy gloves and an LED bar light before getting any more tools, and for auto work jackstands and fender cover,.
Thanks for the Suggested Items. Good Call on the fender cover. Cheers!
Also a good thing to keep on hand is a Small Roll of Black Electrical Tape and Small Roll of Duct Tape, also a Good Pair of Wire Strippers that has the Cutting and crimping features. I even keep a pair Wiss Brand Straight Jaw sheet metal cutters in my vehicle to cut all types of items with if I would need to but I could add a few more things to have for basic tool needs but it would be a huge size comment
Great video and i agree that is a very good starter kit
Great video, and I know you couldn't cover everything, but a pair of Wire Crimpers would be essential. Cheers!
One important feature on these sockets and wrenches is they have the wall drive style broach design, if you look they do not grab right on the points of the bolt head, but rather right behind it on the flats - this allows for much higher torque application and far less chance of stripping the bolt heads, the play is deceiving with wall drive not as critical. Any good wrench or socket worth its salt these days has this wall drive feature, its an important one that really gives a solid grip on the bolt.
missing flash light/ pen light
Good for you man, Trying to help the people just starting out is great. When I first started out, IT WAS NOT EASY & people talkin shit and giving ya shit because you dont have a 200dollar wrench is not possible for everyone. Honestly I say buy made in USA BUT!, Do not get in debt unless youre sure. Also, I bought cheap stuff then bought good stuff I needed. Also If you buy Impact sockets for everyday use, you dont need the chrome ones. I get shit for this 😂 But You can just buy impact sockets and only have impact sockets. Someone told me about them being in debt and I started thinkin, its alright to buy haborfreight but My point is if you should buy a decent tool that is made in the usa that isnt always off the tool truck, dont buy habor freight then off the tool truck. I spent a lot if money and put miles on my car always warrantying out tools. Im telling constant warranty a tool can cost ya money.
I always try to buy HF impacts Sockets when. I need Sockets or even hex etc.
The sockets are supposed to have play so that the pressure is applied to the side of the head of the fastener and not on the corner so you don't round them off on the corners and that is why the open ends are snug as opposed to the closed ends.
Nice kit well rounded
My story with Kobalt stuff: 15-18 years ago or so I was in need of some new impact sockets when I happened to be at Lowes and saw they had a set that was on sale. At the time I was only working on old muscle cars and bought the standard set. Beat on those for a few years when I changed focus to modern junk and all their metricness. I thought you know...those Kobalts are holding up ok so went and bought a deep and shallow set in metric at Lowes. Been beating on these impact sockets for years and the ONLY issue I can report is where the anvil attaches on the 19mm socket is wallered out to the point where its starting to wobble on the anvil. That aside...no complaints. Yeah the sockets are thicker than Snap-ons or other truck brands but its rare when I have to put the Kobalt away for that reason. The only other Kobalt tool I own is a pneumatic die grinder which has held up fairly well too. Not going to say Kobalt is great because I have limited experience with there stuff but the stuff I do have has really impressed.
I know this list is for newer "techs" or "DIYers" just starting out... And I don't even know if this categorizes as a "tool" but I find myself always using the cheap Bluetooth OBD2 scanners along with the torque app (or similar). I'm sure a professional scan tool can do a better job but they are expensive. For $20 bucks this thing can at least point you in the right direction and you can use Google from there and do some research.
So a must-have tool for me, a cheap obd2 scanner & a cellphone. I carry one in my glovebox at all times. I find myself pulling it out much more than actually wrenching on something. Sometimes my engine won't feel or sound right but doesn't have a code. There are about 75 sensors that you can setup as it's own on-screen gauge and watch live as you drive the vehicle and sometimes catch a problem before it even starts. Technology is great. Awesome video, nice set.
Great video Justin! Been looking for one for to throw in the truck for mobile repairs.
That is a great starter set and if you have say a 500 budget you still have money for mor specalist stuff great video and a blow lamp (blue tourch) is a must i use it everyday lol
I wasn't ready, no beer in hand but I still enjoyed the video, sockets look handy and all the tools in the top for quick access, gotta upgrade the bottle opener to snap on if ur drinking on the job! Lol
I looked up the dodge tool is it the lisle 57030 for diesel and gas?
I have some kobalt diagonal cutters and they feel too good in the hand but I prefer the ones I got from a harbor freight pack with a spring to keep them open!
Great tool kit brother👍🔧 i would go with impact for 1/2inch drive because they are more heavy duty & come in bigger size set.
Lone Star Auto till ur in a tight spot the impact socket won't fit. Overall yes that's a good way to save some bucks but will put u in a bind sometimes as well
Agreed. I have found that the Harbor freight impact sockets work out very well over time. At least that has been my experience. Cheers!
The thing that sucks is even if you have a socket with awesome fitment I find that bolts aren't always that accurate so not a lot ya can do about that
When I started out my career I bought something very similar, still have all of the tools in my tool box.
I really started in the Army after going to a mechanics course and reporting to a unit I was issued a tool box with very little more to work with and that was all I ever got.
Great video