Just wondering what the prevailing opinion on a good basic tool set would be?

Not really looking for one to keep in the car (I did see that thread), mind you, but an "off the shelf set" that has most of the basic tools needed to do the bulk of maintenance on a Monte (ie. brakes, gaskets, etc). What additional tools outside of a basic set would be recommended (torque wrench, for example)?

Looking at so many, I don't want to waste money on a set that has a crap ton of things I'll never use.

Or would buying "a la carte" be a better idea?

 

I got one of those Xtreme Access Kobalt tool sets it does everything i need as far as a socket set

 

You don't even want me to chime in.



just sockets, 4 more sets than are in the pic

 

That is one nice set up lol

 

That's only part of it. My cart is not pictured.

 

what's the point of so many sockets? lol

 

I have several set's of craftsman tools. Just starting out I would recommend a socket set that has 1/4,3/8 and 1/2 inch drive Something like this
sets.154 pc. Mechanics Tool Set- Craftsman-Tools-Tool Sets-Mechanics Tool Sets I would also get an oil filter wrench, a plier set with some channel locks, and a screwdriver assortment. Also I have a set of ratcheting wrenches and I love them. This should get you through most repairs and then you can add other specialty tools as you need them.

Oh yeah the other nice thing is it's all in a nice labeled plastic case so you know if they are all back in there when you finish. And they are guaranteed for life

 

X2 I have a similar Craftsman set that I keep in the car almost all of the time. Along with a cheap harbor freight aluminum racing jack and aluminum stands. And a spare

A set as pictured above should get you by for quite a while. I hope to expand my set once I'm out of a college and have a larger garage

 

I work on cars for a living. It take a multitude of sockets to be able to get into certain areas or do certain things.

 

I like the ratcheting wrenchs...But I was raised old school and prefer a speed wrench to a ratchet. But a good craftsman socket set from sears is a good start...(Has the basics)

But I like aussieks setup....A good mechanic (does it for a liveing)needs all the bells and whistles for sure!

Im a retired backyard (shadetree) Racer Mechanic....

But thanks to girlfriends, wives, friends...My collection really grew over time...Xmas , B days, etc....and the rest i just accumulated over the years....

So, just pick up the bascis and pickup things as you go for sure....
I like the Harbor freight lite weight floor jack as well...