I use to do most of my own car repairs when I was younger, use to change engines and have rebuilt some. But now days when I look under the hoods of today's vehicles I would suggest a credit card & cell phone for roadside break downs.

I think a good Craftsman set can still be found. Just be wary when shopping. 150 pcs in one set may be 2/3 screw driver bits and allen wrenches but another set may be almost entirely sockets which would be preferred.

1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets, standard and metric sockets for each including deep wells, Channellock pliers in 2 sizes, regular pliers, needle nose pliers in the same brand, assorted cutting pliers (wire cutter type, especially micros) pipe wrench, assorted wrenches in standard and metric, a claw hammer, ball peen hammer and small handheld sledge, couple good pry bars (harbor freight), assorted screw drivers in both philips and slot head.

Go with a good brand like Craftsman, Kobalt, but not a top tier brand like SnapOn or Mac. Cheaper no name tools will break and bust your knuckles.

If you are looking at socket sets, I would favor buying a 6 point socket set over a 12 point, particularly if it is your first or only set.

A 12 foot tape measure was suggested. I would recommend a 6-12' in your junk drawer in the house, and three different ones in your tool kit. A 12, 25, and a 50(or100). I've got Stanley 12' tapes in all our vehicles as well.

A good Stanley knife with extra blades. I prefer the style that is held together by a single screw. The ones that click together or have a gimmick latch always seem to break on me.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DanPatWork,

Husky rolling tool chest with upper tier add on.

It just occurred to me that recommending a book or three might be a good idea. I have one on plumbing, electrical, woodworking, trim, etc. I don't remember the titles off the top of my head, but I'm sure there's a basic handyman book that the OP could start with.

Here is a pretty good deal for Lowe's 232 piece tool set.

I would use this as a base and then add what else might be needed. My order of next priority for home stuff, Dewalt 20V impact and drill set, impact drill set. Large channel locks and needle nose pliers.

Then when stuff breaks you still won't have what you need and will need to get more tools.

Man rule #62, For any new project you will always need new tools to do the job right! Never let a new project go to waste and not get new tools!

Mechanic type tools aren't needed much around the house so sockets and wrenches aren't the most useful. I don't carry much for tools in my truck because with cars today I couldn't do much on the side of the road anyway.

Cordless drill with bits (drill and driver)
Stanley 25' tape and several smaller tapes
Channel locks, dykes, needle nose pliers
Screwdrivers
Hammer
Cordless circular saw can be very handy

Its a start. Remember, buy cheap, buy twice

Irwin 9-in-1 screwdriver. Use it all the time - square drive is great for electrical work.

Nebo Torchy Redline. Has a clip and a magnetic base so you can work hands free.

https://www.amazon.com/NEBO-10...y%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-2

quote:

Originally posted by sns3guppy:
Get a decent LED light that runs a long time, that doesn't roll, and has the ability to be clipped to something. There are no shortage of places where you'll run out of hands, and need illumination.

Clips are great. So are magnets. If you can find a light with both, that’s even better.

A bubble level.

quote:

Originally posted by slosig:

quote:

Originally posted by sns3guppy:
Get a decent LED light that runs a long time, that doesn't roll, and has the ability to be clipped to something. There are no shortage of places where you'll run out of hands, and need illumination.

Clips are great. So are magnets. If you can find a light with both, that’s even better.

Go with a headlamp.

A stud finder.

For minor repairs around the home :
Claw hammer
screwdriver set
Channel Locks
Needle nose pliers
Drill and bits
Jig saw and blades
Circular saw and blades
Level
Square
Extension cords
Multimeter
Wire brush
Linemans pliers
wire strippers

That's a start .

DO NOT!! Buy Kobalt sockets !! Tiny shallow markings impossible to read the markings and the plastic toolbox they come in jam up every time you open the drawers! Do not buy any left hand metric vicegrips! This is an important tool to send annoying helpers after!

Knipex Cobra pliers.

One of these to accumulate everything into. At my home, I can fix 80% of what goes wrong with the tools I have stored in this bucket.

What about a 10" cresent wrench(knuckle buster) and a slip joint pipe wrench. ......................... drill sgt.

WRT gunsmithing.....or even taking the grips off your 1911,Mauser88, 1903....having the right sized screwdriver is important to not fucking up your gun’s screws....

https://www.brownells.com/guns...r-sets--prod417.aspx

Buy once cry once.