Looking to build a starter tool set

[anml726]

I'm an autobody student, and I'm looking to begin buying tools to get me started in the field. What are some essentials that I should have to start in the field and any specific brand for each tool. So far I have a 7 pc. Mac tools Hammer and Dolly set, Craftsman high speed sander and DA, Iwata LPH 400LV gun, 3M Dura Block Sanding blocks, Hutchins Hustler Model 2000 Straightline sander and various sockets, ratchets and screw drivers. Are these all decent brands of tools(i know craftsman isn't exactly respected very well) and anything else I should have?

[Ranchero_65]

I'm no pro but sounds to me like you already have a dang good start.

[Len]

I'm an autobody student, and I'm looking to begin buying tools to get me started in the field. What are some essentials that I should have to start in the field and any specific brand for each tool. So far I have a 7 pc. Mac tools Hammer and Dolly set, Craftsman high speed sander and DA, Iwata LPH 400LV gun, 3M Dura Block Sanding blocks, Hutchins Hustler Model 2000 Straightline sander and various sockets, ratchets and screw drivers. Are these all decent brands of tools(i know craftsman isn't exactly respected very well) and anything else I should have?

Are you looking for tools in order to work is a shop or are you planning on working in your own garage where you'll need to purchase welding equipment, compressor etc.?

[TimG]

If you're just starting out,ANY name brand tool w/ a warranty,including Craftsman,is a GOOD tool!
Nothing drives me nuts like seeing a kid that's been brainwashed into the "I only buy Snap On" mentality,or worse,the "Boss doesn't pay me enough to buy tools"
These are the guys that think my box is full of "Shop" tools!
SK makes a good line of hand tools,reasonably priced,Steck makes a lot of bodywork specific tools,KD/Lisle is another name that comes to mind.
One thing I would suggest would be a 1/4" air rachet,and a set of deep and shallow metric sockets to match.Again,NOTHING WRONG w/ Craftsman,they make a real decent air ratchet for less than 50 bucks.
I'd suggest you get the basics,sounds like you've got a good head start,once you get into a shop,see what the other guys use constantlly,and more importantly,what works for YOU.
Good Luck!

[anml726]

Thanks for the info, actually an air ratchet was one of the next things on my list. I'm looking to build a good set for starting in a shop. Right now I work part time in a shop just doing basic body work and sanding, and I feel bad for using the other guy's tools so I want to start getting some of my own. Didn't know though if one brand stood out above another or what brands to stay away from, or even if it mattered all that much.

[casey]

Keep in mind that many times "off brand " air tools (harbor freight ,etc) can be real air hogs , the person in the market for a super cheap tool for occasional use is the one least likely to have a compressor that can run it.

Ray

[Len]

Thanks for the info, actually an air ratchet was one of the next things on my list. I'm looking to build a good set for starting in a shop. Right now I work part time in a shop just doing basic body work and sanding, and I feel bad for using the other guy's tools so I want to start getting some of my own. Didn't know though if one brand stood out above another or what brands to stay away from, or even if it mattered all that much.

There's a lot of competition to make tools that perform better at a lower price but usually you get what you pay for. I'd say a good air rachet is an excellent addition to your box as are good screwdrivers like SK brand kit below that costs $59. or you can purchase inexpensive kits for as little as $15. but remember "YGWYPF".

IR and CP make many decent 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" air ratches and they mostly run between $60 and $200 depending on the quality of the tool. I usually end up using and selling more of the ones that run around $90 to $120.

If you want prices let me know.

[Len]

There are a couple of specialty screwdrivers that we use a lot. The first is one that can remove small screws that are difficult to remove or in hard places to get at.

This very handy, good quality Lisle ratcheting palm driver costs $15.95

A good set of openends and box combination wrenches are always in use, I'd recommend that you don't purchase the "best" yet get a set between $50 and $80. You'll need both metric and fractional wrenches and sockets.

An excellent hammer and dolly set is the Dagger Kit below, it sells for $139.95

Hammer and Dolly Link

One of the busiest tools in our shop is the little CP air grinder with Norton Grinding Disks on it. This tool costs $49.95.

Grinder Link

I could go on with air sanders, file boards, blow guns, metal cutting tools, stud welders, porta power kits, other hand tools.... the list goes on forever.