So I'm making a Christmas list for my parents (per their request) and I was thinking I should get some tools. The only tools I have are a couple cable cutter/stripper and some screwdrivers. I could probably count all my tools on one hand (shamefully). I've always lived with someone who had tools, so I've never bought my own. So, I was just curious what I should get. I want a pretty reasonable (under $200) set of just hand tools, for mostly car work and a little bit of household stuff that I might encounter. I want something nice, and as comprehensive as possible. I don't know what brands are best, or what sets I should get, if any. So just ideas of things I should get, or tools that I should include, would be helpful. I thought this might be a good place to ask. :P To sum up, I basically want a decent set of tools for car work, car stereo work, and just odds and ends. Preferably in a set, and preferably under $200. You guys can feel free to laugh at me if my budget is way off base.

You can do most stereo work with a set of strippers and crimpers, and most car work will be done with a 10mm, 13mm, and 15mm.

This should be fun. I've been where you are right now. Lemme investigate a bit and see if I can find you that perfect starter set under 200 smackers.

Start with This:

http://www.sears.com/shc/*/p_10153_1...nics+Tool+Sets

And this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/*/p_10153_1...26+Accessories

And a couple crimpers and strippers of your choice. That'll easily come in under the 200 limit, and give you a great start on tools.

Thanks, those pretty much look exactly like what I want. I need to collect all my crimpers/strippers now and see what I've got...they're scattered about in different drawers and stuff.

I wonder what my mom would say when I ask for a couple new strippers for Christmas.

Ahhh....the truth comes out. If you already have those, strike them from the list and put a small toolbox on the list instead.

http://www.sears.com/shc/*/p_10153_1...eyword=toolbox

A toolbox is good to have, but I would start with one of those Craftsman (lifetime warranty) tool sets with a plastic organizer carrying case like willwren posted. If it was me though, I would hold out for one with screwdrivers and a couple of different styles of pliers. Get the biggest set you can find.
It is extremely handy to have all that stuff in its own case like that. What I carry around with me is an old army bag and it seems like what I need is always on the bottom, so it'* dig or dump.

SEars makes some good sets in that price range. A set of open end wrenches, and a set of 3/8 drive sockets will get most things done under the hood. You could also pick up a small floor jack. I think Sears has one with jack stands for under $20. Word of advice, if you get a jack, get jack stands, never go under your car without them. Perhaps a oil filter wrench woudl be a good idea. Lastly, a nice box, I like ones with drawers, helps keep things orginized.

Ive recently been finding ratcheting box ends and stubby ratchets to be a complete godsend.

They arent usually part of a standard tool kit, but even the cheapies I got from Harbor Freight have served me pretty good, I can only imagine what a real set would be like.

Just throwing some more ideas into the pot.

A cheap torque wrench might not be a bad idea either. Most ones for working on a car would be 1/2 inch drive, but they usually come with a converter to 3/8 or you can buy one for a couple bucks.

I use this, this, and this for home use, haven't gotten the spare money together to start accumulating my professional tools yet, though, so they are effectively my "professional" tools outside of school too.

I'm thinking of going with that craftsman mechanic tool set, a pliers set, and a multimeter since I know I have a big collection of screwdrivers lying around in various drawers (just not all a matching set). I'd get some jackstands but as it is right now, my friend has some really nice ones that he lets me borrow (since we always work on my car together, anyways), so I'll hold off on those until I have spare money.

I just really need some tools. It'* a shame when you can't take out your intake in your own garage without calling a friend to bring some tools over.