Just curious what mechanic tool sets you guys prefer.
Also what "starter mechanic tool sets" you guys recommend for around 200.00
I know you cannot get a lot of great tools for that much, I just want a good set to keep in my trunk, something like this maybe.
I know Pittsburgh are not great quality tools, but I am pretty sure they have a lifetime warranty, and they would suit my needs fine, I am just curious if there are any better sets for the money.
Professional Mechanic'* Tool Set - 301 Piece

I like Craftsman, but I feel the quality of their tools has dropped a lot over the years.
If they were as good as they used to be I'd spend extra and get these, but too much money, and it comes in a cardboard box..


I also like Kobalt, but they can get pricey..

Craftsman. If you have concerns with that choice, get Craftsman. If you would rather buy something other than that, buy Craftsman. If you just can't make up your mind, buy Craftsman.


Most of my tools are Craftsman or Harbor Freight.

Be careful when buying a tool set. Sometimes a 300 piece set has 50 screw driver bits, 60 allen wrenches and 20 screw drivers.

Craftsman are what my great grandfather swore by, he partially raised me, and taught me a little about using tools, and a little about cars, he was one of the greatest influences on my life.
So I'll take that as 2 votes for Craftsman, I'll only go with the HFT set if money is tight when I am ready to buy.
Thanks Roy.

I've only broken a few Craftsman tools and a few Kobalt tools. For general home/garage use, they are fine. But in the commercial heavy duty garage, I say no. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Last year, I broke my 1/2" drive Craftsman breaker bar. Took it to Sears and they were in awe that I broke it. I didn't tell them what I was using it on, they still replaced it. I ended up upgrading to a MATCO version. Much better.

I have heard about how good MATCO tools are, if I ever become an actual mechanic I'll probably get some, as I believe in getting the best tools I can get, as I'd rather buy them once, and not have to deal with returning broken tools unless really necessary.

I'd love to have this as a starter set!
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...L-SERVICE-SET/

I have a mixture of Craftsman, Kobalt, and Harbor Freight. I'd recommend Kobalt due to the fact if you buy Craftsman, you may not be able to get them replaced as easily. Sears Holdings Corporation has been dying and bleeding off stores for years now. Lowe'* is around to stay and if you break a Kobalt hand tool, they'll replace it on the spot in store for ya just like Sears does Craftsman.

Yeah I remember back when Sears and K-Mart had the merger, and the merger did not go well, and I think Sears closed a lot of K-mart stores, so there are not as many places to go to get the tools replaced.
In construction I used a few Kobalt tools, always liked the quality of them.

Hmmm, that HFT 301 piece tool set is really tempting me, with the code they give me for Mother'* Day it is 150.00
Not too bad of a deal, of course atm I really do not need it, but then again I don't have a good set to carry in the car in case of emergencies.

Went ahead and jumped on the deal, 165.00 total shipped, not bad really, and now I'll have a nice set to keep in the car in case of emergencies, granted it is a bit big of a set for that, I like being prepared for anything.