Good set of tools for the boy?

[oosik]

All my hand tools are 30 years old, or older. I have Craftsman, Proto, Mac, Snap-On and UKN. I've only had a "problem" with one socket. Chrome plating began to flake off. I now use a set of impact sockets for a lot of jobs on the tractor and implements. No chrome to flake - higher structural strength - no worries about breaking.

 

[LittleBill21]

Craftsman, cobalt, and NAPA are all the same exact sockets. I worked at the plant that made them...Danaher Tool Group. The metal was the same, and the heat treatment and the plating were all the same. Some of the Matco sockets were also the same and some went through a different heat treat (the 1/2" and larger drive).

do you mean kobalt? the lowes brand?

 

[Torvy]

I have 2 sons, (26 & 22 at present). I went with get them mid-range tools and broad sets that can handle what life throws at them. If they were professional wrench turners or farmers who depend on tools to make a living, then maybe consider the top shelf brands.

A better question, perhaps, than what brand is "what tools does a 18 y/o need starting out?" Of course circumstances will dictate some of it. Both of mine could have inherited some nice original Craftsman tools from my dad, but they both have cut themselves off from grandparents over politics. Would you rather your son has a really nice, high-end plier of a set of 4 mid-range that handle different tasks?

As long as connections are standard, mixing brands is fine, too. Got the oldest a set of Dewalt tools with a box. The younger one was pretty envious that Christmas. Got some Kobalt for them, too at times. Neither are especially handy, but both have apartments with girlfriend, so they feel the need to handle 'guy stuff'.

 

[ultrarunner]

My 10 year old niece asked for a Milwaukee drill/driver set for Christmas… she was using mine when we replaced all the utility trailer wood plus other projects…

She was so happy and even more so when my brother has to ask her to use it.

She is 22 now and still has all the tools I gave her.

At 8 I gave her a stater set of Craftsman tools in a small canvas duffel.

It was at her birthday party with 12 other 8-9 year old girls and the moms were amazed the girls all gravitated to the tools and left Barbie behind.

Only two things I gave the kids growing up… tools and US $5 gold coins…

By the time they were 18 they had a nice assortment from Stanley, Klein, Greenlee plus assorted Craftsman.

The then 18 year old took her Craftsman duffel off to college and she was the only one in the dorm with any kind of tools… no one had even a screwdriver…

12 in 1 screwdriver, wide opening wrench, sliplock pliers, hammer, tape, vice grip, torpedo level, assorted torx type bits etc…

 

[MossRoad]

I gave both of my daughters tool bags with home-owner repair type tools when they got their own apartments. Hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, small level, tape measure... that kind of thing. We add to them every year. Both will tackle small jobs and like to be independent.

 

[Sigarms]

A better question, perhaps, than what brand is "what tools does a 18 y/o need starting out?" Of course circumstances will dictate some of it.

At this point, the kid has shown me he could use some good "car tools". I had to work the office today and he texted me the pictures of himself removing the interior car door to wire that new seat adjuster he bought.

After looking at his pictures, I asked him how he wired it. He texted me this back showing me how he ran the wire LOL

Those yellow pliers are mine, and my dad gave me those.

Got a chuckle. He tells me "Dad, you know how much they wanted for that car seat adjuster? Over $300 and that didn't include labor! You know how much money I saved?!" He was actually proud of his work and he put the interior car door back together and you would never have known he had taken it apart.

We were never the types of parents to spend large amounts of money on our kids, but I'd like to put a smile on his face before he ships out (generally, the only time they got "Gifts" was a their birthdays and Christmas.

 

[K5lwq]

Both of mine could have inherited some nice original Craftsman tools from my dad, but they both have cut themselves off from grandparents over politics.

Sad we live in a time when politics would t r u m p family! But it does happen. (Wow can’t even use the ex presidents name when you are not even thinking about him. )

For tools, I think my boys have built their tool chest from mine. I noticed over the years my tool collection is getting smaller as theirs is growing.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I use end wrenches as often as I use sockets, and a set of SAE and metric end wrenches with sockets and a ratchet are a good start. I bought a Bosch battery driver that has both screwdriver hex and 1/2" drive. It's rare that I have to get the impact wrench out. Battery drivers have quite a bit of torque. I would go with sets of SAE and metric impact sockets, deep well if you have to make a choice, a ratchet and breaker bar.

I also use 1/4" drive sockets quite a bit with adapters. Don't forget socket extensions. Sometimes the only way to get to a nut is with a long extension. There are so many whacko fasteners used today, a hex driver bit set is great, but I have to replace them from time to time. I've never found a set that will hold up. If he has to get a headlight off, there's a good chance it will be some weird fastener.

 

[Birdhunter1]

For a store brand I haven't been let down by Kobalt Tools from Lowes. The home depot line they carry in house are on par, I have so much in Craftsman and Klein hand tools that just aren't breaking. Crescent and channel lock are two of my favorites when it comes to price and quality.

 

[BravoXray]

Not to derail the thread, but the other day on my morning walk I found a Craftsman 41581 3/16" flat blade screwdriver laying in the road. A little scarred up from being run over, but in good shape. It's actually my favorite type flat blade screwdriver, I think I already have four others in various toolboxes.