Tools That A Beginner Should Buy 

I'm a 26 year vet in the field, with 5 years in a diesel/hydraulic construction machines shop. I had to quit the field when my wife got cancer and I had to become her full time caretaker and I had to sell off all my tools, diagnostic equipment and everything in between. I had Snap On/Blue Point to Matco to Hear Wrench and everything in between plus all my boxes in order to pay for her treatments and rent, medications, etc..and I had to sell fast and I got a fraction of what my shit was worth and cried. After 8 years of fighting, cancer finally took her from me 8 months ago...and now I'm just getting my motivation back to move on and having to start buying everything back. I'm on a budget but Gear Wrench was ALWAYS good to me so I picked up the 236 set from Home Depot for $200. Had the wrenches, 1/4 & 3/8 sockets, and all the euro sockets. Went with Rigid 1/2 Impact, Pittsburgh impact sockets, line wrenches , new Milwaukee vice lock vice grips, I still have some Snap On pliers assorted, still alive Blue Point wire strippers and crimpers. I bought the Pittsburgh Pro Long handle flex head 72 took 3/8 ratchet, it's never failed me. Have some other SK, Gear Wrench ratchets, got a 19 piece Husky 1/4-1/2 extension set for $20. Pick set, pet bar set, Neiko magnetized screwdriver set, a couple Milwaukee hammer tip screwdrivers a couple different lights and magnets. Then rebought new Foxwell scanner with ABS autobleed, TopDon battery/alternator/starter tester, 24 piece caliper piston set, a caliper push tool, a new power probe, volt meter and test light, then of course wheel hub socket set, and then there's for oil changes, got the smaller cannisters sockets up to 27mm then all the Toyota, jaguar, range Rover etc, 64.3mm cannisters sockets, adjustable filter wrench plus the little three arm adjustable filter tool. 3/8/1/2 spin type torque wrenches, T Handle alley key set, bolt extractor set, rethread set, ball joint separator This is all I've been able to get back so far. Shit I still need a decent 3/8 cordless ratchet, then all my gauge testers (compression kit, oil pressure/ fuel injector & pump tester, coolant system pressure/antifreeze tester, spark tester/trans preassure test), Gear Wrench O2,TVS,PVS, Oil pressure sending unit, thermal sensor & vacumm senaor socket set, wheel bearing press, slide hammer, ball joint seperator/pitman arm set, Pickle fork set, Offset, S shape and Half Moon wrench sets, tie rod and serpentine belt set, snap ring plier set and brake bleeder kit. Plus a new jack, jack stands and a new box (bit only when I go back to work in a shop, can't have that in my apartment). Sorry for the long post but I just felt better taking the time to write it out because since my wife past away, I've became a recluse and have nobody really to talk to so getting this out just makes me feel that little bit better. And I'm sure I'm missing a bunch of stuff but I can't believe I'm saying this but looking forward to getting back to help people and try saving them money and warning them about all the shitty scams in our line of work. So of you read to the end, from deep down thank you for reading. And I wish all you young oil changers just starting out a long career and moving up that ladder from lube guy, to C mechanic, B, A, Master..I truly wish you all well! ✌️ & ❤️

1/4” is best used on interior of cars 3/8” is best for under hood of cars and 1/2” is best for suspension and under cars

When your impact driver has more torque than the car you work on... XD

Tekton doesn't skip sizes, available on amazon and affordable too! Reliable quality

Pro tip,buy Tekton brand stuff...they don't skip sockets have matco/snap on level quality on most or their tools and have a great always warranty you don't even have to be the original owner. Tekton is the best quality for price I've seen.

Certainly one of the most informative videos that I have seen so far! The 37 minute duration kinda held me back from watching it, but boy, it was worth every second. Sir, you are naturally gifted teacher!

I got my Craftsman mechanic's set about 20 years ago, and it is a VERY complete set. 101 pc socket set without bits to increase their numbers. No skipped sizes, and some odd sizes like 4mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, and lots of 32nds in the 1/4" drive. Still using it today. Set #33101

Great information. I am scrappy home mechanic with a knack for tools. You did a fine job. Lowes offers quite complete pliers sets for a decent price. Keep up the good work.

this is the best beginner/DIY essential tools Video I've seen so far. I go to harbor freight for everything when I started collecting tools. These tools you talk about are starters and replaceable later on as you slowly learn what you use and abuse most. that's when you spend a good penny for specific tools such as sockets, wrenches, pry bars, torque wrench etc... One thing I learned is that leverage is king in automotive repairs. 3/8 drive ratchet and sockets can get 80% of jobs done... but that ratchet better be able to handle 17mm and up torque specs. I usually use 1/2 ratchet anything above 15mm if it fits. From my experience I use 1/2 drive regardless of location if space allows. Let the tool do the work for you. I've wrestled with too many sockets using hand tools when an impact gun or long handle would of done it the first time lol

Your first craftsman set is identical to mine. I just want to thank you for all the videos you post. Very helpful on my 2003 530i. I've had to replace my radiator and heater pipes. The video where you re,move the intake manifold is priceless. My engine isn't identical to yours but it's very similar. The only trouble I'm having trouble with is rewriting the harness, I seem to have a couple of extra plugs. I'll figure it out eventually and I just wanted to express my appreciation.

I must say superb advice, in my day we didn’t have an advisory service like you, i use side cutters all the time working on electric bikes and indeed different tools now compared to when i was working on vehicles, yes it is surprising how useful pick tools are, a light i use a head torch. Do keep the video’s coming thank you.

Those squared jaw vise grips have saved me more times than I can count. Definitely a must have.

Great introduction for me the beginner. Gets right to the point and adds very helpful anecdotal insights. Thanks!

Thanks for this video. I was looking to put together a basic tool bag for road emergencies and this helped a lot!

Thank you for doing this vid! It was extremely helpful to me when I decided to start fixing/working on my own vehicles. I bought Grey Pneumatic Dou socket set based on the recommendation in this video and because ETCG also recommended them. I have been very happy with them and haven't had any problems with them since I got them a couple years ago. Although, as mentioned in the vid I don't tend to use the included ratcheting socket wrench because I am either using a nicer version(higher tooth count or specialized for dealing with certain situations) from another brand or, I am using the sockets on a power tool.

Thank you so much! I'm an absolute beginner and I'm very grateful to have all this experience put together in a quick video tutorial. Liked and subscribed :-)

this was a super helpful vid! every time you said "pretty much all the pros" i could only imagine mr. regular doing his harry voice saying "this is the one the PROS have!"

I always come back this video every few months as I build out my tools. Thanks for the video

Visegrips come in handy a lot. And allen/torx socket sets are good to have when changing brake pads on most cars. Also if you can't afford a breaker bar or only a wrench will fit a cheater bar is essential, I just use a 2.5ft old pipe. It's always the worst times when you need them.

Back in the day, they skipped sizes in metric when they included the close equivalent in SAE. For example, you mentioned that they skipped 16 mm, but often 5/8 in is there and will work especially for 6 point. You need to know your close equivalents. Still no skips is always better and less likely to strip a fastener. I agree with your recommendations and advice.

12 point sockets are not just for 12 point fasteners. Before we had ratchets with high tooth count the 12 point sockets were used so you could get on a fastener you could with 6 point.

I usually don’t comment on videos, but this is one of the most informative videos on RU-vid. Great job!

Thanks for the video. I am 51 and I learned a thing or three today!

I'm a heavy equipment mechanic and I use the grey pneumatic 3/8 set. It's a good set.

Don't just rush out and buy all these tools brand new, go to some estate and yard/garage sales, and pawn shops, sometimes you can find brand name tools like Snap-On, Mac, the old Craftsman stuff (don't really matter now though because its not like you can take it to Sears and get them replaced when they break :( ).

I have a HF 3/8 and 1/2 master set. Duralast 1/4 set. Best combo and never missing anything.

The best introduction of car tools. Thank you !

I think the harbor freight dead blow hammer is great. I use mine all the time and it is great. Once it gets messed up I just head up to harbor freight and they replace it. I suggest 2lbs and up

Fantastic video, especially for clue-less beginners, like myself. Tons of useful info! Thank you kindly for sharing, sir!

This video taught me so much and answered so many questions.

I have a similar kind of set of what u mentioned always in my truck bed tool box. When u start out, this is really good to have as u said and then add or upgrade up as u go. Awesome video👍🏾

Greetings from Wassim... Super super super honest explanation for anybody to understand all about auto starter tools.... Great video....

Solid recommendations! The Gray Pneumatic Duo is a great starter set as are the other tools you had on the table. Also, hf Pittsburgh Pro has a good 1/4” set of SAE and Metric sockets with ratchet that is under $20 and is adequate. Also I like the Pittsburgh pro plastic covered ratchets they are non marring and are great for working in the wintertime.

Thank you for taking your time to compile this video. Very informative! Thank you again!

Nice video and great responses from the viewers, best that I've seen in a long time. I have set of GEDORE (Metric sockets and / flat and ring spanners). I think they're made in the UK. I've used the same set for close on 40 years with not one incident of poor quality. Keep posting your videos and thanks again. Regards from S Africa Clive

The tack life jump pack is amazing Hardly uses any juice to jump start a vehicle and the USB charger is a fast charge for ur electronics I've needed to use this more than I thought I ever would. I am impressed as hell with tack life

Thank you thank you... Your wisdom has helped me along the way of becoming e46 330xi diy'er.

Thank you for the video. Very useful. On jack stands. If anyone plans to work on a variety of vehicles, get a 2 ton and a 20 ton set. Or make your own jack stands if you have a welder. If your a mechanic DIYer or professional your got to need a welding machice. Get a muliprocess welder. It does Tig Mig and is a plasma cutter.. For exhaust pipes and frame work. A good qualty tap and die set. Get cobalt bits. Don't waste the $ on cheap bit. Few years ago i bought the hatbor fieght bits titanium and cobal sets. They are to cheaply made. Get a good brand and the will last you a long time. To shatpen the bits i recommend Drill doctor. It does a great job in keeping bits at ther best. A brass hamer is also for safety working around fuel like gasoline. Steel ones spark brass does not. Brass punches and chisels. It only takes a small leak and you could have a fire or worse an explosion. You only have one life protect it. Safety glasses and ear protection. I wear earing aids to to loud noise working around motors most of my life. If you have ever fire up a motor with bad or not muffler you will know what i mean. Over alls is very important to keep contaminates off your body. Nitrile gloves. Face masks or respirator. Had i known 50 years ago how importand these items can be, i would not have some heath problems i have today. I learned the hard way. It never occured to me how unsafe many things i did back then.

Really helpful video! Thanks for going through it and breaking it down!

Basic Craftsman 6 point metric socket set with 6 inch ratchet. Milwaukee 3/8 impact ratchet Milwaukee 1/2 inch stubby impact wrench Pittsburgh 25 inch 1/2 inch breaker Tekton 1/2 inch metric impact Knipex 6 inch Cobra pliers Snap on 10 mm wrench Craftsman metric wrench set. No name angle pry bar Lowe's branded big arse screw driver ( for drive shafts) You could dismantle every Honda in the world with this set up I'ma need to get that socket set.

Thank you very much for this. Answered many questions i had in mind.

I use 1/2” most often but good video im getting all my tools togheter that i collected over the years and now i can see what in missing 😁

Old school mechanic here, cool video, good point on some tools to begin with or starting out. As for me my opinion, I would start off with the Dewalt 204pc Mechanic tool set. It's price $212.99. And thats a complete set with all three drive ratchets socket set and a good set of extension along with allen sockets T-torx socket & wrenches. Next would be the Grey pneumatic 3/8 socket set duo, SAE & Metric. Definitely! comes in handy. The socket set can be used as a regular socket and impact socket. It's price $225.99. If you want extra extension set, I would go with kobalt 22pc set for $44.99 & for impact extension I would go with Casoman 21pc impact extension, price $39.99. For wrenches I would go with Icon Anti-slip combination wrench set. Both SAE & Metric. Price for each $129.99. For ratcheting wrench set I would go with Jaegar ratcheting wrench set both SAE & Metric the set price is at $79.99 together, or the Horusdy 48pc ratcheting wrench set, price $59.99, plus it comes with a roll sack. As for cordless drive ratchet set I would go with the kimo cordless set, price at $89.99 & it comes with everything, charger, 2 batteries, & sockets. As for impact driver for starters I would go with Bauer the 3/8 price $69.99 & the 1/2, price $99.99. And for torque drive wrench set I would go with the Pittsburgh torque drive wrench set all combined set of 1/2, 3/8, & 1/4 will cost ya $99.99. Also for drive flex head ratchet, I would go with the gearwrench locking flex head drive ratchet set, the comfort grip is phenomenal! Price at $169.99 for the set of 1/2, 3/8, & 1/4. note all these are just for starting out or beginners mechanic tools for home diy. And last and not least. Tool cart to store the tools in, may I suggest the 26in US General roll cart. Price at $359.99. Overall this is just my opinion for people on a budget for starting out. But overall cool review.

I loved this video.THANK YOU.

Thanks for putting this video together. But, my wallet is quite a bit lighter now! LOL! I bought the Grey Pneumatic metric set you show + a breaker bar and a few others. I'm not a serious hobbyist, mostly driven by necessity. I will admit I admire finely crafted tools/machines. One reason why I love the E46. I love wrenching on this. It's an easy design to work on (relatively). Keep up the good work. I know it takes, time and a lot of work.

great video that answered all my questions

Lowes has a kobalt 189 piece set with sae and metric 1/4 and 3/8 and 1/2 socket set. No skips, deep and shallow for all sizes and all 6 point. Also comes with quit a few wrenches. Little high priced at $250 but comparing them with husky and craftsman with same style of walk in hassle free lifetime replacement in a store. Every set I saw had there 1/2 all 12 point which was annoying. Glad I found the perfect set.

The best video on this topic, thanks for posting it!

It's fine to skip sizes. Most sets will only skip the 20mm socket, which I've yet to use. I have seen socket sets that skipped 11mm, 15mm, 16mm, and 17mm sockets. I can understand skipping 20mm seeing as I never used mine in 9 years, and I rarely use an 11mm socket... but 15mm, 16mm, and especially 17mm are very common. I may be mistaken, but I recall seeing a Harbor Freight set that skipped the 12mm socket as well, which is a huge deal-breaker. You can't get by without a 12mm socket. The only time I remember seeing a 20mm fastener was working on a Caterpillar generator - and I had to use a wrench because of the stud it was on, so my sockets are unused. I've never run into one on a car. Anyway, spend the extra money and get an SK socket set. They don't skip sizes and it's the best quality for the money. Their sockets fit fasteners snugly, almost never round a fastener, the ratchets are top-notch and the SuperKrome finish lasts forever. But if you go the cheaper route, you can also always go purchase an individual socket if you really need to. Most mechanics have a general rule something like "If I have to borrow a tool once, I'll go out and buy it." - I think that's a bit extreme, I generally will purchase a tool if I have to borrow it more than once.

I'm in love with my DeWalt set

Channel locks are amazing for breaking hoses loose from fitting and heater cores and all that type of bond

I am proud to have a standing craftsman tool box full of American made Craftsman from the late 80's and early 90's

Thank you very much. It's very informative.

Duralast makes good sets for on the go with no skip sizes👍

buy yourself a set of harbor freight, then head to northern tool & equipment and fill in the skips for sockets. Worked well for me and saved hundreds of dollars on high priced complete sets.

Such a great informational video thanks so much!

My first truck I learned to only use 6 point the hard way I was young and changed my oil with a 12 point and rounded it off had to have a mobil mechanic come fix it lol he asked what did you do I told him i used this socket and he said well here is your first lesson get rid of your 12 point and only use 6.

Good Presentation. Thank You.

A lot American cars into the late 2000s still commonly had a random mix of SAE and Metric, and in the 90s and early 2000s there were still American cars which had 90% SAE. Unless you're focusing on Japanese or European, SAE is still very much functional. At least outside of the rust belt, there's tons of 90s cars and trucks still around with SAE.

My thinking is that just like the long handled ratchets are good for taking things OFF, the shorter handled ones are good for putting things back ON, especially when dealing with steel bolts into aluminum parts. Limiting your torque is helpful in that if you want something super tight or closer to stripping something, you have to do it on purpose.

Soo true!! Just get every metric 6 point socket and you'll be able to take anything off even if it doesn't fit perfectly. 12 points all need to fit perfectly or else they will strip the bolt

i bought a cresent set from ace hardware and for what ive had to use it for its had everything i need except for a 3/8-1/2 adaptor

I do wish we had Harbour Freight in the UK.

I like that you didn't skimp on the wrenches and the sockets but it cheap picks and pliers and such. I think if you have the base of sockets and wrenches you can slowly build up the rest as it comes great video!

This is a great video. Thanks!

Very good informative video. I recommend the Made in Taiwan CR-M sockets and hand tools from Harbor Freight.

Lots of great advice! 👌🏽

Excellent explainer/guide-thnx!

This really helped! Thank you.

Some ford calipers are 9mm Allen it took a while to find one when working on my dad's escapes brakes.

I own SAE and MM because if I need it and don’t have it I’m gonna throw a wrench

Ah damn wish i saw this earlier. got a $270 Teng set that was only 1/4 in and 1/2 in drive because I thought that'd be better. Either way it hasn't let me down yet and the ratchets are super comfortable.

I've been looking for a set just like that Pittsburgh. Thanks

Lol the buddy system... That was nice

The 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" discussion reminds me of the handgun barrel discussions. If you're only going to have one, get the 3/8" with adapters for the 1/2" breaker bar. What I hate with the industry is the overlap. 1/4" that go up to 14mm, 3/8" that go up to 20+mm, and 1/2" that come down to 10mm or less. I have a set of 1/2" sockets that cover 10mm - 37mm, and a 1/4" that cover 4mm-13mm sockets. I use 3/8" less and less, but I still have a ton of them.

Great video. Easy to understand for a beginner like me.

sockets are called single hex and double hex and there is another called metrinch which covers imperial and metric ..I had a set of metrinch sockets and very good but expensive 1/2" Socket 10mm & 3/8" MET-1211 1/2" Socket 11mm & 7/16" MET-1212 1/2'' Socket 12mm & 15x32'' MET-1213 1/2" Socket 13mm & 1/2" MET-1214 1/2" Socket 14mm & 9/16" MET-.. with hammers I would definitely recommend a Thor copper and hyde because they are heavy and copper does not damage when you have to bash something off ...another great video and straight to the point

Thank you for this sir. So informative.

7:00 “I mean you’re not gonna need the 20mm that’s kind of a unicorn size” LOL I thought that was so funny

Best video ever thank you so much!

Need a set of funnels too. Amazon has a funnel set that has a set of various screw-on adapters so you get a seal between the funnel and hole. You'll know it when you see it.

Just ame across your channel Great Vid! For those of us who worked late 70s and early 80s, the reason there were no 8mm or 16mm sizes was because the 5/16 and the 5/8 are equivalent to the 8mm and 16mm respectively. Not rocket science just being economical back in the day.

Love the video, congrats!

Great video. Thanks!

Great video very informative and will save me a ton. Much appreciated 👍

Tekton is the best!! Cheap prices and great tools. AND NO SKIPS

your videos are so great!

Great vid, thx for sharing!

Awesome video bro.. thank you

Yeah I can agree with you there on investing in metric tools. What frustrates me to no end is going into chain automotive stores and they have the shelfs stocked with standard size tools, and slim choices for metric. alot of there metric will be 12 points. I just wish these parts stores would get with it and understand no one uses standard tools anymore other than farm equipment, and old vehicles.

you taught me so much thank you

You made me want to buy way more tools now 😭 i just bought an impact wrench and im excited to use it tomorrow to change my oil pan gasket on my 335

great camera quality!

Thanks for sharing this video. The only comment that I have is , true , metric is the way to go with wrencjes , sockets both impact deep and shallows for fixing modern cars or truck. Unfortunately, i use my tools on other things around the house, and I have to have SAE items in my tool box.

Lowe's sells individual sockets in both 6 and 12 point. Fill in the skips with their sockets. Or northern tool and equipment is pretty good. Tekton is a great online seller, with sets that are complete sets, no skips, for a great price compared to other no skip sets.

Honestly except for the lack of 1/2 sockets in the set, I was surprised by the 225 piece harbor freight pittsburg set. It has a no skip set of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. They leave out 1 size on both ends of the Deep sockets but you get a full set of each drive size. I am currently in the process of upgrading to the tekton sets but this set has gotten me by for a long time.

When i first got into the industry i bought the HF 301 piece set for $99 with the coupon. For $99 the sockets are worth it alone. They don't skip and have every single fastener type. The set comes with a bunch of other tools like pliers, wrenches, and screw drivers but they're trash. Buy the HF 301 set and supplement it with some higher quality tools and you could easily have everything you need to work on cars professionally for around $600. Hope this helps a noobie out there somewhere

Just get the pittsburgh 301 piece set. Very few skips, extended sizes in 1/2" (which is where the skips are, but in sizes that most sets don't even cover in the first place), and nearly completely 6 point. At only $150 w/ coupon, it's really excellent. Also, if you do a little googling, some of them have 72 tooth ratchets ... you need a specific SKU. I think it's the one that's maid in taiwan instead of china. Also, if you plan to go with both 3/8 and 1/2" impact sockets, the gearwrench 84916N is nice. Doesn't cover as many of the big sizes, but does have SAE, which still matters if you plan to work on lawn equipment (B&S, Deere, etc.) or tractors. Also, I find that having chrome and impact sockets is kinda nice. Can have the same size on my impact wrench and ratchet.

Multigrip pliers are essential if you are doing valve stem seals on engines without the specialized tool for them.

If you work on older domestic vehicles, especially classics, you also need sae sockets and wrenches.