Best beginning mechanics set under $300?
 

Finally got these:

1999 Chevrolet S10 S-10 Blazer Jimmy Sonoma Service Shop Repair Manual SET | eBay

What would you guys suggest I look at as far as getting some tools? I've been looking at Craftsman sets from Sears. Do tools go on sale any other time of year other than Father's day?

Thanks in advance! Blazerforum.com members always deliver great information!

i think thats what i started with was just that one hundred and something craftsman set years ago. has all the basic sockets and wrenches in it. and you just kinda buy stuff as you go along. 3/8th allen head socket is always useful for s10 caliper bolts.

Christmas...

Yeah craftsman is fine stuff, and super easy warranty for lifetime. You can get a 300pc set for under 200 bucks. In canada, we have candian tire stores. they sell mastercraft brand which is comparable.

Craftsman from sears has any tool you need. They sponsor the craftsman truck series racing, and its the exclusive tool, so they make everything a mechanic can need.

I started with mastercraft, still use them, and will forever. Snapon and mac tools are a waste of money except for super specialty stuff a tradesman uses daily.

This is a great set and comes with a case. I have one for my work truck i got on sale for 159.00 around xmas.
http://m.canadiantire.ca/mt/www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRDOVR~0582011P/Mastercraft+Maximum+174-Piece+Universal+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

I borrowed this from a friend when i dropped the trans on my k2500 in my other friends garage. I didn't wanna go in an out of my friends garage into the pickup to find tools and freeze while doing so.

Gotta admit its a really cool tool box.

Craftsman 255 Piece Tool Set: Get the Job Done with Sears

Ive actually had really good luck with the stanley tool kits that you can get at Walmart. They've held up great over almost 3 years of hard abuse that I've put them through. I wish it was a bigger kit but I've got two other tool boxes with random tools and larger sockets. Craftsmen is a great start to. The kit that xgiovannix12 listed is the one I wanted but never been able to shell out the cash for it. I've seen that kit around Christmas time down around 100 bucks if I remember correctly

yep they go on sale a lot.. I wish I went for that 100 buck deal... Im kicking my self in the ass about that one.

Thanks guys. Another question though. What's the difference between this one:

Craftsman 255 Piece Tool Set: Get the Job Done with Sears

and this one:

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set: Tune-Up, Repair and Rebuild with Sears

-besides the obvious additional tools...they are both the same price.

I think the metal box thats about it.

sadly ive been having good luck with harbor freight tools. i bought the earthquake impact and i got a couple of their ratchets, along with impact sockets, swivel sockets and numerous other hand tools and have yet to break any of them.

stay away from the craftsman ratcheting box end wrenches. these things are the biggest pile of crap i ever used, any kinda side tension on them they dont work and if you try to go at any kinda speed they skip over the gears.

95% of my tools are Craftsman tools, from sockets to jig saws. I highly recommend all Craftsman tools, and definitely look for the great deals at Christmas.