I started out years ago with a huge set of cheap chinese tools.
As these slowly wore down and/or broke, I'd replace individuals with
better quality pieces.

Now, the tools I tend to use the most are of better quality, but I
still have some of the cheapos (many of them still unused) when I
come upon a use for them.

I've torn apart my vanagon and several other cars over the years,
and find that you really don't need that many different sizes of tools.

On Jun 12, 2006, at 8:59 AM, David Bohannan wrote:

> I know this has been discussed before, but I'll throw in my .02 .
>
> I have a rag tag set of tools that I have accumulated over the
> years. I am
> always keeping my eyes out for deals on the cheapie tool sets in
> addition to
> onesie twosie craftsman tool sets I have purchased. The biggest
> problem I
> have encountered is storage and organization.
>
> Whatever you do, make sure you have adequate storage and organization.
>
> One thing that I really love is a all in one toolset I got from a
> price club
> (Sam's). It is contained within a plastic molded case, has many common
> wrenches, screw drivers, sockets, etc. I usually keep this with me
> for the
> road...and its organized. Its made by "crescent" which are the
> brand name
> crescent wrench folks...
>
> I have MANY duplicates because of the number of little sets I have
> bought,
> but that really comes in handy for MOST projects because of bolts
> and nuts
> that require pulling things apart from both sides, etc.
>
> What I have used the most are, metric wrenches, metric socket sets
> in 3/8
> and 1/4 (the 1/4 are INVALUABLE in tight, small spaces) and regular
> screwdrivers..nothing too special.
>
> Specialty tools I buy when I need and accumulate for every project. I
> usually figure for every project there is a 60% parts and 40% tools
> budget...so when I don't have to buy tools I feel like I am that much
> further ahead ;-)
>
> Ok, done rambling...hope this helps...
>
> --
> Dave - KC9FYM
> http://fjazzbass.blogspot.com