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It’s been many years since I could say that my tools make me money. Even building project cars as a magazine editor, it feels like a stretch to call myself a professional mechanic. That doesn’t mean that I don’t use tools regularly or that I don’t appreciate good tools—I definitely appreciate high-quality and often expensive tools. But, I no longer justify spending extra on premium tools by telling myself that I’ll make it back by saving time. I still see tools as an investment in the same way I see any discretionary purchase, I enjoy them. So, I often wait to buy the best stuff when it’s on sale.
When finding deals on hand tools for this week, I wanted to spread the selection across all levels of experience. If you’re just starting out, this Kobalt 277-Piece Mechanics Tool Set for $99.00 is an excellent choice. It has a decent selection of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch sockets and ratchets, 50 allen wrenches, and a nut driver with 82 bits. It all comes in a hard plastic case, and right now it’s 80 bucks off. There are smaller kits as well, another Kobalt with 30 pieces $29.98 and a $60 Craftsman with 61 pieces.
If you already have the basics and are looking to add things that might be more of a luxury, then look to the German manufacturers. These Wera Tools Long Arm Hex Key 1.5 – 10mm Set for $36.40 are normally $57 and are probably the best allen wrenches you can buy. You probably won’t use these Wiha Color Coded Magnetic Nut Setter SAE 6 Pc. Set for $25.30 every day, but when you do, you’ll love them(caution, these are inch sizes).
Those of you who do bodywork or fabricating probably know what Cleco pliers are. If not, you should. The side-grip clamps are amazing for holding sheet metal in place either against other pieces of sheet metal or even onto smaller sections of tubing or frame rail. There are also pin fasteners, which you can use temporarily in holes before riveting. There are a few other tools for you to find below, some more essential than others, but all of them good deals.
Kobalt 277-Piece SAE, Metric, Polished Chrome Mechanics Tool Set for $99.00
CRAFTSMAN 61-Piece SAE and Metric Polished Chrome Mechanics Tool Set for $59.98
Kobalt 30-Piece SAE and Metric Polished Chrome Mechanics Tool Set for $29.98
Crescent 25-Piece SAE, Metric Combination Black Oxide Mechanics Tool Set for $19.99
Wiha Color Coded Magnetic Nut Setter SAE 6 Pc. Set for $25.30
GEARWRENCH 84 Piece Master Hex And Torx Bit Socket Set SAE & Metric for $108.22
Wera Tools Long Arm Hex Key 1.5 – 10mm Set for $36.40
Wera Kraftform Plus Slotted/Phillips, Screwdriver Set with Rack, 6-Pieces for $27.29
Cleco Side-Grip Clamps (SET OF 25) + Cleco Pliers w/Carry Bag for $58.00
GEARWRENCH 4 Piece Fixed Tip Internal & External Snap Ring Plier Set for $47.58
