[Mr.NutCase]

Would recommend a 1/4,3/8,1/2 ratchet set from Craftsman?:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0P?vName=Tools

[carsavvycook]

That set is perfect for starting out working on cars. Cheaply priced without as many busted knuckles as you would get with Harbor Freight Tools. I still have a few of the craftsman tools I purchased in 1971 in my tool box.

[Brian_B]

Go to craftsman.com and sign up for the craftsman club (free). Once a month I get a special sale catalog with 10% off of everything in it, but some have a special club discount on top of that. A few items every month are around 1/2 price of the regular catalogs (gotta watch the specials).

I just buy craftsman when it is on sale now.

Oh...I have been buying craftsman tools since I was 14. Plus I have a medium size rolaround craftsman tool box (5'-3" tall). It was from one of those special members sales. LOL

I still have the 3 drawer craftsman box I bought when I was 14. It is a little beat up now, but works fine.

I am going Monday to pick up a new screwdriver set and a ratcheting wrench set. Can't beat the sales.

[327NUT]

Well I'm 61 and have been working on my own cars...and a few friends cars since I was 16 or so. I have always used Craftsman tools, never had the need or the money to spend on "the more expensive spread". Sure I've broken a few but always get them replaced. For the home mechanic you can't beat them. Enjoy your new ratchet set.

[carsavvycook]

I lost almost every Craftsman Tool I purchased in 1971 in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1991, when someone broke into the back of the truck we used to tow the 1/4 mile Drag Boat Race Trailer while we were having dinner with a fellow racer. All that I have left is a set of 12 point 1/2" drive deep sockets and a few extensions and 1 ratchet, that I did not take along for that race. I have broken only 1 of those sockets after all of these years, and love the ones I have left.

[JoshF]

Nothing wrong with craftsmen, if you manage to break something make sure you take it back. They have one of the best no questions asked lifetime warrantees of any company I have ever dealt with. They have replaced tools that were obviously abused for me, even a screw driver that I had cut the handle off.

[Mr.NutCase]

I bought the set today,
Craftsman 3 pc. Thin Profile Ratchet Set
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&sName=&mv=cmp
Sears item# 00944992000 Mfr. model# 44992 for 79.00, regular price is 100
Nice , I like them, they work fine and work like the Macto I used in school

[Strictly Gravy]

I gotta tell ya that I have used mac, matco, and snapon, and these wrenches feel the best, and have the best action, in my hand of any. I ended up getting a great deal on my kit for $40 since they were 80th anniversary 'etched'. Great buy!

-Greg

[biggeazy-e]

Originally Posted by carsavvycook

That set is perfect for starting out working on cars. Cheaply priced without as many busted knuckles as you would get with Harbor Freight Tools.

People actually buy tools from Harbor Freight? I always thought they were decoration for the store....

[carsavvycook]

Originally Posted by biggeazy-e

People actually buy tools from Harbor Freight? I always thought they were decoration for the store....

You bet they do! I see them all the time in cars that get towed in for work.