3 Rules To build The Perfect Toolbox

These are the 3 rules I have followed to build my customised toolbox. its not the flashiest box, but it has everything I need and the tools I use the most often are of the highest quality. All that and for a fraction of the cost.

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[donny_hellfire]

I work as a Technician at an RV dealership. our shop runs under the "3 Borrow Rule." Especially for specialty tools, if you borrow it three times, at that point, you clearly need it and sould go ahead and get one for yourself.

[tomsmith]

I think this is great advice. My uncle was a motorcycle mechanic. He did that after getting out of the service after WW2. I am proud to have his primary socket set, which is a standard and deep 3/8" drive SK set. Back then, bikes were smaller and simpler. His most used tools were just the 3/8" set and a set of open end wrenches. There was no metric, and there were no imported tools. As a mechanic today, you just need way more specialized tools, and the cost difference between budget level and top shelf is amazing. So when you hear the old timers talking about "just buy snap-on", I think they're going back to an era where that wasn't as unreasonable as it is now. Wish you the best with your shop and channel!

[MrCarrera]

Love your philosophy and your focus on doing the job not having a shiny toolbox brimming with brand name most of which are not needed or even used. Refreshing to see someone of Youtube with such a practical rather then glamour based approach.

[theahmadperson]

This is the best & most sensible tool advice on YouTube

[Makka]

Also remember in the UK Halfords Advanced range of tools have a lifetime warranty. I’ve used the Advanced range for many years and only had to replace a ratchet and a couple of sockets

[earlguillory]

This is great advice on both sides of "the pond". I started out working as a plumber, then later learning HVAC and I work on my own vehicles. I purchased tools as I needed them, and the frequently used ones I have always ended up getting the higher quality.

[panamafred]

I still have, and frequently use, the SK brand 3/8- and 1/2-inch socket/ratchet sets that I bought when I was 16. Sure, the boxes are a bit messy because of the gallon of contact cement that fell over on them in my truck about 30-years ago, but the tools have done me good service. I'm 74 by the way and still turn a wrench now and then.

[DaileyWoodworks]

I'm a carpenter and this is great advice that I follow.

One of the first things that comes to mind are router bits. They eventually wear out and need to be replaced. A good high quality, long lasting bit is $30+

I purchased a set of 70 bits 4 years ago for $140 ($2/bit). As I wore bits out I've replaced them with premium ones. It's been a great practice for me because I have virtually everything for one-off profiles.

Then there is my $4 hammer from harbor freight which I absolutely love and have had over 10years. No need to replace it with anything else.

[AKTF]

For rule two, I follow the "if you borrow it 3 times, I need to get it" and for the most part I have followed that. Especially 3 times in a short period of time. But 3 times over the course of a year, I've got a world certified GM tech for a shop lead, and a key to my buddy's box (almost to world certified) that if I ever need something I don't have, as long as it comes back to them when I'm done and the tools clean, they don't mind.

[BySixa]

Good video.
I thought I'd add a philosophy I heard ChrisFix say regarding purchasing tools.
It was along the lines of "Price what it would be for a professional to do the job, and then find out what you can do it for yourself. Half the savings and pocket one half and invest the other half in tools". I thought it was a good, sustainable view.

[Vashocre]

I'm a small engine mechanic and I have the exact same approach. Well done

[mosthated]

I went to harbor freight and got the General 5 drawer tool cart for $200 with coupon, Black Friday I got a Craftsman 344pc Black Chrome set included for $169 120 tooth ratchets were included in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2. I went to harbor freight purchased icon flex head ratchets & stubby flex head ratchet, impact sockets both shallow and deep in 3/8 & 1/2 for $300 most items on sale. Went to Home Depot and got a m12 stubby kit for $200 and included (2)6.0 batteries. I believe they called it the starter kit. If you bought the batteries for $199 you pick a free tool and I picked a m12 stubby 3/8. All around $800 and was setup nicely!! Like you said buy cheap replace with quality tools. However I’m in love with these tools and they work great with awesome warranty!

[tomgibson]

Absolutely correct I’ve seen so many people bury themselves in debt buying too many and too expensive tool’s especially tool boxes.

[jimm]

Great advice for a mechanic starting his journey

[heyg]

Great advice. So many videos telling people to purchase insanely expensive tools when it's just overkill.

[towboatjeff]

I'm just a diy guy but I've got a pretty impressive tool selection. But when you really start looking all the sockets are a mix of all brands. There complete sets but different brand names. They do what their made to do and I put the collection to gether over time and on a budget.

[VishalVoraUK]

This channel will go far. An excellent and helpful video.

[richardfowler]

Valid information from someone that is a working professional. I am just a home mechanic and only work on my own items. I always go budget and I am in my 60's. I have a value priced handheld engine scanner that a friend of mine (who is a professional mechanic loves). My scanner cost me about $80 usd and my friends "Tool Truck" cost him about $2, 000 usd and it needs to be updated regularly from the "Tool Truck"

[DeneW]

Same. I buy branded budget and replace with premium. My first tools were also the halfords advanced set and i still have almost all of it. The bits which have broken they replaced with the lifetime warranty, other parts i've chosen to replace with snap-on when it's obvious that the halfords or other stuff isn't good enough. I've found US Pro to be fantastic. I use all my kit 5 days a week on motorbikes.

[MrJaron]

I work in field service and follow similar practices. Being field work it's easy to loose tools, so I keep a few snapon ratchets and pliers on the van, everything else is HF, napa, or hardware store tools. Most of them are years old and see regular use