I recently bought a budget-friendly 192-piece tool set from Home Depot to keep in my Mule UTV for quick fixes around my rural property. I don't mind some rust since it's for outdoor use. However, I'm planning to upgrade my workshop tools, as the old ones I had got super rusty after my divorce and weren't taken care of. Is this 192-piece set a decent choice that won't rust easily? Or do you have any better recommendations? I've been doing well with my DeWalt power tools, but I'm frustrated with low-quality hand tools and want to upgrade!
3 Answers
Pretty much all tools can rust if you don't maintain them properly. I’ve heard of using camphor tablets in toolboxes to create a thin coat that helps prevent rust. It’s something I'm planning to try out myself!
You're talking about the mechanics tool set, right? It should work fine for homeowner jobs! Just a heads up, don’t use it with an impact driver or wrench, as the ratchets might be the weakest link in that set. You might want to pick up a good ratchet, a breaker bar, and some socket adapters just in case the ones in the set aren’t great.
Thanks for the advice! I already have an impact driver and some impact sockets, so that should work.
All tools can rust, but quality ones generally take longer. At my workplace, we use Knipex pliers in a humid lab, and they only have a few rust spots, which is impressive. On the flip side, some of my no-name Chinese tools are super rusty, but my DeWalt and Craftsman tools are doing just fine.
That's interesting! I'm in central Texas, and the humidity can really be a pain.