Lot's of good advice here but consider WHAT, WHERE and WHEN (and how often) you will be wrenching. You list a "Kabota MX4800" as your tractor (must be one of those Chinese clones
).
If you are going to be wrenching on that, in the field (replace a hydraulic line for example), you'll need something you can lose. If you are wrenching in the shop (changing a rear tire for example) you'll need something big. If you are going to have several projects going on at once in separate areas you'll need multiple sets of some tools.
I have found ACE hardware brand to be a good choice, on the open box end wrenches, I like SK brand, but the cost of them is out of my reach, and I have put the ACE brand, in the tractors, and in the wood shop, and in the welding truck, also a few sets of 3/8 sockets kits, with both metric and sae,
the local sears will not honor the warranty but ace will hand one a new socket set or wrench with out problems,
As BHD wrote
in the tractors, and in the wood shop,
saves a LOT of time if you don't have to walk a mile to get that 1/2" ratchet w/ the 9/16 socket.
Craftsman usually offers a 'mechanics set' from 1/4 to 1/2 drive, with 6 and twelve points in a 4 drawer case for ~$200. Nice thing is there are usually fairly close places to exchange/repair when something breaks. They aren't the finest, but are very good. Deep socket variety and larger ones (like on tractors) are usually not in sets, unless you get a really big one with many of the tools you already have. I have a cheapo 3/4 drive set that appears pretty regularly when the tractor is the project. Ugly, cheap, overly heavy and thick--haven't broke one yet though. Stanley and Channelock sets have been good (big box store sets), but are for smaller stuff--light automotive and assembly. They do round and polish the handles--I do like that--if I were turning wrenches for a living, I'd spring for the comfort.
I also started out with Craftsman in the 1960's, and have returned about 3 ratchets, with increasing difficulty. I also bought an HF 3/4 socket set for my tractor when I needed it. Craftsman (even on ebay) wants about $400, HF $60 w/ 20% off.
Harbor freight stuff works just fine for a home mechanic. I use alot of their stuff. Their impact sockets, wrenches, and the more pricey ratchets are good. But avoid their channel locks, pliers, and crescent wrenches.
Best crescent I have is a fuller, made in Japan. No idea where I got that one though.
I agree w/ HF for that, I've an HF long handled wrench set I've been wailing on with a 3lb sledge w/ no problem. Their impacts are not clearly labeled though, which is a pain.
New Craftsman wrench sets and socket sets can be purchased on eBay for 30% of the cost in stores.
However, today's Craftsman, like Sears itself, is not what it was.
Sears is expiring. In bankruptcy warranties are voided.
I agree, don't depend on a "lifetime warranty".
I started out with Craftsman, but I've broken too many of their sockets and socket wrenches to mess with them anymore. I've been buying Kobalt from Lowes for my smaller sockets and wrenches for the last decade and going to Tractor Supply for my really big wrenches. I haven't broke any of those big wrenches, and a few I've ground down to get them to fit where I needed them. I've also found Mastercraft to be very good, along with Proto for my impact sockets. Napa also has a nice set of tools that have held up over the years.
Eddie
And when on sale Kobalt often matches HF's regular price.
In summary, plan on getting multiple sets of some base packages, like SAE/metric open ends and I think HF does well with these. IF you have an HF near you. Meridith doesn't seem to have one. Kobalt does pretty good. Just remember if you spend big money on a few Snap On quality tools and you DON'T have the tool available it's useless.
Today I've got to buy another 1/2" impact wrench because I'm wrenching in Mississippi and my 1/2 inch is in Virginia.
