Like several others here, I turn wrenches for a living. I may not be working on bikes or cars, but I have a Snap-On tool in my hand most of the day. Craftsman tools are great if you have an outlet nearby. Like someone mentioned earlier, check some close by retailers for convenience. The cost of making decent tools has come down and more names are doing it. For a beginning wrencher, stick with 6 points. You are less apt to damage a bolt. Also, avoid the use of adjustable wrenches (Crescent). Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to use them. The better set of allens is priceless, the ball ends are icing.
Now for the flame attractant. You get what you pay for. Like I said, Craftsman fills my tool box at home, but my Snap-On collection is growing. All you have to do is take a metric bolt with you to the store. Put the bolt in the wrench or socket and see how it fits. The cheaper the tool, generally the looser the fit. The looser the fit, the more chance you have of rounding a bolt. If you have never rounded a bolt, a $10k bike isn't the place to learn (
IMHO).
For your home box, start with the set of 6pt, the ratcheting ones came come later. Spend the money and get a couple of screwdrivers that fit your hand. If it doesn't feel right in the store, it will feel worse in the garage. A square shank or one that has the
hex by the handle, will be your best friend at the right time (allows a wrench to be used for more leverage on stubborn screws). Several types of pliers will also be handy, ie needle nose, standard and slip joint (adjustable). Here again, the nicer ones won't feel like the handle is sloppy and will feel good in the hand. For sockets; deep and short, 6pt, variety of extensions and a u-joint. Once again, make sure the ratchet handle is comfortable.
For the bike, take the stock tool kit and match it with better quality. My tool bag is no longer under the seat because it got bigger, but I am more comfortable using the tools that I carry. You don't need to have a good spring pre-load wrench on the road, but everything else could be handy.
If you go to Home Depot or Lowes a lot, I prefer the Husky. Kobalt just doesn't feel right (the combo wrenches have thin handles that cut into your hand). Just be careful with the warranty. It isn't like Sears where you can just walk out with a new socket, at least not in this area.
Can you tell I get passionate about tools? Most Snap-On can't be beat, but Craftsman is the best value for the money and what I use on my bike.
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