When buying tools i look for items made from forged alloy steels with Chrome or vanadium in them which gives them excellent shock toughness and resistance to bending once heat treated, as long as the tools fit this description i normally buy the most cost effective option, not the cheapest and not the dearest. Just beware of cheap tools made from standard carbon steels that are sometimes not heat treated. I think my largest cost item was £35, and i have built the majority up over a number of years with the rest since Zed ownership, my arsenal is as follows:
1/2 inch ratchet
3/8 inch ratchet
3/8 inch Ratchet Screw Driver
1/2 inch breaker bar
1/2 inch torque wrench
3/8 inch torque wrench
Full range of impact sockets 1/2 inch to 3/8 inch drive in metric and imperial
Set of flat ring spanners
Set of off set ring spanners (good for top mount nuts)
Set of ratchet spanners (these were an excellent investment)
Set of External Torx sockets
Set of internal Torx bits
Set of driver bits (Pozi, Flat etc)
Set of internal hex sockets (for diff drain plug etc)
Nylon Mallet
Pliers Set
Multi Meter
Air bag reset tool
Service light reset tool
Bush extractor
Spring compressors
Wire Strippers
Axle Stands
Ramps
Chocks
2 Trolley Jacks
I find that when you have the right tool for the job, the TIS instructions can be followed quite well and with little effort. The only thing i need really is a work bench and vice, but i also wish i had either a pit or a proper car lift, as it can be quite awkward to apply the correct pressure lying on your back.
3/8 is a good starter but I also wouldn't be without my 1/4 and 1/2 halfords do some good sets so worth a look better if they've got an offer on.
