First time tools

nameIwanted

Hi, I am a recent college graduate and now that I have my first real job I am looking to invest in some tools for my future shed. At the moment only I'm interested in buying some hand tools to start my collection.
I am just wondering what are some of the more reliable brands, and which ones to avoid. Preferably all my tool would be the same brand for personal reasons.
Currently on amazon there seems to be a lot of discounts on drapper tools. Are they a good brand or are the discounts a reflection of their quality.

Any help would be most appreciated and apologies in advance if this question is in the wrong topic/has been asked before.

looksee

I would suggest that you buy your tools as you discover you need them. That way you do not purchase things that you will never use. I think you are limiting yourself by only buying one brand, but that is your decision. The quality you buy would be dictated by what you are likely to use them for, and how much you will use them. Generally speaking good quality is the best in the long run.

However, unless you are an electrician you are not going to need very expensive screwdrivers. And you will probably quickly realise that an electric screwdriver is way the best purchase you can make. You either get a lot of cheap bits or less quantity of expensive ones. I tend to go for the cheaper ones and if one gets stripped then I chuck it. Its as easy to misplace expensive ones as cheap ones.

Same goes for things like pliers, mostly they do the same job. Chisels on the other hand you could get very fussy about and need to take care of them. A firm that does good quality chisels might not do pliers.

Some of my best buys down the years have been a good quality wood and metal set square, a long spirit level, a surform type tool that I now cannot get a good quality replacement blade for, a heavy duty woodworking vise, and my latest (far too late!) discovery, a good quality draw knife, which is a wonder tool!

Sorry, this is a bit of a ramble and is not answering your question, but I think to restrict yourself to one manufacturer is very limiting.

flyingsnail

I would generally try and avoid most things that come as a kit, particularly those that come in the vacuum formed cases as you will always end up with stuff you don't need and in the case of vacuum formed cases you have nowhere to add something when you buy more tools, much better off buying an empty tool box and adding what you need as you go.

As for draper I have a few pliers and vice grips by them and they are ok, not the best in the world but they have lasted well.

biko

Get the tools as you need them.
Don't be afraid of Aldi/Lidl.

No need to buy a toolbox full of stuff you'll never use.
Aldi/Lidl tools usually come with warranty and although not the best they usually do the job well.
Certain tools you will use often and should get high quality immediately. Drill, hammers, screwdriver bits.

I've found that one of my most used tools is my leatherman multitool.