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["Chris Clarke" <hstead AT nc.rr.com>]

Folks,

Over the years I have been very fortunate that I had a neighbor who a) had 
every tool known to man and b) was willing to lend them to me whenever I 
needed.    This was great in that I never needed to buy any tools.   This 
was also horrible in that I never needed to buy any tools.

I am now getting new tools ONLY when I need them.   For example, I purchased 
a new cordless drill about two months ago.    It has been one of the best 
purchases I have ever made.    Now, I need some advice about some other hand 
tools.

I am looking to get a Craftsman socket set.    Now, I already have a 
beautiful 3/8" wrachet.   Now, a couple of questions.   Why would you need 
1/4" or 1/2" sockets?   You can get a socket for about any size (even 4 or 5 
mm) in 3/8...    Would it be since it is smaller in physical size, so you 
might be able to get into smaller areas to work?

I was thinking of getting 6 point sockets...  yes, some of the nuts I have 
to work on might be slightly striped, but do you really need both 6 point 
and 12 point?

Would it make sense to get impact sockets?   They are slightly more 
expensive, but I'd imagine that they are more rugged than non-impact 
sockets.   Does it matter since Sears will replace them if I break them.

What about wrenches?   Why would I really need wrenches when I can get a 
socket on them?

> From years of have lots of crappy tools, I have come to the conclusion that 
quality matters.  I have a Fiskars ax that is my best friend...    Any 
advice from the congiscenti (Don, et al.) and anyone else, would be greatly 
appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris
Apex, NC