I made a run to Harbor Freight earlier this week with two things in mind.  A cart for working on the plane, and a mechanic’s 301 piece tool set.  I know what you’re thinking… you bought a socket set at Harbor Freight?!?!?!  Yes, yes I did.  I did some research online and several sites did some testing, turns out the Pittsburgh hand tools from HF ranked just as good as Craftsman and Kobalt for a better price.  More than that, the 301 piece tool kit was ranked as the best kit under $200 dollars in one article  HF now also has a lifetime warranty on all hand tools, and since I’ve already got a binder for airplane receipts, I’m confident I’ll be able to save this receipt.  Sears is in serious financial trouble, so who knows how much that warranty is worth?

I also got a few more clamps and a fatigue mat for where I’ll be standing.  Finally I stopped at the dollar store for a ton of small baskets and tupperware bins for tool and part organization.  All told I spent $12 bucks for about almost 40 small baskets.

Here is the cart I bought prior to assembly. 

Fatigue mat. 

Cart assembled and ready for work on the wings. 

You can see a few of my cheap dollar store baskets on the right both on top and in the drawer. 

Here is one of the storage peices from the 301 piece mechanic’s tool set.  The storage container were so nice, I couldn’t see not using them so I had to do some major reorganizing of my tool chest. 

Drill bits got the dollar store treatment. 

These are the baskets I still haven’t used!

I stopped at Harbor Freight for a few nice to have tools. I bought a bench drill press, a plastic storage bin for rivets etc, several clamps, new screwdrivers and some rags. Unfortunately I forgot a new pop rivet puller. I also ordered a Park Tools TW-1 torque wrench from Amazon. 0-60 inch pounds. It was recommended on Van’s Airforce, and is designed for bicycles.