Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Wedding registry -- best single store for tools, etc?

So we're getting married in a few months. Some people have expressed interest in buying us tools and stuff, so asked that we register for that kind of thing too. We're currently registered at two bath/kitchen/home-type stores, so I get ONE store to register at for tools and stuff.

We're also first-time homebuyers and only have minimal tools. In the past month I've picked up a mower, hammer, ladder, and a rake and shovel. The only other things I have are cheapo handtool sets and a dremel.

I'm certainly no master carpenter or extensive remodeler or anything (yet?), but still definitely appreciate higher-quality tools, like my dad's Craftsman Professional screwdrivers, being far superior to standard screwdrivers.

I'm looking to get things like a cordless power tool set, screwdriver and wrench sets, miter saw, string trimmer ("weed eater" type thing), lawn & garden stuff, a grill, etc.

What do you all think would be the one best store to register at? My thoughts were Lowes, Home Depot, or Sears.

I'm drawn to Sears because of the Craftsman Pro line for hand tools, but do they have a wide enough assortment of other brands? The Craftsman power tools don't seem very highly regarded here...

On the other hand, if I go with one of the big home improvement stores, I'd be fairly lost with how to pick out quality hand tools. Would those stores have similar quality tools with good no-hassle warranties?

Any input on stores or specific items within stores would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Welcome to the forums! Here's one of those decisions we can't make for you. IMO I would opt for one of the big box stores, since they have an assortment of brands and styles, where other stores only carry their own brand. Sure it will be like a kid in a candy store, but here's where we can help. Once you get serious about the tools, log in and ask us about the basics. We will fill you with information only Webster's dictionary could compete with.
Congratulations on the upcoming event. We wish you the best. We're here to help when you need it.

I can appreciate chandler's point of view, but if it were me I would pick Sears. I have, or have had, quite a few Craftsman power tools in addition to a lot of hand tools and I've generally been satisfied. It's not as though it would be a lifetime exclusive commitment. [I'm talking about the STORES!!!] :D

Of the choices listed..I'd have to say I'd prob go for Lowes....I like the selection of hand tools from Lowes, plus they have multiple brands of power tools, grilles, lawnmowers, etc. They also have more departments than most Sears (Electrical, Lighting, Garden, etc).

If you had just said hand tools...then I'd have said Sears.

As a hypothetical then, what would be a high-quality set of wrenches and screwdrivers that I could get from one of the big box stores? Plenty of reviews from places like Consumer Reports are available for power tools, but I haven't found anything similar for hand tools.

Well, as I sorta said...the upper end Craftsman tools are nice, but I also like the look and feel of the Kobalt stuff at Lowes. HD just doesn't always have a good selection of their better quality wrenches and sockets..

I'll have to go with TowGuy on the hand tools. Craftsman hands down. I've not owned any of the Kobalt tools, but we don't have a Lowe's here....yet. Power tools, I like a brand name selection like you would find at a big box. Granted, my 1970's Craftsman table saw and radial arm won't break. I use them almost daily, so something is to be said there.
You could always send us the gift cards and WE could buy the tools for ya!! :thinker: How 'bout that TG and GG???? Sorry, lost my head for a minute.:p

Yeah, yeah, that'd work; I love spending other people's money!!! :D

Yeah, I'll pick out some good stuff...with only a small surcharge. (I'd really like a framing nailer..heh heh)

I rarely buy tools anymore because tools mean work. :D Of course I'm retired and do my best to avoid work. :eek:

However, when I did buy tools I usually bought Craftsman (Sears) hand tools but avoided Sears when it came to power tools of any kind. I do have my daddy's Sears table saw but someday I need to take it apart and realign it.

I suggest that you find out if you have a Western Tool Supply nearby. You can also buy them off of the web.

westerntool.com/ (http://www.westerntool.com/)

They have a large assortment of stationary and portable power tools to fit most budgets. Another good place, and often you can find some real bargains, is the factory-authorized repair station for the major brands of power tools such as Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, Black & Decker and others.

Harbor Freight, while having tools that most consider to be "lesser quality", is a good place for tools that you will use once or twice in a lifetime. Most of their equipment is made in China and looks pretty rough when compared to American or Japanese made tools but the prices are dirt cheap in comparison. I would not suggest that you buy any tools from HF that you want to last.

Harbor Freight Tools (http://harborfreight.com/)

Harbor Freight also has stores all over the country so be sure to check if there is one (or more) near you.

As for battery-operated tools, unless you are going to be using it a lot I would try to steer you away from battery-operated tools. They are wonderful for some jobs and for professionals that use them every day but for the DIYer it often seems the battery is dead, or near dead when you want to use it. A good corded electric drill, like a Milwaukee, will do far more than a battery drill and should be one of your first purchases. Don't skimp on the extension cord either, buy a fifty-foot long, 12 gauge cord and don't ever use anything less than a 14 gauge extension cord for anything. The 16 gauge cords should be outlawed in my opinion.