[Swifty1638]

Honestly, being as I am in this industry, do it once, and do it right. While I hate paying for them, Snap-on will be your best choice. They have starter sets for beginners into the field, that will include your basics you'd need like sockets, wrenches, ratchets, screw drivers, files, chisels, pics, pliers, hammers, etc etc. Also, depending on the school or job you have, they travel to you, and will give you a new tool if yours breaks. Mac and matco are honorable mentions, but it seems that they are dying off in the industry, and I hardy see them anymore. Mac is weekely, if not bi-weekly, and matco is no more.

-A. Swift