Posted: 2/20/2011 8:26:05 AM EDT
Years ago I bought a Craftsman tool set.... over time, family borrowed different tools and now I have nothing left  –– won't do that again.So I am looking at getting some new tools, maybe a larger kit. So, I can get a Craftsmen 260pc tool set with a cheap-____ tool box for for $199, then $15 coupon, so $184, then I have a $50 gift card (only reason I am looking at Craftsman) - so $134... But I was wondering - take the wrenches for example.... I like the ratcheting wrenches which aren't included in these kits... and personally, the Craftsmen ratcheting wrenches are overpriced –– Husky has a nice set for $40/7pc set (SAE or Metric) - so I was considering just buying smaller, separate kits. Buy some socket kits, buy wrenches, buy screwdrivers, etc, etc... I haven't really priced that out yet - but was wondering if someone else has done this –– buy the parts separately rather than a kit. Thanks! |
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Price it out.
It'll depend on what you want as to which is going to be the best deal. I'm sure if I bought one of the really big kits to start, I'd have saved money. I'd have a bunch of tools I never use, but it would have been cheaper. However, that's a big investment up front. Personally, I'd buy the largest socket set they have, and then buy the smaller packages as you can afford, or need them. As to the wrenches, I have no experience with the gear wrenches. But, in my experience, you'll want at least two wrenches in the same size for many sizes. Frequently it's necessary to put a wrench on the bolt, and another on the nut. Yes, a lot of times you could use a socket wrench and an open or box end wrench, but sometimes you'll want to use two open or box end wrenches on each end. So, having the gear wrenches and regular combination wrenches may not necessarily be a waste. |
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I saw that same kit for sale and thought that looked like a good deal for someone just starting building thier collection. You will save A LOT buying the kit vs. pricing out the parts individually.
As far as gear wrenches go, I bought the GearWrench brand. They are right next the the Craftsman ones at Sears and roughtly 1/2 the price - $39.99 on sale right now I believe. I stick to Craftsman for my sockets and normal box end wrenches since they are abused the most, but don't count out Harbor Freight for tools. Some are good quality, others not so much. The website below can help sort out the good from the bad. Some people will say anything less than Snap-On is junk. They are overpriced for a weekend mechanic IMO. If you can afford them for weekend jobs, you can probably afford to bring your Ferrari to the dealer to get serviced. Also, in my experience, Craftsman stands behind thier lifetime warranty much better than Snap-On. At least here, the Snap-On guys give you the 3rd degree and look for reasons not to warranty them, and Sears is no questions asked. I know a guy that ran over a Craftsman level with a skid-steer and they warrantied it. This place can be a lot of help. It's the Arfcom of garages and tools. http://www.garagejournal.com |
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this is what i did about 10 or so years ago and do not regret it. i focused mainly on the largest variety of six point sockets, including deep wall, with the least amount of other crap. in theory it makes sense and can be good deal, but there are some things to look out for - especially now that craftsman brand has been deteriorating rapidly. they piece counts are often padded by simple things such as hex bits, allen wrenches and other stuff that you may or may not need or will want a better quality item. (ball end allen wrenches for example) or that you can buy in other sets and get even cheaper. also, make sure the range of sizes fits your needs so you don't have to go buy single pieces later at much higher cost. the type of work you plan to do is important too. as mentioned having two sets of wrenches is very handy. it's also true that you may also want to beat on a fixed wrench in a way that you wouldn't want to do with a ratcheting wrench. if you don't see yourself in that situation, maybe you could get away with only ratcheting. although i still have nearly all of my craftsman tools, i end up using other brands more often for just about everything except the sockets. eta. i took a look through the tool sets at sears and found a 309 piece set with 196 sockets for $249.00. i think that might be where the better value is. |
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I'm a helicopter mechanic by trade and I've got tools that I use daily from Mac, Snap-On, Craftsman, Matco, and others. Some things I've noticed over the years: Mac and Snap-on tools ARE better than the lower priced brands. That said, their prices are kind of ridiculous and I don't by them for the toolbox in my garage at home. The Kobalt brand- at Lowe's I think-looks like they are pretty good quality, but I'll admit I've never used them. I've got a $600 set of Mac wrenches, and they're great, but I use the $70 Gear Wrench set more often. Gear Wrench brand are great wrenches. You can get them at lots of different stores and they are warrantied forever. Don't hammer on them. Buy two sets of wrenches. One ratcheting set and one combination set (non ratcheting). I buy 12 point sockets for everything except impact sockets. You can use 12 point on 6 point bolts, but not vice-versa. If you really need a 6 point, use an impact socket. Craftsman quality has definitely gone downhill. Yes, they will replace broken tools no questions asked, but if it just breaks again it's not worth my time or money. I'm pretty well fed-up with Craftsman (and Sears in general). |
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Quoted: Craftsman quality has definitely gone downhill. Yes, they will replace broken tools no questions asked, but if it just breaks again it's not worth my time or money. I'm pretty well fed-up with Craftsman (and Sears in general). Ill second that. The attitude on the hand tool replacements varies from store to store. Of the two stores in my area, I know which to go to for ratchet replacements, because they do a better job of rebuilds (done in the back room in-store and then put on the warranty rack), and which to go to for most other things. I have had more than one salesperson try and get me to admit to abusing sockets, I am guessing they would disqualify me for a replacement. I had a 3/4" that I was using on a impact wrench (probably would be called abuse), and they asked what I was doing with it, told them I was using it and it broke. So they asked if it was used on an impact wrench and I just said I am not sure. Then they tried to piece the whole thing back together to see if any pieces were missing, and wanted to send me packing unless the whole thing was there. It was in about 5 pieces so I dont know what they thought I would do, bring in a little sliver and claim the rest vaporized? I am almost positive that they have a metric of their store performance that measures how much they "lose" from hand tool replacements. When I left Sears almost 5 years ago, things were getting tight around there. New corporate management really stressing profits. For a while all the handtools got cycled out with new items that were made in a different factory. I never looked, but I wonder if they are made in Mexico or China. |
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I'm pretty happy with Craftsman but they are made by different manufacturers over the years and sometimes, the company that's making them makes them substandard.
I've never had a problem getting warranty coverage at Sears. Kobalt tools are made by the same company that makes Craftsman..at least at the present. I also like Gearwrench tools. They are pretty well made. |
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Quoted: You might also check some other brands. Craftsman hand tools are no longer as good as they used to be. Sadly I've heard that... I know they are now made in China and/or Mexico... but I have a gift card for Sears and there isn't a lot of stuff there to buy... and since I don't make my living off of my tools, I don't need the quality of Snap-on or Mac. My co-worker has Husky tools and seems to fine with them... I think I'll get a kit from Sears.... better than what I have  –– then I'll get some of those Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches to compliment the traditional wrenches from the kit. |
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I now pass on new Craftsmen ratchets and sockets.
After splitting two 10 mm six point sockets in a row it is just not worth the time to bother getting it replaced yet again. The two pieces are in a zip-lock back in the tool box if I ever remember to stop by Sears again. |
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I buy 12 point sockets for everything except impact sockets. You can use 12 point on 6 point bolts, but not vice-versa. If you really need a 6 point, use an impact socket. Craftsman quality has definitely gone downhill. Yes, they will replace broken tools no questions asked, but if it just breaks again it's not worth my time or money. I'm pretty well fed-up with Craftsman (and Sears in general). Not always true. As a bodyman, you never want to use 12 point sockets working on older cars. The edges of the bolts and nuts are the first thing to rust off. 12 point sockets will finish the job off. When I started out as a bodyman I was using Craftsman 12 pt sockets. Life was miserable trying to work on older cars where a little rust had taken hold. Went to a 6 point Snap-On and life was good again. Now granted, if I had a collection of Impact sockets, I would have never thought about buying the 6 point 3/8" drive set I did. But there was little need for a bodyman to be using an impact wrench. It all depends on the work you are doing. |
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I buy 12 point sockets for everything except impact sockets. You can use 12 point on 6 point bolts, but not vice-versa. If you really need a 6 point, use an impact socket. Craftsman quality has definitely gone downhill. Yes, they will replace broken tools no questions asked, but if it just breaks again it's not worth my time or money. I'm pretty well fed-up with Craftsman (and Sears in general). Not always true. As a bodyman, you never want to use 12 point sockets working on older cars. The edges of the bolts and nuts are the first thing to rust off. 12 point sockets will finish the job off. When I started out as a bodyman I was using Craftsman 12 pt sockets. Life was miserable trying to work on older cars where a little rust had taken hold. Went to a 6 point Snap-On and life was good again. Now granted, if I had a collection of Impact sockets, I would have never thought about buying the 6 point 3/8" drive set I did. But there was little need for a bodyman to be using an impact wrench. It all depends on the work you are doing. I generally prefer 6 point sockets for everything. Sometimes 12 point sockets are needed if you don't have a lot of room to manipulate the bolt/nut. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I buy 12 point sockets for everything except impact sockets. You can use 12 point on 6 point bolts, but not vice-versa. If you really need a 6 point, use an impact socket. Craftsman quality has definitely gone downhill. Yes, they will replace broken tools no questions asked, but if it just breaks again it's not worth my time or money. I'm pretty well fed-up with Craftsman (and Sears in general). Not always true. As a bodyman, you never want to use 12 point sockets working on older cars. The edges of the bolts and nuts are the first thing to rust off. 12 point sockets will finish the job off. When I started out as a bodyman I was using Craftsman 12 pt sockets. Life was miserable trying to work on older cars where a little rust had taken hold. Went to a 6 point Snap-On and life was good again. Now granted, if I had a collection of Impact sockets, I would have never thought about buying the 6 point 3/8" drive set I did. But there was little need for a bodyman to be using an impact wrench. It all depends on the work you are doing. I generally prefer 6 point sockets for everything. Sometimes 12 point sockets are needed if you don't have a lot of room to manipulate the bolt/nut. This is where my box has evolved to. If I can't do it with a 6 pt socket, then the GearWrench can get it. I also have a lot of unused 12 pt sockets and box end wrenches in the drawer too. |
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AAR: 309 piece toolset - no crappy toolbox included, I can put them in my own box of choice. $184 after giftcard and coupon. It says Made in the USA.... but maybe with Chinese steel?  GearWrench Ratcheting Wrenches –– $59 for both after coupon. I noticed the SAE set on the aisle end-cap didn't include the "free" additional wrenches... but the SAE set in the aisle, for the same price, did... so... SCORE! I decided against the "reversible" set - because that would have cost $70 more and flipping the wrench around isn't that big of a deal for me.   Now after payday next week I'll take my Home Depot giftcards and get a Makita 18V LXT combo kit and a new air compressor + finish nailers  |
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That sounds like a good choice.
I'm sure you already know this but the GearWrench set is NOT suitable for use in high-torque situations, such as REALLY tightening, or breaking stuck nuts loose. They have a short throw ratchet and that means fine teeth––which strip easily. VERY handy tools they are––but not tough.
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Quoted: That sounds like a good choice. I'm sure you already know this but the GearWrench set is NOT suitable for use in high-torque situations, such as REALLY tightening, or breaking stuck nuts loose. They have a short throw ratchet and that means fine teeth––which strip easily. VERY handy tools they are––but not tough. Even the GearWrench documentation says that, ... that being said, I have yet to break one, and I've used them when doing the bell housing while R&R'ing the transmission in my 72 Blazer. If I did manage to break one: http://www.gearwrench.com/warranty.jsp WarrantyGearWrench® hand tools are warranted for Life to be free of defects in material and workmanship. Carrying cases, pouches, accessory bits and consumable products, if any, are not covered by this Warranty. GearWrench - Consumer Tools If any GearWrench Hand Tool purchased at a retailer, when used for its intended purpose, fails to give you complete satisfaction, please return it to any Sears* location, or contact Apex Tool Group Consumer Division at (888)-757-1812 for free replacement or return. * Sears carries a broad range of GearWrench hand tools, but does not guarantee that all GearWrench tools can be returned to any Sears location. If unsure, please return your GearWrench tool to the specific retailer or distributor from which you purchased it. GearWrench - Professional Tools If use of any GearWrench Hand Tool® when used for its intended purpose, fails to give complete satisfaction, return it to your GearWrench Distributor or contact Apex Tool Group Professional Division at (800)-688-8949, and it will be repaired or replaced free of charge. *Except Torque Products *GearWrench Torque Products are warranted to (1) be free of defects in material and workmanship for one year and (2) meet out of the box calibration accuracy standards as stated in the product literature. Accuracy standards for calibration are warranted for 90 days from date of purchase. Products for which Warranty Repair is requested should be returned, at Buyer’s cost, for evaluation to: Warranty Service & Authorized Repair: Electronic Torque Wrenches Apex Torque Repair 3000 West Kingsley Road Garland, TX 75041 All other Torque Products Angle Repair & Calibration Service, Inc. 175 Angle Drive Beckley, West Virginia 25801 GearWrench Torque Products are precision instruments that contain moving parts. These components are subject to normal wear through use and replacement thereof is the responsibility of Buyer. Torque Products should be routinely checked for calibration at an Authorized Repair Center using GearWrench repair parts. This Warranty shall not apply to Products which have been misused, abused, damaged by accident or otherwise, repaired by anyone other than an Authorized Repair Center or modified by anyone other than Apex Tool Group and is in lieu of all other warranties, whether express, implied or statutory. THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED. Buyer's sole and exclusive remedy for breach of this Warranty is, at the option of Apex Tool Group, repair or replacement of the defective Product. IN NO EVENT WILL APEX TOOL GROUP BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, EVEN IF APEX TOOL GROUP HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. The Apex Tool Group is not responsible for personal injury or damage resulting from improper tool usage, product modification, abuse or usage beyond expected product life. For further information on GearWrench Hand Tools, Torque Products or Authorized Repair Centers, please contact us at: Apex Tool Group GearWrench Professional Hand Tools (800) 866-5753 GearWrench Consumer Hand Tools (888) 757-1812 |
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there is a catch to the lifetime guarantees in many cases. im not saying it applies to gearwrench, but is something to consider and maybe a different perspective for some people. years ago, a lifetime guarantee existed as a way of saying the product was so well built or engineered that it was unlikely to fail. that was typically the case, too. somewhere along the way though, it became perverted by marketing as just another selling point. it's now in use on packages and in stores where the products are in no way ready for extreme duty, but the companies count on the fact that only a very small percentage of the customers will be affected when it breaks or fails and that an even smaller percentage will actually bother to return the item. at one point, i worked for a company that had one of these lifetime guarantees for their products. when i started to look closely at the materials used and the manufacturing methods, it was obvious to me that there was nothing super special about them and there were many ways the products could be improved. eventually i got to the marketing numbers and bean counter explanation and saw just how calculated and deceptive to consumers it can really be. as a second point, guarantees are only good if the company or brand still exists. in today's business climate, i can't really say i'd count on any company to be around in five or ten years - let alone a lifetime.
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Quoted: That sounds like a good choice. I'm sure you already know this but the GearWrench set is NOT suitable for use in high-torque situations, such as REALLY tightening, or breaking stuck nuts loose. They have a short throw ratchet and that means fine teeth––which strip easily. VERY handy tools they are––but not tough. Oh yeah - I know that My side-job is working with outdoor wireless broadband systems. So I like the ratcheting wrenches for the antennas and radios I have to mount on poles, etc... never a super high-torque environment... |
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I prefer to do it individually. Your cost per tool will most certainly be higher, but they're only tools you will use. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I have learned that I will always need a tool that I don't have. So I buy as many as I can. Also I have a ratcheting wrench set from Craftsman and it says "Made in USA". Not sure if it is all the tools or just the one I got for Christmas. |
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I prefer to do it individually. Your cost per tool will most certainly be higher, but they're only tools you will use. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I have learned that I will always need a tool that I don't have. So I buy as many as I can. Ha, there is definitely truth to that. However, the basics are always there. Since you're asking this I doubt you're a promechanic, and neither am I. If you want a feel of what i mean I'll post what i have that takes care of my household needs, machine shop, metric and standard vehicles, and boat. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I'm a helicopter mechanic by trade and I've got tools that I use daily from Mac, Snap-On, Craftsman, Matco, and others. Some things I've noticed over the years: Mac and Snap-on tools ARE better than the lower priced brands. That said, their prices are kind of ridiculous and I don't by them for the toolbox in my garage at home. The Kobalt brand- at Lowe's I think-looks like they are pretty good quality, but I'll admit I've never used them. I've got a $600 set of Mac wrenches, and they're great, but I use the $70 Gear Wrench set more often. Gear Wrench brand are great wrenches. You can get them at lots of different stores and they are warrantied forever. Don't hammer on them. Buy two sets of wrenches. One ratcheting set and one combination set (non ratcheting). I buy 12 point sockets for everything except impact sockets. You can use 12 point on 6 point bolts, but not vice-versa. If you really need a 6 point, use an impact socket. Craftsman quality has definitely gone downhill. Yes, they will replace broken tools no questions asked, but if it just breaks again it's not worth my time or money. I'm pretty well fed-up with Craftsman (and Sears in general). Craftsman tool quality has gone to shit and they are more picky about warranty exchanges. Sears IMO is a failing company and is going the wrong way to try and fix it. Appliances and tools have always been their thing and now they suck at both. Their warranty, quality, and service are all shit and it is coming from the top. When my $2500 fridge was dead 18 months after I bought it from a failed compressor 4 different employees from store level to the 800 number told me that "appliances just aren't built they way they used to be and that was based on customer demand." The district mgr told me that "it was my fault my fridge wasn't being replaced because I didn't buy the extended warranty". The fridge was less than 2 years old and the $400 warranty was only for 3 years. I asked him if he thought it was reasonable for a customer to expect to have to replace their fridge every 18 months and got the same "appliances just aren't built they way they used to be and that was based on customer demand" answer. FUCK SEARS Grove |
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Quoted: I saw that same kit for sale and thought that looked like a good deal for someone just starting building thier collection. You will save A LOT buying the kit vs. pricing out the parts individually. As far as gear wrenches go, I bought the GearWrench brand. They are right next the the Craftsman ones at Sears and roughtly 1/2 the price - $39.99 on sale right now I believe. I stick to Craftsman for my sockets and normal box end wrenches since they are abused the most, but don't count out Harbor Freight for tools. Some are good quality, others not so much. The website below can help sort out the good from the bad. Some people will say anything less than Snap-On is junk. They are overpriced for a weekend mechanic IMO. If you can afford them for weekend jobs, you can probably afford to bring your Ferrari to the dealer to get serviced. Also, in my experience, Craftsman stands behind thier lifetime warranty much better than Snap-On. At least here, the Snap-On guys give you the 3rd degree and look for reasons not to warranty them, and Sears is no questions asked. I know a guy that ran over a Craftsman level with a skid-steer and they warrantied it. This place can be a lot of help. It's the Arfcom of garages and tools. http://www.garagejournal.com Great link, thanks. I was just looking for a forum like this the other day. |
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Kobalt tools are made by the same company that makes Craftsman..at least at the present. . Kobalt was rolled out to the market with tools made by Sears' supplier- Western Forge. That ended years ago and Kobalt is now made in China or Taiwan. Actually, Kobalt was also made by the Danaher group as well as Craftsman...at least at one time. I think they both still are because if you look at both tools, you'll see that they look nearly identical. Both Kobalt and Craftsman (as well as other brands) are made by a variety of manufactures as they bid the various contracts. Quick ref Quick ref 2 |