Posted: 10/30/2014 2:13:21 PM EDT
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I am going to get a tool set but I keep going back and forth with my self on these two sets. The Pittsburg set has great reviews and has more sockets. Reviews say the ratchets are better on the Pittsburg set as well. I do like the drawer set up though on the Craftsman set. I am leaning more towards the Piitsburg set. http://www.sears.com/250-pc-mechanics-tools-set-with-3-drawer/p-00938250000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=00938250000&kispla=00938250000P&kpid=00938250000&mktRedirect=y http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMzYxMjExMDYiLCJza3UiOiI0NTk1MSIsImlzIjoiMTU5Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p%0D%0AZCI6IjEzNDMifQ%3D%3D%0D%0A&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4314a&utm_source=1011&cid=mEmail_s1011_c4314a |
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what are you using it for?
maybe 10 years ago it would be a no brainer, but today, I might go with the HF set. BUT you might consider going to a local pawn shop and pick up complete sets cheaper than that. also don't overlook kobalt or husky. really what counts is if you break one, where do you have to go to replace it. what ever place is closest and gives you the least grief is the set I would chose. |
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Quoted: what are you using it for? maybe 10 years ago it would be a no brainer, but today, I might go with the HF set. BUT you might consider going to a local pawn shop and pick up complete sets cheaper than that. also don't overlook kobalt or husky. really what counts is if you break one, where do you have to go to replace it. what ever place is closest and gives you the least grief is the set I would chose. I have heard great things about the Harbor Freight/Pittsburg warranty. They'll replace it on the spot if you just bring it in. The HF is close by and is right next to Lowes and HD. I'll be using it for DIY car repairs and maintenance. No daily use or anything. Shade tree type work on my two vehicles. |
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I have a buddy that has the Pittsburg.
Some of the stuff is ok. The pliers and screwdrivers suck. I can't really comment on the ratchets. Once you use a higher end one, everything else pretty much sucks. I have two Channel lock sets that I keep in my vehicles that have been 100% for me. No pliers in the set though. |
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Quoted: Kobalt. Taiwan manufacturing has really improved in quality compared to ~5 years ago. Full warranty through Lowes. Have never had to make a trip to Lowes to get a replacement, but I have several times for Craftsman tools. I was looking at their set a few minutes ago. Looks nice. |
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I had a Pittsburg set of sockets for about 15 years. They were great and never broke a single one....including using some on an impact (definite abuse).
I replaced them recently with Kobalt sockets. I found the base set that I wanted on Ebay for about $40 off the Lowes price and then purchased individual sets and sockets at Lowes to round out my sets. I really like the current Kobalt ratchets. I'm trying to find some more on Ebay. I had a Craftsman set for a few years when I was a kid. It was ok but I broke a few sockets and wasn't abusing them at the time. Craftsman used to be good but they have really taken a nosedive as Sears has crashed. |
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I've had some trouble with the Sears ratchet handles but everything else has been top rate. Despite that issue, I'd still get the Sears over the HF set.
The Sears set is on sale right now for $140. I don't know anything about the Kobalt set mentioned. If warranty service is important, the one that's closest might be the winner. |
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I have a buddy that has the Pittsburg. Some of the stuff is ok. The pliers and screwdrivers suck. I can't really comment on the ratchets. Once you use a higher end one, everything else pretty much sucks. I have two Channel lock sets that I keep in my vehicles that have been 100% for me. No pliers in the set though. You owe yourself the favor of picking up some of the HF Carbon Fiber ratchets. No shit, on par with Snap On's. For less than $10, I could not believe the quality compared to my Snap On and Craftsmen's. I just wish they made a CF Flex head. All I use... |
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I looked over the contents of the two packages.
I seriously dislike the carry case of the HF set. I can't imagine lugging it around. Neither is great but I think the Sears tool box wins on that count. I liked the addition of the hex bit drivers in the HF set. I don't use mine often but they are nice to have when you need them. I tend to discount the screw drivers and pliers in the HF set based on the comments above, but I have some cheap tools that I keep in the house for quick repairs (the good tools are out in the garage). |
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Quoted: I looked over the contents of the two packages. I seriously dislike the carry case of the HF set. I can't imagine lugging it around. Neither is great but I think the Sears tool box wins on that count. I liked the addition of the hex bit drivers in the HF set. I don't use mine often but they are nice to have when you need them. I tend to discount the screw drivers and pliers in the HF set based on the comments above, but I have some cheap tools that I keep in the house for quick repairs (the good tools are out in the garage). I am not too fond of the HF case either. I like how it has metal clasps but I like the drawer set up of the Kobalt and Craftsman sets better. If the Kobalt set had more sockets I would jump on it. |
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it shouldn't be a question of more, but rather what do you use.
for my old car, I have like 4 of the 9/16th sockets, 4 of the 1/2 inch and a couple of 7/16th. the rest I only have 1 of each if even that. Probably haven't used 60 percent of them in over 30 years. for metric really only care about 8-16 if even that. have a few one off like 32 and 33, but rarely use more than 10, 12 and 14 on anything. so having 20 extra sockets doesn't mean that much if they are not commonly used. carrying it around does matter. but you have to think about where and how more than is the design nice. I used to keep a 3 drawer craftsman box in the trunk of my car when I drove cross country. I literally had enough tools that I took apart the front of my engine down to the timing cover on the road.(dumbass reason). But for normal stuff like junkyard runs, I keep smaller cases with only a few tools I know I need vs the whole kit and kitchen sink. The "nice" carry case that craftsman gave me with a tool set died because the snaps that held it close came off, so it was worthless after that. I still say run to a pawn shop and see what their prices are for kits (with lifetime warranties) now that you know what they cost. I haven't been in a long time, but when I was a 19 year old starting out, I got that 3 drawer craftsman box with all craftsman tools in it for 100 bucks. it was some big 400 piece set with even the little wrenches and sockets. |
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I have heard great things about the Harbor Freight/Pittsburg warranty. They'll replace it on the spot if you just bring it in. The HF is close by and is right next to Lowes and HD. I'll be using it for DIY car repairs and maintenance. No daily use or anything. Shade tree type work on my two vehicles. Quoted:
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what are you using it for? maybe 10 years ago it would be a no brainer, but today, I might go with the HF set. BUT you might consider going to a local pawn shop and pick up complete sets cheaper than that. also don't overlook kobalt or husky. really what counts is if you break one, where do you have to go to replace it. what ever place is closest and gives you the least grief is the set I would chose. I have heard great things about the Harbor Freight/Pittsburg warranty. They'll replace it on the spot if you just bring it in. The HF is close by and is right next to Lowes and HD. I'll be using it for DIY car repairs and maintenance. No daily use or anything. Shade tree type work on my two vehicles. Tools that break can damage what you are working on an injure you. There is also the issue of working on your car at 10 pm and breaking a tool. I will also second the "look at Kobalt and Husky", previously mentioned. Later additions would be gear wrenches, flex head ratchets, wobble extension bars. |
| With the coupons and the sales, I've went with the Harbor Freight line. I use my heavily. But only the Pittsburgh PRO tools. For the money the impact sockets and the ratcheting wrenches are great same with the extensions. The composite ratchets are my favorite, The tools in the set you are looking at are not the Pro tools and because of that I'm not sure I would expect great things. I do really like the drawers in the craftsman set. |
| I picked up a Husky set about 6 years ago that I keep in the trunk of my car, 1/2" racket went on me but they replaced it everything else has worked great (I use the set on a weekly basis). Just a heads up, Lowes & HD will accept those 20/25% off coupons from Harbor Freight (just the standard x% off, they will not accept any others as they do not carry the same brands). Ive never purchased hand tools from HF, but the engine stand, engine support bar, sand blast cabinet I bought there have held up great. My buddy bought a mini lathe there, it had some slop in it but he was able to get it perfect and increase the torque by following some youtube videos |
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of those two choices, I"d go with the Craftsman.
I can't see buying the "basics" stuff from HF onesy, twosy stuff from HF, to fill in a gap and/or one time (very infrequent) use, okay. I have 3/4" drive sets and misc tools from HF for just that... oh, and my truck toolbox has 'em as well (about 90%), but that is only a "get home" set of tools, that if It were to be stolen, I'm not out a huge chuck of money...emphasis on "get home" (or not get stuck out in the middle of nowhere) Home is where all my GOOD quality tools are. (Craftsman, SK, Wiha, Hazet, Snapon, Mac, etc..) |
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of those two choices, I"d go with the Craftsman. I can't see buying the "basics" stuff from HF onesy, twosy stuff from HF, to fill in a gap and/or one time (very infrequent) use, okay. I have 3/4" drive sets and misc tools from HF for just that... oh, and my truck toolbox has 'em as well (about 90%), but that is only a "get home" set of tools, that if It were to be stolen, I'm not out a huge chuck of money...emphasis on "get home" (or not get stuck out in the middle of nowhere) Home is where all my GOOD quality tools are. (Craftsman, SK, Wiha, Hazet, Snapon, Mac, etc..) Craftsman is no longer the quality that they once were. Craftsman has changed suppliers for their hand tools several times and some have been ok and some have not. I would place Kobalt as higher quality than Craftsman. It's sad and my grandfather would be turning over in his grave if he knew what happened to Craftsman. I also don't think Sears will be around much longer. We are watching the death of Sears. What will happen to the Craftsman brand remains to be seen. However, I feel a lot better about getting warranty coverage through Lowes than I do getting it through Sears in the future. |
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I am starting to lean towards the Kobalt kit. It seems like it's lacking a little bit in sockets but I can get it on Black Friday for $99. I got the Kobalt and have beefed up my socket set with additional sockets. Realistically, for most repairs on vehicles and equipment, here are the most common sizes you need: Metric 10,12,14, 17,19. SAE 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4. Occasionally you'll find some other sizes on equipment and vehicles but those are the ones you'll use the most. The rest of them will only get used occasionally....and depending on what kind of stuff you do, some may never get used. |
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<snip> Craftsman is no longer the quality that they once were. Craftsman has changed suppliers for their hand tools several times and some have been ok and some have not. I would place Kobalt as higher quality than Craftsman. It's sad and my grandfather would be turning over in his grave if he knew what happened to Craftsman. I also don't think Sears will be around much longer. We are watching the death of Sears. What will happen to the Craftsman brand remains to be seen. However, I feel a lot better about getting warranty coverage through Lowes than I do getting it through Sears in the future. Interesting.. I know that they've introduced some gimic-y tools, and their 'not craftsman' line, but I didn't know they were falling off all together. oh, well. good thing I've got pretty much all my bases covered, hand tool wise. there are the odd-ball / specialty tools I'll probably find myself needing at some time... I do have a collection of "junk" tools for making stuff up, I've got a lathe, and gas/mig/tig/arc welding at my disposal....just need a mill now. 'merica 
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I got the Kobalt and have beefed up my socket set with additional sockets. Realistically, for most repairs on vehicles and equipment, here are the most common sizes you need: Metric 10,12,14, 17,19. SAE 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4. Occasionally you'll find some other sizes on equipment and vehicles but those are the ones you'll use the most. The rest of them will only get used occasionally....and depending on what kind of stuff you do, some may never get used. Quoted:
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I am starting to lean towards the Kobalt kit. It seems like it's lacking a little bit in sockets but I can get it on Black Friday for $99. I got the Kobalt and have beefed up my socket set with additional sockets. Realistically, for most repairs on vehicles and equipment, here are the most common sizes you need: Metric 10,12,14, 17,19. SAE 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4. Occasionally you'll find some other sizes on equipment and vehicles but those are the ones you'll use the most. The rest of them will only get used occasionally....and depending on what kind of stuff you do, some may never get used. 13 mm for European cars and very few 12's and 14's. American cars will use 18 mm, which is annoying. |
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honestly I would get the sears set and usually I hate crapsman tools but the sockets are better. Take the case and throw it away. You will thank me. give the ratchets away for Xmas and get something better. Even HF makes better ratchets than craftman at this point. Throw that crap ass screw driver and bit set and the loose Allen wrenches away too. Then go get a proper bhonus set of ball Allen wrenches. Get a full set of reversible angled gear wrenches from sears on sale, And a Klein 11-1 screwdriver from Home depot. I would get the harbor freight 5 drawer tool cart on sale for around 150 and call it a day. Also these are the shit. I have the full set. I got mine from sears they may be at harbor freight too.   |
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Sears lost my business 10+ years ago after several disappointing attempts at replacing broken tools. I've taken my time over the years building a professional set of tools, keeping my eye out for deals. It helps if you know the local Snap-on and MAC dealers, they can usually get you some deals on repo and closeout stuff. My old MAC dealer also carried SK, and Blackhawk, which was nice. Unfortunately, most of these guys are all about sales dollars anymore and it's hard to get there attention unless you spend some money with them.
The box stores have come a long way and you will probably be good to go for the basic around the house stuff. Get the best starter set you can afford and build on from there. It also helps to make a quick list of all the tools you know you will use regularly and don't skimp on those. |
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I don't buy from tool trucks. The reason is, at least in my area, tool trucks only want to go to mechanic shops. They don't seem interested to make individual sales. As a result, it's hard for an individual like me to warranty a tool or to purchase one when I need it.
Could also partly be because I just want to purchase tools with cash. I'm not interested in credit...and tool trucks make a lot of money charging interest on credit sales. |
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I don't buy from tool trucks. The reason is, at least in my area, tool trucks only want to go to mechanic shops. They don't seem interested to make individual sales. As a result, it's hard for an individual like me to warranty a tool or to purchase one when I need it. Could also partly be because I just want to purchase tools with cash. I'm not interested in credit...and tool trucks make a lot of money charging interest on credit sales. When I worked for UAL, we had a couple tool trucks that would come by every so often.. The Snap-On guy was friendly, but not very good at coming through with things. I would need something, and if he didn't have it, it was a long process to get it. I suppose he was mostly after the big toolbox sale. I can also say that earlier in my carreer, there was a different driver, he went the distance... so, YMMV you can find a lot of Snap-On at pawn shops and flea markets. just make sure you know the prices of things, so you don't get ripped off. |
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When I worked for UAL, we had a couple tool trucks that would come by every so often.. The Snap-On guy was friendly, but not very good at coming through with things. I would need something, and if he didn't have it, it was a long process to get it. I suppose he was mostly after the big toolbox sale. I can also say that earlier in my carreer, there was a different driver, he went the distance... so, YMMV you can find a lot of Snap-On at pawn shops and flea markets. just make sure you know the prices of things, so you don't get ripped off. Quoted:
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I don't buy from tool trucks. The reason is, at least in my area, tool trucks only want to go to mechanic shops. They don't seem interested to make individual sales. As a result, it's hard for an individual like me to warranty a tool or to purchase one when I need it. Could also partly be because I just want to purchase tools with cash. I'm not interested in credit...and tool trucks make a lot of money charging interest on credit sales. When I worked for UAL, we had a couple tool trucks that would come by every so often.. The Snap-On guy was friendly, but not very good at coming through with things. I would need something, and if he didn't have it, it was a long process to get it. I suppose he was mostly after the big toolbox sale. I can also say that earlier in my carreer, there was a different driver, he went the distance... so, YMMV you can find a lot of Snap-On at pawn shops and flea markets. just make sure you know the prices of things, so you don't get ripped off. That sounded like the Snap-On guy that made his rounds were I was from. Back in HS I worked for a body shop and all I wanted was a 1/4 drive flex head ratchet. I don't think he ever got one in for me over the 2 years I was there. Oh well. |
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That sounded like the Snap-On guy that made his rounds were I was from. Back in HS I worked for a body shop and all I wanted was a 1/4 drive flex head ratchet. I don't think he ever got one in for me over the 2 years I was there. Oh well. Quoted:
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I don't buy from tool trucks. The reason is, at least in my area, tool trucks only want to go to mechanic shops. They don't seem interested to make individual sales. As a result, it's hard for an individual like me to warranty a tool or to purchase one when I need it. Could also partly be because I just want to purchase tools with cash. I'm not interested in credit...and tool trucks make a lot of money charging interest on credit sales. When I worked for UAL, we had a couple tool trucks that would come by every so often.. The Snap-On guy was friendly, but not very good at coming through with things. I would need something, and if he didn't have it, it was a long process to get it. I suppose he was mostly after the big toolbox sale. I can also say that earlier in my carreer, there was a different driver, he went the distance... so, YMMV you can find a lot of Snap-On at pawn shops and flea markets. just make sure you know the prices of things, so you don't get ripped off. That sounded like the Snap-On guy that made his rounds were I was from. Back in HS I worked for a body shop and all I wanted was a 1/4 drive flex head ratchet. I don't think he ever got one in for me over the 2 years I was there. Oh well. Unfortunately, the guy running the truck makes the difference. I knew some great guys that took care of their customers, even if you were just trying to get a 1/4" ratchet. 
In the long run, customer service and quality wins with me, Craftsman has lost both over the past 10 to 15 years. |
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I am starting to lean towards the Kobalt kit. It seems like it's lacking a little bit in sockets but I can get it on Black Friday for $99. Im a Caterpillar service tech. My toolbox is loaded with Kobalt. I run them hard, using chrome on impact. Never had any problems. I would most definitleyn recommend them to other people. |
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Quoted: Buy the Kobalt set on black friday. ETA: I picked one up on Black Friday about 5 years ago. I put the case on a Harbor Freight utility cart and it became my primary tool set over the Craftsman and Snap On in my tool chest. The ratchets are excellent. Thanks for the input |
| Check out Grey Pneumatic sockets/ratchets. Quality close to Snap On with out the high price. They are 10 times better than Matco, Mac or Craftsman. I bought a couple set of their 1/4" magnetic sockets ans fell in love with them. Bought a 3/8 and 1/4" set for at home include swivel impacts. |
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Talking strictly about sockets, if you are looking for something impact rated, look at Grey Pneumatic. I'm a automotive tech, and I've beat the ever living crap outta my GPs on a daily basis. I've never broken one. Depending on if you have a local seller, they would be a really good choice. Their ratchets and air hammer bits are also very nice.
I have GP sockets in deep/shallow 3/8 metric and SAE, same in 1/2", plus all 3/8" swivels in deep and shallow and all 1/2" swivels in deep and shallow.....and it set me back the same price as a set of 3/8" shallow swivels off the snap on truck. For all of it. They have a new set of sockets that are the same dimensions as chrome sockets, but are impact rated. They look veeeery nice. |