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Ohio Andy

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Jul 31, 2024
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Location
Columbus, Ohio
I like that this set comes with a Ph1, PH2, PH3, and PH4. I don't remember last time I needed a PH4 off the farm, but kind of annoyed when a set does not come with a PH3. I think I used them on electrical panels, old cars (door hinges and a few air filters), some farm equipment like a few handcarts... I think my cousin said he used then on some race cars... Hmmm, guess I have used them since I left the farm.
 
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Steel_Rain

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Apr 23, 2024
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1,363
A couple more things
1/4" and 3/8" flex head long ratchets I bought from a @rword and an 8pc Craftsman V-Series SAE reversible ratcheting combination wrench set from eBay.


One drawer is almost full, the other will be soon

Looking great Lance! You really are buying everything that was in the V-series line, aren't you?

Amazing quality tools. Looking back, I should have bought more back in late 2024 @ Lowes. I feel like we will never see pricing like that again on such good stuff. I remember standing in the aisle when I saw the clearance tags on everything V-Series and thinking to myself that is a really good deal or a really bad deal. Turns out, it was a really good deal and I didn't have the foresight to buy more at the time for the fire sale pricing. I should have bought 2-3 pairs of all the ratcheting wrenches, they had gobs of them in cardboard cartons in the hallway outside the tool section.

I was on Wayback Machine this morning looking at the old V-series website from 2023 for unicorn tools that we may have forgot:


1767795759225.png

For Craftsman's "premiere" tool line, they sure didn't advertise well. The website was nice enough, but I don't recall Lowes / social media pushing this at all until these were marked down to clearance pricing.
 

Skellyii

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Joined
Nov 13, 2021
Messages
1,721
Location
KC Area
I just ran across this picture from January of 2025. I snagged the 1/4 and 3/8 sets and the ratchets. However, if I had known then what I know now, I would have cleaned out their inventory.
 

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LanceMc

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Joined
Jan 5, 2016
Messages
282
Location
Texas
Thanks! I'm working on it
I do really like all of it. I'd like to somehow compile a list of everything in this new V-Series line and post it here in my first post. Sometimes when I open up ACE Hardware's website it shows 65 V-Series items and other times 50 or 51. I screen recorded all 65 items so it's a start. I think I have most of the really expensive stuff bought already. My wife is starting to wonder what all these tools are for though🤔

Looking great Lance! You really are buying everything that was in the V-series line, aren't you?

Amazing quality tools. Looking back, I should have bought more back in late 2024 @ Lowes. I feel like we will never see pricing like that again on such good stuff. I remember standing in the aisle when I saw the clearance tags on everything V-Series and thinking to myself that is a really good deal or a really bad deal. Turns out, it was a really good deal and I didn't have the foresight to buy more at the time for the fire sale pricing. I should have bought 2-3 pairs of all the ratcheting wrenches, they had gobs of them in cardboard cartons in the hallway outside the tool section.

I was on Wayback Machine this morning looking at the old V-series website from 2023 for unicorn tools that we may have forgot:


1767795759225.png

For Craftsman's "premiere" tool line, they sure didn't advertise well. The website was nice enough, but I don't recall Lowes / social media pushing this at all until these were marked down to clearance pricing.
 
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LanceMc

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Jan 5, 2016
Messages
282
Location
Texas
I just ran across this picture from January of 2025. I snagged the 1/4 and 3/8 sets and the ratchets. However, if I had known then what I know now, I would have cleaned out their inventory.
You can still find these all on ebay for very similar prices.
$40 for the SAE 3/8 set, metric a little more at $60.
$60 for a metric ratchet, extensions, universal and 6pt socket set is still a good deal. You'd be hard pressed to find a comparable quality set on the shelf at Lowe's or HD right now, especially that went 8-19, 21,22.
 

Steve_P

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Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
5,185
I don't think I've ever used a #4 Phillips in my life. But now, should the need arise, I'm all tooled up!

I have some Strong Hand F-clamps that IIRC use a #4 phillips for holding on the clamp pad accessories. Otherwise, I'm not sure I've used one because it's the wrong head type for a massive screw- unless, I guess, it doesn't need to be very tight.
 

Steel_Rain

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Apr 23, 2024
Messages
1,363
I just ran across this picture from January of 2025. I snagged the 1/4 and 3/8 sets and the ratchets. However, if I had known then what I know now, I would have cleaned out their inventory.
I can think of no reason I skipped out on buying more of the stuff...until I remembered that I'm a cheap, son of a *****.
 
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LanceMc

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Jan 5, 2016
Messages
282
Location
Texas
The metric reversible ratcheting wrenches arrived today. That completes the wrench drawer
IMG_5784.jpeg


Hex sets arrived. I'm not sure if I will look for the T-Handles or not.
1/4 and 3/8 regular ratchet came in as well.
IMG_5790.jpeg
 
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Tynee

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Joined
Sep 19, 2016
Messages
993
Location
In the Heart of the Bluegrass
I didn’t see it in your new toolbox pics, and if it wasn’t originally on your list of V-series tools to acquire, I’d strongly recommend the reversible ratcheting wrench sets.

CMMT87375V for the metric set.
CMMT87350V for the SAE.

They have a great feel, in my opinion. The ratchet mechanism is smooth with not a lot of back drag. I liked them so much, I turned to FACOM (467 series) to fill in some sizes the Craftsman set excludes. The FACOM wrenches have a few differences, like a circlip on the ratchet end, and an anti-slip profile on the open end.


CMMT87375V_EN_GEC1_1680.webp
EDITED TO ADD: Disregard. Looks like they are out of stock.

If anybody is shopping for these, looks like each set can be had for $30 at Lowe's right now:
 
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LanceMc

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Jan 5, 2016
Messages
282
Location
Texas
Out here looking around and I found this at a Lowe’s far from my normal area I kick around in. Wasn’t listed as in stock on their website. The tool guy said he could ask if they would sell the floor model. I declined and said the line was discontinued. He said it didn’t show as discontinued on his little app.
IMG_5810.jpeg
 

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rword

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Feb 27, 2025
Messages
426
Out here looking around and I found this at a Lowe’s far from my normal area I kick around in. Wasn’t listed as in stock on their website. The tool guy said he could ask if they would sell the floor model. I declined and said the line was discontinued. He said it didn’t show as discontinued on his little app.
IMG_5810.jpeg
So you wanted if wasn’t floor model ?
 
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LanceMc

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Jan 5, 2016
Messages
282
Location
Texas
I like them just fine. I haven't used them for real yet. They seem to be a good bit better than the USA Craftsman ratchets I bought in 2010-2012. Not sure if the 1/4" ratchets will be as good as the Armstrong ratchet I have. It's my favorite 1/4" ratchet I've ever used. When I was in the Army I was a turbine engine mechanic, so we used mostly 1/4" stuff. I only dreamed about having a ratchet as sweet as the Armstrong.
Oh okay, gotcha. What’s your opinion of those v ratchets ?
 

Steel_Rain

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Joined
Apr 23, 2024
Messages
1,363
Out here looking around and I found this at a Lowe’s far from my normal area I kick around in. Wasn’t listed as in stock on their website. The tool guy said he could ask if they would sell the floor model. I declined and said the line was discontinued. He said it didn’t show as discontinued on his little app.
Thought of you today @ Lowes Lance:

IMG_5498.jpeg

IMG_5499.jpeg

If these ever hit clearance, I might bite on either, they are nice. I have way to many toolboxes but nothing in the V-Series line, mostly SO and USG.
 

Steel_Rain

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Apr 23, 2024
Messages
1,363
Man! They are nice toolboxes😎

Do you have any experience with US General boxes (Series 3)? If so, how do you think these compare? I know you said they are nothing special but any other insights? I was looking at the draw slides and the latches, they seem good quality. I like the Made in USA part the most.
 

Callelle

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Feb 3, 2022
Messages
640
Location
Depew NY
Do you have any experience with US General boxes (Series 3)? If so, how do you think these compare? I know you said they are nothing special but any other insights? I was looking at the draw slides and the latches, they seem good quality. I like the Made in USA part the most.
US General boxes aren't made in the US.
 
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LanceMc

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Jan 5, 2016
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Location
Texas
I don't have any experience with the US General other than man-handling one in the store until I was met with "Uhh Sir! Can I help you?" I replied "I just want to see what it's like when I get pissed off and can't find the tool I'm looking for that I need right now to finish this job?" I pinched my fingers on the side slide lock thingamajig and that's all I needed to know about US General.
I very much like the V-Series boxes. The drawers slide very well. The drawer pulls fit my fingers well and it's a high quality feel. Generally the fit and finish good. You can see some of the spot welds in the light of my garage, but may not be the case in every light situation. For something in this price range, and also made in the USA, I'm satisfied. It's more toolbox than I need, but I'm happy to have it.


Do you have any experience with US General boxes (Series 3)? If so, how do you think these compare? I know you said they are nothing special but any other insights? I was looking at the draw slides and the latches, they seem good quality. I like the Made in USA part the most.
 

Pexto

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Joined
May 5, 2018
Messages
638
Do you have any experience with US General boxes (Series 3)? If so, how do you think these compare? I know you said they are nothing special but any other insights? I was looking at the draw slides and the latches, they seem good quality. I like the Made in USA part the most.

I have played with the US General boxes in the store. And I was in a shop once that had just purchased several V-Series boxes and I slid a drawer in and out.

Based on that limited experience there is no comparison. The V-Series is a far better, sturdier box.
 

Steel_Rain

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Apr 23, 2024
Messages
1,363
For something in this price range, and also made in the USA, I'm satisfied. It's more toolbox than I need, but I'm happy to have it.
Based on that limited experience there is no comparison. The V-Series is a far better, sturdier box.

You SONS of ***** may have convinced me to get one of these now. Hmmmm. I need to go to Lowes this weekend for something anways...
 

Pexto

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Joined
May 5, 2018
Messages
638
Nice! How do you like them overall? Any plans for more?

I actually do have more, but they are in my other shop thousands of miles away - I think I have a 1/4" set there, a 3/8" set, and a screwdriver set. Sid note: it's the screwdriver set with a #4 Phillips that I'll probably only ever use as an alignment bar! :cool:

Overall, I really like the V-series stuff, especially at the prices last winter.

The sockets are quite nice, with full polish and beautiful chrome. I don't like them as much as my Koken and Snap-on, but they were a great upgrade for my 1/2" sockets which were a mix of old V-series and Kmart FTY76 sockets from the 1980s.

The ratchets are also beautifully finished and I particularly like the knurling. They are very stiff (high backdrag) right out of the box, but I dripped some gun oil in through the selector switch and spun them for a couple of minutes with a drill, and they're quite acceptable now. Again, they aren't quite the equal of my top-end ratchets (Ko-ken, Proto, Matco 88, Nepros), but they are very serviceable and I find myself picking them up regularly, especially the long flexes.

The locking extensions work very well. They are not svelte, in fact they are on the thick and heavy side, but they are rock solid. They came in a kit with U-joints and some other bits that I haven't used much but also have nice fit and finish.

The pliers wrench (Facom-made) is excellent and I prefer it in some ways to my Knipex. It's built like a tank and adjusts very easily.

The nutdrivers are quite nice. I already had USAG Torx drivers so I knew I would like the handle shape. It's not my favorite but it's not bad at all. The weird thing about the set is that they run 4mm, then 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Really I only use the 8 and 10 in this set; I would much rather have had something like 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13.

Any other questions please fire away!
 

YesIHaveAHammer

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Jun 1, 2025
Messages
830
The pliers wrench (Facom-made) is excellent and I prefer it in some ways to my Knipex. It's built like a tank and adjusts very easily.
What do you prefer about it?

The nutdrivers are quite nice. I already had USAG Torx drivers so I knew I would like the handle shape. It's not my favorite but it's not bad at all. The weird thing about the set is that they run 4mm, then 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Really I only use the 8 and 10 in this set; I would much rather have had something like 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13.
That does seem an odd selection of 6. From Facom we have:
  • MOD.74AJ5 of 5 (6, 7, 8, 10, 13). Covers M3.5-4-5-6-8.
  • 74AT.JL9 of 9 (3.2, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10).
  • 74AT.JL14 of 14 (adds 4.5, 11, 12, 13, 14)
I've not managed to find an excuse to buy any nut driver other than a flexible 7mm for hose clamps.
 

Pexto

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May 5, 2018
Messages
638
What do you prefer about it?

Mostly, I find the Facom/Craftsman easier to adjust, especially with one hand. The big pushbutton on the Facom is very easy to depress and has very positive action. In contrast, the Knipex has a much smaller button that has to be pushed in much further. When you push the button on the Facom the surrounding ring helps keep your thumb right there, on the Knipex my thumb sometimes slips off the small button. In addition the button on the Knipex often hangs up or sticks slightly. The Facom doesn't seem to do that.

I have 4 or 5 Knipex Plierswrench in different sizes, and I like them a great deal. But I think that ease of adjustment is where some of their competitors do a somewhat better job. I have a small Hazet (150mm?) that's easier to adjust than the same size Knipex. I also have a 250mm Klein that is easier to adjust than Knipex.

Another reason the Facom is easier to adjust can be seen in the picture showing the back. The Facom has the toothed rack milled into the back of the plier; thus when you push the adjustment button you automatically create clearance. The Knipex has the rack on both sides of the interior slot, thus the pin can hang up or stick on either side.

The Facom has slightly deeper jaws (2mm) than the Knipex, and somewhat greater maximum capacity (6mm more). The Facom is significantly heavier at 545g versus the 467g of the Knipex.

Hope this helps!

20260114_185033.jpg20260114_185201.jpg20260114_184926.jpg20260114_185135.jpg
 

Pexto

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May 5, 2018
Messages
638

These are great little kits. The only beef I have is that the long extension is a real pain to get at; at least on mine. And the ratchet is a little stiff initially, like all the other V-series.
 

Pexto

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Joined
May 5, 2018
Messages
638
A word of warning - if your garage is unheated be very careful with your V-series socket racks. I've broken two clips this week. :-( The garage temperature was a little above freezing. I've never ever broken a socket clip before so this was surprising.

Also you can see on the right-hand rack the magnetic base has come unglued. An easy fix, but disappointing.

I'll try the warranty line and see what happens.

20260125_151300.jpg
 

Etchase

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Nov 10, 2017
Messages
2,001
Location
Hawaii
A word of warning - if your garage is unheated be very careful with your V-series socket racks. I've broken two clips this week. :-( The garage temperature was a little above freezing. I've never ever broken a socket clip before so this was surprising.

Also you can see on the right-hand rack the magnetic base has come unglued. An easy fix, but disappointing.

I'll try the warranty line and see what happens.

20260125_151300.jpg



Please keep us updated on the warranty experience. I have a couple broken ones and my garage never goes below 60. I cut another brand’s plastic clips down which worked, but they are blue, and I’m too lazy to redo them with black.
 
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LanceMc

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Jan 5, 2016
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282
Location
Texas
I had to glue one of the magnet bases back in on a a 3/8" deep set. Yeah, a bit of a disappointment.
I asked on the 3D printer thread if anyone could make some new nubs for the socket holders and didn't get any takers.
 
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