what brand of tools

[bdog]

I am looking to build a tool set for home use. I am not a mechanic by trade but I find myself wrenching on things on a regular basis.

Anyway I find Snap On and the other delivery truck tools out of the question because of cost.

Is craftsman still the go to brand or is there another out there that is more bang for the buck?

 

[wrenchr]

Craftsman would be the best choice, imo.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Craftsman would be the best choice, imo.

Yup, only way to fly!

 

[paramudduck]

For what you say you need them for Craftsman is perfect. If and note the if, you find one of them is failing often. Then consider looking at swap meets, yard sales, or ebay for higher level tools to replace the one that is failing.

But with that disclaimer, Craftsman is perfectly suited for the home mechanic.

 

[Stanger]

Everything Craftsman but replace the ratchets with either the Craftsman thin profiles or another brand.

 

[paramudduck]

The ones in the sets might get him by until he could save up the money to upgrade.

Keep an eye on the Sears site they pop up with some crazy deals on there.

 

[MechanicforLife]

You are like me, needing things when you dont have them and finding yourself making due without. Like the guys here have said Craftsman all the way. If you want to start buying tools then go to Craftsman.com and join the club they have discounts all the time and every month on specific days all you have to do is check back with the website or the will email you the deals they offer. I too think Snap on is out of the question for me right now.
First problem I had is when I bought the 137 peice tool set I thought I got a deal on a set I would be using often. But I found myself needing what I didnt have. Sure I have alot of tools lying around in drawers but who wants to always dig around in a drawer where there is free sockets with no home no numeric labels to tell you what it is just got old for me. So I returned my 137 peice and got a bigger tool set. I think the 154 peice set thats on sale right now is a good home tool set. My dad had this set and it comes with alot of bigger sizes youll need and its only $99.99. Its not the biggest set but its a good 1. All depends on what you want and how much you got to spend. But let me tell you this, just happened to me I recently rebuilt this carburetor and I had these tork bits that were foreign made and they ket snapping in half when I was unbolting the Carb. And the other day I snapped a bit off in a drill hole , Also that tool bit was made in China. Nothings wrong with some foreign stuff. Im no expert either.
________
RC145

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I am looking to build a tool set for home use. I am not a mechanic by trade but I find myself wrenching on things on a regular basis.

Anyway I find Snap On and the other delivery truck tools out of the question because of cost.

Is craftsman still the go to brand or is there another out there that is more bang for the buck?

Absolutely. Go to a Sears and get the tool catalouge or spend some time on the website. You can't go wrong.

 

[paramudduck]

Watch out for the filler items. Sears and others like to add hex key sets and other stuff to pump up the numbers on the sets. A smaller set may and often does have more useful tools in it.

 

[MechanicforLife]

Another thing at Craftsman.com they will mail you a Craftsman Club Membership card with a customer number so you can take it with you and get a discount. Go check out the website and fill out the info. Here fill this form out and start receiving discounts
http://www.craftsman.com/enroll/, enjoy
________
TTR125

 

[Merkava_4]

GearWrench is better quality than Craftsman for about the same price.

 

[MechanicforLife]

Some fluff in this one but I think this set could be considered as a good deal
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ame=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets. IMO
________
XRV650

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Examine what you do and look at some of the old posts here.

The sockets in any of those sets are fine. The standard ratchets, need to have their snap rings removed and cleaned under them to keep gunk out of them. There are other ratchets (thin pro line and Fine tooth round head line), that are MUCH prefered. (their regular "pro" line, is a different handle with the same head design)
The general sentiment I get from reading the board, is most seem to prefer their Pro wrenches over their standard wrenches.
I picked up one of the 263 piece sets when they had a dual Craftsman club sale, and a friend and family sale on the same day (rare event). I also used to have a 154 piece all six point set, that was handy (until stolen), it was replaced with a 145 piece set, that didn't have the hex keys or screwdriver bits, but more sockets. I have needed 12 point sockets on occasionally. But like I said, look at what you do.

 

[MechanicforLife]

Examine what you do and look at some of the old posts here.

it was replaced with a 145 piece set, that didn't have the hex keys or screwdriver bits, but more sockets. I have needed 12 point sockets on occasionally. But like I said, look at what you do.

I got that one to and I need the complete 3/8 12 point set for 89.99 waiting to see if they go on sale some time soon

From what Ive heard snap on ratchets are the buisness but I only have Craftsman I got about 6 Different kinds the old old Craftsman Round head ratchets 1/2 and 3/8 and the standard issue teardrop from the tool sets , they are fine for now.
________
VTX1800T

 

[Uncle Buck]

I suggest getting the tool catalog. There is a catalog only deal in there for EVERY SINGLE SOCKET SEARS SELLS FROM 1/2" DRIVE SIZES ON DOWN TO INCLUDE 1/4" SIZES. the catalog price is an even $500.00 If you are just starting this might be a great way to start smart. It took me years of piece mealing sets together to get all of those sizes. The set includes all 6pt, 12pt, and 8 pt sockets they sell. No ratchets, extensions etc all sockets.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I suggest getting the tool catalog. There is a catalog only deal in there for EVERY SINGLE SOCKET SEARS SELLS FROM 1/2" DRIVE SIZES ON DOWN TO INCLUDE 1/4" SIZES. the catalog price is an even $500.00 If you are just starting this might be a great way to start smart. It took me years of piece mealing sets together to get all of those sizes. The set includes all 6pt, 12pt, and 8 pt sockets they sell. No ratchets, extensions etc all sockets.

Thats the set I have. It really fills up the socket drawer...

 

[eschoendorff]

I am surprised nobody has said this yet... but do a LOT of reading before you drop any cash. Buying tools is like entering a marriage. You're likely to be involved for a LONG time.

I happen to agree with the Craftsman advice... but do your homework first.

Get the basics covered. A good set of pliers and screwdrivers are indispensable. A decent hammer (not a claw hammer unless you are doing construction - ball peen or drilling would be a better choice). A razor knife.... and all the other "mundane" tools taht we all take for granted. Get decent stuff... it's not worth sitting in the ER because you cheaped out on something.

In my opinion, Craftsman sockets sets are unbeatable, but you don't need all the sockets all at once. Wait for things to go on sale. FOr example, a basic set of 3/8 drive sockets in SAE or metric go on sale for around $20 on a regular basis (sockets only- no ratchet). Get the basics and then shop for sales for the things that you will eventually need.

Finally, and I cannot stress this enough, do your reading. There are a ton of threads on this board where this very same topic has been discussed before. Don't get lazy - do a search and spend some time reading before you just drop money on an all inclusive set (all inclusive sets NEVER have all the things you will need). You can also save money by getting some of the ore decent tools at Harbor Freight. Others may disagree, but HF's impact sockets work as well as my Snap Ons.

Best of luck in your quest...

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm surprised no one has rebuffed my GearWrench vs Craftsman statement.

 

[JayL]

I am surprised nobody has said this yet... but do a LOT of reading before you drop any cash. Buying tools is like entering a marriage. You're likely to be involved for a LONG time.

Best of luck in your quest...

This is what I did when I was in your position 6 months ago. I read the board threads & asked questions to identify my needs so as to avoid too much unnecessary duplication and future upgrades. These are the brands I bought from so far.

1. Craftsman
2. Gearwrench
3. Channellock
4. Knipex
5. Vise Grip
6. Ingersoll Rand
7. Grey Pneumatic
8. SK
9. Sharpe
10. Campbell Hausfeld
11. Chicago Pneumatic
12. Felo
13. Harbor Freight


If I am to do it all over again when I started buying my sockets, ratchets & wrenches then I would start by looking for Gearwrench sale @ Amazon & Sears first.

Hope this helps.

 

[dxdexter]

If you live in Canada then I would stay away from Craftsman. They are all made offshore and the quality of finish is very similar to what you would find in the Stanley tools at Walmart.

If I was in the USA and had the same criteria as you, then I would go with the predominant opinion and choose Craftsman as well. In fact next time I am there, I'm heading for Sears.

I will disagree slightly with some others in some tools necessary for the home toolbox. Any tool set for home use should consist of the basic tools for home repairs as well as most minor mechanical repairs. This means a good claw hammer, level, square, crow bar, screwdrivers, corded/cordless drill, utility knife, several measuring tapes, misc pliers/Vise Grips as well as a core set of mechanics tools.

Personally I would invest in the best quality that I could afford. They will hold their value and be a lifetime asset which can be handed down to generations to come.

 

[Stuey]

GearWrench is better quality than Craftsman for about the same price.

GW doesn't have the same product line-up, so you really cannot compare like that.

What you're doing is comparing clementines and tangerines.

As far as the OP's inquiry, I'd recommend Craftsman as well. For many of their made in USA tools, the price cannot be beat.

 

[Coach James]

A+ on the buy Craftsman.

Now I may be drummed out of the Garage Journal for writing this, but I would just use the Craftsman tear drop ratchets until you get the other tools you need. They're not the best ratchets by far, but they're not total garbage as some people make them out to be. I use mine on a regular basis and they do ok. They are the least favorite of my ratchet brands but they work. The 1/4 inch ones are pretty good imo.

I told two of my employees to take apart some portable barricades at our gym a couple years ago. They were held together with 3/8 diameter bolts and the bolt threads had been banged up. I didn't have a thread chaser with me so I told them to try to get the nuts over the threads and if they couldn't, I would cut them off the next day.

I made the mistake of assuming these guys knew to use two wrenches to do this. Instead they used a wrench and a 1/2 inch C-man tear drop ratchet. They ended up breaking the bolts to get them off. Granted they were just 3/8" bolts from Lowes, but aside from banged up threads they were in pristine condition and they broke, not the C-man ratchet.

I bought my sockets and wrenches in differet sets. Too often the kits give you too small a selction of of both and you have to buy more and end up paying for duplicates.

I would also make sure the sockets contain a 5/16. I use that size as much as any other one I have.

Coach

 

[Uncle Buck]

A+ on the buy Craftsman.

Now I may be drummed out of the Garage Journal for writing this, but I would just use the Craftsman tear drop ratchets until you get the other tools you need. They're not the best ratchets by far, but they're not total garbage as some people make them out to be. I use mine on a regular basis and they do ok. They are the least favorite of my ratchet brands but they work. The 1/4 inch ones are pretty good imo.

We can just huddle up and share the heat. I share your opinion about the teardrops, in fact I have never had one lay down on me in most of 30yrs of wrenching.

 

[Stanger]

Now I may be drummed out of the Garage Journal for writing this, but I would just use the Craftsman tear drop ratchets until you get the other tools you need. They're not the best ratchets by far, but they're not total garbage as some people make them out to be. I use mine on a regular basis and they do ok. They are the least favorite of my ratchet brands but they work. The 1/4 inch ones are pretty good imo.

Yep, you're out of the club. I hate those ratchets. You guys are probably using the decent ones from back in the day. These new ones ****! I had my 1/4 replaced because it was locking up alot. The new one is even worse. It literally either locks up or slips on nearly every rotation. My 3/8 isn't as bad, but it does it too. I've busted a lot of knuckles because of them. I've had them since I was about 13(19 now) and thought that was normal. Then I bought the Cman thin profiles which have never done that to me. I will say that I've never had any problems with the 1/2". I am selling all of them though. They should be gone by next weekend. Good riddance!

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

For ratchets I would go with GearWrench. They are really great for the money.

 

[paramudduck]

Like I said getting started the kit will usually do the job. If they give you problems then upgrade. If you watch around you can pick up different brands fairly cheap to try and see what ones you like.

A lot of us on here. Really like the Craftsman round head ratchets that are catalog only.
The thin profile that stanger mentions above are very nice as well.

 

[Stanger]

Like I said getting started the kit will usually do the job. If they give you problems then upgrade. If you watch around you can pick up different brands fairly cheap to try and see what ones you like.

I think that is good advice. The ratchets will get you by, but I would just keep an eye out for a good deal. As for the raised panel wrenches, that is something that I have no problem with. I've never broken a raised panel wrench so I tend to think that the full polish is mostly for looks. However, YMMV.

 

[Uncle Buck]

A lot of us on here. Really like the Craftsman round head ratchets that are catalog only.

Yup, I totally agree, just make damned sure you get the Catalog Order Only Version and avoid any other Crafty round heads such as what you would regularly find in the store. They are absolute ****! My round head Craftys are what I started with as a kid and I have never had to so much as gut kit one in over 30 years of use.

 

[MechanicforLife]

I personally got a couple of tools from HF, Like for instance their pry bars I got a 18" that helped me remove a driveshaft, made my life alot easier.
________
vaporizer wholesaler

 

[MachineTech]

I agree that Craftsman is a great way to start out as far as bang for the buck goes. I also would like to mention that despite what you think yes, you can own Snap-on or another truck brand for about the same price maybe even less. You can find whatever you need on Ebay. I have purchased Snap on ratchets in like new condition for under $15 including shipping. If your not in a hurry you could even find just about every socket you need. Find some from the same seller that is willing to combine shipping. Many of these sockets go for $1-2 each. I won 11 new condition shallow sockets for 99 cents each, $1.30 for one of them. The seller combined shipping and the total was less than $20. Only missing 1 or 2 sizes for a complete set. If your patient you actually can own nearly new truck brand tools for about the same price as Craftsman. It's a good feeling to save tons of money and kinda fun too.

 

[Stanger]

I agree that Craftsman is a great way to start out as far as bang for the buck goes. I also would like to mention that despite what you think yes, you can own Snap-on or another truck brand for about the same price maybe even less. You can find whatever you need on Ebay. I have purchased Snap on ratchets in like new condition for under $15 including shipping. If your not in a hurry you could even find just about every socket you need. Find some from the same seller that is willing to combine shipping. Many of these sockets go for $1-2 each. I won 11 new condition shallow sockets for 99 cents each, $1.30 for one of them. The seller combined shipping and the total was less than $20. Only missing 1 or 2 sizes for a complete set. If your patient you actually can own nearly new truck brand tools for about the same price as Craftsman. It's a good feeling to save tons of money and kinda fun too.

That is a great way to do it if you have a lot of time. But if you need tools now, a C-Man set is a pretty good alternative. Also, don't forget that not everyone has easy access to tool dealers. Almost everybody has a Sears nearby.

 

[paramudduck]

Ebay can be so frustrating at times as well. Sometimes it seems that the two sockets you need are the ones that always go over list price every time.

After saying that the last time I checked I had 700 dollars in tools retailing at 3000 in value. Shopping can be your best friend if you have time the tools to do whats needed.

 

[MachineTech]

I agree totally and it depends if he needs them now or can build it slowly. I find myself with many duplicate sockets from buying small lots of maybe 3 or 4. I'm also finding that these odds and ends are building into sets of their own (slowly for sure) but certainly. I believe that in addition to building my own sets and replacing my CMan stuff, I will have enough duplicates to make additional sets to turn a profit on. Most complete sets in good condition that I have seen go for $75-150 and quite often much more depending on if it's impact, deep, swivel or what-not.
If he needed them all right now and CMan is the best route to go, I am willing to bet he could also find exactly what he needed on Craigslist and Ebay and other sites. Another great one is GOODWILL....the stores where everybody drops off their unwanted things and most of the profit goes to some kinda charity. GOODWILL has an auction site too that is similar to Ebay. If money is a problem there is no shame in putting in the effort to really look for the deals.

 

[bdog]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like craftsman it will be. I just did not know if there were any other similiar priced alternatives that were better.

The Ebay snap on idea sounds good as well and I may try that route.

 

[eschoendorff]

A+ on the buy Craftsman.

Now I may be drummed out of the Garage Journal for writing this, but I would just use the Craftsman tear drop ratchets until you get the other tools you need. They're not the best ratchets by far, but they're not total garbage as some people make them out to be. I use mine on a regular basis and they do ok. They are the least favorite of my ratchet brands but they work. The 1/4 inch ones are pretty good imo.

I told two of my employees to take apart some portable barricades at our gym a couple years ago. They were held together with 3/8 diameter bolts and the bolt threads had been banged up. I didn't have a thread chaser with me so I told them to try to get the nuts over the threads and if they couldn't, I would cut them off the next day.

I made the mistake of assuming these guys knew to use two wrenches to do this. Instead they used a wrench and a 1/2 inch C-man tear drop ratchet. They ended up breaking the bolts to get them off. Granted they were just 3/8" bolts from Lowes, but aside from banged up threads they were in pristine condition and they broke, not the C-man ratchet.

I bought my sockets and wrenches in differet sets. Too often the kits give you too small a selction of of both and you have to buy more and end up paying for duplicates.

I would also make sure the sockets contain a 5/16. I use that size as much as any other one I have.

Coach

Nah... we won't chase you out. As much as I hate those Craftsman ratchets, I have never had one fail on me. Slip, yes, but never break.

I don't think about them much anymore because I don't have to. I have plenty of other ratchets.

 

[Spookrider]

The best time I find for Craftsman tools is Black Fri. and in Jan. when all the stuff go on the cheap for quick movement of surplus stock.

 

[billymade]

The holiday season is "the time" to find good tool deals at Sears; also just keep your eyes open for "super saturday" type sales; we just had a 120 piece or so mechanics tool set that was 50% off; it was about $50! That, IMHO was a great deal!!!! Right now all the older versions of the mechanics tools sets are on clearance; the "old" ones have the older style graphics on them, new ones are out now with different updates graphics/plastic containers. You cannot order these at the stores but the they go "X" (clearance) status; it is just what ever stock is left in the store, "when they're gone, they're gone"! With sales like that; I think many times they beat out the garage sale/flea market and ebay concept of buying. If you "need it now"; this solution is a "complete" set ready to go, I still say upgrade your ratchets! The new thin profile craftsman are nice or treat yourself to some used Snap-On! I will try to keep people posted on deals as christmas comes up; on the other hand, all these ads com fast and furious! I may not be able to keep up and really this stuff may not be that interesting.... I think the 50% off sales are what is interesting to me at this point.... I wish I still lusted after Craftsman tools, now all I want is Snap-On! LOL!!!!