All Craftsman Sockets-Right time to buy?

[dfndr]

In the Craftsman Holiday flyer they have a set of ALL CRAFTSMAN SOCKETS made for $399. It says it will be $459 in the 2009 catalogue. There is now a sale going on that gives 15% off on online orders of that magnitude. That would make it $339. Interestingly, in the new 2008-2009 flyer it is already $459. IS IT TIME TO BUY THAT SET OR SHOULD I WAIT FOR SOME BETTER DEAL AS A CRAFTSMAN CLUB MEMBER? I've only been a C/M club member for a month so I don't know what they offer year-round. Thanks for the advice.

 

[peterbilr98]

i would say go for it if you need them who knows when they will be on the club if they are 459.00 regular price you probably wont se them for 339.00 at club price.

 

[Stuey]

Do you want all the sockets they make? I mean, what are you needs? Do you want 6pt as well as 12pt?

I think that it might not be terrible for you to wait a bit. About two weeks ago, they were offering 20% off $350+ orders.

Personally, I would spend the money on a very solid 6pt socket selection, and the difference between that kit and this one could go towards better accessories and ratchets.

Is this the set (35299) that you're talking about? It looks like it's already $460. If you order from the catalog, they'll most likely charge you $399. If you order it online, you'll get charged $391.

Here is a past thread about this set.

Another thing to consider is that this set includes the laser-etched sockets and it won't be long before the dual-marked sockets completely replace these. I'm quite font of the laser-etched sockets, but if I was looking for new sockets, I'd wait until either a large dual marked set was available, or a large laser-etched set such as this one was clearanced.

 

[wrenchr]

That is alot of sockets!! I would buy them.

 

[dps]

As a lover of sets of things, this has great appeal. But when I was deciding whether to get those, I decided instead on their complete 6 point set which is less than half the price. The rest of the set is a virtual duplicate but in 12 point, which I just couldn't see the need for.

 

[nissan_crawler]

You will when you need to take a 12 point bolt out or need to use breaker bar in a tight spot and can't clock the 6 pt right.

12 point sockets take out 6 point and 12 point bolts.

6 point sockets only take out 6 point bolts.

I'm sure somebody will argue about stripping the head, never had it happen.

 

[nextdoorhobo]

i also opted for the 6pt set... 145 piece set, i think --- it has no fluff, like hex keys, screwdriver bits, etc. got it on ebay for less than a hundred bucks.

 

[terabyte]

As a lover of sets of things, this has great appeal. But when I was deciding whether to get those, I decided instead on their complete 6 point set which is less than half the price. The rest of the set is a virtual duplicate but in 12 point, which I just couldn't see the need for.

you got a link for the 6 point set?

 

[protouring72]

I was looking at that same complete kit too, but then I also read online here that the "laser etching" isn't that durable and flakes off? Can anyone attest to that? I like them cause the size is much larger and easier to read, but if the etching flakes off, it's pretty much worthless

 

[AlanD]

If it is any indication - after a year I had to just return the 10, 13 and 15mm sockets since the laser etching was completely unreadable. The guy behind the counter thought I gave him a 13, 15 and 18 since he couldn't quite read the sizes either.

I do use these about 2-3 hours every weekend wrenching on my cars so while it is not bad I was hoping for better.
Al

 

[nissan_crawler]

If you need them, get them. Don't worry bout the laser etching, they will warranty them if it comes off, and by then you'll get the dual numbered ones.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I have that set. Its very complete and will last me a life time.

 

[dfndr]

If I recall right the 6 pt sets are $199 and $179 so the inch and metric six pt. sets cost almost as much as the whole enchilada if I can get it for $399 less 15%. (199+179 less 15%=$321 vs 399 less 15%=$384) The question is- will they honor the $399 price in the current holiday flyer? What do you think?

 

[billymade]

 

[Stuey]

If I recall right the 6 pt sets are $199 and $179 so the inch and metric six pt. sets cost almost as much as the whole enchilada if I can get it for $399 less 15%. (199+179 less 15%=$321 vs 399 less 15%=$384) The question is- will they honor the $399 price in the current holiday flyer? What do you think?

$399 less 15% is $340. $460 less 15% is $391. I'd say that the chances of getting the set for less than $391 is very slim.

I highly doubt that you will be able to get them to order the catalog price AND the 15% discount, BUT you might have a chance. Last year, the 1st catalog I received had a "10% off your first catalog purchase" coupon.

There's another catch, though. Right now, Sears.com is offering free shipping. This set is quoted at 50 lbs or so, and you might not be able to get free shipping via a catalog order. There's another option - take the holiday catalog into you local Sears store and see what they can do for you.

There's also the consideration that the product is currently listed as "unable to ship, pick-up only"; you won't be able to place a catalog order if there are no products able to ship.

 

[PowderKeg]

Wooof!! That's alotta sockets!

While a big comprehensive set like that can be mighty appealing on the surface, questioning whether you REALLY need that many duplicates in all drive sizes and socket depths (6 and 12 pt) is a valid point. As I've commented in past threads about 6pt vs 12pt sockets, personally I've very rarely met a nut/bolt that a 12pt socket won't remove. If you want some "insurance" for those times you might REALLY need one, I'd say get some low $$$ impact sockets from Harbor Freight - at least those you can really lean on and not worry about snapping the socket. If your desire is to have nice matching sets, think about what you'll have when you start carrying sockets back to Sears to replace because the laser etching has worn off - there goes the "matched" sets.

I'll admit I'm right biased against Craftsman sockets - may have just gotten a bad run way way back when I got my first big comprehensive Crafty socket/wrench set as a graduation gift. Only stuff left from that set are the extensions and hex keys, everything else has been (much of it very quickly) replaced with far better quality stuff.

If I had to go and replace everything I have now, I'd go the same route I took as I replaced all those early Craftsman sockets - fleabay and newspaper/trader and 'net classifieds for used-but-not-abused Snap-On (vast majority of what I have now socket-wise), Wright, older Mac and Matco, etc. I'd go for all 12pt sets in 3/8 and 1/2 drives (throw some HF impacts in for the occasional 6pt need), and 6pt in 1/4. Keep in mind you'll likely also want some hex and torx bit socket sets (very good to have and aren't included in that big Crafty set).

 

[Uncle Buck]

If you need a large amount of sockets I do not think you will be able to beat that deal. Don't get all jazzed up by those that get themselves bound up over the 6 vs 12 pt debate. I have sets of both 6 & 12 pt in 1/4" 3/8" & 1/2" and at some point most have seen use. The great part is if you are doing much wrenching, or wrench with a bud you will always find times when you need at least two of one size or another. With this set you are set, if you need a bunch of sockets the deal will not get much sweeter than this, it's time to take the plunge and as the others said, worry not about how it is marked cause Sears will back them up.

QUIT FOLLOWING THIS THREAD AND GET THE SOCKETS BOUGHT!

 

[Fedwrench]

I would hold out until the Thanksgiving sales. I got the 145 piece six point set last year for half off as a spare set. That worked out to about 69 cents a piece. Even if you don't like Craftsman, where else can you buy new US made tools with a great lifetime warranty that cheap? You can never have too many sockets.

 

[billymade]

Keep in mind that Sears has a 30 day price garantee; it if it goes on sale cheaper in that time frame; they will credit you back the difference... YMMV!

 

[rsanter]

throw in the 3/4 drive sockets and I will do it

bob

 

[Uncle Buck]

throw in the 3/4 drive sockets and I will do it

bob

Man, there's always one hard *** in every crowd!

 

[bchee]

regarding the all 6-point set (145 pieces) I'm amazed at how many of those sets Sears keeps listing on ebay. Some are brand new and complete, while other sets are missing pieces, which is explicitly stated in the auction. Just do a simple search for "craftsman 145." I don't recommend getting the set this way, you'll get a better deal when it's on sale for $99. For some reason these sets on ebay always go way over

http://shop.ebay.com/items/__crafts...sid=m194&from=R9&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSRCH:SRCH

"NOTE: This Craftsman product has been determined to have one or multiple pieces missing. As we do not have the capability to inventory every component, please adjust your bid accordingly to expect one or several pieces missing from this item."

 

[geaugafletcher]

You guys who figure 12 point work as well as 6 point must not have done much work on rustbelt cars, that's all I can figure. I vowed never to own 12 point anything after growing up working on cars near Cleveland. 12 point is GUARANTEED to round off a rusted fastener up there by the lake, 6 point doesn't always do it either - vise grips are sometimes the only reliable grip. Even then, the bolt might shear, leaving half still stuck...even if you used all the old tricks (candle wax, working back & forth, etc, etc.). It was an ugly business.

 

[Danglerb]

I bought the 145 pc all 6 pt set for $90 last year on sale. i think a set of 3/8" drive extended 12 pt sockets are plenty, no need for full duplication.

I pretty much never use a 12 pt except for 12 pt bolts. Plenty of times a 12 pt sure might go on the bolt easier, but I don't know that when I am getting a socket out of the box, and I use an 80 tooth ratchet, so its not much of an issue.

I haven't decided if I should have gotten 12 pt instead of 6 pt in my set of universals, but I didn't.

 

[nissan_crawler]

You guys who figure 12 point work as well as 6 point must not have done much work on rustbelt cars, that's all I can figure. I vowed never to own 12 point anything after growing up working on cars near Cleveland. 12 point is GUARANTEED to round off a rusted fastener up there by the lake, 6 point doesn't always do it either - vise grips are sometimes the only reliable grip. Even then, the bolt might shear, leaving half still stuck...even if you used all the old tricks (candle wax, working back & forth, etc, etc.). It was an ugly business.

I only work on my own vehicles, and take care of them, so it's not an issue for me. North Dakota put salt down nonstop for 6 months out of the year, I never had an issue, even on 20 year old vehicles. Like I said though, we took tcare of them.

 

[Senorpablo]

Just for kicks, I wonder what an equivalent Snap-on set would cost?

$3,200?

 

[autoace]

If you are going to use them, day in and day out, pass on them. If you are a weekend wrencher, they should be ok. Keep in mind even though they are USA made, and have a "history" of good warranty/exchange they are not what they used to be.

I need to cover my own ears hear, but Snap-on carries their Blue-Point brand,large set for about 375.00 bucks, with most of the sizes plus extras, made in .............Taiwan In my independent purpose driven abuse test, they were better than the Crafsman. During the impact test(only for test)I know you are not supposed to impact chrome sockets, I split almost every new style Craftsman socket down the side, the Blue-point's, no carnage.

So if you are not a Professional tech. these BP ones would be a better choice, I endorse Snap-on USA quality, but the price is prohibited if you are not using them to make a living like myself and others.

I have to give Snap-on some credit, they are not as sneaky at covering over their import line as the other 3 big tool Co.'s. I don't endorse the re-labeling of overseas tools,but in this case they win over the worst USA sourced tools which are Craftsman. I hope this changes in the future.

YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE BLUE POINTS OVER SEARS,for later posts, I said Crafsman,not USA Snap-on,Cornwell...etc.Most of what I call imported junk, is unfortunately better than late model Sears tools. I still seek USA and German pro level tools because I need phenomenal quality ,that has been proven.

At Snap-on.com check out Stock BLPGSSC155,you will have to fill in the 1/2 inch drives. I bought this set to eliminate some of the Harbor freight fare in my junk yard crawl box. Still being unwilling to bring my highest quality tools to the trenches.

 

[autoace]

For the above,before I get posts crying Hark,Blue-point. My fierce anti-import thread is about The big four passing imports off as their heritage hard line, imports have a small place not with Snap-on etc. logo's on them. If Snap-on carries a ton of Blue Point made overseas, fine so long as the Original line stays pure and I get what I paid for. Same goes for Matco,don't mix silver eagle with the premium original. I'll spare the thread about Craftsman doing down the toilet and embarassing the USA quality mark on tools.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Funny, I have no problems with my Craftsman sockets wrenching professionally for 6.5 years. I have the new stuff at home, used all the time, also no trouble.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have that set. Its very complete and will last me a life time.

An actual person with ACTUAL experience with this set!

My only reservation would be the laser "etching..." I prefer my sockets stamped with the sizes.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have also had great luck with GearWrench sockets. They seem to have a lot in common with the Blue Point sockets...

 

[ratchet_gear]

If you can get them to honor the catalog price I would wait until November 16 since it is family and friends night and you can get an extra 10% off. The times for the sale are 6pm to 9pm in stores and 6pm to 6am online.

http://www.sears.com/vip

 

[dfndr]

Well, I went to Sears store last night. It was $459 on computer. Sales person called and was told they would honor the $399 but wouldn't give the 15% that was on computer yesterday for the purchase over $350. They would only give 10% off for C/M club membership. That's only a difference of $20 but as I need the money more than Kmart/Sears and there's a principle involved, I' try calling them today. What you think?

 

[autoace]

Funny, I have no problems with my Craftsman sockets wrenching professionally for 6.5 years. I have the new stuff at home, used all the time, also no trouble.

I was taking the caliper cage off a car, the 19mm.1/2 inch drive socket split, with a 16" ratchet. That's what made me test a few against each other. The Craftsman ones failed easy, granted at overload standards, but they seemed to be the weakest. The 19 could have been a fluke, it was brand new. The one's my father gave me, I have never broken one! besides other things, I don't care to rant about, Craftsman has become a joke of it's former self.

 

[TheToolMan]

did anybody notice that it was still out of stock and it has been for some time now, At least 3 months

 

[dfndr]

What happens with Sears when they advertise something in their current hoilday flyer and its been out of stock for three months? Do they honor the price and take back orders?

 

[nissan_crawler]

I was taking the caliper cage off a car, the 19mm.1/2 inch drive socket split, with a 16" ratchet. That's what made me test a few against each other. The Craftsman ones failed easy, granted at overload standards, but they seemed to be the weakest. The 19 could have been a fluke, it was brand new. The one's my father gave me, I have never broken one! besides other things, I don't care to rant about, Craftsman has become a joke of it's former self.

I've broken snap-on ratchets. I guess they're all junk too, huh? Or, maybe **** happens.

6.5 years of wrenching = 4 snap-on ratchet rebuilds, 0 broken Craftsman sockets.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

What happens with Sears when they advertise something in their current hoilday flyer and its been out of stock for three months? Do they honor the price and take back orders?

My father ordered something from the store that they were out of, yet it was in the CC flyer (showed out of stock online the week of the club as well).

They took his money. One came to the store and was put on the shelf (he ordered two), and when I told him, he wrote the ceo to get it. It took three months.

 

[Stuey]

As far as I know, there are no club deal "rainchecks." BUT, many stores can offer rainchecks on regular sales items if it's not available for shipping.

 

[Hip2u77]

I should have jumped on this set 2 weeks ago when there was a 20% sale, free shipping, and they were in stock. It was $367 (+ tax) shipped.

But, I wanted to think about it for a bit, and then I forgot about it. It was done by the time I remembered.