Help a newbie - Cman v Kobalt wrenches, open end or combo?

[bfm336]

Hi all, I'm a homeowner who likes to drive cheap older cars, but I'm in no way a mechanic. That is to say I work on my house and cars as needed.

In cleaning out my garage I have a ton of raised panel Craftsman wrenches but also a $99 set of shiny smooth Kobalt combos and stubbys from last Christmas. I'm debating between keeping the Cman or Kobalt combination wrenches - I'm leaning Cman because the handles are thicker and more comfortable (vs the "kit" Kobalts that have thinner handles). Your thoughts?

Also, I have both nearly complete combo and open end Cman sets - do I really need to keep both?

On a side note I have stubby Gearwrenches from the Menards deal - keep those or the Kobalt? THANK YOU THANK YOU!

 

[Askme42]

If you're looking for a place to help you decide what tools you DON'T need. This isn't that place.

 

[bcradio]

I'd say keep the set that has more sizes. Both are similar in function. No need for open only wrenches. Just keep the combos

 

[SantaAna12]

If the CMan are the older ones....keep them for sure.

 

[Karl_B]

I would say keep one set in a hand carry box so you can have a portable set ready when you have to go fix a broken down car or help out family.

 

[Zeke]

Don't sell tools they don't bring much. Many times you need 2 wrenches the same size. A lot of people have to use an adjustable wrench in that situation. You don't.

 

[bfm336]

Don't sell tools they don't bring much. Many times you need 2 wrenches the same size. A lot of people have to use an adjustable wrench in that situation. You don't.

Thats good advice - which makes me think I keep both Craftsman sets (combo and open end) since they are both the basic sets (7pc open end 12pc combo).

It is good advice on "they don't bring much" - you're probably right maybe 20-30 on eBay for the Kobalts - but that also means I could buy another tool!

 

[Youngguns]

The Craftsman are the better wrenches, but you can't just go getting rid of Christmas presents. I guess you just gotta keep both.

 

[bfm336]

If the CMan are the older ones....keep them for sure.

This and the "carry box" for friends/family is good advice.

I think I'll keep the Cman and sell the Kobalt. The only benefit of the Kobalt to me (other than if someone said they were crazy strong and made by Snap on or something) was that I think Lowes will be around in a few years if I break one and Sears won't.

That said I'll always be picking up Cman at yard sales for probably forever.

 

[BirdMobile]

You can never have too many sets of combination wrenches. I think I have 5 or 6 sets each of SAE and Metric. You OFTEN need 2 wrenches of the same size for bolt/nut combinations. Also, you can loan them out, keep a set in the car(s), or finish a project at one building and not need to worry about getting the tools back to the shop or garage right away. I have tools scattered all over the property, and a few at friend's and family's places... and I never have to worry about not having a wrench I need, when I need it. Plus, if I evervlose or break one, I'm still OK.

Keep them both, you'll be glad you did!

 

[Rickster]

Yes, keep them both, get some wrench racks and a bigger toolbox.

 

[jcfields]

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