Should I get the Craftsman 309 pc Set?

BenG76 · Jun 26, 2018

I guess I should explain my thinking of why I may get the set first. My father has a house down the road from me that I watch after and mow the yard, etc. He is only there a few times a year. I was wanting a space to set up a work shop and he told me to just use the garage since he is not around much.

So far I have a few things there such as a table saw, a few other things and a toolbox I just bought. Anyhow I do have a few odd sets of sockets, wrenches and all but I need to leave some at my house( even though its maybe 200 yards from my Dad's) so I don't have to run back and forth when I need something.

I was thinking of getting this tool set from Lowes https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...olished-Chrome-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/1000463073

I know Craftsman isn't what it use to be but I want something reasonably priced and I am not too hard on my tools. Are there any similar sets out there that would be just as good?

I don't have a clear direction yet as to any particular things I will be doing in the work shop yet other than tinkering and possibly some wood working eventually. I do repair some electronic stuff at times but I usually do that at my bench here at my house.

Just looking for some thoughts if I should go for this set or if I have missed a similar or better tool set out there. Thanks

Jeremy77 · Jun 26, 2018

You’ll get advice about everything from buying used snap on eBay, buying (insert any number of brands ) at prices well above $200 to piecing together a vintage 1947 set of xxxxxx from estate sales and flea markets. If you just want something that works for less than 1 buck per piece, that set will be just fine. It’ll most likely cover more than what you need and regardless of what you may hear, I’ll bet money that nothing there will disintegrate or corrode to nothing upon touching it.

AceofSpad3s · Jun 26, 2018

What is the main thing you are getting the set for? Is it the sockets, the wrenches, etc.

If I were starting out and was going new on the lower end of the price scale I would.
Get channellock taiwanese wrenches in metric and standard
Harbor Freight Pittsburg Pro ratchets (composites, but they are all pretty good)
For 1/4 and 3/8 sockets shallow and deep, either gearwrench when they are on sale from Advance Auto, or the HF Pittsburgh pro chrome stuff. Both are taiwanese which is preferable to china, and are usually pretty good for the money.
For 1/2, I would get the pittsburg pro impact sockets, both the shallows and deeps.

Buy what you need as you go, 1/2 stuff isn't used that much unless you start getting into more serious stuff. 3/8 is the bread and butter and 1/4 for smaller stuff. I don't even own a full set of 1/2 deeps and haven't yet really run into anything that really could've used them for.

Of course used is preferable, but the general idea is buy the basics, then spend the rest of your life "set building" until you have a spare for the spares of the spares of spares.

BenG76 · Jun 26, 2018

AceofSpad3s said:
What is the main thing you are getting the set for? Is it the sockets, the wrenches, etc.

If I were starting out and was going new on the lower end of the price scale I would.
Get channellock taiwanese wrenches in metric and standard
Harbor Freight Pittsburg Pro ratchets (composites, but they are all pretty good)
For 1/4 and 3/8 sockets shallow and deep, either gearwrench when they are on sale from Advance Auto, or the HF Pittsburgh pro chrome stuff. Both are taiwanese which is preferable to china, and are usually pretty good for the money.
For 1/2, I would get the pittsburg pro impact sockets, both the shallows and deeps.

Buy what you need as you go, 1/2 stuff isn't used that much unless you start getting into more serious stuff. 3/8 is the bread and butter and 1/4 for smaller stuff. I don't even own a full set of 1/2 deeps and haven't yet really run into anything that really could've used them for.

Of course used is preferable, but the general idea is buy the basics, then spend the rest of your life "set building" until you have a spare for the spares of the spares of spares.

I probably need the sockets more than the wrenches honestly. I could probably take a set of wrenches I already have down there honestly.

BenG76 · Jun 26, 2018

Jeremy77 said:
You’ll get advice about everything from buying used snap on eBay, buying (insert any number of brands ) at prices well above $200 to piecing together a vintage 1947 set of xxxxxx from estate sales and flea markets. If you just want something that works for less than 1 buck per piece, that set will be just fine. It’ll most likely cover more than what you need and regardless of what you may hear, I’ll bet money that nothing there will disintegrate or corrode to nothing upon touching it.

Yea the main thing I thought was good about the set was the price and the quantity of the tools. I am a bit concerned they are made in China though.

AceofSpad3s · Jun 26, 2018

Drive tools are the most used tools when it comes to turning bolts, so it's a good idea to focus on those first.
You can do a lot of stuff with a set of 3/8 deeps and shallows (SAE and Metric) and 1/4 shallows (SAE and Metric)
Get those as well as a few ratchets and extensions and buy as needed.
I won't get started on it, but the craftsman raised panel ratchets are pretty **** compared to just about anything you can get now a days, the HF pro composite ratchets are like $7 for a 3/8 and are very good to start off with.

Edit: I seem to have forgotten some of the hf pro are 12 points, avoid those and stick with 6 point stuff.
The gearwrench stuff is shockingly cheap in the hot deals thread, and from the impression I have of set I have, it's quite nice for the money.

brokeboater · Jun 26, 2018

Craftsman seems to be the favorite whipping boy around here. I've been using Craftsman for many years and a set about like that has been my main box for about 15 years and it's served me well. No long made in the US of A, I get it. But it looks like the same stuff and apparently their warranty is still just fine. For the money I'd say go for it. I hear a few grumblings about the ratchets being 40 tooth. If that irks you grab a couple of Gearwrench ratchets to compliment the kit. It will do all you are likely to do.

Tallpilot · Jun 26, 2018

If you must buy a large set I recommend this one:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200624105_200624105

It routinely goes on sale for $250 and you can use the $20 off $100 coupon to get it pretty close to the Craftsman price.

All the sockets are 6 points and the crowfoot wrenches are more useful than the filler items in the Craftsman set. The drive tools are also nicer than the Craftsman RP ratchets.

If you want higher quality sockets Tekton would be about $100 for a fairly complete set of 1/4" and 3/8" with decent drive tools. If you want even better Williams USA would be about $200 for just metric with no drive tools but you could pick you own drive tools and get some nicer stuff.

AceofSpad3s · Jun 26, 2018

brokeboater said:
Craftsman seems to be the favorite whipping boy around here. I've been using Craftsman for many years and a set about like that has been my main box for about 15 years and it's served me well. No long made in the US of A, I get it. But it looks like the same stuff and apparently their warranty is still just fine. For the money I'd say go for it. I hear a few grumblings about the ratchets being 40 tooth. If that irks you grab a couple of Gearwrench ratchets to compliment the kit. It will do all you are likely to do.

It's less toothcount and more poor materials, poor quality control and less than stellar ergonomics making for a something that while may work, but is unpleasant to use and doesn't inspire much confidence.

sk farmer · Jun 26, 2018

Tallpilot said:
If you must buy a large set I recommend this one:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200624105_200624105

It routinely goes on sale for $250 and you can use the $20 off $100 coupon to get it pretty close to the Craftsman price.

All the sockets are 6 points and the crowfoot wrenches are more useful than the filler items in the Craftsman set. The drive tools are also nicer than the Craftsman RP ratchets.

If you want higher quality sockets Tekton would be about $100 for a fairly complete set of 1/4" and 3/8" with decent drive tools. If you want even better Williams USA would be about $200 for just metric with no drive tools but you could pick you own drive tools and get some nicer stuff.

i would have to agree with the northern set. much more usable tools and an expanded selection of large sizes.

a close second would be the gearwrench sets. not as many pieces but better quality and availability.

i would avoid the crescent sets.

Rico. · Jun 27, 2018

Forgive my ignorance as I live over the pond, but as fully paid up member of
"Garage Journal nut bags not so anonymous" I watch loads of you tube tool
box tours and the like.

I have seen a few DIYers talking about the Husky and Kobalt 432 piece sets.
If memory serves its Lowes and Home Depot stuff. On every video the chaps
were very pleased with quality and quantity of tools that the set came with.

The prices were under 300 Dollars, but I don't know if that was a special price.

I couldn't tell you how they stack up against the old modern Craftsman, but
it might be worth a look.

The 'new' modern Craftsman is also being sold at Lowes now and seems
to be a fairly good quality Stanley made in Taiwan stuff which also might
be worth a look if the price is right.

Good luck. :thumbup:

JazzBlueRT · Jun 27, 2018

AceofSpad3s said:
It's less toothcount and more poor materials, poor quality control and less than stellar ergonomics making for a something that while may work, but is unpleasant to use and doesn't inspire much confidence.

Craftsman also has 75 and 84 tooth-count ratchets.

I keep asking and nobody here can explain what they mean by "poor materials." Is the alloy used on Craftsman sockets any different than any other socket that comes out of the same Apex factory? Does anyone even know what the alloys used in the various tool brands are?

Quality control!!! Everything is pretty much automated nowadays, the defects introduced by humans into a manufacturing process are a thing of the past.

JazzBlueRT · Jun 27, 2018

Tallpilot said:
If you must buy a large set I recommend this one:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200624105_200624105

It routinely goes on sale for $250 and you can use the $20 off $100 coupon to get it pretty close to the Craftsman price.

All the sockets are 6 points and the crowfoot wrenches are more useful than the filler items in the Craftsman set. The drive tools are also nicer than the Craftsman RP ratchets.

If you want higher quality sockets Tekton would be about $100 for a fairly complete set of 1/4" and 3/8" with decent drive tools. If you want even better Williams USA would be about $200 for just metric with no drive tools but you could pick you own drive tools and get some nicer stuff.

If you have ever spent more than 5 minutes working on a car, you would know you need 12pts and why.

AceofSpad3s · Jun 27, 2018

JazzBlueRT said:
Craftsman also has 75 and 84 tooth-count ratchets.

I keep asking and nobody here can explain what they mean by "poor materials." Is the alloy used on Craftsman sockets any different than any other socket that comes out of the same Apex factory? Does anyone even know what the alloys used in the various tool brands are?

Quality control!!! Everything is pretty much automated nowadays, the defects introduced by humans into a manufacturing process are a thing of the past.

Not sure why you are talking about the materials used in sockets when I was referring to ratchets.
The 75 and 84 tooth ratchets certainly aren't coming in the 300 piece kit for kits that cost $200
The current crop of 36 tooth raised panels was introduced in 1990, the price has GONE DOWN over nearly 30 years, that alone should say something about what's gone on with quality.
They have plastic selectors that are infamous for breaking, plastic QD buttons, poorly machined pawls as well as gears. Self reversing, sloppy mechanism, this is still one of the US made ones mind you.
Sears had the stuff beat down to a price no matter how they could. I have a Napa of the same design made as well by Danaher, has much better machining, metal parts and the pawl and gear have much better engagement. Not to mention the craftsman ones are chinese made now.

There is no reason to getting new ones when literally anything else on the market exists. The only reason they still have relevance is because of the Craftsman name is recognizable in the American psyche as being quality (incorrectly, we will see if stanley can turn it around) and the ratchets are iconic

And you mention 12p not being filler, the OP is buying a set of starter tools, I don't think he is going to be pulling out any drive shafts (the only thing on my car I can actually find that is 12 point).
The vast vast majority of fasteners most users runs into is 6 point and are much more likely to get destroyed by 12 point sockets, (cheap ones like these especially so).

Skin · Jun 27, 2018

Those raised panels went to China years ago. Ironically they updated/improved the design as well to the point that the kit for USA wont work in the China one. No plastics, no longer reverse under load.

Pretty hard to screw up a socket set these days. Cman, Stanley, Tekton, DeWalt. Lots of good options at affordable prices. Any of them will be fine for a do it yourselfer. Its not like hes going 100 miles into an oil field to work on over torqued rusty pump jacks.

AmishFury · Jun 27, 2018

JazzBlueRT said:
Quality control!!! Everything is pretty much automated nowadays, the defects introduced by humans into a manufacturing process are a thing of the past.

just because a process has heavy automation doesn't mean defects won't happen

if something is out of calibration or the tooling is worn/damaged it will create defects which is why QC is still a thing

61scout80 · Jun 27, 2018

I am a huge fan of Craftsman and I'll never forgive Sears for what they did to the brand. Stanley-B&D bought Craftsman and promise to bring manufacturing home and improve the quality.

If it were me, I'd try to wait a little while to see the first tools they come out with that aren't holdovers. I'm waiting to see if they bring the brand back or if they'll just try to profit off the name in more stores.

I think Husky and Kobalt are better than China made Craftsman. I love the brand, but after too many failures of the china tools I gave up on them.

61scout80 · Jun 27, 2018

brokeboater said:
Craftsman seems to be the favorite whipping boy around here. I've been using Craftsman for many years and a set about like that has been my main box for about 15 years and it's served me well. No long made in the US of A, I get it. But it looks like the same stuff and apparently their warranty is still just fine. For the money I'd say go for it. I hear a few grumblings about the ratchets being 40 tooth. If that irks you grab a couple of Gearwrench ratchets to compliment the kit. It will do all you are likely to do.

If you're using 15 year old Craftsman you still have the good stuff, 2012+ Craftsman is rough. I swear the 1/4" rachets strip from the weight of a socket! I nuked one pulling off a side mount battery terminal that was clean.

The warranty isn't as good as it used to be either, my local Sears has so little stock that they'll often tell me I need to go to a store an hour away because they have it in stock.

Ace is hit or miss with warranty. Some of the clerks get aggressive and want receipts showing that I bought it at that particular store. The good thing about Ace is that the older stores may still have some USA made sockets in stock. I weeded out my finest china by driving to a couple stores and buying USA made old stock. :thumbup:

61scout80 · Jun 27, 2018

If I was searching for a toolkit for a beginner I would recommend these. Lowes and Depot will be around longer and have pretty much the same warranty Craftsman used to, plus they are probably closer to home. Craftsman's existing warranty might get dicey with the Stanley takeover and inevitable end of Sears.

So this kit is decent, but a little light on deep sockets. The ratchets seem strong, just use the rule of no fastener shank that's larger than the ratchet drive and you should be OK.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-300...olished-Chrome-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/1000251051

Then add on this ratchet. I've had one of these for years and it's my go-to. It's built a couple jeeps, repaired a lot of VWs and other miscellany. This rachet will step in when those 90 tooth ones are just a little too short.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Flex-Head-Extendable-Ratchet-H38FERAT/206038328

sberry · Jun 27, 2018

That 309 is a deal, it's on super sale often.

Tallpilot · Jun 27, 2018

JazzBlueRT said:
If you have ever spent more than 5 minutes working on a car, you would know you need 12pts and why.

I'm not sure what you mean. I have 12pt sockets but they are speciality sockets just like Torx, XZN, MorTorq, etc. I use them on 12pt fasteners. I have never with a 72, 80 or 84 tooth ratchet wished for a 12pt because I couldn't get the angle right to mate the socket to the fastener.

When someone asks about a big starter set I always recommend all 6pts then buying 12pts as needed just like with all of the other speciality sockets. That's my personal preference. There are plenty of people using 12pt sockets on 6pt fasteners and impact sockets on hand ratchets, etc. That is their choice.

brokeboater said:
Craftsman seems to be the favorite whipping boy around here. I've been using Craftsman for many years and a set about like that has been my main box for about 15 years and it's served me well. No long made in the US of A, I get it. But it looks like the same stuff and apparently their warranty is still just fine. For the money I'd say go for it. I hear a few grumblings about the ratchets being 40 tooth. If that irks you grab a couple of Gearwrench ratchets to compliment the kit. It will do all you are likely to do.

I think an argument could be made that SK is a bigger whipping boy around here now than Craftsman.

There are actually far more quality choices in tools today than there have ever been. Unfortunately that makes an initial purchase decision harder. Bashing isn't necessary but it gets comical when the staunch defenders of a certain brand start spitting invective and appearing quite unhinged that someone would suggest something different.

There are a range of choices in every price range. I suggested the set I think provides the most utility value in the $200-250 range and why I think so. Others have done the same and now this guy has more choices than he had before and something to consider.

I couldn't care less what this guy ends up buying; it is his garage and his money. I just want to make sure he knows all of his options and the pros and cons of each.

AceofSpad3s · Jun 27, 2018

If you just want the one stop shop option, I just found this.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...-Drive-Socket-Set-200-Piece-H200MSS/207186810
Husky,Craftsman and Kobalt are all about the same since they are all chinese now.

AmishFury · Jun 27, 2018

61scout80 said:
If you're using 15 year old Craftsman you still have the good stuff, 2012+ Craftsman is rough. I swear the 1/4" rachets strip from the weight of a socket! I nuked one pulling off a side mount battery terminal that was clean.

i'd say you might even go back farther for CM to be "the good stuff"... at least with RP ratchets

i've got a set knocking around here from the late 90s... the sockets are all great but the ratchets are the sloppy junk we all know RP ratchets to be... hell the 1/4" auto reverses just by looking at it

out of the RP ratchets i've had the only one to not be sloppy and feel cheap as hell is an older -V- marked ratchet

sberry · Jun 27, 2018

I bought cman in 80, it was radiative junk then. Once I replace some of the sockets all was well enough. It was 10 percent the cost of the truck stuff at that time, it's about the same quality today, way cheaper.

Aaron_W · Jun 27, 2018

If you are just looking at a spare set, I'd look at just piecing something together. I sat down one time and considered the sockets I frequently use, and I'd guess 80%+ is the same handful of sizes. 1/2", 9/16", 10, 12 and 13mm probably account for 50% of use all on their own.

The problem with sets is there is so much duplication and filler. Since your real tools are right down the street I bet you could put together a basic set of tools to cover your needs for around $50.

dwasifar · Jun 27, 2018

I'd buy Kobalt before Craftsman, and Tekton before Kobalt.

dwasifar · Jun 27, 2018

sberry said:
I bought cman in 80, it was radiative junk then.

Radiative? Maybe I'm behind here, but I don't know what that means for tools.

Tallpilot · Jun 27, 2018

dwasifar said:
I'd buy Kobalt before Craftsman, and Tekton before Kobalt.

Me too

sberry · Jun 27, 2018

whoops, relative. 2 things about the filler, its really free. There are 200 pieces in the set that could be used, some a lot, some occasionally and in this case the op may already have it but for some they don't have all that stuff anyway, good dupes.
The 309 especially when it hits a sale would be great at that and the cost is so pitifully cheap its really disposable, don't have to insure it etc. There are 200 near 5$ off a singles shelf and near 100 probably go for 10 if a guy needed it now.
I got 2 drawers for metrics, about 1/2 of them in one I never or rarely use. Glad I don't have truck money tied in them, at 50 cents its not a deal breaker.

Mr Ratchet · Jun 27, 2018

Sets from Craftsman, Gearwrench, Husky, Kobalt, and Tekton should all serve you fine. Down the road you may find you want to upgrade/add more ratchets and drive tools to a basic set.

sberry · Jun 27, 2018

The 309 has been on sale as low as 149, several times at 199.

61scout80 · Jun 27, 2018

AmishFury said:
i'd say you might even go back farther for CM to be "the good stuff"... at least with RP ratchets

i've got a set knocking around here from the late 90s... the sockets are all great but the ratchets are the sloppy junk we all know RP ratchets to be... hell the 1/4" auto reverses just by looking at it

out of the RP ratchets i've had the only one to not be sloppy and feel cheap as hell is an older -V- marked ratchet

You're probably right about the raised panel ratchets that come in kits. I've had otehr go-to rachets for so long that I don't recall ever using the craftsman RPs in my drawer.

This is one my dad bought new after his entire snap on collection was stolen back in the day. I hope Stanley brings this type of durability back!

https://scontent-mia3-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26026056_10214844735292670_1336574326883656852_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=8b344a8b9ee8154ee372d00cd197983c&oe=5BE48821

Moparman390 · Jun 27, 2018

Nothing wrong with the Craftsman set, I have lots of China made Craftsman sockets and have only broken one so far in home use. (7/8 turning the ball joint press with a 3ft cheater and it barely wanted to move the ball joint was in there so tight, slightly bent the screw portion of the press and that's almost an inch thick) The Craftsman stuff will be just fine for non-pro use. Jazz is right, is there any proof the alloy that Apex uses on Craftsman is any different than the one it uses on, say Gearwrench coming out of the same factory?

Now, that being said, you could get by with anything from Craftsman, Gearwrench, Duralast, Pittsburgh Pro, Dewalt, Master Force, Crescent, Husky, Kobalt, etc for home use, just pick the set you like the most or the one with the best deal. If you are patient, I would wait until Black Friday, lots of deals then and there should be lots more SBD Craftsman out by then.

Also, when comparing tool sets, subtract the screwdriver bits from the piece count then compare.

WWheeler · Jun 27, 2018

A Craftsman set is a good buy that's hard to beat for the price, but at least for now I'd still get one of the sets from Sears before I got a Stanley one from Lowes. You can get a larger set for less from Sears (just looked and saw currently a 320pc set for $149 or a 450pc set for $199) plus you can knock even more off the price of you are a 'Shop Your Way' member. For example I can knock $20 off either with the currently available 'Points' and 'Freecash' offers on my SYW account.

Another reason I'd still go for a Sears set instead is the Stanley Craftsman ratchets are reportedly not serviceable. Only way you're going to lube one is to soak it in ATF or the like.

Also, I never found zero offset flip-to-reverse (aka non-reversible) ratcheting wrenches like those that come with Lowes' Stanley 309pc set to be very useful/practical. I have a set just like them that go unused. Without any offset on the box end you can't even hold and turn them in many many circumstances. You're too often scraping your knuckles trying to use one. Much better to have reversible and/or flex ratcheting wrenches or just regular non-ratcheting combination wrenches. Those you will definitely be able to put to use regularly

6PTsocket · Jun 27, 2018

brokeboater said:
Craftsman seems to be the favorite whipping boy around here. I've been using Craftsman for many years and a set about like that has been my main box for about 15 years and it's served me well. No long made in the US of A, I get it. But it looks like the same stuff and apparently their warranty is still just fine. For the money I'd say go for it. I hear a few grumblings about the ratchets being 40 tooth. If that irks you grab a couple of Gearwrench ratchets to compliment the kit. It will do all you are likely to do.

You missed why they are the whipping boy. The stuff you bought 15 years ago is many times better than what they are selling today. They barely have any stock for warranty repacements. Every few weeks they close another 50 stores The stock is at 2 bucks and change. Their suppliers are refusing to ship to them. They will be out if business before the end of the year. The only reason they are still open is the CEO is also their main creditor and is trying to recoup as much as he can before the end.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Heavy Metal Doctor · Jun 27, 2018

My only beef with those CM assortments is the high number of duplicates you end up with. I don't need a 10MM socket in 3 different drive sizes, 2 lengths AND both 6 and 12 point sockets......but those assortments are still cheaper than just buying exactly what you will use...you just end up with a drawer full of never used sockets.....

Yarpo · Jun 27, 2018

JazzBlueRT said:
If you have ever spent more than 5 minutes working on a car, you would know you need 12pts and why.

Why again? I worked on vehicles full time and can count on my two hands the number of times I've used 12 point, and I was doing much more than the average joe who has a small socket set.

Moparman390 said:
NJazz is right, is there any proof the alloy that Apex uses on Craftsman is any different than the one it uses on, say Gearwrench coming out of the same factory?

I'm confused, how can the same factory be in two countries simultaneously?

To the OP, this is probably what I would buy BUT the craftsman set will probably serve you fine if you'd like to go that route.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

PS: If you need 12 point sockets, I'll send you some.

WWheeler · Jun 27, 2018

Yarpo said:
Why again? I worked on vehicles full time and can count on my two hands the number of times I've used 12 point, and I was doing much more than the average joe who has a small socket set.

You worked on vehicles full time and haven't ran into many of these?

Yarpo said:
I'm confused, how can the same factory be in two countries simultaneously?

AFAIK Apex makes Sears' Craftsman sockets (and ratchets) just as they have since Danaher days. Apex also makes Gearwrench. Both are currently made in China. I'm not sure if they are manufactured in the very same factories but I'm not sure why they wouldn't be.

Yarpo · Jun 27, 2018

WWheeler said:
You worked on vehicles full time and haven't ran into many of these?

Yes, I worked as an EVT for years, would you like to see my pay stub? People should verify here, probably cut down on the ******** afterall

I'm very aware of what and where a 12 point bolt is used, but how often are you changing out driveshafts or dealing with ARP fasteners like head studs? How often is the OP or any other average joe going to do that, and beyond that question, how many sockets did you need to do those tasks? Certainly not 70 of them, we kept a single rail in the work van....

WWheeler said:
AFAIK Apex makes Sears' Craftsman sockets (and ratchets) just as they have since Danaher days. Apex also makes Gearwrench. Both are currently made in China. I'm not sure if they are manufactured in the very same factories but I'm not sure why they wouldn't be.

I just cant for the life of me end up with these made in China gearwrench sockets/ratchets. I have received a chinese made wrench set however, so I dunno.

Al Borland · Jun 27, 2018

As far as bashing Craftsman goes, the last of the USA Craftsman was absolute ****. Sockets were soft, Ratchets had a lot of slop and backdrag, Wrenches were forged from a prprietaty steel/butter alloy.
Current Sears ChiCom product is demonstrably better.
O.P. was asking about a Lowes S.B.D. set, and that iss still an "Unknown Quantity" as far as production quality is concerned.
I don't care how good the quality is, if they are still cloning the old 36 tooth RP design.
Go to Home Depot and see what they have in a Husky set. Also ChiCom, but an APEX product with a few years history.
Or, buy a small set of the basics from Lowes Craftsman. Use them and give us a review. If the work out for you, buy more.

Should I get the Craftsman 309 pc Set?

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Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member