Starting off my tool collection with $800 to spend

jbilbo · Apr 7, 2006

Hi all:

In an attempt to replace my old banged up handme down tools (very few as well), I picked up the Craftsman 263 pc. Mechanics Tool Set. Retails at $269 now $180 on sale with Craftman Club discount.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00933263000

I figured I would be happy with it but the SK brand sure does look good!

So I called my local SK guy and he says he can help me out with my new hobby. So far all of his quotes on tools have been about 5% to 10% above thetoolwarehouse.com prices. I figure not too shabby.

What do you all think? How should I burn the $800? Being a "wrench rookie" should I stay with Craftman?

Thanks in advance!

Fast Orange · Apr 7, 2006

If you have good access to a SK dealer and a good deal on SK,I would go SK for wrenches,sockets and drive tools-higher quality and better "feel".I rank Craftsman stuff as slightly under SK,except for ratchets-C-man are ****.
You may not be able to buy as many tools as at Sears,but the quality will be better.

George

kartracer55 · Apr 7, 2006

Yeah, I think that craftsman set would be a good one to start off with. It doesnt look like the set's wrenches get as big as Id like SOOO...

I say go for some high end wrenches up to 1 1/4 and 20 something mm. You can expect about 350 for these two sets in SK.

From there ID look into a set of nice ratchets (snapon, sk, proto etc). Id get also get a set of extensions for the three drive sizes.

It doesnt look like this set has bit sockets, so Id get a set of SAE and Metrics. You can sna both for 30$ total when they have the club sales. I like the craftsmans over the SK's. It doesnt look like this set has any deep 1/2 drive sockets, so Id get some 6pts metric and sae. Craftsman doesnt sell 6pt metric deep 1/2 drive sockets, so get them from sk. With this stuff Id imagine you will be at your 800$. Buy a cheap plastic tote box to put the extra tools in until you can get a toolbox for it all.

Just a thought

Jim

alankulwicki7 · Apr 8, 2006

I've been using my Craftsman tools for about 15 years now without any problems. SK, MAC, Snap-On etc are great tools but for most people that just do work in their garage, Craftsman tools are fine. I have broken a few tools along the way and you just bring in the old tool for a replacement at any Sears store (no chasing after the Snap-On truck or waiting outside the dealership for one to show up).

JMO

evildky · Apr 8, 2006

I say the Craftmans are a great starter, you get a lot more for your money and they are guarenteed forever, you can always upgrade later, the only complaints I have with craftsman is the screwdrivers have gotten pretty poor and the SK's are priced pretty similar and have much better tips and the handles are fantastic, and the swivel sockets, I've broken a ton of them, the SK's might be worth the extra investment to have to deal with the exchanges, also be sure to get good prybars, I got the mayhews (same as the craftmans pro;s) but they were a bit cheaper from tool warehouse and much better than the cheaper ones

jbilbo · Apr 8, 2006

Thanks everybody for the advice. Based on the responses (so far) it looks like I'm leaning towards keeping the CMan set and adding to with my SK connection where it makes sense.

Getting 6pt better then 12pt? I'm not sure what the pros and cons are for each.

kartracer55 · Apr 8, 2006

For wrenches, its hard to say. The set has 12 pts but not not in very large sizes. I like 6pt wrenches but somtimes you run into clearance/swing issues with them. I like 6pt wrenches, Id say go for them, but be prepared to maybe have to buy some individual 12pts somewhere down the road.

Have you looked at craftsman pro wrenches? Those are nice too.

For sockets, 6pt all theway! Sometimes you need 12pt sockets. Ford truck driveshafts use 12mm 12pt bolts. porsche uses (or at least did) use 14? mm 12 pt bolts for thier connecting rods. You can damage a 12pt fastener with a 6pt socket, btu other than that, 6 pts are preferable

Jim

jbilbo · Apr 8, 2006

Thanks for the info Jim.

PS - I added myself to the Frappr listing. That's pretty sweet.

kartracer55 · Apr 8, 2006

Haha yeah its good to see whos in your area.

Jim

Rickster · Apr 8, 2006

I'd stay with the Craftsman sockets for now due to start-out lower price and ease of replacement. Add in a few SK ratchets and maybe a nice set of Snapon screwdrivers, I hear their phillips are the best. Get a decent tool box if possible.

z28toz06 · Apr 8, 2006

Have you looked on eBay? I have bought some near new and brand new Snap on ratchets for 1/2 the price of new. As far as sockets go I am buying Craftsman and NAPA, both on ebay also. I think your money will go a lot farther shopping this way. First you have to decide what you need. Make a list and systematically cross stuff off as you go. A lot of people are buying very little SAE sized stuff anymore as it seems cars being built with sae hardware few and far between these days.

You get what you pay for.

transammanv8 · Apr 8, 2006

I'm a big Snap On fan and like someone else said, quality over quantity.

If it were me, and I bought that set, I would get the following:

Craftsman reversable ratcheting wrenches (SAE and Metric)

New ratchets: (I love my long, plastic handle 1/4" Matco ratchet. I have an SK 3/8" rotary ratchet that is my favorite tool in the box and has the finest teeth I've ever seen. I don't have much experience with 1/2" drives since I work on planes/helicopters and not cars.)

I would buy a set of extensions from Sears. Get the ones that have the locking slide on the end. You will thank me later.

That should be around $800 if you keep the C-Man set you mentioned. Just get a cheap box to keep it all in until you can get a nice box later. (From my experience, I like 40"+ roll cabs. They offer a nice work surface on top that you will learn to appreciate quickly. Got my $600 Husky box at HD for $400)
Good luck with your choices. Once you try a Snap On, MAC/Matco, etc.... brand tool, you will know you made a good choice.

l_bilyk · Apr 8, 2006

With that budget, I think you can get a very nice assortment of Cman tools. I think i would rather have a larger craftsman set rather than only a few SK pieces

l_bilyk · Apr 8, 2006

Oh, and like someone said. Try ebay. I always see PROTO stuff for DIRT cheap.

Blacknwhitepit · Apr 8, 2006

Jbilbo,

What you should probably ask yourself is how much you are going to use these tools. If you are only going to use them for occasional use and not daily you would be fine to stay and stick with Craftsman. However, if you are looking at wrenching often you may consider supplementing your tool collection with Snap on, MAC, MATCO or Cornwell for your high demand tools (i.e. 10mm socket, 10mm Combination wrench). I agree about C-Man ratchets, not my fav. Ironically enough one of the best ratchets I have ever owned I bought for $3.00 at the local flea market and it is an EASCO!

If you are planning on wrenching daily, then go to a pro line directly so you won't re buy tools. I buy 80% of my tools now on EBAY and save about 50% from the Snap on truck. Craftsman on Ebay are even cheaper!

-BWP

eschoendorff · Apr 9, 2006

z28toz06 said:
As far as sockets go I am buying Craftsman and NAPA, both on ebay also. I think your money will go a lot farther shopping this way.

I go right to the Craftsman sockets. They have worked for me as well as any of the others.

z28toz06 said:
First you have to decide what you need. Make a list and systematically cross stuff off as you go.

Very good point. Then you aren't just impulse buying. A little discipline will stretch that $800.

z28toz06 said:
A lot of people are buying very little SAE sized stuff anymore as it seems cars being built with sae hardware few and far between these days.

Another very good point. I always buy metric before I buy SAE anymore...

jbilbo · Apr 10, 2006

Good info on the SAE sets... I will hold off on getting most of those until I need them. Thanks!

iiibdsiil · Apr 10, 2006

I didn't read everyone's replies, but I would just pick up some Craftsman stuff. My buddy just spent like $200 and got a nice little set with the laser engraved sockets.

Then I would take the money you saved buying that, and go get some nicer ratchets, from Snap-on. Buy a set of swivel sockets, wobble extensions, couple pry bars, a decent multimeter, some allen sockets, some torx sockets, and some lunch.

Slide · Apr 10, 2006

My $0.02:

I bought a set of Snap-On screwdrivers a while back. 5 Screwdrivers for like $65. Worth every penny... epecially with rusted phillips screws. I have nearly effortlessely removed rusty screws with the Snap-Ons that the Cmans wouldn't budge. (Even ones that the Cmans stripped out!) Otherwise I think Snap-On is overpriced.

I'll also chime in on the fact that the Cman ratchets are nothing like what they used to be. If you run across some of the ones made 25 or so years ago, you'll be fine, but other than that, I'd rather have pretty much ANY other brand. If you make your living with your tools, I'd definitely consider Snap-On, or Mac or Matco for your basic ratchets. If this is just a "serious hobby", then you're prolly OK with the Huskys (Home Depot) or Kobalts (Lowe's) or similar.

The Cman sockets and extensions are fine, as well as most of their wrenches that don't have any moving parts.

kartracer55 · Apr 10, 2006

Slide said:
My $0.02:

I bought a set of Snap-On screwdrivers a while back. 5 Screwdrivers for like $65. Worth every penny... epecially with rusted phillips screws. I have nearly effortlessely removed rusty screws with the Snap-Ons that the Cmans wouldn't budge. (Even ones that the Cmans stripped out!) Otherwise I think Snap-On is overpriced.

I'll also chime in on the fact that the Cman ratchets are nothing like what they used to be. If you run across some of the ones made 25 or so years ago, you'll be fine, but other than that, I'd rather have pretty much ANY other brand. If you make your living with your tools, I'd definitely consider Snap-On, or Mac or Matco for your basic ratchets. If this is just a "serious hobby", then you're prolly OK with the Huskys (Home Depot) or Kobalts (Lowe's) or similar.

The Cman sockets and extensions are fine, as well as most of their wrenches that don't have any moving parts.

I think thier pro ratcheting wrenches are the best going. Ever use one? Worth every penny

Jim

Slide · Apr 10, 2006

kartracer55 said:
I think thier pro ratcheting wrenches are the best going. Ever use one? Worth every penny

Jim

Honestly, no... but I HAVE wondered about them. I've had such bad experiences with their "regular" line that I'm afraid to even touch them in the store. I fear I might break one and have to pay for it!

I'll check 'em out next time I'm @ Sears. I could use a new 1/2" drive ratchet...

kartracer55 · Apr 10, 2006

Slide said:
Honestly, no... but I HAVE wondered about them. I've had such bad experiences with their "regular" line that I'm afraid to even touch them in the store. I fear I might break one and have to pay for it!

I'll check 'em out next time I'm @ Sears. I could use a new 1/2" drive ratchet...

Wait, what are we talking about here? I think I had a brain fart. I was refering to thier fully polished "gearwrenches" Under "craftsman Professional" They are made in USA and They have a super tight fit in the ratcheting mechanism. Thier standard line of ratchets havent changed but the pro line of stuff is generally top notch. I chose a proto ratchet instead of the craftsman pro slim head, but Either are good ratchets.

Jim

Blacknwhitepit · Apr 10, 2006

Slide said:
My $0.02:

I bought a set of Snap-On screwdrivers a while back. 5 Screwdrivers for like $65. Worth every penny... epecially with rusted phillips screws. I have nearly effortlessely removed rusty screws with the Snap-Ons that the Cmans wouldn't budge. (Even ones that the Cmans stripped out!) Otherwise I think Snap-On is overpriced.

I'll also chime in on the fact that the Cman ratchets are nothing like what they used to be. If you run across some of the ones made 25 or so years ago, you'll be fine, but other than that, I'd rather have pretty much ANY other brand. If you make your living with your tools, I'd definitely consider Snap-On, or Mac or Matco for your basic ratchets. If this is just a "serious hobby", then you're prolly OK with the Huskys (Home Depot) or Kobalts (Lowe's) or similar.

The Cman sockets and extensions are fine, as well as most of their wrenches that don't have any moving parts.

If you are wrenching often (or even over a long weekend), Snap on Soft-grips will save your hands from the torture of a Craftsman grip. When a tight grip is required (especially on Torx or hex fasteners) the small Craftsman handles become torture devises and your hands will hurt even when you look at them.

Get soft grips and your hands will thank you :bounce:

-BWP

Slide · Apr 10, 2006

kartracer55 said:
Wait, what are we talking about here?

Oh, if you mean the GearWrench (Craftsman puts their name on them, IIRC), I have a set of those (under the GearWrench name). I got the ones with the swivel head... I usually grab theose over a combo wrench OR a regular ratchet.

Sorry for the confusion...

sherburne · Apr 11, 2006

Slide said:
Oh, if you mean the GearWrench (Craftsman puts their name on them, IIRC), I have a set of those (under the GearWrench name). I got the ones with the swivel head... I usually grab theose over a combo wrench OR a regular ratchet.

Sorry for the confusion...

the gearwrench(taiwan) is not the same as craftsman(usa). the cman rev ratchet wrenches have become my favorites.
danaher makes the gearwrench in asia and claims to make the cman in usa.

rhandwor · Oct 18, 2008

Craftsman tools are not the tools they were 30 years ago. I would buy SK US sizes are available used. Look on ebay for numerous tools used.

speed bump · Oct 18, 2008

l_bilyk said:
Oh, and like someone said. Try ebay. I always see PROTO stuff for DIRT cheap.

Proto makes nice ratchets, wrenches, pliers, and almost everything else. I would stay away from Proto sockets though the size lettering is tiny and can be a pain in the rear to read.

Also go try out some of the tools you are thinking of buying, do they actually feel good to use for any period of time? I bought a first gen SO hard handle the other day becuase the price was awesome, after using it I thought "why in hell would anyone ever buy something that painful to use".

goodfellow · Oct 18, 2008

Save your money and buy the Craftsman set. They are easy to replace at SEARS vs. chasing down a truck or vendor. You won't find a better deal on general pupose mechanics tools than Craftsman.

I've wrenched with most pro truck tools, and for the money as well as ease of service you can't beat SEARS.

BTW -- get a few raised panel fine tooth ratchets from SEARS to replace the ones that come in the standard sets. CRAFTSMAN raised panel fine tooth are mostly available via catalog and are very well made.

Merkava_4 · Oct 18, 2008

I think I'm gonna go dig up some old threads too; eschoendorff loves it when I do that. :lol:

jay50 · Oct 18, 2008

Holy Old thread resurrections....

peterbilr98 · Oct 20, 2008

go for the gold buy all snap on and be done with it for life :scared:

autoace · Oct 20, 2008

800 bucks won't get you much with SK and very little with snap,on etc. I'm not a Craftsman die hard but at least they are easy to replace,how many tools do you need? If you goto Snap-on.com they have a Blue-Point line that is imported but seems better than Craftsman, I have some Blue-pt. wrench sets and like them much, not as pretty as Snap-on hardline but very good and they don't have all the sharp edged Crafsman has, so they don't feel bad in your hand, plus this gets your foot in the door for later Snap-on quality odds and ends. check out the Blue Point sets about 400 bucks for a large set with sockets and wrenches A.A.

Starting off my tool collection with $800 to spend

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