20 Armstrong ratcheting wrenches, 12 deep sockets

[Toymeister]

I am supprised that this did not get more play in hotdeals
http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/Armstrong-USMC-Tool-Drawer-Set-5180015536556.html.

It is an extra drawer of new tools that goes in an optional tool compartment of the US Military's General Mechanics set. 12 metric selectable direction gearwrench style wrenches and 8 fractional with some fractional deepwell sockets and a couple of screwdrivers. The military Armstrong line is 100% usa made.

There are 40 left as I type

 

[wornoutoldman]

Dayum! That is a pretty sweet deal! Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Fedwrench]

Well, I thought about it for about 30 seconds but, freight and sale tax pushed it to $195 for me. The sockets are SAE (seldom used by me) and 12point and basically current Craftsman sockets. The screwdrivers are nothing to get excited over. I can do better on the core of the set the Armstrong ratcheting wrenches elsewhere. Besides when it first posted, there were 58 sets available so, I'm sure some people here bought it.

 

[shanker]

its about 2X too much...I got that same set of sockets on ebay for 30 shipped and the same set of ratcheting wrenches for 25 shipped (in SAE)...

they are also my favorite ratcheting wrenches I own now...FAR better than the gearwrench's

 

[Obie]

I got one of those, came out to ~$160 with tax and shipping. Received it pretty quick. Unfortunately, I had three wrenches out of the box that didn't work. The 15mm wrench is locked up completely, and the 10mm and 7/16" auto reverse. Before this, I never, ever had a problem with any single Armstrong tool. Every other tool is absolutely perfect though, so I wonder what happened to have three bad ones in one box.

Trying to get these warrantied has also proven to be a nightmare. The local Grainger tried telling me that A.) They don't carry Armstrong so they can't warranty them (Then why are they in your catalog?) and B.) That ratchet wrenches aren't lifetime warranty. Said thanks for the BS fellas. Napa wants to charge me to get them warrantied, and Fastenal workers are just plain dumb.

I wish I had a Matco guy, because I'm down to no more options. I probably cant go back to my favorite Napa either, cause I told the guy to screw off when he was giving me grief. I'm half tempted to just order new ones from somewhere and **** up the loss.

 

[diesel research]

Well, I thought about it for about 30 seconds but, freight and sale tax pushed it to $195 for me. The sockets are SAE (seldom used by me) and 12point and basically current Craftsman sockets. The screwdrivers are nothing to get excited over. I can do better on the core of the set the Armstrong ratcheting wrenches elsewhere. Besides when it first posted, there were 58 sets available so, I'm sure some people here bought it.

Are you sure about that?

I just checked, 8.25% sales tax here and $167 out the door. Is your sales tax like 30% or something?

The metric set alone cost over $200-$400 from online discounters and $150 on ebay. 3 sets of sae were just sold here on our classifieds for $90. For someone who did not already own them, they sure would be hard pressed to do better. (of course none of the above include those 2 smallest metrics)

PM me if you have a better source for new ones.

 

[RoadTraveler]

I thought about it for a couple days... did it.

Three left.

 

[Toymeister]

My Wife was irritated that I got mine. I have seen it yet as I had it sent home but all the newer general mechanics sets are Armstrong and I have seen those. The general mechanics sets are what the military issues to mechanics.

 

[RM209]

I got one of those, came out to ~$160 with tax and shipping. Received it pretty quick. Unfortunately, I had three wrenches out of the box that didn't work. The 15mm wrench is locked up completely, and the 10mm and 7/16" auto reverse. Before this, I never, ever had a problem with any single Armstrong tool. Every other tool is absolutely perfect though, so I wonder what happened to have three bad ones in one box.

Trying to get these warrantied has also proven to be a nightmare. The local Grainger tried telling me that A.) They don't carry Armstrong so they can't warranty them (Then why are they in your catalog?) and B.) That ratchet wrenches aren't lifetime warranty. Said thanks for the BS fellas. Napa wants to charge me to get them warrantied, and Fastenal workers are just plain dumb.

I wish I had a Matco guy, because I'm down to no more options. I probably cant go back to my favorite Napa either, cause I told the guy to screw off when he was giving me grief. I'm half tempted to just order new ones from somewhere and **** up the loss.

Recommend you call Armstrong's 800 number and explain that you're unable to obtain service through NAPA and fastenal. I called last year and they were very responsive.

RM209

 

[blackgold]

I got in on the deal, got mine last week? they don't reverse easily (some are a litle stiffer) but all work good and look awesome.
Brian

 

[RoadTraveler]

I got in on the deal, got mine last week? they don't reverse easily (some are a litle stiffer) but all work good and look awesome.
Brian

Since I was on the fence, if I'd read your post last night I might not have ordered, fearing the quality? I thought of waiting until this morning… glad I didn't, all gone now. I bet they will be fine.

It might be good that the direction lever is a little stiff? Since new, my older Craftsman ratcheting wrenches will easily change direction on me when working them fast.

Anyone know if these Armstrongs are longer than the older, polished Craftsman versions, they sure look like it in the pictures.

One thing I do love about my Craftsman version of these are the little sockets that are/were made of the wrenches. I went looking for these stubby little sockets to give to a friend several months ago, looked online too, seems Sears no longer offers them?

Thanks [I think ] you Garage Journal guys for helping me continue to buy Made in USA for my latest tools acquisitions. Maybe I'll blog about them like I did when I got the S-K fever recently

http://roadtraveler.net/s-k-on-the-scene

http://roadtraveler.net/tool-shopping

 

[slob]

I got these. My 1/2" wrench was bent a little. Everything else was like new.

 

[halfmassive]

I bought this set after seeing it mentioned on here (it was my first tool splurge in a very long time and started a short string of buying stuff). They gave me 2 1/2 wrenches and missed another - forgot which one. I emailed the store and they sent me the replacement the next day and told me to keep the spare. I'd try contacting the store - they were very helpful and fast.

I don't know when I'll end up using the sockets but I love the wrenches.

 

[RoadTraveler]

Interesting, bent and missing wrenches... guess we shall see what I receive ordering one of the few remaining kits...

 

[blackgold]

There was no indication my set was NOT new... everything looked good. It did get jostled around in transport. screw drivers fell out and a few wrenches were not in place. All looked as new though. Came in the box it was delivered to a Marine base in. When I say hard to reverse some I mean the lever is not the easiest to flip. Still functions well and I am very happy. I have used them for a few things just to try them out. I don't think you'll be let down.
Brian

 

[RoadTraveler]

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Obie]

...Anyone know if these Armstrongs are longer than the older, polished Craftsman versions, they sure look like it in the pictures...

Yes, these are significantly longer. Also, I finally got mine swapped out last week and really put them to use yesterday on a loader/backhoe transmission swap, and they are out-frickin'-standing. Very comfortable, lots of leverage, and strong open and ratcheting ends. They also have very low resistance on the ratcheting mechanism, so they would ratchet all the way up until the bolts were no longer threaded. That alone is worth every penny.

The selectors are just stiff enough to not accidentally engage, but smooth enough to flip around with one finger. I like how they are formed to have little finger ridges on them to give you a good grip, as opposed to the Craftsman switches. The same selectors as found on their ratchets, which I love.

Overall, even with the warranty fiasco, these are highly recommended. Outstanding USA made and worthy of the Armstrong name.

Also, the sockets and screwdrivers are very nice as well. Sockets have perfect plating and laser etching on the outside (despite the not super shiny chrome, the nickel plating makes the laser etching stand out more) and the plating/paint/whatever on the inside of the sockets is absolutely perfect. No splashes outside the broached ends as sometimes found on the Craftsman sockets. Perfect from the tip of the broach to the bottom of the square drive.

I still can't believe this whole set was only $160.

 

[metaldad]

damn........... late again.
all gone

 

[RoadTraveler]

Yes, these are significantly longer. Also, I finally got mine swapped out last week and really put them to use yesterday on a loader/backhoe transmission swap, and they are out-frickin'-standing. Very comfortable, lots of leverage, and strong open and ratcheting ends. They also have very low resistance on the ratcheting mechanism, so they would ratchet all the way up until the bolts were no longer threaded. That alone is worth every penny.

That is a great test and testimonial.

Overall, even with the warranty fiasco, these are highly recommended. Outstanding USA made and worthy of the Armstrong name.

Sweet!

Also, the sockets and screwdrivers are very nice as well. Sockets have perfect plating and laser etching on the outside (despite the not super shiny chrome, the nickel plating makes the laser etching stand out more) and the plating/paint/whatever on the inside of the sockets is absolutely perfect. No splashes outside the broached ends as sometimes found on the Craftsman sockets. Perfect from the tip of the broach to the bottom of the square drive.

I still can't believe this whole set was only $160.

I have a hole in my shop kit, and need some 1/2" metric deep sockets, so it would have been perfect if the sockets were metric instead of SAE. But these nice Armstrong deep sockets may push me to buy some matching metric and fill the hole.

Being further away the additional shipping ran my cost up to $175, but still seems like a great value. I've been shopping at ToolTopia a bit lately, their prices seem very good, far below retail, with free shipping and no tax. The two 10-piece (2 less metric wrenches) Armstrong ratcheting wrench sets would cost about $481 from ToolTopia! Plus they are "out of stock".

 

[Contorted77]

It's a great set. I'm glad I bought it when it was listed in the HOT DEAL index in early January. I did have a little problem with one ratchet that wouldn't reverse but it corrected itself.

 

[Pro-Painter]

man, I watched it go from 8 to 4 last night and kept telling myself I will order in the morning. Morning came and their all gone.

Who has the next best deal on the reversible metric wrench set? That is the only part I wanted from this set. (anyone what to sell?)

 

[RoadTraveler]

man, I watched it go from 8 to 4 last night and kept telling myself I will order in the morning. Morning came and their all gone.

Who has the next best deal on the reversible metric wrench set? That is the only part I wanted from this set. (anyone what to sell?)

Sorry you missed out.

I wanted the metric most, but also want the SAE.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBDWSY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not sure that long Amazon.com link will work, but before deciding to buy these Armstrongs I was considering this metric set of reversible, ratcheting combination wrenches from GearWrench. 16 piece set, 8–22, 24, 25 for $177. Not US made from what I've gathered here on the forum if that's important.

 

[Bocefus]

I got the surplus set too. The 10mm auto reverses and the 17mm seems to "click" much easier and lighter than all the rest. The others are fine. It seems the quality control is a little spotty on these armstrong sets.

 

[Pro-Painter]

This set is going to be the death of me. Not only did I miss out of the original deal for being lazy, but last night I found a seller on ebay that had 5 sets at $220 each, so I bought one just to find out that he is selling from the original website. I get an email saying he has none left in stock.

I now hate this set...

 

[RoadTraveler]

snip...

I now hate this set...

I don't blame you

 

[JohninCM]

This set is going to be the death of me. Not only did I miss out of the original deal for being lazy, but last night I found a seller on ebay that had 5 sets at $220 each, so I bought one just to find out that he is selling from the original website. I get an email saying he has none left in stock.

I now hate this set...

It's 3:30pm Friday on the west coast and one of these sets is listed on Uncle Sam's as I type this. How long will it last?

John in CM

 

[DodgeZ]

It's 3:30pm Friday on the west coast and one of these sets is listed on Uncle Sam's as I type this. How long will it last?

John in CM

Subtotal ( 1 item(s) ): $135.99
Shipping cost: $24.55
US_TX_TAX 8.25%: $13.24
Total: $173.78



ouch

 

[Pro-Painter]

Subtotal ( 1 item(s) ): $135.99
Shipping cost: $24.55
US_TX_TAX 8.25%: $13.24
Total: $173.78



ouch

It's still not a bad deal considering it is about $500 worth of tools. Armstrong retail is stupid high.


I picked up a set at 2:45pm (east cost) today and their where 7 sets. Now their is just one.

 

[Gtamazing]

I just tried to bag it up. Put it in the cart and by the time I clicked submit it was gone.

 

[RoadTraveler]

It's still not a bad deal considering it is about $500 worth of tools. Armstrong retail is stupid high.


I picked up a set at 2:45pm (east cost) today and their where 7 sets. Now their is just one.

Good for you, you were able to get a set!

 

[cderalow]

The set I got had two 5/16". Quick email and they shipped a new one.

Set is definitely worth every penny.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Good for you, you were able to get a set!

Thanks! I knew this was going to happen. It was not 30mins AFTER I bought a used set of metrics off ebay, that they listed this set again. SO now I have TWO sets of metrics on their way.
Oh well, at least I finally got in on this deal.

If anyone is interested, I will have a extra (used) 10pc metric set for sale for $100.

 

[RoadTraveler]

Opened my box of tools this evening, it mostly looks good. Some wrenches were scrambled as others reported.

A couple of my ratcheting ends are sticky (operating them with my fingers), the 18mm in particular is currently seized and won't move.

My 15mm is completely missing the guts on the box end, nothing inside, just a round hole! Guess I will see if Uncle Sam's or Armstrong can or will replace the bad ones.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Opened my box of tools this evening, it mostly looks good. Some wrenches were scrambled as others reported.

A couple of my ratcheting ends are sticky (operating them with my fingers), the 18mm in particular is currently seized and won't move.

My 15mm is completely missing the guts on the box end, nothing inside, just a round hole! Guess I will see if Uncle Sam's or Armstrong can or will replace the bad ones.

ewew That *****. You got me worried, especially since my order was one of the very last. (Ive not received mine yet) Armstrong warranty don't seem like it is going to be easy to deal with.


IIRC, I read that the boxes are still sealed from when they where shipped to the USMC? You would think the quality control would be BETTER then normal retail would be.


Anyone else had any issues??

 

[RoadTraveler]

snip...
IIRC, I read that the boxes are still sealed from when they where shipped to the USMC? You would think the quality control would be BETTER then normal retail would be.

Anyone else had any issues??

Yep, the box was sealed. I was also thinking–very poor quality control for that 15mm to leave with no 'guts' in the ratcheting end. Since my kit was one of the last few kits as well, I don't imagine there is a replacement available from Uncle Sam's, which means I have to try for warranty resolution from Armstrong.

I guess I'll see what kind of company they are. Seems to me that since the 15mm is obviously a defective tool they would repair/replace it.

 

[RoadTraveler]

Good Armstrong Warranty News

Knowing that Uncle Sam's is a surplus retailer and the kit I/we purchased is not a normal Armstrong kit, and Uncle Sam's is 'sold out'...I went straight to Apex/Armstrong for warranty service.

I called the customer service 800 number on Armstrong's site, and explained what I had purchased from where. The lady's initial instructions were to return the set to the retailer and have it replaced. I explained how that was not an option, the product was new, but was a special military set from a surplus seller… we went back-and-forth a few times, but the conversation was polite and professional.

She asked me for a part number on the kit, I gave her something off the Uncle Sam's invoice that didn't help, later gave her a different number on the box she said she could cross reference. However, during the conversation she asked for the part number off the 15mm wrench, which I gave her.

Of course she had that tool part number in her computer system and said she was going to ask her supervisor for permission to send out a new tool, she didn't think it would be a problem. I thanked her and restated that I didn't need a complete replacement kit, just the 15mm wrench is missing the ratcheting parts as if it was missed during quality control.

At the end of the conversation, I asked to speak to her supervisor, to complement her for the help and customer service, which I did.

I never said anything or make any requests about the other wrenches. I figure if they continue to be a problem I can seek warranty replacement from Armstrong or a local retailer like Fastenal. Getting the the 15mm with missing parts replaced was my biggest concern and it seems like it's happening.

Although I had to argue a little to get the rep. off her regular routine of 'return to the retailer' (which I can't), she was quite helpful and Armstrong is resolving my issue. I was very polite (yes ma'am) the whole time, but for Armstrong to send me a knew wrench without the old one first is huge!

 

[Pro-Painter]

Re: Good Armstrong Warranty News

but for Armstrong to send me a knew wrench without the old one first is huge[/I]!

That is good to hear. I have no where local for armstrong warranty, so it is good to know that they care.


BTW: How long did it take to receive yours? I ordered mine 5 days ago and on money they sent me an email with a UPS tracking number that said delivery was set for 2/23. However, it has said this same default message since Monday with no updates.

A UPS shipping label has been created. Once the shipment arrives at our facility, the tracking status--including the scheduled delivery date--will be updated.

It's like UPS has not received it up yet, although the delivery date is set for tomorrow.

I'm worried that they may not have the set to send me

 

[cderalow]

I had a double 5/16" in my set and uncle SAMs sent me the missing 8mm.

Some are a little tight on the ratcheting action, but playing with a bunch of welded nuts has helped loosen them up. I'd think routine use would unstick most of them.

 

[RoadTraveler]

Re: Good Armstrong Warranty News

That is good to hear. I have no where local for armstrong warranty, so it is good to know that they care.

BTW: How long did it take to receive yours?

snip...

I'm worried that they may not have the set to send me

It took about a full week, but I'm in the west. It arrived on the date they said it would, but there were also shipping updates as it progressed across the country.

 

[RoadTraveler]

snip...I'd think routine use would unstick most of them.

You're correct. I played with them some more this morning, changing the direction, seem better already.

I remember some of my old Craftsman being sticky and behaving similarly when they were new a few years ago, but they work 'right' most of the time now, except for the occasionally unintentional change of direction.

It's very noticeable how much longer and larger these are compared to the older Craftsman.