A Pro's Opinion On Stanley Hand Tools Set
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rice rocket
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That's not really a review, more of an unboxing video. And yeah, everything works fine until it breaks. 
In all seriousness though, I have a Stanley 100-some piece set, and it fills the gaps in my toolbox (i.e. when I need SAE stuff) and is my beater set of tools. Everything's been perfectly serviceable, haven't broken anything, but I don't mind spending a little more to have nicer tools, especially for things I use a lot.
In all seriousness though, I have a Stanley 100-some piece set, and it fills the gaps in my toolbox (i.e. when I need SAE stuff) and is my beater set of tools. Everything's been perfectly serviceable, haven't broken anything, but I don't mind spending a little more to have nicer tools, especially for things I use a lot.
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Brownsfan
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For the money the Stanley sets are very nice. I would buy the Stanley China made stuff before I would spend more for a China made Craftsman set. The ratchets are MUCH nicer in the Stanley than the Craftsman. I have a I think 20pc or so 1/4 deep set from Wal-Mart I bought in a pinch and its been fine. No issues what so ever. For 60 bucks it would be at least double from any of the other box stores for a similar set
espyking83
Well-known member
Professional grade tools aren't just '**** that doesnt break'. I read/hear a lot about 'lifetime warranties' and Chinese tools that 'never break'--drives me nuts. The difference between a pro tool and Stanley is that Professional tools are designed for effectiveness, durablilty, ergonomics, etc.... A wrench is just a wrench until you have to use the sum ******* 8-12 hours a day in confined spaces.
Stanley tools are **** btw, that is, when used in a professional setting.
Stanley tools are **** btw, that is, when used in a professional setting.
ibedayank
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espyking83
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Note the difference in actual quality between a Home Depot Stanley tool and a Stanley owned Proto/Mac/Facom tool....
rice rocket
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Next you're gonna tell me that the $10 Stanley cantilever toolbox sold at Walmart is made alongside the Lista boxes...
Sam'sAutoParts
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Never used any sockets or wrenches from Stanley but I have a 1/4 pear head ratchet that is surprisingly nice compared to a RP craftsman, but it sees limited use next to my TL72
import extermination
Active member
Stanley tools are awesome "home" tools sets to have. They have worked good for me when i first started my apprenticeship. They are no different than craftsman. They are nice to start off with and good filler when you do start to upgrade to mac/snapon
AmateurMechanic
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The 60-tooth ratchets in those Stanley kits are junk, even by budget tool standards. I have one and it never gets used because it has a huge amount of back-drag even after lubrication.
The 72-tooth Kobalt/Husky/Harbor Freight ratchets are much, much better alternatives for around the same price.
The 72-tooth Kobalt/Husky/Harbor Freight ratchets are much, much better alternatives for around the same price.
ibedayank
Well-known member
Next you're gonna tell me that the $10 Stanley cantilever toolbox sold at Walmart is made alongside the Lista boxes...
and how many member have stated that those are not made to the same quality as they were 20 years ago...
Ratchet Guy
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i have the pear shape head ratchet, it was very smooth, but when i open it to see how are the parts inside, I saw a plastic part that moves the gear compare to any other ratchet in the market, don't know if this will last or not.
1950mercury
Well-known member
At that price range id buy hf pro sockets. They are Taiwan and super easy to warranty. If you break a stanley it would cost u more to mail it in than its worth..
I think hf pro are better tools
I've never seen snap on sockets "pit" either
I think hf pro are better tools
I've never seen snap on sockets "pit" either
A friend of mine bought some Stanley 1/2 drive sockets to put in his tractor. He has used them hard a couple of times, and have held up okay. For a person who won't be using tools everyday, they are a nice line of tools. I just shutter when I think of going into Wal-Mart though.
shoggoth80
Well-known member
I've still got some Stanley 1/4 deep sockets in my tools. Had them for probably 10 years now, maybe more. The ratchet I long since gave away. Bought it at (yuk) wally world...but I needed something *now* when I got them. Did the job. Still kicking. Hard to complain. If you're not gonna use them hard...don't worry too much.
And there is a massive difference in quality between Stanley, Proto, and Mac tool lines.
And there is a massive difference in quality between Stanley, Proto, and Mac tool lines.
camd64
Well-known member
I bought a small set about 10-15 years ago and it has held up fine to daily use in the shop. I don't use the ratchet very much since I prefer long flex handles but the sockets fit well and have really good chrome. The chrome is holding up better than my Craftsman USA sockets for sure and even some of my SO sockets. I just had to warranty a couple SO's for chrome flaking, but at least with SO there isn't any shipping cost or long drawn out wait for warranty.