Best smaller tool set in a case

[crane operator]

I had this 164 piece Craftsman Industrial set (USA made), until someone stole it.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/shc-929795

Wasn't our everyday tools, but it was super nice to throw in the truck to go work on equipment in the field. 1/4 and 3/8 drive, standard and metric, and wrenches to 1" and metric wrenches, allen and torx. Only thing I wished was instead of only 6 and 12 point shallow sockets, they would have had standard and deep sockets, of either 6 or 12 point.

I really liked the blow molded case (when the tools weren't falling out), because it was so easy in the field to see if something was missing, at the end of the project.

That said- what do I get to replace it? I don't see used Craftsman sets in the case that often on ebay. I won't buy Craftsman chinese, or harbor freight.

This is one area I always thought sears shined- decent sized sets for a pretty good price, in a decent case. Not the best tools, but pretty good. Not the best cases, but good enough.

S-k, mac, snap on, has socket sets in a case, but does anyone still make something in that 150-250 piece size, sockets and wrenches, allens and torx, in a case?

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Husky makes one about $100 I think has 1/4 3/8 1/2. Yes I know Chinese. But trust me on this. I've used it very hard not a day but a lot more than just back of car set. It's still good. Easy warranty if needed too. I don't think wrench size goes to what you want though
It's the 185 piece set. Maybe 184 or 186 I forget but something like that

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[ChevyEFI]

there are a lot of threads on here that could inspire you to put together a handy set that would do the trick. Threads about lighter sets, travel sets, minimalist sets, etc.

My trunk kit is put together in mind for possibly tackling light auto motive repair away from home. I picked up a nice plain flat plastic box on an order from Cripes distributing, a rail of 3/8" metric sockets, a set of bits and driver, a breaker bar with a few wheel lug socket / brake bracket socket sizes, screwdrivers, a small pipe wrenches, useful pliers, and heater hose.

Put together what works for you. If you have a lot of spares , it won't take much. I never was big on having extra tools, but like you found, it sure can be handy. Get creative and make things work for you.

 

[ssdave]

Shipping it is difficult, but I have a Craftsman USA set in a plastic box that has about 250 pieces. All 3 drive sizes, regular and deep, 6 point and 12 point, SAE and Metric. Plus SAE and Metric wrenches and some other pieces like 1/4" nut driver sockets. No hex key or other "filler" pieces, all real tools.

I'd like to sell it, for about $175, but it'd be quite expensive to ship.

 

[WWheeler]

Maybe this is you?

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set 174 Pc ***Made In USA***. With Case New Never Used
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-M...In-USA-With-Case-New-Never-Used-/201773505247

There's a few other new and used 'Made in USA' Craftsman sets in their plastic cases still on ebay, but that was the closest I could find to the set you had. Here's another one:

NOS CRAFTSMAN (USA) MADE 137 PC. MECHANICS TOOL SET #33137
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-CRAFTSMAN-USA-MADE-137-PC-MECHANICS-TOOL-SET-33137-/152368841289

The prices are marked up from what they used to sell for at sears, but still you'd be hard pressed to find a comparable set of USA made tools these days for those prices.

 

[bigjeff94]

Check out the 99 piece blackhawk socket set. Usa sockets taiwan ratchetaNice set I have a craftsman set like you had and love it. Unfortunately it's gonna be hard to find a big set in a case like that that's usa made. I am a fan of the sk like socket set handboxes. Another alternative is sourcing usa made tools and putting them in a rally box. A lot heavier but still makes a nice portable setup.

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[American Locomotive]

My buddy has the 123 Stanley Black Chrome set, and we were actually really impressed by it. We had a 2 foot cheater on it's 3/8 ratchet trying to take a transmission out at the junkyard, and the ratchet took it without a complaint.

The case is decent enough, but the sockets can be very hard to get out, almost impossible by hand if it's cold out. He usually just pulls the 1/4" extension out and uses that to pop the sockets out.

The ratchets were nothing special, and they were kinda loose, even when new.

For the price though, it's a pretty decent emergency/field tool kit.

 

[DFB]

Maybe this is you?

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set 174 Pc ***Made In USA***. With Case New Never Used
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-M...In-USA-With-Case-New-Never-Used-/201773505247

There's a few other new and used 'Made in USA' Craftsman sets in their plastic cases still on ebay, but that was the closest I could find to the set you had. Here's another one:

NOS CRAFTSMAN (USA) MADE 137 PC. MECHANICS TOOL SET #33137
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-CRAFTSMAN-USA-MADE-137-PC-MECHANICS-TOOL-SET-33137-/152368841289

The prices are marked up from what they used to sell for at sears, but still you'd be hard pressed to find a comparable set of USA made tools these days for those prices.

Wow I think I had/actually still have that #33137 set or something very similar but shamefully the storage case is long gone and most all the sockets are on rails, the ratchets in my tool chest. And are all just duplicates too. Now I wish I still had the case.

And I know it what I had sure wasn't that much new

 

[Local]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LWAX2C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is my kit I bought when I moved out and no longer had dad's tools. Has pretty much everything you need. The ratchets are really nice in comparison to rp cmans. Taiwan made tools are very good quality.

 

[Bcom]

I tell everyone this when they ask for an awesome small tool set. Metrinch Metrinch Metrinch! Best tools ive ever used and ive had mine for 20 years! No more rummaging through metric and standard sockets. All pieces are top quality and have never broken. I would put these tools up against any other name brand.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WR3JUO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Infinia]

Yeah indeed the old Sears blow molded sets where pretty cool

Since you want a complete kit with combo wenches AND made in USA you have to buy used. saying that, I see at least half a dozen with a simple ebay search. The more limits you place on your tool set E.g No Chinese and both SAE and metric combo wrenches, Allen & torx bits ?) there is very much less to pick from. So sorry but this is what happens when all our domestic tool makers out-source to CHINA, IDK why some folks cant get over it. so either >Change the criteria, search harder for used sets, pony up and get the industrial line again, or quit crying.
BTW if you do find something that meets all your "specs", it may get stolen again so there's that to ponder. The rule is , the more expensive the things are the higher the probability of growing legs.

What I would do is piece to together a custom kit using either old USA or newish Taiwan bits and pieces. Youre in "the field" so you may not always have the luxury of carrying weight and pro level tools esp. knowing they may get lost again.

 

[WWheeler]

Yeah indeed the old Sears blow molded sets where pretty cool

Since you want a complete kit with combo wenches AND made in USA you have to buy used. saying that, I see at least half a dozen with a simple ebay search. [...]

Well, you don't have to buy used. If you're willing to weed through pages of search results there are still some brand new old stock USA made Craftsman sets to be had on ebay. I had just linked a couple a few posts above yours, and those weren't the only ones I saw. I'm just sayin'

 

[Infinia]

Well, you don't have to buy used. If you're willing to weed through pages of search results there are still some brand new old stock USA made Craftsman sets to be had on ebay. I had just linked a couple a few posts above yours, and those weren't the only ones I saw. I'm just sayin'

yeah like I said "search harder". I personally don't consider most ebays sellers definition of "new" ..YMMV.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RI4-Craftsm...5ad391f&pid=100033&rk=3&rkt=8&sd=152380558796

 

[kctyphoon]

The most for your money right now is the Gearwrench deals posted in the hot deals forum. You get the complete 3/8" set in both shallow and deep, metric and sae, all in 6 point sockets with 2 84 tooth ratchets AND you get the complete 1/4" set as well for like $108 or something. They come in seperated cases but I think that's a plus..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931