Best tool set under $600?
- Thread starter tg6392
- Start date
Uncle Buck
Banned
Sears will be the only way to fly if you are starting with nothing.
Very sound advice
JayL
Well-known member
I am also looking for a kit and am eyeing the 200 Piece Craftsman Metric Set for $399.99. Up to what discount do you think Sears will give for a set like this? Currently it's around 15% with free shipping for online purchase.
rsanter
Well-known member
I would think something like
Craftsman 300 pc. Professional Tool Set
Sears item# 00933300000 Mfr. model# 33300
for $549
would be a better deal
Craftsman 300 pc. Professional Tool Set
Sears item# 00933300000 Mfr. model# 33300
for $549
would be a better deal
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Sears will be the only way to fly if you are starting with nothing.
Yup. But even then, expect to pony up for some of the basics that they don't include in their sets... like pliers...
Stuey
Well-known member
Sears has a 20% deal if you spend over a certain amount sometimes. Like, over $199, get 10%, over $399 15% or 20%, etc.
Wait until the father's day sales hit.
Wait until the father's day sales hit.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Look at the contents of which set you decide to get and make sure you're getting tools that you'll use and not just pieces that add up to a number. It's more important to have durable tools that get used than alot of little pieces gathering dust.
April
Active member
If it were my money, I'd probably get either the 172pc, 290pc, or 302pc sets. They all contain the much nicer thin profile ratchets, which you'd probably eventually end up getting anyways (them, or some other brand of nicer ratchets.) Them, or the 145pc set (my favorite: easy-to-read, up to 22mm, and no fluff) and the extra ratchets separately. My dad also loves the 145pc set - he buys one every few years just to replace all the sockets that wander off.
That should leave you with something ranging from $250-400 to spend on other necessary bits, such as torque wrenches. I'd hate to spend all my money on just a tool set only to find that a bunch of the stuff is inadequate and/or you need other items that you can't afford.
That should leave you with something ranging from $250-400 to spend on other necessary bits, such as torque wrenches. I'd hate to spend all my money on just a tool set only to find that a bunch of the stuff is inadequate and/or you need other items that you can't afford.
I have to agree with April King. The 145 piece set from Sears is a great deal. They have two sets right now, #34142 has the newer lazer etched sockets, #34145 has the older style stamped/engraved sizes on the sockets. I think you can pick up either one for about $180 not on sale (before Xmas last year 34145 was on sale for $99). That is a great base for any new tool set, and you have over $400 for everything else you need. Pick up one of the sets, either a five or ten piece set of Craftsman pro screwdrivers, a five piece set of pliers, and a set of vice grips. That still leaves you over $300 for a decent torque wrench, hex keys nicer/larger set of wrenches, some Gearwrenches, pry bars, nicer ratchets and maybe even a Harbor Freight tool cart/box to store all of it in.
What are you going to do with these tools? Will these be for personal/weekend warrior use or are you going to tech school and looking for a base tool set to get you started? If you do not need all the stuff at once, wait around for sales. Spend $300 on the basics (socket set, pliers and screwdrivers) and see what else you need or what would help you get a job done.
What are you going to do with these tools? Will these be for personal/weekend warrior use or are you going to tech school and looking for a base tool set to get you started? If you do not need all the stuff at once, wait around for sales. Spend $300 on the basics (socket set, pliers and screwdrivers) and see what else you need or what would help you get a job done.
Merkava_4
Banned
Forget about the sets; buy one tool at a time. It's not quantity that counts; it's quality.
AlphaGarage
Well-known member
If you're like most folks, forget about buying them one at a time.
When tearing into a car you often can't tell exactly what tools you'll need. If you're just going to replace the alternator it may look like all you need is a 13 mm socket. That is until the bolt falls into the dark nether reaches and now you need to go back to the store and get a 10 mm to remove a heat shield. Which you do. Only to find that the bolt is now wedged behind the thingamajig, which has a can't see'um blind bolt that could be a 12mm, or is it an 11mm? Well you guessed 11mm and you were right! Too bad that the 3/8" drive is too large to fit in there. Not to worry, the store had a nice 1/4 drive available. And it's all yours after they reopen tomorrow morning.
Go for a good set.
When tearing into a car you often can't tell exactly what tools you'll need. If you're just going to replace the alternator it may look like all you need is a 13 mm socket. That is until the bolt falls into the dark nether reaches and now you need to go back to the store and get a 10 mm to remove a heat shield. Which you do. Only to find that the bolt is now wedged behind the thingamajig, which has a can't see'um blind bolt that could be a 12mm, or is it an 11mm? Well you guessed 11mm and you were right! Too bad that the 3/8" drive is too large to fit in there. Not to worry, the store had a nice 1/4 drive available. And it's all yours after they reopen tomorrow morning.
Go for a good set.
Do you know what your working on or is this for a shop type deal? If you know what your working on just buy tools specific for that type. Example if your restoring an older american car buy sae sockets and wrenches from sears, snap on, mac or so on. If your more of a late model japanese buy tools specific to metric bolts. This way your not wasting money on items not used. Please note metrics for the most part fit sae bolts.
In the salvage yards here all the parts puller have on tool box per person with metric sockets to 21mm and wrenches to 24mm, basic screwdriver set, hammer, several pliers and dykes, a couple chisels, some torx and a cresent or two and they take apart whole vehicles.
Josh
In the salvage yards here all the parts puller have on tool box per person with metric sockets to 21mm and wrenches to 24mm, basic screwdriver set, hammer, several pliers and dykes, a couple chisels, some torx and a cresent or two and they take apart whole vehicles.
Josh
Merkava_4
Banned
I could buy a lot of nice tools on eBay for $600 and they wouldn't be C-man. 
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I concur.... there are threads on this subject already. maybe a search is in order....
The tool sets are a nice idea - theoretically - but they have too much filler for my tastes. If you want to buy bulk sockets and marginal ratchets, then go for the tool sets. But you are still going to need pliers, decent screwdrivers and a full set of combo wrenches....
That said, the only tool sets that I would even think of buying are the Craftsman... or (I cannot believe I am thinking this) possibly this:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=20241&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
or even better yet....
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=77864&group_ID=20241
made in China or Taiwan? Definitely. But it has quite possibly the best assortment of any small tool set that I have seen.....
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
See my post here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=221247&postcount=9
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=221247&postcount=9
kvom
Well-known member
I bought a ~300 piece Craftsman set on sale at Christmas 4 years ago. The wrenches and ratchet/socket sets have covered 99% of my needs in those departments since then. However, a fair number of pieces were loose sae/metric allen wrenches and nut drivers, none of which do I use very often. The allen wrenches would have been good if they were not packed loose in plastic pouches, meaning a PITA to find the one you need.
Things that I needed that were not in the set include long 1/2" socket extensions, socket adapters (1/2-3/8 and 3/8-1/4), plus swivels for each size.
I think any prepackaged sets will have similar "dross", but will still cost less than the items in the set that you need when purchased individually.
Since then the most useful additions to the wrench/socket area have been gearwrenches and torque wrenches.
IMO trying to piece together a custome set one at a time is too time consuming. Once you have a useable set you can become a "collector" like a number of others who post here.
Things that I needed that were not in the set include long 1/2" socket extensions, socket adapters (1/2-3/8 and 3/8-1/4), plus swivels for each size.
I think any prepackaged sets will have similar "dross", but will still cost less than the items in the set that you need when purchased individually.
Since then the most useful additions to the wrench/socket area have been gearwrenches and torque wrenches.
IMO trying to piece together a custome set one at a time is too time consuming. Once you have a useable set you can become a "collector" like a number of others who post here.
JB740i
Well-known member
I'd spend some time looking on craigslist or ebay for a tool box someone is selling off with tools. I spent $250 and got a 5 drawer cabinet with one of those reversible work surfaces that had some decent impact sockets, had a long handle 3/8 snap on ratchet that I love, a impact gun with a 6" anvil, and drawers full of various other stuff.
The guy had done brake work or something so it also had some other snap on brake tools that I haven't had any luck selling off.
If I had $600 to drop and some time, that's what I'd do. Just look at the pictures and make sure the basics are in there that you need and you'd be further along than you could get with any deal at sears.
The guy had done brake work or something so it also had some other snap on brake tools that I haven't had any luck selling off.
If I had $600 to drop and some time, that's what I'd do. Just look at the pictures and make sure the basics are in there that you need and you'd be further along than you could get with any deal at sears.
GDA
Well-known member
Best advise given is in this post!
I literally was just about to post the same comment and then the page refreshed... In my weekly craigslist searches in Dallas/Austin area I see Cman and other working sets (well in excess of 300pc sets new) with a rollcab go for $500 and under all the time.
Plus you can usually get it over 50% off new!
Uncle Buck
Banned
Best advise given is in this post!
I literally was just about to post the same comment and then the page refreshed... In my weekly craigslist searches in Dallas/Austin area I see Cman and other working sets (well in excess of 300pc sets new) with a rollcab go for $500 and under all the time.
Plus you can usually get it over 50% off new!
I am a huge fan of buying used, but unless you find a real bargain on used SO or Cman most newbys are not familiar enough with what is good and what is not, and likewise on what is a fair price for used etc. Buying used is only a great idea when you know what the heck you are doing, if you have limited knowledge of tools I still say better to stick with Sears Cman than to take potluck used. (for me it is a very rare time indeed when I would suggest new instead of buying used!) It all boils down to how much you know.
I am a huge fan of buying used, but unless you find a real bargain on used SO or Cman most newbys are not familiar enough with what is good and what is not, and likewise on what is a fair price for used etc. Buying used is only a great idea when you know what the heck you are doing, if you have limited knowledge of tools I still say better to stick with Sears Cman than to take potluck used. (for me it is a very rare time indeed when I would suggest new instead of buying used!) It all boils down to how much you know.
Very good point!! I've seen my share of overpriced used tools as well.
GDA
Well-known member
I am a huge fan of buying used, but unless you find a real bargain on used SO or Cman most newbys are not familiar enough with what is good and what is not, and likewise on what is a fair price for used etc. Buying used is only a great idea when you know what the heck you are doing, if you have limited knowledge of tools I still say better to stick with Sears Cman than to take potluck used. (for me it is a very rare time indeed when I would suggest new instead of buying used!) It all boils down to how much you know.
Ya, good point and agree with your recommendation too. I guess I assumed the OP had at a least a general knowledge of what they would want in a working tool set.
Stuey
Well-known member
Nobody is saying buy the sockets one by one.
We also have no idea what the OP has in mind for the "400 pcs" he wants.
By far the best way to go about this is starting off with a Cman socket set, or similar. That will get him started off with some nut driving bits, a few ratchets/handles, and a good selection of sockets.
Then, there's screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, pliers, mallets, hammers, etc, and those are they types of tools that should be sourced separately. Sure Sears and other places have all-inclusive tool sets, but you'll pay a pretty for them and get a lot of "fillers".
As far as the Cman sets, the key is selecting one with as few unneeded fillers as possible. I started off with a set that had ~54 sockets, and added in extensions and the deep sockets that I needed.
It also pays to add in a quality ratchet handle and possible a breaker bar.
We also have no idea what the OP has in mind for the "400 pcs" he wants.
By far the best way to go about this is starting off with a Cman socket set, or similar. That will get him started off with some nut driving bits, a few ratchets/handles, and a good selection of sockets.
Then, there's screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, pliers, mallets, hammers, etc, and those are they types of tools that should be sourced separately. Sure Sears and other places have all-inclusive tool sets, but you'll pay a pretty for them and get a lot of "fillers".
As far as the Cman sets, the key is selecting one with as few unneeded fillers as possible. I started off with a set that had ~54 sockets, and added in extensions and the deep sockets that I needed.
It also pays to add in a quality ratchet handle and possible a breaker bar.
Uncle Buck
Banned
The fillers Sears seems to like abusing the buyer with the most are hex key sets, screwdriver bits, and hacksaw blades, the worst indeed!
musgofasta
Well-known member
I started with this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933260000P?vname=Craftsman_Club&intcmp=vc_ww_2008_06
And built around it. It's 169.99 in the Craftsman Club flier, and you get a decent little box to start with. Get a big set of good screwdrivers, a set of good pliers, and you're good to go.
Recently I've been so in love with my Gearwrenches, I don't use my standard box wrenches much anymore. Maybe skip the set above, buy a big ratchet and socket set, and a two sets of Gearwrenches, metric and SAE.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933260000P?vname=Craftsman_Club&intcmp=vc_ww_2008_06
And built around it. It's 169.99 in the Craftsman Club flier, and you get a decent little box to start with. Get a big set of good screwdrivers, a set of good pliers, and you're good to go.
Recently I've been so in love with my Gearwrenches, I don't use my standard box wrenches much anymore. Maybe skip the set above, buy a big ratchet and socket set, and a two sets of Gearwrenches, metric and SAE.
musgofasta
Well-known member
The fillers Sears seems to like abusing the buyer with the most are hex key sets, screwdriver bits, and hacksaw blades, the worst indeed!
Agreed. Hex keys and screwdriver bits artificially inflate the piece count. What a joke.
Uncle Buck
Banned
I think this board is an excellent source of knowledge but unless I know more about the posters background ie. new member generally I would regard a question like the one posed by the OP as one that would come from someone perhaps a bit less knowledgable about tool buying, or the question would not have been asked to begin with (in no way meant to discourage such a question, or meant as a put down) but rather more in line with considering the OP background. I think any and all questions are great stuff!
yeah, i agree with you guys saying that the nut drivers and hex keys are filler, i really don't need them anyways.
i think this is really what i want.
-Sockets:
Metric: 8mm to about 22
Standard: 3/16" to about 1 1/4"
-Wrenches:
Metric Gearwrench: 8mm to 19mm
Standard Gearwrench: 3/16" to 1"
-Combination Wrenches:
Metric: 8mm to 19mm
Standard: 3/16" to 1"
-Screwdrivers
~15 to 20 pcs
-Hex Key Sockets
Metric: 3mm to 10mm
Then the usual:
Ratchets (1/2, 3/8, 1/4)
Breaker Bars (1/2, 3/8, 1/4)
Pliers
Vice Grips
I don't need to waste money on hex keys and screwdriver bits. I just want the basics. This isnt for cars, more bicycles, mowers, tractors, and some metalworking. I know this sounds like a basic home set, but i will be using these daily. Im a freshman in high school and this is how i make money: fixing other people's stuff.
i think this is really what i want.
-Sockets:
Metric: 8mm to about 22
Standard: 3/16" to about 1 1/4"
-Wrenches:
Metric Gearwrench: 8mm to 19mm
Standard Gearwrench: 3/16" to 1"
-Combination Wrenches:
Metric: 8mm to 19mm
Standard: 3/16" to 1"
-Screwdrivers
~15 to 20 pcs
-Hex Key Sockets
Metric: 3mm to 10mm
Then the usual:
Ratchets (1/2, 3/8, 1/4)
Breaker Bars (1/2, 3/8, 1/4)
Pliers
Vice Grips
I don't need to waste money on hex keys and screwdriver bits. I just want the basics. This isnt for cars, more bicycles, mowers, tractors, and some metalworking. I know this sounds like a basic home set, but i will be using these daily. Im a freshman in high school and this is how i make money: fixing other people's stuff.
billymade
Well-known member
I still think this set is pretty darn good for the price; add screwdriver and plier sets and your set IMHO. Pretty much all the pieces have a place in each drawer; that way you can tell if you forgot to put anything back!
Craftsman 245 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with Easy-To-Read Sockets in 3-Drawer Chest Sears item# 00934245000 Mfr. model# 34245
CLOSE OUT $189.88 $259.99 (original price) Save $70.11 thru 05/31/08
THIS SALE ENDS THIS SATURDAY!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934245000P
The 260 piece set is only $10 more. SALE ENDS TODAY!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933260000P
Craftsman 245 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with Easy-To-Read Sockets in 3-Drawer Chest Sears item# 00934245000 Mfr. model# 34245
CLOSE OUT $189.88 $259.99 (original price) Save $70.11 thru 05/31/08
THIS SALE ENDS THIS SATURDAY!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934245000P
The 260 piece set is only $10 more. SALE ENDS TODAY!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933260000P
Last edited:
April
Active member
In that case, I'd shoot for the 145 piece set. It has, by far, the widest range of wrenches and sockets in a portable kit, easy-to-read, all 6pt. If you want better ratchets, you can buy them separately.
That gives you:
Sockets: 4mm - 22mm, 5/32" - 1 1/4"
Wrenches: 12mm - 18mm, 3/8" - 3/4"
Ratchets: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2
Extensions: 3" in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2
I like this style of hex key sets. Vice grips are $25 or so, same with pliers, and a regular Craftsman screwdriver set. I just use HF breaker bars, which are pretty cheap. All that together is less than $300, leaving you with $300 to spend on the things that you'll discover that you need but didn't think of beforehand.
Those things might include a wide-range torque wrench, a ball peen hammer, maybe some stubby Gearwrenches, a fire extinguisher, utility knife, adjustable wrench, first aid kit, and probably some kind of work light (I like to buy cheap ones and fit them out with very bright CFs). You can see how it can add up quickly, and why I wouldn't recommend spending all your money on a tool set.
Like others here, I like SK, Snap-On, or other brands of tools better than Craftsman, but if it's how you make your living in high school, I think it's best to stick with something you can get a quick replacement on.
That gives you:
Sockets: 4mm - 22mm, 5/32" - 1 1/4"
Wrenches: 12mm - 18mm, 3/8" - 3/4"
Ratchets: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2
Extensions: 3" in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2
I like this style of hex key sets. Vice grips are $25 or so, same with pliers, and a regular Craftsman screwdriver set. I just use HF breaker bars, which are pretty cheap. All that together is less than $300, leaving you with $300 to spend on the things that you'll discover that you need but didn't think of beforehand.
Those things might include a wide-range torque wrench, a ball peen hammer, maybe some stubby Gearwrenches, a fire extinguisher, utility knife, adjustable wrench, first aid kit, and probably some kind of work light (I like to buy cheap ones and fit them out with very bright CFs). You can see how it can add up quickly, and why I wouldn't recommend spending all your money on a tool set.
Like others here, I like SK, Snap-On, or other brands of tools better than Craftsman, but if it's how you make your living in high school, I think it's best to stick with something you can get a quick replacement on.
I really like something like this (or any other ones with the red slide out drawers), I bought a cardboard boxed set and I spent quite a bit of money getting racks and socket holders.. My buddy just take the whole thing and put in the car and go to the track, can't do that with a rolling tool chest..
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933260000P?adCell=A3&lid=MTS_h&sid=ie_16304_A_x20
I have not really compared those similar ones but just saying the box is really handy.
Or you can try ebay but some people do not have the time to snipe tools one at a time. Things need to be work on and cars could break down tomorrow.. need all the basics to fix it right now.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933260000P?adCell=A3&lid=MTS_h&sid=ie_16304_A_x20
I have not really compared those similar ones but just saying the box is really handy.
Or you can try ebay but some people do not have the time to snipe tools one at a time. Things need to be work on and cars could break down tomorrow.. need all the basics to fix it right now.
Thats pretty expensive for gearwrenches. I would wait for another 40-50% off sale at Sears that comes around every few months. I bet they will have some nice sales for Father's Day.
kvom
Well-known member
My Cman set came in one of those 3-drawer boxes. I keep each of the drawers as a holder in my steel box, and it makes it easy to see where everything goes. If I need to I just take the tray out of the box to where I'm working.
I have only a 1'2" breaker bar. If I need extra force on a 1/2 or 3/8 bold I'll use the 1/2" ratchet or the breaker bar with a socket adapter.
Definitely wait for the 50% off sale on Gearwrenches. They come around pretty often.
I have only a 1'2" breaker bar. If I need extra force on a 1/2 or 3/8 bold I'll use the 1/2" ratchet or the breaker bar with a socket adapter.
Definitely wait for the 50% off sale on Gearwrenches. They come around pretty often.
April
Active member
Yeah, like others say: $50 is far too much. Looking at my receipt, mine were $18/set + sales tax, back on May 9th. They are on sale all the time.
I also only have one breaker bar, pretty sure it's this one. They also have a 25" version of it, but it weighs too much for me to use effectively.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Maybe Kartracer55 will chime in here... he was at a similar place in his life not so long ago. PM him even....
JB740i
Well-known member
Not necessarily. Sign up for the craftsman club on their website and watch the weekly ads in the paper or on their website. Most of the time you can order it online and pick it up in the store. I've done that for some of the 50% off stuff when it wasn't worth the gas or the shipping to get the item quicker. I just stopped by the next time I was over there and had time to kill.
I bought this set in 2008 or2009. Still have it and now trying to duplicate it as I have the original set in my tool box. Im mostly there.
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dante2
Well-known member
What's the current record on a necropost? This one's definitely in the running.