Best Values in Setting up a Toolbox?

[TDabney]

Hello,

I'm enlarging my shop and need to set up a second tool box. While I'd love to be able to throw down and help put the Snap On rep's kids through college, I don't have that type of budget to work with. I've been trolling Craigslist for a while, but I live in a pretty rural area and I just haven't seen much there. It's been a while since I bought a whole bunch of tools. My current set is primarily Craftsman, and I haven't had many issues with them - I've broken a few socket swivels, but all the pieces have been generally pretty durable for me. The set is probably 10 years old.

I'm really looking for advice on what the current thought is regarding the best VALUE for tool boxes and tools - mainly wrenches, socket sets, drivers etc... As I mentioned, the Snap On-ish price range is out of reach for me, but I'm more than happy to pay up from Harbor Freight-ish for more durability if it's worth it.

I was just reading a thread about the Craftsman sets - a few of them seem to be a fairly complete for decent prices - maybe a good way to get a lot of wrenches and sockets and them pay up for a few nicer pieces like socket ratchets?

I've also been looking at http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com for tool boxes. They seem like a pretty good value? Looking at something in the 41" range like this one: http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/ho...lboxes/41-portable-workstation-combo-set.html Also a site sponsor...

I'd love to hear other suggestions to - I'm sure there are a ton of opinions on this!

Thanks in advance for your help,

Tom

 

[sberry]

That 301 piece Cman in the other thread is a deal, cant be beat for value, no way no how.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Craftsman:
+ You can usually find singles to replace a lost tool easily, or warranty in-store without waiting for their molasses-slow shipping
+ You might get US-made tools, that are decent quality, at a reasonable price
-You might have to jump through hoops to even buy singles of a lost tool if it's not readily available. 3/8" metric impact sockets come to mind.
-You might not get US-made tools next time, and they might not be decent quality... but at least you got a reasonable price.
-By supporting Sears, you'll be lengthening their almost inevitable demise, and quite probably reinforcing their theory that they can keep offshoring their hard-line production and customers will keep buying.

I stocked my box with CM about this time last year. Bought the dual-marked all-6-point socket set, 3/8 & 1/2" impact socket kit, RP wrench sets, and screwdrivers. I guess I got lucky, I got all USA, and didn't have any QC problems. I can't complain about what I got for ~$600. I don't think I've had to swap anything besides screwdrivers and maybe some extensions out of all that.

I had originally bought one of the cheapo "always on sale" sets in the blow-molded 3-drawer. It had non-etched sockets, and a bunch of them looked like pure ****, so I returned it. In a testament to Sears' ineptitude, I saw it a little bit later in the clearance section, with a price below normal list, but higher than the price it's always on sale for.

 

[kunkernator]

As for the tool box, if you are on a budget, look at the HF roller cab. It is getting constant good reviews. As soon as I finish moving, I am grabbing one.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I got pretty lucky on my toolbox, a friend found a Husky 40" on CL. Turned out to be Waterloo-made, aka MAC MB4290. I got the roll cab and top box (which holds down a workbench at the shop) for $400. Not bad for what it is.

Honestly, if you're looking at $1500+, I'd try to find a used KRL722 or even a double-bay KRA. You could get into those with not much more money, if any. I dunno where you are, but my Matco driver just dropped off some KRA fitting that description that he's storing at work until he sells it.

 

[Gregg33]

Tool Boxes- SPG Int'l, Wrenches & Sockets- U.S. made Craftsman or if you can spend a bit more Gray or used SO, Pliers- Channellock, Locking Pliers- Grip-On, Hard Handled Screwdrivers, Nut Drivers & Wood Chiesels- Fuller, Hammers- Estwing (esp. when on sale), Snips- Wiss, Punches, Chiesels & Prybars- Mayhew, Socket Rails- Craftsman plastic, Wrench Organizers- Ernst. All fairly cheap, U.S. or Cdn made and high quality, especially considering the cost.

 

[Haveblue]

blackhawk..

 

[TDabney]

Thanks for all the help/posts so far.

Sounds like another Craftsman set may be in my future... There was some mention of Made in the US versions and Made Overseas versions - are these different versions of the same sets? And it's really just luck of the draw as to what you get when you open the packaging?

I also hadn't thought of talking to the local Snap On and Mac tool guys to see if they have any used boxes that they've taken in on trade...

I'm not adverse to Harbor Freight, but realize with open eyes that you often get what you pay for there. I have read about their boxes being a decent value though. I'll investigate that further the next time I'm near the store.

Thanks again,

Tom

 

[Gotmayhem]

Thanks for all the help/posts so far.

Sounds like another Craftsman set may be in my future... There was some mention of Made in the US versions and Made Overseas versions - are these different versions of the same sets? And it's really just luck of the draw as to what you get when you open the packaging?

I also hadn't thought of talking to the local Snap On and Mac tool guys to see if they have any used boxes that they've taken in on trade...

I'm not adverse to Harbor Freight, but realize with open eyes that you often get what you pay for there. I have read about their boxes being a decent value though. I'll investigate that further the next time I'm near the store.

Thanks again,

Tom

Hey if it's any help I just went through my Craftsman set I bought last year and all the sockets, extensions, and ratchets are marked as USA made. The wrenches I'm not 100% sure on, the miniatures are stamped USA but the regular length are not. From what I can gather they are Diehard made. Either way the finish is fantastic and they haven't spread or broken on me yet.

This is the set I bought:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-309-...edirect=true&sLevel=0&redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

You can get it for much cheaper if you wait for a true sale, I got it for only $200 last year. I was very happy for that price, especially after laying out all the sockets.

I haven't bought a HF box myself, though I've spent some time looking at the GJ favorite 44" box. It's true that there is no comparison to similar priced Sears offerings. The metal is twice as thick, the casters seem beefier, the drawers are ball bearing and open and close pretty well. Other HF boxes didn't seem as nice though, like everything else in the store you have good and bad products. For value though I don't think it can be beat and I spent a good amount of time looking.

 

[Higgins]

Tom - have you tried CL for the SL UT area???

Also, yrs ago I traveled to Seattle frequently, and would go to the car show that was up in Sahomish (?) It was huge, took a few days to take it all in. Every time I went, always ended up bringing stuff back with me! - LOL!

Cheers! - AL

 

[SteveCh]

I just shopped tool boxes the past few months, needing something more but in no huge hurry. I finally sprang for a 56" one from Strictly Toolboxes. Came two weeks back and I am still arranging stuff in it.

Looked at Craftsman, HF, etc., some other brands at Tool King and like places, brands I'd never heard of, and in the end went with a Tool Vault.

Can't say a negative thing about them. I spent a couple hundred more than some of the less expensive ones, and a few thousand less than the top-of-the-line pro boxes. The one from Strictly Toolboxes is well-made, good-operating drawers [a biggie for me, I HATE sloppy and touchy-to-open drawers], good looking if that matters to you, and good drawer layout.

I was gonna get one of their 41" models, decided that for $250 more I'd go ahead and get the 56". Was gonna sell off my old 80's 26" Waterloo stack but turns out I have more tools than I thought and am keeping it. [Guess I "needed" the 72".........]

 

[AL`]

I think SK is a great value for their socket sets with a nice balance between quality, price and made in USA if that's a consideration for you. If you happen to get some old stock with any quality issues, IDEAL/SK has been making good on the warranty. Williams USA (not the Taiwan stuff) is another one to look at and Wright tools as well. I've been considering getting some more combo wrenches and thinking about Matco, Wright and Williams. I did buy one SK phillips screwdriver as a test purchase and I didn't care for the ergs of the grip handle. I like my Williams hard handles for that better. Actually, I even like my standard Craftsman screwdriver grips better than that.

 

[sberry]

I use a fair amount of screwdrivers, I know lots of cars rarely use commons anymore and if there is a need to ferret out a good driver for a problem screw but for general tasks I dont find the quality issues with a screwdriver a big deal or highly demanding. I bet 99 out of a hundred applications can be done with a dollar screwdriver especially if we disregard specialty resto apps etc. I think abough 85% of the time it works even if it isnt the "right" screwdriver.

A cheap Channelok and a junk Vise Grip no good but about the nearest screwdriver will do. I got some Cmans, they earned their keep, got no gripe with them.

 

[AL`]

I use a fair amount of screwdrivers, I know lots of cars rarely use commons anymore and if there is a need to ferret out a good driver for a problem screw but for general tasks I dont find the quality issues with a screwdriver a big deal or highly demanding. I bet 99 out of a hundred applications can be done with a dollar screwdriver especially if we disregard specialty resto apps etc. I think abough 85% of the time it works even if it isnt the "right" screwdriver.

A cheap Channelok and a junk Vise Grip no good but about the nearest screwdriver will do. I got some Cmans, they earned their keep, got no gripe with them.

I don't disagree that a cheap screwdriver can get it done, but I have often found them to be uncomfortable with grips that are too small or that don't fit my hand well. Stanley screwdrivers come to mind as some I've not really cared too much for. That mostly comes into play when the screws aren't turning very cooperatively and especially if cranking them into some tight wood. Yeah, I know, most grab for a drill driver and bit at that point but sometimes it takes as much time to go grab that as it is to just muscle it in and get-r-done with the hand driver close at hand. My most used screwdrivers are not pretty to look at - not even close. In fact, they look like one you might find in a bucket sale on craigslist. But the tips still get the job done and they're like old friends. They are craftsman and belonged to my father. I sometimes have to force myself to pick up some of the newer ones to justify the purchase . Cheap screwdrivers are great for making picks and special tools out of too with a little heat, vise and grinder work.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Screw... drivers? You mean the little prybars?

Seriously, I use my 1/4" hex impact almost anywhere I'd use a screwdriver. It actually strips screws less often than using a hand screwdriver, and is infinitely faster. Unless I'm just using it for one or two screws, then I guess I'll grab a screwdriver. But I think my most used screwdriver is my 3/16" flat tip, because it releases connector halves like a champ.

I also haven't noticed any weird smells from my CM screwdrivers. And when I go to the store and am tempted to buy one, half the time I can buy a set for a couple bucks more than the one I want.

 

[MN Falcon]

I got that same set a little over a year ago. The ratcheting wrenches were not marked USA either. Manufacturer code was D-AA, this is the China plant. Used one of the metrics once and it broke and cut open the back of my hand bad (not a good thing anymore now that I am on a couple different blood thinners) I got a USA one in exchange after I got the bleeding to stop and for the heck of it put that one on the bolt and broke it loose. Probably just a bad one but after seeing that the boxed end on the USA 14mm was about 1/4" smaller diam than the China one I decided to just exchange them all.

The thing is with more and more stuff being made over seas it is going to be more of a **** shoot with the sets. There is still a bunch of USA stock out there and of yet I don't think anyone has yet seen a China socket. There was even some Sears published docs from a couple years ago suggesting that they were replacing the open stock with China stuff first, it was posted on GJ referring to ratchet rebuild kits and the difference between the China RP and USA ones, I just don't remember who posted it.

So basically TDabney, if COO is an important factor the probability of getting USA stuff in the sets is still high with some exceptions, but I am sure that will all change as the supply of USA stuff dries up.

Hey if it's any help I just went through my Craftsman set I bought last year and all the sockets, extensions, and ratchets are marked as USA made. The wrenches I'm not 100% sure on, the miniatures are stamped USA but the regular length are not. From what I can gather they are Diehard made. Either way the finish is fantastic and they haven't spread or broken on me yet.

This is the set I bought:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-309-...edirect=true&sLevel=0&redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

You can get it for much cheaper if you wait for a true sale, I got it for only $200 last year. I was very happy for that price, especially after laying out all the sockets.

I haven't bought a HF box myself, though I've spent some time looking at the GJ favorite 44" box. It's true that there is no comparison to similar priced Sears offerings. The metal is twice as thick, the casters seem beefier, the drawers are ball bearing and open and close pretty well. Other HF boxes didn't seem as nice though, like everything else in the store you have good and bad products. For value though I don't think it can be beat and I spent a good amount of time looking.