Boxed set tools vs individual

[Jbo_c]

There are usually clear and significant savings when buying a set vs individual tools. Is there a difference in quality?

Specifically, I'm looking at a Kobalt ratchet. I can get a set with 3/8 drive and a small fistfull of sockets for $29 or so. Or I can buy just the ratchet for $24 or so. I only want the ratchet, but why would I not buy the set for the extra $5-6?

Is the ratchet without the set "higher quality"? If not, it seems dumb not to just buy the set and have backup sockets.

Thanks.

Jbo

 

[Bondo]

There are usually clear and significant savings when buying a set vs individual tools. Is there a difference in quality?

Specifically, I'm looking at a Kobalt ratchet. I can get a set with 3/8 drive and a small fistfull of sockets for $29 or so. Or I can buy just the ratchet for $24 or so. I only want the ratchet, but why would I not buy the set for the extra $5-6?

Is the ratchet without the set "higher quality"? If not, it seems dumb not to just buy the set and have backup sockets.

Thanks.

Jbo

Ayuh,.... Check the part number of the ratchet, if the number is the same, so is the wrench,...

 

[Fedwrench]

It depends on the vendor. Sears offer discounted pricing on their sets. However, in tool truck land when not on special, a set costs the sum of its contents.
Most sets though are made of off the shelf components.

 

[neophyte]

You have to check the contents of the set.

Most Armstrong socket sets I've seen don't come with the newer high tooth count ratchet.

The same may be true for other manufacturers. I'm not sure about Kobalt.

 

[bcradio]

Look for an item # on the ratchet. If they are the same item #, then it will be the same ratchet.

 

[Kirbot]

Usually they'll be the same.
Duralast is an exception. Part numbers are the same in the big sets, but the tools are from China instead of Taiwan.

And the Chinese ratchets are full of **** compared to the ones from Taiwan.

 

[MemphisR32]

Or you could go the opposite way with Craftsman. Their 3/8" ratchet is like $16-17 or you can but a 10 piece set for $9.99 which includes that ratchet.

 

[Kirbot]

Or you could go the opposite way with Craftsman. Their 3/8" ratchet is like $16-17 or you can but a 10 piece set for $9.99 which includes that ratchet.

Same thing with Husky and their 1/4" drive set.

It's a dollar less to buy the ratchet and socket set, than it is to buy just the ratchet.

 

[Jbo_c]

Thought so.

Thanks.

Jbo

 

[Sal Bandini]

Years ago I bought 3 piece U-joint set from Craftsman, 1/4, 3/8. 1/2. I used them at home and noticed they wouldn't move freely. The joints were connected with rolled steel pins. I went Sears and noticed the individual u-joints had solid pin. I asked to exchange mine with the better parts, which they reluctantly did.

I didn't check the part numbers but I doubt Craftsman has two different numbers. Maybe they were made at different times and process changed or they actually do make different parts depending on how you buy them.

 

[oldldh]

I prefer buying sets...

You don't have "skips" in sizes...

GearWrench gives you trays, which solves your storage problem...

I also got the Craftsman 6 and 12 point Combination wrench sets, and the boxend and flare nut wrench sets...

I'm a "Sets" kinda guy...

 

[Buster21]

I wanted a Kobalt flex head ratchet from Lowes and it was around $29.00 then I just happened to see the same ratchet in a "tune up kit" with some spark plug sockets and extensions on clearance for $9.00, I checked the part number on the ratchet and it was the exact same. Guess whitch one I bought. Acctually I bought three.

 

[rednotch]

Usually they'll be the same.
Duralast is an exception. Part numbers are the same in the big sets, but the tools are from China instead of Taiwan.

And the Chinese ratchets are full of **** compared to the ones from Taiwan.

Kobalt is starting to follow this trend also on some sets. Check the coo before you buy, some of the small 19pc 3/8 sets with the 72 tooth ratchet from kobalt on sale. my local store has it for under 20. some are china some Taiwan, check the site before you go in, one local store may be cheaper then the other.... I have like 6 lowes stores less then 15 mins from me.

 

[CNGsaves]

Surprisingly, that new website that came up with $7 bargain on ball pein hammer:
. . . . www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com
Had some really nice individual combination wrenches (SnapOn, Wright, etc) for around $10 to $13 per wrench for larger sizes. Makes sense as this is military overstock website.

Look around on here if you need specific large wrenches. If you piece together stuff over $75 then shipping is free.

See at:
http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/Vaughan-Ball-Pein-Hammer-5120000618546-p/1220.htm
for that sample deal which was one day $7 for the ball pein (now it's higher)

Here is example SnapOn wrench that is 7/8" and $11.99
http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/Snap-On-7-8-Open-End-Box-Wrench-p/1271.htm

Here's nice set also . . . Craftsman Professional deep offset boxend wrenches
[SAE] 5 wrenches from 3/8" to 15/16" . . and . . [MM] 7 wrenches 10mm to 23mm
These are Made In USA and full polished for $119.96 (last of the Made In USA)
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-use-12-piece-full-polish-deep/p-00948996000P

 

[abvw]

The only problem I have with big boxed sets are that sometimes they skip a size or two. Most Stanley sets I've seen lack a 3/8" drive 16mm deep socket, because they think a 5/8" sparkplug socket will do.

 

[SASORacing]

i don't think there are ever cases of buying individual sockets being cheaper than a set. At least from a reputable company and not being rare or a fluke circumstance.

 

[Gmonkee]

Decent midgrade import stuff is pretty equal across the board. Kobalt, CM, Husky..... toss up a brand, it'll fit.
The other constant is that they'll change models or suppliers without notification to anyone. Quality can stay the same or go either way. You have to take it on a case by case look-see because its way too much change to generalize. What is fact today based on store stocks may not be the same tomorrow.

Not all can agree but I found getting sets of sockets, then the ratchet and accessory stuff apart has given me a set that cost a bit more but has lasted a lot longer without any failures. My luck with mid grade ratchets does not reflect the general idea of this board. I blew em all up and sent them back to China on the slow boat. No need to buy any more after getting one really good one.

Saving $10 buying a boxed set then spending $25 more to get a ratchet that works is no savings. You need to research model and types, how they hold up and then compare that to your level of usage. It takes a little time but can add up to real savings.

In my case 12 ratchets at $15 each that didn't last long is a much worse investment than the one ratchet at $130 that has gone 8 years without fail. I tend to not be nice to my tools while working, they, just like myself have a job to do and the only goal is to finish it. No time nor space for a beauty contest or light duty waivers while there is work to do.

 

[TheRobotCow]

I prefer buying sets...

You don't have "skips" in sizes...

GearWrench gives you trays, which solves your storage problem...

I also got the Craftsman 6 and 12 point Combination wrench sets, and the boxend and flare nut wrench sets...

I'm a "Sets" kinda guy...

I'm with this guy. I really like that mosts sets come with their own storage tray/case(which makes keeping them together and organized much easier!) and you have the whole set. Sure you can save money and buy what you need, but why not just invest a bit more and get the whole set?

 

[k1rodeoboater]

I'm a bit OCD so I usually buy sets and then pick up the pieces the sets miss with individuals....yet I don't repeat sizes in different drive sockets.

 

[mrjaw14]

The only issue with things that come with trays is that it's sometimes not size efficient. Once your box gets packed, which it will if you hang around here long enough, those trays might get yanked, so don't buy just for the trays.