Craftsman 1/4 - 3/8 Max Axess set

[Leaky88]

Has any one used these? They are currently on sale at Sears. Concept is good, just wondering about quality of tool and how it performs. If you have one or used one, I'd be interested in knowing Pro's and Con's? Thanks. Leaky

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-30pc-max-axess-1-4-3-8-in-dr/p-00903282000P?adCell=pvt_1_1

 

[mrjaw14]

I have the gearwrench version on this in 1/4 and 3/8. I havent had to use them yet, but here's a mechanic's review of the craftsman maxx access

 

[wkndwarrior29]

I have the 80 piece set, I paid $70 approximately two years ago.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-80pc-max-axess-1-4-3-8-in-dr/p-00932820000P?redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

I bought it for a convenient toolkit because I needed the torx drive sockets at the time (not included in the set you reference) and I liked the concept of the thru-sockets. It seems to be of nice quality and the kit is great, except the ratchets never seem to want to maintain their setting. The directional selector will change position on its own while in use. I've not really attempted a repair or tool exchange but since the sockets can be inserted from either side of the ratchet, I can see myself taping it in place and using it like a uni-directional tool.

Positives:
+ If you get the larger set, you get all kinds of useful accessories and drives.
+ The tools have a good fit and feel.
+ I've had multiple occasions where the thru-socket was required; especially handy with the extension where getting a ratcheting wrench in place would have been more difficult.
+ It came in a nice case, easy to get the tools out of - and is my go-to carry around set. I have another set where each component fits tightly into the case and is a PITA for getting what you need out.

Negatives:
- The issue noted above with the drive direction.
- If you're not paying attention and open the case upside-down, the sockets will spill out.

That being said, I would still recommend purchasing the kit I have at the current 59.95 despite the ratchet issue. I'm not sure I would personally invest in the kit with fewer accessories for $15 less.

 

[Leaky88]

mrjaw and weekendwarrior,
Thanks. Appreciate the feedback. Leaky

 

[boiler7904]

I'm thinking about picking up the Bostitch pass-thru set that Wal-Mart sells.

Bostitch 65-Piece Pass-Thru Socket Set

 

[Leaky88]

boiler7904, I just looked at this and it might be a better choice given the range of sizes. For some reason Craftsman sets seem to always be minus a particular size or range. I'm sure it's a well thought out market strategy. Thanks. Leaky

 

[hangfirew8]

Nothing wrong with the concept, if you live in a world made of all-thread, but good luck on warranty replacements. All the Sears locations near me just closed out their open stock of Max Axess sockets.

 

[quattroJoe]

Craftsman and Gearwrench pass thru sockets and ratchets are interchangeable, I started out with a Cman set and added Gearwrench bit sockets. I use them occasionally, there are some situations where they have made things soooo much easier. Aside from the obvious benefits (pass thru) they also work well in tight spaces. The pass thru socket+ratchet is shorter vs a traditional socket+ratchet since the base of the socket sits inside the ratchet. Hopefully that makes sense. It's especially helpful with the bit sockets. I don't have any complaints about quality, though admittedly they don't get a ton of use. Never had any issues with the ratchets' direction levers. Cman offers two variations of the ratchets, a chrome one and another that is black with some brushed accents. The black one has a much more comfortable handle than the chrome one, and it may be my imagination but the mechanism feels a lot smoother.

 

[PelicanPines]

I got the 1/4 3/8 1/2 set from sears and keep it in my car. Can't say I have used the pass thru feature on long bolts... but I have used the smaller sizes several times. For my needs I could have gotten the smaller set.

 

[deafcon]

I was given a set for Christmas this year, but haven't used them yet. I feel like they would be more useful if they had a ratchet for them on the nextec platform. They have a 19.2 version, but I feel like that battery negates the advantage of having such a compact wrench and socket combo.

 

[Ratchet Guy]

I got a pass thru socket set, mine is a swivel head with pass thru feature, haven't got a chance to use it, but one thing I notice is that the head is usually larger than a regular ratchet to allow the pass thru, probably would be beneficial for more industrial use, for automotive use I dont think it gonna be fully put into use, because i find in the tight space for automotive, its usually needed a smaller head most of the time.

 

[Hojin101]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209810

This thread may be helpful.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Has any one used these? They are currently on sale at Sears. Concept is good, just wondering about quality of tool and how it performs. If you have one or used one, I'd be interested in knowing Pro's and Con's? Thanks. Leaky

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-30pc-max-axess-1-4-3-8-in-dr/p-00903282000P?adCell=pvt_1_1

I think these are "more proprietary" than the other ones (which are typically hex) which means if that wrench goes down you got some nice display pieces until it get's fixed. I base this off the 1/4 sized sockets, I bought a couple thinking they would work with some sized regular wrench. Ah...no. I could've been drunk and completely wrong about this but that's what I remember. I think the other sets will work with a regular wrench, but I might also be wrong about that.