Craftsman 309 piece- $249

[Nch209]

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-309-...00941309000P?sLevel=0&redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

I bought one of these a while back- usually go on sale around christmas. It is a pretty decent set, especially for the price...

 

[dsmnickk90]

chinese wrenches

 

[nine4gmc]

seems like all the ready made sets have something wrong with them.

 

[low858]

These have gone down to 179 sometimes if you're lucky. But I noticed even the ratchets are not USA anymore.

 

[dsmnickk90]

seems like all the ready made sets have something wrong with them.

Not with the lager sets. My first set was a 371pc and was very complete with no missing spots. They did lack the few larger 1/2" and 3/8" stuff. And lacked some smaller 1/2" stuff but nothing that really mattered.

 

[seanh303]

chinese wrenches

Yeah it's pretty well known that all ratcheting wrenches are chinese aside from Armstrong, Snap On, maybe one or two other truck brands (Matco?).

I wonder about those ratchets though.

 

[TinKnocker]

Yeah it's pretty well known that all ratcheting wrenches are chinese aside from Armstrong, Snap On, maybe one or two other truck brands (Matco?).

I wonder about those ratchets though.

there was a release from sears not too long ago that stated all of the craftsman sets are still going to be made in usa.

 

[dsmnickk90]

Yeah it's pretty well known that all ratcheting wrenches are chinese aside from Armstrong, Snap On, maybe one or two other truck brands (Matco?).

I wonder about those ratchets though.

But those other companies dont have lobster claw open ends like these do.

 

[Nch209]

I have had good luck with this set so far, and have beat on it pretty hard. READ- Beat on the wrenches and ratches with BFHs from time to time, never an issue. Heck, I have had more of an issue with the early craftsman usa ratcheting wrenches than these!

For a DIYer, I still stand by this as a solid deal for $249, and even moreso if it can he had for under 2 bills as another has suggested above. Just my 2cents!

 

[pfbz]

I purchased that set a while back and did a quick review...

Quick Craftsman tool set review... $185 309 pc. Mechanic's Tool Set

On my set, every tool except the ratcheting wrenches was marked USA as COO. But as others have mentioned, the ratcheting wrenches actually seem to be pretty decent.

 

[nine4gmc]

Not with the lager sets. My first set was a 371pc and was very complete with no missing spots. They did lack the few larger 1/2" and 3/8" stuff. And lacked some smaller 1/2" stuff but nothing that really mattered.

I should have been more specific, I meant that all of the sets seem to have some Chinese tools or too many driver bits, only 6 wrenches, etc. In this case, it seems that the problem is the china wrenches. I would prefer more regular RP wrenches in this set than the china ratcheting. I have been eying sets for a while now but can't find one that I would be happy with everything in it.

 

[Super Sport]

I should have been more specific, I meant that all of the sets seem to have some Chinese tools or too many driver bits, only 6 wrenches, etc. In this case, it seems that the problem is the china wrenches. I would prefer more regular RP wrenches in this set than the china ratcheting. I have been eying sets for a while now but can't find one that I would be happy with everything in it.

Sell the wrenches for $70-80 on eBay and buy yourself a nice set of RP.

 

[dsmnickk90]

I should have been more specific, I meant that all of the sets seem to have some Chinese tools or too many driver bits, only 6 wrenches, etc. In this case, it seems that the problem is the china wrenches. I would prefer more regular RP wrenches in this set than the china ratcheting. I have been eying sets for a while now but can't find one that I would be happy with everything in it.

I got my set in 06 and they don't have the same exact one anymore they have one that is close though. It has RP wrenches 1/4"-1" and 6mm-19mm. All 3 drive size universal joints and all size extensions except 20" in 3/8 and 1/2 drive. The only real thing I felt I "had" to add were breaker bars and a 1/2" to 3/8" drive adapter.

It was pretty much this set with a added 1/4" universal.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-370-pc-mechanic-tool-set/p-00983081000P

 

[nine4gmc]

thats a nice set dsmnikk90! see, there is nothing in that set that I would not want in there, if it were only priced lower!

 

[Galaxie]

Look for it to drop down to $200 in 4-5 weeks, that puts it 1 week out of the price match time period. Bought the set back around February and sure enough it dropped to $200 and with some coupons could be had for $179 pre tax. Still a good deal at $250 but is a GREAT deal under $200. It will go back to full price for a week or two then hit that $200 level so very few can price match the $179.

Use at least 1 thing from it daily and have no complaints, it was a good set to start filling our new shop. Since I bought Armstrong/Blackhawk etc etc wrenches off ebay for a few dollars a piece, but was nice to have the full set until I could find those deals.

Should mention the wrenches and 1/2" sockets do not go very big so be ready to spend some more money for the 1" and larger stuff.

 

[Need4racin]

I purchased that set a while back and did a quick review...

Quick Craftsman tool set review... $185 309 pc. Mechanic's Tool Set

On my set, every tool except the ratcheting wrenches was marked USA as COO. But as others have mentioned, the ratcheting wrenches actually seem to be pretty decent.

Good review man. You also got a killer deal.

 

[azmodela]

It's at $200 now, not a bad deal. I was looking at the standard and metric hex sockets, those alone would run $50 for the pair!

 

[BDAZSVT]

I was going to say it shows $199 for me.

 

[RedFordTruck]

I bought that set for $200 and got a $10 gift card promo for the purchase. Then I sold the ratcheting wrenches for $80.

 

[azmodela]

I bought that set for $200 and got a $10 gift card promo for the purchase. Then I sold the ratcheting wrenches for $80.

That's what I'm looking into doing, I only want 25-30% of what's in the set and it's cheaper to buy the set than to buy them individually. Problem is, on ebay or CL Craftsman tools only bring a fraction of their retail price.

How did you get so much for the ratchets?

 

[polhub]

They are at $199 now. Good deal, I may need to pick up a set.

 

[mayday0017]

Does look like a good deal at $199 makes me wish I didn't already own eveything that is in that kit...

 

[R1V3R5]

I caved in and bought a set. I also bought a new Craftsman 2 piece tool chest and screwdriver set on sale. Overall I spent about $500, but saved a lot with my Craftsman club membership (it's free to join, why not?), and using coupon SEARS2012, and the sale prices. Now I have a legit tool box and a nice set of sockets. Very happy.

Edit:

I want to add that SEARS2012 is supposed to take $5 off a $50 order. However, when I applied the coupon it said, "$35 off order of $350 applied." I was also logged in to my Craftsman Club account on the Sears site at the time. So, that may have been a factor.

 

[azmodela]

Now it's at $169 online!

Add the Sears2012 code at it's down to $165.

 

[Nch209]

Now that is a DEAL!