Craftsman Bolt-Out sets, old, new, etc

[Danglerb]

Sears used to have "half" sets of the Bolt-Outs as $9.95 door busters, 5 in a case that holds 10, with sometimes offering the add on set instead. I've bought two, one older in the red/orange case 952060, and one newer add on set 952061, but they are two different types.

Old set is plain steel finish, hex drive only with no square drive.
New set is black finish, hex and 1/2" square drive, both made in USA.

The different sets overlap in middle sizes, skip smallest, and one larger, plus the #.s reflect different sizes in each set (don't fit in case).

Is one set better than the other, or is some other set a better one? Seems like sq drive would be a lot handier, but so far using them with a socket works fine.

Two easy choices, Craftsman still sells the case set to match the newer add on set I have, and also sells a full set of low profile Bolt-outs. Downside more than a few poor reviews.

These are not lifetime Craftsman items, so I have no issue changing brands to end up with a good complete set, like maybe Hanson etc.

 

[four.cycle]

^ You completely lost me there.
This is mine - set me back about $30 bucks, as I recall. Worth every cent.



I couldn't see any sense in buying the smaller set - and it didn't have the size I needed in it anyway.

There's an "IRWIN" branded set of those on Ebay right now pretty cheap. Deep-wells:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Irwin-Bolt-Grip-3-8-Drive-Socket-Set-/162800936073

 

[Danglerb]

Those are the Craftsman 10 pc. Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set Low Profile Bolt-Out, almost bought a set at the swap meet but the guy wanted $31, way cheaper at Sears with $12 off $35 coupon that I have, but lack of depth concerns for good fit issues. OTOH low profile may work when others don't.

I'd still like to complete one of my half sets and wonder why they are twice as much as the low profiles?

Lots of people are lost on the smaller sets mostly because they are not sets but half sets, a gimmick to get you buy the other half once you realize it doesn't have all the sizes you need.

^ You completely lost me there.
This is mine - set me back about $30 bucks, as I recall. Worth every cent.



I couldn't see any sense in buying the smaller set - and it didn't have the size I needed in it anyway.

There's an "IRWIN" branded set of those on Ebay right now pretty cheap. Deep-wells:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Irwin-Bolt-Grip-3-8-Drive-Socket-Set-/162800936073

 

[Danglerb]

I gave up on filling out the Craftsman half sets, found the Irwin base and expansion for $32 total shipped at Advanced auto parts. $16.19 each and free shipping $25+

Once I confirm the sizes and quality I just may sell the Craftsman half sets.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I buy and probably own every single style of bolt/nut remover ever created, sometimes in doubles. When you need them, you need them and there is no one set that covers every situation.
Your location says you do not deal with the rusted **** I do.... lucky you

 

[asm154]

Haven’t used the low profile set. People seem to like it. But I stripped out one out of the regular set trying to remove a bolt and replaced it with the Irwin Hanson’s which are holding up better.

It was a 20 year loctited and rust welded grade 8 body mount bolt. The Hanson’s didn’t get it out either. Had to cut into the tub and replace the bracket assembly. But they didn’t strip out.

Would imagine the regular Craftsman’s to be fine for less demanding applications, but if I was going to buy them again, I might pony up for these:

http://sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-impact-grade-bolt-out-trade-damaged/p-00952165000P

That being said, for the time being, I’m happy with Hanson’s.

 

[Danglerb]

Your location says you do not deal with the rusted **** I do.... lucky you

Opposite, cosmoline and/or paint over chassis bolts, plus other people mistakes.