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Craftsman Universal Sockets

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Chrislols

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Joined
Jul 30, 2011
Messages
255
In the Hot Deals they just posted the multi-fit wrenches are $15 for Metric or SAE, unfortunately I have no use for them in wrenches. And while I wanted to try the sockets, I didn't want to pay $10 for deep ones as they don't come in Metric.

I really only have a use for a Metric set, and Sears sells their universal fit Metrics in some pretty desirable sizes for $12.99, although I see nothing about made in usa, I'll deal with it, simply for the weekend warrior aspect of it, and the warranty.

My question is, should I pull the trigger on it for $12.99, or spend the $29.99 and get it with the SAE set as well as what looks to be their version of the HF heavy duty composite ratchet.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00924963000P?prdNo=1
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00902496000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

Thanks!

Edit: I'd really like to try these, but now I'm weary, the ratchet reviews ****, but the metric doesn't include 13mm or 15mm. :( I guess you could buy the entire set, assuming its worth it, but still, who wants to substitute on those sizes?
 
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lauver

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Nov 11, 2007
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Location
Belton, TX
Chris,

You may be overthinking this. We're talking $12.99 for the 9-piece metric set. Buy it and try it.

If you like it, all is good.

If you don't like it, give it away to friend who needs some sockets. Or better yet, give it to somebody you don't like.

In either event, you've had the satisfaction of an inexpensive experiment, and you will now know if universal sockets work for you, or not.

One more thing. After you've used them for a while, let us know how your experiment turned out; add to the information base.
 
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kv501

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Joined
Jul 14, 2010
Messages
613
Here's my take.

1. On GJ you probably aren't' going to get many recommendations for gimmicks such as universal sockets or wrenches. If you do a search for Craftsman's "Clench Wrench" and "RoboGrip" and you'll get the idea. Most of the people around here are tool people using them for a living. Tools each have their own job. If you are going to go from hex to spline to 12 pt to square to rounded fastener all in the same job maybe, but otherwise....I don't know.

2. It doesn't fit 12 or 15mm sizes. That's not a "set" in my book.

3. They are Chinese. Not arguing China vs. US, blah, blah, blah, but the majority of people here think it ***** that Cman is selling it's soul, and it is a sore spot.

4. And most importantly, you can get a full set of Chinese SAE and Metric sockets for that money.

My recommendation to you is that you post a classified wanted ad here saying that you are looking to get started with a U.S. made socket set. Many members here would be more than happy to help a guy out with a reasonably priced, lightly used set of domestic sockets.
 
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Givl Reggin

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Oct 11, 2008
Messages
936
Location
Hawaii, USA
In addition to the excellent points raised above, it appears that nothing in this set is chrome and looks like just raw steel, or it may have a lacquer coating, either way I can see rust being a problem.
 
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thooks

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Aug 3, 2011
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Location
In Custody, Coweta County GA
I choose not to buy the chinese made tools from Craftsman. That's me sending a message to Chicargo that I don't want chinese tools from Craftsman. I would go to HF for that.
 
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Lomotil

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Mar 14, 2011
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7,993
Location
South TX
That entire line is disappointing.

Yes, they do rust - I've seen sets hanging on the peg at Sears that were already rusting.
 
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Jim85IROC

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Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
333
kv501 said:
Here's my take.

1. On GJ you probably aren't' going to get many recommendations for gimmicks such as universal sockets or wrenches. If you do a search for Craftsman's "Clench Wrench" and "RoboGrip" and you'll get the idea.
Click to expand...
Huh. My father never bonded with his RoboGrips either, but they are by far my most frequently used set of pliers. Once I figured out how to work them, I've never put them down. I love them. They grip hard, and the jaws always stay parallel without having to screw with adjusting the jaws. Too bad they didn't find more fans.
 
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pipsters

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Sep 1, 2010
Messages
4,899
Location
USA
thooks said:
I choose not to buy the chinese made tools from Craftsman. That's me sending a message to Chicargo that I don't want chinese tools from Craftsman. I would go to HF for that.
Click to expand...

I agree you can get Chinese stuff everywhere else for less.
 
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tvfd911

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Oct 13, 2010
Messages
104
Jim85IROC said:
Huh. My father never bonded with his RoboGrips either, but they are by far my most frequently used set of pliers. Once I figured out how to work them, I've never put them down. I love them. They grip hard, and the jaws always stay parallel without having to screw with adjusting the jaws. Too bad they didn't find more fans.
Click to expand...

Wish I could have said the same. I tried to get along with them, but they ended up thrown in the scrap bin more than once. My cheap dad would see them in there and pick them out because it was a waste. Then he'd attempt to use them, not get along with them and get out an old pair of Channellocks to finish the job. They just get caught up in this rotation between me, the scrap bin and my dad who doesn't like them either.
 
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retDAC

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Joined
Oct 28, 2011
Messages
1,250
Location
near Huntsville, Ala.
Sockets and ratchets made in Taiwan; wrenches, China.

Bought some just in case. Have only used a 13mm socket where I needed an eight point for a thread chaser tap. Didn't have an 8 point, so out came the universal spline socket. Saved me this time anyway.
 
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