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Current best deal on socket/wrench sets or full blown tool set?

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Tirofijo

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I hope this is the correct forum. Please move if it isn't.

I need to replace my Stanley socket set and combination wrench set that got lost in a move. I'm considering one of those 200 piece (or 150, or 300) tool sets, even though there will be some redundancy with tool I still have.

Is there a particular deal going on? Kobalt, Stanley, Craftsman (I know), Gearwrench, Tekton, etc.

Is there a sale around the corner I should wait for? President's day?

I'd prefer a blow molded case to go with it. (Now this might seem petty, but prying the sockets out of my old blow mold cases was PITA. From photos, I see at least one Stanley kit now has socket just just resting upright. I don't is they come out easily or not, but if they do this would be a big improvement.)

Thanks. Great forum.
 
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B_Bimmer

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Go to all the pawn shops in the area and look for a black craftsman blow mold box with four red drawers. If you find one open each drawer and make sure the pieces are there. The bottom drawer is just storage but did originally have some wrenches, hex keys, etc. If they are and it's less than $200 buy it and know that you have the best, most complete, tool set for the price ever mad for the homeowner.
 
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moron88

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this kobalt 200 piece set has served me well over the past couple years https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-200...c-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/50194995. i've had to add a few tools here and there, but havent needed any different sockets. some of the tools are hard to get out, but they mostly stay in place if the set falls (when closed).

i would add bostitch to your list of companies. i recently bought their 398 piece set on clearence at menards for $200. havent gotten a chance to use them yet, but the ratchets feel good in the hand. they are made by stanley and have the same lifetime warranty.
 
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Tirofijo

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Bill Bowman said:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931
Click to expand...

moron88 said:
this kobalt 200 piece set has served me well over the past couple years https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-200...c-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/50194995. i've had to add a few tools here and there, but havent needed any different sockets. some of the tools are hard to get out, but they mostly stay in place if the set falls (when closed).

i would add bostitch to your list of companies. i recently bought their 398 piece set on clearence at menards for $200. havent gotten a chance to use them yet, but the ratchets feel good in the hand. they are made by stanley and have the same lifetime warranty.
Click to expand...

Thanks to everyone. Long story, but I need to online order this so pawnshops are out.

With something like a 398 piece set, how do you organize it? I don't have big rolling tool chest in my garage. It's not an option, hence me asking about blow mold cases. I was hoping to find a set with a case, and I'll have a generic tool box for miscellaneous items. I can't imagine carrying all that in a 26" tool box, but maybe people do?

Sorry, not trying to be picky or difficult, just asking.
 
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Jeff590

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6MocoA

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What is your budget?

For around $300 or so the Klutch (house brand for Northerntool) 300 or so piece set looks like a screaming deal.
 
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kctyphoon

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The gearwrench socket is the the most complete socket set in 1/4" and 3/8" for the money you will find. The link was provided in post#3, there are pics in the thread of the sets and a full explanation of what's included. If you need a 1/2" set too, I think Tekton is the Best Buy on a complete 1/2" set.

The best part of the gearwrench sets, is there is no JUNK included in the sets to up the tool count. The entire kit is filled with sockets, ratchets, and extensions. It's also a pretty well respected brand as far as quality goes, and the kits skip no sizes. You won't find more for under $110.

For the most for the money on regular combo wrench sets - goto the Home Depot website and buy the Tekton 15 piece sets of combo wrenches in metric and sae. It's cheaper to buy each set individually then together for some reason. I'll post a link for all if this in a minute.. about $200 will get you very complete set of sockets and wrenches.

Complete 6 point only gearwrench socket sets in 1/4" & 3/8" - $108 here
http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80550F.html

Tekton 8-22mm metric wrench set - $43
http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-8-22-mm-Combination-Wrench-Set-15-Piece-18792/205730842

Tekton 1/4" - 1" SAE wrench set - $44
http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-1-4-1-in-Combination-Wrench-Set-15-Piece-18772/205730838

If you want to keep the sockets in a tool box drawer instead of leaving them in the case, you can simply remove the tops of the cases, and lay the bottom in the drawer with all the tools already organized.. that's the advantage of having tools only stored on one side of the case.

Most homeowners can get by without a 1/2" set, and kits that include a 1/2" ratchet and sockets usually only provide very few pieces in this size.. if you need or want a 1/2" kit it might be better to buy that separately.
 
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jackblack85

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B_Bimmer said:
Go to all the pawn shops in the area and look for a black craftsman blow mold box with four red drawers. If you find one open each drawer and make sure the pieces are there. The bottom drawer is just storage but did originally have some wrenches, hex keys, etc. If they are and it's less than $200 buy it and know that you have the best, most complete, tool set for the price ever mad for the homeowner.
Click to expand...

Didn't know that, I bought one of these back in like 2002 or something. Sitting in my Dads garage right now.
 
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moron88

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Tirofijo said:
Thanks to everyone. Long story, but I need to online order this so pawnshops are out.

With something like a 398 piece set, how do you organize it? I don't have big rolling tool chest in my garage. It's not an option, hence me asking about blow mold cases. I was hoping to find a set with a case, and I'll have a generic tool box for miscellaneous items. I can't imagine carrying all that in a 26" tool box, but maybe people do?

Sorry, not trying to be picky or difficult, just asking.
Click to expand...

i wasnt specifically recommending that set, just stating my experience with he brand. it came organized in 5 (rather flimsy) plastic trays, just the right width for the wide drawers in the 41" masterforce (menards house brand) top chest i bought the following day. i will be getting rails for the sockets and ditching the trays. the set could be made to fit into a pair of metal hand boxes like this if needed http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage/tool-boxes/steel-toolbox-91111.html. for your situation, the kobalt set i linked would be far better. less sizes you wont use (how often will you need 1"+ sockets?), less filler and inherently portable (very sturdy case with comfortable handle)
 
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Tirofijo

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unslow1 said:
I have that set for my trailer. I liked it enough to buy 2 more for other people. It was $99 at Lowe's last month.
Click to expand...

That explains why ebay sellers can undercut current Lowe's prices. They snagged them during a sale and are flipping them. (Not that I care.)
 
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Tirofijo

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unslow1 said:
I have that set for my trailer. I liked it enough to buy 2 more for other people. It was $99 at Lowe's last month.
Click to expand...

6MocoA said:
What is your budget?

For around $300 or so the Klutch (house brand for Northerntool) 300 or so piece set looks like a screaming deal.
Click to expand...

Budget is $200, but could go a little higher for a great buy. Of course, less is better. From doing research since starting this thread, I think the 300+ piece sets are inching into the overkill territory for me and will invariably have a lot of tools I won't ever need.
 
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brooktre

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if $200 is your budget see post #11. Great write up and decent tools - you won't be disappointed. You can get a couple of wrench pouches to keep them organized.
 
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Al Borland

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If you are looking for a set in a blow-molded case, under $200, and a step up from your old Stanleys, also consider Home Depot's Husky sets. Solid, sturdy and inexpensive, and my crew hasn't broken any yet (not for lack of trying). Decent 72 tooth ratchets, 6-point sockets, etc.
 
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Tirofijo

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Thanks all. I haven't found what I'm looking for.

Here's the contenders.

Gearwrench 165 pc. for $166

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB7DQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Kobalt 227 pc for $140. Some filler items, to be sure, but apparently made in Taiwan. It sold for $100 back during the Christmas sale, which makes me want to wait a bit to see if Kobalt reduces it again. Combo wrenches only go up to 13 mm and 5/8 (and there's no 9/16???), so would need to purchase larger combo wrench set all well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YKDHWU/?tag=atomicindus08-20



Husky 268 pc for $150. Lots of hex wrenches (filler) but also more combination wrenches than the Kobalt set above. Probably a better 'value' than the Kobalt above. Downside is most seem rate Kobalt a liitle higher than Husky (though others argue they are interchangeable.)


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-268-Piece-H268MTS/203541462

Husky 205 pc for $99. Not bad but I know it's been cheaper during sales.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-205-Piece-H205MTS/205897982
 
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Josey Wales

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Been wanting to grab some Husky ever since someone found a Matco Silver Eagle socket mixed in a set of Husky. You guys are killing me, too many good deals here!
 
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kctyphoon

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Like I stated in my previous post, kits like your looking at contain filler, and incomplete sets of tools. Your best bet (IMO) is to buy something complete, ESPECIALLY when it comes to the 1/4", 3/8", and combo wrenches. These will be you most used tools, ever, period...

If you buy a kit with just a few wrenches, you WILL need to buy more - therefore buying the same things twice.. hex/Allen keys are cheap enough to buy separately.

If you compare what you're looking at to what I posted, the $30 difference in price virtually gets you every size socket in shallow and deep in 1/4, and 3/8 drive - and probably 3 or 4 times as many wrenches that will coincide with the sockets kits sizes. Also, the sockets go up to 1 inch inch in 3/8".. not saying the sets you posted aren't good, just making the point they leave things out, that would cost you another $90 to fill in anyway - just with the wrenches alone. They also contain a lot of 12pt sockets too. Not that they are a bad choice, but 6 point sockets are generally accepted to be better to use and less likely to strip bolts. With 72 tooth ratchets,(84 and 120 on the gearwrench sets) 12pt sockets are as necessary as they were years ago when most ratchets were only 36 tooth..
(12pt sockets and 36 tooth ratchets allowed for 72 positions, the same ONE 72 tooth ratchet allows now)

Harbor freight has a $9 screwdriver set that's pretty damn good, regardless of the cheap price. They also sell 1/2" socket sets cheap if that's what's holding you back, but the Tekton 1/2" kit for like $200 is the most complete 1/2" kit available in its price range if you feel the need the step up to those. 1/2" sockets are expensive, which is why most kits only include a few.. you'd be buying a 1/2 socket kit AGAIN to fill those in if you need to, and not getting the most out of your case now too..

If you look down the road when you may want to expand, the $200 purchase I posted will have gotten you basically everything you'd need as far as a good core set of tools without having wasted $1 of your money on something you'll need to fill in down the road. Include that $200 Tekton 1/2" kit - and you'll basically have every socket you could ever need and still not have wasted $1 on buying things twice. A $400 purchase gets you EVERY socket size, ratchets, and cases for everything if you won't be storing all this in a tool box with other organizers. Many people on here (myself included) can say they wished they had done the same the first time around..

Personally I like they come in their own cases too. Makes taking this outside or to another location very easy without lugging one really heavy case around, and another bag filled with stuff you might need that those kits didn't come with. Buy what you want, it's your money after all and you're the best judge to what fits your need. But I need two hands to count all the mechanics sockets kits I've bought over the years, - and I still wound up buying the gearwrench kits cause I got tired of missing tools that weren't included..
 
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Tirofijo

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kctyphoon said:
Like I stated in my previous post, kits like your looking at contain filler, and incomplete sets of tools. Your best bet (IMO) is to buy something complete, ESPECIALLY when it comes to the 1/4", 3/8", and combo wrenches. These will be you most used tools, ever, period...

If you buy a kit with just a few wrenches, you WILL need to buy more - therefore buying the same things twice.. hex/Allen keys are cheap enough to buy separately.

If you compare what you're looking at to what I posted, the $30 difference in price virtually gets you every size socket in shallow and deep in 1/4, and 3/8 drive - and probably 3 or 4 times as many wrenches that will coincide with the sockets kits sizes. Also, the sockets go up to 1 inch inch in 3/8".. not saying the sets you posted aren't good, just making the point they leave things out, that would cost you another $90 to fill in anyway - just with the wrenches alone.

Harbor freight has a $9 screwdriver set that's pretty damn good, regardless of the cheap price. They also sell 1/2" socket sets cheap if that's what's holding you back, but the Tekton 1/2" kit for like $200 is the most complete 1/2" kit available in its price range if you feel the need the step up to those. 1/2" sockets are expensive, which is why most kits only include a few.. you'd be buying a 1/2 socket kit AGAIN to fill those in if you need to..

If you look down the road when you may want to expand, the $200 purchase I posted will have gotten you basically everything you'd need as far as a good core set of tools without having wasted $1 of your money on something you'll need to fill in down the road. Include that $200 Tekton 1/2" kit - and you'll basically have every socket you could ever need and still not have wasted $1 on buying things twice. Many people on here (myself included) can say they wished they had done the same the first time around..
Click to expand...

You are not wrong. (I bolded something you wrote) I'm going to consider this.
 
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jo4gj

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If I had to start fresh like you I would go and buy those gearwrench sets 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 then those tekton wrenches. Or just straight up all tekton from them directly. I don't know why you need them to be mailed so I will assume your in bum **** Egypt with no stores near you. If that's the case tekton would be your best bet as there warranty is hassle free and they will ship you a replacement. What's the point in having snap on, cman, mac, kobalt or husky or any brand if you can't get a replacement easily?
 
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kctyphoon

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Tirofijo said:
You are not wrong. (I bolded something you wrote) I'm going to consider this.
Click to expand...

Another thing you mentioned in your original post - since ALL the gearwrench tools are stored on only one side of the case, and not the top AND bottom, there is NO tension on anything to retain the tools. Nothing to pry out, they all just lay in their slots and are kept in place when the top is closed.. I have a westward set at work where I need a screwdriver to pry some things out, I know how annoying it gets, and how annoying it is on my husky set whenever I open the case, about 10 sockets always fall out cause there is not enough tension on the top half for the sockets.. also easier to drag under a car with you and take a complete 3/8" set.

Do you need pliers or anything else too? I can post a picture of how to keep all these things organized and portable if you are looking for an idea..
 
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Tirofijo

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jo4gj said:
I don't know why you need them to be mailed so I will assume your in bum **** Egypt with no stores near you.
Click to expand...

I work for the .GOV overseas and will for the next few years. I can get items mailed to me for regular shipping costs. I'm usually back every 6 months, so I could bring something back then if it required a trip to Lowes. Having the option to do the returns by mail is a plus.
 
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Tirofijo

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kctyphoon said:
Another thing you mentioned in your original post - since ALL the gearwrench tools are stored on only one side of the case, and not the top AND bottom, there is NO tension on anything to retain the tools. Nothing to pry out, they all just lay in their slots and are kept in place when the top is closed.. I have a westward set at work where I need a screwdriver to pry some things out, I know how annoying it gets, and how annoying it is on my husky set whenever I open the case, about 10 sockets always fall out cause there is not enough tension on the top half for the sockets..

Do you need pliers or anything else too? I can post a picture of how to keep all these things organized and portable if you are looking for an idea..
Click to expand...

Good to know about how they are stored. That annoyed me, perhaps more than it should have, with my Stanley kit.

That picture would be much appreciated.
 
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kctyphoon

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You could always buy a small plastic hand held tool box and throw pliers and screwdrivers in that. I wanted to make something that I could drag out to the driveway and have everything in it.. this box I made was just filled with cheap tools, most of which I replaced with channellock stuff now, but the box worke out well.. let me find the thread and I'll post a link instead of reposting all the info.. brb..

Mine is the top of page 14, post #261

This was before I had the gearwrench sets, but they would fit inside I think if I got rid of a few things.. all the pliers, screwdrivers, hand tools are on the inside perimeter of the case, store vertically. All the wrenches are rolled up thrown in the bottom, socket sets could be thrown on top.. this is good thread for you to check out too regardless..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232078&highlight=Portable+tool+box&page=14
 
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jo4gj

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Tirofijo said:
I work for the .GOV overseas and will for the next few years. I can get items mailed to me for regular shipping costs. I'm usually back every 6 months, so I could bring something back then if it required a trip to Lowes. Having the option to do the returns by mail is a plus.
Click to expand...


If you work for the gov see if there is any way to buy snap on the cheap? Maybe a lot of red tape
 
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pstemari

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kctyphoon said:
...12pt sockets are as necessary as they were years ago when most ratchets were only 36 tooth..
(12pt sockets and 36 tooth ratchets allowed for 72 positions, the same ONE 72 tooth ratchet allows now)...
Click to expand...

No, 12pt sockets repeat every 30 degrees. Since that's a multiple of the 10 degrees per click on a 36pt ratcher, you don't actually get any additional orientations over the ones provided by the ratchet. Moving to the second set of points is the same as three clicks of the ratchet.

The one advantage of 12 pt sockets is that you can use/abuse them to turn square nuts if you don't have any 8pt sockets.
 
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Al Borland

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I was in Home Despot today, and saw a couple sets under $100 that weren't filled with allen wrenches. If Stanley worked for you, these would make you happy.
On the Kobalt/Husky issue, older Kobalt was Taiwan made and at least seemed morally better than Chinese Husky, but Kobalt has gone China as well now and is more expensive that Husky. ChiCom Kobalt ratchets are clunkier as well.
 
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audioworks04

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I vote the 227 piece Kobalt. I bought one for the $99.99 price point to keep in my work truck and it is amazing for the price. I saw it on clearance at the local lowes about a week back for the same $99 price, I believe it is being replaced by the 318 piece set. I love my sk and snap on stuff at home, but these ratchets are very high quality. Also I like the reassurance that they are easily replaced locally anytime needed.
 
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Excelerater

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kits are nice deals but
I always want a clicker wrench instead of a fixed one like the kits have
Gearwrench was stupid to not include that in there own kit since Gearwrench cicker wrenches kick but ,but they make
much nicer tools IMO than hardware store brands like husky and kobalt
 
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