duralast tools must haves?

[RLRRLRLL]

I have the ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, and a few other odds and ends, they are great. The nut drivers, which im sure are great neck, are not to great. The sets are made in china, while the single ones used to be USA made, not sure, havent looked in a while. I've used great neck sockets on impacts in a pinch, they held up. Then again, i dont turn wrenches everyday, but great for what i use them for. I know techs that use them daily and are happy with them. So, it goes both ways.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Here are some pictures of the old Duralast extensions for you guys to go by. The new one's look like the JH Williams extension pictured below, except they are butter soft. Ive only owned one new style Duralast extension,( a 1/2" drive 3" extension), but it broke the 2nd or 3rd time I used it. It was a real sorry extension. Very poor quality.

Old Duralast vs a new (Taiwan) JH Williams 6" extension. The Williams extension is 11.6mm round, and the duralast is 10.0mm.

Close up of the drive end Duralast vs williams.

Here is the same style Snap-on extensions.

On another note, the (Taiwan) JH Williams extensions like the one pictured above are fantastic as well. Ive used them quite a bit with no issues what so ever.


And just to add to the mix, here is an old 5/8" Duralast spark plug socket vs a Danaher made Kobalt. The new Duralast spark plug sockets are smooth like the kobalt pictured. The new ones Ive seen in the store have some type of gold sticker on the outside.

Ive got many old duralast pictures if anyone is interested in seeing anything, just let me know.

 

[John316]

I love those old Duralast extensions. I was able to scoop up a 3, 6 and 18", but no 10" exists in my area. I was lucky to put together a complete 3/8 chrome molly socket set in deep and shallow except the 8mm shallow which I grabbed a newer crv style.

My goto ratchet in the 3/8 flex and it has taken a beating. The spring clip mod improved the action, but using it has really made it even nicer. When I look at the quality of the sockets it is such a shame that they no longer offer these.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

pro painter, if you wouldnt mind posting some more old duralast pics, that would be great, id like to see so i can go and buy the rest of the good tools while theyre available. i just bought the 40 pc 3/8 set, which is chrome moly, so does that mean i have the good extensions in the set? so the new chrome vanadium sockets arent worth it?
john316, just did the spring mod to my 3/8 short handle duralast yesterday, makes a world of difference. so you said using it has made it work even better, do you mean like its getting broken in?

 

[Pro-Painter]

pro painter, if you wouldnt mind posting some more old duralast pics, that would be great, id like to see so i can go and buy the rest of the good tools while theyre available. i just bought the 40 pc 3/8 set, which is chrome moly, so does that mean i have the good extensions in the set? so the new chrome vanadium sockets arent worth it?
john316, just did the spring mod to my 3/8 short handle duralast yesterday, makes a world of difference. so you said using it has made it work even better, do you mean like its getting broken in?

The 70-501 & 70-502 socket sets are the OLD Duralast. They are just NOS.

Here is some pictures for you to enjoy

70-200 Screwdriver set

70-324 & 70-322 3/8" drive socket sets.

70-308 1/4" drive SAE socket set

Ratchets.

My Snap-last ratchets

70-312 & 14pc metric 1/2" drive, deep socket sets (NOTE: the 15mm is the new style. I can not find an old 15mm deep ANYWHERE)

Combo Wrenches
70-005 metric set with extras

70-004 SAE wrench set

 

[bayoutoolguy]

thanks for the pics man. can i still special order the 70-322 and 70-324 socket sets? or to make it simpler which of the above tools can i still order? thanks for all your help man its greatly appreciated.

 

[Pro-Painter]

thanks for the pics man. can i still special order the 70-322 and 70-324 socket sets? or to make it simpler which of the above tools can i still order? thanks for all your help man its greatly appreciated.

None of the old sets are in stores anymore, and online stock/price very per region.
I can only tell you want is still available in my area. You will have to check online via you zip code to see what is, and is not still available.

When you do decide to order something, DON'T buy it online! Go to a local Autozone and have them order it. They order all tools with free next day shipping. All the tools Ive ordered arrive by 2pm the next day for free. All you pay is the price of the tool and sales tax.

Oh and get a rewards card if you don't have one already.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

i ordered my 40 pc set and ratchet at my local autozone. shipping was very fast. you said the particular tools im looking for are available at your north carolina autozones? i have a rewards only have 3 credits on it so far lol

 

[Pro-Painter]

Last I checked in my area,

70-322 22pc 3/8" drive SAE master set = In stock
70-324 24pc 3/8" drive metric master set = SOLD OUT
70-303 12pc 3/8" metric deep = SOLD OUT
70-304 10pc 3/8" SAE deep = in stock
70-302 10pc 3/8" SAE short = SOLD OUT
70-301 12pc 3/8" metric short = SOLD OUT



If you have the 40pc socket set, it would be cheaper and easier just to fill in the missing sizes with singles. Just shop informed and get the old style singles, their are still many of them in stores. You already have the popular sizes so you have a good chance of getting all the old singles in one store.


Can you post pictures of your 40pc set? I'm thinking about buying one to take to the pick-N-pull yards. I'm mostly interested in the compartment that is in the case. I'm wanting to keep a flex head ratchet with my mobile tool set.

 

[John316]

I'll try and get some photos of my 40pc set up later and I'll see if my 3/8 flex fits in the cubby.

BTW, have you ever considered making a Duralast "Pinup" calendar with your ***********.. er photography.

 

[BigAl62]

I wish Duralast had a 1/4" drive comfort grip ratchet.

 

[garfunkle24]

If Duralast were so awesome but have now gone to ****, what are you going to get back for a warranty exchange...?

I really hate the Snappy handles on the Duralast ratchets. It's just like putting an M3 badge on a POS 316i. Are you kidding yourself or others?

 

[John316]

If Duralast were so awesome but have now gone to ****, what are you going to get back for a warranty exchange...?

I buy assuming that at some point warranty for an exact replacement will not be possible. I buy any brand with the same mindset. I recently exchanged my worn USA Craftsman grips for Craftsman CHINA grips, but I got many years of use from the original pair and the replacement is better than nothing I guess. When I bought them I thought I would always be able to exchange them for a quality USA made tool. I was wrong.

Maybe in 5-10 years you'll exchange your Snapon for a China ratchet. Don't think it can't happen. Where do I warranty my SK made CM Pro wrenches?

It is possible that in a few years Duralast will return to the former quality. I doubt it, but you never know.

 

[Pro-Painter]

If Duralast were so awesome but have now gone to ****, what are you going to get back for a warranty exchange...?

I really hate the Snappy handles on the Duralast ratchets. It's just like putting an M3 badge on a POS 316i. Are you kidding yourself or others?

That's an unfair example. People who install emblems on a car do so to fool others. I installed the handles for comfort. It would be more like instaling M3 seats in a 318i. Snap-on happened to be the only company that sold replacement handles. I attempted to get Gearwrench handles first and when that failed, I planed to install the snap-on handle with the script down.

Duralast 3/8" flex ratchet = $21.99 + $6.85 handle = $28.84 vs Snap-on FHLF80 at $128.00
On that one ratchet alone, I saved $100 and still have a ratchet I trust completely, with a nice handle, and with a local warranty. I have no need for a $128 ratchet. My $28 ratchet has everything I expect of a ratchet and more. For me, spending $128 on one ratchet just for the name is kidding myself and others.

 

[garfunkle24]

I do apologise then as I had assumed the Duralast ratchets originally came with comfort grips which you had replaced with Snappy ones. My fault for making the ASSumption. Did you turn down the steel handles?

That's an unfair example. People who install emblems on a car do so to fool others. I installed the handles for comfort. It would be more like instaling M3 seats in a 318i. Snap-on happened to be the only company that sold replacement handles. I attempted to get Gearwrench handles first and when that failed, I planed to install the snap-on handle with the script down.

Duralast 3/8" flex ratchet = $21.99 + $6.85 handle = $28.84 vs Snap-on FHLF80 at $128.00
On that one ratchet alone, I saved $100 and still have a ratchet I trust completely, with a nice handle, and with a local warranty. I have no need for a $128 ratchet. My $28 ratchet has everything I expect of a ratchet and more. For me, spending $128 on one ratchet just for the name is kidding myself and others.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

The "good" wrenches are available in stores as singles and as of a month ago you could still special order the good sets which are #70-001 metric and #70-003 SAE for $24.99 ea which is a steal IMHO. The sets in stores are the new rebranded greatneck quality. You want the ones with the red or blue dots.

Looks like the 70-003 is the 11 piece metric?
Burns my *** they skip the 16mm Can you still buy the 16mm red dot separate?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=482664_0_0_

 

[John316]

Ok here are my crude pics of the 40 pc set. I tried to give you an idea how deep the storage compart,emt is. It's a bit shallow and some screwdriver handles are too fat for it to close completely.

For $40 though it's a damn steal.

 

[Pro-Painter]

I do apologise then as I had assumed the Duralast ratchets originally came with comfort grips which you had replaced with Snappy ones. My fault for making the ASSumption. Did you turn down the steel handles?

No need to apologize. I expect criticism. Duralast does make a soft handle ratchet, but it was $39 at the time. They don't make a flex soft handle at all and I was not going to pay $39 just for the duralast handle when I can get a better, more comfortable snap-on one for $6.

I got the idea after reading the "post your custom handle ratchet" thread. Unlike others who have a lathe, I used an expander wheel to turn down the handle. I also had to weld 1-5/8" solid bar stock to the the handle to make it long enough for the comfort grip.
It was a fun project, and I got a cool tool out of it.



John316: Thanks for the pictures! That set is a steal at $40. The case looks alot better then I thought it would. Now that I know a flex ratchet will fit, I'm going to buy me one to take to the pick-N-pull. Now if I can just find me a good 3/8" cordless impact that won't leave me eating roman noodles for a month just to pay for, I will be a happy camper.

 

[John316]

Looks like the 70-003 is the 11 piece metric?
Burns my *** they skip the 16mm Can you still buy the 16mm red dot separate?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=482664_0_0_

Yep all the good wrenches are available as single stock in stores still.

 

[I can fix anything]

I'll put my Duralast stuff up against anything.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The ratchet wrenches are top notch. The pliers and vise grips are solid as well.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[bayoutoolguy]

pro painter- what single sockets would i be missing? the biggest metric is 19mm if i recall correctly and the biggest sae is 13/16(would have to go check, not sure) i need to look for the chrome moly ones, right? sorry, if thats a dumb question lol. yeah man its definitely a steal at 40 bucks, i like my 40 pc set, i use it for everything to oil changes to other routine car maintenance and it fits perfect in the backseat of my truck. also quality is top notch.

john316- ill have to go get those wrenches while theyre still in stores, cant stand my craftsman raised panels.

icanfixanything- nice set of tools you have there. wish i could have gotten some of the ones no longer made. didnt you say in a post a while back that youve been having that comfort grip 1/2 for 6 years, with lots of hard use, and havent had trouble with it yet? did you do the spring mod to it?

 

[bayoutoolguy]

forgot to mention,i dont know how to post pics on here, most of my tool/hot rod pics are on my facebook page.

 

[John316]

bayoutoolguy- check your set ;-). For 3/8" drive the chrome moly sockets included sizes 8mm-23mm shallow and deep and 1/4-7/8 shallow and deep. They now offer a 3/8 drive 7mm shallow only in CRV which I grabbed just to have the complete set (not to mention I used it today bleeding my cooling system

Also: If anyone sees an older style 3/8"drive 8mm shallow socket or an older style 10" extension (turned down- as pictured earlier) I would love to find these to complete my set. PM me and maybe we could work something out ;-)

 

[Pro-Painter]

bayoutoolguy- check your set ;-). For 3/8" drive the chrome moly sockets included sizes 8mm-23mm shallow and deep and 1/4-7/8 shallow and deep. They now offer a 3/8 drive 7mm shallow only in CRV which I grabbed just to have the complete set (not to mention I used it today bleeding my cooling system

Also: If anyone sees an older style 3/8"drive 8mm shallow socket or an older style 10" extension (turned down- as pictured earlier) I would love to find these to complete my set. PM me and maybe we could work something out ;-)

I will check next time I go to AZ, but I'm almost 90% sure they have a CR-MO 8mm short in stock. This store put all the new sockets in front of the old, so they still have all their 3/8" drive short sockets. (last time I checked)

The CR-MO 10" extension is going to be a hard find alone. Ive never seen the old style as singles. ****EDIT**** the 70-384 set is now the NEW style.



Ive got to go to AZ tomorrow to get some antifreeze, If they still have the 8mm socket I will grab it for you.

If you don't mind, check your stores for me also
I still need:
:15mm, 19mm, & 23mm 1/2" drive, deep.
:4mm 1/4" drive deep.

 

[John316]

Pro-Painter-
Thanks for the heads up on the extension part number. I did not know the older set was still available. Also, that would be great if you could check on the 8mm and I'll also check for yours. I know I can't get the 15mm deep in my area stores, but I'll check on the others.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

ill check at my local store for yall, wont be able to go till the weekend though. just to note, although i rarely use a 7mm on anything, its a must on chevy/gmc duramaxes when pulling the fender liner bolts to change the fuel filter. just giving a heads up.

 

[John316]

Just as a follow up, the 70-384 came in today and the extensions are "new" Duralast oh well . They were very friendly about sending the order back.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Just as a follow up, the 70-384 came in today and the extensions are "new" Duralast oh well . They were very friendly about sending the order back.

Oh man, that *****! I'm sorry. I ordered that same set just a couple of months ago and got the old style extensions.

Did you happen to check the part number on the package? I know that my local AZ stores stock a very smiler 4pc extension set that IS the new style for $14.99 that is not listed anywhere online. That's how I found out about the 70-384 set. I found it online and realized that it had a different part number and price as the store stock.

That *****, Not only was I planing on ordering another set while still in stock, But I hate I got your hopes up and wasted your time. My bad.


EDIT: I checked my reward zone account and I ordered them on 8-10-11.

Here is a picture of them in the packaging.

 

[John316]

Pro-Painter, yep I comfirmed the p/n. The package actually looked very similar.No biggie, I guess I'll have to settle for a Snap-on or something to fill the missing 10"

 

[bayoutoolguy]

goin to autozone next week to finish putting my 40 pc set together with the rest of the good leftover CR-M sockets. yall said the singles should still be in some stores, right?

 

[Pro-Painter]

goin to autozone next week to finish putting my 40 pc set together with the rest of the good leftover CR-M sockets. yall said the singles should still be in some stores, right?

*some, being the key word. They will be mixed in with new sockets. If your lucky, you will get a lazy store like the one I have. They did not rotate their old stock and just put the new singles in front of the old. So most people just needing a socket to finish the job, just grabs the one on front.

 

[88thunder]

How much was your duralast 2-drawer tool box and are they still available? I need a 2 drawer box and that one looks perfect for my needs.

I'll put my Duralast stuff up against anything.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The ratchet wrenches are top notch. The pliers and vise grips are solid as well.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[bayoutoolguy]

id like to get one like that also. im pretty sure those screwdrivers are still available

 

[Pro-Painter]

I believe that tool box (and cart) is a free promo item for commercial customers. Buy buy X amount of Duralast parts and get a free gift. Ive never seen that box as a promo, But they do it all the time with duralast fender covers, jackets, cabinets etc.
Right now the free promo is a road side oil change sign.

 

[HandyManny]

Someone started a discussion thread about tools sold at an auto parts store and is bashed for it. Please, would an "old timer" here please post a list of tool brands "approved" for discussion at GJ?

I'm an old timer in using high quality USA made hand tools and wrenched for a living at various times in my life. In fact 98% to 99% of all my hand tools were bought at a time when high quality USA made tools were the norm rather than the exception. Some of the brands and makers of my tools are no longer even in business anymore. I have to say that I'm extreamly impressed with the high quality and durability of the original Duralast ratchets, extentions, sockets, and combo wrenches that I have bought and used. I had long given up hope that reasonably priced high quality hand tools could still be bought off the shelf at an auto parts store these days. But the original Duralast filled that void.

Now, the newer stuff is a bit different. I'm talking the newer Duralast stuff being recently made in China. I was in Autozone yesterday to pick up some washer fluid. I rarely stop in at Autozone. Had heard here that Duralast quality was going down the crapper very recently. Looked at a few to see. Yup the sets were all china made, some of the lose tools were the newer china made stuff. Just picking it up before reading where it was made and you can feel the difference. Even the plating feels rubbery, thin, and soft. There were still a lot of the lose sockets, extentions, and combo wrenches that were the older taiwan made stuff, but I'm really saddened to see Autozone switch tool makers for their basic Duralast brand hand tools.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

toptul better watch their back ...barf lol

 

[JLee1469]

Wow I shop at AutoZone all the time and never gave their tools a second thought, let alone be a GJ value favorite. By now their good stuff is probably gone but I'll keep a lookout for stuff made in Taiwan (the good old stock from my understanding of this thread).

 

[HandyManny]

I rarely ever shop at AZ and never really have unless I need something like washer fluid or shop towels, etc. Have to admit that up until about a year and a half ago to 2 years ago I never really took Duralast tools too seriously.

Sad about how they have changed their tools for the worst within the last few months.

Pro Painter, can you tell us when approx the change to their extention bars took place from "truned-down" to basic straight shaft?

Can you also tell me the difference between the older color marked sockets and the newer color marked sockets sold singley at stores? Both are made in Taiwan, but I honestly can't see a difference except for the exterior wall profile. Are the new ones really that bad? They feel the same to me. They perform the same. Both seem pretty impeccable and high quality to me, at least the ones I bought earlier this year.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Looks like the 70-003 is the 11 piece metric?
Burns my *** they skip the 16mm Can you still buy the 16mm red dot separate?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=482664_0_0_

I got them last week,They are still sitting at work though.
Shows how bad I "Needed" them..................LOL.
Did get the 16MM too.
Came to $34.00 all together.
He has not been charging me sales tax.

Just to be sure, the single 16mm and the set I had to order would be the old ones right?

 

[jhelrey]

My store still has most of those part numbers...