Help me pick which Craftsman set.

[VoodooShovel]

In Canada, Sears has 2 sets on sale I am considering. I will primarly be using these for working on motorcycles. Not sure if I should go for the big one or not.

582 piece set, $1000 off
http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsman-md-582-pc-standard-metric-mechanics-tool-set/609-44582-44582

340 piece set, $500 off
http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsman-md-340-pc-standard-metric-mechanics-tool-set/609-44825-44825

What do you guys think? I emailed for a complete list, however I have not received it yet.

 

[SIDECAR BOB]

if you have the room and cash isn't an issue go big.....

 

[chrenan]

Let me know if they get back to you with a complete list. Any time I've emailed Sears Canada I've either had no response or a response so useless I shouldn't have emailed in the first place.

 

[VoodooShovel]

Aaaaaand of course the Big one is on backorder until April.

 

[VoodooShovel]

Let me know if they get back to you with a complete list. Any time I've emailed Sears Canada I've either had no response or a response so useless I shouldn't have emailed in the first place.

Aw man I hope not. I got an eamil back saying they would be geting in touch with the buyers and emailing me back. I also asked for where they are made.

 

[lbgradwell]

The big set contains 3/4"-drive stuff. Would there be call for that on motorcycles?

Unless you have some compelling reason for wanting the Craftsman, I would recommend giving it a pass in favour of Mastercraft. Your money will go much farther at Cambodian Tire...

 

[Rickster]

The larger set has a 1/3 more wrenches and the addition of the 3/4dr tools, the tap & die set and some more pliers. Is that worth the additional $1000?

 

[shocksandstrutz]

Both of those prices seem kind of high considering what they are and what they include. screwdrivers are an inxepensive item along with the speeder handles you will probably never use. Id say take 5 big ones and go to sears and start getting at it, i bought the 309 pc set for 190 and add the rest, i still dont think i have 500 in my wrenches and sockets and i got a ton.

 

[VoodooShovel]

The big set contains 3/4"-drive stuff. Would there be call for that on motorcycles?

Unless you have some compelling reason for wanting the Craftsman, I would recommend giving it a pass in favour of Mastercraft. Your money will go much farther at Cambodian Tire...

Few things but not much. The only reason was the sale prices and lifetime warranty. Well, and I have a sears card so I can get point but thats no big deal to me.

 

[CWP1616L]

If you're buying a whole set, the best bang for your buck would be GearWrench or TopTul. They're imported tools, but the quality is gonna be way better than Canadian Craftsman.

 

[VoodooShovel]

Ya Im starting to think the big one isn't that great. I have a bunch of stuff from Princess auto now, it does the job but isn't the greatest.

 

[chrenan]

I also asked for where they are made.

They are almost definitely made in China, maybe Taiwan if you are lucky. Craftsman Canada hasn't had US made tools in a decade at least, maybe longer.

Here's a better option, the 320 piece socket set at Canadian Tire, on sale now for $200, regular $600. Item number 58-9294-0. It doesn't contain 3/4 drive, but I doubt you'd need that much for working on motorcycles.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...ft+Maximum+320-Piece+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

There are also these master sets which aren't on sale at the moment:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...ft+Maximum+400+Piece+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...ft+Maximum+250-piece+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

Any of these will be better value than a Sears Canada kit. You're paying for import tools, the price should be appropriate.

 

[VoodooShovel]

They are almost definitely made in China, maybe Taiwan if you are lucky. Craftsman Canada hasn't had US made tools in a decade at least, maybe longer.

Here's a better option, the 320 piece socket set at Canadian Tire, on sale now for $200, regular $600. Item number 58-9294-0. It doesn't contain 3/4 drive, but I doubt you'd need that much for working on motorcycles.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...ft+Maximum+320-Piece+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

There are also these master sets which aren't on sale at the moment:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...ft+Maximum+400+Piece+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...ft+Maximum+250-piece+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

Any of these will be better value than a Sears Canada kit. You're paying for import tools, the price should be appropriate.

Thanks! Ya not too worried about 3/4

 

[hickmlg09]

The larger set has a 1/3 more wrenches and the addition of the 3/4dr tools, the tap & die set and some more pliers. Is that worth the additional $1000?

+1. i would rather have more pliers as they do come in handy.

 

[chrenan]

If you're buying a whole set, the best bang for your buck would be...TopTul.

This is honestly what I would do. Toptul quality and finish is off the charts. Its going to be more pricey than a Canadian Tire set, but you are in a whole other league when it comes to quality.

 

[IMStuner]

In Canada, Sears has 2 sets on sale I am considering. I will primarly be using these for working on motorcycles. Not sure if I should go for the big one or not.

582 piece set, $1000 off
http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsman-md-582-pc-standard-metric-mechanics-tool-set/609-44582-44582

340 piece set, $500 off
http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsman-md-340-pc-standard-metric-mechanics-tool-set/609-44825-44825

What do you guys think? I emailed for a complete list, however I have not received it yet.

Do you own a Japanese motorcycle? SAE would be useless on them. I use a lot of the metric hex and 8,10,12,14,17,19,24,32mm socket/wrench on my Yamaha R1. You don't need that entire set.

 

[VoodooShovel]

This is honestly what I would do. Toptul quality and finish is off the charts. Its going to be more pricey than a Canadian Tire set, but you are in a whole other league when it comes to quality.

Cool, i'll check them now.

 

[VoodooShovel]

Do you own a Japanese motorcycle? SAE would be useless on them.

Mostly Harley, however I am working on a honda for a friend, so I use both.

 

[bochnak]

I also work on motorcycles. I started off with a cman set similar to this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934260000P

What I like about this set is that you remove the red tray/drawer and drop it in your tool box and it is already organized. If you need to take it on the go, just pull the tray from drawer and put it in the black case it came in.

I did not have the cash for a big set, so I buy as I go.

 

[mayday0017]

I personally always wondered who buys these "big sets", for the same money I think one could buy a resonable size set to cover the basics and then buy other small sets to make a complete package of items the are more geared to your needs.....

This set will cover most of your basic needs from a socket sethttp://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...nics+Tool+Sets&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=L2

I would buy full sets of ratcheting wrenches next
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-20pc...p-00935720000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Then I would prob pick up this set as motorcycles have lots of allen and torx
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...nics+Tool+Sets&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=L2

Buy a nice set of screwdrivers, nutdrivers, & pliers of your choice and you would really have your bases pretty well covered and for much less then those big sets... Just a thought though

Sidenote: I have the older version of the box set I listed above and have had it for about 8-10 years now and love it. I took all the trays out and they fit PERFECT in my toolbox and that is one of my favorite parts about the set, everything has a home!

 

[lbgradwell]

They are almost definitely made in China.

Yes, China. So is the CTC stuff, but at least it's priced right!

The only reason was the sale prices and lifetime warranty. Well, and I have a sears card so I can get point but thats no big deal to me.

Then definitely forget Sears. CTC wins vs. Sears in Canada almost all the time; the only exceptions being screwdrivers and tool storage.

I have no experience with TopTul, but it looks very nice. Genius does too.

 

[matt1977]

have a look in lowes as well they offer a 227 piece tool set which is made in taiwan and higher quality than craftsman or mastercraft.

 

[VoodooShovel]

I have a good set of screwdrivers from CT. Got it 70% off for 20 bucks. The Toptul stuff looks awesome but no pricing? Where do I buy it in Canada? I see 2 online stores but they dont have the complete sets.

 

[pipsters]

I'm always amused when someone posts from Canada and people post US tool sets.

OP if you find something in the US you want let me know I will ship it to you, I noticed US tool sets tend to be much more discounted than the Canadian ones for some reason.

Me personally if I was in Canada I would buy something locally, the Sears sets you linked to are way over priced.

 

[chrenan]

I have a good set of screwdrivers from CT. Got it 70% off for 20 bucks. The Toptul stuff looks awesome but no pricing? Where do I buy it in Canada? I see 2 online stores but they dont have the complete sets.

Here you go, online, with prices and in Canada, I've bought from them before:

http://www.thetoolchest.ca/

Its a one man operation I think. If you send an email with what you're looking for he's very helpful, you can ask about stuff not on the site as well.

 

[lbgradwell]

The Toptul stuff looks awesome but no pricing? Where do I buy it in Canada? I see 2 online stores but they dont have the complete sets.

TheToolChest.ca

Some interesting reading...

 

[Seb650R]

I almost exclusively work on motorcycles. I started off with a craftsman 300pc set that I picked up for $300 USD. Honestly, you don't need one of those giant sets to work on bikes. You will need a lot of pliers. Also a good electric impact screwdriver is worth its weight in gold. T-Handle, Socket type, and L type hex wrenches are all necessities. Have all of them cause you will need them in different situations. If your working on Harleys then a set of Torx is necessary as well.

If you get the above mentioned tools, you should be able to do most of the things you need.

The biggest thing about working on motorcycles is the specialty tools. I have disassembled and rebuilt countless bikes. Most of it can be done with very basic tooling. The bigger thing that becomes expensive is specialty tools. If you plan on messing with carburetors then a 4 tube manometer and auxiliary gas tank are a must. I would argue against the mercury type manometers for safety reasons. Fork seals drivers and other miscellaneous tools are also important, but only for very specific tasks. The truth is that most of the specialty tools you need can be purchased as the need arises.

 

[chrenan]

The truth is that most of the specialty tools you need can be purchased as the need arises.

I've taken the same approach working on my Porsche track cars over the years.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

Then definitely forget Sears. CTC wins vs. Sears in Canada almost all the time; the only exceptions being screwdrivers and tool storage.

Agreed, you want GREAT warranty go with mastercraft from CT. The quality is going to be the same on the tools but when something breaks, I've never had to fight for an exchange. I can go into any CT, without a receipt even, and walk out with a brand new one in hand. I've actually gone in with a tool I didn't want anymore (broke for the third time), no receipt and they gave me store credit no questions asked. With a receipt they'll replace entire sets even for one broken part in it if they don't have the singles to replace it in stock.

Also, the sale prices at CT are way better. Pretty much any tool you want you can have for at least 50% off within a month because they put stuff on sale every single week. They have had their big $700-1000 sets on for under $300 several times.

Chances are you will still need to fill in the sets and more important tools with stuff of better quality here and there. Gives you the chance to buy the snapon ratchet with the money you save on the initial set

 

[VoodooShovel]

I almost exclusively work on motorcycles. I started off with a craftsman 300pc set that I picked up for $300 USD. Honestly, you don't need one of those giant sets to work on bikes. You will need a lot of pliers. Also a good electric impact screwdriver is worth its weight in gold. T-Handle, Socket type, and L type hex wrenches are all necessities. Have all of them cause you will need them in different situations. If your working on Harleys then a set of Torx is necessary as well.

If you get the above mentioned tools, you should be able to do most of the things you need.

The biggest thing about working on motorcycles is the specialty tools. I have disassembled and rebuilt countless bikes. Most of it can be done with very basic tooling. The bigger thing that becomes expensive is specialty tools. If you plan on messing with carburetors then a 4 tube manometer and auxiliary gas tank are a must. I would argue against the mercury type manometers for safety reasons. Fork seals drivers and other miscellaneous tools are also important, but only for very specific tasks. The truth is that most of the specialty tools you need can be purchased as the need arises.

Ya I hear ya there. I have a lot of specialty tool already, just looking to upgrade my basics as I just build a new garage so I'll keep the old stuff in the house.

 

[VoodooShovel]

I'm always amused when someone posts from Canada and people post US tool sets.

OP if you find something in the US you want let me know I will ship it to you, I noticed US tool sets tend to be much more discounted than the Canadian ones for some reason.

Me personally if I was in Canada I would buy something locally, the Sears sets you linked to are way over priced.

Oh it's not just tools. A lot of stuff is cheaper to get in the US.

 

[pipsters]

Oh it's not just tools. A lot of stuff is cheaper to get in the US.

Yeah, my better half has family still in the Ottawa area. I'm always amazed at even the shipping costs. I can ship a torque wrench 2-day FedEx here in the States for $10, to go to Canada USPS it's something like $40.

I like Canada, people are great, but man is the COL high.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

For working on motorcycles; you would maybe get as much use out of a Pink Easter Bonnet as you would get out of a 3/4" drive socket set... SAE??? Unless you work on motorcycles that have sae hardware, a good chunk of that set would be useless...??

Take a close look at the tools that you own, and make a list of specific tools that you are lacking for your projects.... These tools are what I would be on the lookout for.....

 

[VoodooShovel]

Does anyone have pricing on the Toptul Master Tool Sets?

 

[pcmeiners]

Be aware, if you get a set over 309 pieces, you will spent a ton of money on organizers, or a lot of time coming up with your own solution; I am wrestling with a new 540 piece set I purchased on Craigslist, there are no foam/plastic organizer systems which cover more then a 309 piece set.
If you do not have an organizing system, it will not take long to have incomplete socket/wrench sets; had my last set organized/complete for 20 years (and not rusted).... until the Sandy flood.
As far as set size, my last set was approx 540 pieces, I used every piece, but a 309 piece set will cover you 99% of the time.

 

[CWP1616L]

Cool, i'll check them now.

There's massive amounts of TopTul pictures on this forum if you run a search.

 

[shoturtle]

If you have the room, go with the larger set.

 

[Farmall450]

The big set contains 3/4"-drive stuff. Would there be call for that on motorcycles?

Unless you have some compelling reason for wanting the Craftsman, I would recommend giving it a pass in favour of Mastercraft. Your money will go much farther at Cambodian Tire...

Thats what I noticed right away...but 3/4 is expensive so I can see more value in that. And if you have the cash, unlike me, go big or go home!