Kobalt vs. Craftsman

[ahayes09]

I know this has been discussed on the forums here before. However, with COO changing all the damn time, it's nice to stay updated as best as possible.

Black Friday is right around the corner. I've been holding out to buy myself a starter tool set for some of the killer deals. The main reason I'll be buying a (cheaper) tool set is for the sockets. I do plan to upgrade wrenches and ratchets as money permits. Eventually, I will upgrade to truck brand sockets.

The main deciding factor here is quality and bang for the buck. I'm not the MOST knowledgeable person as far as auto repairs go. BUT, I am in school for that right now. So in a matter of a year or so, my knowledge will be enough to tackle some pretty heavy duty tasks. I'd like these tools to be up for those tasks. I drive a 1997 K1500 with a 350. It's an older truck, and it has been to hell and back. Seeing as I go muddin' and drive like a typical 18-21 year old guy, **** is bound to break on my truck.

The three sets I'm deciding between are as follows.

- Kobalt 227 piece mechanics tool set $100 on BF. The one thing I really do like about this set is the ratchets. From what I've seen, Kobalt ratchets beat the Craftsman as far as what's included with the set. The negatives of this set are how many 12 point sockets are included compared to the preferred 6 point sockets.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_338518-22328-85183_4294707909__?productId=3364134&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

- Craftsman 255 piece mechanics tool set $180, haven't seen any BF deals yet. Yes, there are an abundance of 12 point sockets included with this set as well. My dad has a 150ish piece Craftsman set with ALL 6 point sockets. He said I can swap the 12 points in the set I buy for his 6 points. He doesn't use his tools all that often, and if he ever needed the 6 points, they'd be available to him.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-255-pc-mechanics-tool-set-with-lift/p-00935255000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

- Craftsman 263 piece mechanics tool set $150 on BF. The strong selling point from this set is the ratcheting wrenches. Well, the few that are included. Again, same applies for swapping 12 point for 6 point sockets.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-263-pc-mechanics-tool-set/p-00940263000P?prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=G12

Yes, I would be able to swap the 12 points for the 6 points in the Kobalt set as well. I just would prefer to have a matching tool set IF AND ONLY IF it makes sense to do so.

Please try to keep suggestions to these three tool sets. I know there are better brands out there. If you do have another suggestion, please try to keep it in a similar price range. Like I said, I do plan to upgrade as money permits.

 

[mrjaw14]

Of the 3, I'd do the 255 pc craftsman set. I could care less about the craftsman ratcheting wrenches. you need regular box end wrenches, which the 263 set doesn't have. ratcheting box is not a substitute for regular box. you need both.

If I had it to do over, I would have purchased the better quality sockets to begin with. Would have saved me money in the long run. That being said, for a starter kit, craftsman might have a better reputation in the auto repair industry than kobalt. But keep in mind that buying these sets you're gonna get the new china made stuff that there is a hot debate over quality vs the older craftsman stuff. In practice, the Kobalt stuff is probably on par with craftsman, especially if you get the stuff made in taiwan.

Personally, I just purchased a SK socket set and ratchet to replace my craftsman stuff. My set was incomplete and I didn't want to fill the gaps with Chinese ****. so the c man stuff is going in a mobile kit. I have some Kobalt sockets, and while I think they're sufficient, I'm putting them in a truck tool box just to have sockets on me when ever I'm in my truck.

You'll definitely want to get some ratchets from snap-on, matco, armstrong, or SK. I'd go snap-on through a student program if you're in school..heck I'd get all my tools that way while you can get the discount.

 

[Brownsfan]

Of the sets listed I would say Kobalt. I know you said keep it to those listed but take a look at the new Husky offerings at Home Depot.

 

[ahayes09]

Of the 3, I'd do the 255 pc craftsman set. I could care less about the craftsman ratcheting wrenches. you need regular box end wrenches, which the 263 set doesn't have. ratcheting box is not a substitute for regular box. you need both.

If I had it to do over, I would have purchased the better quality sockets to begin with. Would have saved me money in the long run. That being said, for a starter kit, craftsman might have a better reputation in the auto repair industry than kobalt. But keep in mind that buying these sets you're gonna get the new china made stuff that there is a hot debate over quality vs the older craftsman stuff. In practice, the Kobalt stuff is probably on par with craftsman, especially if you get the stuff made in taiwan.

Personally, I just purchased a SK socket set and ratchet to replace my craftsman stuff. My set was incomplete and I didn't want to fill the gaps with Chinese ****. so the c man stuff is going in a mobile kit. I have some Kobalt sockets, and while I think they're sufficient, I'm putting them in a truck tool box just to have sockets on me when ever I'm in my truck.

You'll definitely want to get some ratchets from snap-on, matco, armstrong, or SK. I'd go snap-on through a student program if you're in school..heck I'd get all my tools that way while you can get the discount.

If money was no issue, I would take full advantage of that student discount. I plan to get all wrenches and ratchets from Snap-On, Matco, or Mac. The main reason for this set is the sockets. I don't have the money to justify $1,000 in sockets right now.

Of the sets listed I would say Kobalt. I know you said keep it to those listed but take a look at the new Husky offerings at Home Depot.

Why do you prefer Kobalt to Craftsman? One step further, why do you prefer Husky to Kobalt? Not trying to like interrogate, just trying to get what's best in my price range.

 

[CWP1616L]

The main reason I'll be buying a (cheaper) tool set is for the sockets.

In that case go Kobalt. The socket retention system (detents) on the newer Craftsman sockets are a lousy design. Kobalt sockets have excellent, exact matching detents.

 

[ahayes09]

In that case go Kobalt. The socket retention system (detents) on the newer Craftsman sockets are a lousy design. Kobalt sockets have excellent, exact matching detents.

Thank you for your input.

 

[Brownsfan]

Biggest reason is what you already said. The ratchets are superior to the craftsman. The new husky stuff has really nice lower profile ratchets included with their stuff. Also 72 tooth like the Kobalt. All things being equal now(all imports) the Kobalt and husky offer better for most of the time less. Sears is still charging USA craftsman prices for Chinese knock offs. The Kobalt and Husky wrenches do not have the silly lobster claw.

 

[ahayes09]

Biggest reason is what you already said. The ratchets are superior to the craftsman. The new husky stuff has really nice lower profile ratchets included with their stuff. Also 72 tooth like the Kobalt. All things being equal now(all imports) the Kobalt and husky offer better for most of the time less. Sears is still charging USA craftsman prices for Chinese knock offs. The Kobalt and Husky wrenches do not have the silly lobster claw.

Maybe I'll have to make a quick trip to the local HD and check out some Husky tools. I never really gave them much thought before now.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think you're gonna have to pony up the cash for some decent ratchets at least!! Craftsman sockets have never failed me. Haven't tried the others though.

 

[ahayes09]

I think you're gonna have to pony up the cash for some decent ratchets at least!! Craftsman sockets have never failed me. Haven't tried the others though.

I plan to upgrade ratchets to one of the big three. I also plan to get a 3/8" flex head ratchet. All the techs where I work suggest Snap-On or Matco for ratchets. I don't have personal use with any of the ratchets so I'm not ruling anything out yet. Ratchets and wrenches are going to be my first major upgrade. I plan to get Mac wrenches and screwdrivers. The student discount is pretty killer so I'm gonna take advantage of what I can afford there.

 

[PoorOwner]

the kobalt kit is really limited because the wrenches stops at 13mm or something like that, not sure if it even comes with a larger than 14mm socket.

Please be aware with the $99 offerings on BF you will won't have the means to handle the larger fasteners. For example I found a lot of places requires 17mm wrench is quite frequently used .. and it's a must have.

Also, the craftsman kit that comes with the ratcheting wrenches, a lot of times they don't fit but a regular box end will, so you will definitely need to buy regular box end wrenches. Pick the kit with the biggest and most complete metric pieces.

 

[ahayes09]

the kobalt kit is really limited because the wrenches stops at 13mm or something like that, not sure if it even comes with a larger than 14mm socket.

Please be aware with the $99 offerings on BF you will won't have the means to handle the larger fasteners. For example I found a lot of places requires 17mm wrench is quite frequently used .. and it's a must have.

Also, the craftsman kit that comes with the ratcheting wrenches, a lot of times they don't fit but a regular box end will, so you will definitely need to buy regular box end wrenches. Pick the kit with the biggest and most complete metric pieces.

Yes, 17mm is a very common size fastener. The Kobalt set doesn't include a 17mm wrench. However, it does include sockets that go above 14mm. IIRC sockets go up to 22mm.

 

[mrjaw14]

You mentioned 3/8" flex ratchet, may I recommend the Armstrong MAXX 11-994

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1WG26/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Armstrong is OEM for matco, and the MAXX locking flex is the same ratchet except for the handle shape, and the armstrong os a 60t where as the matco is 88. the matco 88 rebuild kits work in the armstrong maxx series, so you can have which ever tooth count you want.

Here's the matco version:
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BFR128LFT/3-8-DRIVE-88-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-RATCHET/

armstrong version is much cheaper than matco, matco rebuild kits work in them, and most mechanics prefer the armstrong/matco locking flex to the snap-on version. I have all 3 drive sizes for the armstrong maxx and love them all.

new kobalt sockets with a armstrong ratchet = win!

 

[ahayes09]

You mentioned 3/8" flex ratchet, may I recommend the Armstrong MAXX 11-994

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1WG26/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Armstrong is OEM for matco, and the MAXX locking flex is the same ratchet except for the handle shape, and the armstrong os a 60t where as the matco is 88. the matco 88 rebuild kits work in the armstrong maxx series, so you can have which ever tooth count you want.

Here's the matco version:
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BFR128LFT/3-8-DRIVE-88-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-RATCHET/


armstrong version is much cheaper than matco, matco rebuild kits work in them, and most mechanics prefer the armstrong/matco locking flex to the snap-on version. I have all 3 drive sizes for the armstrong maxx and love them all.

new kobalt sockets with a armstrong ratchet = win!

Thank you for the info on flex ratchets! To the typical consumer, yes the Armstrong version is a lot cheaper (half the price cheaper). Lucky for me, I get 50% off of Matco with my student discount. The Matco would run me $66.93. Less than a $2 difference from the Armstrong. That being said, would you recommend the Matco or Armstrong?

 

[mrjaw14]

if you can get it same price from matco, go with matco. it's literally the same ratchet. would just have an easier time with warranty finding a matco guy if something other than a standard rebuild kit is ever needed, like if the locking mechanism broke or head split off. Armstrong would take care of that too, just matco has trucks that will likely be coming to your shop anyway

FYI, The reason the Snap-On ratchet isn't favored here is their placement of the locking button. it sticks out and can be knocked as shown here:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682323&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[ahayes09]

if you can get it same price from matco, go with matco. it's literally the same ratchet. would just have an easier time with warranty finding a matco guy if something other than a standard rebuild kit is ever needed, like if the locking mechanism broke or head split off. Armstrong would take care of that too, just matco has trucks that will likely be coming to your shop anyway

Even though I haven't bought anything from our Matco guy yet, we talk regularly and he's a cool guy. I have a feeling warranties with him would be a painless process.

 

[ahayes09]

FYI, The reason the Snap-On ratchet isn't favored here is their placement of the locking button. it sticks out and can be knocked as shown here:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682323&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I can definitely see that being a total PITA at times.

 

[firebox40dash5]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934142000P

I've got this set, bought it 02/12. Everything in it then was USA, YMMV now though. I don't use chromes much at work so I'd probably strongly consider buying it again, as much as I hate to admit it. Doesn't come with ratchets or a full set of wrenches, but IMO CM ratchets blow anyway, and I'm not a huge fan of raised panels either.

I actually returned one of those kits in the blow molded toolbox for that set. The sockets in the other kit were crappy looking, and I don't even think they were Chinese ones.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have all craftsman USA made sockets in my collection. I upgraded my ratchets to snap on and Cornwell. I also have the 84t premium set and they are very nice. If craftsman sockets were still USA I would go for those all day and just upgrade ratchets. From most accounts the USA craftsman sockets were pretty much identical to Armstrong. But all being imports now the Kobat and Husky offer better tools for cheaper. I saw some china craftsman and was pretty disgusted. The easy read stamps are barely readable. They have a weird white coating or powder on them and the stamping looks like ****. People said the USA sockets left a little to be desired but these new ones just plain ****. If I was starting from scratch today I would be buying SK or Wright.

 

[erty67]

- Craftsman 255 piece mechanics tool set $180, haven't seen any BF deals yet. Yes, there are an abundance of 12 point sockets included with this set as well. My dad has a 150ish piece Craftsman set with ALL 6 point sockets. He said I can swap the 12 points in the set I buy for his 6 points. He doesn't use his tools all that often, and if he ever needed the 6 points, they'd be available to him.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-255-pc-mechanics-tool-set-with-lift/p-00935255000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

check sears outlet. They had this set "reconditioned" for $119. Better chance of USA that way too. Also, watch the Kobalt stuff. Taiwan stuff moving to China stuff using same part numbers. Here's a pic I took of the two in hex sockets. Taiwan-left, China-right

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=296375&d=1385320387

 

[pfctblu]

There are many many threads covering this but I will toss in a rather rare suggestion: Check Ebay for Blackhawk socket sets. If you can resist buying a "tool set", and instead buy what you need first, then take a step by step approach...this is very affordable. Start with 3/8 metric deep and shallow, add a ratchet or two and go from there. Blackhawk is nice stuff and mostly USA still.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I know this has been discussed on the forums here before. However, with COO changing all the damn time, it's nice to stay updated as best as possible.

Black Friday is right around the corner. I've been holding out to buy myself a starter tool set for some of the killer deals. The main reason I'll be buying a (cheaper) tool set is for the sockets. I do plan to upgrade wrenches and ratchets as money permits. Eventually, I will upgrade to truck brand sockets.

The main deciding factor here is quality and bang for the buck. I'm not the MOST knowledgeable person as far as auto repairs go. BUT, I am in school for that right now. So in a matter of a year or so, my knowledge will be enough to tackle some pretty heavy duty tasks. I'd like these tools to be up for those tasks. I drive a 1997 K1500 with a 350. It's an older truck, and it has been to hell and back. Seeing as I go muddin' and drive like a typical 18-21 year old guy, **** is bound to break on my truck.

The three sets I'm deciding between are as follows.

- Kobalt 227 piece mechanics tool set $100 on BF. The one thing I really do like about this set is the ratchets. From what I've seen, Kobalt ratchets beat the Craftsman as far as what's included with the set. The negatives of this set are how many 12 point sockets are included compared to the preferred 6 point sockets.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_338518-22328-85183_4294707909__?productId=3364134&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

- Craftsman 255 piece mechanics tool set $180, haven't seen any BF deals yet. Yes, there are an abundance of 12 point sockets included with this set as well. My dad has a 150ish piece Craftsman set with ALL 6 point sockets. He said I can swap the 12 points in the set I buy for his 6 points. He doesn't use his tools all that often, and if he ever needed the 6 points, they'd be available to him.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-255-pc-mechanics-tool-set-with-lift/p-00935255000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

- Craftsman 263 piece mechanics tool set $150 on BF. The strong selling point from this set is the ratcheting wrenches. Well, the few that are included. Again, same applies for swapping 12 point for 6 point sockets.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-263-pc-mechanics-tool-set/p-00940263000P?prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=G12

Yes, I would be able to swap the 12 points for the 6 points in the Kobalt set as well. I just would prefer to have a matching tool set IF AND ONLY IF it makes sense to do so.

Please try to keep suggestions to these three tool sets. I know there are better brands out there. If you do have another suggestion, please try to keep it in a similar price range. Like I said, I do plan to upgrade as money permits.

I think all of these sets are chinese. If the kobalt set were taiwanese I'd say get that. Actually I'd say that anyway because it's cheaper.

Since you won't consider any other set...maybe get what's easier to return for you. For me, sears and lowes are in the same place (within about 500 yards). I don't really own chinese kobalt hand tools so I wouldn't be willing to recommend them, I assume they are stanley. Stanley chinese has gotten better but I still wouldn't recommend it for the price. The price here is pretty good though, combined with a retail warranty might be worth the risk. Scan that receipt and keep it!

Oh, you talked about the ratchets. The taiwanese ratchets are top notch. I don't think the chinese ones would be. Probably comparable to craftsman and stanley (made in china) stuff. I'd think you need to crack the set open and take a look before buying. They might or might not let you do that in store.

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

Did you say you can swap in store for 6 point? If that's the case im down. The only downside to Kobalts kit. My dad has there big one and I dis like all the 12 point.


Scratch that read post again.



Personally I like the craftsman set knowing the fact they don't skip sizes. Also I get a full set of 6 point. Kobalt likes to drop a few 12 point in places and I don't like that.

 

[nanofrog]

Another vote for eBay or even take a serious look around any local pawn shops. Could find some quality tools at really decent prices by purchasing used (not worn out though) or new from business auctions. Particularly if you have some time to be patient and wait for the right deal.

Brands such as Williams (even the Taiwanese stuff is decent), BlackHawk, Mac, Matco, Snap-On, SK, Proto, Napa (US made), Armstrong, or even US made Craftsman.

European brands too, if you want to go that way. Others may come up with other brands.

Good luck.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Another vote for eBay or even take a serious look around any local pawn shops. Could find some quality tools at really decent prices by purchasing used (not worn out though) or new from business auctions. Particularly if you have some time to be patient and wait for the right deal.

Brands such as Williams (even the Taiwanese stuff is decent), BlackHawk, Mac, Matco, Snap-On, SK, Proto, Napa (US made), Armstrong, or even US made Craftsman.

European brands too, if you want to go that way. Others may come up with other brands.

Good luck.

That's way too much work than just buying a set. Only works when you're picking up pieces or a clearanced kit.

 

[mattmus4357]

That's way too much work than just buying a set. Only works when you're picking up pieces or a clearanced kit.

It's really not. I see complete sets at almost every auction I go to for a lot less than you'd pay in store. I'd gladly buy used USA made tools at auctions/pawn shops than buy a 300pc set of Chinese stuff just because it's "easier"

 

[Chris_L]

IMHO if you have a choice between one or the other I would get all 12pt. They are more versatile. The off corner engagement makes 12 pt almost as good as the six.

 

[ahayes09]

It sounds to me like most people would recommend sticking it out until I can afford the better stuff. I do have a little Craftsman USA set available to use for the time being. I just like the idea of having my own tools. I've also never been fond of buying in small amounts. I think that is the appeal of a tool set to me. I was originally planning to save up for all high end stuff and drop all that money at once. Piecing everything together may just make more sense for a broke college student like myself. UGH! decisions!

 

[CWP1616L]

I was originally planning to save up for all high end stuff and drop all that money at once.

If you try to do that, you'll never get the money together. Some of the best tool collections have been bought piece by piece.

 

[wittycow]

I know you wanted to keep it to the three brands, but don't forget Gearwrench. I have been very happy with all the Gearwrench stuff I have bought.

The other poster who said don't buy a kit, that is some good advice. It may seem like a lot of work, but if you hunt around on ebay, amazon, etc, you can buy better stuff right out of the gate. Don't forget to use online coupons for Advance Auto Parts and places like that. They always have 15% - 20% off codes, which makes buying any off there stuff a pretty good deal.

I have lots of Kobalt and can't say anything bad about them. When I started at the shop I am out now, the 3 other techs kind of gave me a hard time about some of my "cheap" tools, like Husky, Kobalt, and some Duralast. They were "tool truck only"!!! Now after a year, I have all 3 guys buying stuff from Amazon, ebay, and other online places. And, they all use my tools and have commented that the "Home Center" tools are way better than they thought they would be.

 

[seagullplayer]

It sounds to me like most people would recommend sticking it out until I can afford the better stuff. I do have a little Craftsman USA set available to use for the time being. I just like the idea of having my own tools. I've also never been fond of buying in small amounts. I think that is the appeal of a tool set to me. I was originally planning to save up for all high end stuff and drop all that money at once. Piecing everything together may just make more sense for a broke college student like myself. UGH! decisions!

I am the kind of guy that would rather work with my own tools than barrow off someone else. You can go a long way with any of those tool sets. Later they can become your home set while you fill your work box with the high end stuff.
Your not talking about breaking the bank here either.

Whoever had the easiest return policy would weigh heavy in my decision.

 

[creativecars]

It sounds to me like most people would recommend sticking it out until I can afford the better stuff. I do have a little Craftsman USA set available to use for the time being. I just like the idea of having my own tools. I've also never been fond of buying in small amounts. I think that is the appeal of a tool set to me. I was originally planning to save up for all high end stuff and drop all that money at once. Piecing everything together may just make more sense for a broke college student like myself. UGH! decisions!

Do you want to work or watch? Very few people start with the money to afford enough SO to do any kind of work. The other brands will allow you to work and start making money.
I would get the biggest kit of real tools, I could afford and figure on augmenting ratchets or wrenches... then work

If mommy and daddy are holding your hand sure spend their retirement, but if you have less than 2k to start with I would not recommend a truck brand.

BTW. real tools in a kit- subtract multiple Allen wrenches, hack saw blades, bit inserts etc. sure these are tools but in a 300 piece set if 50 are bit inserts it’s just a 250 pc set with a fancy screwdriver.

 

[Jeeper]

I know you wanted to keep it to the three brands, but don't forget Gearwrench. I have been very happy with all the Gearwrench stuff I have bought.

I agree with this. Gearwrench sockets are nice and more importantly they come in complete sets. No skipped sizes when you buy by the rail. They also come with a socket rail so less organization stuff to buy later.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I know you wanted to keep it to the three brands, but don't forget Gearwrench. I have been very happy with all the Gearwrench stuff I have bought.

The other poster who said don't buy a kit, that is some good advice. It may seem like a lot of work, but if you hunt around on ebay, amazon, etc, you can buy better stuff right out of the gate. Don't forget to use online coupons for Advance Auto Parts and places like that. They always have 15% - 20% off codes, which makes buying any off there stuff a pretty good deal.

I have lots of Kobalt and can't say anything bad about them. When I started at the shop I am out now, the 3 other techs kind of gave me a hard time about some of my "cheap" tools, like Husky, Kobalt, and some Duralast. They were "tool truck only"!!! Now after a year, I have all 3 guys buying stuff from Amazon, ebay, and other online places. And, they all use my tools and have commented that the "Home Center" tools are way better than they thought they would be.

I've looked at buying a good bit of Gearwrench before and priced out Advance vs Amazon vs Ebay vs places like Tooltopia. I found that even using the best coupons (30%+) on Advance and splitting orders to just hit the max discount, they were still very close in price to other options, usually on the high side. They're not stupid, they know many people use their coupon codes, and it allows them to sell a lot online, while making even more off the uninformed buying at high prices in-store.

 

[pendragon1998]

Craftsman makes some all 6 pt sets they sell by drive size. You might consider getting those, and buying a couple of usa thin profile cman ratchets on ebay. Or look for usa modules on ebay.

 

[kingofdogs1950]

I recently bought a Gearwrench set from Advanced Auto. I looked at pretty much all the same options - CM, Kobalt, GW, used,... I ended up buying a smaller 118 piece set that has less "fluff" and almost no duplication of tools I already have. I was primarily interested in 1/4 and 3/8 dr. in 6pt sockets. It didn't make sense for me to buy a much bigger set that would include duplicates of tools I already own in CM, Williams, SO and such. I don't make a living turning wrenches and there is just no reason to have several sets of tools.
It sure seems like the huge sets give you an awful lot of "fluff" tools, allen wrenches and such, that run up the tool count. I think I much own something like two million allen wrenches already...
I guess my point is that you should look at what you already have and see how the sets fit in without duplication. In my case the GW set fit very well with almost no duplicates of what I already own. The set even came with the better 84t thin ratchets rather than the cheap ratchets that usually seem to come with sets.
BTW, my set is all Taiwanese. I've noticed that GW, like others, has gone to China for some of their tools. The made in Taiwan GW tools are very nice quality.
A note on price. I could have gotten more "pieces" for what I paid for the set I bought but the net number of non-duplicate tools is not much different than the much bigger sets. This may be different for others. I already own a lot of 12pt sockets that come in most sets; others may want them.
Also, if I need a tool warrantied, Advanced Auto is just down the street and they have a pretty good inventory of GW tools.


Mark

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

I wouldn't put yourself in debt because you feel you need to buy "truck" brand tools while you're in school and not a professional mechanic yet.

Just a full set of wrenches from Snap On or Matco is going to be over $3,000 dollars
http://store.snapon.com/Standard-inches-chrome-Set-Wrench-Combination-12-Point-24-pcs-1-4-to-1-5-8--P633145.aspx
http://store.snapon.com/Standard-mm-chrome-Set-Wrench-Metric-Combination-12-Point-25-pcs-8-to-36-mm--P633192.aspx

Even with a big discount, it's going to be crazy money to piece together a starter kit. Many people have gotten along fine with lesser brands, and you can always sell them later.

I'd probably buy the Craftsman kit if I was starting out with almost zero tools and see if it fits your needs. Even though Craftsman isn't the brand it used to be, it's still a lot of bang for your buck for a kit like that.

Worst case, you can sell them down the road and upgrade when the time is right (if you feel you need to spend big bucks on tools) or use it as a "road box" later.

 

[ahayes09]

Lots of great input here. Thanks everyone who has contributed. I haven't considered GearWrench either until this point. I don't plan to use these tools forever. Just a good foundation to build and grow upon. I still am undecided as to whether I will go the route to be a tech or continue working as a service advisor which is something else I need to take into consideration. Regardless, I do plan to keep wrenching as a hobby. If I go the tech route, I would start as a semi-skilled lube tech. I wouldn't necessarily need a huge abundance of tools, just the basics.

Also, when I said I planned to save to drop all the money at once, I meant for a basic hand tool set. Not literally EVERYTHING. Along the lines of the tool sets I'm looking at.


Does anyone have a money tree they're willing to let me borrow for a little bit here?

 

[CWP1616L]

Also, when I said I planned to save to drop all the money at once, I meant for a basic hand tool set. Not literally EVERYTHING. Along the lines of the tool sets I'm looking at.

Just buy one Snap-on combination wrench and see if your brand preferences change. But don't buy one of the double box end XBM series; because if you do, there's no helping you after that.

 

[ahayes09]

Just buy one Snap-on combination wrench and see if your brand preferences change. But don't buy one of the double box end XBM series; because if you do, there's no helping you after that.

I heard buy the double box end XBM series. Got it!