Mechanic Tools: Husky or Dewalt

[elMaestro]

Hi everyone. I am in the market for a new mechanic tool set. I have narrowed down the search to the Husky 230-Piece Mechanic Tool Set (H230MTS) from Home Depot and the Dewalt 173-Piece Mechanic Tools Set (DWMT41019) from Costco. They are both $99 and both have a Lifetime Warranty. I am not a mechanic, but I enjoy doing basic maintenance on our cars. So my question is this:

Which one of these tool sets would be the better buy? Why? Thank you in advance.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Husky between those 2. The warranty would be easier probably.

 

[mrvm]

IMO at this price point either set will make a great starter set for wrenching. Over time you will be adding to the tool collection such as deeper sockets, flex sockets, longer extensions, larger wrench sets and maybe some impact sockets. Both sets will have similar build quality and durability. Husky has a slight advantage for warranty assuming the HD workers know how to handle life-time warranty whereas the Dewalt will need to be mailed in.

 

[Jbullfrog]

Lifetime warranty doesn't mean what it used to. Husky could disappear tomorrow and ****, your warranty is gone. The Dewalt tools are rebranded Stanley, which aren't incredible, but might still exist in 5 or 10 years when you need something warrantied.

 

[Mr_B]

^at 50 cents a piece i don'''t think life warranty really much a need or concern lol .

 

[Professional Tool User]

The Dewalt set may have less size skips and junk in it. COO wise, Dewalt hand tools are made in Taiwan and Husky hand tools are mostly if not all made in China these days. I have Dewalt's wrenches and the finishing is definitely a step above your average made in China tool. Turning in broken tools is going to be easier for Husky (Home Depot) unless you happen to have a tool store that sells Dewalt hand tools nearby.

 

[Farmall450]

The Taiwan DeWalt are pretty nicely finished tools, easily on par with Gearwrench, Tekton, and the like. I have a set in my truck and a set at work (which has seen a ton of use over the last 4-5 years) and they hold up great for the money. Also, can be warrantied in store as singles, not sure what the first poster means by mail in. That's certainly an option if no one by you stocks (clearly costco won't be stocking every individual piece).

 

[The Fall]

When Armstrong went out, people had a right to lament future warranty issues. Husky or Dewalt mechanic's tools? That's really stretching it, but by all means use it if it exists. The only thing of real (use) value are the sockets and they're cheap. Then again, the only QR ratchet I ever liked was the old USA CMan Thin Profile one. Just not into them.

I recall seeing the Dewalt wrenches at Sears when they still existed around me and they were pretty nice for what they were. Husky will get the job done. At that price point, it's not a big deal. It's generally the same quality It's the real garbage from HF -- the sets for less than $6 -- that really ride that Kenny Loggins Highway to the Danger Zone.

 

[RKA]

Dewalt has 6 point sockets only. Husky has a mix of 6 and 12. My preference is 6, but you can search on GJ for discussion on each, its an endless debate.

 

[powertrip]

Lifetime warranty doesn't mean what it used to. Husky could disappear tomorrow and ****, your warranty is gone. The Dewalt tools are rebranded Stanley, which aren't incredible, but might still exist in 5 or 10 years when you need something warrantied.

The Husky tools are most likely Apex sourced tools. Husky is The house brand for Home depot and have been making or rebranding tools in one way or another for decades. I doubt the Husky brand is going anywhere. Husky has been in the tool business since 1924.

 

[demarpaint]

Hi everyone. I am in the market for a new mechanic tool set. I have narrowed down the search to the Husky 230-Piece Mechanic Tool Set (H230MTS) from Home Depot and the Dewalt 173-Piece Mechanic Tools Set (DWMT41019) from Costco. They are both $99 and both have a Lifetime Warranty. I am not a mechanic, but I enjoy doing basic maintenance on our cars. So my question is this:

Which one of these tool sets would be the better buy? Why? Thank you in advance.

I'd go with Husky. Getting tools covered under warranty would be easier, and the quality is just as good as Dewalt. I seriously doubt Home Depot will be going out of business anytime soon, so there's no warranty concerns. Given the choices you're getting more tools for the same price [if that matters to you] .

 

[Stooge]

Maybe its just for me, but searching that Husky set, it comes up as being not available in store, and out of stock online. It's prompted with similar sets, but not with that quantity or price. I have an arbitrary bias for Husky since my first sets of metric stuff were import Husky, (Taiwan I think?) served me well and never had any issues/ failures, though I haven't handled any of the new china husky stuff. Really between either of the 2 brands, you should be good to go and its just a personal preference of what you like a little better. Not as easy to get anything really bad or unusable these days, especially from a name brand like husky or dewalt.

 

[M4A1Carbine]

Husky and Dewalt hand tools will probably be very similar in quality. I’d go with whatever name or case you prefer.

Husky used to have some rebranded Gearwrench tools, including Matco torque wrenches, but they switched them to some Chinese sourced torque wrenches a few years ago.

You can find decent deals on Gearwrench tools on advanced auto parts website with their coupons. They would be a step up from the current husky or Dewalt offerings in my opinion.

 

[jgromada]

Advanced Auto has stopped carrying Gearwrench . They were clearancing them a few weeks ago.

Not exactly sure why warranty is considered a big deal by some people. In 30 years of wrenching i only broke one non-impact socket and it was because i was misusing the socket on an electric impact. A lot of companies can offer a LIFETIME warranty because they know they will never have to make good on it.

 

[M4A1Carbine]

Advanced Auto has stopped carrying Gearwrench . They were clearancing them a few weeks ago.

I still see all the same tools on their website.

 

[dodge610]

Husky warranty is flawless take it in to your HD give it to them and recieve a new one. Have done it a few times on broken Husky and Ryobi. Just doesnt get any easier than that.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Husky and Dewalt hand tools will probably be very similar in quality. I’d go with whatever name or case you prefer.

Husky used to have some rebranded Gearwrench tools, including Matco torque wrenches, but they switched them to some Chinese sourced torque wrenches a few years ago.

You can find decent deals on Gearwrench tools on advanced auto parts website with their coupons. They would be a step up from the current husky or Dewalt offerings in my opinion.

Dewalt hand tools are definitely at least GW quality. USA made Husky might have been on the same level as the former two. Some Husky tools like some of their ratchets leave much to be desired. Dealing with Apex tool group and a lesser extent their dealers is as big if not a bigger pain than dealing with Stanley.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Lifetime warranty doesn't mean what it used to. Husky could disappear tomorrow and ****, your warranty is gone. The Dewalt tools are rebranded Stanley, which aren't incredible, but might still exist in 5 or 10 years when you need something warrantied.

Both brands are backed up by companies that have a lot of resources and cash. Home depot doesn't look like it will discontinue the Husky brand any time soon. For a company that loves to add redundant non core products under different brand names and loves adding redundant brands in general, I highly doubt Stanley is going to reverse course and get rid of brands.

 

[dnschmidt]

My choice would be DeWalt.

 

[kctyphoon]

I’d get whatever gets you the most usable pieces.. Piece count is marketing - and meaningless if 40 of those pieces are screwdriver tips but a smaller set gets you more sockets.. also- no sense in paying more for a set that gives you doubles in the same drive drive sizes (set of 6 point, and some 12 point) but skimps on others..

While back - this was an easy question to answer when gearwrench was running their promo for the 3/8 set and you got the 1/4” set free..

Before you buy anything, I’d look at the Tekton sets.. you can prob get the FULL 3/8” set, and FULL 1/4” set for not much more money.. FULL sets, with no skipped sizes, and no ******** either.. I’d check to see what the gearwrench sets would cost me also.. I love my gearwrench sets.

This is my suggestion.. you USED to be able to get this for like $110.. no 1/2 drive stuff, but its a COMPLETE 1/4” and 3/8” set, in 6 point - with NO ******** in it.. and the 3/8 set goes up to 1” sockets I believe, opposed to Tekton that stops at 3/4”. I prefer the 2 separate cases too.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/391131230797

For like $90, i think you can still get a big Tekton combo wrench set. And if you need 1/2” drive later, you can pick one up also - instead of just getting a few sockets in some other sets.

It might be more upfront, but nothing is left out of those gearwrench sets, except the ********.

 

[bpjr]

HD sells single sockets, wrenches, ratchets ,screwdrivers, etc for Husky and I can't remember seeing anything but sets for Dewalt. Most sets leave gaps in their sizes and I like to fill them with the same brand so that would make me lean toward buying Husky. When I can replace a tool for a couple $ the warranty isn't that important to me either. I have some USA Husky and unbranded coo Husky, both do fine for my DIY stuff.

 

[Farmall450]

HD sells single sockets, wrenches, ratchets ,screwdrivers, etc for Husky and I can't remember seeing anything but sets for Dewalt. Most sets leave gaps in their sizes and I like to fill them with the same brand so that would make me lean toward buying Husky. When I can replace a tool for a couple $ the warranty isn't that important to me either. I have some USA Husky and unbranded coo Husky, both do fine for my DIY stuff.

Farm & Fleet by me has them as open stock.

 

[javyLSU]

^at 50 cents a piece i don'''t think life warranty really much a need or concern lol .

^This. It's amazing to me how much hand-wringing and consternation there is about the warranty of a tool that costs at most a few bucks to replace...

 

[ZRX61]

One possible issue:
If one tool shits the bed you can replace just that one tool if it's Husky. If you buy from Costco you have to return the entire kit, which they won't take if you've lost the 10mm socket etc...


I have Husky pro series combo wrenches & a bunch of 1/4 drive sockets. No issues with them.

 

[CJM8515]

ive been using the apex husky stuff for years. the sockets are nice, i have doubles of most sizes cause you can buy singles at HD. the ratchets are fine, 72t no issue, works well. about my only complaint is the wrenches are like lobster claws and fairly fat.

 

[ckeene]

Buy both and see which set you use most then take the other back for a refund.

 

[kctyphoon]

One possible issue:
If one tool shits the bed you can replace just that one tool if it's Husky. If you buy from Costco you have to return the entire kit, which they won't take if you've lost the 10mm socket etc...


I have Husky pro series combo wrenches & a bunch of 1/4 drive sockets. No issues with them.

To be fair - if he buys a dewalt set, and looses a socket or breaks one, - he can just replace that socket with one from husky. Life goes on
——————————————————————————————————————————————
My opinion remains the same. INVEST in something that offers a COMPLETE set of sockets and the necessary accessories for them for the 2 major drive sizes. not in ******** pieces or something with HALF a set of wrenches. Focus on the start for now - and it will be an easier and cheaper path to ending up with ONE complete set of tools. Get a full set of 3/8 and 1/4 its what the vast majority of home bodies use for 95% of what they do. Then get a FULL SET of basic combo wrenches (not ratcheting). And then - if you need or want 1/2” drive stuff - spend the $130 - $199 or so for a compete set to go with the 1/4” and 3/8” set you already have. How much need do you have for a socket over 1” for now??? You will get by just fine with only 1/4” and 3/8” full kits. The separate cases for the drive sizes is a big plus in my opinion. When you know you only need 3/8 stuff, you’re not dragging out tools you don’t need.

If you’d like Tekton over the Gearwrench sets i posts (the Gearwrench is still a better buy i think), here’s the TWO Tekton sets to get.

3/8” - $125 - and the one goes up to 1” in 3/8 drive..
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket & Ratchet Set, 74-Piece (1/4-1 in, 6-24 mm) | SKT15311 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TBH736Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

1/4” - $55
TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket & Ratchet Set, 55-Piece (5/32-9/16 in., 4-14 mm) | SKT05301 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7WMK4L/?tag=atomicindus08-20

30 piece FULL combo wrench set (for later) - $95
TEKTON Combination Wrench Set, 30-Piece (1/4-1 in, 8-22 mm) - Keeper | 90191 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXUPFDU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Full 1/2 drive set (for much later) - $199
TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket & Ratchet Set, 84-Piece (3/8 - 1-5/16 in., 10-32 mm) | SKT25302 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7WLYFH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If there is a budget you need to work within, then you can just get the 3/8” set for now. It cant be too hard to come up with $55 for the 1/4” set a little later. Everything you could need in basic sockets would be covered with the above. Not one penny was wasted on junk, and nothing is missing. If you come across anything else that you would need, you can buy the individual item, or smaller set to cover things like torx or hex as they come up - with never wasting money on junk. For basic maintenance you probably wont need more than 1/4”, 3/8”, and wrenches.

 

[IanG]

Dewalt is definitely better (Taiwan made on par with GW) than chinese made Husky. You will be fine with the Husky set but very happy with the Dewalt set.

 

[ZRX61]

To be fair - if he buys a dewalt set, and looses a socket or breaks one, - he can just replace that socket with one from husky. Life goes on
——————————————————————————————————————————————

Valid point. I have a set of 3/8 drive metric sockets that's probably a mix of at least 4 different brands.


Now my OCD kicked in & I may need to buy a new set...

 

[Farmall450]

Valid point. I have a set of 3/8 drive metric sockets that's probably a mix of at least 4 different brands.


Now my OCD kicked in & I may need to buy a new set...

So both you, and the hypothetical what if OP in scenario #345, can hop on your favorite browser, type in the brand and size of socket, and have it shipped to you door. Arguably easier than hunting down in store singles, especially when Husky from 10 years ago doesn't match Husky from now better than any other brand

 

[ZRX61]

I just looked.... it's SIX different brands from at least three different countries & one of them is an impact socket so they're not even all the same color.


I have no idea how this happened..

 

[fordgasm]

Husky is my go to inexpensive tool brand. Always on sale at HD (especially during the holidays) and simple to warranty if it breaks. If you want to spend a little more and get great quality look into Tekton.

 

[kctyphoon]

I don’t know that there is any real “quality difference” between sockets at this level - as even the cheap brands will last forever so long as people don’t ask the impossible from them. Even the Harbor Freight stuff is impressive for the price. LOTS of people here use those too. The bottom line is buy what you like, its your money - but I’m just making a case for what I feel is a more useful use of that money with Gearwrench and Tekton.

I can say my Gearwrench stuff “seems” nicer, not that this matters - cause whatever you get will remove bolts just the same. The Gearwrench brand has been accepted as professional type tools, where as husky and others still get frowned upon sometimes by the elites. I don’t believe there is any practical difference in the sockets other than MAYBE the finish. Tekton is another brand that has gained lots of traction by delivering great tools for the $$. It’s more confidence in the brand more than anything I suppose. I stil say, buy complete sets instead - but if you are only wanting to spend $100 - or are just “in love” with an all black Dewalt Costco set (if thats what it is) - and those sets will get you by for minor maintenance you want to do - then don’t put too much thought into it, and get whatever you’re lusting after.

But the more compete sets are the “smarter buy” if the goal is create the most capable small tool set. You’ll never need to replace those with something better. At most, just add onto them later if you really want a 1/2” set.

Another suggestion - if you wanna get something just for tire removal - I’d suggest Harbor Freight’s 1/2” extendable ratchet, and their flip socket lugnut set. Make quick work of things and they can be left in the car for the possible flat tire.

 

[anndel]

I've seen both and the it and finish of the DeWalt is better. Go with DeWalt irregardless of the warranty.

 

[elMaestro]

In terms of quality, which one of these two toolsets is considered to be of better quality?

 

[BiggityBen]

i started out in the mechanic world years ago with Dewalt sockets and ratchets and Husky combination wrenches. Years later i still have the Dewalt set as backup (upgraded ratchets and sockets mostly to Mac, SO, and SK throughout the years), but i do not have the Husky wrenches. they were garbage. Box ends weren't centered, open jaw had too much meat to fit anywhere, and the finish faded within a year. i do not recommend Husky wrenches unless you're a DIY and they'll spend most of their life being unused. all my Dewalt set still works and looks fine.

 

[TailGunner3000]

For your expressed usage, go with Husky. Warranty is no big deal either way, especially at that price. But the extra pieces might come in handy. Gotta assume 57 extra pieces won't just be allen wrenches. We're not comparing to snap-On here, people.

 

[finn]

I bought two of the 200 piece socket sets from HD when they were on after Christmas clearance at HD for $59. While they are perfectly functional for my purpose, the finish, particularly the stamping quality is less than stellar.

The Dewalt pieces I have seen look a lot better, quality wise.

Dewalt hand tools are widely available in stores as sets and singly, so I don’t understand comments to the contrary.

I also don’t consider the hand wringing about warranty that permeates this site as a valid concern. I have lost far more tools than I have broken.

 

[jetnow1]

I would question the wisdom of using a 1 inch socket on a 3/8 drive, seems like a good way to break the ratchet. I personally would not use any socket over 3/4 on a 3/8 drive, and then only if the 1/2 inch drive would not fit.
One thing I have not seen anyone mention is the need for duplicates for some of the more common sizes. Any of these sets are fine as starter sets, as you work you will find what sizes you use the most( ie all the missing 10 mm posts). I have a 50 chevy truck, I need multiple 1/2, 9/16 and 5/8 tools as well as clutch head tools. I have several tools
for most sizes but am always looking for quality tools in those sizes. Even cheap tools work to a degree, but the hand feel and in use fit of quality tools is so much better. I
rarely use my metric tools except for routine maint on my work truck so I do not spend
a lot of time looking for better ones, same for sae in sizes other than 7/16 thru 3/4.
There are a lot of used tools out there from proto, blackhawk, snapon mattco etc but
early craftsman, and many others were also pretty good. Watch tag sales, swap meets, flea markets and garage sales for the best buys on tools. My Snap on 1 1/8 wrench was
$7 at a flea market.

 

[KnurledNut]

Advanced Auto has stopped carrying Gearwrench .

Yes and no. Same tools different name.