Need Help! Looking for a tool set for my dad.

[billjohnston]

My dad is your typical weekend mechanic....working on cars such as a 1996 Ford F250, 2001 Honda Accord, 2009 Chevy Tahoe, and 1999 Mercury Mountaineer. He has been using some really cheap tools for quite some time...and i would like to get him a very nice tool set...to meet all the needs of a weekend mechanic. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...as my knowledge on tools is very limited. I've linked a set below (just as an example of something I've looked at)....but honestly, really do not have a clue where to begin. Thanks again for any help!

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...s+Tool+Sets&prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=L12

 

[85camaro]

Begin at www.snapon.com

 

[jjjrmx5]

Begin at www.snapon.com

^^^^^^^^^^^
LOL.

Actually, begin with a budget first and then an overall idea of what type of work he needs to actually do.

For now, the Craftsman tools sets are still an awesome way to get a lot of tools that are crucial and then fill in the rest with sets as the money becomes available.

In the past I've bought the 100 piece, 200 piece and 250 C'man sets for various jobs or remote location contracts and they have served me well.

Tools are not cheap (well outside of the HF realm-LOL) and unless a pro, Snap-On will drain your wallet and leave you far short of the tools you need if not used professionally or have an endless bank account. If you go internet sales, search here at GJ as S-K, Duralast , Armstrong and Williams all make quality tools and available as sets and individual tools.

Until you set a budget , it's hard how to best maximize what you get for what you're spending unless just going for volume and not quality.

 

[billjohnston]

Until you set a budget , it's hard how to best maximize what you get for what you're spending unless just going for volume and not quality.

Haha..yeah, I checked out the snap-on site.....very expensive! My budget is between $150-$300 (USD), and my dad does mostly weekend car stuff (in his own garage) like changing oil, changing brake pads, changing the sway bar, changing an alternator, etc.

I really just have a clue what to purchase in that range? A 100 piece, 150 piece, a higher quality 50 piece?? What set would you guys say is the sweet spot? Would $300 get me a much better set than $200...or simply a few more pieces? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

 

[billjohnston]

Also, if anyone has a suggestion for an alternative purchase (instead of the set) in the $250 range that you have found has been a great addition to your mechanics tool collection...I would welcome those as well. Thanks.

FWIW...his original christmas request was for a really cheap socket set. Wanted to surprise him with something nice.

 

[Wes28376]

In that price range this would be my choice:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00927032000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

 

[greasemonkey44]

honestly id get him a big craftsman set with some nicer ratchets
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
then get some of the thin profile ratchets; he will be very happy

 

[bobemmerich]

This would be a good bet for that.....
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

That leaves enough money left for things like pliers, screwdrivers, prybar and a brake pad spreader.
Such as:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00945411000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5
And:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947136000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5
And:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947365000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3
And:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_005W434122320001P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[NUTTSGT]

The set you posted would be nice to start with. Does he have a decent box to put them in ? If not, what's your Mom going to get him, maybe she could pick up a small box.

If not maybe you could get both tools and a box. Maybe a smaller tool set to build from. . .

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...nics+Tool+Sets&prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=L6

A small decent roller bearing slide box to keep them in.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...e&sName=Chests&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=L1





Wow, some guys posted while I was looking too. Like Bob post above me, this is a deal.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[GoBlue]

cant go wrong with Craftsman. Myself and a lot of other guys use a ton of their stuff professionally with no issues.

 

[billjohnston]

Thanks guys.

I'm gonna work my way through these great suggestions and see what looks good.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Just remember those links that Bob posted, the sales end Dec 3rd. You might be able to order online and use a coupon code too,save a few more bucks

 

[blarf]

cant go wrong with Craftsman. Myself and a lot of other guys use a ton of their stuff professionally with no issues.

Yeah and how old is your Craftsman stuff? Anything produced in the past few years is going to be **** (even if you manage to find some USA made stuff).

Be careful what you buy on Sears.com (or from ACE). If you buy, for instance, "old" sockets that aren't laser etched... good luck getting warranty replacements in the store. Then again, good luck not cutting yourself on the chipping, rusted chrome.

To the OP: $300 doesn't give you a huge budget, especially considering you'll want both bigger stuff for the trucks and smaller stuff for the Honda. You definitely can't get him a *very nice* set, but you might be able to swing something less shittacular than Craftsman.

The Craftsman sets you're looking at will include a bunch of stuff he won't use (hex keys, screwdriver bits, maybe some of the SAE stuff depending on what GM/Ford have been doing for the past few years), stuff he won't want to use (awful bargain basement quality Craftsman ratchets), and stuff he won't need to use (extensions, nut driver, spinner, etc that are going to be comparable or worse quality than what he has already). Plus all of the Craftsman sets I've seen lack pieces that you'll really WANT (that he may or may not already have) like breaker bars and universal joint adapters. The stubby wrenches in one of the sets are nice when needed, but might not be something he'll use very often (if at all).

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: spend $300 on a much smaller set of tools he'll use regularly. In this case, he already has tools. Ask him what he uses most often, then seek out better quality replacements of that. Take a look at what he already has, report back, and start filling in the holes.

$300 could get a couple of extremely nice SnapOn ratchets or a socket set + a couple of ratchets from Wright, and so-on. Do you really want to give him rust for Christmas?

 

[GoBlue]

The RP wrenches that are currently being made are IMHO the best Craftsman have ever sold. They are profile milled for the first time ever, fit tighter than ever and are available in a huge variety of sizes and configurations. I have sockets both impact and chrome of recent make as well as pry bars, screw drivers, etc...No problems with any of it. I have a lot of old Craftsman...and a lot of new Craftsman. I know what im getting before i buy it and am rarely disappointed. I can understand people not liking the RP ratchets, but dont go overboard. Do you honestly think a weekend warrior needs Snap on ratchets?

 

[blarf]

He wants sockets, you want to spend $250. Okay.

Wright #354 — 14 pc 3/8" drive, 6pt, metric socket set (6-19mm)
Wright #466 — 16 pc 1/2" drive, 6pt, metric socket set (10-27mm)

$250.

SK #13 — 13 pc 3/8" drive, 6pt, metric socket set (7-19mm)
SK #1955 —*@#$15 pc 1/2" drive, 6pt, metric socket set (10-24mm)
SK #40170 — 15" 1/2" drive ratchet
$250.

 

[90gt]

This would be a good bet for that.....
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

That leaves enough money left for things like pliers, screwdrivers, prybar and a brake pad spreader.
Such as:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00945411000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5
And:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947136000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5
And:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947365000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3
And:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_005W434122320001P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

^that seems like a really good combination. If you're looking to spend a little more, go to HF and buy the red tool cart, use a coupon that you can find on this site to get it for 150...
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-cabinets-and-carts/five-drawer-service-cart-95272.html

 

[jjjrmx5]

Yeah and how old is your Craftsman stuff? Anything produced in the past few years is going to be **** (even if you manage to find some USA made stuff).

Be careful what you buy on Sears.com (or from ACE). If you buy, for instance, "old" sockets that aren't laser etched... good luck getting warranty replacements in the store. Then again, good luck not cutting yourself on the chipping, rusted chrome.

To the OP: $300 doesn't give you a huge budget, especially considering you'll want both bigger stuff for the trucks and smaller stuff for the Honda. You definitely can't get him a *very nice* set, but you might be able to swing something less shittacular than Craftsman.

The Craftsman sets you're looking at will include a bunch of stuff he won't use (hex keys, screwdriver bits, maybe some of the SAE stuff depending on what GM/Ford have been doing for the past few years), stuff he won't want to use (awful bargain basement quality Craftsman ratchets), and stuff he won't need to use (extensions, nut driver, spinner, etc that are going to be comparable or worse quality than what he has already). Plus all of the Craftsman sets I've seen lack pieces that you'll really WANT (that he may or may not already have) like breaker bars and universal joint adapters. The stubby wrenches in one of the sets are nice when needed, but might not be something he'll use very often (if at all).

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: spend $300 on a much smaller set of tools he'll use regularly. In this case, he already has tools. Ask him what he uses most often, then seek out better quality replacements of that. Take a look at what he already has, report back, and start filling in the holes.

$300 could get a couple of extremely nice SnapOn ratchets or a socket set + a couple of ratchets from Wright, and so-on. Do you really want to give him rust for Christmas?

blarf, I respect your right to have an opinion, but I therefore have the right to fully proclaim in my opinion that you are a disgruntled former Craftsman buyer, a tool elitist or just a plain old crabby and unhappy dude in front of a computer that loves to never be happy about anything out there that is for sale .

Please don't take that as a jab. I've met all three types during my lifetime many times over so I really find it de rigour..

To the OP, while Craftsman sets may be filled with, as the resident tool expert blarf proclaims, "****" , some of the tools may be filler but none the less are tools and may or will likely be used some day.

Wait---nevermind. go buy 2.5 Snap-On F80 ratchets and I want to see the pic of the recipients face and request it be posted in this thread on 26 December to see his joy along with the look on his face doing a "wtf--$300 only bought you WHAT?"

LOL and <3.

Sorry for helping out.

 

[blarf]

When have I ever suggested SnapOn or anything close to SnapOn prices was the ideal solution. SO was used as an example, followed by cheaper items that still happen to be far superior to the drek that Sears sells.

Four year old S-K:

Brand new Craftsman (note what appears to be rust, and the sloppy, half-assed finishing on the inside):

I can understand people not liking the RP ratchets, but dont go overboard. Do you honestly think a weekend warrior needs Snap on ratchets?

The OP asked for "very nice", the raised panel Craftsman stuff doesn't even come close to nice. Even if the internals weren't junk quality-wise (do I really need to put a link to the ratchet shootout?), the handles are uncomfortable and the mechanism has few teeth compared to the alternatives. Has the build quality improved since they moved production to China? Probably.

Do I think a weekend warrior NEEDS SnapOn? No. But, I used SnapOn ratchets as an example of how far $250 of "very nice" tools will go. Seriously, if you want cheap Chinese ratchets why would you go to Sears? At least Harbor Freight has some nice SnapOn clones for the same (perhaps lower) cost.

 

[Wes28376]

Do I think a weekend warrior NEEDS SnapOn? No. But, I used SnapOn ratchets as an example of how far $250 of "very nice" tools will go. Seriously, if you want cheap Chinese ratchets why would you go to Sears? At least Harbor Freight has some nice SnapOn clones for the same (perhaps lower) cost.

I think the phrase "Really Nice" is subjective. The OP said his father was using really cheap tools. So while Craftsman wouldn't be really nice for someone that uses truck brand tools it would most likely be a nice upgrade for his father.

 

[billjohnston]

Well, now I'm confused. The craftsman look great to me. Would you guys think they are low quality and contain a lot of tools that would never be used? What about between something like these two:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GJZACQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[Wes28376]

Well, now I'm confused. The craftsman look great to me. Would you guys think they are low quality and contain a lot of tools that would never be used? What about between something like these two:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GJZACQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

You are going to get a ton of opinions on here. People argue tool brands just like Ford and Chevy guys argue with each other. Is there anyway you could get us pictures of tools he's working with now? That would give us a good baseline to start with.

Personally, I think the Craftsman set you listed above is a good choice. Combine that with the ratchets in the link below and he would have a nice set.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942055000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

 

[buick215]

I would go with the craftsman. You and your father don't need expensive tools if they are for weekend use.

 

[greasemonkey44]

honestly bill
they get too wound up; god knows why
i use plenty of cman, snapon, matco, wright, and gp and honestly craftsman would be a good fit for your dad
easily warrantied; accessible and upgrade-able. They make a good product for a good price. They are homeowner tools; and they do a great job for a good price
That is my recommendation, don't listen to the tool snobs, they just get too wound up

 

[billjohnston]

Sorry...but my dad lives in a different state and I can't get pictures.

 

[JimDon]

Take a look at that Duralast set at AutoZone for $99. Just a thought. BTW, I have a lot of older Craftsman, Gearwrench, Channellock, Klein, Stanley, Proto, SK, Matco,Vaco, Kreuter, Wright, Bonney, Wilde, Bluepoint, some Duralast, Horrible Fright, and a bunch of others. Have broken very few in over 44 years of some really hard use.
Cheers,
JimDon

 

[blarf]

I think the phrase "Really Nice" is subjective. The OP said his father was using really cheap tools. So while Craftsman wouldn't be really nice for someone that uses truck brand tools it would most likely be a nice upgrade for his father.

BTW, I've two truck pieces (SnapOn), a few Hazet odds and ends that were otherwise difficult to find from other brands and the rest is from all sorts of other places. I'd say the Stanley and OTC stuff I have is both cheaper and nicer than the contemporary Craftsman stuff.

If you guys wanna label me a snob because I don't like picking chrome flakes from Craftsman tools out of my thumb, breaking Craftsman sockets and ratchets with my bare hands... so be it... but I'm still not quite sure what the point is of rallying around sets from Sears with loads of filler tools when the OP's dad already HAS tools. Quality over quantity and all that.

Well, now I'm confused. The craftsman look great to me. Would you guys think they are low quality and contain a lot of tools that would never be used? What about between something like these two:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GJZACQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

The Wright stuff is essentially SnapOn quality. That ratchet is comparable to the now discontinued "Craftsman Premium" ratchet, not the bargain basement "raised panel" one included in the Craftsman set. So, no contest.

Take (one of) your dad's ratchets to Sears and compare it to the Craftsman ones (if your store has any in stock). If you think it's a step up from what your dad has, buy Craftsman. If you don't, don't.

As for filler, ask your dad which of his tools he uses most often. Chances are if he's asking for sockets, those are the things he uses most often. You've listed three newish American vehicles and a Honda. Chances are there's not a lot of fractional/SAE stuff on there (but see my point about asking your dad what he ends up using all the time). Maybe half the tools in the Crafsman set are SAE. Does that sound like filler to you?

If you're looking at 3/8" sets, consider:

http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/sk03065.html

That ratchet is still way nicer than the low end Sears "raised panel" ratchets, and you've still got $100-$150 to spend on something else (or put towards your savings).

 

[blarf]

And are you guys saying i should definitely get some thin profile ratchets?

Pretty much anything is better than the raised panel ratchets. Take a look at Harbor Freight or AutoZone as well if you're looking to save money.

What are the ratchets that come with the set?

The "raised panel" ratchets.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71734

 

[WR250F]

Buy the Craftsman

I do the majority of my own wrenching at home. Some as hobby, some as necessity, from headlight replacement to a full motor and trans rebuild. I use tools from various mfrs, with the majority being Craftsman.

The Craftsman tools have held up fine. As Wes indicated, they are a great value for the money, if you need anything replaced Sears will warranty them on the spot.

The truck tools vs cheaper brands, Ford vs Chevy, 9mm vs 45 ACP running arguments are all the same... they will never end because some people need to announce to the public why their personal decision is best as a way to reinforce in their own mind they made the right decision.

The fact is, most tools available from Sears are of pretty good quality, just like a Chevy or Ford pick up is pretty good quality. No matter how good a Ford or Chevy truck might be, it will never be a H1 Hummer.

Anytime you see a shrimp of a guy driving a Hummer H1, you can bet he's gonna start spewing about how much better his Hummer is than other trucks. It may be better for some things, but for my needs, a Ford or Chevy will do just fine and I could care less about why a Hummer is better than a Ford.

Craftsman is the Ford/Chevy of tools. You can spend more, a LOT more, but will doing so provide any genuine benefit ?

As far as ratchets, one good option (both quality and price) is Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/catalo...tchet&mode=grid&RequestData=CA_CategoryExpand

HF sells a lot of low quality import stuff, but the ratchets are excellent, especially the composite ratchets. I have a couple and use them regularly and they are glass smooth and have held up just fine. Best $12 I've spent on tools since I can remember

BTW, in my humble opinion, the 255 piece set Bob posted the link to is an outstanding value for $149. I might have to grab one of those for myself to give this Christmas

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[pipsters]

Well, now I'm confused. The craftsman look great to me. Would you guys think they are low quality and contain a lot of tools that would never be used? What about between something like these two:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GJZACQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

That 255 pc set is actually a killer deal @ that price, and could give you a good base, however I agree there is a lot of fluff except the sockets. Only thing I would do is consider the thin profile ratchets. They are on sale now for $70 online. These should still be stamped USA coming from the warehouse, if not take them to the local Sears and swap them out of the USA versions.

First a disclaimer - I'm pro-USA kinda guy and love seeing "Made in USA" on my hand tools. Craftsman is the cheapest domestic source of US tools and therefore I have bought a lot of their stuff.

I fully acknowledge they produce some crappy stuff now and then, and in the same product line. Sometimes they get some really crappy sockets. Great thing is you can take them back and get new ones, and hand pick the new one you want.

Now, for starters, I have the 263 pc set linked to above, got it from the parents a few years out of college back in 2007. The value in these sets are the sockets.

In that set, I most regularly used the 3/8" deep and shallow metric sockets. Next up was the 1/4" deep and shallow metric, and after that the 1/2".

The wrenches I liked but there weren't enough of them. The hex keys are OK but don't come with a holder which makes them a pain to use.

The spark plug socket I do use.

Screwdriver/nut drivers, not really.

That'll get him started at way less than what folks want for a tool truck set. On that note, I leave you with this picture, that is a Craftsman tray from that 263 pc socket set sitting on top of the engine compartment. I pulled an engine/****** with that set, and a few small pieces added onto it. If you can do that, you can pretty much do anything on a car...

 

[WR250F]

Excellent post pipsters

 

[blarf]

I fully acknowledge they produce some crappy stuff now and then, and in the same product line. Sometimes they get some really crappy sockets. Great thing is you can take them back and get new ones, and hand pick the new one you want.

BTW, the trend (here at least) has been for the stores to carry less and less Craftsman stuff. I never saw the premium ratchets in the stores, I don't see many sockets on the shelves, and I'm pretty sure none around me have the individual "thin profile" ones in stock (meaning no in-store warranty replacements).

I won't launch into how I've broken various Craftsman odds and ends, but it wasn't doing anything a involved as removing an engine.

 

[TreePointer]

I just brought home that 263 pc Craftsman set today. It wasn't available in my store but it was discounted to $159 online for the Black Friday sales and it want FAST! After an extra online discount, I got it for $149. It's essentially the same set as the 255 pc Craftsman with a few minor exceptions:

What the 255 has that the 263 doesnt:
T-15 torx bit socket
T-20 torx bit socket
T-25 torx bit socket
T-30 torx bit socket
T-40 torx bit socket
T-45 torx bit socket
T-50 torx bit socket
17mm combination wrench

What the 263 has that the 255 doesn't:
21mm socket 12pt metric (3/8 drive)
1/4" to 3/8" drive adapter
18mm combination wrench
10 pc combination ignition wrench set METRIC
1/4" universal joint
3/8" universal joint
1/2" universal joint

Each tray is essentially dedicated to a ratchet drive size (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2). I think I'm really going to like the tray system.

 

[wreckerman5357]

He's going to need the SAE stuff for the '96 F250. I have a '94 F250 and my dad has a '97, you wont find any metric bolts on those pickups. Some of the last holdouts for SAE fasteners.

 

[pipsters]

BTW, the trend (here at least) has been for the stores to carry less and less Craftsman stuff. I never saw the premium ratchets in the stores, I don't see many sockets on the shelves, and I'm pretty sure none around me have the individual "thin profile" ones in stock (meaning no in-store warranty replacements).

I won't launch into how I've broken various Craftsman odds and ends, but it wasn't doing anything a involved as removing an engine.

***** you break stuff, I haven't (knock on wood) broken a single Craftsman tool other than my 3/8" RP ratchet that I put to a 4' steel pipe. In fact when I pulled that engine I used a 1/2" impact that pulled a staked 34mm axle nut off a 15 year old car on a 3/8" drive 15mm socket and it didn't even flinch. The nut was so rusted it didn't bust it off and I had to put heat to it. Needless to say I was impressed with the durability of those sockets.

Also used a 1/2" drive 17mm to pull the flex plate bolts off that engine. Again, good as new.

Craftsman will probably all be sourced from Asia soon enough. IMO why not buy it now, while it's still US made? Good quality that will have excellent resale on ebay once the switch happens.

 

[pipsters]

I just brought home that 263 pc Craftsman set today. It wasn't available in my store but it was discounted to $159 online for the Black Friday sales and it want FAST! After an extra online discount, I got it for $149. It's essentially the same set as the 255 pc Craftsman with a few minor exceptions:

What the 255 has that the 263 doesnt:
T-15 torx bit socket
T-20 torx bit socket
T-25 torx bit socket
T-30 torx bit socket
T-40 torx bit socket
T-45 torx bit socket
T-50 torx bit socket
17mm combination wrench

What the 263 has that the 255 doesn't:
21mm socket 12pt metric (3/8 drive)
1/4" to 3/8" drive adapter
18mm combination wrench
10 pc combination ignition wrench set METRIC
1/4" universal joint
3/8" universal joint
1/2" universal joint

Each tray is essentially dedicated to a ratchet drive size (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2). I think I'm really going to like the tray system.

Thanks for breaking it down, I wasn't sure by looking at it. IMO the 255 is the better buy. I actually bought the universal joints, extensions, and adapters for $17 last black friday. I think normally that set goes for around $40.

 

[TreePointer]

No problem on the break down. I already had done the all the work just before BF to figure out which set I wanted.

Since I already had a good set of torx bits and Wiha T-handle drivers, I went with the 263 pc. set.

 

[pipsters]

No problem on the break down. I already had done the all the work just before BF to figure out which set I wanted.

Since I already had a good set of torx bits and Wiha T-handle drivers, I went with the 263 pc. set.

Makes sense

 

[billjohnston]

I really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge. Even though Blarf did link some nice looking pieces, I went ahead and placed my order for the craftsman 255 pc set. Very happy to have most here comment on that set being a great value...and felt like it would serve my dad well. Obviously, I now need to buy a nice ratchet set. I have linked a few choices below. Would one of these work well as an addition to the 255 piece set? Thanks!

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00929498000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944992000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalo...tchet&mode=grid&RequestData=CA_CategoryExpand

 

[boostedgt]

i'd search around for some used snap on/matco/cornwell ratchets

 

[pipsters]

I really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge. Even though Blarf did link some nice looking pieces, I went ahead and placed my order for the craftsman 255 pc set. Very happy to have most here comment on that set being a great value...and felt like it would serve my dad well. Obviously, I now need to buy a nice ratchet set. I have linked a few choices below. Would one of these work well as an addition to the 255 piece set? Thanks!

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00929498000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944992000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalo...tchet&mode=grid&RequestData=CA_CategoryExpand

Well for starters that first set I believe has been discontinued. Those were great ratchets that had about a 12 month run.

Second set can be had cheaper in my post above, $70 - $5 "sears2011" coupon so $65.

Downside is, they are switching those to Taiwan so you may or may not get US ratchets. If you have US ratchets in stock at your local Sears you can swap them out.

Harbor Freight sells decent quality tools for next to nothing BUT they are made in China or Taiwan. Depends on if you care about that or not.

If you do, I would either attempt the Craftsman thin profile set OR get a decent 3/8" ratchet since that is 90% his go-to ratchet anyways. You then have a choice, quick release or no quick release, which means you press the button on top and the socket pops off vs. just pulling it off.

Personal preference, you might want to ask him and come back to us, as that will determine which direction you go...

FWIW those standard Craftsman ratchets in that kit really aren't that bad. I used them and personally find I like them.