new Craftsman Max Axxes set....

[cbracer]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00932820000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Does anyone know if this accepts the Gearwrench pieces too? I have to say it's quite tempting as a general do most things set. Nobody talks about them on here?

 

[Skin]

unless I'm mistaken its the same as the gearwrench set except the ratchets are a bit better. Both are imported.

 

[mopar66]

Yes the Gearwrench sockets fit.

 

[lowbucktruck]

There were some other threads on the Max Axess set... I think others had the same question about the Gearwrench sockets being interchangeable.
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119833&highlight=craftsman+max+axess

Review of the set on toolguyd: http://toolguyd.com/craftsman-max-axess-mechanics-tool-set-with-pass-thru-ratchet-and-sockets/

 

[JASTECH]

This was on toolguyed, seems the price at Sears is higher now that it's on Sale? It's Imported same as GW, but you can't take C'man stuff back to any store as Sears don't allow it. I just think Sears will be gone and then where do we take C'man stuff for warranty? If you want Import then logic tells me GW or other hi quality Import that can be warrantied in the future.
"The 51-piece set’s $70 price point also makes it more affordable than Gearwrench’s comparable 46-piece set , which is priced at $85-90 on Amazon."

 

[mmack66]

I would buy the 51-piece set, because with the 80-piece set, unless you regularly use them, you are paying for all those torx and hex sockets that negate the pass thru feature.

 

[cbracer]

I would buy the 51-piece set, because with the 80-piece set, unless you regularly use them, you are paying for all those torx and hex sockets that negate the pass thru feature.

I actually need the hex and torx bits. The only downside to CM is they don't have anything larger than 19mm so no 1/2" drive size. If the sockets had adapters to be used with regular ratchets (not the adapters to put regular sockets on these ratchets) then I'd be more interested as I wouldn't have to have multiple sets of sockets. Of course these are all 6 point and not 12 point so anyone with the need of 12 point screws would be screwed. I also need a 24" or 36" extension and a 15mm swivel socket when I take the gearbox out of my Boxster. This set won't do that

I'd love to see this newer technology progress to have more offerings. The old square drive is just so inefficient in transferring torque. I'm guessing most people stay away because it's from China, but the set really does look good.

 

[Givl Reggin]

All this talk about the Craftsman Max Axxes set got my interest, so I went out and bought one - I got the 51-piece set because it was in stock (last one they had at the store) and the 80-piece set is catalog order only.

Very impressed with the ratchets, they are designed like the 'think profile' ratcheted they introduced a few years back. The sockets are if the 'flank drive' design.

The case, while nice and sturdy and has catches that snap close with a positive feel, is a total waste of space, it's way too large for the quantity it holds... this whole set will easily fit in a space about 1/2 of it, maybe even a little less.

I was a little surprised that the sockets are only stamped with the size and weren't laser etched like the rest of the current Craftsman sockets are, hell, even the 3/4" drive stuff is now laser etched!

In comparison I also have the Kobalt pass-through sets and they are laser etched and is the only marking on them, which is unfortunate because it's hard to read as the size of the text is way too small and the laser etching isn't quite as crisp and clean as it could be.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with this set. I didn't know Craftsman offered their own 'pass-through' design untl I read this thread. By the way, the sockets and extensions between the various Craftsman, Kobalt and Gearwrench brands are all interchangeable.

A couple of things I would like to see in this pass-through design are; 1) a universal joint... yeah, I know this would negate the pass-through design, but sometimes a universal joint is the only way to get at a particular bolt, 2) longer extensions, 3) 12-point sockets, and 4) a breaker bar, so that I don't feel that I'm putting too much stress on the ratcheting mechanism.

 

[cbracer]

A couple of things I would like to see in this pass-through design are; 1) a universal joint... yeah, I know this would negate the pass-through design, but sometimes a universal joint is the only way to get at a particular bolt, 2) longer extensions, 3) 12-point sockets, and 4) a breaker bar, so that I don't feel that I'm putting too much stress on the ratcheting mechanism.

Totally agreed! And adapters to use these sockets on normal torque wrenches. It would be the wave of the future if companies wouldn't try to prevent sales of top end products with something like these which could be so much better. I was also thinking the lower price is partially due to the decrease in raw material cost. Think what a small socket costs compared to a large one, you can see how these save material compared to square drive. I want to start a company in the US manufacturing this set but with everything else we need.....