Thoughts on craftsman 309 peice tool set

[GreaseMonkey45170]

Is it a good buy for the money? Or would yall suggest piecing a set of wright together. The local sears still has usa made ones in stock. Any and all help is appreciated

 

[Brownsfan]

I would get it if they still have USA sets left. I wouldn't buy it if china made. The Taiwan Kobalt and now Husky are better made tools now. There are some good deals on theHusky stuff right now. I still think craftsman USA sockets are a great value. All things being equal and imported then the other box stores are a better value. I don't own any Wright but it is highly regarded here. Pretty pricey compared to craftsman. What about SK or USA made Williams. Snap on sockets for 1/4 if the price at toolsdelivered.com

 

[CWP1616L]

Piecing together a Wright set would be a much better idea in my opinion.

 

[oldldh]

Cost effective...

Decent set for the money, if it's USA made...

 

[CWP1616L]

Even the satin finish Wright wrenches are leaps and bounds better than Craftsman RP. Actually, I shouldn't even be putting Wright in the came sentence with Craftsman RP. I hope you people at Wright can forgive me.

 

[TK LP]

On sale for $199.99 right now, how much for a 309 pc. Wright set? To duplicate that set in Wright Tools would be a considerable order of magnitude more expensive. Would your livelihood depend on these tools, or is this a home set?

 

[GreaseMonkey45170]

This is more of of a gift than anything. I've been tryin to get wright through my local industrial supply store. Ive put in a order for a few items they didnt have in stock and said it would be here in a week. Last time i checked with em the "tool orderer" had gotten sick and didnt order. Been three weeks now and still nothing. Still bein patient though.

 

[CWP1616L]

On sale for $199.99 right now, how much for a 309 pc. Wright set? To duplicate that set in Wright Tools would be a considerable order of magnitude more expensive. Would your livelihood depend on these tools, or is this a home set?

And the Wright set would be a considerable order of magnitude more quality for being more expensive.

 

[bcradio]

And the Wright set would be a considerable order of magnitude more quality for being more expensive.

negative Ghost Rider (aka Craftsman hater/troll)

Craftsman makes good tools as does Wright. I would look at your budget and what you want to accomplish with the tools and make your decision from there.

 

[GreaseMonkey45170]

Im just starting out, after school and weekend work at a shop is what they would see. When i graduate i want to become a diesel mechanic.

 

[CWP1616L]

negative Ghost Rider (aka Craftsman hater/troll)

Craftsman makes good tools as does Wright. I would look at your budget and what you want to accomplish with the tools and make your decision from there.

I don't think I qualify as a Craftsman hater/troll and I'll tell you why:

Out of that 309 piece set I'd keep:

1. All of the nut drivers
2. All of the hex L-keys
3. All of the hammers
4. All of the punches and chisels
5. All of the straight slot screwdrivers
6. All of the spark plug gappers and feeler gauges

Everything else I'd sell off.

 

[ssentt]

I'll put it this way.......I'd buy it.

Only weak point is the ratchets IMO.

 

[Brownsfan]

I don't think I qualify as a Craftsman hater/troll and I'll tell you why:

Out of that 309 piece set I'd keep:

1. All of the nut drivers
2. All of the hex L-keys
3. All of the hammers
4. All of the punches and chisels
5. All of the straight slot screwdrivers
6. All of the spark plug gappers and feeler gauges

Everything else I'd sell off.

I don't think that set comes with any of that listed

 

[KF5LCH]

It's a good buy. As stated, IF it's American made, the weakest link will be the ratchets.

 

[krdiesel03]

I just love all the craftsman haters that are using a Chinese computer. The 309 set is a good deal, and you can find coupons to get it down 179.

Is it perfect no, the quality is OK, i agree that the ratchets not that great but they will work. Plus if something breaks there is a sears in every town.


So all of you USA only tool users, why are you using a computer from china? Do you think that sockets that have not changed in 100 years are harder to make than a hard drive?

 

[CWP1616L]

I don't think that set comes with any of that listed

It use to back in 1985; what happened?

 

[Ncognito]

Im just starting out, after school and weekend work at a shop is what they would see. When i graduate i want to become a diesel mechanic.

If you're going to be carrying your tools back and forth from the shop, this set might better suite your needs. I bought this set to carry to school and I love it.

http://www.sears.com/dewalt-socket-set/p-00939204000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[genevabuck]

Is this the set with the chrome ratcheting wrenches?

 

[LB-1911]

Is it a good buy for the money? Or would yall suggest piecing a set of wright together. The local sears still has usa made ones in stock. Any and all help is appreciated

Pick up the USA Set.

PARTS LIST FOR 309 PC. MECHANIC’S TOOL SET #41309 @
http://c.shld.net/assets/misc/spin_prod_540682101.pdf


One of many sources for Wright Tools is HJE

WRIGHT TOOL #750-SET -
11 Pc. Metric Combination Wrench Set 7mm-19mm 12 Pt.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/MetCombWr/750-SET.html

WRIGHT TOOL #A711
11 Pc. Combination Wrench Set 3/8"-1" 12 Pt.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/StandCombWr/A711.html

WRIGHT TOOL #950
Wright Full Polish WrightGrip Metric Wrench Set
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/MetCombWr/950.html

WRIGHT TOOL #A714
14 Pc. Combination Wrench Set 3/8"-1-1/4" 12 Pt.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/StandCombWr/A714.html


Wright Sockets -
http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=wright+socket+sets

 

[GoodEnough]

Harry Epstein seems the most unlikely name for a tool website.

 

[CWP1616L]

I just love all the craftsman haters that are using a Chinese computer. The 309 set is a good deal, and you can find coupons to get it down 179.

Is it perfect no, the quality is OK, i agree that the ratchets not that great but they will work. Plus if something breaks there is a sears in every town.


So all of you USA only tool users, why are you using a computer from china? Do you think that sockets that have not changed in 100 years are harder to make than a hard drive?

I'm using a Chinese computer, but Apple is giving some serious thought into moving production back to California because of all the quality control issues.

 

[krdiesel03]

Yes they bought a old AMD factory in Texas. I bought a MotoX a few weeks ago partially because it was also made is Texas.

 

[monomach]

I would get it if they still have USA sets left. I wouldn't buy it if china made. The Taiwan Kobalt and now Husky are better made tools now. There are some good deals on theHusky stuff right now. toolsdelivered.com

Husky made in China by Apex. The company that makes the Chinese Craftsman stuff everyone hates? Apex. People have been saying Taiwan for a year. I go to HD weekly to look and still haven't seen a hard line tool from Taiwan. Pretty sure it's a myth.

Yeah. I don't recommend jumping on the Husky bandwagon.

 

[Chuck122]

I just love all the craftsman haters that are using a Chinese computer. The 309 set is a good deal, and you can find coupons to get it down 179.

Is it perfect no, the quality is OK, i agree that the ratchets not that great but they will work. Plus if something breaks there is a sears in every town.


So all of you USA only tool users, why are you using a computer from china? Do you think that sockets that have not changed in 100 years are harder to make than a hard drive?

I'm sure the chinese could make nice tools. Its just that they mostly produce budget/cheap/crappy tools.
The coo of my computer has to do with the fact that about all computers are made in China.
Sockets have actually changed quite a bit over the years ( especially craftsman...)
It is not harder to make it is just that China is not very good at making them
It is not about hating it is about preference. It is kind of like if I was making fun of "craftsman lover" because I don't like the tools.
Lots of guys used to love craftsman, me included, that were disappointed when they moved to china. The quality has gone down and to get the same quality, we need to spend more.
To the OP:
I am not a big fan of the x-pieces mega sets because although you get lots of stuff at once, it is not necessarily a sensible tool set for your needs. Take me for instance I used to work mostly on small engines. So I bought a nice set of 1/4 and 3/8 sockets and saved money by not buying 1/2" when I ended up needing 1/2" I had enough money aside to get a nice set. It is a journey and by buying what you need when you need you can get better stuff and burn a few smaller holes in your pockets instead of one big

 

[Brownsfan]

I just love all the craftsman haters that are using a Chinese computer. The 309 set is a good deal, and you can find coupons to get it down 179.

Is it perfect no, the quality is OK, i agree that the ratchets not that great but they will work. Plus if something breaks there is a sears in every town.


So all of you USA only tool users, why are you using a computer from china? Do you think that sockets that have not changed in 100 years are harder to make than a hard drive?

The answer to this is very simple. What choice do we have? If there was a choice and the cost differance was similar to tools a lot of people would buy them. No one cares that electronics are made over seas. Why? Because we have accepted it and we have no choice in the matter. Now if we accept it with tools then companies will move production. If we keep buying USA made tools then they will keep making them here. So don't accept it. Don't buy the 309pc set even if it is a good deal and china made. I promise if everyone stopped buying china craftsman then they will A) move back to USA or B) lower prices to HF levels

 

[GreaseMonkey45170]

Any more input?

 

[Brownsfan]

Husky made in China by Apex. The company that makes the Chinese Craftsman stuff everyone hates? Apex. People have been saying Taiwan for a year. I go to HD weekly to look and still haven't seen a hard line tool from Taiwan. Pretty sure it's a myth.

Yeah. I don't recommend jumping on the Husky bandwagon.

Some sets are Taiwan. Some promo screwdriver sets are Taiwan made. Loose ratchet are Taiwan. But some are china as well. It's hit or miss. The ball end hex sets are Taiwan. I would take the new husky stuff over this **** craftsman calls tools. I have seen some of the china craftsman sockets and the husky stuff blows it away.

 

[cuengineer]

I got the 309 pc set last year when it was on sale for less than $200, common sale price. It is a good set for the money and is especially nice if you need sockets up to 1" or 22 mm. Also, one unique feature is the ratcheting combination wrenches that come with it (although I actually like the Gear Wrench ones better). If you ever anticipate needing the larger sizes, it is good to get a larger set that come with them. Over the years, I have had a few Craftsman sockets fail but not many. The most common failure has been with ratchets. BTW, the Craftsman warranty no longer says they will replace any hand tool that fails, it says they will replace or repair -- think this is because of the ratchets. I have taken back a 1/2" ratchet that was brand new because the ball would not keep the socket on. They tried to replace it with an old one that had been repaired. They repaired mine when I pointed out that the other one had someone else's name engraved on it. Note that the 309 pc. set does NOT come with any kind of case -- it is only the tools in a cardboard box. Also, recognize that it comes with lots of junk tools that you might already have such as screwdriver bits, hex wrenches, etc. I usually figure on paying about $1.00 each for the number of sockets in a set.

I got my son one of the 255-pc sets that comes with a tool box with removable drawers that is pretty nice as well. You can watch Sears and often get this for $149 instead of the usual $299. I try to anticipate what I need and NEVER pay more than 50% of regular price.

I did recently get one of the 220 pc. sets to keep in my truck since it was on sale, and I could get it for about $65 instead of the usual $199, but often on sale for 1/2 price. My son also got one about the same time for about $75. It has a pretty good variety but needs one of the 4 pc. socket adapter sets like you can get from HF for a few bucks. Also, various extensions come in handy. The adapters and extensions make the set a LOT more flexible.

Most of my tools are Craftsman, and I have never had too much trouble with them even though I have sometimes had to abuse them such as using a 4-ft (maybe a 6-ft) pipe on the 1/2" pull handle to loosen a stubborn bolt! Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get the job done. One of the things I have learned over the years is that the right wrench will often significantly shorten the time for repair or make it possible when it would not otherwise be possible. So having a wide variety of good quality tools seems to be more important to me than having the absolutely best quality -- although when I was working with old, rusty bolts growing up on the farm, a better quality might have occasionally reduced the use of chisels to cut off nuts/bolts. On the other hand, I would not have been happy about planting (losing) wrenches that were expensive to replace. Everyone has to figure out the cost/benefit aspect for their usage. You might also plan ahead. I am over 60 now and anticipate my tools eventually going being split among my sons so I look at them as a family investment.

 

[Moose97]

You're still in school and just learning the trade, they will be great. You can add to them and /or replace them later if you wish when you are making money. They will do you just fine. I've been using Craftsman for 30 years and I've never had a problem. Good luck!

 

[cuengineer]

One last comment about the Craftsman ***-pc sets is that they usually come with both standard and metric sockets. Sometimes it would be nice to buy one or the other instead of getting duplicates. Of course, the thing you really want to avoid as much as possible is buying a bunch of individual sockets -- way expensive.

 

[GoodEnough]

I got my son one of the 255-pc sets that comes with a tool box with removable drawers that is pretty nice as well. You can watch Sears and often get this for $149 instead of the usual $299. I try to anticipate what I need and NEVER pay more than 50% of regular price.
.

On sale now for $149 ! What a deal.....Great way to start.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935255000P

 

[GoodEnough]

One of the things I have learned over the years is that the right wrench will often significantly shorten the time for repair or make it possible when it would not otherwise be possible.

Do you mean wrenches or the right tool, in general?
If you meant wrenches specifically, which do you mean?

 

[cuengineer]

I actually meant both, i.e., wrenches that are the right length to provide needed leverage but still fit within the space available. Also to fit around other stuff that may be in the way -- like the right length extension or the offset in the right place. Modern front wheel drive cars are pretty tight under the hood. For example, try to change the plugs on one with a V6. A lot more difficult than on my '79 Camaro with the 350 small block. Hard to do without giving blood. Also, I really like my GW ratcheting combination wrenches that allow me to loosen/tighten nuts in tight places without taking the wrench off repeatedly.

Sometimes it does take the right tool to do specialized jobs such as suspension work, torquing , etc. The right tool will sometimes reduce the brute force needed or allow better control in putting something back together.

 

[GreaseMonkey45170]

Any more opinions

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Any more opinions

I bought that set for $199.99 this summer. It was a low cost way to replace a row of dime store sockets in my vehicle boxes.. And; fill in some gaps... Those Craftsman ratchets (rat-shits) however, were replaced by ProTo ratchets. This Craftsman set is nothing to brag about. But for the price, and my intended use of those sockets; I didn't get stung.. If you need a low cost starter set, this should be ok.. Plan on a ratchet upgrade... The ratcheting wrenches """"""look ok", but they are products of China, so they don't win my vote for that reason..

 

[CWP1616L]

Last edited by CWP1616L; 12-18-2013 at 02:09 PM.

 

[sberry]

Buy it, its a great set for the money.

 

[GoodEnough]

Any more opinions

Never understood the hate towards the ratchets.
Mine work great. They ratchet. What else you need?
Some people are just very picky, I guess.

 

[Doug B]

Based on what you've told us, ( age,just starting out,future plans etc.) I would say buy the set.
I started with a Craftsman set (99 pieces,iirc) over 35 years ago,adding pieces along the way. I still have many of the original set,including one ratchet.
Granted,I am not a pro,but I do alot of my own work and the tools have done what I needed them to do.

 

[warweapon762]

Some sets are Taiwan. Some promo screwdriver sets are Taiwan made. Loose ratchet are Taiwan. But some are china as well. It's hit or miss. The ball end hex sets are Taiwan. I would take the new husky stuff over this **** craftsman calls tools. I have seen some of the china craftsman sockets and the husky stuff blows it away.

I agree, the Husky stuff right now is actually really good.