Tool set in blow molded case, recommendations please

[Snaparxon]

Looking to buy blow-molded case kit with 1/4" and 3/8" SAE and metric shallow and deep sockets, ratchets ,extensions etc, SAE and metric combo wrenches, couple screwdrivers and a couple pair of pliers. Something like that anyway. Matco Silver Eagle has one, SAB122SEA that looks ok but I have no experience with the Matco or Cornwell Blue Power, been around the Blue Point stuff and it seems ok.
Prefer a truck brand or better quality set that some no name Amazon set.
Recommendations?

EDIT: I chose a used Craftsman 34118 over a 35154 or 33670. It had 1/4" and 3/8" dr and room for storage so I could add a few tools like pliers and wrenches. I wanted a good hinge that wouldn't break over time from many opening cycles and good latches to keep the case shut. I also didn't want to lug around the extra weight of 1/2" drive tools that I don't need. If I ever lost or broke a socket or ratchet there is tons on the used market to replace with. Craftsman has a huge choice of arrangements and the old stuff is made in USA, newer stuff is foriegn made. I was amazed, looking through some Craftsman tool catalogs on Internet Archives, just how many different sets Craftsman offered over the years, they really led the pack and were ahead of everybody else in the portable tool kit options.

Here are some other brand/part numbers I considered:

Blue Point, blpgssct71, blpgssc100b, blpgssct70b

Cornwell cbp116st(a), cbp175st, cbp288st

Case IH SC99953A, SC99980CEA , SC99980A

New Holland SN99953A, SN99980A

Mac E034835-US

Matco sab101se, sab122se

 

[Ohio Andy]

Let me start by saying I had no clue that even existed.

And I was looking at something similar. I never really found something like what you listed. Since I really like wright fool, I have looked at some of their cases and they're prepackaged sets especially in blow molded cases, or generally speaking all SAE or for certain not mixed sae and metric and mixed sizes.

For my blow molded case said I ended up with an SK, which is for certain not tool truck quality, but they have a really nice selection in terms of what they include. But there are absolutely no wrenches in there. Initially I didn't care for the ratchets just because I don't prefer how you switch directions. They have kind of grown on me though since they work well and held up. The big problem with blow molded cases is that you cannot simply pull one ratchet and replace it with a very different ratchet. I own USA made SK ratchets and they won't even almost fit in the same spots, as you would expect.

Amazon.com: SK Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Socket with 216-P Ratchet, 149-Piece, SAE & Metric, SuperKrome Finish, with Storage Suitcase : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: SK Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Socket with 216-P Ratchet, 149-Piece, SAE & Metric, SuperKrome Finish, with Storage Suitcase : Tools & Home Improvement

a.co

My blow molded case with wrenches is actually a Craftsman overdrive set. The wrenches they include are really nice. Okay, they are a little tight-fitting but they grip very well. They're also pretty long. I will admit I prefer the wrenches from wright tool, but these are pretty nice and both the wrenches and the sockets use what they call tight torque technology that work really well on rounded bolts.

Amazon.com: CRAFTSMAN OVERDRIVE 154-Piece Gunmetal Chrome Mechanics Tool Set, Standard SAE/Metric Socket Set, with Hard Case (CMMT99154L) : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: CRAFTSMAN OVERDRIVE 154-Piece Gunmetal Chrome Mechanics Tool Set, Standard SAE/Metric Socket Set, with Hard Case (CMMT99154L) : Tools & Home Improvement

a.co

I like them well enough I even purchased their larger set that is currently for some odd reason. $100 off.

Amazon.com: CRAFTSMAN OVERDRIVE 284-Piece Gunmetal Chrome Mechanics Tool Set, Standard SAE/Metric Socket Set, with Hard Case (CMMT99284) : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: CRAFTSMAN OVERDRIVE 284-Piece Gunmetal Chrome Mechanics Tool Set, Standard SAE/Metric Socket Set, with Hard Case (CMMT99284) : Tools & Home Improvement

a.co

I really do like the quarter inch ratchet, but the back drag on the larger ratchets are a little higher than I like. But frankly they work for me so far and I've used them quite a bit.

At the end of the day what I ended up doing, besides owning all these blow molded cases as I built out a separate SAE and metric set. The SAE said is 1/4 and 3/8 in from wright tool. It has a lot of stuff that I've not seen in blow molded case versions, but it all sits in a single rather heavy metal case that I can grab and carry. It has a larger range of sockets plus it has things like 8 -point sockets that I've never seen in a blow molded case as well as a set of miscellaneous socket things.

I then built a similar set for metric that I did using Proto. Same thing, larger than normal. Set for 1/4 and 3/8 in.

I use some magnetic folders that will actually hold the sockets even when they're mounted on the sides, so it's pretty easy for me to grab whatever I want on it. It absolutely does not have the convenience of a blow molded case though.

But I really wanted to reply to this because I'm very curious. What will we mentioned. Even reading your question? I learned something news since I didn't know of it when you reference even existed. Looks pretty reasonable too.

With wright tool i was used to things such as

Wright Tool 339-MC 3/8" Dr 6 Pt Standard & Deep Blow Mold Socket Set​

 

[four.cycle]

The big problem with blow molded cases is that you cannot simply pull one ratchet and replace it with a very different ratchet.

^ or pretty much anything else, unless the sockets are exactly the same size/shape/length.

Prefer a truck brand or better quality set that some no name Amazon set.

Definitely NOT a "truck brand", but a considerably better product than the "no name Amazon" stuff:

For the kind of money you'll spend on the Matco SAB122SEA ($674.95), you could have a
TEKTON SKT05303 $80 - $90
TEKTON SKT15311 $125 - $135
TEKTON WCB91202 $115

at the high end, that's about $340 (exclusive of sales tax and shipping.)

You'd have more than enough left over to buy some decent Klein lineman's pliers and needle-noses, a pair of Malco Eagle Grips, a full set of Vessel Megadora screwdrivers, and you'd still have beer money.
(or, alternatively, you could throw in a set of TEKTON SAE combos.)

Just my two cents.

 

[lugnut71]

Tekton

 

[Snaparxon]

^ or pretty much anything else, unless the sockets are exactly the same size/shape/length.


Definitely NOT a "truck brand", but a considerably better product than the "no name Amazon" stuff:

For the kind of money you'll spend on the Matco SAB122SEA ($674.95), you could have a
TEKTON SKT05303 $80 - $90
TEKTON SKT15311 $125 - $135
TEKTON WCB91202 $115

at the high end, that's about $340 (exclusive of sales tax and shipping.)

You'd have more than enough left over to buy some decent Klein lineman's pliers and needle-noses, a pair of Malco Eagle Grips, a full set of Vessel Megadora screwdrivers, and you'd still have beer money.
(or, alternatively, you could throw in a set of TEKTON SAE combos.)

Just my two cents.

Tekton

I'm looking for 1 case/box with everything, not multiple cases to pack around. need something to grab quickly, and will let me know I'm missing a tool.

 

[Loud Lyle]

Crescent Set
Not quite tool truck quality but a handy set to keep in a vehicle. I wrench for a living and I keep this one in my personal truck.

 

[Snaparxon]

Thanks for posting. That's kinda what I'm looking for but like you said not the quality.

 

[InsanePyro]

Dewalt has some nice kits

 

[Wamsutta]

Any kit that comes with all those different types of tools in one blow molded case is going to be junk.

 

[Snaparxon]

Any kit that comes with all those different types of tools in one blow molded case is going to be junk.

Matco Silver Eagle, Cornwell Blue Power and Blue Point are junk? A truck brand is what I'm leaning toward in case there is a warranty issue.

I'm not going to earn a living with them daily, just quick repairs outside the shop.

 

[Snaparxon]

Dewalt has some nice kits

Will take a look.

 

[jd_1138]

I'd probably get one of those truck brand kits you reference in first post. But really TBH I wouldn't want to limit myself to just what I could get in one blow molded case. It's always going to be a compromise and won't contain everything you need/want.

Personally I'd carry along a small secondary tool box or bag with some key tools you need/want -- Knipex Cobra pliers, Fluke multimeter, Klein wire strippers, etc (just tossing out some examples of awesome stuff you won't find nestled in an exact spot in some specific blow molded set).

Then you can keep track of your tools by placing the ones back in the slots in the case and keep a tool count of how many things you have in the toolbag. "14 tools out and 14 back in, check". And a small tool bag can be tethered to the blow molded set. Can still pick up one handed.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

It doesn't have wrenches or pliers but I have been using the BluePoint BLPGSSC155 set for 15+years without any issue's did plenty of engine swaps and repairs at friends houses with that kit. Depending on what was going to be done I would temporarily swap out the bit sockets with the Snap On HD bit sockets with an F80 and T72 in place of the Blue Point ratchets in the case.
Only piece in the kit I have had to warranty was the Break Bar once and that was because of the drive head plating started to peel.
Crazy money for it now though because I think I paid a little over $300 for it off of the truck
I just always used the Gray plastic Snap On tote with drawer in the bottom for my wrenches, pliers and ect.

 

[Snaparxon]

I'd probably get one of those truck brand kits you reference in first post. But really TBH I wouldn't want to limit myself to just what I could get in one blow molded case. It's always going to be a compromise and won't contain everything you need/want.

Personally I'd carry along a small secondary tool box or bag with some key tools you need/want -- Knipex Cobra pliers, Fluke multimeter, Klein wire strippers, etc (just tossing out some examples of awesome stuff you won't find nestled in an exact spot in some specific blow molded set).

Then you can keep track of your tools by placing the ones back in the slots in the case and keep a tool count of how many things you have in the toolbag. "14 tools out and 14 back in, check". And a small tool bag can be tethered to the blow molded set. Can still pick up one handed.

Thank you for taking time to post. The reason I'm limiting myself is because that is all I need in the kit. I have a Snap on box full of everything I need and then some, but in my experience on the job those tools contained in a small kit like I'm asking about will do any minor repair I need. If I need another tool not in my kit I can walk back to the shop and get it. Mostly machine adjustment, light repair or maintainence. Anything more than that and the forklift will bring the machines to the shop for repair

It doesn't have wrenches or pliers but I have been using the BluePoint BLPGSSC155 set for 15+years without any issue's did plenty of engine swaps and repairs at friends houses with that kit. Depending on what was going to be done I would temporarily swap out the bit sockets with the Snap On HD bit sockets with an F80 and T72 in place of the Blue Point ratchets in the case.
Only piece in the kit I have had to warranty was the Break Bar once and that was because of the drive head plating started to peel.
Crazy money for it now though because I think I paid a little over $300 for it off of the truck
I just always used the Gray plastic Snap On tote with drawer in the bottom for my wrenches, pliers and ect.

Thank you, that is the insight I'm looking for. Will check into it

 

[Wamsutta]

Matco Silver Eagle, Cornwell Blue Power and Blue Point are junk?

In their current 2025 physical form, yes.

I need to separate out Blue Point because 30 years ago they were good tools made by USA manufacturers such as Vaughn and Ingersoll-Rand.

 

[jd_1138]

Thank you for taking time to post. The reason I'm limiting myself is because that is all I need in the kit. I have a Snap on box full of everything I need and then some, but in my experience on the job those tools contained in a small kit like I'm asking about will do any minor repair I need. If I need another tool not in my kit I can walk back to the shop and get it. Mostly machine adjustment, light repair or maintainence. Anything more than that and the forklift will bring the machines to the shop for repair

Thank you, that is the insight I'm looking for. Will check into it

That kit retails for $810 or so new but heck when you're saving/making thousands of dollars or tens of thousands per year by doing your own work, it's worth it. And it will last a decade or longer. Or just replace a socket as it breaks.

Splurge a little. I know women who'd spend that much or more on a dress they only wear once. Probably can get it less online but buying it from a SO dealer even at full retail wouldn't be so bad. Because then he can bring out replacements if they break. It builds a relationship with a tool truck owner.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Any kit that comes with all those different types of tools in one blow molded case is going to be junk.

I think the tools could be fine, heck when I started years ago, I needed metric stuff (inherited enough SAE), and was told to go for six point.

Well, I went to Sears, and over time bought several sets, but Craftsman six point came in a blow molded case. Tools were good enough (still are), preferences changed (prefer 12pt wrenches) and the case would eventually fall apart. I would say find another case that you prefer, because you may be happy with the tools, but can you get a replacement/warranty on the case?
I ended up with a cantilever style toolbox, that does 90% of what I have needed.

 

[tiredoldironworker]

SATA has some nice sets that include wrenches. And are reasonably priced.

 

[Snaparxon]

For reference this is the kit I'm considering or one that is similar from a truck brand.
Matco Silver Eagle tool kit SBC122SEA

More toward one like this, that has SAE and metric
SBC101SEA

 

[Snaparxon]

SATA has some nice sets that include wrenches. And are reasonably priced.

Not a truck brand but will look into them. Thank you

Edit: not seeing anything on thei site other than general socket sets?

 

[Fixr]

Not exactly a recommendation, and not tool truck quality, but: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/mechanics-tool-set-225-piece-62664.html

And they have various other blow-molded sets. Might actually be good enough for occasional use. If not for OP, maybe for someone else reading this thread.

I personally abhor blow-molded sets for being a hideous waste of space. But to each their own.

 

[Snaparxon]

Another Cornwell one that is pricey but what I'm looking for
Cornwell CBP175ST

 

[Hakeem]

this gedore set looks pretty cool, it’s metric only though:

GEDORE Socket Set 1/4+1/2 size10-32mm 100-Piece

Features: Square drive as per DIN 3120, ISO 1174, with ball retention groove 2C reversible ratchet, lever for reversing clockwise/anticlockwise direction, push-button release, fine-toothed, oval head, dual-material handle for ease in handling, for sockets Socket 1/4” + 1/2 “, hex, metric, as per...

www.contractortool.com

 

[Snaparxon]

Not exactly a recommendation, and not tool truck quality, but: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/mechanics-tool-set-225-piece-62664.html

And they have various other blow-molded sets. Might actually be good enough for occasional use. If not for OP, maybe for someone else reading this thread.

I personally abhor blow-molded sets for being a hideous waste of space. But to each their own.

Nearest Harbor Freight is 45 miles away. I don't have any experience with them been in there twice to look around. Is that one of those kits that to warranty a socket you bring in the whole case and they give you a new one? Or is that Icon branded stuff?

Really I'm venturing out, I've never spent any money on foreign made tools, truck brand USA stuff only but it seem Taiwan is turning out some "good enough" tools so I will give them a try for light duty repairs.

this gedore set looks pretty cool, it’s metric only though:

GEDORE Socket Set 1/4+1/2 size10-32mm 100-Piece

Features: Square drive as per DIN 3120, ISO 1174, with ball retention groove 2C reversible ratchet, lever for reversing clockwise/anticlockwise direction, push-button release, fine-toothed, oval head, dual-material handle for ease in handling, for sockets Socket 1/4” + 1/2 “, hex, metric, as per...

www.contractortool.com

Yes it does look cool and fit the bill other than metric only, thanks for posting! I like the idea of using an extension as a T bar

 

[Fixr]

Nearest Harbor Freight is 45 miles away. I don't have any experience with them been in there twice to look around. Is that one of those kits that to warranty a socket you bring in the whole case and they give you a new one? Or is that Icon branded stuff?

Really I'm venturing out, I've never spent any money on foreign made tools, truck brand USA stuff only but it seem Taiwan is turning out some "good enough" tools so I will give them a try for light duty repairs.

Yes it does look cool and fit the bill other than metric only, thanks for posting! I like the idea of using an extension as a T bar

Yeah, 45 miles is a bit much and no, you can't warranty a single item out of the set. But they will swap out the whole set. And even China has been turning out a lot of "good enough for non-professional use" stuff for at least a decade. I'd class the HF kit I linked as "good enough to keep in the car for roadside repairs" or "Something to buy for a brother in-law to keep at their house so I'll have something to work with when I visit". And I remember back in the 70's when quite a bit of made In USA consumer tools were about the same quality.

I have a lot of SO, MAC, Matco, Cornwell, Bonney, Hazet, Stahlwille, etc. But I also have a good bit of HF to keep in places where it will rust or for non-critical applications. Horses for courses.

 

[Etchase]

Granger has this

Whoops, we couldn't find that.

I’m guessing McMaster has something also.

I personally don’t like blow molded set and prefer suitcase styles that offer flexibility in tool selection. I personally wouldn’t want a kit without a hammer. Maybe a plier wrench, adjustable wrench, volt meter… it constantly changes, gets to heavy, and then gets purged

 

[sk farmer]

i know blue point has some sets like you are seeking. as other options, i believe blue point relabels some similar sets branded case-ih or new holland. might be worth a shot seeking either of those if you have dealers close by.

 

[Snaparxon]

Nothing real close SKF, but do have a John Deere. Will check that option. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Snaparxon]

i know blue point has some sets like you are seeking. as other options, i believe blue point relabels some similar sets branded case-ih or new holland. might be worth a shot seeking either of those if you have dealers close by.

Great idea Harlan, they have some nice options

CNH

 

[CGarage]

Looking to buy blow-molded case kit with 1/4" and 3/8" SAE and metric shallow and deep sockets, ratchets ,extensions etc, SAE and metric combo wrenches, couple screwdrivers and a couple pair of pliers. Something like that anyway. Matco Silver Eagle has one, SAB122SEA that looks ok but I have no experience with the Matco or Cornwell Blue Power, been around the Blue Point stuff and it seems ok.
Prefer a truck brand or better quality set that some no name Amazon set.
Recommendations?

Facom has an “Expert” brand range that has exactly what you are looking for.
In the U.S., I think Mac sells it off the tool truck.

I believe it is a 126 piece kit. I use one of these sets all the time and it is excellent.

The country of origin is Taiwan but the quality is excellent and the tools are made to international standards.

126-PC. Expert 1/4" and 3/8" Drive Master Set - 6 & 12-PT.

Innovative design to prevent fastener rounding .Chrome-plated vanadium-steel .High visibility size marking for easy identification

www.mactools.com

Available in Europe via Facom “Expert” dealers.

ETA: the screwdrivers are French made. I believe all else are Taiwan and good quality equivalent to Bluepoint by Snap-On.

 

[Snaparxon]

Facom has an “Expert” brand range that has exactly what you are looking for.
In the U.S., I think Mac sells it off the tool truck.

I believe it is a 126 piece kit. I use one of these sets all the time and it is excellent.

The country of origin is Taiwan but the quality is excellent and the tools are made to international standards.

126-PC. Expert 1/4" and 3/8" Drive Master Set - 6 & 12-PT.

Innovative design to prevent fastener rounding .Chrome-plated vanadium-steel .High visibility size marking for easy identification

www.mactools.com

Available in Europe via Facom “Expert” dealers.

ETA: the screwdrivers are French made. I believe all else are Taiwan and good quality equivalent to Bluepoint by Snap-On.

Thank you for posting, I like that you can give real feedback from your use of the tools.

How does Mac handle any warranty needs if no tool truck is available? Mac is the only truck I don't have access to.

 

[CGarage]

Thank you for posting, I like that you can give real feedback from your use of the tools.

How does Mac handle any warranty needs if no tool truck is available? Mac is the only truck I don't have access to.

I am not sure on the warranty issue. You should try calling Mac. I have never broken any of the tools.

Despite the fact that I do not like blow molded cases, I reach for this set all the time due to convenience. The wrenches and sockets are great. I like the golf ball anti-slip grip on the wrenches a lot. They fit a treat. And to have Metric and SAE together is useful. Zero complaints and I find this kit to be a very good value.

Mac needs to improve customer service and online + phone ordering. I have tried to order Mac mini-pry bars for more than a year and it is always something with them.

 

[tez929rr]

this gedore set looks pretty cool, it’s metric only though:

GEDORE Socket Set 1/4+1/2 size10-32mm 100-Piece

Features: Square drive as per DIN 3120, ISO 1174, with ball retention groove 2C reversible ratchet, lever for reversing clockwise/anticlockwise direction, push-button release, fine-toothed, oval head, dual-material handle for ease in handling, for sockets Socket 1/4” + 1/2 “, hex, metric, as per...

www.contractortool.com

I carry that set in my truck and it’s very nice.

 

[Jtels85]

Thank you for posting, I like that you can give real feedback from your use of the tools.

How does Mac handle any warranty needs if no tool truck is available? Mac is the only truck I don't have access to.

I have the Expert 126 piece set in question and absolutely love it. It's portable and I can take it with me wherever I go. If you don't have access to a MAC truck, just call MAC Tools and they will warranty it. They're pretty much hassle free in my experience.

 

[Steve_P]

Project Farm has tested the consumer brand boxed tool kits. IIRC, the Gearwrench set was the one he liked best as it had the most stuff and also good ratchets. And yes, it's Gearwrench, but if you're buying an import boxed set from Matco, I'm skeptical it'd be any better than GW. The Mac set looks nice, but I don't see any pliers or hex keys.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

SATA has some nice sets that include wrenches. And are reasonably priced.

I had some SATA wrenches and they were almost identical to a buddy’s Chinese Gearwrench. We figured they were probably made at the same Apex factory.

 

[milkovich]

Any kit that comes with all those different types of tools in one blow molded case is going to be junk.

It has to be. To build a utilitarian kit with even passable versions of all those tools is going to be huge money, no one will buy a quality kit except the handful of professionals who know the difference between an $8 set of pliers and a $30 set of pliers, or the military who doesn't care about price.

 

[Snaparxon]

Thank you all for your comments and recommends. 1 positive recommend on Blue Point and two positive recommends on the Mac Expert set. Surprised no one has commented on the Silver Eagle stuff, that is one brand I would like to hear more about as one of their kit is to my liking . The Gedore kit is cool other than all metric.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Snaparxon
Looks like the Silver Eagle stuff has changed over the years.
I liked the older bit sockets.
The wrenches looked nice (satin) but weren’t that strong.
I have a 1/4 socket set that was my go-to at one time. The tools were acceptable, the ratchet was actually pretty nice, and I really liked the layout and compactness of the case. Again, looks like the current stuff has been redesigned.

 

[terrific]

this gedore set looks pretty cool, it’s metric only though:

GEDORE Socket Set 1/4+1/2 size10-32mm 100-Piece

Features: Square drive as per DIN 3120, ISO 1174, with ball retention groove 2C reversible ratchet, lever for reversing clockwise/anticlockwise direction, push-button release, fine-toothed, oval head, dual-material handle for ease in handling, for sockets Socket 1/4” + 1/2 “, hex, metric, as per...

www.contractortool.com

You can fit so much more stuff in there when you don't have to include two of everything.