127-Piece Tool Set in Modular Stacking Organizer with Foam | TEKTON https://share.google/WI3InSrVj48eZQVjX
Tool set in blow molded case, recommendations please
- Thread starter Snaparxon
- Start date
You forget you're living in the future. It's really hard to buy bad tools these days, at least for basic hand tools. You can do it, and it will probably involve a blow molded case, but it takes work. The problem with kits is they have the wrong things in them. I did a whole bunch of work a few years ago, almost entirely using a big kit from a parts store, which came in a blow mold box. I was frustrated by what wasn't in it, not the quality of the tools that were in it (except the screwdrivers, they sucked.).
I think big kits don't make sense for most serious users, because the selection of tools isn't usually great, including tools you don't need, and leaving out stuff you do. But the OP doesn't say why he wants it, and there are cases where they make sense. If you want to put a basic set of hand tools somewhere, so they're there when they get needed for something, a kit in a box is a good start. Vacation house, RV, kid's place, ....
Interesting idea have not seen that Tekton kit before, thanks for posting
Background:
I've been a mechanic for over 30 years, I have put together tool box's for all my vehicles and have a tool set at home, one at my job and at one time I also had a service truck with tools. Having the right tool isn't my issue. I'm wanting to get away from grabbing my good Snap on tools in the shop, throwing what I think I will need in a tray, heading over to one of the 3 buildings with machines in them and do a minor repair to keep them running or bring them into back in to spec. It is easy to lose tools in saw dust or up the blow pipe so I want a cheaper tool that is easy to replace.I want a kit with one handle, 1/4 and 3/8 basic sockets, combo wrenches in SAE mostly but metric would be helpful, couple screwdrivers, couple pliers. Maybe a 1/4" hex bit set and I want to be able to see that all tools got put back in their place when I'm done. I also would like to hear about how the tools hold up from people that have kits like I'm looking for, like the gentleman who are happy with their Mac Expert sets, I wish we had a Mac truck so I could take a closer look.
CGarage
Well-known member
You will be happy with the Facom / Mac Expert kit.
You will need to get a separate Knipex / NWS / Channellock pliers kit.
The blow molded case holds all tools and sockets securely. Its portability and durability (of the case) makes it comfortable and easy to transport. The tools do not give up anything in quality. The ratchets are 90% of tool truck quality but work well and I have no complaints. I really like the wrenches most, the screwdrivers are great. Having full Metric and Fractional/Imperial SAE sockets together in one case in 2 drive sizes (1/4 and 3/8) is a dream.
You will need to get a separate Knipex / NWS / Channellock pliers kit.
The blow molded case holds all tools and sockets securely. Its portability and durability (of the case) makes it comfortable and easy to transport. The tools do not give up anything in quality. The ratchets are 90% of tool truck quality but work well and I have no complaints. I really like the wrenches most, the screwdrivers are great. Having full Metric and Fractional/Imperial SAE sockets together in one case in 2 drive sizes (1/4 and 3/8) is a dream.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I can't stand using cheap tools. When I go to the salvage yard, I use a soft zippered tool bag and keep it within arm's length at all times.
When I pull out a row of sockets on a socket rail, I see all the heads turning and the eyes getting big. I can't let the bag out of my sight.
I have even entertained the idea of handcuffing the bag to my wrist.
Are you a salesman? Do you work for Mac?
rust in the eye
Well-known member
Are you dead set on a blow molded case?
I've never seen a set that wasn't either loaded with bits(usually instead of discrete drivers) and hex keys to up the piece count or is bereft of a decent wrench set. You say metric AND fractional? Pfft
A bag or small box with wrench rolls, socket rails etc. can be whipped up to suit your exact needs.
dscheit says; "It's really hard to buy bad tools these days, at least for basic hand tools. You can do it, and it will probably involve a blow molded case"
Truth^
I've never seen a set that wasn't either loaded with bits(usually instead of discrete drivers) and hex keys to up the piece count or is bereft of a decent wrench set. You say metric AND fractional? Pfft
A bag or small box with wrench rolls, socket rails etc. can be whipped up to suit your exact needs.
dscheit says; "It's really hard to buy bad tools these days, at least for basic hand tools. You can do it, and it will probably involve a blow molded case"
Truth^
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rust in the eye
Well-known member
Yes, but I may end up settling on a case with sockets with wrenches and carry a Leatherman type tool.
I want quick id that something is missing.
Perhaps a security detail would help?wow, a real 14carat junkyard scrounger
Gucci bag?
I'll bet you couldn't tell the difference if you couldn't see the label.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
@Snaparxon
When I was younger I had friends that packed around Crescent sets and those things fixed a lot of stuff.
The shutter style bifold case worked well and gave a clear view of the tools.
The modern versions are very similar in layout but with newer tool designs.
These probably aren’t quite the quality level wanted, but they have been around for years likely with feedback and improvements.
One consideration with these type sets is socket retention. This one has some loose, and that could be an issue if dropped.
https://www.crescenttool.com/all-to...drive-6-point-saemetric-professional-tool-set
When I was younger I had friends that packed around Crescent sets and those things fixed a lot of stuff.
The shutter style bifold case worked well and gave a clear view of the tools.
The modern versions are very similar in layout but with newer tool designs.
These probably aren’t quite the quality level wanted, but they have been around for years likely with feedback and improvements.
One consideration with these type sets is socket retention. This one has some loose, and that could be an issue if dropped.
https://www.crescenttool.com/all-to...drive-6-point-saemetric-professional-tool-set
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CGarage
Well-known member
Are you a salesman? Do you work for Mac?
I actually despise Mac, they are the worst run of the big 3 tool truck companies in my opinion.
In any event, I think Facom owns Expert, and Mac just distributes it in the U.S.
There is a lot of tool snobbery around here, and many are against Asian made tools.
The future of tool manufacturing is in Asia, due to demographic trends and giant population and economic growth occurring. Taiwan does it right.
CGarage
Well-known member
Are you wearing your tinfoil hat when you go on these junkyard scrounging trips? Do the eyes of the other junkyard pickers go wide because of your tools, or is it because of the picture I am seeing in my mind’s eye of the tin foil hat, combined with constant internal dialogue broadcast publicly via verbalization?
Can we please have you demonstrate some of these mutterings from your constant stream of consciousness?
txvwnut
Well-known member
Open up the wallet and take your pick, https://tengtoolsusa.com/collections/tool-kits?pf_t_tool_kit_type=Portable
They do not make the kit I have anymore but it covers the basics enough that I can do most any repair on my veedubs on the side of the road if needed and basic maintenance on any other car make.
They do not make the kit I have anymore but it covers the basics enough that I can do most any repair on my veedubs on the side of the road if needed and basic maintenance on any other car make.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Congratulations. You just made the most wrong statement in the history of human existence.
CGarage
Well-known member
nadogail
Well-known member
My favorite tools in Blow Molded Cases are the ones that tenants leave behind when they move.
I don't have any tenants
It hasn’t really been brought up but the Milwaukee Packout stuff is decent - but slots under the Snap-On etc crowd a bit.
I have the 1/4-3/8” ratchet set with SAE/Metric & stubby/long in one case (clear lid) and the wrenches in another.
The wrenches had space to throw some drivers in it, and between the ratchets I put spark plug sockets.
They clip together. I can see if everything is there when I’m done with the kids closed. My wife knows if it says Milwaukee to put it in a pile because I lost it.
If needed you can clip an additional pack out and put whatever surplus tools you need.
2-3 can be lugged around just the same as anything else.
Probably won’t be a popular opinion but as one who is using it as an in-car / take out to the yard type solution, it’s worked pretty well for me.
I have the 1/4-3/8” ratchet set with SAE/Metric & stubby/long in one case (clear lid) and the wrenches in another.
The wrenches had space to throw some drivers in it, and between the ratchets I put spark plug sockets.
They clip together. I can see if everything is there when I’m done with the kids closed. My wife knows if it says Milwaukee to put it in a pile because I lost it.
If needed you can clip an additional pack out and put whatever surplus tools you need.
2-3 can be lugged around just the same as anything else.
Probably won’t be a popular opinion but as one who is using it as an in-car / take out to the yard type solution, it’s worked pretty well for me.
TEKTON has been mentioned: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.
Prefera truck brand or better quality set that some no name Amazon set.
Recommendations?
1. Mm wrench drawer
2. Sae wrench drawer
3. Socket drawer
4. Make / cut your own drawer for screwdrivers, pliers, etc
It could be heavy though?
Edit: a drawer frame + drawer + foam is 4.2#, so carrying case would be 16# without tools.
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KnurledNut
Well-known member
The 154 PC Mechanics Tool Set #35154 had a generous empty spot for additional tools.
Here is a pic of mine packed way too full:
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Other than the heavy 1/2" stuff, that is pretty close to fitting my needs. Hard to tell by pics on Ebay how much extra storage there is. Your pic illustrates that storage space pretty well. Thanks for posting!
FBMP I just saw … $25 for looks like a new, case only in suburbs of Chicago ... put your tools of choice in there? Best part, no one would steal it because they thinks it’s craftsman
Edit: case only on eBay too: https://ebay.us/m/ZiOKWC
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This Crescent set came up in the Amazon deal thread. It’s at a 4 year low price of $59. Crescent is an Apex brand. The sockets seem to be identical to Gearwrench in my experience.
mngundog
Well-known member
I gave those kits away to the groomsmen at my wedding about 28 years ago, most outlasted their marriages. The downside to those were when you forgot to secure the latch, and sockets spilled everyplace.
There is a lot more to the kit I'm looking for than I realized at first. Weight, size of case, how tools are retained and a big one for me is replacement if something does get lost. In my area there isn't much choice so I'm limiting myself to Blue Point/Williams/Case IH, Craftsman or Cornwell Blue Power. Didn't like the Dewalt tools, Channellock I didn't like. The Tekton set seems to bulky. Been around the Cresent tools a bit and they felt like the price of the kit, cheap.
Craftsman is my best bet I think, buy a case and fill it up. I see old Craftsman sockets and wrenches at almost every sale I go to, and they're cheap. Not a big deal to some, but old Craftsman is USA, and what I started out with 30 some years ago before I switched to Snap on, so the feel in my hand is recognizable. After using the same brand of tools for decades my brain got accustomed to the feel and weight and my mind rejects the "feel" of certain tools. I don't like it but it is what it is.
My other option may be to get a plastic tool box and some foam and cut it to fit the tools I want.
Craftsman is my best bet I think, buy a case and fill it up. I see old Craftsman sockets and wrenches at almost every sale I go to, and they're cheap. Not a big deal to some, but old Craftsman is USA, and what I started out with 30 some years ago before I switched to Snap on, so the feel in my hand is recognizable. After using the same brand of tools for decades my brain got accustomed to the feel and weight and my mind rejects the "feel" of certain tools. I don't like it but it is what it is.
My other option may be to get a plastic tool box and some foam and cut it to fit the tools I want.
tez929rr
Well-known member
I haven’t noticed anyone else point this out but any blow mold case that has tools that hang from the top when closed will wear and the tools will fall out. It gets pretty annoying every time you open the case. I have that Gedore set someone posted earlier in my truck; it’s been the best blow molded case I’ve owned and there is still one driver and one set of pliers that fall out. My last Craftsman set in a blow molded case had all the drivers mounted under the cover and most of them would fall out. Keeping it in a vehicle of course makes it worse. I eventually put that Craftsman set in one of these Montezuma boxes with a bunch of added stuff and it’s a lot easier to tolerate. Before anyone asks the 20 year old driver handles still stink up the box.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
This is exactly how mine came to exist.
I was given the empty case so a $0 initial investment.
I already had over a third of the needed Craftsman pieces in my extras. The ratchet slots will hold a variety of makes and I always liked the RHFT and knew they would mate well with the sockets. I also stuck with raised panel wrenches as the shorter pattern didnt interfere with the extra storage compartment. Bigger size wrenches and sockets are stored there.
The folding lid sandwiched in this design keeps everything in place even the tools that aren’t original.
I share the sentiments about older Craftsman tools.
The sockets were well made, reliable and are still in heavy circulation in the used market at cheap prices.
The mention of “feel in the hand” is a real thing acquired through years of use, and not understood by those who lack it.
Love em or hate em, the old Craftsman stuff turned a lot of bolts and was very successful with widespread use by many including professional mechanics.
BobsYourUncle69
Well-known member
I have this set , the more I use it , the more I hate and the more I think that at $169 I overpaid.Husky is the new craftsman?
•I rounded the NR6 allenkey
•All the sockets fit loosely and differently ,some dont allow the ratchets to fully lock
• some sockets are snaking under the chrome despite never being used or outside
• wrenches all have different chamfer and are bent differently
•The screw driver bits are made from the S2 but behave more like CRV bits from HF
The only thing that is OK in this set are the 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets.
I'm really annoyed how bad this set is, I didn't expect amazing but I didn't expect 3rd world flea market quality either. It's easy to offer a lifetime no questions asked warranty when the tools probably cost HD 50c a piece. Why bother warranting it when you're just going to get the same quality again. I bought this as a set to keep inside and do jobs around the house or when going on a trip a few hours away , I can't recommend this as a car /truck box , it does ok around the house I guess. I did manage to hang a TV without anything breaking so I guess there is that.
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rust in the eye
Well-known member
"My other option may be to get a plastic tool box and some foam and cut it to fit the tools I want."
Understanding that inventory at a glance is the goal here this ^ seems your best solution. You'll also have a bespoke kit to suit your personal needs and not a thousand loose hex bits and keys you'll never use but will be compelled to carry lest those pesky empty slots.
FWIW I'll suggest wrench rolls, socket rails and soft bags or zipper cases. This can be very compact and works well for me. I need to be diligent about retrieving the tools without designated homes but at least I know if a socket or wrench are missing.
If you do find the ideal kit please share.
Understanding that inventory at a glance is the goal here this ^ seems your best solution. You'll also have a bespoke kit to suit your personal needs and not a thousand loose hex bits and keys you'll never use but will be compelled to carry lest those pesky empty slots.
FWIW I'll suggest wrench rolls, socket rails and soft bags or zipper cases. This can be very compact and works well for me. I need to be diligent about retrieving the tools without designated homes but at least I know if a socket or wrench are missing.
If you do find the ideal kit please share.
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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
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
KnurledNut
Well-known member
@Snaparxon
Nice!
So what's the story behind the orange Snap-on carbon scraper handle with the SDDD42 blade?
Nice!
So what's the story behind the orange Snap-on carbon scraper handle with the SDDD42 blade?
Very keen eye!
If you take the square receiver out of a SDDD42, SDDD44 or SSDD44 by destroying the handle then it fits perfectly into the CSA12B handle. I had a really worn SSDD44 handle. Those colored handled SDDD44's sell for stupid money so I made my own. Snap on currently offers them, SDDD22, in multiple colors but the shanks are different.
I forgot to give you credit for influencing my decision on what /brand case to go with. Thank you!
If you take the square receiver out of a SDDD42, SDDD44 or SSDD44 by destroying the handle then it fits perfectly into the CSA12B handle. I had a really worn SSDD44 handle. Those colored handled SDDD44's sell for stupid money so I made my own. Snap on currently offers them, SDDD22, in multiple colors but the shanks are different.
I forgot to give you credit for influencing my decision on what /brand case to go with. Thank you!
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I have a CRESCENT - Mechanics Tool Set, 180Pc (CTK180).
Now they have used very good for $81.25
Mine was listed the same and was not even opened.
The set is ok for the money. Don't like the pliers or driver... I see it as good enough for the cost.
Strongly prefer CRAFTSMAN OVERDRIVE 154-Piece Gunmetal Chrome Mechanics Tool Set, Standard SAE/Metric Socket Set, with Hard Case (CMMT99154L)
Nice wrench set in the Craftsman but no adjustable wrench and no pliers.
At the end of the day what I usually carry is a set from Tekton
1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set with Case, 56-Piece (5/32-9/16 in., 4-15 mm)
www.tekton.com
I them added other bits into the small holder. And no wrenches or pliers.
Amazon.com: CRESCENT - Mechanics Tool Set, 180Pc (CTK180) : Tools & Home Improvement
Buy CRESCENT - Mechanics Tool Set, 180Pc (CTK180): Tool Sets - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
a.co
Now they have used very good for $81.25
Mine was listed the same and was not even opened.
The set is ok for the money. Don't like the pliers or driver... I see it as good enough for the cost.
Strongly prefer CRAFTSMAN OVERDRIVE 154-Piece Gunmetal Chrome Mechanics Tool Set, Standard SAE/Metric Socket Set, with Hard Case (CMMT99154L)
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
Nice wrench set in the Craftsman but no adjustable wrench and no pliers.
At the end of the day what I usually carry is a set from Tekton
1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set with Case, 56-Piece (5/32-9/16 in., 4-15 mm)
56-Piece 1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON
Includes: 5/32-9/16 inch (SAE), 4-14 mm (Metric) 6-point standard and deep sockets, ratchet, extensions, magnetic hex bit holder, u-joint, spinner handle, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT05303.
I them added other bits into the small holder. And no wrenches or pliers.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Ahhh. Good info. Thanks for sharing the details. Those things do sell for a premium.
No credit needed. We are all just a bunch of tool junkies helping one another spend their money.