Tool set purchase which would you buy

[UncleJoe]

I am reorganizing my shop and all my tools. Over the past 30 years a lot of my sockets have disappeared during various moves and loans of tools to "friends" (Don't even go there!) So I thought I would like to have a complete set of sockets and it seems it would be easier to buy a full set rather than buy just the missing pieces.

Budget is a bit of a concern and I do not do this for a living it is just an important hobby for me. I can not justify the purchase of the truck brands, even though they are very good tools I can not justify the cost. I have always had Craftsman and never had an issue, neither has my father or his father. I was not even considering any sockets from Harbor freight until a read a post here where someone was impressed with the quality of the 204 piece socket set. I went to the store and looked at it and the 301 "professional mechanics set". I have to say it looks pretty nice. It is on sale for $149 this weekend and I have a 20% off coupon so I am looking at around $120 for the set.

On the other hand Craftsman has a 260 piece set with a crappy plastic box, that's ok I don't want the box, that I can get with my craftsman club discount for 179.

Both sets have basically the same stuff, HF has some pliers,screw drivers and stuff to fill it out but the socket selection is about the same.

So the bottom line is 301 piece from Harbor Freight for $120 or a 260 piece set from Craftsman for $179.

In the past I would have said hands down Craftsman but are they slipping?? and is this set from Harbor Freight better than what we normally expect from them.

The HF sale is this weekend and the Craftsman price last till the end of the month.

 

[chadster1]

From what I have read here, If I was in your position, I would go to Harbor freight. (I can't beleive I just wrote that)

It seems like Harbor Freight and Sears are headed in opposite directions and if I was buying their products Harbor Freight is the direction that I would want to be headed.

 

[back2class]

I i were you I would have a very hard time buying HF tools if you care enough about tools to come post here. I have herd almost nobody here say their current sockets are bad. Their ratchets made today **** as do their regular line screwdrivers, but both are usable though you will want to upgrade those if you use them alot or on rusty old stuff that sticks. Craftsman hands down between HF them. Without a second thought plus it's usa made.




Thats not to say the HF ones ****. I might keep them as a spare but I would have ZERO pride in owning them and I can not vouch for them like the good quality craftsman sockets. Nevermind if you loose one as you state you do. You may never find a match and complete sets are nice. They may be slightly better quality though I doubt it.


I would also consider Stanley. They mosty make their stuff in Tiawan but it's good stuff for the price and inexpensive on ebay (except in Great Britt) Those guys there seem to bid up Stanley stuff.


Chadster has a good point though.

 

[UncleJoe]

That is kinda how I was looking at it. I have been using Craftsman since I got my first tool set 35 years ago. I have 3 Craftsman rolling tool cabinets. I went to HF and looked at their US General tool cart on sale for $179 and I used a 20% coupon. I could not believe how well built it was for the price I paid. I went into Sears yesterday and for the same money their tool carts and cabinets were not even close in quality to what I just bought from HF.

I hate to see any company allow their brand to be downgraded.

 

[back2class]

That is kinda how I was looking at it. I have been using Craftsman since I got my first tool set 35 years ago. I have 3 Craftsman rolling tool cabinets. I went to HF and looked at their US General tool cart on sale for $179 and I used a 20% coupon. I could not believe how well built it was for the price I paid. I went into Sears yesterday and for the same money their tool carts and cabinets were not even close in quality to what I just bought from HF.

I hate to see any company allow their brand to be downgraded.

I have what I think is the same Cart. Black one with 4 drawers. I love it, got it on sale a few months back for $75 out the door. I am 95% sure it is the same basic sold by snap-on under the Blue Point line. But to me that is one of the few Gems at HF. But I agree, it puts the Craftsman carts to shame.

 

[Red Green]

I would buy the C-man myself. Sears has some issues but they still have individual sockets at the store if you need a warranty item.

 

[rickairmedic]

Joe I would hot foot it to HF and while you are there take a look at their 4 drawer tool cart . Here's a coupon for it for $99.00 and a spare 20% coupon. I will be grabbing the 4 drawer this weekend myself and if it is even close to the quality of the 5 drawer I got at the 25% off sale I will be a happy camper for $99.00. I really need to slow down on tool buying LOL . I am up around $1000.00 or so this month but I have picked up over $2000.00 worth of tools between HF sales and Homie Desperate powertool sales .


http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl1.html


Rick

 

[rickairmedic]

I would buy the C-man myself. Sears has some issues but they still have individual sockets at the store if you need a warranty item.

The HF set also has a lifetime warranty on it so sears's warranty is mute and subject to who happens to be working the tool counter when you go in .


Rick

 

[CatfishXpress]

I would also consider Stanley. They mosty make their stuff in Tiawan but it's good stuff for the price and inexpensive on ebay (except in Great Britt) Those guys there seem to bid up Stanley stuff.


Chadster has a good point though.

some of the newer stanley stuff is made in china, lower quality than the made in Taiwan

 

[forceyoda]

$180 on ebay can buy you a nice complete set of 3/8 sockets without having to go with HF or craftsman. Look for Wright, proto and some of the truck brands. I have seen the cornwell 3/8 super sets go for less than that.

 

[UncleJoe]

I have the red Cart item # 95727 and I think it is a great box. But the $99 price on the black box is news to me. At that price I might pick it up just to hold my welding supplies.

The only bad thing I found on the box I have is if you put a pry bar in the slots the handle is too tall and you can't close the lid. I will figure a way to mount them on the outside of the box.

 

[Red Green]

The HF set also has a lifetime warranty on it so sears's warranty is mute and subject to who happens to be working the tool counter when you go in .


Rick

HF warranty is about the same. Last time I tried to warranty a socket at HF they told me they couldn't because they only sold sets. Sears hands me a socket and says have a nice day.

As with anything else your results may vary depending on who is working at either store when you go.

 

[rickairmedic]

I have the red Cart item # 95727 and I think it is a great box. But the $99 price on the black box is news to me. At that price I might pick it up just to hold my welding supplies.

The only bad thing I found on the box I have is if you put a pry bar in the slots the handle is too tall and you can't close the lid. I will figure a way to mount them on the outside of the box.

LOL Joe I noticed the same thing with my red box . I have the 4 piece prybar set and the larger ones handles are to tall to fit in the box that way . I just layed mine in the front of the top and used the side holes for screw drivers.


Rick

 

[Dmar836]

What good is a warranty if you have to use it all the time?
A lifetime on my car wouldn't impress me if I had to use it at all frequently.
I'd go with Craftsman as they still have tools that most would agree are "good" quality. I too am frustrated by the USA tool vs import issue but I have seen the lousy visual quality of import tools and wonder how good the metal alloy is that I can't see. I've yet to break a C-man socket but have wallowed out import stuff at one time or another - and I often mod old import extras for weird uses and they seam to yield quite easily.
I think the carts, power tools, etc. have little to do with your socket needs and can't be used as an indication of import hand tool quality. I have had to rebuild many HF air tools almost out of the box just to get them to stay running........ if we are using other offerings to judge.
JMO,
Dave
KC

 

[T56 Impala]

Okay, Here is my take on it. (Yes, I own some GOOD HF tools.)

I would skip out on the HF stuff. Unless you are super good at keeping track of the receipt, their warranty is useless. I feel that their impact sockets are very good, but I'm not impressed, as some are, with their standard ones.

Craftsman are American made for now. I have never had an issue getting a warranty item from a Sears store. NEVER. (Not that I have done it much, just I have not run into the problems others here say they have.) You are used to using Craftsman, why not keep the trend going? Is the price tag really an issue? (I know $60 can be a big deal to many!)

Contact TRTools (The Wright distributor here on this forum.). He gives us a 22% discount on tools. Wright are awesome tools. USA made and nicely made. Great warranty on them too though you might have to send an item in to get it. Some welding supply houses, among others places, carry and warranty Wright tools. I think they may well be worth you taking a look at.

If you don't care where they are made, then contact Mike Wren here on the forum. He sells the Toptul stuff. Great discount and he handles warranty issues very well. I have a few TT piece. I got them to check out the quality. I must say I am impressed. Its really good stuff! Good prices with Mike's discount for us.

 

[wendell]

Like most Americans, I was raised on C-man raised pannel wrenches, rattley ratchets and buckets of disposable sockets. I hadn't been in a Sears in years until last weekend when I was looking for some drawr organizers for my new box. From reading this board I expected to see some third world, HF horor show. I took a good look around at all the tools and was actually a little impressed. LOTs of US made hand tools, generally good fit and finish and reasonable prices. I even bought a set of US made torx drivers (on close out for $16).

So my $0.02 is, don't pay much mind to the Chicken Little crew. If you've got some brand loyalty to Craftsman, and the country you work/ live in, get the C-man set. There's worse places to spend your money (HF).

 

[Mickey O]

From what I have read here, If I was in your position, I would go to Harbor freight. (I can't beleive I just wrote that)

It seems like Harbor Freight and Sears are headed in opposite directions and if I was buying their products Harbor Freight is the direction that I would want to be headed.

I'm sending this post to your boss, for shame.

 

[Mickey O]

You can buy nice new Wright, Armstrong, Williams USA and others tools on eBay for unbelievable prices, just look through some of the posts here, deals a plenty on eBay for quality US made hand tools.

 

[charlie_nj]

Lots of good recommendations here so I'll throw mine in as well. I too have been a Craftsman user my whole life. For us non-professional mechanics, I still think the Craftsman socket sets are the way to go for the following reasons. 1. They are warranted for life. Easily too, no mailing them, just bring them to the store. 2. They are U.S. made. 3. When you buy them in sets, they cost as little as $1-2 each. 4. They work just fine for us non-pros. 5. The quality is just fine as well, maybe not quite as good as 20 or 30years ago, but not nearly as bad as some here would have you believe.

I don't feel the same about their standard ratchets though. I do like their thin profile and round head fine tooth models though.

I'd get one of the C-Man socket sets that are sockets only, no ratchets or other wrenches such as this one:


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934032000P?keyword=craftsman+socket+set

Then I'd add ratchets of my preference.

 

[T56 Impala]

Lots of good recommendations here so I'll throw mine in as well. I too have been a Craftsman user my whole life. For us non-professional mechanics, I still think the Craftsman socket sets are the way to go for the following reasons. 1. They are warranted for life. Easily too, no mailing them, just bring them to the store. 2. They are U.S. made. 3. When you buy them in sets, they cost as little as $1-2 each. 4. They work just fine for us non-pros. 5. The quality is just fine as well, maybe not quite as good as 20 or 30years ago, but not nearly as bad as some here would have you believe.

I don't feel the same about their standard ratchets though. I do like their thin profile and round head fine tooth models though.

I'd get one of the C-Man socket sets that are sockets only, no ratchets or other wrenches such as this one:


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934032000P?keyword=craftsman+socket+set

Then I'd add ratchets of my preference.

Absolutely agree with this post! That set is a fantastic set. Be careful though..... all of the people I know that have picked up this set have had packing issues. I'm not saying its a bad set or poor quality. It just seems that they "forget" one or two pieces and they might double up on others. Check the inventory very carefully. If something is wrong, notify Sears right away. In every case I have heard of, they have taken care for the mis-packing without any questions.

 

[boostedgt]

you should just get another craftsman set. they have served you well over the years, lots of stores and a good warranty and you are still buying something thats american made rather than an overseas brand that uses the name pittsburgh.

and even though there is plenty of hate flying around here for craftsman ratchets i'm not too good to use one. i dont count teeth or expect a ratchet to be smooth like a lincoln. i just want it to do its job

 

[Kurt4440]

Lots of good recommendations here so I'll throw mine in as well. I too have been a Craftsman user my whole life. For us non-professional mechanics, I still think the Craftsman socket sets are the way to go for the following reasons. 1. They are warranted for life. Easily too, no mailing them, just bring them to the store. 2. They are U.S. made. 3. When you buy them in sets, they cost as little as $1-2 each. 4. They work just fine for us non-pros. 5. The quality is just fine as well, maybe not quite as good as 20 or 30years ago, but not nearly as bad as some here would have you believe.

I don't feel the same about their standard ratchets though. I do like their thin profile and round head fine tooth models though.

I'd get one of the C-Man socket sets that are sockets only, no ratchets or other wrenches such as this one:


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934032000P?keyword=craftsman+socket+set

Then I'd add ratchets of my preference.

I agree with Charlie. If you want a larger set of sockets, Sears also sell a 299 piece set for about $400.

 

[Scooterfish]

I agree with Charlie. If you want a larger set of sockets, Sears also sell a 299 piece set for about $400.

I have seen that set on sale for around $299. So a buck a socket

 

[rhandwor]

I would look at Northern equipment they have upgraded tools lately.

 

[gc11090]

I have the c-man set you are talking about. I have used and abused it over the past few years. I have even used the sockets with an impact wrench, beat the ratchets with hammers, dropped them, used a 3' helper bar on the wrench and socket, and even more. I have yet to even scratch anything. I personally believe they are hight quality, and I believe the set now comes with the laser etched sockets(I may be wrong) but it I had to do it again, I would do the same thing.

 

[Coach James]

Lots of good recommendations here so I'll throw mine in as well. I too have been a Craftsman user my whole life. For us non-professional mechanics, I still think the Craftsman socket sets are the way to go for the following reasons. 1. They are warranted for life. Easily too, no mailing them, just bring them to the store. 2. They are U.S. made. 3. When you buy them in sets, they cost as little as $1-2 each. 4. They work just fine for us non-pros. 5. The quality is just fine as well, maybe not quite as good as 20 or 30years ago, but not nearly as bad as some here would have you believe.

I don't feel the same about their standard ratchets though. I do like their thin profile and round head fine tooth models though.

I'd get one of the C-Man socket sets that are sockets only, no ratchets or other wrenches such as this one:


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934032000P?keyword=craftsman+socket+set

Then I'd add ratchets of my preference.

That is a very nice set of sockets. If I didn't have lots of sockets already, and didn't need to spend my tool money on other things, I would get a set. That socket set and 25 or 30 ratchets and you would ready to go!

Coach

 

[XterraJohn]

A friend of mine just purchased what I believe is the same Craftsman set that you are looking at. While the sockets seemed to be high quality, the wrenches left a lot to be desired, IMO.

All of the wrenches that I looked over seemed to have rough edges/plating, and at least one of them had a lip on the edge of the open end such that it would not fit onto a bolt. The closed end fit the bolt perfectly, but when switching the open end around, it just wouldn't go on. I have no doubt that some of the Taiwanese wrenches out there are far superior to these "Made in USA" Craftsmans, and that saddens me.



However, my friend DID point out that each piece in the set averages out to less than $1 each.

 

[jeepnut24]

The new CMAN sockets have a different detent system than the old stuff so be warned. Im with Merk and Im not a fan using their sockets with non cman ratchets.

 

[TireTracks]

My sockets work fine with the weird detents, they dont slip off or anything.

I bought a set of Craftsman wrenches, a bunch were really nice, but the larger one have rough chromeing, there was rust on a cuple, and there are shart edges on the open end.
They work great, just not happy that they are crudly finished.
I bought a full set of cman 1/2" sockets, 3/8"- 1 1/2". a few are really nice, alot look like they were droped and ran over, big dents in the chrome.

 

[kartracer55]

This is retarded. Buy the Craftsman. Do you honestly think you are buying quality tools from harbor Freight? Craftsman is a tool designed to be a mid range tool to compete at a price point similar to husky and Stanley stuff. Great tool for the money, easily exchanged and good quality. HF pliers and Screwdrivers are absolute dogsh*t. Craftsman screwdrivers are SLIGHTLY better but pliers are no comparison. Craftsman is hands-down better. You will notice with things like wire cutters and needle nose pliers where dull edges and flexing jaws are a problem.

Craftsman extensions are an awesome values and hold up way better. My money is on Craftsman for holding up in the long term.

 

[quneur]

Cmans over HF. Keep an eye out for pawnshops, flea markets, etc. for older V sets as they seem to be of better quality than the newer K series. I purchased a KT series this past Christmas an found a larger VT series set at a pawnshop. It was missing 2 combo wrenches and 1/4" ratchet but it was a 151pc for thirty bucks. The VT set ratchets were heavier and alittle beefier than the KT.

If you can to wait on warrenty issues, here are a couple of sites selling USA or Japan made sockets: http://www.harryepstein.com/ check their Wilde set,
http://shop.vendio.com/satco/category/7547/ for Truecraft (cheap but warranty you'd have to send to Somerset, NJ.

Williams (snap on company) set you can find on ebay sometimes for $2/pc. SK for $3.5/pc. Graingers for Proto.

One thing to consider is resale value. There isn't any resale value in Taiwan or Chinese tools.

Racheting wrenches - folks here would endorse Gearwrench which sell everywhere but Ace seems to have a good price. But these seem to be the 'hottest' tool and almost everybody is getting them from Taiwan. (snap on, channellock, cman may be the exception, I don't know).

 

[Aberdale]

I was in the same situation as the OP a year ago. I had to laugh when I read the recommendation to get the C-Man 299 pc socket set, because that's exactly what I did! I haven't been disappointed. It's a great set for the money, and there were no errors/omissions in my set. I didn't even consider HF. I did consider finding used SOs, but still couldn't justify the price, even used.

Dale

 

[tyyost]

I'm going to pile on here. With Craftsman Club, weekly sales, and everything else I think the best choice is to go Craftsman.

Even with all the quality control issues, single piece replacement is easy and painless. Buy a medium set, go through it when you unpack and you will be fine. I have a mix of Craftsman, SK, Genius, and a few Snap On and honestly, when I started all that mattered is that it fit the nuts and bolts.

While you are at Sears pick up some Gearwrenches to round out your set and get to work. I agree with some here, I may upgrade ratchets, but I still use my raised panels often.(I prefer the SK's)

While we can debate Toptul, HF, Pep Boys and others and even the fate of Sears, right now the track record is with Sears. HF has been around for over 25 years. I got our first regional store 1 year ago. If they close, then what? The way chains adjust to the market its a crapshoot. If Sears closes we are all screwed too, but in the likelihood that Craftsman spins off I will stick with them.

I also am an ebayer, and can't pass up good deals, so as your needs grow keep a list and keep your eyes open on clist and the bay. The secret is to never want anything too much that you disregard price.

Best wishes,
Ty

 

[jeepnut24]

Ill second the recommendation to look for some V series ratchets. They were my favorites before converting to SO. I just picked up another 1/2 V series that I need to clean up and put to use.

 

[arkangel06]

go used or buy the craftsman!!

 

[alberto]

Given the financial troubles Sears is having, how much does the potential for Sears not being around in a few years (and therefore the real potential for the warantee to vaporize) factor into the recommendations of buying (or not) Craftsman tools?

 

[strkar]

I'm in the same boat and just bought the Craftman socket set. If you want I'll give a review when it gets in.

 

[TAftw]

I bought the 260 piece set you are talking about. Here is my thread from when I brought it home:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48978

The ratchets aren't that great, and the wrenches have a really sharp, jagged edge on the open end, but i think that with use that will go away. I bought the entire set for $160 on Black Friday. IMO, it's the best value out there, and I'd buy it over anything from HF.