Upgrade Craftsman to What? Ratchet sets

[Kps]

I am new to the forum but have been researching and learning about various brands like Wera, Stahlwille, Hazet and Gedore.

Use would be on the weekends for Austrian motorcycle, Japanese, German cars and bicycles all as a hobby. I have mostly all craftsman tools from 20 year ago, 1/4", 3/8" 1/2" ratchet sets, combo wrenches, Bondhaus Allen Keys, Craftsman and Harbor Freight Torque wrenches. These are all kept in 2, 3 drawer Craftsman tool boxes. My $300 assorted set paid for itself when I replaced the starter motor and clutch slave cylinder 25 years ago and the set has saved me money ever since.

I am considering 6 point socket sets in 1/4" and 3/8" in some sort of a case so I can bring the case to the car/moto/bike etc. I would be looking to sell off all my Craftsman stuff here or on Ebay and reorganize my tools.

I would like some recommendations please and would be looking for something with less drag, higher tooth ratchet with better feeling. I don't want to buy into another set of tools after this upgrade.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bigdogboogie]

https://sktools.com/ They have a 25% off sale currently too.

Edit- Sale ends today.

 

[Firebrick43]

While I really like Wera screwdrivers, Hazet and stahlwille wrenches, I have never warmed up to any European ratchet except the facom era sk ratchets which had the facom guts.

The one thing snap on does better than anyone is ratchets. I would recommend at least a 1/4” and 3/8” one.

However Sk to me is a close second with wright a very close 3rd. If on a tight budget I would get a Tekton.

As far as sockets, I have several sets of snap on and I can’t recommend them over sk(favorite), Wright, or American made Williams. They are not a good value. Hazet or stahlwille makes good satin chromed sockets as well. Sk has nice sets in a plastic case to a decent price.

 

[qqzj]

I was in the same boat a while ago. It no longer make sense to use USA made Craftsman since the warranty won't give one back. I probably didn't upgrade. Instead, I just transitioned to GearWrench and Tekton. They are objectively better than those old Craftsman. Most of my stuff is GW since it offers more deals. For 1/2 set, I got the big Tekton set. The value proposition cannot be beat. These tools never failed me once. I don't think buying snap on can make any difference for me.

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[BFHtime]

Big dog thanks for the post just ordered a socket set. I love US made tools.

When it comes to ratchets it hard to beat Snap-on. I suggest getting one in long flex head 3/8 with rubber grip in green. Green tools matter. You will enjoy using it every time.

 

[BrandoJames]

I'd splurge on a quality ratchet like a Snap-on Dual80 flex. You can pick one up on eBay for a hundred bucks. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a socket set--the 3/8" Blue Point 6pt chromes (metric) on Snap-on's website are only 3 to 4 bucks a pop. I built a complete Blue Point chrome socket set for like $40 (just watch out for Snap-on's shipping fees).

I also recommend that you keep your Craftsman tools, particularly if its Craftsman USA. We all want new stuff, but when you can't find that new socket or ratchet--it's nice to have your old set as a backup.

 

[B_Bimmer]

If you want to live a little, the snap on quarter inch set is a true joy, I wouldn't say it's worth the price, but if I had no tools and was starting over, it would be the first thing I would splurge on. Beyond that proto makes great sockets, and sk's 1/4 sets are very inclusive and excellent quality.

 

[Kps]

I’m really appreciating the excellent, quick responses. Thank you

 

[Gurp]

ebay usually has great deals on ises Proto ratchets. another quality tool

 

[Legion Prime]

If I were starting over I for one would be buying a lot more Tekton. This 1/4 set for example, 6 point, deep & shallow, metric AND fractional with a 90T ratchet, driver, 2 extensions, universal and a 1/4 bitdriver adapter for $55 all in a hard plastic case? That's pretty tough to beat and the 90T 1/4" ratchet I bought over the winter has me sold on their ratchets.
1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket & Ratchet Set, 55-Piece
Pair that up with the equivalent 3/8 set for $70 and for $125 you're pretty much covered.
3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket & Ratchet Set, 47-Piece

 

[Bigdogboogie]

I'd splurge on a quality ratchet like a Snap-on Dual80 flex. You can pick one up on eBay for a hundred bucks. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a socket set--the 3/8" Blue Point 6pt chromes (metric) on Snap-on's website are only 3 to 4 bucks a pop. I built a complete Blue Point chrome socket set for like $40 (just watch out for Snap-on's shipping fees).

I also recommend that you keep your Craftsman tools, particularly if its Craftsman USA. We all want new stuff, but when you can't find that new socket or ratchet--it's nice to have your old set as a backup.

Posts like this are not helping my willpower a bit. I need a Snap-on 1/2 inch ratchet about as much as I need a kiss from a rabid badger but I really really want one.

I've never been that enamored with Snap-On stuff but the ratchets are calling my name.

 

[nadogail]

My mixed collection of used tools, Harbor Freight tools, and some garage sale finds have kept me producing into my retiremen.

IMHO, a bolt doesn't care who made the wrench that turns it.

 

[Fedwrench]

Whenever I see these upgrade to to what threads, I always ask what is it that you want to do that your current crop of tools can't do?
There's no reason to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Rather than replace everything, why not look at things that have changed over the past 10-20 years since you bought your current tools or tools you don't have. I would recommend Tekton 90 tooth ratchets for example. they are a joy to use and are bargain priced too Now before i go any further, I must point out that not all Tekton is created equal. The Tekton tools I recommend are those made in the last couple of years. The older 72 tooth Tekton ratchet blows and I can't recommend it or many of Tekton's older products. Tekton recently revised their line up of sockets, ratchets, and drive tools. I would recommend getting Tekton from Tekton.com as they offer free domestic shipping once registered and you get 10% back as rewards good on future purchases. They have some very nice complete socket sets in blow molded cases across three drive ranges.
You mentioned working on German cars. How are you equipped to handle Torx, triple square, and other unique fasteners? If you need some or don't know what I'm talking about, visit Capritools.com or vimtools.com and research their bit sockets.
You mentioned Japanese motorcycles. You really need some JIS screwdrivers to successfully deal with those unique phillips screws found on their carbs. Look for Vessel JIS screwdrivers on ebay or amazon.
other things to consider: a bright handheld rechargeable light, ratcheting wrenches (that needs its own thread) perhaps some cordless power tools, a good hand impact driver (the one you strike with a hammer. pliers (preferably the ones made in Germany or maybe channellocks), a nice pick set. this is enough to get you started. Good luck in your quest.

 

[measuredtwice]

My mixed collection of used tools, Harbor Freight tools, and some garage sale finds have kept me producing into my retiremen.

IMHO, a bolt doesn't care who made the wrench that turns it.

You're transferring your values onto an inanimate object. A bolt doesn't care if it is stripped by a cheap wrench. A bolt doesn't care if your cheap wrench breaks and you bust your knuckles. A bolt doesn't care if your neighbor loses his manufacturing job because people online push Made in China. A bolt can't care about anything. It's up to you to care.

I am new to the forum but have been researching and learning about various brands like Wera, Stahlwille, Hazet and Gedore.

Use would be on the weekends for Austrian motorcycle, Japanese, German cars and bicycles all as a hobby. I have mostly all craftsman tools from 20 year ago, 1/4", 3/8" 1/2" ratchet sets, combo wrenches, Bondhaus Allen Keys, Craftsman and Harbor Freight Torque wrenches. These are all kept in 2, 3 drawer Craftsman tool boxes. My $300 assorted set paid for itself when I replaced the starter motor and clutch slave cylinder 25 years ago and the set has saved me money ever since.

I am considering 6 point socket sets in 1/4" and 3/8" in some sort of a case so I can bring the case to the car/moto/bike etc. I would be looking to sell off all my Craftsman stuff here or on Ebay and reorganize my tools.

I would like some recommendations please and would be looking for something with less drag, higher tooth ratchet with better feeling. I don't want to buy into another set of tools after this upgrade.

Thanks in advance!

If you aren't in a hurry you can shop deals. I've gotten brand new made in USA sockets for as little as 33 cents each. But it takes time to find deals.

I'd add Williams USA (USA stuff has letters in the part number whereas imported stuff is all numbers), Proto USA, and Ko-Ken Japan. If you don't want to wait for deals, then sign up with Zoro to get coupons mailed to you. Zoro often sends 20% off coupons.

 

[sparky 1971]

I am too tired to read all the posts. I honestly don't think there is anything wrong with 20+ year old Craftsman sockets. Mine are around 30 years old and have served me well. The ratchets, on the other hand are notorious "knuckle busters". I made the switch to SK and haven't looked back. I don't have any of the new LP style, but I have all of the round heads including the double tooth count, except for the long 1/2" non flex and the 1/4" flex. I have done things with those that would have sent me to the ER for stitches using Craftsman.

 

[Samuel D]

A problem with sets is that they often have ratchets you don’t want. A good ratchet around which to build a set is a fairly long (maybe not the longest available) flex-head model. Do SK, Snap-on, etc., make sets like that?

The German socket sets are almost always built around an old-fashioned, short, fixed-head, and sometimes low-tooth-count ratchet. You can do a lot of work with that, as you can with old Craftsman stuff, but it’s not exactly the stuff of dreams.

 

[matt_i]

My faves are Cornwell JR-301 ratchets and Wera Zyklop - the fixed head not the multi-angle spinner-spanner.

I still have all of the Craftsman sockets from 30 years ago, they are still working great.

 

[BillK]

Just curious what is wrong with what you have ?? Almost all of my tools at home are 30-40 year old Craftsman and they work just fine for home / hobby use. I even have a fair amount of Craftsman at my business. If you don't abuse them they will last forever. To be honest with you I have had Craftsman tools since around 1970 and simply cannot remember ever having to replace a Craftsman tool other than a couple of screwdrivers that were mistreated and the tips broke.

I do have a few sets of Snap On sockets and my absolutely favorite ratchet is a Snap On flex head.

 

[will335i]

Like others have said don't necessarily get rid of your craftsman stuff at least night right away. I am in the same boat as you as use and coming from craftsman. Here is the path I choose to take. I am holding onto all my craftsman tools and they will be used until they break or be passed down to my son. I have upgraded all my ratchets to snap on. I did pick up some snap on socket sets but they are the low profile specialty ones. For regular everyday sockets I cannot justify the retail price of snap on sockets.

You mentioned wanting kits to be able to take over to the projects. I would look at organizer trays and or a tool bag. Buying something to keep in the vehicles is a different story but usually you can tailor a kit yourself a lot better than any off the shelf set.

 

[m6z]

I recently filled in some of the holes of my old Craftsman sockets with the current craftsman stuff. There's really no reason to get rid of the stuff you've already got unless you just want to spend money.

I did pickup some Carlyle/Gearwrench/Icon 90 tooth ratchets. I like them more than the old Craftsman raised panels.

If you're wanting a mobile kit, check out the Milwaukee stuff.

https://www.toolnut.com/milwaukee-4...ae-metric-ratchet-and-socket-packout-set.html

 

[Minnesota Steve]

The Craftsman ratchets are not great... except for the professional low-profile series.

Other problem I had was my 1/4" sockets didn't have a detent and so they'd keep falling off the ratchets. I "solved" that problem by replacing my sockets with Husky brand ones.

I also have a set of Tekton out in the shop and they're great wrenches. As well as my father's old Proto set from the 50s, which is also great except I'm missing metric... but I really love the ratchets.

I'd focus on getting some nice ratchets... Maybe it's worth going for snap-on there.

 

[bwringer]

If I were starting over I for one would be buying a lot more Tekton. This 1/4 set for example, 6 point, deep & shallow, metric AND fractional with a 90T ratchet, driver, 2 extensions, universal and a 1/4 bitdriver adapter for $55 all in a hard plastic case? That's pretty tough to beat and the 90T 1/4" ratchet I bought over the winter has me sold on their ratchets.
1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket & Ratchet Set, 55-Piece
Pair that up with the equivalent 3/8 set for $70 and for $125 you're pretty much covered.
3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket & Ratchet Set, 47-Piece

Same. If I had to start over on hand tools, I'd start by placing a massive order on Tekton.com. Incredible bang for the buck.

 

[Al Borland]

I was in the same boat a while ago. It no longer make sense to use USA made Craftsman since the warranty won't give one back.

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WTF??? It no longer makes sense to USE a tool you already own over warranty concerns? I must be missing something. I still use old Craftsman (New Britain) sockets at home all the time. Because they are already here and paid for. I should run out and buy more tools because Sears isn't around to replace my 70 year old sockets, or not replace them with other 70 year old sockets?
I'm all for buying more tools, but i'm not going to stop using the ones i have, that work fine, that i have been using for 40+ years.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Pack all of your Craftsman socket, ratchets, etc in a box and I'll give you $20 for them and pay shipping !

 

[The Fall]

People like "upgrading." No problem. Keep the CMan USA stuff as it's generally really good.

SK on the sockets, Snap-on the ratchets.

 

[qqzj]

I broke a 1/4 ratchet. And I have to spend 2 years and too dollar to buy an identical one from eBay. After that, I said no more, and I stopped using them. If you don't care about the details like I do, you can of course use them forever.

Also the GW and Tekton tools are much better than my old Cman. It's a pleasure to use them anyway.

WTF??? It no longer makes sense to USE a tool you already own over warranty concerns? I must be missing something. I still use old Craftsman (New Britain) sockets at home all the time. Because they are already here and paid for. I should run out and buy more tools because Sears isn't around to replace my 70 year old sockets, or not replace them with other 70 year old sockets?
I'm all for buying more tools, but i'm not going to stop using the ones i have, that work fine, that i have been using for 40+ years.

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[qqzj]

Top dollar, not too dollar.

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[Bigdogboogie]

People like "upgrading." No problem. Keep the CMan USA stuff as it's generally really good.

SK on the sockets, Snap-on the ratchets.

This is the answer you seek OP.

 

[Kps]

This is the answer you seek OP.

Thank you all!
Have a great weekend and happy wrenching.

 

[ForrestT]

Totally agree with Big Dog and Fall. SK sockets all the way. Ratchet I pick depends on situation.


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[Tonymanx]

For regular everyday sockets I cannot justify the retail price of snap on

Look into the black finish impact socket sets, or power driver sets. I search out SO tools with black finish. Much cheaper.

 

[GTO]

I am too tired to read all the posts. I honestly don't think there is anything wrong with 20+ year old Craftsman sockets. Mine are around 30 years old and have served me well. The ratchets, on the other hand are notorious "knuckle busters". I made the switch to SK and haven't looked back. I don't have any of the new LP style, but I have all of the round heads including the double tooth count, except for the long 1/2" non flex and the 1/4" flex. I have done things with those that would have sent me to the ER for stitches using Craftsman.

Me too...I have upgraded all my Ratchets to SO ,but I still use my Craftsman sockets from the 70's and 80's. They have served me well at home for a non pro wrencher..

 

[orangeblood]

..., I always ask what is it that you want to do that your current crop of tools can't do?...

Rather than replace everything, why not look at things that have changed over the past 10-20 years since you bought your current tools or tools you don't have...

How are you equipped to handle Torx, triple square, and other unique fasteners? ...

You really need some JIS screwdrivers to successfully deal with those unique phillips screws found on their carbs...

other things to consider: a bright handheld rechargeable light, ratcheting wrenches (that needs its own thread) perhaps some cordless power tools, a good hand impact driver (the one you strike with a hammer. pliers (preferably the ones made in Germany or maybe channellocks), a nice pick set. this is enough to get you started.

why do we need some guys that think and use logic?

 

[Bubba Fett]

Unless you really want to pay for USA-made tools (which is totally fine if you can do it), Taiwan-made tools are fine. The thing to consider is that most brands that are made in Taiwan are made by the same OEMs. (Typically Infar, Hi-Five, and Kabo). That said, there is no point in paying any more than you have to, as long as the brand has a good warranty.

Icon is good, but overpriced, and their quality control is hit and miss. Gearwrench, Crescent, SATA and other Apex brands have good tools, but they also have some junk, so you have to be careful. Tekton offers a wide range of quality tools, and basically what Craftsman should be, quality and selection-wise, IMO. One brand that had surprised me a lot is DeWalt. Their wrenches and sockets are quite good for the money, and I'm seeing them more and more in hardware stores. In fact, DeWalt hand tools are sometimes significantly cheaper than Craftsman, even though they are both from the same company, but made in Taiwan instead of China. Their selection is limited, though.

At work, I recently got a Westward socket set. The quality is surprisingly good, and I'm convinced that Crescent is the actual supplier.

 

[Ralf11]

you want "less drag, higher tooth ratchet with better feeling" - one brand stands above all others: Ko-ken Zeal.

Get the 72 tooth ones from Palmac or Amazon Japan.

Ko-ken Zeal 72t is better in the ways you mention than Hazet, SnapOn Dual 80 or Nepros (much less other brands, none of which are as good). I own and use all those brands.

If you decide to buy Dual 80 anyway get used ones off of evilbay.

 

[Keep]

When I started upgrading, I just could not justify Snap-on and the ebay market is Canada, might as well be straight from the truck with the prices they are asking. So instead I went with Wright, jumped right in and bought bunch of their ratchets.



Love the feel of them, though in the 1/4 the selector is a bit loose and seems to like to change directions with very little effort. Luckily its limited to the 1/4 inch and I have a nice USA Williams that fits the bill instead.

You can find these with the smooth handles, or the knurled ones similiar to Protos.

I have since added entirely to many other Wright ratchets as I bought a bunch of 12pt sets that came with even more ratchets....lol

 

[danski0224]

I've purchased new sockets from Williams, USA made, that I didn't already have. They are very well made and heavier than comparable old Craftsman I own.

I am considering replacing the Craftsman with Williams over time. I am considering selling off the Craftsman while people are paying money for it.

I found the Williams sockets to be USA made (if chosen correctly) and at a better price than SK or Snap On.

The old Craftsman stuff and warranty is just about useless at this point in time.

Just about anything else is equally inconvenient, so it doesn't matter. Retail stores are likely to change suppliers, making an equal replacement difficult to get. I remember the "trade your xxxxx for Husky" days at Home Depot almost 20 years ago, and now what can you get? There were years where the individual sockets went away and all they had were sets.

I'd buy Harbor Freight now before anyone else if I was buying in a brick and mortar store. I think there's a better chance of getting a replacement quickly.

With Williams, Snappy, SK, et al, if the truck isn't coming to me, "warranty" is a PITA and shouldn't be a primary reason.