I'm looking to start my tool collection and I have a 50% off my first craftsman tool set coupon. I am looking at getting the 413 pc tool set for $299 or the 540 for $650. My question is do y'all think the difference is worth the extra 350 bucks? the links below are the two kits.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-540-piece-mechanics-tool-set/p-00949540000P?sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=13&blockNo=13&blockType=G13
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-413-pc-mechanics-tool-set/p-00933413000P?sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=G12
Something some people do not think about when they buy a set of tools is whether or not they will be living in the same place or moving frequently. Another thing to think about is which type of tool storage to invest in. The bigger the set, the bigger the box to store them in and how difficult it will be to move around. Also, you should understand the type of work you will be doing and what tools will do best in your line of work. Are you working on both SAE and metric fasteners? Both sets have both SAE and metric tools.
It seems like the Craftsman tool sets they sell at Sears are always missing something and missing pieces can add up if you need them. After a quick review of both sets I noticed how each set had something the other did not.
Some of the things I quickly noticed was the 540 has thin profile ratchets, no punch & chisel set, no large metric tools up to 32mm, missing arc joint & diagonal cutting pliers, no locking pliers, no clip ring pliers, no external torx tools, has a lot of screwdrivers, has lots of what looks like complete sets of sockets in 1/16" sizes (no 1/32" sizes), no 3/4" drive sockets, no feeler gauges, no pry bars, no tape measure, no socket rails, no adjustable wrenches, no drag links, no open end wrenches, no hammers, no deep offset wrenches, no hacksaws, no strap wrenches, no torque wrenches, no gear pullers, no tap& dies set, no inspection mirrors or magnetic pick up tools, etc.
Just glimpsing at it the 413 is missing a lot of the same stuff but it does not have a bunch of the sockets the 540 does. However, the 413 does have some larger sockets like the 32mm socket in it.
Between these sets I would say I would consider the 540 piece set but I don't know what type of work you are doing. It can be overkill to have all these tools and only need SAE or metric. This day in time I would suggest having both in order to be prepared.
Years ago Northern Tool was selling an SAE Allen master mechanic's tool set without storage for about $1700 with free shipping. The Allen set was made in the USA with a lifetime warranty and they were industrial grade tools. Try going over the picture of the Allen set and try adding up the cost of the missing tools from the Craftsman set. Ask yourself if you would save any money.
