which craftsman tool set to buy

[stoveboltgunnut]

I need help choosing which set to buyfor my wife's little brother . 255, 309, or what other piece tool set gives the best bang for the buck. I have less than $400 to spend. I want him to have a more or less comprehensive set of sockets and wrenches, standard and metric, deep and shallow. A driver with bits would be nice too, as would allen wrenches.

I am going with craftsman for price and warranty, he is moving across the country and I want him to have tools with him.

I would love to buy SO tools but I cannot. I would love to "spend a little more" and get real tools but I cannot. I know craftsman is increasingly sending production overseas, but I can still get sets made of US tools. I know cobalt and others make comparable sets, but I am going with craftsman for the reasons listed above.

 

[LB-1911]

Having the list of contents should prove useful.

PARTS LIST FOR 255 PC. MECHANIC’S TOOL SET #35255
http://c.shld.net/assets/misc/IL35255.pdf

Craftsman 309 pc. Mechanic's Tool Set
http://c.shld.net/assets/misc/spin_prod_540682101.pdf

 

[twincam00]

Wait until the 309 piece goes on sale (usually a few times each year) then you can pick it up for $200

And make sure to buy better ratchets with the money you saved

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't like most of the sets. They have too many tools that a newbie would not need for a long time. Here are some tips from someone who has been twisting wrenches in the shade of a tree for 40 years.

• Don't buy sets with 12 point sockets.
• Don't buy sets with 1/2" drive sockets or ratchets. (I used one last week, but it was literally years since the last time I needed one.)
• Don't buy 1/4" deep sockets. (Most of the common sizes overlap with 3/8" deep.)

• Do buy 6 point SAE and Metric standard and deep sockets. Also buy the smaller and larger sizes not included in the standard socket sets.

• Obviously SAE and Metric combination wrenches. Buy the smaller ones not included in the standard wrench sets.

Screwdrivers, slip joint pliers, arc joint pliers (at least 2 sizes), wire cutters, needle nose pliers, linesman pliers, locking pliers (at least 2 sizes).

 

[d.mcfarland]

It might be cheaper to buy the items that you actually want. Sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and some others are still made in the USA. Might be able to find NOS for others items. The sets do include rarely used items, but that's understandable.

 

[Bob C]

Buy as big a set as needed up to your budget. No answer is gonna pinpoint the set you need/want. Just look em over and grab what you feel he will need and send the lad on his way with a smile. You did your good deed.

 

[stoveboltgunnut]

Thank you all for the input! I am going to stick with the sets because I started out just buying the kid what I felt like he needed, but the cost got outrageous.

With the bigger sets you can get the tools for about $1 ea. Piecing it out...not so much!

I appreciate your help.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Thank you all for the input! I am going to stick with the sets because I started out just buying the kid what I felt like he needed, but the cost got outrageous.

With the bigger sets you can get the tools for about $1 ea. Piecing it out...not so much!

I appreciate your help.

And you are doing it right in my opinion.

Even the 179 and 199 piece sets do not have much crossover and aside from the loose hex keys, a few dual open ends and a bunch of bits, both are good sets. Move up and they get better.

Buy what's in your budget at teh best price possible. For the price, it is still among the best deals out there.

 

[TwoInch]

i havent seen the 309pc set with a really good discount in quite some time, but the 255pc and the 260pc sets both can be had for $149 regularly, i think the last time they were that low was fathers day??

both have a well rounded socket selection, and have driver with bits, and allen sets long and short i believe.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thank you all for the input! I am going to stick with the sets because I started out just buying the kid what I felt like he needed, but the cost got outrageous.

With the bigger sets you can get the tools for about $1 ea. Piecing it out...not so much!

I appreciate your help.

Remember, they count each allen wrench individually !

 

[dirtrider]

I don't like most of the sets. They have too many tools that a newbie would not need for a long time. Here are some tips from someone who has been twisting wrenches in the shade of a tree for 40 years.

• Don't buy sets with 12 point sockets.
• Don't buy sets with 1/2" drive sockets or ratchets. (I used one last week, but it was literally years since the last time I needed one.)
• Don't buy 1/4" deep sockets. (Most of the common sizes overlap with 3/8" deep.)

• Do buy 6 point SAE and Metric standard and deep sockets. Also buy the smaller and larger sizes not included in the standard socket sets.

• Obviously SAE and Metric combination wrenches. Buy the smaller ones not included in the standard wrench sets.

Screwdrivers, slip joint pliers, arc joint pliers (at least 2 sizes), wire cutters, needle nose pliers, linesman pliers, locking pliers (at least 2 sizes).

This is pretty good advise, the problem a lot of times is sets are generally "a one size fits all type of thing" meaning that in many cases they include too much fluff to fill it up.

To me 1/2 is important, when I was a kid I started off with only 1/2 deep impact sockets that served dual purposes. Remember there are also other quality USA tools that are decently priced for tools other than your main Craftsman sockets-ratchets-wrenches etc.

But overall I think your doing it right, I started off with a Craftsman set and I still think even today that Craftsman tools are a good value for the money and the majority of there hard line is still mostly USA made, compared to other big box brands where nothing is. I have also always felt that Sears always catered to tools and there warranty better than Home Depot, Lowes etc, when you walk into a Sears to warranty a tool every employee in the tool department will know exactly what your talking about and it is usually hassle free compared to other places.

 

[nine4gmc]

Remember, they count each allen wrench individually !

and remember they count each Ratchet individually, I'm sure between the $20 in allens and the $3 in Ratchets, you still come out ahead getting the set.

Personally, I would not get a set for my shop but for the home or the car, kids or nephews they are perfect.

 

[ijason]

I bought my $309 pc for the sockets last week paid $199.00 at sears on sale out the door
The ratchets are garbage so buy new ones. Other then that the sockets are made in the usa and gave me a good start to my collection good luck

 

[dsmnickk90]

I don't like most of the sets. They have too many tools that a newbie would not need for a long time. Here are some tips from someone who has been twisting wrenches in the shade of a tree for 40 years.

• Don't buy sets with 12 point sockets.
• Don't buy sets with 1/2" drive sockets or ratchets. (I used one last week, but it was literally years since the last time I needed one.)
• Don't buy 1/4" deep sockets. (Most of the common sizes overlap with 3/8" deep.)

• Do buy 6 point SAE and Metric standard and deep sockets. Also buy the smaller and larger sizes not included in the standard socket sets.

• Obviously SAE and Metric combination wrenches. Buy the smaller ones not included in the standard wrench sets.

Screwdrivers, slip joint pliers, arc joint pliers (at least 2 sizes), wire cutters, needle nose pliers, linesman pliers, locking pliers (at least 2 sizes).

I use 1/2" ALOT. It is needed. I can't see doing anything with suspension without it. Or even breaking a rusted bolt loose without a 1/2" breaker bar. These sets 3/8" drive probably only go to 19mm and 21mm and 22mm are used alot. I got a 371pc in 07 when i was in highschool and have added alot to it and still run into times when I need something else every once in a while. Get the biggest most complete set you can afford and if it don't have breaker bars add them. I have personally never had a RP ratchet fail on me and I think they work fine. If he wants a smoother ratchet later on he can always get it.

 

[red_ryders]

Don't buy sets with 1/2" drive sockets or ratchets. (I used one last week, but it was literally years since the last time I needed one.)

I use my 1/2 for lug nut removal frequently and last week my truck required one to release the tension on the serpentine belt (just the ratchet was needed to change the belt).

This may not be a "perfect" set (what is when you need a speciality tool?) but IMHO, is is a very good starter kit, has nice storage / organizers, a large selection and cost $149 on "Black Friday" last year:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-255-pc-mechanics-tool-set-with-lift-top/p-00935255000P

 

[Big Gus]

This...

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...No=2&blockNo=2&blockType=L2&fb_source=message

This is a pretty comprehensive set of sockets, wrenches and such for someone starting out. All 6 point with really no fluff. Most of the other sets I looked at had overlap of sizes including both 6 and 12 point sockets, which makes the tool count go up, but not the range of sizes in sockets. In my opinion, this is a pretty good starter set. Just add some pliers, bits, pry bars, etc, and you're set.

This set may not look like much, but if you compare the spec sheet to the other sets, especially the sockets, you'll find that this set is a far better deal.

 

[bluechevy94]

The 309 PC set is on sale for $249.I started out with that set and it makes a good starter set.

http://m.craftsman.com/subcategory....me=Mechanics Tool Sets&typeIndicator=product#

 

[theoldwizard1]

I use 1/2" ALOT. It is needed. I can't see doing anything with suspension without it.

I concur with the second part of that ! I pulled out the 1/2" breaker bar to tighten the inner and outer tie rod ends on my E150. But really, how many time do DIYers get into things like that ?

Spend the money you save on NOT buying 1/2" sockets, etc., on a good heavy duty 3/8" impact wrench and deep impact sockets. Best addon to that is a lug nut flip socket set.

Or even breaking a rusted bolt loose without a 1/2" breaker bar.

Most time when I get out the breaker bar, the bolt breaks !

These sets 3/8" drive probably only go to 19mm and 21mm and 22mm are used alot.

Which is why I said buy the extra socket above and below that come with the set.

 

[Umclemrbig]

BIg Gus-That is a great starter set. Years ago, I bought the biggest set I could carry and, man, was I proud. 15 years later I head to the 6 points and the 12 points mainly have served as ballast to my chest.

Oh-they also look nice sitting there with no dings on them. And don't sell short the laser etching. I can't see anything these days!

 

[philw]

I bought my $309 pc for the sockets last week paid $199.00 at sears on sale out the door
The ratchets are garbage so buy new ones. Other then that the sockets are made in the usa and gave me a good start to my collection good luck

I agree, the ratchets are useless. The only reason to buy the set would be for the sockets. I would check out the kobalt sets that are on sale. Sad to say but you would probably be getting better quality, the ratchets are much nicer.

I would try to snag Craftsman US pro screwdrivers before they are gone. The basic screwdrivers are garbage.

Good luck.

 

[theamcaddict]

This set has no duplication and is all six point. I think it is a good start in my opinion.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...-00935188000P?&prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=L8

 

[mmack66]

Craftsman tools aren't real tools?

 

[theoldwizard1]

The 309 PC set is on sale for $249.I started out with that set and it makes a good starter set.

http://m.craftsman.com/subcategory....me=Mechanics Tool Sets&typeIndicator=product#

I'm not trying to bust your chops, but here is what I do NOT like about that set.

• Includes BOTH 6 and 12 point 1/4" SAE Standard and Deep sockets. Come on ! Who needs BOTH 6 and 12 point sockets in a starter set !!

• Includes deep 1/4" sockets. There is enough overlap in the 3/8" deep sockets that I have not need one in 40+ years of shade tree wrenching.

• Includes BOTH 6 and 12 point 3/8" SAE and Metric Standard and Deep sockets.

• 8 point sockets. Really ?

• The 1/2" sockets and accessories are far from complete. (No breaker, only a 3" extension)

• I would rather have more combination wrenches (smaller and larger) than ratcheting wrenches in a starter set.

Plus that is more than 50% of the budget and does not include a box, pliers, cutters, screwdrivers, etc., etc.

 

[cide1]

When I bought my travel trailer, I wanted a second set of tools for keeping at our permanent campground site, but I didn't want to spend a ton. One thing I noticed about Craftsman "mechanics sets" is that they were mostly ratchets, extensions, sockets, and wrenches. They didn't have the other "bits" that make a real tool kit.

So, taking this into account, I bought #36260 (260 piece for $255), and immediately added some pliers, dykes, and an 8 pack of basic Phillips and flat head screwdrivers. I also added duct tape, electrical tape, zip ties, WD-40, a utility knife, a claw hammer, a tape measure, and a multi-meter. I feel pretty well covered with this for incidentals that come up. I think by the time you add all that stuff, it was probably right at $400 for the set. It mostly all fits in the box from the set (the hammer does not).

A $10 HF 1/2" breaker bar would be another nice addition for removing tightly torqued fasteners. A drop light and a bag of red rags is another good add-on for someone starting out who will be working on cars.

The three raised panel ratchets in the set aren't great, but RP ratchets have been used by millions with no issues for decades, and the warranty will replace them.

A follow up gift of some better ratchets down the road will make an easy Christmas gift.

 

[pipsters]

This set has no duplication and is all six point. I think it is a good start in my opinion.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...-00935188000P?&prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=L8

Nice find! That has got to be the best set they offer. All the sockets are 6 point, there aren't any 12 point duplicates wasting space, no stupid filler. The only thing I don't like is that they are 6 point wrenches, but not that big of a deal. It also has the laser etched sockets, which are significantly easier to read than the standard roll stamped ones (worth the extra $$).

I would definitely get this set.

Then go to Harbor Freight and get the hex in SAE and MM, and the torx set (cheap and good quality, better than Craftsman IMO, I have both).

Also you will need a universal joint, I would at least get a 3/8" but maybe a 1/4" as well. Sears sold the 3 pc (1/2", 3/8", and 1/4") for $20 made in USA but I think they are imported now, might as well get those at Harbor Freight as well.

A small prybar set - these go on sale every now and then for $20 - although even at $33 aren't a bad deal, they are US made by Wilde. Also pick up a 18" long 1/2" breaker bar ($24 or so @ Sears for US made, half that or less at China import store).

A couple hammers like a 12oz ball peen, a rubber mallet, a cheap but good multimeter like this one for $34 w/ your 20% off coupon.

Pick set for $6 is a good idea as well, cheap and great for fishing out o-rings (not sure what I did before I had those). They are US made by Ullman.

If you have any cash left over I personally would upgrade the ratchets - the RP ratchets are OK but kinda a POS when you start yanking on them. Also might want to look into a jack and jack stand set, you can get them fairly cheap at Wal-Mart.

I'm trying to think of all the basic tools I used on my cars lately and I think that is about it.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I agree, the ratchets are useless. The only reason to buy the set would be for the sockets. I would check out the kobalt sets that are on sale. Sad to say but you would probably be getting better quality, the ratchets are much nicer.

I would try to snag Craftsman US pro screwdrivers before they are gone. The basic screwdrivers are garbage.

Good luck.

I got the 309 piece set 7-8 years ago as a christmas gift. I use it as my junkyard/road box.

The ratchets have held up fine and are not garbage. Granted they are not as nice and smooth as the thin profile or premium ratchets, they get the job done

 

[NUTTSGT]

Remember, they count each allen wrench individually !

That's what you have to watch now, the small bits being counting as "pieces". Several years ago, a buck a piece was a decent deal.

 

[concealer404]

I bought the 309 piece set 3 years ago and broke all three ratchets it came with. Then 3 of the warranteed ratchets. The ones i have now seem to be strong, though.

How about this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearWrench-..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item35b67a4601&vxp=mtr


Or starting with these?
http://www.cripedistributing.com/napa-62-pc-3-8-socket-set-deep-shallow-nht90928-ro.html
http://www.cripedistributing.com/napa-56-pc-1-4-socket-set-deep-shallow-90927-ro.html

Add wrenches and screwdrivers of your choice, grab some 1/2" drive ratchet and sockets.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought the 309 piece set 3 years ago and broke all three ratchets it came with. Then 3 of the warranteed ratchets. The ones i have now seem to be strong, though.

6 ratchets in 3 years, I'd guess you're doing something wrong.

 

[concealer404]

6 ratchets in 3 years, I'd guess you're doing something wrong.

I don't do anything to those ratchets i don't do to others. Never broken another ratchet, ever. Never broke any of my older Craftsman ratchets either.

I don't use cheater bars, if that's what you're insinuating. I have breaker bars.

I'm also not exactly a big guy.

There was an article posted here with ratchet strength tests. The craftsman that was tested has the exact same build code as what i got in my kit. It's quite telling.

 

[PeterT]

Get him the
Craftsman 540 pc. Mechanics Tool Set

Item# 00936540000P

$1299.99 + tax + shipping, out the door

 

[theoldwizard1]

I bought the 309 piece set 3 years ago and broke all three ratchets it came with. Then 3 of the warranteed ratchets.

Remind me to NEVER arm wrestle with you !

I am pretty certain the 3/8" ratchet I have is the one that I got for Christmas about 45 years ago.

My 3/8" flex head stopped ratcheting a few years back. I wish I had gotten a repair kit because the forging on the new one was no where near as nice.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I don't do anything to those ratchets i don't do to others. Never broken another ratchet, ever. Never broke any of my older Craftsman ratchets either.

I don't use cheater bars, if that's what you're insinuating. I have breaker bars.

I'm also not exactly a big guy.

There was an article posted here with ratchet strength tests. The craftsman that was tested has the exact same build code as what i got in my kit. It's quite telling.

I guess you're one of those guys that can break an anvil with a rubber mallet.

 

[concealer404]

Remind me to NEVER arm wrestle with you !

I am pretty certain the 3/8" ratchet I have is the one that I got for Christmas about 45 years ago.

My 3/8" flex head stopped ratcheting a few years back. I wish I had gotten a repair kit because the forging on the new one was no where near as nice.

Like i said... i'm not a big guy.

I'd trust your 45 year old ratchet over the recent ones any day. I'm not saying Craftsman ratchets are weak in general, just saying that i haven't had great luck with the ones made in the last few years.

Older ones seem to be tough as nails for me.

 

[concealer404]

I guess you're one of those guys that can break an anvil with a rubber mallet.

Clearly not what i'm saying, but i know anything potentially said against a USA-made tool on this forum is immediately ridiculed, so i suppose i had it coming.


This is what i'm saying: http://www.sonic.net/~alexz/Ratchet shootout.pdf

 

[JWILL]

I know this may get flamed but if your nephew is needing a decent tool set to start him out. I would recomend the HF 301pc socket set its only 189$ and has quite the selection. ive been beating on mine in the shop now for awhile and they hold up well.

 

[pipsters]

Clearly not what i'm saying, but i know anything potentially said against a USA-made tool on this forum is immediately ridiculed, so i suppose i had it coming.


This is what i'm saying: http://www.sonic.net/~alexz/Ratchet shootout.pdf

I intentionally abused my Craftsman RP ratchet - put a pipe on it and tried to take a lug nut off I had just torqued to 80 ft-lbs. It broke (the ratchet). For light duty stuff they are great. In fact I put wheel bearing grease in them and they are so light you can easily get stuff on and off. You probably can't do 80 ft-lbs with your bear hands on a ratchet the size of the Craftsman RP so it's not a big deal but it's unfortunate you can't reef on it. I wish Sears sold upgraded internals for their ratchets, I'd gladly pay $10-$15 for a nice hardened gear set that was made in the USA (another lost opp for Sears).

I hope my thin profiles never break because I really like them, and they are USA made.

 

[philw]

I got the 309 piece set 7-8 years ago as a christmas gift. I use it as my junkyard/road box.

The ratchets have held up fine and are not garbage. Granted they are not as nice and smooth as the thin profile or premium ratchets, they get the job done

Ok, they are not literally garbage but are one of, if not the worst, name brand ratchet on the market. They used to be a decent ratchet but over the years the quality continued to go downhill and the ones I have used and seen over the past 15 years have been sloppy and the ones I owned broke after little use.

 

[concealer404]

I intentionally abused my Craftsman RP ratchet - put a pipe on it and tried to take a lug nut off I had just torqued to 80 ft-lbs. It broke (the ratchet). For light duty stuff they are great. In fact I put wheel bearing grease in them and they are so light you can easily get stuff on and off. You probably can't do 80 ft-lbs with your bear hands on a ratchet the size of the Craftsman RP so it's not a big deal but it's unfortunate you can't reef on it. I wish Sears sold upgraded internals for their ratchets, I'd gladly pay $10-$15 for a nice hardened gear set that was made in the USA (another lost opp for Sears).

I hope my thin profiles never break because I really like them, and they are USA made.

The thin profile/nextgens i REALLY like.

 

[pipsters]

The thin profile/nextgens i REALLY like.

Check out this thread I made a year and a half ago.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92974&highlight=thin+profile

I still like my RP's, they are a classic ratchet that I will hang on to forever, but after more and more use I prefer the thin profiles.