Which socket set ?

jgelack · Dec 1, 2015

Hi, My mother is asking for a socket set for Christmas, I know, but she likes to wrench on things, lol.Between a set from Craftsman, Kobalt, or Husky, which one would you choose ? I appreciate any advice you can give me.

Flivver250 · Dec 1, 2015

First of all, what does she like to wrench on? D9 dozers or Kitchenaid blenders? Craftsman is Chinese so that is reason for me to run from it. As I don't buy any of these three I would choose whichever is US made. the Wright tool Cougar line is good for the lighter duty applications and is US made. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FCGDZW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

sberry · Dec 1, 2015

Which store do you frequent the most?

Ckengine · Dec 1, 2015

What drive size are you looking at 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2. For 3/8 or 1/4 I would look at these. Nice American made metric and standard sets with a lifetime warranty.

http://http://www.amazon.com/SK-91848-Fractional-Universal-48-Piece/dp/B000MANQCW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448975143&sr=8-1&keywords=sk+tools+socket+set

http://www.amazon.com/SK-94547-6-Millimeter-19-Millimeter-Assortments/dp/B0002NYCJU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1448975143&sr=8-3&keywords=sk+tools+socket+set

bcradio · Dec 1, 2015

My vote goes to the harbor freight 301 piece set. Is her coffee pot made in America? Then why would she care if her tools are?

WhiskeyRanger · Dec 1, 2015

Flivver250 said:
First of all, what does she like to wrench on? D9 dozers or Kitchenaid blenders? Craftsman is Chinese so that is reason for me to run from it. As I don't buy any of these three I would choose whichever is US made. the Wright tool Cougar line is good for the lighter duty applications and is US made. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FCGDZW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

US designed, but apparently not made in the USA.

Ckengine · Dec 1, 2015

bcradio said:
My vote goes to the harbor freight 301 piece set. Is her coffee pot made in America? Then why would she care if her tools are?

Personally I always try to buy American if I have a choice.

CarsonConcepts · Dec 1, 2015

Quite a few places have the Gearwrench 57pc. 3/8" Drive set (80550) with free 51pc. 1/4" set (80300) for around $135-150. JBToolSales has it for $134.99 with free shipping.

valentine · Dec 1, 2015

Love the Toptul sockets I purchased recently. Can't beat their quality for the price you'll pay. In fact, I'll go as far as saying I like them more than the pricey truck tools. Yeah, I am becoming a Toptul convert. Used to swear I'd ever own an import car too. Boy how times have changed, LOL.

-Valentine

drink · Dec 1, 2015

Is she working on both SAE and metric fasteners? Does she repair bicycles or just small stuff? Here are a few suggestions without really knowing what type of stuff she works on.

NAPA has a made in USA Armstrong 15-199 SAE/metric 1/4" drive socket set on sale for $119.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...ket-Set-Deep-Standard/_/R-AIT15199_0006556306

Toolbarn has a few made in USA Craftsman Industrial socket sets on sale. If you sign up for e-mails you get $10 off your first order and they have free shipping on $75+ orders. I am guessing the 65 piece mixed drive socket set might do okay with a homeowner but mixed sets are missing some stuff sometimes.

http://www.toolbarn.com/craftsman-009-24777.html

http://www.toolbarn.com/craftsman-009-24859.html

http://www.toolbarn.com/craftsman-009-24846.html

You might try price shopping these sets for better deals or go through the catalogs to find a better match for her needs.

woody 73 · Dec 1, 2015

The op asked for three sources...Kobalt , Husky and Craftsman all good choices for his Mom. What I would ask the op is which store does his mother like shopping in because if the hand tool would ever need replacing which store would she prefer to be in?

Nothing wrong with the other replies but his mother might have to mail in the broken tools to toptul & wright for replacement and she might not like going to the HF store seeing that it is all tools and nothing else related to other goods like ladies items. I think she would have to walk into an auto parts store or maybe sears for the gearwrench replacements which might be a good thing for her or a bad thing for her?

My Mother was not into tools but when she used to go shopping she liked to look at other things and good store service was very important to her.

bonneyman · Dec 1, 2015

I've used Kobalt tools. Not bad for the money.

And I like older Husky, can't speak to what the newer ones are like.

drink · Dec 1, 2015

I really don't know how good the warranty service is at Lowe's or Home Depot. During my lifetime I have owned Craftsman tools and so far Sears has replaced all my broken Craftsman tools without a hassle. Some people say they had a huge hassle while trying to get warranty service at Sears recently.

Sometimes I have to contact the manufacturer to get warranty service and sometimes they either have it shipped to them or I mail the broken tool to them. Spending a couple of buck to mail a broken tool and receiving a new tool in the mail several days later wasn't so terrible. If you need the tool to do a job and it breaks you don't have time to wait for the mail to arrive. You have to have backup tools on hand.

I think all the stores you mentioned have tool lines that are made offshore now. Sears sells some tools that are still made in the USA.

Maybe you would consider buying your mom a small set of Craftsman tools like mine. It did not cost much and it all fits in a small tool box. Several of the tools in my set were on sale during the holidays and it helped to drastically lower the cost of the set.

drink · Dec 1, 2015

drink · Dec 1, 2015

SYWR members get $10 off $100 in tools at Sears.

PROMO CODE:9700058055492512

Enter this code in cart to receive deal.
Valid in-store and Online.
Valid In-Store and Online. Excludes Online only items, Online exclusive items, and Unilateral Pricing Policy..Member offers: Use of this coupon constitutes your acceptance of the SYW terms and conditions available at www.shopyourway.com/terms; All offers: Not valid on Every Day Great Price, Hot Buys, Special Purchases, Introductory Offers, Insane Deals, clearance, closeouts, gift cards, catalog orders & protection agreements, items not sold by Sears. One coupon per purchase. Redemption limited to one time use of either digital or in-store printed version. Void if transferred, copied, obtained via unapproved means or prohibited. Cash value 1/20 cent. Coupon savings may be deducted from refund. Cannot be used with other discounts. Excludes Online only items, Online exclusive items, and Unilateral Pricing Policy.

The SYWR website might have some big discount coupons on it where you can possibly get even more savings.

Kevin54 · Dec 1, 2015

It all depends on which store is the closest, but if it were me, I would go for either the Kobalt or the Craftsman. Kobalt has some nice tools and usually run some good deals on sets at Christmas time. Plus I have never had a problem exchanging Kobalt like I have Craftsman. And it may not be Craftsman but it may just be the store. And our closest Sears is a pain ion the *** to get a tool warranted.

drink · Dec 1, 2015

Sears has a Cyber Week coupon for $15 off $100 also. - use only once

9700058056010760

$10 off $75 at Sears - use only once

9700058055877616

Tenex · Dec 1, 2015

I just bought the Gearwrench 80300 set from JB Tools for $54.99 yesterday.

http://www.jbtoolsales.com/gearwrench-80300-51-piece-1-4-drive-6-point-socket-set/

Birdyman88 · Dec 1, 2015

Go with Craftsman. You can get some sets for really cheap around Christmas and they've never let me down - neither Sears nor the tool.

Ponchoguy · Dec 1, 2015

drink said:
I really don't know how good the warranty service is at Lowe's or Home Depot. During my lifetime I have owned Craftsman tools and so far Sears has replaced all my broken Craftsman tools without a hassle. Some people say they had a huge hassle while trying to get warranty service at Sears recently.

Sometimes I have to contact the manufacturer to get warranty service and sometimes they either have it shipped to them or I mail the broken tool to them. Spending a couple of buck to mail a broken tool and receiving a new tool in the mail several days later wasn't so terrible. If you need the tool to do a job and it breaks you don't have time to wait for the mail to arrive. You have to have backup tools on hand.

I think all the stores you mentioned have tool lines that are made offshore now. Sears sells some tools that are still made in the USA.

Maybe you would consider buying your mom a small set of Craftsman tools like mine. It did not cost much and it all fits in a small tool box. Several of the tools in my set were on sale during the holidays and it helped to drastically lower the cost of the set.

Some companies will send you a return label if you ask politely. I had a broken tape measure and I contacted Luftkin. They sent a return label for the old one and mailed a replacement free of charge.

Ponchoguy · Dec 1, 2015

Kevin54 said:
It all depends on which store is the closest, but if it were me, I would go for either the Kobalt or the Craftsman. Kobalt has some nice tools and usually run some good deals on sets at Christmas time. Plus I have never had a problem exchanging Kobalt like I have Craftsman. And it may not be Craftsman but it may just be the store. And our closest Sears is a pain ion the *** to get a tool warranted.

Probably your store. I have never had a problem with Cman tool exchanges at my store or any I have frequented in NJ and NY and I've been to a few over the years when I'm in the area or needed something.

What are they telling you when you try to exchange them?

Ponchoguy · Dec 1, 2015

jgelack said:
Hi, My mother is asking for a socket set for Christmas, I know, but she likes to wrench on things, lol.Between a set from Craftsman, Kobalt, or Husky, which one would you choose ? I appreciate any advice you can give me.

Cman for me hands down:

1) Easy warranty.
2) Good set content for the money.
3) Good buy
4) Good quality.

Even better if you get a USA made set, but that's just my personal preference.

Tenex · Dec 1, 2015

Taiwanese tools have vastly improved over the last couple decades. So much so that several "truck" brands carry a Taiwanese subordinate company. Run away from Chinese garbage. The Gearwrench set is usually $85+ and has every possible 1/4" socket. Not to mention that the ratchet is significantly better than what Craftsman, Kobalt, or Husky have to offer.

nieuport17 · Dec 1, 2015

Of the three, i recommend Kobolt.
Nice store, nice packaging.
At least in my area.

Jeremy77 · Dec 1, 2015

http://www.lowes.com/pd_221073-2232...s:Spcl_Value:FW43_Kobalt_Mechanics_Set_221073

this set is on sale until 12-2-15 at Lowes for $89. I bought it the other day. Most are Chinese COO now but skip the display and go to the actual tool section and you may be able to find an older stock Taiwan made set like I did. Even for the PRC made one, it's still a great deal IMHO. All 3 ratchets are 72 tooth, much better than the 36 tooth you,ll get in a comparable Craftsman set.

drink · Dec 1, 2015

Ponchoguy said:
Some companies will send you a return label if you ask politely. I had a broken tape measure and I contacted Luftkin. They sent a return label for the old one and mailed a replacement free of charge.

Yes, I was trying to say the same thing but I guess I didn't make myself as clear about it as you did. Hence, the "sometimes they have it shipped" statement below.

Sometimes I have to contact the manufacturer to get warranty service and sometimes they either have it shipped to them or I mail the broken tool to them.

The factories have sent return labels and sometimes I mail a pair of broken locking pliers as an example. When I tried getting the locking pliers replaced I was told to go to the mfg and I wasted my time and money running to a store rather than dropping them in the mail. A couple of bucks and a shipping envelope were a lot cheaper than taking the time to drive to a store to request an exchange. Stores say it has to be their store brand to get warranty at the store. If you buy the Vise Grip brand at their store you still have to mail them to get warranty.

drink · Dec 1, 2015

drink said:
Okay, I did a little shopping at Sears and found a small set of tools like mine. However, it looks like the 16" metal tool boxes are not available at this time so I substituted a 19" plastic box. You will need to make sure everything fits inside the box before buying it unless you want to take a chance. Here's the stuff I found on sale and I think it is a good little set to have.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-screwdriver-set/p-00941809000P

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-6-pt-3-8-in-standard/p-00934553000P

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-pc-3-8-in-dr-extension-bar/p-00943282000P

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-11-pc-6-pt-standard-1-4-in/p-00934860000P

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-in...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-18-pc-12-pt-deep-3-8-in/p-00934558000P

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-11-piece-inch-combination-wrench-set/p-00949823000P

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-16-o...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-19-i...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-11pc...lerId=SEARS&prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-18-p...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Hopefully I did not miss anything. I got a rough price of $171.15 for everything so far. If you a are a SYWR member you can possibly load some coupons to discount the stuff even more. Sometimes you have to buy it in separate orders to use the coupons to your advantage and you should earn more reward points as you make purchases so it adds up to more savings.

Oh yeah, I forgot to include the 1/4" drive spinner handle, a 1/4" drive 6" socket extension, and some optional socket storage rails with extra 3/8" drive and 1/4" drive socket clips. I put the deep sockets on socket rails to make things simple.

chris142 · Dec 1, 2015

Ckengine said:
Personally I always try to buy American if I have a choice.

I think most of us do

drink · Dec 1, 2015

I haven't tried assembling a set of Husky tools until now. However, in the past I have purchased a bunch of tools from Home Depot. Most of the hand tool related stuff I bought from Home Depot was related to carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. After skimming through Home Depot for a few minutes I put together a set of tools. I have no idea if what I selected will fit inside the tool box and the 13/16" combination wrench was not included and cannot be found in stock. Here is what I got for about $156.67 plus tax.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-in-Metal-Box-200-Piece-H200MTSMB/205897981

http://www.homedepot.com/p/URREA-12...ass-Handle-With-Rubber-Cover-1312FV/202797852

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-SAE-Combo-Wrench-Set-10-Piece-HCW10PCSAE/202934501

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Variety-Screwdriver-Set-6-Piece-20210003/204465110

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8-...roove-Joint-Plier-Set-3-Piece-96797/203429504

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-High-Leverage-Long-Nose-Pliers-Set-3-Piece-1006/205913115

Hopefully I didn't leave anything out but I have my doubts all of it will fit in the tool box. The socket set they included doesn't have many 3/8" drive sockets and I think they are a commonly used drive size.

What do you think? I don't know if you can lift the box either but here's what I found for $156.67 plus tax.

drink · Dec 1, 2015

I found Lowe's website difficult to shop for tools. They did not list the contents of the sets so I just plugged stuff in from looking at pictures and that does not tell us much about what is in the set. The rails of sockets were listed but they were not on sale. You might do better going in a Lowe's store with a notepad and try to figure out which set of sockets would be best.

Okay, here's what I threw together.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_573344-22328-86756_1z0wcfvZ1z140vv__?productId=50200795&pl=1#img

http://www.lowes.com/pd_702433-281-2078705_1z0sfku__?productId=999960051&pl=1

http://www.lowes.com/pd_338603-25428-85550_1z0wchmZ1z140vv__?productId=3369958&pl=1

http://www.lowes.com/pd_525833-930-324K8K_1z11pce__?productId=50158915&pl=1

http://www.lowes.com/pd_117374-16878-62769_1z11pb0__?productId=4777003&pl=1

After adding them up I got $215.25 plus tax and no idea of what is actually in the set of tools. It looks like an additional tool box will have to be purchased to hold the rest of the hand tools. Vise Grip pliers were selected because they did not list any Kobalt pliers sets.

What do you think?

drink · Dec 1, 2015

So, which one did you choose?

Which socket set ?

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