Would you buy a Craftsman starter set?

[Matt018]

I have been looking at this set for a couple months and its finally on sale. I figured it would be good because all the sockets are 6 pt and it came with nut drivers which ive been told are important for small engine repair. I also figured I could just upgrade the wrenches to something nicer in 12 pt and upgrade ratchets but would this get me off to a decent start? I figure buying the whole set is cheaper than a full set of sockets and then buying ratchets too.


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935188000P?prdNo=16&blockNo=41&blockType=G41

 

[Buckgnarly]

You cannot beat Cman for value, and the quality is just fine for the socket/ratchet/raised panel stuff. Still US, and it won't strip fasteners/blow up in your hand as some on here will argue.

If you can wait until Black Friday/Christmas time, you might find even better deals.

 

[W650Mike]

Even the RP Combos are 6pt.

At just over a buck a tool I say go for it.

 

[BHH]

I voted no because there would be too much overlap for me but if you had no tools or wanted to give a child of yours who is moving out or a new home owner a set this would be perfect. Great value here.

 

[Jim C.]

Very similar to the set my dad bought me in the early 1980s. I still have all those tools. The ratchets and wrenches (all raised panel) that came with my original set are still my primary, "go to" tools, as are the sockets. I had to replace the guts of my 1/2" drive ratchet about ten years ago, and cracked one socket along the way. Otherwise, no problems. If you take care of them, and don't routinely abuse them, they'll last you a lifetime. It's a good set to start building around. I'd buy it.

Jim C.

 

[jeffmoss26]

If I needed those kind of tools I would definitely buy a set of that sort. Of course I have enough sockets and wrenches to go around

 

[countryroad82]

I am still using many of the tools that came in a set that I bought years ago, they are great for getting started out or using for life IMO. I only started buying more truck brands recently to basically treat myself to something nicer, but I'll still keep my Craftsman stuff on hand.

 

[Joe B.]

My only regret was not buying a larger set about 15 years ago.

The one thing I will say is that over the years I have upgraded the ratchets and the combo wrenches. I had a separate set of the same style screwdrivers that I have also upgraded over time. All of these just sit in a tub in the bottom of one of my tool boxes. However, I still use the sockets all of the time as my primary socket set.

I would try to get as many sockets as you can for the money and try to avoid the other stuff. My original set did not have deep 1/2" metric sockets so I had to fill them in later.

 

[kissmeimgerman]

I don't like the ratchets or the screwdrivers, but everything else is good stuff for the price. If you need a good starter set I say go for it and upgrade what you don't like, if anything.

 

[adamsredlines]

I would go with a different set personally, but the sets are hard to beat. I started with a 154 piece kit that I put in my toolbox, then ended up buying several more (one for each of my cars) to have in case of an emergency. Cant beat the price!

 

[Matt018]

Well i dont have any sockets or wrenches or ratchets

 

[Sage55]

I too am looking to start my tool collection and am up in the air on getting either Snap-on or Craftsman.

I'm subscribing to this thread as I'm interested in hearing what others think. From what I've seen it seems Craftsman tool sets adds a lot of other small tools and of course are counted as an individual tool.

A good example is this 209pc Mechanic's set - notice FOUR sets of small L hex wrenches and each "wrench" of course is counted as one.

Does one REALLY need that many tiny wrenches? For me I already have a nice set of T-bar metric and standard wrenches as well as a set of Craftsman hex wrenches so buying a set like above that includes four more sets seems silly.

I'm curious is it really worth buying the kits or just buy the tools separately getting the tools you NEED. Sears is always having sales every week on tools.

 

[bluebolt]

I like the fact that it is all 6 point. Buy it!

 

[GirlnAgarage]

My Dad gave me a starter set one year for Christmas. It's still my main set. I've built around it and little by little I've added on - full wrench sets, larger sized sockets, nut drivers.

It continues to serve me well.


My suggestion would be to look over a set so you don't buy too much of stuff you don't need. You'll hit a point of repetition in the tools. IMO it's not worth paying for them unless you intend to split up the lot (some in the truck, some in the garage, etc). I've seen 99pc-150pc to be the level I would stick to. The larger ones look like a bit much, unless you like too much then go right ahead If you do go for a larger set see that you don't have to add to it.

 

[fivespdcat]

Craftsman sets are actually pretty good overall. You can pick out a lot of things that are wrong, but if you need a starter set for general work, you really can't beat em for quality/price. I have done it and would. With that being said, I have upgraded a lot of the tools I have but it doesn't diminish my satisfaction with Craftsman.

*this is only for the US stuff as I have not tried any non US tools from Craftsman.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you're starting from scratch it looks like a pretty good set at a decent price. It's pretty much the same assortment I bought from Sears 30 years ago.

 

[Luke G]

I voted no, but only becasue I tend to be picky. I.e. I want THIS wrench set, and THOSE ratchets...and they never seem to be in the same kits. However (and it's a BIG however) outfitting a new garage or starting your kids tool collection these can't be beat. The savings is huge and you have all your basics covered with a lifetime warranty. They are also good to help you decide what you are looking for in certain tools. You may find the basic rachets serve you well, or decide that you use them enough to go buy the premiums. Overall, for the Craftsman sets.

 

[Original Man]

I started out with one about 5 years ago to work on my car and still use it everyday at work. I vote Yes. Its best to monitor the prices and purchase a large one when its on sale.

 

[Outlawmws]

I bought my son a similar set 5 years ago for his 18th B-day. And I bought a smaller 90 pc. set in metric for my "road box, when I got my Samurai some years back. The medium to large sets when non sale are good value, even if the ratchets aren't. as good as they once were. (I've had to replace/warranty a 1/4 ratchet already)

Unless you have a lot of it already, go for it.

 

[PassnThru]

I bought that exact set earlier this year. I had mostly 12 point sockets and no where near a complete set of those. I bought that particular set because it comes with almost every 6 point socket they make at a competitive price against buying the sockets alone. Having another set of wrenches that are 6 point as well was a definite bonus. The ratchets are so so, the nut drivers come in handy around the house, the screwdrivers are so so.
I don't know if I would start with that set because of the 6 point wrenches. If you are in a tight spot they can be useless - you need some 12 points around also. The six point sockets are good until you try to use a breaker bar in a tight space.
So I wouldn't recommend it as a starter kit but it's great for expanding a mostly 12 point collection.

 

[SMKS]

That's a good starter set. I prefer the sets that are all 6 point. You can upgrade the ratchets after a while and you'll have a good set.

I still use the sockets from the starter set I bought in the late 1990s.

 

[kv501]

My first set was one almost identical to this one. Mine just had a few more screwdrivers and Allen wrenches included. I still have every piece of it and use them to this day. It kind of brings back a lot of fond memories. Now just get yourself a good top box and start adding to it little by little. The only thing you might change down the road are the 6 point wrenches. Those can be a ****** if you get in an engine compartment or other tight spot.

As a side comment, something like this will probably be what I buy my son when he's old enough for his own.

 

[Lightfoot]

I bought two 100 piece starter sets for my 2 son-in-laws for Christmas. I bought them back in the spring (the week before father's day) when they were on Father's day sale for $49. I also bought them each a set of C-man screwdrivers. Everything Craftsman i've bought for them so far has been US made. Now I'm waiting for the 3-5 piece pliers to go on sale black friday, and my Christmas shopping will be complete, and so will their starter set. Neither one of them have any tools, or at least not a set. For the money, and for around the home use, i don't think you can beat C-man. I still use the set my Dad got me for Christmas when i was 16. The only tools i think i have had to have Sears replace (under warranty) have been screwdrivers. No questions asked, they just swapped them out. For my money and home use, i'll continue to buy Craftsman.

 

[Caleb T]

Definately!! You might be abel to snag a better deal though as some have said. But I like and use Craftsman tools frequently!

 

[IBJanky]

Without a doubt, absolutely yes.

myke

 

[Sterff]

I would buy it if you need it. I plan on buying a similar set to leave in my truck.

 

[Squankum]

Definitely. I started with a nice 199ish pc. set back in the mid-80's. Excellent value. From this point forward, you can fill in the little gaps and get fancier stuff on CL, ebay, classifieds, here, with some high-zoot stuff, but the value is unbeatable with a Sears kit when you're starting out.

 

[arizonaadam]

1) I don't understand nut drivers. I prefer a spinner handle and 1/4" set instead. I suppose if you had to switch sizes frequently it would be nice to have the nut drivers at hand.

2) Do you need SAE and metric? I hardly use SAE for anything. Though small engine repair still requires it from what I've heard.

I voted yes. You can't go wrong for that price. If you have more cash, however, you may want to consider a bigger set. For one thing, I think you'll want more ratchet extensions pretty quickly, and probably some bit sockets (hex, torx).

 

[Outlawmws]

1) I don't understand nut drivers. I prefer a spinner handle and 1/4" set instead. I suppose if you had to switch sizes frequently it would be nice to have the nut drivers at hand.

2) Do you need SAE and metric? I hardly use SAE for anything. Though small engine repair still requires it from what I've heard.

I voted yes. You can't go wrong for that price. If you have more cash, however, you may want to consider a bigger set. For one thing, I think you'll want more ratchet extensions pretty quickly, and probably some bit sockets (hex, torx).

Hollow shaft nut drivers are great if you are into machine screws a lot. They are a lot faster than a spinner handle as you can spin the driver by it's shank (Hence, the common "Spin tight" nickname) and get past a long threaded screw quickly.

 

[Steevo]

As a starting place, and to get you a decent set at a very reasonable price, you can't beat the Cman sets.
I still have most of the first set I bought back in the 1970's.

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

I voted Yes, but I'd go for this set personally for a bit more http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941309000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[BigAl62]

I voted yes. I started with a Craftsman set 30 years ago when I started wrenching. For the money you can't beat them and they have lots of choices. Just find a set that has what you want and go for it (yes I know you'll end up with extra stuff you don't need, but it's still a good deal).

 

[billymade]

Keep your eyes open for black Friday and holiday sales... some of the larger sets will be 50% off on sale... the best deals all year!

 

[dudutzu905]

Without a doubt, absolutely yes.

+1

 

[Benji]

Go for it great value for the money.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Although my box is pretty complete, it's built from hand me downs and sets of wrenches or sockets as I could afford them. Some are questionable quality as I couldn't afford good brands at times (say when I needed some deep sockets, etc). So, I've been thinking of just starting clean with a Craftsman set and handing this stuff down to my son (he's 7 now). Really, who doesn't open the Craftsman catalog and get all starry eyed at this...

 

[chrisziem]

This is a good set for what you need.

Get some craftsman pro screwdrivers, SK ratchets plus wright 12 point wrenches.

 

[Farleyfan]

I voted yes, I like the 6 point sockets and the fact your not getting
20 or 30 allen wrenches is a plus. (more of the good stuff)
Ive also found the nut drivers to be very useful !

 

[CD1]

Keep your eyes open for black Friday and holiday sales... some of the larger sets will be 50% off on sale... the best deals all year!

I agree. Wait for Black Friday. Google Black Friday. Sears has released one BF ad so far, but no tools are listed yet.

 

[KermitFrog]

+100 for Black Friday. I don't normally do much shopping but each Black Friday my dad and I are at the doors of Sears before dawn. I got a nice little box last year that fits great in the back of my car - think it was $89 for 156 piece set w/box. Lacks a lot but I was able to pull a motor in the junk yard with it - so it is still fairly complete.