sears tool set, which to buy?

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brelandt

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Some of you may have seen my post about taking automotive classes for college that is home based.
My parents are helping me out with tools by getting a sears gift card to put towards what I will need.
So I'm searching the mechanics tool sets on sears.com and can not seem to figure out which set will get me the most bang for the buck. I have about $400 to spend and do not need a toolbox as I'm positive I would be better off using that cash towards a tool chest on wheels.
Does anyone have any ideas? I think I need to get a good basic set and spend the little extra on specialty stuff like crows foot, torx, torque wrenches....etc.
 
If you plan on becoming a professional mechanic, most don't use Craftsman Tools. Don't get me wrong they are good tools, but not something you'll see too often in a pro-mechanics tool box.
 
Consider asking this question on garagejournal.com
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
If you plan on becoming a professional mechanic, most don't use Craftsman Tools. Don't get me wrong they are good tools, but not something you'll see too often in a pro-mechanics tool box.


Unfortunately a $400 budget isnt going to go very far with Snap-On, Matco, etc... unless he wants to spends time rummaging through flea markets, garage sales, and craigslist to build up a set where there are greats deals to be found.

I do think a sears set is a nice base to build from. I would consider a set in the $150-$200 region on sale, and then filling in gaps with the extra money as needed. Once he generates income he can then consider upgrading into the higher end categories, or go the cheaper Harbor Freight route.
 
Perhaps you can luck out and buy a good used set, hopefully an estate sale where you can get a complete comprehensive set, with most of the basic tools that you'll need.

Like ajchien suggested, try garagejournal.com, and check their "for sale" section.
 
My point is if he plans on becoming a pro, Craftsman tools aren't the way to go. 90% of my tools are Craftsman, and for an avid DIY'er they are fine, for a pro they probably won't cut it. The used tool market might be the way to go. Or go with Craftsman for the $400 budget, and as income is generated upgrade.
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Or go with Craftsman for the $400 budget, and as income is generated upgrade.


Unles he can find a good quality large-set used for a good deal (lots of ifs there), IMO a Craftsman set will let him go further and do more with a broader selection of tools to get the foot in the door, then as he determines what tools are used the most, replacement/expansion of the set can occur.

I have more or less this one:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

and then a big tool chest where I keep other stuff of all sorts (Im not an auto pro by any stretch). I like the kit because it means that i can easily transport all the ratcheting stuff I need anywhere I go.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Or go with Craftsman for the $400 budget, and as income is generated upgrade.


Unles he can find a good quality large-set used for a good deal (lots of ifs there), IMO a Craftsman set will let him go further and do more with a broader selection of tools to get the foot in the door, then as he determines what tools are used the most, replacement/expansion of the set can occur.

I have more or less this one:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

and then a big tool chest where I keep other stuff of all sorts (Im not an auto pro by any stretch). I like the kit because it means that i can easily transport all the ratcheting stuff I need anywhere I go.


I worked as a mechanic for many years and there is absolutely nothing wrong with Craftsman tools to get started and to used for a long term . It's great to have a Snapon wrench in your hand but honestly they are making some pretty good non pro stuff now and they carry the same replacement warranty as the pro toolss for a fraction of the cost .

Get yourself as big a Craftsman kit to start with that has most of the tools you need and build from there alon with a good sturdy top and bottom tool cab .
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
If you plan on becoming a professional mechanic, most don't use Craftsman Tools. Don't get me wrong they are good tools, but not something you'll see too often in a pro-mechanics tool box.


I know and work with lots of prefessional techs that use lots of Craftsmen tools every day. Most have no problems with them either. In fact last week a tech where I work broke a Snap On ratchet with a cheater bar and then used his Craftsmen ratchet and it did the job without breaking. Not scientific but in that case the Craftsmen was the better more durable tool. Both were 1/2" drive ratchets.
 
Yes when I was an aircraft mech in the air force we had snap on tools and we broke just about every single tool in the box at least once. I don't think they are any better than craftsman. At least with sears I can just drive down there and get a new tool when I need to.
Just need to start somewhere.
 
Consider if your correspondence course counts towards snapons 50% student discount. If so, get stuff from them that needs a real tight fit, IMO torx and hex sockets even above the normal hex headed stuff. Watch sears, home depot, and lowes for after Christmas clearance sales on the mega kits, not romantic for someone giving you a gift card, but practical.

Beware of "holes" and "surplusses" in sets, some sets skip the 18mm (needed for saturn front ends) but include a 9mm which fits virtually nothing.
 
I do get a discount from snap on via my school. Infact I even registered through snap ons web site and went over the tool list provided. However, I'm not attending a class room enviroment where I will need basic kit and then advanced kit. Just need a tool kit to start. I haven't seen snap on's tool prices yet.
 
Originally Posted By: brelandt
I do get a discount from snap on via my school. I haven't seen snap on's tool prices yet.


Well when you do see the prices , even with your discount you'll be given a shot of reality !!
 
Originally Posted By: brelandt
I do get a discount from snap on via my school. Infact I even registered through snap ons web site and went over the tool list provided. However, I'm not attending a class room enviroment where I will need basic kit and then advanced kit. Just need a tool kit to start. I haven't seen snap on's tool prices yet.


Snap on tools are astronomical in price, basic 3/8" socket sets (8mm-19mm) are a couple hundred, basic wrench sets are four or five hundred bucks, 3/8 ratchet, hundred bucks. Tool boxes will run you 2 grand to 10,000 bucks. Pretty much you are paying at the front end for the warranty, truck service, and crazy stupid financing. If you are going to be a pro and use your tools to make a living then it might be worth it to you. You get 50% off so buy as much as you can now.

Edit: Ha! I just saw your OP, $400, your best bet maybe is a craftsman set with some stuff added in to complete the missing sizes in the sets. $800 (your discounted amount) from snap on will not be enough tools. If you want to get adventurous Toptul is excellent stuff:

http://www.wrenhandtools.com/

Also koken is nice. As a pro expect to spend a few grand just to get the basics then you will probably end up in debt to the snap on man.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: brelandt
kinda leaning towards this one...
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00930569000P?prdNo=24&blockNo=24&blockType=G24
Reason being it has lots of extensions and the larger metric deepwell that i use just on my truck alone!
lipadj46 went to the site you provided but they had a few odd/broken links when i was attempting to look further into their products.....


Yeah Mike's site is kind of [censored]. I only suggested toptul as they are pro quality (though imported) and affordable, way better quality than craftsman. The problem with the craftsman sets are that the pear head ratchets are junk and should be tossed, the wrenches are too short, the screwdrivers are horrendous. Really the best part of the sets are the sockets and extensions. So maybe get this socket set when on sale or on ebay:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935299000P?mv=rr

Then get these williams ratchets:

http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=18870&cat=752&page=1
http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=18849&cat=751&page=1
http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=18826&cat=750&page=1

Then get a used set of metric wright wrenches or williams USA wrenches from ebay or from the garage journal classifieds

Get a metric and SAE set of the flex head gearwrench combo wrenches on sale for $35 each.

Get these screwdrivers:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JH-WILLIAMS-8-PIECE-...=item1e5a5d81ba

Get these extensions:
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/...-set-67065.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/...-set-67066.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/...-set-99882.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/...-set-99883.html

You still need torx, hex, e-torx and screw driver sockets too plus a deadblow and pry bars (craftsman are good and affordable). Oh yea and a 1/2" and 3/8" torque wrench....

Just a start
 
The main drawback to the Craftsman tools are the rough edges on their regular wrenches. These edges will make your hands sore. Craftsman does have better wrenches that are smoother and if you can find a tool set with those I'd get em.

Craftsman sockets and extensions are pretty good. Craftsman ratchets with the pastic guts are junk.

Snap On is a good tool but so is Mac, Matco, SK, Proto and Cornwell.

I started out with Craftsman tools, quickly went to a Matco wrench set that I absolutly love. Since then I've bought many tools usually at local Pawn shops.

Dig through the boxes of tools and find the better quality ones.

Who says you need brand new tools unless you want them?
 
Originally Posted By: Chris142
The main drawback to the Craftsman tools are the rough edges on their regular wrenches. These edges will make your hands sore. Craftsman does have better wrenches that are smoother and if you can find a tool set with those I'd get em.

Craftsman sockets and extensions are pretty good. Craftsman ratchets with the pastic guts are junk.

Snap On is a good tool but so is Mac, Matco, SK, Proto and Cornwell.

I started out with Craftsman tools, quickly went to a Matco wrench set that I absolutly love. Since then I've bought many tools usually at local Pawn shops.

Dig through the boxes of tools and find the better quality ones.

Who says you need brand new tools unless you want them?


+1 Chris hit the nail on the head, ratchets = garbage. Full polish craftsman wrenches are great, sockets are great, and some of the pliers are good. Regular combo wrenches areok but they will make your hand sore.
 
Originally Posted By: defektes


+1 Chris hit the nail on the head, ratchets = garbage. Full polish craftsman wrenches are great, sockets are great, and some of the pliers are good. Regular combo wrenches areok but they will make your hand sore.


Craftsman Pro wrenches are made in china now for the same price as the old USA versions.

The new craftsman premium 84 tooth ratchets are very nice, right up there with snap on.
 
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