pascal

I used them a lot but some Craftsman stuff is pure junk.
They can't make a ratchet worth a damn!!
I just replaced one again last weekend.
Good thing they replace them over the counter no questions asked...

For lug nuts, use the black sockets (thicker wall), not the chrome ones.
Despite that, if you cracked a chrome socket trying to remove your lug nuts, you need to punch the last guy that put your wheels back on, in the face.
This should never happen.

Norm Peterson

The black sockets are usually impact sockets, which are great for high torque use and obviously preferred for impact use even if your impact tool is a small cordless.

BUT . . . sometimes they are too thick-walled to reach down into a wheel lug cavity to grab the lugnut. Then you need a deep well six point chrome.


Over the years, I've had generally good luck with most Craftsman stuff, the main exceptions being 1/4-drive ratchets and 1/2" to 3/8" drive adapters (which will be problematic no matter whose they are).


Norm

gatkins94

Kobalt tools I think are made by the same people that make Snap-on.....I like the Kobalt tools the best, but have some craftsman tools too.

2005Redfire6

Looks like a deal! I need to get me some good tools and quit all this secondhand crap.

NOLA26

I have always used Craftsman. Im no mechanic but I try to do any repairs on my house and cars if I can. Since I got my Stang I have done all mods myself. For the price, and I believe Craftsman to be midrange in price, you cant beat Craftsman. Snap-on are way too expensive. For more expensive tools that I dont need to last a long time, maybe a one time use tool, I go to Harbor Freight. In your case I would get the Craftsman no doubt.

Riptide

I have a 260 pc. mechanics set. Craftsman. It's been pretty good so far although I did have to get the 1/4" ratchet replaced when it broke on me.

Snap on is the best but you're gonna pay for it.

Roy_R

The few craftsman tools that I have, feels a little loose on the tolerance...not sure if they are just used, but will definitely look a bit closer. Nothing more anoying than rounding a bolt in a difficult to reach location. Snap On is prefered, but unfortunately I can only rob the bank after I installed the blower

Alec

I definitely have to invest in a set like one of the above. I picked up a simple kit from Lowe's and while it's a good starter, quality is ok. Had a socket break close to break in half on me already

Riptide

I'd like to make a few general suggestions.

Get yourself some breaker bars. I have a craftsman 18" in 1/2" drive - but the cheap one I got from harbor (china) freight, which is 24", is even better. I also have a 18" 3/8" breaker bar from harbor freight. These things really come in handy.

Vice grips, good set of screwdrivers, pliers, trim removal tools, etc.. The list goes on. Before you know it you'll be buying a compressor and impact tools.

I have had a LOT of bad luck with craftsman and harbor freight floor jacks. I picked up an Arcan XL35 from Costco and so far it's been a very good floor jack. Especially for $100.

PS: These kick ***

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/wr....jsp?part=9901

JDWalton

The cheaper craftsmand stuff is made with that in mind.... Yeah they still waranty them good, but its a pain when you break em. I have had really good luck with the Kobalt stuff from lowes. Very resonable price and a good quality tool... The one I broke, through my own stupidity, they still replaced with no issues.

FYI stupidity is not having a breaker bar, and instead trying to use a box ended wrentch to add length to my 3/8 drive ratchet and breaking something internaly in the ratchet. Even then, it still worked but it just wasnt the same.... I now have a new ratchet, a breaker bar, and a impact wrench ;-)