Hello I would like to buy an affordable mechanic tool set prefer portable not master set
I was looking into GearWrench 116 Piece but don't have enough 1/2" sockets http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ra...jsp?part=83001
Then there's Powerbuilt 201 Piece tool set http://www.alltradetools.com/3757-1.htm

I tried Lowes brand & wasn't satisfied so I returned it.

Any other recommendations (besides Matco & Snap-On)

Thanks

 

Craftsmen, they have some pretty good sales (like $219 for a 219 pc. set recently). Lifetime warranty and you canbring a broken tool to any Sears and walk out with a brand new one. I would never buy tools online, shipping 40 - 60 lbs. is going to cost you more in the end than buying quality, in-store tools.

 

The gearwrench tools to match matcth the quality of craftsmen..how do i know?,i use gearwrench at work everyday,although there great tools,longevity is what you should consider.I justy recently baught a set from sears for $59.*clearance...160 pieces.lifetime warranty.

 

I agree. While Snap-On IS a better brand, why spend extra money when you can just bring the tool back for a brand new one? Craftsman is a good brand.

 

Since when did Craftsmen became good all of a sudden?

My dad have a Craftsmen master set for a good 8 years.
Broke 2 ratchets, stripped a few sockets (just trying to get one nut removed), & Craftsmen doesn't grip the bolt very well & just stripped the bolt & wear down the corners of the bolt?

 

Tools are that,tools..human engineered pieces of technology,not designed to last forever.How you use the tool will determine longevity..For example You cant expect any brand 6" 1/2 drive ratchet to provide enough torque to take of an axle nut.

As far as craftsmen,they are the best in my opinion as far as pricing as a decent tool set for the money.Of course there are much better out there.

 

Craftsman is the one of the best because of the LIFETIME WARRANTY ON ALL PARTS. If you break it you go to the store were you bought it and say "Hey, this tool broke and they give you a new one FOR FREE! I made a thread on here a while back and ended up buying a 260 piece Craftsman set for $200 which will last me probably my lifetime lol. This is what I got sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933260000P?sid=IAx20071211x000001& aff=Y
Take a look into it or any other craftsman set. Also if you want to go nuts there is the good old air tools which people will be going over your house to use every day!

 

I have two old craftsman socket wrenches and neither of them still work, the ratcheting mechanism is broken. none of their sockets have ever stripped on me though, and the return policy is great. I could return both of the ratchets and get new ones, I just havn't gotten around to it. However don't think that just because they have a great return policy that the tools are of the same quality of snap-on or matco. They arn't. They will be more likely to strip bolts than snap-on or matco, although thats never really been a problem for me, and won't for most diy'ers.

 

Then how do you know that they are more likely to strip bolts if it has never happened to you?

 

There are too many variables to say that one brand will strip bolts easier than another... if you use the tool properly, you won't strip anything.

I have a 260 pc. Craftsman at the moment, with a few Snap-On ratchets in the mix. I used to use a Snap-On/Matco/Craftman mix that we bought from a helicopter tech/instructor/friend. The only thing I can say Snap-On is superior to other brands is with their ratchets and possibly screwdrivers. Their ratchets are one of a kind and I've broken Craftman 1/2" ratchets only to go grab the 3/8" drive Snap-On and watch it take the bolts off with ease. A socket is a socket, most Craftsman sockets are laser cut now and fit perfectly. I've never broken a Craftsman socket, even when using an air impact and regular socket.

I also bought a 36mm wrench for $10 to take off axle nuts, there's no need to go all out on tools you use 4 times in 10 years.