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Mechanic tool set recommendation?
I went to Sears and picked up a 309 piece mechanics set. When I got home and starting removing the set from the box, I noticed they didn't look like previous Craftsman tools I had collected over the years. I then discovered the reason.....they are made in China instead of the USA. :mad:
So, back to Sears these are going. My local Ace store has a set of 193 Craftsman tools for $99 this month (this seems like a good price to me). I checked them out and the box states made in "USA" but I'm going to open the box to verify if everything really is. Would this be a good starter set for working on our vehicles? Here is what is included: "CRAFTSMAN" MECHANICS TOOL SET
Thoughts on how suitable this is for our vehicles? Are there other recommended sets? |
I have this set and I am very happy with it Sears.com
I think they carry their lifetime warranty regardless of country of origin. |
the SAE parts will not be very useful, and are you sure the 3/8" sockets start at 13? that's odd, all my 3/8" sets start at 8mm....
if the sockets are quality, then they will be ok, but you'll need more 3/8" sockets. you will also need a set of allen sockets, both long and short, not bits that fit an adapter, but actual allen sockets. also, a set of torx sockets, and a set of inverse torx sockets, and a set of xzn "tripple square" sockets. I got THIS SET recently, and notice that the 3/8" sockets start at 6mm and go up to 22mm 3516 6 MMnSOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43533 7 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43536 8 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43541 9 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43542 10 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43543 11 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43544 12 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43545 13 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43546 14 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43547 15 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43570 16 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43548 17 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43579 18 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43549 19 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43580 20 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43584 21 MM SOCKET 6PT STD METRIC 3/8" 43585 22 MM |
With the 606 you're going to need hex bit sockets and possibly Torx bit sockets as well. I'm not sure socket is the right word since the business end is fits into rather than around the the bolt head.
There's a bunch of other things you'll need like screwdrivers, regular pliers, locking pliers, hammers, etc, as I'm sure you know. I mention them for sizing the handy carry case. Sixto 87 300D |
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Actually, it is all based on what you can afford, in a lot of cases. Years ago, I had many Harbor Freight tools due to being unemployed and starting a new business. Over the years, I have upgraded many of these tools and had the HFtools as back up loaners. I've found that certain tools needed upgrading quicker than others. These were usually anything with a ratchet or adjustment, such as a torque wrench.
Made in China, is usually a kind of a you get what you pay for experience. I've had good usage out of Titan and Klutch from Northern Tool but have literally broken wrenches by hand from Harbor Freight. I got so frustrated with a Harbor Freight ratchet that it was "helicoptered" into the street. For USA-made tools, the hard part is finding them sometimes. Many have to be located by going to their various company websites and finding a store in your area. Of course there are the tool trucks but unless you work in a commercial shop, they may be harder to get in touch with. If the objection isn't cost, do a search on Craigslist. It is phenomenal how many "toolboxes with tools" are on there, and usually high-end tools. I've seen everything from $200-4000. There are many higher-end wrench and socket sets, usually metric, as well. A decent set of combination wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers and pliers will go a long way to get you started. And as anyone who has worked on cars for a while, there will always be more, and better, tools you "need". |
Sears tools aren't what they used to be. Husky and Kobalt are on-par with them now. Husky or Kobalt(one for sure, maybe both?) will replace a broken Sears tool with an equivalent in their brand. I have older Sears stuff from 15+ years ago that has served me well, but I wouldn't buy there now.
Most of the Harbor Freight hand tools are better than they get credit for. Since it sounds like you're not doing this professionally, I would honestly start there and replace with higher quality as needed, if needed. Don't sell the duplicates, you'll need them! |
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I think they are also commonly used on head bolts as well? http://www.lellaautosport.com/assets/images/xzn12.jpg |
I remember Jeremy saying there are Torx head screws in and around the 606. Isn't the airbag held to the steering wheel by Torx head screws?
For XZN, The $10 4-pack of 1/2" hex XZN bits has served me well from cylinder head to rear suspension. I have 4 sets just in case since they get borrowed a lot :) Sixto 87 300D |
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I bought a nice set of XZN bits from amazon for working on my 124's rear multi-links this weekend. They should arrive today sometime. |
Does the '95 E300 use the same fan clutch tools as the 603? If so, this is useful -
Pulley Spinning Tool I use hanger wire but a nice set of gauge cluster hooks is... well... nice. Sixto 87 300D |
HF tools are ok for some things. the quality of the steel is low quality, and to make up for it the thickness of the tool will be thicker. see it on Sockets. open/box wrenches sometimes.
I broke a 17mm socket 1/2 inch drive trying to remove a leg bolt in PNP. broke a 13mm 3/8 drive inpact socket trying to remove a nut off the oil filter housing on a 617 engine, by hand with a ratchet. never used this set as an impact ever. split down 3 sides. :( The only Craftsman socket I ever broke was my fault. I have noticed the quality of Craftsman tools going down hill, especially their ratchets. the older tools were good. The tang that flips it from tightening to loosening is now plastic, and the inner gears will slip or the wrench will free wheel. have had 3 of the same ratchet do this. the older ones never had the problem. Ya I know they have a lifetime warranty, but still...... Craftsman use to offer a rebuild kit for the Ratchets. now they just swap for a rebuild one. What ever brand of tools you buy, all depends on how much you will be using them. weekender vs a every day wrencher like in a shop. Buying a set of tools, then you get a lot of tools you probably never use, like SAE. Everything is going to Metric. Those blow molded tool boxes are a PITA from my prospective, that is what you get with a lot of sets. With Christmas getting closer, keep an eye on Sears sales, there will be 50% off sales, and then after New Years there will be some. The Gear wrenches are a good buy compared to the off brand ones. I usually pick up a set every year a 1/2 price. SK tools are nice tools also, a bit pricy and USA made as far as I know. Start looking at garage sales, Swap meets and Flea Markets for good used tools. I picked up an Old Snap-On 3/8 drive for $5. the stamp marking on it shows it was made in 1944. it was pretty well worn out, but took it to a Snap-On guy and he replaced the guts under their warranty. Found another Snap-on 3/8 long handle made for the Military for $25. All my tools are an accumulation I assembled over the pats 50+ years. Charlie |
I looked into this in depth several years ago when I was buying tools for EPA. At that time Craftsman was made by the lowest bidder and it varied between (mostly) Stanley and Danaherr, a large US tool maker. I know that the Chinese have gotten some of the contracts now but I have no idea of the standards or quality.
I can't urge you strongly enough to check out your local pawn shops. They generally get sets (combination end wrenches, sockets, etc.) and you may have to shop for a while to gather all that you want but you can end up with Snap-On for the price of Craftsman or maybe even less. Don't worry if they're worn out - you just flag down the truck and the Snap-On guy will make it right. Every 10 years or so I get a fresh 3/8 drive flex ratchet as the hinge loosens up. And once you hold a Snap-On in your hands and use it, you'll GET it. There's a different feel and I find I have an enhanced confidence level with fine tools. Mac, Cornwell, and some of the other premium brands are also quite nice. I have Mac screwdrivers as everyone else in the shop I was working in at the time had Snap-On and I wanted to be able to see mine from a distance. That was 1982 and they're still good! Dan |
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Sixto 87 300D |
Thanks for all the info. I went back to Sears and exchanged the China made set for a 250 piece USA made one. I also bought a laser thermometer and 8" Bionic wrench which looks handy .
I'm going to keep my eyes open for used pieces at garage sales, etc. to fill in my set. |
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