Are these any good?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 102
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From: Chi-town.
Are these any good? I bought 6piece screwdriver set for $2.80 at Walmart. I also bought a 40piece ratchet set from their for $4.60. It was an assortment of 4-16mm sockets and corresponding SAE sockets. They came with a 3/8" ratchet, and accessories.
Are either of those any good? Should I take them back?
Are either of those any good? Should I take them back?
What you'll likely find is that they're made from pretty soft metal, and they'll dent or break easily. Use them on regular fasteners and they'll probably do fine for a while. I wouldn't try anything rusted or a bit stuck with them though. Dirt cheap sockets have their place; I have some of that price range that I'll use to make "custom" sockets - if one of my regulars doesn't fit, I'll grind down a cheapie and make it fit. I have one I use on my LT1 headers, and another for my 12-bolt yoke U-joints.
The socket wrench likely won't hold much torque either, so go easy on it. They usually break pretty quick if stressed at all. The guts of them isn't good. Also, if it included an adapter like a 1/4" to 3/8" socket adapter, odds are very good that it'll twist apart and break off the 1/4" end the first time you use it.
The screwdrivers are probably pretty soft metal as well, and will likely bend easily or wear the philips point quickly.
But, for emergency tools, they're probably OK to keep around. I'd just plan on a better set in the future. Sears will clearance out some nice sets for around $100 (at 50%+ off - normally $199 or $229 sets) once or twice a year.
The socket wrench likely won't hold much torque either, so go easy on it. They usually break pretty quick if stressed at all. The guts of them isn't good. Also, if it included an adapter like a 1/4" to 3/8" socket adapter, odds are very good that it'll twist apart and break off the 1/4" end the first time you use it.
The screwdrivers are probably pretty soft metal as well, and will likely bend easily or wear the philips point quickly.
But, for emergency tools, they're probably OK to keep around. I'd just plan on a better set in the future. Sears will clearance out some nice sets for around $100 (at 50%+ off - normally $199 or $229 sets) once or twice a year.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Chi-town.
I am trying to piece together a nice tool collection, and am just starting off small. I am going to purchase one of those 11 drawer tool chests from sears pretty soon, and then begin with some nice sockets, ratchets, and wrenches.
I was on ebay yesterday, and was wondering how some of their deals our? I saw some of the 11-piece Craftsman metric sockets that were 6-point for like $9 shipped, and they would reduce shipping by 40% with multiple items purchased. Would buying tools off ebay be a good way to piece together a nice set? Most of the tools there are supposedly brand new and come with the Craftsman warranty.
How exactly does the Craftsman warranty work? Do I have to provide a receipt or can I just take a tool with the Craftsman name into any sears and they will fix/replace it if it is broken?
I was on ebay yesterday, and was wondering how some of their deals our? I saw some of the 11-piece Craftsman metric sockets that were 6-point for like $9 shipped, and they would reduce shipping by 40% with multiple items purchased. Would buying tools off ebay be a good way to piece together a nice set? Most of the tools there are supposedly brand new and come with the Craftsman warranty.
How exactly does the Craftsman warranty work? Do I have to provide a receipt or can I just take a tool with the Craftsman name into any sears and they will fix/replace it if it is broken?
for Craftsman tools, just take the broken item to any Sears store and they'll swap it out - lifetime warranty only applies to hand tools, sockets, wrenches, etc
Stanley screwdrivers work fine around the house - putting together christmas toys and helping the 'ole lady with chores - but they wont last 5 minutes in the garage
Sockets - I'd look at Craftsman. They've been pushing their 'laser etched' sockets for a while now so all the non-laser etched sockets are dirt cheap. Just by watching for sales and clearances, Ive purchased almost every socket Craftsman makes for less than $250.
Stanley screwdrivers work fine around the house - putting together christmas toys and helping the 'ole lady with chores - but they wont last 5 minutes in the garage
Sockets - I'd look at Craftsman. They've been pushing their 'laser etched' sockets for a while now so all the non-laser etched sockets are dirt cheap. Just by watching for sales and clearances, Ive purchased almost every socket Craftsman makes for less than $250.
Just go to Sears around Father's day or memorial day when they have their HUGE sales and you can get a whole set of tools for $50 off or more...Much easier and time effective than buying something from an unreliable source...I NEVER buy anything for full price there... I purchased the digital 1/2inch drive torque wrench that usually retails for $130 for $87 right after Christmas...There are definitely deals to be had....
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Sears is the way to go. Keep your eye out for the SALES. I bought a craftsman tool box not for sure how many drawers stands almost 6 foot tall for $200.00 on sale and then I got one of those 33 gallon craftsman air compressors with a free air tool kit that had a 3/8 ratchet, 1/2 impact, hammer gun for $289.00. The impact and ratchet works fine for me. Plus lifetime warranty. Just me 2 cents.
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Originally Posted by 7w/aswap
What do you guys think about buying Craftsman pieces off of Ebay though?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Chi-town.
Originally Posted by eschoendorff
First off, get rid of those cheap tools you bought before you or someone else gets hurt. Second, buying Craftsman off ebay is a great idea... just check the retail prices of the pieces that you're bidding on so that you don't overbid!
save and buy larger tool kits when they are on sale, vs buying lots of small kits at sears for more money.
I just got a $270 kit for $199, it has most of the sockets I will ever need, and combination wrenches in both metric, and standard.
Ryan
I just got a $270 kit for $199, it has most of the sockets I will ever need, and combination wrenches in both metric, and standard.
Ryan
Lil more pricey, but Id start with something like the sk 41476 set. If you search for em you can find em fairly cheap. Id toss the rachet and pick up a snap-on. Your knuckles will thank you.