Suggest a rachet set

W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
Well I have a decent assortment of quality tools at the moment, but I only have a few ratchets (kobalt, craftsman and some no names) I can't stand the kobalt a when working on the x. The heads/ sockets are too big to fit anywhere. The craftsman is nice but I only have (1/4") craftsman. I'm looking at either getting a craftsman mechanics set (metric 201 piece or 309 piece mixed) or getting a quality ratchet and using my current sockets (kobalt standard, deep, and no access). I'm not really considering the ice cream truck brands because I can't afford them (snap on, Mac, cornwell) but have been looking at S&K, Proto, craftsman, blackhawk, matco etc. curious on your suggestions. I don't mind paying more for a quality ratchet but not 5x more. At the same time would craftsman be a step up from kobalt etc.

Thanks.




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M

metzican

Suspension Lift
Location
Lafaytte, la
I'm not going to recomend a brand. Just get one with life time. But one thing I noticed a lot of times its cheaper to buy a whole set then just what you need.
 
Muadeeb

Muadeeb

Nissan al Gaib
Admin
Location
Dallas
I have a craftsman mechanic set (the 301 I think) and the 3/8 ratchet that came with wouldn't engage after a couple of years. Replaced it with a flex head kobalt that works real good. I also bought a HF 1/2" when the 1/2-3/8 adapter didn't cut it anymore.

As was said, it doesn't really matter the brand, its more a matter of personal preference than anything else. Some will say HF is crap but I've seen videos of a pro mechanic who uses HF tools. All that really matters is that you get a warranty you can easily redeem when it breaks at 7pm on a Saturday.
 
TheFauxFox

TheFauxFox

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Huntsville, AL
I have the Craftsman equivalent of this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_338518-22328-85183_0__?productId=3364134

I love my set, but would have preferred Kobalt in retrospect. Why? They both carry lifetime warranties, but with the decrease in Sears stores nation wide, if you ever broke something, finding a store may become difficult. That said though, this set is the most complete set you will almost ever need. The only odd sizes I needed that the set did not include was a 1.25 socket that I had to nab as an impact set.

This may belong somewhere else, but I've heard that Kobalt is manufactured by the same company as Craftsman. I know Kobalt used to be owned by JH Williams, who makes Snap-On tools, before the total separation recently.
 
W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
Budget is 400 depending on set. Trying to fill the toolbox not really carrying it in my x. The big 3 are snap on, danahar, and Stanley. Stanley and donahar own pretty much everything else.
Danahar makes craftsman and kobalt they also make matco lol.

Stanley owns Mac tools. I can't remember the rest.

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granitex

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
don't buy a set, piece it together with the sizes that you actually use. Out of all of the different sockets that I have, I only use about 15 of them. That leaves about 200 that never see any action, ever. For the ratchet itself it is all how they feel in the hand, I have a napa that I grab the most often just because the handle is the most comfortable, or a flex head that will reach almost any place(the only problem with it is that it has a knurled handle that starts getting uncomfortable after a couple of hours).
 
T

TJTJ

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
NJ
They have some interesting new versions that are articulating, ratcheting and universal socketed, but the heads look like they might be too large to fit into tight spaces sometimes, etc. Ratcheting open ended wrenches could solve some problems here and there though.

I keep meaning to try some out to see if they work better though.

There's a store called ReTool, that sells used tools, and - if you just want the sockets and so forth you use for a particular rig, you can cherry pick the bins and only get what you need, and in the bins could be any thing from Harbor Fright to Snap-on, etc. They also sell full kits, equipment, etc.

Its a nice place to browse.

:D
 
K

KBC

Bought an X
Location
BC
At work I use mostly Snap-on but at home I have some Craftsman sockets and ratchets. They are pretty good for the money and if you buy them in the USA, they are made in the USA (in Canada they are usually made in Taiwan)
Most of my Snap-on stuff I bought on ebay one socket set at a time at pretty much half the price or better. I think they are better than most tools but not at the price they sell for on the truck. I have removed nuts and bolts with them that were too stripped for cheaper brands. If you want really good tools used ones are always a way to go.
 
TheFauxFox

TheFauxFox

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Huntsville, AL
granitex said:
don't buy a set, piece it together with the sizes that you actually use. Out of all of the different sockets that I have, I only use about 15 of them. That leaves about 200 that never see any action, ever. For the ratchet itself it is all how they feel in the hand, I have a napa that I grab the most often just because the handle is the most comfortable, or a flex head that will reach almost any place(the only problem with it is that it has a knurled handle that starts getting uncomfortable after a couple of hours).
Click to expand...

I'm going to disagree with this for the most part. Getting "only what you use" is only relevant to the particular job at hand, which is inefficient in terms of time.
 
granitex

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
While that is true, when was the last time you used 1/4 inch sockets, or carb wrenches? Most of the sets are about 80% fluff but if you get a good smaller socket set, and some specialty tools lime a seal puller, rod end press, and torque wrenches you will be better off in the long end
 
Muadeeb

Muadeeb

Nissan al Gaib
Admin
Location
Dallas
Last time I used a 1/4 was dealing with some 8 or 6mm stuff. I normally use a 3/8 for 10mm, unless its a right fit. Even then I have a 10mm gear wrench now.
 
TheFauxFox

TheFauxFox

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Huntsville, AL
granitex said:
While that is true, when was the last time you used 1/4 inch sockets, or carb wrenches? Most of the sets are about 80% fluff but if you get a good smaller socket set, and some specialty tools lime a seal puller, rod end press, and torque wrenches you will be better off in the long end
Click to expand...

Actually pretty often :angel:
With a Jeep (std) and the obsessive need to always be working on something, I've got a use for almost all of that set. Even without though, I've found a use for the tools on everything from a computer to an Excursion.
 
W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
So the consensus is a really good 3/8 set. I have a access set for 1/4. I have a nice kobalt set for 1/2". Should I buy a used snap on, matco, Mac set on ebay or a craftsman set.


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W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
After doing a lot of research I think I found the best bang per buck.

Explanation:
First part of research was finding out who makes what. The top 3 are Stanley, Danaher, and snap on. Then there are smaller brands privately held like wright and cornwell. Snap on owns blue point, JH Williams, CDI, bahco, and snap on.

Stanley owns mac, blackhawk, proto ect. They even have them listed here:
http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/products-services/our-brands

Danaher owns the rest basically (aside from wright/ cornwell) which include gearwrench, kobalt, craftsman, matco etc.

This is why there are so many similar ratchets between the brands. I knocked the tool truck brands off of my list because even getting the rep to meet me to sell me stuff was difficult much less when I need one replaced so goodbye snap on, matco, Mac, cornwell etc. After watching many youtube videos and reading comparisons where ratchets were torque test, taken apart, rebuilt etc I was torn between 3 brands bahco (snap on), FACOM/ SK (Stanley), and gearwrench (danahar). Bahco is made in Spain, FACOM France, SK used to be usa not sure now, and gearwrench Taiwan. I'm going with the gear wrench 120xp set. Primarily because it is the smallest profile due to ditching the quick release, interchangeable with matco internals and has the highest teeth count on the list. Also because it has seperate claws it has 10 or so teeth always locked to prevent slip / reversing. In one of the reviews they compared the roto head version to snap on and raved about how well it was made.

I'm still going to buy craftsman sockets probably but now for ratchets I just need to know flex head or fixed?

Thought you guys might find it interesting.





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Silver dude

Silver dude

Sliders
Founding Member
Location
machesney park IL
I like the Harbor Freight ratchets. I'm a diesel mechanic and use them daily for work. They have never let me down and have features that others don't that I really like. Also cheap in cost which is nice as I have a set for the Xterra a set for the house and a set for my box at work. I know it will be frowned upon by the Matco, Snap on, Craftsman, fanboys but works well for me and I do also have tools of those names in my box. The composite ratchets have a high tooth count and great grip which is my go to ratchet for snugging low torque fasteners. The swivel ratchets all work well maybe a bit over built thick steel and heavy duty. Handy as they can be pivoted parallel to the fastener and used like a screwdriver. The extendable ratchets are a terrific idea and really useful. I've used mine as a breaker bar for many years busting off huge bolts and fittings on city buses.. I've got a few Kobalt ratchets and I like those as well but they honestly seem the same as the harbor freight ratchets but more expensive. Craftsman ratchets are a total garbage item. In my experience the teeth are chunky they skip and the handles are always to short and are rather bulky.
 
TheFauxFox

TheFauxFox

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Huntsville, AL
I mentioned that I'm a fan of Craftsman, but I will back up Silver dude's statement. We use the Pittsburg set from Harbor Freight in our Baja shop. They were cheap, but don't feel necessarily cheap. They clearly look like Kobalt knock-offs, but perform well. If I was on a budget, I'd buy them again.
 
TKDx00

TKDx00

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
Location
S.Subs of Chicago, IL.
I started to add my 2 cents to this thread when you first started but wanted to see what others posted...interesting reading. I have Craftsman. Always have, always will. True Sears store locations are getting fewer but the product for me has never let me down. I bought a starter set 30 years ago and in that time had to replace 4 pieces. Granted...the 1/4 set I rarely use and did get a few pieces one at a time simply because I switched from American vehicles (standard) to Japanese (metric). And I have purchased other brands in a pinch, but they were the ones that broke and at the time did not have replacement policies. Today, I wouldn't purchase a 1/4 drive set, they're not needed. Nor would I purchase 12 sided sockets. Stick with a larger drive set that has 6 sided sockets. In my opinion they last the longest and have more surface contact than the 12 sided ones. That protects stripping the bolt head and the socket.

I guess this was a nickel's worth.
 
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01XterraPhilly

01XterraPhilly

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Conshohocken, PA
i have the HF Impact wrench and i dont mind it. when im at the point that i have a garage im switching to air tools. But the pittsburgh 1/2" drive set is pretty beefy. i like them...
 
GPD605X

GPD605X

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
Location
Gulfport, MS
Just bought this a couple weeks ago. Its Kobalt. Seems like a really solid set. I got it for around $20 @ Lowe's.
847540b1-e30a-41c2-b7be-a388d4f97211_zps3a728cce.jpg

46bcba73-c835-419b-bfba-cdf051f2cd22_zps947ed74f.jpg
 
T

TJTJ

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
NJ
TKDx00 said:
I started to add my 2 cents to this thread when you first started but wanted to see what others posted...interesting reading. I have Craftsman. Always have, always will. True Sears store locations are getting fewer but the product for me has never let me down. I bought a starter set 30 years ago and in that time had to replace 4 pieces. Granted...the 1/4 set I rarely use and did get a few pieces one at a time simply because I switched from American vehicles (standard) to Japanese (metric). And I have purchased other brands in a pinch, but they were the ones that broke and at the time did not have replacement policies. Today, I wouldn't purchase a 1/4 drive set, they're not needed. Nor would I purchase 12 sided sockets. Stick with a larger drive set that has 6 sided sockets. In my opinion they last the longest and have more surface contact than the 12 sided ones. That protects stripping the bolt head and the socket.

I guess this was a nickel's worth.
Click to expand...


They make universal sockets and wrenches now, that work well with all the "sided" versions...and Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, etc, all have versions. I don't think HF does though.

I like stuff that can do double duty, and allow me to carry less stuff with me.


I used to joke that if I carried every spare part and every tool I might need, the rig would weigh so much I would always be breaking stuff and needing all the spare parts and tools to fix it.
 
W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up buying this set while it was on sale:
http://m.sears.com/craftsman-207-pc-easy-to-read-mechanics-tool/p-00933207000P

It was the biggest set with only 6 pt sockets in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2. Also has ratchets, 1/2 impact sockets, but drivers, and wrenches.

I ordered gearwrench 120xp ratchet set (1/4, 3/8, 1/2) and I love them they are thinner, smaller and really fine mechanism.

I ordered crimpers, strippers, cutters that the bussman fuse box kit guy suggested from mcmastercarr. They are made by ideal/ sk.

I ordered wera bits to go in the matco screwdriver I found in my engine bay.

I also ordered socket trays from wrestling machine.

Tommorow I'm going to harbor freight to get a tool chest. I love having a garage now!

I still need a few things but it's a good start I think.


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W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
I got a few tools in the mail today.

Craftsman 207 easy read set.



Organizing to do:

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1405622690.320861.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1405622722.772826.jpg

Gearwrench 120 XP set & craftsman

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1405622659.659190.jpg
 
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W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
I looked at that box but it was kind of big for the shed and it was twice as much! I wish I could do something that big but I suppose I'll put my pegboard to use and still have plenty of space.

Here are the socket organizers I picked up:

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1405661476.727399.jpg


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T

TJTJ

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
NJ
I feel compelled to share that I won't use Harbor Fright tools for anything important, as MOST of the tools from them I have have broken when pushed hard enough...with some never working at all, ever, such as exhaust spreaders that fell apart when pressure was applied, before that pressure was able to expand an exhaust, etc....and a ratchet that exploded sending shrapnel at my face and knocking off my safety glasses, and putting a metal sliver in my eye ball.

So, in my experience in TRYING THEM, they are pretty crappy Chinese knock-offs of tools that are fine for light duty work (Little force), but which fail catastrophically when pushed.

I imagine that, just like any other tools, they make some that are better than others, and some that are worse...and my personal experience has been with their (I HOPE) worst.

:D
 
W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
TJTJ said:
I feel compelled to share that I won't use Harbor Fright tools for anything important, as MOST of the tools from them I have have broken when pushed hard enough...with some never working at all, ever, such as exhaust spreaders that fell apart when pressure was applied, before that pressure was able to expand an exhaust, etc....and a ratchet that exploded sending shrapnel at my face and knocking off my safety glasses, and putting a metal sliver in my eye ball.

So, in my experience in TRYING THEM, they are pretty crappy Chinese knock-offs of tools that are fine for light duty work (Little force), but which fail catastrophically when pushed.

I imagine that, just like any other tools, they make some that are better than others, and some that are worse...and my personal experience has been with their (I HOPE) worst.

:D
Click to expand...

Only harbor freight item is torque wrench that is getting replaced by a CDI (Snap on OEM)
Everything else is USA besides gearwrench ratchets but they are pretty high quality.
 
W

Weerez935

Bought an X
Location
Al
TheFauxFox said:
Just curious to know why you insisted on buying tools from McMasterCarr.
Click to expand...

The guy that makes the wagon gear bussman fuse box kit uses them and suggested them. The ratcheting crimper and strip master are made by ideal (SK OEM). Plus his wiring is pretty top notch so I assumed it would be a good start. The other stripper / cutters are made by klein. I was a bit Skeptical at first but they appear to be high quality and USA made (according to the handles :) ).

I probably would have different crimpers with interchangeable dies if I planned on using them all the time but for my purposes the mcmastercarr crimper will do all the butt splices and the weatherpack one will do the quick disconnects.

For reference the mcmastercarr strippers say "ideal" on the handle.
Mcmastercarr: 33$
Ideal: 60$
Snap on: 200$




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