Stanley vs Crescent Socket Set?

C

clanderson

New member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
Hey guys! Just getting into working on my own car(s) and I am FED UP with my no-name ratchet and socket set! I'm off to buy a comprehensive starter set for ~$100.

Any recommendations as far as this Stanley set vs this Crescent set?

I'd appreciate an experienced voice of opinion more than I can express!!
 
Why not craftsman? Tools last a lifetime if you dont lose them. Save a little extra and get the craftsman.
A few years ago I bought a couple Snap on ratchets. They are a lot of money but wow are they nice
 
I'd go with Craftsman, because they're cheap and replacements are easy to get via Sears' (and Kmart) many locations and lifetime warranty. Not as good a quality as they used to be, but still good enough for the home mechanic.
 
eaglefan said:
Why not craftsman?
trekkeruss said:
I'd go with Craftsman
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
^^^:iagree:^^^

Here's a pretty comprehensive, 220 pcs. starter set (for $123.00):

91X8fKuqD8L._SL1500_.jpg


Bob
 
I actually can't find any craftsman sets that are as good as that Stanley is for the same or better price! Any direction there?
 
I'd probably go with Craftsman as well. I have some I've had since the early/mid 70's that still work great. That being said, they have some crappy ones these days as well that DO NOT have lifetime warranty.

Also it was mentioned to look at Kobalt. I'd say that's not a bad idea either. Lowes stands behind them with a lifetime warranty and they don't seem to be priced too bad either. Nowhere near the selection as walking into the tool department at Sears and drooling for an hour or so, but you can build more than a competent tool kit at Lowes.
 
I've heard good things about Kobalt, but cannot speak from personal experience.
 
If I had to choose between those,I would pick the Stanley since they own Mac Tools. I believe years ago they also made Craftsman tools.

Danaher Tools then took over making the Craftsman line, who also makes some of Matco's tools.

I remember years ago when Lowes first came in the area, some of the Kobalt tools had made by Snap On - on the package. I don't know if they still make them for Lowes. If they do and you find a set in your budget, buy them.

That being said these wont be Snap On or Mac's or Matco's top tools, but something that should suit you well for home use.


So it's really up to you what you get. Just see what you can get and for the best price.
 
I'm kind of partial to the rounded handle design seen in the Crescent and Stanley versions, otherwise I'd have no problems getting a Craftsman set
 
clanderson said:
I'm kind of partial to the rounded handle design seen in the Crescent and Stanley versions, otherwise I'd have no problems getting a Craftsman set
Click to expand...

I'd get kobalt then. I have a 3 year old set with HEAVY use. The 8 mm socket broke finally (I use it on a Dewalt 12v impact for engine work.) Kobalt has impressed me.
Sent from my SM-N900V using AG Online
 
Go with craftsman,become a craftsman club member,better deals online. What I do is look at the tool in the store,check it online and order it and pick it up while I'm still in the store!
 
Just a suggestion...ever see the Snap-On truck around? Go see him and see if "He" has any deals going on. Sometimes there may be a deal on something that is just on that particular truck. If nothing else, ya get a chance to drool over some neat tools.

Other than that, do look hard a Craftsman. As said above, their quality has gone down somewhat from 'back in the day', but still pretty good hand tools.

Craftsman stuff is available even at your local Ace Hardware (along with K-Mart and probable many others) nowadays. So, while 'they' may not be on sale at one store, they may very well be so at another.

When It comes to tools, it is a good idea to actually see them, feel them in a real world. Not just seeing them on an internet picture (yes, I'm talking down about buying from Amazon in this situation).

Bill
 
Lots of Craftsman love - I think you've swayed me!
Anybody happen to know the tooth count on those Craftsman ratchets?
 
I would actually buy the ratchet and sockets separately only because I like the ratchets with the swivel? head and I have not seen a set sold with these.
 
clanderson said:
Lots of Craftsman love - I think you've swayed me!
Anybody happen to know the tooth count on those Craftsman ratchets?
Click to expand...
There is no set algorithm for a ratchet's tooth count.
However:
Turn the bit-holder 1/4 turn while counting the number of clicks. Multiply that number of clicks by 4.
______________________________________________

Anyway:
How about pawl(s)?

Example:
A standard Craftsman 3/8" ratchet has 36 teeth ("coarse");
A "fine tooth" ratchet may have 41 teeth.

What is the effective gear-tooth ratings if these ratchets have a single pawl vs. them having dual pawls?

Also:
Will round-head style ratchets be "better" than the pear-head styles? RE: Arc(s).


Bob
 
As several have said, in so many words, most of the common brands are made by only a couple of mfg's. If you're not a regular stop for a tool truck, I'd suggest getting something you can replace easily, like from a Big Box store. Just about all the old tool names are not the primary owner of their name anymore.

Just one more comment on sockets. I suggest you really look at the impact sockets rather than chrome sockets. Many are now much slimmer (esp. in higher quality brands) than they used to be (true not as slim as chrome) and it will save you $$$ by buying only 1 type of socket. When you need a slim socket by the chrome one individually. Course, they don't look as pretty in your box. :)
 
I'm going to +1 the Craftsman, that's the only tool I buy because it's affordable, decent quality(wont break any time I use it) and it's lifetime warranty, my grandfather gave me some of his craftsman ratchets that still work great today!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top