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There is currently a sale on selected tools and tool sets at Sears. The sale runs from today 06-01-03 to 06-07-03. Many of the items are deeply discounted and if you belong to the "Craftsman Club" you get an additional 10% off. The "Craftsman Club" is free to join and entitles the member to discounts from time to time. If you don't belong and tell the cashier that you are joining (by filling out a post card) they will usually use a "general" card to get you the benefit.
This morning I was able to buy this wrench set for $3.99 (or $4.36 if you include the .37 stamp for the $5.00 rebate). Hard to beat that price. Pays to buy some tools just to keep in the trunk for an emergency.
I just splurged for a similar set, but their best quality reversible ratcheting type- on the closed end. Now I have non-ratcheting spares, I put 10, 12, and 14 in my car since they cover most of the Honda bolts.
They also have a very nice SUV jack with two jack stands for $45. I received a $20 gift card rebate the day before the sale (for buying a Hoover), so I paid $25 net...
Watch out for Sears sales like this, they're awesome! Just beware of sets that skip the essential sizes- I noticed your kit doesn't have 9mm. I think the brake bleeder might be 9mm.
Another good place to find good tools is www.harborfreight.com Very competitive prices good combination sets, and the Pittsburgh brand I am very happy with.
My thought was to just get a few to keep in the trunk. You are right I'll have to add the 9mm. I also keep a 3/8 inch drive and sockets, a torque wrench etc in the trunk so I think I'm pretty much covered for on the road emergencies. I also have a complete set in my basement/garage. I couldn't resist the price.
I have the Sears jack, it serves me well.
When Sears tools are on sale they generally are a good deal.
I am going to take a look at Harbor Freight. How is their Pittsburgh brand as compared to Craftsman? I would assume that they are of comparible quality. That is sufficient for a weekend mechanic like myself.
I don't know where Craftsman tools are made these days, but the socket you show is made in Taiwan. Not necessarily a negative, but very well could be. I've broken Craftsman sockets on rare occasions, but it's so easy to get replacements, I don't usually worry too much about it. My best Craftsman story is years ago, I was abusing a Craftsman ax that I inherited from my Dad. I'm guessing it was bought 20 years before. I was hammering on it to split some wood and the head finally broke. Brought it back to Sears and they quickly provided a new ax. The only problem was the old one was much heavier duty, but all in all I was happy.
I know Snap-on has a lifetime guarantee like Craftsman. They just aren't as accessible.
Most of my tools are Craftsman, since Sear's is the closest tool store. All my socket sets are Craftsman, both metric and the old fashion stuff (except for my Withworth). I have selectively bought a couple Snap-on's which I love but they are too pricey for my limited use. However, I find the China and Taiwan tools definitely have a place in my collection as well. And for the price you can't beat them. For example, I just bought something like a 20-piece open/box set from 6 mm to 32 mm for $19.95 at Big Lots! You simply can't beat that for a set to throw in the tool box when heading for the track or just to have when a second wrench when needed. As for screwdrivers I love 'The Claw'. They have a triangle shaped handle for great torque and seem to hold up well. I seldom use the old Craftsman screwdrivers any more.
