Wrenching: Craftsman Mechanics Tool Sets

Craftsman has been known for quality hand tools, sockets, and wrenches as long as I’ve been able to hand a wrench to my Gramps underneath a tractor. Being trademarked in 1927 and sold by Sears, the Craftsman brand was originally marketed as their mid-range quality of tools. In 2009, Popular Mechanics named Craftsman their favorite brand of hand tools and Craftsman is also the official tool brand of NASCAR and the DIY Network. What really set Craftsman apart from the rest was the installation of their Unlimited lifetime warranty. Break a socket, bring it in and they’ll exchange it right there in the store no questions asked. That bought Craftsman a plethora of loyal buyers, including myself.

Recently Craftsman hooked Busted Wallet up with two of their tools sets to test and review. The MACH Series 53 pc. set as well as the 263 pc. Mechanics Tool Set. The 263 pc. Mechanics Tool Set is an ideal starting point for any weekend grease monkey. Now let’s get into our thoughts on the offerings from Craftsman.

263 pc. Mechanics Set – What’s Included?

22 – SAE & Metric Wrenches
151 – SAE & Metric Sockets
42 – Bits
1 – Drive tool
4 – Extensions
3 – Quick release ratchets
40 – Hex keys

Key Features:

• MACH series socket set built for speed
• 263 pc. set provides wide variety
• Ratcheting boxed end wrenches
• Nice and Durable carrying cases
• Easy to keep organized

Everyone needs a good set of sockets and wrenches around the house for those everyday fixes and projects and this set fits that bill quite nicely. The Craftsman name is a brand that everyone in this country knows well and is trusted by a large number.

The entry level tool market is quite competitive filled with other brands now like: Kobalt, Husky, Pittsburgh Pro, Stanley, Dewalt, and several others. Craftsman can no longer stand on just their fantastic unlimited lifetime warranty, as almost all the competition offers the same. Although, Craftsman is one of only a handful that offers an in-store no questions asked exchange while others you must mail in (at your cost) your broken parts and wait for a return. I’m willing to bet you will not need to use Craftsman’s great warranty though.

This Craftsman 263 piece set offers a wide range of alloy steel standard sized sockets. Including 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ quick release ratchets with 12 and 6 point as well as deep well sockets ranging from  5/32″ to 1″ standard and 4 to 22 mm. It comes with a nice set of 6 standard and 6 metric sizes which have a ratcheting box end which is a nice value add as well as a selection of hex keys,

The carrying case that comes with this set is really handy especially if you do not yet own a big tool chest. It also allows you to keep your sockets and wrenches neatly organized which is a plus. I also like the quick release ratchets that come with the set. I was surprised to see the made in USA label missing from the packaging so I looked into it and I sadly discovered that Craftsman no longer makes their tools in the good old United States of America but rather in China. This tool set is not made of the highest quality steel but for what you get and the price they are offered at, combined with the lifetime warranty, I believe they are still a good deal.

MACH Series 53 piece Socket Set – What’s Included?

MACH Socket Set

• 20 – Sockets
• 30 – Bits
• 1 – 3/8″ Quick release ratchet
• 2 – Adapters

The MACH series of tools is one of Craftsman’s newer line of tools geared for speed. Where the MACH socket set excels is when you have a loose nut you need to screw on or off. A pump or two with the comfortable rubber grip handle and reversible helix push shaft ratchet handle will take care of that in short order. This feature does not work well if you have a nut or screw that is snug at all. You can also lock the ratchet handle in place for standard ratchet operation. The head rotates 270 degrees for great access and maneuverability.

Value:

The Craftsman MACH 53 piece piece Socket Set is a nice little socket set in a small package. I believe it would be great to stick under the back seat of your vehicle. Priced at $49.99 it’s a nice set that contains all the common sized items you would need for most situations. The Craftsman 263 piece mechanics tool set is currently priced at $179.99 which is slightly cheaper than comparable sets I’ve seen. The 263 piece set contains all the tools you need to get your average weekend garage monkey into a pleasant amount of trouble. Combine these good prices with the legendary Craftsman warranty and you’ve got a great deal for anyone with a Busted Wallet.

Buy Now for $179.99 or $49.99 or for more info go to: Craftsman.com