"Custom" Craftsman Tool Kit (3 Viewers)

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Joined
Mar 30, 2005
Threads
31
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473
Location
Mt. Pleasant, SC
With the arrival of my new 80 and the inevitable resto of the 62, I realized that my current set of tools were just crud. I needed a new set. I perused a couple threads(Who makes best/most durable tools? and Good toolkit for an 80?) and decided to go wth one of Craftsman's Mechanic's Tool Sets. The 190 piece and I hated it. I didn't like the design of the box it came in; the wrenches kept coming loose out of their holders and on two ocassions the latch holding the "upper" half would fail and the smaller sockets would fall everywhere. :mad: Also decided I didn't really need all the standard/SAE sizes. Thought about either the 145pc. Metric Set or the 140pc. Metric Set but decided against. Why not just design a "perfect" tool kit? So I designed this set of Craftsman 6 point metric and other tools for the Land Cruiser. Hadn't seen a concise list and just wanted to put it down in a thread.

*EDIT(8/19/05):Just to clarify what I've done: I looked over those two threads mentioned above and made a list of common tools that make up an adequate tool chest. I did place a lot of focus on Beowulf's and PHAEDRUS' lists. I chose Craftsman because, although not "the best," they are quality, inexpensive(compared to others) tools that have a no-hassle lifetime guarantee. Take in any broken Craftsman tool(with a Lifetime Guarantee) to any Sears and get either a new or refurb replacement. No questions asked and no receipt required.*

BASIC LIST- the "bare minimum" and can also be transported easily:
Craftsman 3 pc. Thin Profile Ratchet Set(#33442)
Craftsman Torque Wrench, 3/8 in. Drive(#44593)-not Lifetime Guaranteed(90 days)
Craftsman Torque Wrench, 1/2 in. Drive(#44595)-not Lifetime Guaranteed(90 days)
Craftsman 10 pc. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 6 pt. Metric, 1/4 in. Drive(5-14mm)(#34532)
Craftsman 10 pc. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 6 pt. Deep Metric, 1/4 in. Drive(4-13mm)(#34536)
Craftsman 22 pc. All 3/8 in. drive Metric 6 pt. Easy-To-Read Socket Set(reg10,12-19mm+deep9-19mm+spark plug sockets)(#34722)
Craftsman 10 pc. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 6 pt. Metric, 1/2 in. Drive(9-15,17-19mm)(#34556)
Craftsman 6 pc. Easy-To-Read Socket Set, 12 pt. Deep Metric, 1/2 in. Drive(13-18mm)(#34559)
Craftsman 24mm Socket, 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Standard(#19472)
Various Craftsman Extensions and Adaptors(Ex:#43539, #44261, #44264)
3x Craftsman 12 in. Utility Cases(#65284) for the drivers and sockets
Craftsman 14 pc. 6pt. Wrench Set, Metric(#46575)
Craftsman Screwdriver Set, Ratcheting(#41796)
Craftsman 2 pc. Hex Key Caddy Set, SAE and Metric(#46704)-my Sears actually had the metric sold by itself for $5.99.
Craftsman 6-piece Professional Pliers Set(#45360)
Craftsman 2 pc. Strap Wrench Set(#45570)
Craftsman 2 pc. Locking Plier Set includes 10 WR and 7R Pliers(#45712)
Craftsman 25 in. Pry Bar, with 18 in. Curved Bladed Screwdriver(#43277)-replaced with set(see below)
Craftsman Tool Carrier(#37531)


Total: $644+tax and shipping if you don't go pick it up. Some of these things were "Catalog/Online Exclusive" so you have to ship them. If anyone really wants me to go through which ones those are, I can * them.
Expensive, but I think a darn great investment considering what I was using before. And Craftsman at that. Of course, everything can be switched around to your liking. The hex key, for instance. I read in one thread that one member hated using hex keys in a "Swiss Army knife"-style tool. Up to you. And c-dan has the 54mm socket I'll be picking up shortly.
Am I missing anything? Hope this might help others looking to build a great tool kit.

Oh yeah.
...and duct tape. :flipoff2:

*EDIT(8/19/05): To put everything in one place, I've decided to put additions to the list here and will periodically add or delete tools depending. These are tools I've chosen. Of course, there are other alternatives available so read through the thread or choose your own variant. And not all the tools are Craftsman, but still popular tools.

ADDITIONS- more specific tools:
Lifetime Guaranteed Tools:
Craftsman 8 pc. Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set, Metric(#42405)
Craftsman 7 pc. Locking Flex Ratcheting Wrench Set Metric(#42401)
2x Craftsman 8-Pocket Wrench/Tool Roll-Up Pouch(#65877)-for above wrench sets
Imperial Ratcheting Line Wrenches, Metric(#1956STDM) @Sears. Lifetime guarantee.
Craftsman 2 lb. Dead Blow Hammer(#SDSF2SG)
Craftsman 16 oz. Steel Handle Ball Pein Hammer(#38523)
Craftsman 16 oz. Rubber Mallet(#45787)
Craftsman 58 pc. Tap and Die Set, Carbon Steel Metric(#52373)
Craftsman 3 pc. Screwdriver Pry Bar Set(#43278)-replaces single pry bar from BASIC kit.
Craftsman 5 pc. File Set with Handle(#31323)
Craftsman 14 pc. Punch, Chisel, Line-Up Tool Set(#43122)
Craftsman 12-Pocket Wrench/Tool Roll-Up Pouch(#65878) for above Punch/Chisel Set
Crafstman 2 Jaw Small Gear Puller(#46905)
Craftsman Nut Splitter(#4772)
Craftsman Universal Oil Filter Wrench, Auto-Adjustable(#51121SA706)
Craftsman 12 in. Hacksaw, Convertible/Heavy Duty(#E0101674)
Craftsman Retaining/Snap Ring Pliers, Medium(#92R706)
Craftsman Wire Cutter-Stripper(#73653)
Craftsman Retractable Claw Tool(#41322)
Craftsman Magnetic Tray(#41329)
Craftsman Magnetic Pick-Up Tool with Mirror(#47095)
Craftsman 21 pc. Impact Socket Set, 6 pt. Metric
Craftsman 4-Way Metric Lug Wrench(#19361)
Craftsman/Lisle Seal Puller(#47645)

Non-Lifetime Guaranteed Tools:
Craftsman 3 ton Hydraulic Jack(#50143)
Craftsman 6 ton Jack Stands(#50150)
8 Pc Magnetic Nut Driver Metric Bit Set not @ Sears
Lisle Handy Packer® Bearing Packer(#34550)@ toolsource or Sears
Brass Hammer not @ Sears
54mm Hub Socket from cruiserdan($24.71)
Actron PocketScan™ Code Reader(#CP9125) @ Sears
Craftsman Timing Light, Inductive(#21027)
Craftsman Multimeter(#2123571)
Craftsman Vacuum Pump/Brake Bleed Kit(#21021)
Craftsman Compression Test Kit(#47089)
Craftsman Soldering Iron, 45 watt(#54042)
Harbor Freight 20 Gallon Parts Washer not @ Sears
Berkley 20lb Digital Fish Scale not @ Sears
Brass Drifts:"3/8 solid brass rod from your local hardware store = brass drift" -LandCruiserPhil
MV50 Portable Air Compressor-can probably be found cheaper(Pep Boys link works...sometimes)

Miller Millermatic 175 MIG Welder not @ Sears
Ingersoll-Rand Garage Mate Air Compressor(#SS3R2-GM) @ Sears
Craftsman 3/8 in. Impact Wrench(#19916)
Ingersoll-Rand 3/8 in. Composite Air Ratchet, Ultra Duty(#IR-1200) @ Sears

Also, if placing orders online with Sears, remember to look at the rebates. Most times, the rebate is the shipping costs. :D

A free Craftsman Club Membership can be obtained by calling 1-800-682-8691=monthly discounts.

Harbor Freight Discount Codes :D

Innocent Disclaimer: No I do not have any affiliation or interest in the Sears/Craftsman corporation. It's just a good ole' one-stop shop that everybody has easy access to. :flipoff2:
 
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Good basic list. I would add hammers ball peen, dead blow and brass. Also a set of files and chisels then tap-die.... the list will go on forever. Having what you need when you need it is the key to productive work. I will need to do that at some point.
 
Definitely a basic kit. My only intention was to start a topshelf kit that could accomplish a lot on a Cruiser and then work from there on other more specific tools. And also to give others an idea of what tools constitute a basic tool kit if they want to design one themselves.
It's also missing nut drivers. If anyone knows of a metric nut driver bit set I could use with the ratcheting screwdriver(which is actually one of the coolest tools I've ever used :D ), let me know. Craftsman only has one set and it's standard.
Add that to hammers, files and chisels, tap and die, magnetic arm, line wrenches..........
 
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line wrenches

Finally got some last christmas, and I can't believe nobody ever forced me to get them before. Suddenly bleeding brakes is almost not awful. Big step in the right direction! :)
 
Nut drivers with a cordless drill are nice, too!

Sure wish I could find some metric ones... Like you, I've been wondering where to find them.
 
polarweasel said:
Sure wish I could find some metric ones... Like you, I've been wondering where to find them.
A set of metric nut driver bits for the multi-head screwdriver came with the Craftsman 190pc Mechanic Tool Set I had first and probably a few of the other sets. Why they don't sell them seperately I do not know. Maybe I should of switched them. Maybe I still can. Just go buy it again, switch the metric set with a standard set they have for sale seperately, and then take it back saying there were two sets of standard nut drivers. Too evil? ;)
 
If anyone knows of a metric nut driver bit set I could use with the ratcheting screwdriver(which is actually one of the coolest tools I've ever used :D ) said:
I got a dewalt attachment that allows you to put a 1/4" socket on and then to the drill, forgot what it's called but other companies make them too. Anyway it has a hex end that should fit on the end of your screw driver. It was like $3.50 at Home Depot.
 
good deal, I did something similar, but didn't go to expensive. Only thing that helped me is that I waited to get the Craftsman club discount saved me $40 on my $390 investment. You can't beat craftsman.
 
Additions(that I haven't necessarily ordered yet :D ):

3 ton Hydraulic Jack http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&pid=00950143000&vertical=TOOL
6 ton Jack Stands http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00950150000
58 pc. Tap and Die Set, Carbon Steel Metric http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00952373000
Imperial Ratcheting Line Wrenches, Metric http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00950501000 -not Craftsman. Subsidiary I think. Lifetime warranty.
Pick Up Magnet http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...s&vertical=TOOL&pid=00904135000&bidsite=CRAFT
2 lb. Dead Blow Hammer, Power Drive® http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00938394000
16 oz. Steel Handle Ball Pein Hammer http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00938523000
5 pc. File Set with Handle http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00931323000
14 pc. Punch, Chisel, Line-Up Tool Set http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00943122000
2 Jaw Small Gear Puller http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00946905000
and/or
2 Jaw Large Gear Puller http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00946903000
Nut Cracker/Splitter http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00904772000
Universal Oil Filter Wrench, Auto-Adjustable http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=02820523000
12 in. Hack Saw http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00936144000-Replaced with less expensive. See post #1.
Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set, Metric- see below(post#17).

Non-lifetime warranty items, but still a good service department :D :
Actron PocketScan™ Code Reader http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00947049000
Timing Light, Inductive http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00921027000
Multimeter http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=03481437000
Vacuum Pump/Brake Bleed Kit http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...s&vertical=TOOL&pid=00921021000&bidsite=CRAFT

And I found a metric nut driver set for the screwdriver:
8 Pc Magnetic Nut Driver Metric Bit Set http://usfreight.zoovy.com/product/8524D?META=froogle-8524D

For Birfs:
54mm from C-Dan
2 pc. Ring Pliers Kit http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00950460000
or
Retaining Ring Pliers, Medium http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00947397000
Lisle Seal Puller http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00947645000
Brass Drifts "3/8 solid brass rod from your local hardware store = brass drift" -LandCruiserPhil
Spring Tension Scale/Fish Scale at fishing shop or Wally World or see below(post #22).
Brass Hammer if you don't wanna use dead blow: https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=53958
Lisle Handy Packer® Bearing Packer http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=534
or
Lisle Universal Bearing Packer http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1128
-Sears sells Lisle products, but I couldn't find the bearing packers online. They may just sell them directly from the store and not online. Look around.
EDIT: I found both the Lisle Bearing Packers(and their whole line) here: http://www.toolsource.com/ost/produ...0501&mscssid=T6L92DCHRECV9N674XAWMS299UPEAQED
EDIT: Sears has the Handy Packer in store.
 
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TJDIV said:
s***, you did your research dude......
Yuppers. I'm sometimes overzealous. :flipoff2:
Just wanted to make a good list of reliable/quality tools that anyone could refer to while starting or adding to their own set.
 
You win the award for "Most links in any single post." :cheers:
 
The reversable wrenches keep going up in price so get them while you can. I bought mine when they were $79.99. or you can score it cheap on ebay
 
I sent an email to craftsman....

I am looking for a complete set of tools much like the Craftsman 546 pc.
Mechanics Tool Set, Sears item #00933446000 Mfr. model #33446. I would like the set to include the professional style wrenches, ratchets, and the lazer etched sockets. Do you have a package that would include these options?

Their response...

Thank you for contacting Sears.

Thank you for your question and for your interest in Craftsman Tools.
Unfortunately, at this time we do not offer a set that large with the
laser etched sockets. We suggest that you check back often as we are
continually expanding the tool line. We do apologize for the
inconvenience.
 
laser etched came out decades after i bought my stuff...now i just need to loose more so i can buy them.

also, just remember not to keep your good craftsman stuff in the car...it sucks when someone breaks in and steals it all. i keep walmart tools in the cruisers now.
 

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