there is a sale and a deal going on at HF right now (but maybe regularly?) with their "Pro mechanics" tool set.
The set is a 301 piece set. The reviews are very good on it. (Reportedly the case has been improved over the pic, btw.) It's much less money than the equivalent Craftsman and it is said that it includes larger (up to 32mm) sockets that the equivalent Crftmans don't have. Seems like it has all the sockets you'd ever want or need, short of the 54mm and the like. 12 pts, 6 pts, short, deep etc.
What I like about it also is that the case is a much better style in my opinion than the similar craftsmans, a narrowish attache style rather than the boxy type that Crft uses for the bigger sets. So easier to stash in a vehicle and carry around. Plus it has flat inserts for sockets storage that can be used as is in a toolbox drawer. It also has a few other tools that the Crft don't typically have in their mechanics sets IIRC, like pliers and screwdrivers, so more self-contained,. One unknown is the hinge, I can't tell if it's been improved over the pic or not. I don't like these flex types that always end up breaking. But I could live with it and if breaks you could ask for a replacement. In fact the reviews mention that folks just buy this set, cut up the case and then use it as their primary set in their big tool box. I also suspect that the ratchets are probably not the fine toothed ones but I could live with that too if I didn't already have a ton of good ones. It also does not seem to have the high visibility markings on sockets that my old eyes prefer, but the markings on the tray should help and I use a fat permanent marker on mine anyway.
On sale for $189 instead of $250, but -get this- you can use an online coupon for 20% off also bringing it down to $150 or so, for a set that is better I think than the $300 craftsman, and close to 50lbs of steel.... (And throw in the usual free cheapo HF tool and low standard shipping.) Also lifetime warranty, but "limitations apply" per the web site, and I don't know what that means.
Not a bad deal and set to have around as a takealong one, I think, and you won't cry too much if lost or stolen.
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html
added: I have had good luck with my HF sockets so far, including impact ones, but I do not know about the tolerances on those, i.e. if they are sloppier than more expensive ones, for example; or about the quality of the steel. Anybody knows in general? But for what it's worth, I measured one of my HF 17mm and a Craftsman 17 and both were the same, at 17.2mm (or a bit more than 1% over, not too bad, and you don't want it to be 17.00 anyway) between random faces. As far as material I have not yet had one be damaged, but then I can't say I abused them badly.
ADDED2: check post 7 for a review of received item
The set is a 301 piece set. The reviews are very good on it. (Reportedly the case has been improved over the pic, btw.) It's much less money than the equivalent Craftsman and it is said that it includes larger (up to 32mm) sockets that the equivalent Crftmans don't have. Seems like it has all the sockets you'd ever want or need, short of the 54mm and the like. 12 pts, 6 pts, short, deep etc.
What I like about it also is that the case is a much better style in my opinion than the similar craftsmans, a narrowish attache style rather than the boxy type that Crft uses for the bigger sets. So easier to stash in a vehicle and carry around. Plus it has flat inserts for sockets storage that can be used as is in a toolbox drawer. It also has a few other tools that the Crft don't typically have in their mechanics sets IIRC, like pliers and screwdrivers, so more self-contained,. One unknown is the hinge, I can't tell if it's been improved over the pic or not. I don't like these flex types that always end up breaking. But I could live with it and if breaks you could ask for a replacement. In fact the reviews mention that folks just buy this set, cut up the case and then use it as their primary set in their big tool box. I also suspect that the ratchets are probably not the fine toothed ones but I could live with that too if I didn't already have a ton of good ones. It also does not seem to have the high visibility markings on sockets that my old eyes prefer, but the markings on the tray should help and I use a fat permanent marker on mine anyway.
On sale for $189 instead of $250, but -get this- you can use an online coupon for 20% off also bringing it down to $150 or so, for a set that is better I think than the $300 craftsman, and close to 50lbs of steel.... (And throw in the usual free cheapo HF tool and low standard shipping.) Also lifetime warranty, but "limitations apply" per the web site, and I don't know what that means.
Not a bad deal and set to have around as a takealong one, I think, and you won't cry too much if lost or stolen.
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html
added: I have had good luck with my HF sockets so far, including impact ones, but I do not know about the tolerances on those, i.e. if they are sloppier than more expensive ones, for example; or about the quality of the steel. Anybody knows in general? But for what it's worth, I measured one of my HF 17mm and a Craftsman 17 and both were the same, at 17.2mm (or a bit more than 1% over, not too bad, and you don't want it to be 17.00 anyway) between random faces. As far as material I have not yet had one be damaged, but then I can't say I abused them badly.
ADDED2: check post 7 for a review of received item
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