My socket and other wrench supply is spotty at best these days, and I’m getting tired of having to scrounge when something on the tablesaw or other tool needs to be tightened or adjusted. Noticed yesterday at Costco that they have a big socket and combo-wrench set by Crescent. Being one that usually avoids these “great deals” on “115-piece-set” and the like, I’m skeptical, but Crescent is a well-known name. Are they likely to be pretty good? Keep in mind, I’m not repairing cars here, just use them occasionally, but want them to work (e.g., the ratchets don’t slip and such).
forestgirl — you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can’t take the forest out of the girl 😉
Replies
forestgirl,
Crescent's made by Cooper Tools. I've got some and they're pretty good. Not sure if they market different (lesser) lines under the same name. Cooper Tools also makes some Sears Craftsman branded tools. Generally, I find with sockets, etc. you get what you pay for, if they look decent and the chrome is of a high quality (you can tell), it's probably worth buying. Hope that helps.
GC
I've seen a similar Crescent set in Sam's Club. Crescent name but they were imports. They may be ok but who would you deal with if you had a problem? A safer choice is Craftsman. Not the equal of Snap-On to be sure but resonably priced, decent quality and if something happens, return it to the nearest Sears store for repair/replacement at no charge. Crescent makes some fine tools (adjustable wrenches, pliars etc) but the socket set(s) aren't shown in their catalog which makes me wonder ..............
Cresent tools are made in the US, Tiawan and China.
Quality reflects were they are made. The US ones are made in Colorado Springs, CO right along with Rigid, Proto, Craftsman, Stanley and Channel Lock.
A bud works there. Everything is the same but the name or color.
Walley World has some great deals on Stanely "mini" sets that may be tailored more to your needs.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
These are made in Taiwan "according to Cooper Tools' Specifications." The ratchets have that release button one them, which means the socket doesn't just come off in mid crank. I think I could probably tell right out of the box if they're really whimpy, and Costco is very good about taking stuff back within 30 days. Think I might give them a try.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Edited 9/3/2003 6:31:41 PM ET by forestgirl
FG
For what you'e going to use them for, they should be fine. If you crack a commonly used size, 1/4, 5/16, 7/16, etc.; replace it with a good grade. Same with the ratchet. If it goes south, up-grade it. Eventually, you end up with a great set of the most commonly used and without the initial out-lay all at once.
Good luck...
sarge..jt
Sounds like my philosophy on tap and die sets.
Kept drooling over the nice name brand sets, but just couldn't justify the money for one. Don't use them that often.
Finally just bought a cheap import set. When they start acting dull I replace them with good ones. Most sizes aren't used at all. The ones that are used regular are now good quality. Much easier to swing the cheap set then a Couple $'s here and there.
Plus, I still have access to the other sizes. Could never justify the expense of buying good dies, as I don't do any shaft threading. Sure is nice to have them available when some existing threads get buggered up though.<G>
On the other hand, all my Crescent brand tools are good quality. Though I have no experience with their socket sets.
Billy
It makes good sense to go that way if they are used in-frequently. With any kind of luck, you might not have to replace at all. I have a great place about 30 miles away that is a Shop-Fox dealer. They also deal with used tools. It's called Re-Tool in Athens, Ga. Get all kind of good stuff at bargain basement prices. For something like the tap-die set, that's where I would put it together.
You might check your yellow pages for used tool places like this. I didn't even know about it till about a year ago and they had been there for several years.
Regards...
sarge..jt
I wish there was such a place around here. Another option that works good for those of us in rural america is ebay. If you're careful.
I have had good luck figuring out what I want. Pricing it. Then looking on ebay, seeing what the lowest that item has sold for recently and bidding on a series of them until I win one. Usually within a week or two I get one.
Of course, I once got 2 Greenlee 1/2" stepper drill bits for $15. I hoped I'd win one for $5, won both + $5 shipping.
Love those step drill bits. Those things are fabulous. If you don't own some, buy some. I have those 2 and a 1-3/8" one. Got that one brand new for about 1/2 what they cost new.
I also just bought a bunch of Klein wiring hand tools. They're soooo much nicer then the no-name tools I was using. 1/3 to 1/2 the price of new, and many of those tools were new. I spent about $100 for about $250 worth of tools had I purchased them from a store. About $50 worth I wouldn't have bought, but they came with the tools I was after.
Love ebay. Of course, I've also won things that I shouldn't have bid on due to high shipping costs. Hate it when I bid then realize I'm hoping someone will outbid me. Always seem to win THOSE auctions.<G>
Billy
I believe Chastainford mentioned the Klein. I will have to check that out. The Re-Tool is great. Once you get to know them, they will call you if something comes in that you are looking for.
"Hate it when I bid on something and I wish someone would out-bid me".
Sounds like you need to stay clear of all casino's. ha..ha..
Regards...
sarge..jt
I do steer clear of casinos.
Tried the nickle slot machines once while we waited for a table. BORED ME OUT OF MY MIND. But the people I was with insisted I had to use up my entire $2. Took forever. Went looking for a video arcade. Can't win money on video games, but they're not BORING. Finally just watched the people. Most of them looked bored too. Didn't get the attraction.
As far as Crescent tools. I've bought some Crescent screwdrivers from WalMart that are great. Cost about $4. They're a multi-bit style, but if you remove the bits you end up with 3 different size nut-drivers built in. I've worked these hard and they've held up well.
>>I believe Chastainford mentioned the Klein. I will have to check that out.
Do you mean looking at Klein brand tools? They cater mostly to electricians. But from what I've seen all of their tools are good quality. Really like their nutdrivers & screwdrivers, but don't own many yet. I did buy a set of their slip joint pliers and some specialty pliers that are really nice. Good stuff, but expensive as you usually have to buy it at your local electrical supply house.
Billy
Is the Klein as expensive as Snap-On which I have ready access to at work?
sarge..jt
SARGE: The Kleins are top notch Hand tools which you will find in any Electricians tool pouch. But IMHO Channellock are just as good..The Klein Hype is just that Hype.. I know I own & use both for a Living..
ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
I have both also and there is a distinct difference between the two
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Sounds like another personal preference thing. Tooldoc sees no difference, you see a BIG difference. Maybe you have more discriminating tastes.<G>
I own some of both too. But nothing that overlaps. Love my big Channellock slip joint pliers. Love my Klein wirestrippers and small pliers. Can't really compare the two though.
Your right I don't have a discriminating taste I Just Like Ice Cold Beer,Pretzels,Hot Dogs & CheeseBurgers nothing fancy for me..<G> But I do demand Quality Tools..Nothing more Nothing less..
ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
Klien wire strippers, screwdrivers, nut runners, speciality pliers, needle nose, linesman, dykes all in blue handle. (hardened)
Channel Lock pump pliers, wire tying pliers, end cutters
Of course there is sub divisions within each brand.
As a note I have wrung the handles off of screwdriver shafts w/o mechanical aide and twisted pliers askew more than once.
Those tools along with Craftsman, Rigid, Proto and a few others are made here in town. When the production runs are done on Klien and Rigid these people send in their own quality control folks to moniter mfgr. Everybody else says build it and ship it.
There are items within brands have proven themselves to be out standing. Then there are other items within that same brand that are just so much fodder. I try to pay attention to what is the most reliable and forgiving at the same time. I also consider the mfgr, their practices and how they treat and think of folks like us.
1st consideration is the manufacturer.
2nd is the product and what I have in mind for it.
3rd, the price.
4th is trying to get the best with all things being considered.
I believe in Milwaukee, Bosch, Fien, Pro Tool, Rigid, Klien, Cooper tools, Stanley, iston, Matabo, Proto, Boise, Senco, Bostich, SSC, CMT, Jesada, Veritas, LeeValley, American Carbide, Robert Saw, (old - old) Delta, Rockwell, Thor, Dewalt and there is more.
You won't find me buying anything from oriental companies regaurdless of the quality and price. I also avoid Sears, (new) Dewalt, Emerson, PC and B&D.
The tools I have, the life that they have lead and the support that I recieved from their mfgrs speak for me. Nothing is bullet proof or last forever but I feel that I have chosen well.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Curious. Where do you live that they actually build hand tools?
Billy... You and I had conversation at one time. Remember Ashton, Tetons and Jackson hole. The American made stuff is made in Co Springs.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Ah yes. How goes the swimming pool.<G>
Sorry, I lose track of who's who. In fact if I don't see someone I've known my entire life for a couple years I'm likely to have to struggle to remember their name. I'm not always successful either. Really drives me nuts.
Seriously, how goes the hotel restoration?
I've been to Colorado Springs area, but mostly out at the military base blowing holes in the desert. Didn't realize they built any tools there.
I like your Industrial MERCenary tag. cool.
Sorry, I lose track of who's who. In fact if I don't see someone I've known my entire life for a couple years I'm likely to have to struggle to remember their name. I'm not always successful either. Really drives me nuts.
It just doesn't drive me nuts any more.
A bud works at the tool plant.
Finished the temp roof repairs. The basement never got deeper than the window sills. LOL
The HO (Hotel Owner) and I parted our ways.
The boiler he provided was too large to get into the cellar. He demanded that I cut a hole in the floor to lower it into the basement at my expense. That included closing up the hole too as all part of the oringina installation price. When I billed for the "temp" roof repairs he got pissed that added margin to the materials. Said he wouldn't accept "temp" repairs. Where was his permenant roof. Contract said T&M temp repairs. Said I was there X amount of hours and he would only pay a generous 25$ an hour. Would not pay trip times and milege. 72 back mountain road miles round trip to the Hotel. Wouldn't pay for trips to the supply house either. Almost 200 miles round trip. Went down hill from there. There are issues that have yet to be resolved. So much for all the brass and iron work.
I have a 28,000$ profile grinder now that I'm not sure what I'm going to do with.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Ok, the hotel thing really sucks.<G> I had the impression you owned the hotel and were repairing it for yourself to live in. Guess I was really confused.
Sorry to hear that project went so poorly.
Only thing I could think of with the expensive grinder would be to find companies that do old house restorations and see if they need someone to match some mouldings. Or advertise for people who want to restore their house. Maybe there's a market out there for that type of thing, but that's a lot of money to try and make back.
Anyway, good luck.
I see no diffrence between there Linemens pliers, Dikes, Long nose, Wire strippers, & pump pliers..Both brands have served well over the years & yes I have worn out several sets of cuting pliers in both brands over the years just from normal on the job use but hey this is only IMHO.. there seems to be a Big trend in the trades to create a statius symbol better have Kleins or your not a true Tradesman.hehe..
Have a nice day.. ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
Not so for me. I use what I feel is best for me and the monies spent.
I like to believe in Lead, follow or move over and not to be of the heard mentality.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
IMERC : I like your thinking.. Also noted you Don't like Dewalt "the new stuff" ~ Me either they suck.... I bet your involved in the trades somewhere ie! Carpenter,Electrician or plumber huh??
ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
All of them except painting.
Can I brag that I have all of the "stuff" to do the job and then some.
IMERC = IndustrialMERCenary.
Been in it since 1957
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
I don't think any tools are as expensive as snap on.<G>
I do have one snap on wrench, way way nicer then any other open end wrench I've ever used, but I couldn't believe how expensive they were when I decided I'd buy some more. Too rich for my taste. I looked at a catalog once with prices, even a simple screwdriver or socket extension was very expensive.
I'll just say Klein builds good tools. I've only used a few of them, and often they replaced a semi-quality cheap tool, or I got a specialty tool that I didn't have before, so I can't say definitavely that they are better or worse then another brand.
I did find that I could get good, often new, Klein tools for 1/3-1/2 the cost of new (even including shipping costs) off ebay if I was patient and careful what I bid on. Tried getting some Snap-on wrenches also, the cost may still have been a bargain by snap-on standards, but wow those auctions go high.
Billy
ALL:
Thanks for the info. I have a Snap-On Ratchet, but generally stay with lower grade or better grade used sockets, etc. as I don't make a living depending on them.
Regards...
sarge..jt
Here's my favorite Crescent, but I don't think you're gonna turn any bolts with it.
Oops, one of those pics might be a bit large.
Ooooooh, I like it, I like it!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Nice toy; I esp. like the safety features and, of course, the dust extraction. Nice tool!!
Klein is better.
FG,
I've had real good luck with some "Thorsen" brand socket wrench sets from Discount Auto Parts. About $20 a set (SAE and metric, large and small) and seem to be better than Craftsman or Stanley. As an added bonus, if you ever need to pull a spark plug on your car or truck, you're there! with these sets.
If you ever see any of those large, old timey cast iron open-ended wrenches at garage sales and you can get them in the sizes of your table saw arbor nut, router collets, and circular saw arbor - jump on them. Those things really get a grip and you can apply lots of controlled leverage.
Ed
I own quite a few cresent tools. Very nice equipment. But mine are the us made tools so the quality and spec is high. They of course were more expensive than the "wall mart good buys". Would definitely buy them again. Especially the screw drivers (best I have ever used.... not at all like that cheap red and blue craftsman stuff).
Klein tools are also very nice. Have some of them too. But it's pretty hard to beat craftsman if you get the upgraded tool when you have the choice.
Good luck
Jamie,
I would get them. Costco is really good about taking stuff back if you don't like it. I've bought a number of Crescent tools from Costco over the years and they have held up well. Of course, I use them around the house not on the job.
If your interested, here is the set I use at work. It seemed gimicky at the time but they turned out to be the most useful socket set I've owned.
http://www.wixtools.com/html/armstrong_eliminator_socket_se.html
Armstrong makes a lot of nice tools. I never heard of them until I was at Graingers and picked up the set. Lifetime guaranteed and American made too.
Len
Jamie: You should be holding off on all tool purchases until after the wedding!!
Because you should be making your Wish List for the Wedding,Don't be Dumb ask for Tools.haha...
ToolDoc
Tooldoc has a good point here.
My wedding the newspaper asked us if we'd like to register at the local true value (guess they had a promotion going). SURE.
Didn't expect much.
After the wedding there was around $150 there. That's when I started gathering tools. Staple gun, good hand saw, palm sander, ect.. Nice to be able to get a few basic tools when money was real tight.
Of course you're way ahead of me. When I got married I owned a cordless drill, socket set, and a few basic handtools.
Well, TD, I may just have to treat myself a little! The wedding (civil ceremony that it will be) is on hold since the Army's "trial burns" keep getting rescheduled and we really don't know which weekends Nick will be home and which he won't. I think this is what is known as "crunch time" as his schedule was rock-solid the first 2 years of the job.
Poor gal that's hosting our after-ceremony party -- she a real plan-ahead person! Oh well, it'll happen either this fall or in the spring (in time for that DC trip!).forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Dear First lady of the Forest: You poor Gal,bet ya can't wait to marry Good old Nick,you both must be like a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.<G>..Plz Don't be telling us about this Top Secret Army Govt stuff we don't need no Govt people coming snooping around my MT. & Sarge can't afford em snoopin around his still..LOL..
as far as your girl friend settin up for after the weddin tell her to just have some balonie sandmiwiches & cheese curls & pretzels + plenty of Beer were not real picky..hehe.. oh well Jamie Honey you just keep hanging in there..
EDIT~ ~ Get her to have some cheese & Pepperoni & Ring Baloney also,Thanx..LOL.. we like that stuff with our beer!!
ToolDoc
Edited 9/5/2003 12:03:25 PM ET by TOOLDOC
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