ToolGuyd

You might have an easier time ordering online; I had to do a lot of legwork to find the 88pc set in person.

I purchased a test sample, and while not perfect (e.g. the 3/8″ ratchet has a chrome defect), the tool quality seems to be good for the price.

Craftsman also has a smaller 59pc set, CMMT45016, with 3/8″ ratchet, sockets, screwdriver handle, and bits.

Price: $49.98

Lowe’s website reports that my closest store has 7 of the 59pc set available for delivery or free pickup within 3 hours, but I was unable to purchase a set in person.

The Lowe’s associates first told me the sets couldn’t be sold until Q3. When I asked when that would be, they said a quarter is every 3 months. Doesn’t Q3 start in July?

Then, they said that “oh, it’ll take 20 minutes to get it down because it’s on a pallet.” And then, “if we take it down and there’s a store inspection we’ll get in a lot of trouble.”

They told me to “come back in August.”

Both sets can be purchased via Lowe’s website, and so it’s not clear why they wouldn’t sell me the tool set at the store itself. This has never happened to me at Home Depot.

Hopefully you won’t run into the same obstacles.

The two mechanics tool sets – 88pc and 59pc – are both “limited time buys,” in the most literal sense possible. These tools are not being produced anymore, and so once they sell out, they won’t be restocked.

Dozens of these USA-made Craftsman tool sets have already popped up on Ebay, with prices as high as $250.

This is a Mayhew Screwdriver Pry Bar

Stuart — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 18:35:07 +0000

The Mayhew Dominator screwdriver pry bar, model 60141, is exactly what it sounds like – part slotted screwdriver, part pry bar.

It has a 12″ overall length, and features a straight blade, bi-material ergonomic handle that’s oil, solvent, and temperature resistant, and a metal striking cap at the end.

The shaft has a square profile, and a black oxide finish for rust protection.

Mayhew knows their way around pry bars. This combination tool looks a little more abusable than construction tool brands’ demolition-style screwdrivers. At the least, its handle should hold up better in certain environments.

Price: $23-25
COO: Made in USA

Buy the Longer Model at Amazon

Mayhew also has curved pry bars and screwdriver pry bars in different sizes and styles. The Dominator series, above, has features these do not, such as the metal striking cap.

Buy the SAE Set at Amazon

Craftsman V-Series Ratcheting Wrenches are Still on Sale

Stuart — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 02:52:56 +0000

Craftsman’s V-Series ratcheting wrenches dropped in price a couple of days before Prime Day, and they’re still on sale.

I bought a set of the metric wrenches (shown above) and SAE sizes (shown below).

Note: Stanley Black & Decker is a ToolGuyd sponsor, and you’ll see the first of those posts shortly. There will be sponsored posts tied to the Craftsman V-Series, but this is not one of them.

One of the best parts about these sets is the compact holder. The wrenches fit in neatly, and the case halves fold together to create a very packable and grabbable size.

I really like the I-beam-style grip, and the angle of the open head. It’s comfortable, and from earlier experiences, the head angle can engage a fastener in tight spaces.

The design is not new to me; I love my Facom wrenches of a very similar design. (Facom is a pro-grade tool brand that’s more widely known overseas and is also owned by Stanley Black & Decker.)

My experience with Facom tools is part of why I am a big fan of the V-Series. With the Craftsman V-Series, Stanley Black & Decker has greatly improved the availability of their European hand tool designs, and at more affordable prices. Plus I don’t have to go through the hassle of ordering them from international sellers.

I have already used Craftsman V-Series wrenches, but I saw this new sponsorship as an opportunity to get a set of the ratcheting wrenches that I could call my own.

I bought several Proto I-beam-style ratcheting spline wrenches a few years ago – just the sizes I use most often, and then a couple more. I like them a lot, but couldn’t justify a metric set, or a second SAE set I can “grab and go.”

Unfortunately, only the ratcheting wrenches are on sale, and the non-ratcheting combination wrenches are not.

Are these the best ratcheting wrenches on the market today? Probably not. I am a big fan of the design, and the portable sets fill a long-noticed hole in my tool kit.

SAE Sizes: 5/16″ 3/8″ 7/16″ 1/2″ 9/16″ 5/8″ 11/16″ 3/4″

Metric Sizes: 8 10 11 12 13 14 17 19mm

Price: $67.98 for the SAE set, $68.98 for the metric set

Both sets are backordered at the moment, and there’s no indication as to how long they’ll stay at the current deal pricing. Amazon’s “save 20%” claims are accurate – the sets were indeed $84.98 each at the end of June.

Buy the Metric Set at Amazon

See the SAE Set at Lowe’s

See the Metric Set at Lowe’s

Lowe’s has both sets at $84.98 each. I included the links in case you want to see more user reviews.

For those of you that bought a set on Prime Day, what do you think about these wrenches?

Because of the SBD/Craftsman sponsorship, I’m biting my tongue here a bit and masking my extreme enthusiasm for this style of wrench. I haven’t reviewed these ratcheting wrenches yet, but I did review the Facom 440 series non-ratcheting combination wrenches, here.

Is This Limited Edition Gearwrench Mechanics Tool Set a Good Deal?

Stuart — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

I came across this Gearwrench special edition mechanics tool set, and it warranted a closer look.

This Geawrench 115pc set, model 88001, is on sale right now for $99, or less if you can manage a coupon. With Acme Tool’s July 4th 10% promo, it’s just a little over $89.

Gearwrench advertises that this is “a great set for either the DIYer who wants quality tools in an organized portable box or for the professional who wants a tool set to bring to different jobs.”

This Gearwrench mechanics tool set comes with 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets, 6pt sockets in inch sizes from 5/32″ to 3/4″ and metric sizes from 4mm to 19mm.

By my count, it comes with 78 sockets, 30 screwdriver bits, 2 ratchets, 2 extensions, 2 adapters, and a 1/4″ hex bit screwdriver handle.

Here’s the list of socket sizes:

1/4″ Shallow Inch Sockets: 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″

1/4″ Shallow Metric Sockets: 4mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm

1/4″ Deep Inch Sockets: 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″

1/4″ Deep Metric Sockets: 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm

3/8″ Shallow Inch Sockets: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″

3/8″ Shallow Metric Sockets: 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm

3/8″ Deep Inch Sockets: 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″

3/8″ Deep Metric Sockets: 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm

3/8″ Spark Plug Sockets: 5/8″, 13/16″

Gearwrench’s socket list only has 77 sizes, but I counted 78 in the images. 78 plus 30 bits and 7 drive tools and accessories adds up to the 115pc part count.

The ratchets both have 72-tooth gearing for a 5° minimal swing arc, and the sockets are said to have engraved markings for easy identification.

Price: $99, less with coupon

Is this a Good Deal?

Acme Tools and Home Depot are both listing this as a new product. I can’t tell what’s special or “limited edition” about this set – is it just the Stewart-Haas Racing sticker on the tool case?

7 drive tools and 78 sockets for $99 makes this seem like a decent “special buy.” Is it? Let’s look at some other options before getting into it.

Dewalt Alternatives

Amazon has this Dewalt 108pc 1/4″ and 3/8″ mechanics tool set for just under $70.

There’s also this 142pc set that’s currently $103.

Husky Alternative

If you don’t mind the case – I didn’t like it – Husky has their 270pc mechanics tool set at its $99 promo price again.

You get 117 sockets, 7 combination wrenches, 3 extensions, and “142 more tools.”

This is a 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ tool set whereas the others above only come with 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets and sockets.

Another Gearwrench Option

The closest-in-price Gearwrench mechanics tool set I could find is this 57pc 3/8″ set, which is priced at $109 and change at Amazon.

This makes the 115pc seem like a fair buy.

The ratchets are a bit different, though. This set comes with 90T ratchets whereas the 115pc set comes with 72T ratchets.

Come to think of it, the ratchets in the 115pc set don’t have Gearwrench’s typical handle shape; those ratchets look a bit like Crescent’s, such as this 3/8″ 72 tooth ratchet at Amazon.

Shown here are Crescent’s 3/8″ 72T ratchet (top) and a close-up cropped image of the Gearwrench 3/8″ and 1/4″ 72T ratchets included in the 115pc set. Interesting.

One More Gearwrench Option

While this Gearwrench 68pc set isn’t advertised as a Stewart-Haas Racing limited edition, it looks to be a better buy.

It comes with 90T 3/8″ and 1/4″ ratchets, 4 extensions, and 62 sockets – a mix of 12pt (shallow) and 6pt (deep).

The product description advertises this as having 90 tooth ratchets, but also mentions 84 tooth gearing and a 4.3° swing arc. Either way, the price seems compelling – $58.48 at the time of this posting.

For less than $60, this looks to be a decent 1/4″ and 3/8″ socket set, and there are no fillers such as insert bits.

Buy the OBDLink MX+ at Amazon

Thoughts and Hesitations About the Gearwrench 115pc Set

This set is a lot less expensive than any Gearwrench set I’ve seen with similar part counts.

Why?

To start, you get more fillers. Most Gearwrench mechanics tool sets have different drive tools and accessories, but only a few look to have 1/4″ hex screwdriver insert bits. “Fillers” are a fact of life when shopping for consumer mechanics tool sets and “special buys.”

The ratchets have 72 tooth gearing compared to the 90T ratchets included in what looks to be most of Gearwrench’s other current mechanics tool sets.

They look nearly identical to Crescent ratchets, which makes sense as Crescent and Gearwrench are both Apex Tool Group brands. (Apex Tool Group is a Bain Capital company.)

The special/limited edition part is unusual, but not really for the mechanics tool industry. I just wish Gearwrench was clear about how this is a special set.

I also noticed the part where Gearwrench advertises this as “a great set for either the DIYer who wants quality tools…”

DIYer? Since when does Gearwrench market to DIYers? In my opinion, Gearwrench often seems positioned as the value-priced pro option.

This set looks to be a good buy, but I’m not sure it’s what I’d buy. I think that Husky would be my high value pick, Dewalt my mid-quality pick, and the smaller but regular line Gearwrench sets would be my pick for better ratchets and less fillers.

Oh there are plenty more options out there, such as Tekton and Milwaukee, but I wanted to limit my focus on like-priced or category alternative options.

The Gearwrench 115pc set looks to have all 6pt sockets – a plus in my book. It doesn’t come with as many drive accessories as I’d prefer.

Kobalt has a 257pc set for $99 at Lowe’s right now, and Craftsman has a 230pc set for $129. I tend to consider Gearwrench a step above, but perhaps not in the case of their 115pc tool set.

Does the Gearwrench set come with a relabeled Crescent ratchet? If that’s the case, what about the sockets?

On Home Depot’s Q&A section, here’s what someone said about the limited edition 179pc set, which also has a Steward-Haas Racing sticker on the case:

Why are these not the normal GW sockets pictured in the marketing photos? These sockets are very cheap and have none of the features of the normal GW sockets.

A Gearwrench rep replied to them:

The only change for these sockets is the identification ring at the bottom of the socket. They still feature a full polish chrome finish, Hard stamped markings, Chamfered openings, and an off-corner loading design.

The customer then said:

Thanks for the response GW, but it is simply not true of the “only difference” being the stamping. Any socket will have the other features you mentioned. These are deep broach, supposed to be shallow, deceptive.

To that, Gearwrench simply replied:

We are sorry you are disappointed with this set.

The “these sockets are very cheap and have none of the features of the normal GW sockets” part concerns me a little. The ratchets are similar – more closely resembling Crescent-branded ratchets than Gearwrench’s typical ones. It’s possible for the Crescent and limited edition sets’ Gearwrench ratchets to be built to Gearwrench’s typical standards.

So if this customer’s observations are true, does it mean you’re not getting Gearwrench’s typical ratchets or their typical sockets? Is that what makes these limited edition tool sets?

When I started writing this post, I saw the Gearwrench set as a very good bargain. Frankly, after taking a closer look, I’m not sure what to think.

This 115pc Gearwrench tool set could be a very good deal, but I feel enough hesitation where I’d sooner go with a different Gearwrench set or even a competing option.

I Bought a Bluetooth and App-Based Auto OBD2 Code Reader

Stuart — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:31:41 +0000

What’s your stance on Bluetooth and app-based tools and equipment?

Personally, I tend to much more strongly prefer equipment that work without apps.

In the case of OBD2 code readers, which read diagnostic codes from modern cars, I would normally prefer physical devices over increasingly-visible Bluetooth and app-based solutions.

My stance on this changed about two weeks ago.

A maintenance light popped up in the dashboard of my wife’s car. I wanted to read the diagnostic code, and so I connected a ~10-year old Innova-made Craftsman OBD2 code reader.

No DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) came up, which meant it was likely a make or model-specific code.

On startup, the code reader asks you to input the make and model of car, and only goes up to 2013. Her car is a 2015 model that wasn’t in the code reader database.

Basically, this particular Innova/Craftsman OBD device is capable of reading enhanced codes, but not for the vehicle I needed to use it on.

Neither Innova nor Craftsman have any firmware or software updates for the reader – I checked online, found Innova’s updating software, and connected via micro USB to confirm that no updates were available.

Because of this, I needed a new OBD2 reader that can read and interpret modern enhanced trouble codes.

I spent some time researching options, and weighed the choice between a new standalone tool and a Bluetooth reader. Some of auto diagnostic apps are free, at least for basic features, others are paid.

I came across the OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth-based scanner that will connect to iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

OBDLink has their own software, and their MX+ model allows for free access to manufacturer and model-specific diagnostic databases.

OBDLink says:

You also get access to hundreds of additional parameters that are not available over standard OBD2. Enhanced diagnostics are free with OBDLink MX+ and can be purchased in-app for other OBDLinks.

This is what I was looking for.

The MX+ seems priced at a higher premium than competing alternatives, but in my research I read about issues that can happen with random brands.

I also researched a couple of modern OBD2 code readers, but they were priced considerably higher if I wanted enhanced scanning. Even if I could find a model that had exactly what I needed, would the same happen as with the Innova/Craftsman scanner I had in-hand, where its usefulness would be extremely limited on future vehicles?

For me, this is a once-in-a-while type of tool. $150 was about the most I was willing to spend for a device and software. Pricier handheld solutions were out of the question, especially given how disappointed I was in Innova and Craftsman.

Lower-cost products, whether Bluetooth and app-based, or all-in-one hardware, didn’t seem to offer the enhanced code reading functionality I was looking for.

I wanted to be able to troubleshoot the current problem, as well as any reasonable future issues that might come up.

At least one 3rd party app recommends OBDLink adapters, and so it seemed worth a try. FORScan was also my second choice app to try in case OBDLink’s wasn’t sufficient. If that didn’t work either, I’d return the adapter and start my search over.

I bought the OBDLink MX+, and it arrived later that night via free same-day delivery from Amazon, which luckily was available in my area.

I downloaded OBDLink’s app, and followed its instructions.

The process was fairly straightforward, and it held my hand without my having to refer to a thick user manual.

I got to the bottom of things, or at least I was able to see what the car was complaining about.

Ultimately, I was impressed with how usable the Bluetooth code scanner was. It quickly connected with my phone, and was simple to use.

I trust that OBDLink will update their app and databases on occasion, allowing this device to be used on current and future cars.

I figure that’s part of the purchase price here – you’re paying for the adapter and OBDLink’s app and databases, whereas other devices cost less but don’t give you the same software capabilities. Or at least that was what my brief research showed.

If OBDLink takes their app down for whatever reason, this device is confirmed to work with other actively developed and supported apps and services, such as FORScan.

It seems that I am less likely to run into the same issue than what happened with the Innova/Craftsman OBD2 reader, which is outdated with no updates available.

I trust that the older OBD2 reader can still read common DTC codes, but that’s not enough these days.

Modern scan tools and adapters can also open up a world of monitoring features and options beyond troubleshooting maintenance warnings and diagnostic lights, and I might explore those more when I have the time.

$140 absolutely seems overpriced for a physical adapter, but I didn’t have to pay anything extra for the software or enhanced code database specific for my wife’s car.

Frankly, I would rather pay $140 for a physical tool than for a plug-in module that requires a smartphone and apps to make use of. The problem is, I couldn’t quickly enough find a standalone OBD2 code scanner that offered the same features, at least not within my budget range. There are ones that are advertised as having enhanced code reading capabilities, but at much higher price points.

If the need wasn’t so pressing, I could or should have asked ToolGuyd readers for recommendations, but I also saw it as a testing and review experience. This was an opportunity to go against my typical preferences.

In hindsight, my reluctance was a bit unfounded, and this seems like the perfect type of tool for Bluetooth and app-based integration.

I’m still very much of the mindset that standalone tools are generally better, but I’ll allow myself to stray from this on a case by case basis.

If this was more than a once-in-a-while tool for me, I might have looked closer at pricier standalone hardware solutions that offer comparable capabilities. But, while code readers have saved me money in the past, they haven’t saved me enough to spend hundreds of dollars on more sophisticated equipment.

I don’t regret the OBDLink MX+ purchase, and I look forward to using it more – but hopefully for monitoring and not any more dashboard lights.

I wish I was able to find a less expensive alternative, but it offered capabilities I couldn’t quickly find in lower priced models, and I found their marketing convincing, with respect to choosing it over slightly lower priced alternatives.

The fact that it has Android, iOS, and Windows software was another selling point, on top of the enhanced code diagnostics.

I do still wonder if I could have gotten the same enhanced code diagnostic capabilities for less money.

Another question remains – will this adapter still be useful 10 years from now? I would like to think that it will still work with apps and software that update with the times, but there’s no guarantee.

Other Options at Amazon

Wright Tool is Improving USA-Made Sockets by Cutting Corners

Stuart — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:41:02 +0000

Wright Tool has announced a new socket technology, which they say delivers 10X more contact area on the square drive, for more torque, greater grip, and less failure.

The new Wright WrightSquare process is a modification of the square drive, where load and stress are relocated away from the corners.

Update: I checked with Wright and was told this will be a standard feature on “all 3/4″ drive sockets and larger – chrome and impact” and that it will not affect the price.

The company says that this enhances performance and increases socket life, and that this applies to sockets that attach to ratchets or impact tools.

Conventional Socket Square Drive Recess

Wright shows that conventional sockets have square drive recesses with slightly rounded corners.

Wright WrightSquare Socket Square Drive Recess

WrightSquare square drive recesses have greater space at the corners.

From the provided images, the corners aren’t simply eased with a greater radius; it appears that the corners are pushed slightly outwards, providing more clearance for the anvil corners without sacrificing a lot of contact area between flat mated surfaces.

If you envision how the square drive anvil engages with and turns a socket, it does seem that WrightSquare can relocate stress away from the corners, helping to reduce wear.

All of this is an extension of Wright’s proven WrightDrive 2.0 technology, where similar has been done on the fastener-engagement side.

Wright’s WrightDrive 2.0 technology provides greater fastener engagement by rounding the inner corners of their sockets. WrightSquare does similar, but on the tool drive end side of sockets.

WrightDrive 2.0 can be found in Wright’s 6pt and 12pt sockets.

Wright adds:

Premium Wright alloy steel increases strength, and precision broaching gives users the most consistent quality and tolerance levels achievable.

And at the bottom of every Wright webpage:

Over 99% of Wright branded products are manufactured in the USA. The less than 1% of Wright branded products manufactured outside the USA still meet our strict quality standards. Country of origin is always disclosed on the product, packaging, and/or product page.

Shop Wright Tools at Amazon

Shop Wright at Acme Tools

Wright’s WrightSquare Patent

The patent application (US 10442059 B2, PDF) explains the reasoning behind the new WrightSquare feature in more technical detail. Here are the parts I found most interesting, with line breaks added for easier readability:

While the Wright Drive improvement was very helpful for the socket end of a socket wrench, no one had previously considered a similar improvement to the drive end in the over 25 years that this improved design has been employed.

More particularly, the drive end of sockets has not been improved in a similar manner in at least the 60 years since hexagonal sockets were developed.

Thus, while engineered solutions to the socket end has resulted in thinner-walled, lighter-weight, less expensive, and longer life sockets, it is the drive end of sockets that needs improvements in order to satisfy the long-felt needs of the industry for a more robust and light-weight tool.

There are various differences between the socket end and the drive end of a socket. As already discussed, unlike the socket end, which has various configurations for the multitude of fastener-types to be engaged, the same drive end design is utilized over a broad range of socket types, including the hexagonal-type of the Wright Drive design, but also in the more demanding spline socket designs, among others.

Also as mentioned, the drive end of the socket is governed by different industry standards, having different tolerances and clearances with which engineered solutions must comply. In addition, the drive anvil (or drive square) that engages the socket is usually harder and stronger than the material composing the socket body, which can cause excessive wear and stress on the drive end of the socket that is receiving the torque load.

This is especially the case where the sockets are being used with impact wrenches that deliver high torque output by storing energy in a rotating mass, such as a hammer, and which suddenly deliver the energy to the output shaft. These rapid, high-energy bursts can damage the socket at the drive end, and where these bursts of energy are repetitiously delivered at the stress-riser of a sharp corner, premature failure of the socket may occur.

Craftsman is Closing its USA Hand Tools Factory

Stuart — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 21:00:45 +0000

Craftsman will be discontinuing operations at their Fort Worth, Texas facility, where they were working to produce new USA-made hand tools.

Stanley Black & Decker announced the new 425,000 square foot factory in mid-2019, where they planned to produce Craftsman mechanics hand tools, including ratchets, wrenches, sockets, and tool sets.

In late-2022, Craftsman said that the factory was open, operating, and producing tools.

In a conversation I had today with a Craftsman executive, I was told that they expect for the factory to be closed by mid-2024.

Why is Craftsman Closing the New Factory?

Three years ago, Craftsman teased that something new was “chroming soon” and that new USA-made mechanics tools and sets were on the way.

A lot has happened since then, with the pandemic and supply chain issues severely impacting many industries.

When Stanley Black & Decker first announced their plans, they said the new Craftsman hand tool factory would leverage some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies available to optimize productivity and sustainability.

I was told today that the success of the plant required innovative solutions and new-to-world processes to all come together consistently.

They hoped to overcome numerous obstacles, but ultimately could not.

According to the official announcement, this and other actions taken by the company are “designed to deliver $2 billion of cost savings and are reflective of current economic conditions.”

What About the Tools Already Produced?

I was told that tools produced at the Fort Worth facility will be available for sale at existing distributors. Once those tools sell out, they will not be replenished.

What Does this Mean for USA-Made Craftsman Tools?

While this is obviously a major and disappointing setback, Craftsman insists they remain committed to USA production. They strive to “produce as much here as humanly possible.”

Additional News

Stanley Black & Decker is also transferring operations from their Cheraw, South Carolina facility, to their facilities in Jackson and Gallatin, Tennessee.

According to their website, key products made at this factory include Dewalt and Stanley Black & Decker saws, tape measures, and tool boxes.

The transfer of Cheraw, South Carolina operations will affect 182 employees, with 80 jobs added in Tennessee, and the discontinuation of operations at Fort Worth, Texas will impact 175 employees. Stanley Black & Decker says they are focused on providing a smooth transition and support services for affected employees.

New Milwaukee 1/2″ Ratchet & Socket Set with Packout Case

Stuart — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:59:23 +0000

Milwaukee has a new 47pc 1/2″ drive mechanics tool set, 48-22-9487, which comes with a ratchet, drive accessories, and both SAE and metric sockets.

This is a minor expansion of Milwaukee’s mechanics tool sets offerings, but seemed noteworthy given the popularity of their 1/4″ and 3/8″ joint set, 48-22-9486, also bundled in a Packout case.

The set comes with removable trays that can be placed in a tool drawer for organized and low-profile storage.

When you’re ready to move, insert them back into a Packout low profile organizer.

The set comes with a 1/2″ 90T ratchet, 3″ and 5″ extensions, 26 standard sockets, and 18 deep sockets.

Included Socket Sizes

Standard SAE: 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, 1″, 1-1/16″, 1-1/8″

Deep SAE: 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″

Standard Metric: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 mm

Deep Metric: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 mm

The sockets all feature Milwaukee’s Four Flat anti-roll and wrench-ready design, with stamped size markings.

Price: $320

See More Sets at Home Depot

If you don’t think you need or want the clear-lid Packout case, Milwaukee has a similar 47pc set with compact case, 48-22-9010. Everything is the same, except for the tray and case.

This tool case also features a removable tray which can be placed in a shallow tool box drawer for organized storage.

At the time of this posting, Home Depot has this version of the set priced on sale as a special buy for $199.

Price: $199 – $260

Buy the Trays at Acme Tools

If you already own the 47pc tool set, or plan to buy the non-Packout version due to pricing considerations, know that you can buy the empty Packout trays separately.

At the time of this posting, the trays are $25, and are starting to appear at retailers alongside the Packout-equipped socket set.

Take the bins out of any low-profile Packout organizer, insert these trays, and you have an identical storage setup for the 47pc tool as the SKU mentioned at the top of this post.

This gives you some options should your needs change in the future.

Buy the Trays at Home Depot

Discussion

The best option, at the time of this posting – unless you want the Packout set with minimal hassle – is to purchase the 47pc set, Packout organizer, and compatible Packout trays separately. This also gives you both carrying case options.

Or, buy just the 47pc socket set while it’s on sale now, and determine later if you want the Packout-compatible case and trays or not.

Separately, you can get the 47pc set at Home Depot (on sale at the time of this posting for $199), and then a Packout organizer and tray set at Acme Tools for $45 and $25, respectively. Availability of the tray set should improve as they ship out to more retailers.

The non-Packout set has a regular price of $260. With a Packout organizer and tray set costing $70 combined, the $320 price for the new socket set with Packout case seems reasonable.

Buying everything separately at the time of this posting shaves the equivalent price down to $269 (or $277 with shipping).

Plan for Your Floor Jack to FAIL!

Stuart — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 22:35:59 +0000

Your automotive floor jack is probably not going to fail, but you should always treat it as if it will.

Never EVER put any part of your body under a car, truck, or other load that is solely supported with a floor jack. Why? Because your vehicle could – and likely will – crush you if the jack fails.

This isn’t a hypothetical; people are injured and even killed by jack failures. The saddest part is that many incidents might have been avoidable.

Sometimes there are mechanical failures, other times user errors. A lot can go wrong when a car is supported by a jack.

Always read and understand the user manual that comes with floor jacks.

For instance, here is part of the important safety information that Harbor Freight provides in their Daytona 3-ton floor jack (shown above):

10. Never work on, under or around a load supported only by this device.

Husky says similar:

This is a lifting device only. Immediately after lifting, support the vehicle with jack stands.

Automakers’ owners manuals provide similar advice. For instance, GMC says:

Getting under a vehicle when it is lifted on a jack is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

There are other safety guidelines that should be read, understood, and followed. I won’t go over it here – it’s your responsibility to learn safety information from authoritative sources, such as equipment user manuals.

Jacks are used to lift vehicles, and jack stands – among other devices – are used to support lifted loads. Jack-makers also often recommend the use of wheel chocks or blocks.

Jack stands and other support accessories have their own safety information and guidelines that should also be read, understood, and strictly adhered to.

There are other means of elevating cars for maintenance or repair tasks, such as ramps.

Always prepare for the worst. Will it happen? Probably not, but it could, and for some people it does.

Be safe out there!

If you have any questions, consult an expert, which I absolutely do NOT profess to be. Equipment user manuals should all have phone numbers you can call for technical information and advice.

Hot Deal: Gearwrench Tool Set for $40 at Home Depot (12/11/22) – SOLD OUT

Stuart — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 23:07:13 +0000

Over at Home Depot, they have this Gearwrench Bolt Biter Gearpack tool set for just $39.99 with free shipping.

In my opinion, this is a fantastic deal even if you have zero need for Bolt Biter sockets.

This is a great deal even for just the ratchet and pliers alone!!

Compare at Amazon

Here’s what you get:

3/8″ 90T ratchet with comfort grip
2pc Bolt Biter impact screwdrivers
2pc AutoBite adjustable pliers (8″, 10″)
8pc Bolt Biter extraction socket set

I wrote about this deal earlier this year, and it bounced around between $53 and $80 on Amazon since then before finally selling out recently. $40 at Home Depot with free shipping is even better!

Here’s the pricing analysis I put together last month:

The 90T ratchet is valued at roughly $43 (Home Depot) and up. The PitBull AutoBite pliers (8″ and 10″″”) are valued at $16 and $22 respectively (Amazon). The 2pc impact extraction screwdrivers are valued at ~$24 (Amazon). The Bolt Biter extraction sockets (8pc set) are valued at around $28 (Amazon).

$90 was a great price when I first bought this set. At $40, I’m wishing I didn’t already have two complete sets, so I could buy it again!

My guess is that retailers stock up on this tool set for the holidays, and it sells slowly due to the “Bolt Biter” extraction socket angle. But at this price, if you can use the ratchet (it’s a nice one!) and Auto Bite pliers (I like these too!), it’s a great value, and the extraction tools might still come in handy one day.

Thank you to Blocky for the heads-up!

DeWALT Cordless Impact Driver & Wrench Deals

Stuart — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

DeWALT – a ToolGuyd sponsor – kicked off their Power the Possibilities promotions, where you can expand your kit with deals on tools and accessories built for the toughest jobs.

In this post, I’ll be talking about their most notable ongoing impact driver and impact wrench deals for the 2022 holiday shopping season. To see their other promos, visit the DeWALT Power the Possibilities page, or click the banner link when you come across it down this page.

Note: the prices listed below are valid at participating DeWALT tool dealers.

DeWALT DCF899M1 20V Max 1/2″ Brushless Impact Wrench Kit – $299

My take: the DCF899 is a high-performing impact wrench with a strong reputation. Also keep in mind the new higher-spec’ed DCF900, which launched earlier this year.

DeWALT DCF850P1 20V Max Atomic Series 3-Speed Impact – $189

My take: the DCF850 is compact (3.97″ length), its speed/torque settings come in handy, and its 1825 in-lbs max torque can handle a broad range of tasks. I bought one last year and it has been great so far.

DeWALT DCF840C2 20V Max Brushless Impact Driver Kit – $99

My take: the DCF840 is a great impact, featuring 1700 in-lbs max torque and a 3-LED light. I also bought one last year, and have had zero regrets.

DeWALT 20V Max Starter Kit + Brushless 3/8″ or 1/2″ Impact Wrench – $199

Buy the 20V Max starter kit, with 2x 5Ah batteries, charger, and tool bag, get your choice of a brushless 3/8″ (DCF913) or 1/2″ (DCF911) impact wrench for free.

DeWALT 20V Max Starter Kit + Atomic Brushless 1/2″ Impact Wrench – $199

Buy the 20V Max starter kit, with 4Ah and 6Ah batteries, charger, and tool bag, and get an Atomic Series 1/2″ impact wrench (DCF921) for free.

DeWALT DCF894M1 20V Max Brushless 1/2″ Impact Wrench Kit – $219

This special-buy kit comes with the DCF894 compact mid-torque 1/2″ impact wrench with pin detent anvil, charger, 4Ah battery, and tool bag. The impact delivers up to 330 ft-lbs max fastening torque, and 600 ft-lbs max breakaway torque.

See More Dewalt Tool Deals

Please chime in if you know of any other notable Dewalt brushless impact driver or wrench deals!

New DeWALT Tool Deals for Woodworkers

Don’t Miss these DeWALT 20V Max Free Bonus Tool Deals

This Gearwrench Tool Set is Back on Sale

Stuart — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

This Gearwrench Upgrade Tool Set – technically a stubborn fastener-removal starter kit – is on sale at the fantastically low price of $52.99.

This is a great price! If I didn’t already have a couple of sets, I’d buy more at this price!

Update 11/10 – It’s back on sale for $52.99!
Update 9/19 – The price has gone back up to $80.60.

This set was first published on 9/16/22, and updated on 11/10/2022.

You might be thinking “but I don’t need all that.” Sure – buy it for just the ratchet and pliers, and use the rest if you can. I use the ratchet and pliers regularly, and tossed the other tools into my “in case of a problem” tool box.

I bought a set for personal use last October, when it was $90.62 on Amazon. I bought a set for a reader giveaway last March, when it was $79.78 on Amazon.

Last April, it went on sale for $69.20, dropped to $49.99 for a few hours, and then went back to $69.20.

This is a great kit, and $53 is a fantastic price. Going by what we’ve seen happen in the past, it might not stay at this price for very long.

Pricing Analysis (Updated 11/10)

The 90T ratchet is valued at roughly $43 (Home Depot) and up. The PitBull AutoBite pliers (8″ and 10″) are valued at $16 and $22 respectively (Amazon). The 2pc impact extraction screwdrivers are valued at ~$24 (Amazon). The Bolt Biter extraction sockets (8pc set) are valued at around $28 (Amazon).

I wanted the ratchet, the pliers, and the extraction screwdrivers, and felt that $90 was a decent price. At the time, $99 seemed to have been the set holiday season price, and so I snagged it when it temporarily dipped on Amazon.

$53 is a great price, and I’d buy it again without hesitation.

What You Get

Gearwrench markets this as a screw and bolt extraction starter kit, but I see it as more of a general upgrade kit with some extra extraction goodies I might or might not need.

The first sockets I bought were good to have. After that? Bonuses on top of getting additional ratchets and pliers at a nice discount.

The ratchet is 3/8″, 90T, and cushion-gripped, and the AutoBite pliers have a neat self-adjustment mechanism that’s simply but very effective.

I don’t think that this set has very good visibility, which is a shame, and would explain the periodic super-low pricing. At just under $53, you get a lot more than what you pay in value, making it easy for me to very enthusiastically encourage you to get in on this deal.

Amazon says the price “was $64.99.” (They say this is based on the “90-day median price paid by customers for the product on Amazon.”) That may be, but it was a lot higher than that.

A couple of readers got in on this deal the last time I posted about it, but so far I don’t think anybody has had a negative thing to say. (Please chime in about your experiences with this kit so far!)

New Tools at Harbor Freight – 11/2022

Stuart — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 01:49:31 +0000

Harbor Freight has been pumping out a lot of new tools – here’s a look at some of the most notable ones.

US General Series 3 Tool Storage
Low Profile Jack
Bauer 12″ Disc Sander
US General Side Tray
6″ Hitch Vise
Icon Dead Blow Hammers
Icon Dead Blow Ball Pein Hammer
Hercules 20V Impact Wrenches
Hercules 20V Grinder
Hercules 20V Compact Saw
Hercules 20V 21700 4Ah Battery
Bauer 20V 7-1/4″ Sliding Miter Saw
Hercules 2-1/4 HP Router
McGraw 29-Gal Oil-Lube Air Compressor

US General Series 3 Tool Storage

Harbor Freight teased about their new next-generation US General Series 3 tool storage lineup, which will include several sizes of roller cabinets, side lockers, a top hutch option, and what looks to be a top chest.

Features include “improved drawer layout,” “integrated power drawer,” and “much MUCH more.”

ETA: Spring 2023.

Daytona 1.5 Ton Ultra-Low-Profile Racing Jack

The new Daytona 1.5 ton jack is quite specifically described as an ultra-low-profile lightweight high performance aluminum racing jack with Rapid Pump.

It has a minimum saddle height of 2-3/8″ for “lifting custom vehicles without damaging rocker panels.”

The Rapid pump tech allows users to “lift most loads to a service height in just 3 pumps.”

Additional features include a dual piston hydraulic system, universal joint release, extra-long 47-5/8″ two-piece knurled aluminum handle, and it weighs just 36 pounds.

Price: $300

Bauer 12-inch Disc Sander

The new Bauer 12″ disc sander features a 1-1/4 HP direct-drive motor and reaches speeds up to 1725 RPM.

Features include a cast aluminum table that can tilt from 0 to 45°, a 2″ dust collection port, heavy-duty cast iron base to reduce vibration and improve stability, and aluminum disc guard.

It works with 12″ adhesive-backed abrasive discs.

Price: $200

US General Folding Side Tray for Tool Carts

There’s a new folding side shelf available in different colors – blue, green, orange, black – and it looks to be replacing a previous generation of the same product.

These are meant to be used with US General 5-drawer mechanics carts, or the US General full bank tool cart.

Harbor Freight has all of the old folding side shelfs on clearance.

US General Folding Side Tray – new (left) and old (right) versions

I can’t tell the difference, other than the new one being $30 and the old one being on clearance for $20.

The old version is said to be compatible with the 5-drawer cart, and the new one seems to add full bank cart compatibility, so maybe that’s the difference.

Price: $30

Doyle 6-inch Hitch Vise

This new Doyle vise is designed to fit standard 2″ hitch receivers, or can optionally be bolted down via 2 slots.

It can fit flat stock up to 5-3/4″ wide, or round stock from 1/2″ to 3-1/2″ in diameter. The fixed jaw has a flat surface 2-1/2″ x 5-3/4″ and can serve as an anvil.

Construction: 60,000 PSI ductile iron

Price: $130

Icon Dead Blow Hammers

Harbor Freight has expanded their Icon line of premium mechanics hand tools with new dead blow hammers.

There are two sizes – 24oz and 48oz. The dead blow construction reduces rebound, and the polyurethane housing is non-sparking and resistant to most shop chemicals. The hammers also have wide flared handles and soft grips for reduced slipping.

Price: $30 for 24oz, $40 for 48oz

Icon Dead Blow Ball Pein Hammer

There will be a third dead blow – a 32oz ball pein hammer, with flat and rounded steel faces.

Price: $55

Hercules 20V Brushless High and Ultra Torque Impact Wrenches

Harbor Freight has been steadily expanding their Hercules 20V Max cordless power tool lineup, this time with high torque and Ultra-Torque 1/2″ drive impact wrenches.

The high torque model delivers up to 1200 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 700 ft-lbs of fastening torque. The Ultra-Torque model pushes performance levels a bit higher, with up to 1400 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, and 900 ft-lbs of fastening torque.

Both impact wrenches feature 4-mode controls, with 3 speed ranges and an auto-fastening/loosening mode.

As Harbor Freight not-to-subtly advertises, these tools are now covered by a 5-year limited warranty, which is very nice to see.

Price: $180 for high-torque, $200 for Ultra-Torque

Hercules 20V Brushless Angle Grinder

There’s also a new Hercules 20V Max brushless 4-1/2″ / 5″ paddle switch grinder.

Price: $100

Hercules 20V Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw

There’s also a new Hercules 20V Max brushless compact reciprocating saw, similar to other brands’ one-handed saws.

Features include a 7/8″ stroke, 3000 SFM, pivoting shoe, tool-less blade change, variable speed trigger, LED light, and electric brake.

Price: $90

Hercules 20V Compact 4Ah Battery

Harbor Freight added another new battery to their Hercules 20V Max cordless power tool system. It’s a compact 4Ah battery built with high performance 21700-sized Li-ion cells.

It’s worth pointing out that the battery has a 4-light fuel gauge.

This should be a nice complement to the recent Hercules Extreme Performance 8Ah and 12Ah batteries that Harbor Freight launched this past summer.

Lastly, the Hercules batteries have a new 3-year limited warranty.

Price: $65

Bauer 20V Cordless 7-1/4″ Sliding Miter Saw

There’s a new Bauer 20V Max cordless 7-1/4″ sliding miter saw, with brushless motor, 8-1/2″ crosscut capacity, and 3800 RPM motor.

Price: $200

Harbor Freight Hercules 2-1/4 HP Router

The new corded (AC) router features a 12A 2-1/4″ HP motor, variable speed dial, 10,000 to 25,000 RPM speed range, 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets, LED light, and integrated dust collection port.

Price: $130

McGraw 29-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor

The new McGraw 29-gallon vertical air compressor features a 1.8 HP oil-lubricated pump, 165 PSI max air tank, 75 dBA noise level, large 10″ flat-free tires, front-facing ball drain valve, and delivers up to 5.3 SCFM at 90 PSI.

Price: $550

New Kobalt 3-in-1 Ratchet is Coming to a Lowe’s Gift Center Near You

Stuart — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 23:52:04 +0000

Lowe’s has launched a new Kobalt 3pc 72T quick-release “interchangeable ratchet set.”

Given its $19.98 price tag, I’m betting this is destined for Lowe’s 2022 “holiday gift center,” although it has yet to appear at my local store.

It seems that this 3pc set comes with 1/4″ and 3/8″ palm ratchets, and a handle they can both fit in (one at a time).

Once I got over an initial “what am I looking at?!” reaction, the new Kobalt tool set made a bit of sense – kind of.

The palm ratchets seem to be a good value by themselves – two for $20 – assuming they work reasonably smoothly.

Kobalt advertises that the palm ratchets are ideal for tight areas and the ratchet handle is ideal for high-torque applications.

To me, the ratchet head looks too large, but it’s hard to tell. Lowe’s doesn’t include any dimension specs on their product listing, and I haven’t seen it in stores yet.

I guess the handle can provide a torque assist for applications where the palm ratchets aren’t enough?

I can think of very many different ways to spend $20 on other more traditionally-styled ratchets, drive tools, or accessories, but maybe this 3pc set can serve some users’ needs?

Price: $19.98