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- HOTNESS UNHOT
Today only. Sears has the Craftsman 255 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with Lift Top Storage Chest for $180 - 10% off in cart + $0 shipping with coupon code SANTA = $162 shipped. Includes 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives with 158 sockets, 3 quick-release ratchets, 28 wrenches and 4 extension bars.
$162
In for one, this will make a nice portable set
Sockets are pretty much fillers in this pack.
How can sockets be fillers when that's pretty much why a person would want to buy a set with molded plastic drawers?
Granted, it looks a bit like they didn't make good use of available space, like if they had wanted to they could have fit a larger tool count into the same sized chest but there is something to be said for organizing them by ratchet size.
You find me a person who will use even 30% of the 158 sockets and I will agree with you. They cost less than wrenches and such hence the use of the word "filler".
I have easily used over 30% of them all, and probably over 90% of the 3/8 and 1/2" sockets in my totebox (no drawers) set... most of those used working on misc cars. Granted I'm not talking about use within the first year or two, but since tools can last decades you have to look at buying ahead of time vs hassle having to hunt down something later and let a job wait till you find it. There is much to be said for having every possible tool you might need only an arm's reach away.
While I have sets of wrenches and ratcheting wrenches, it is more convenient to carry an organized box with sockets to the work and interchange sockets as needed. It might depend on what habits you get into working, but for me sockets are the right choice when space allows for them and the side-angle torque on the stud from use isn't a problem...
Plus, if you find a bolt or nut needs more torque than you can apply, especially working at odd angles, you can slip a piece of pipe over a ratchet handle for more torque... something not possible with most wrenches unless you ghetto rig a closed end wrench between the tines of an open end wrench which is better than nothing but not ideal by a long shot.
On the other hand if all you want is a small selection of sockets and separate wrench sets, they sell those too!
got it ,thanks