Sears has the Craftsman 309 pc. Mechanics Tool Set for $200 - 5% off in cart + $0 shipping with coupon code SANTA = $190 shipped. Includes 15 hex bit SAE/metric sockets, 42 wrenches, 196 sockets, 3 quick-release ratchets, 5 extension bars and 63 specialty tools.
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nice set to have
$.75 a piece? Great deal, do they steal have the lifetime warranty.
Super nice deal, if only needed another set.
#2, Craftsman still has lifetime on hand tools. This is good since the quality ("Craftsmanship" pun intended!) has gone down and you may need to take some back in time.
I have ratchets purchased in the '80s that have metal toggles for tighten/loosen settings and compared with recent purchased tools now that have plastic for toggles.
I have ratchets purchased in the '80s that have metal toggles for tighten/loosen settings and compared with recent purchased tools now that have plastic for toggles.
I have both, your old set probably has chromed steel toggles. Their current generation toggles are not plastic, they are still steel just black ion plated instead of chrome plated... and of course a different shape.
Overall I find the quality of *most* Craftsman hand tools as good as it was decades ago, except their screwdrivers seem to use a softer steel alloy with too much zinc in it for cosmetic reasons (creates light gray zinc rust layer instead of orange steel rust (most of the time, battery acid made the orange rust still appear on one of mine) to keep them prettier over time).
Ironically enough they went the opposite direction with some of their pliers, using higher carbon steel instead of chrome plating so they both rust sooner and more of it... though in general I don't like chrome plated tools except ratchets, wrenches and sockets, so I am ok with this, rust is not severe if kept dry or oiled, and they are easy to clean rust off of if it becomes necessary.
Their pliers on the other hand, it depends on exactly what it is. The old ones were on average a little more durable in some cases, but machined to lower tolerances so they had worse grip, and more wobble in the joint.