Lowe's has
71-Piece CRAFTSMAN Versastack Standard (SAE) and Metric Polished Chrome Mechanics Tool Set with Hard Case (CMMT45071) on sale for
$39.98 (price in cart). Choose free store pickup where available.
Thanks to community member
hizzledizzle for finding this deal.
Note: Availability for pickup may vary by location
Features: - MINMAL ARC SWING: 72 Tooth 3/8-in Drive Ratchet Produces a 5 Degree Arc Swing
- CONVENIENCE: Comprehensive Set of 3/8-in Drive Sockets and Drive Tool Accessories
- DURABILITY: Large VERSASTACK Mechanic Tool Set Case, built for integration with the VERSASTACK System
- CORROSION RESISTANCE: Full Polish Chrome finish
- Meets or Exceeds ASME Specifications
- CRAFTSMAN Full Lifetime Warranty
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I should have mentioned that I own this exact Craftsman set. I've put it through its paces for a year. It's hard to understate just how bad the drag is on these ratchets. In most cases, I have to keep one hand on the socket while ratcheting with the other hand until the last couple threads. This is extremely frustrating when I'm setting pass-through bolts, and need to also use my off-hand for holding another wrench or nut. These ratchets are also uncomfortably loud. I know that's not a complaint for some. One other complaint -- the case has 4 latches that have to be opened to raise the lid. They're sort of always too tight, and I'm pretty sure that once they break in, they are going to be too loose. It's weird that Stanley Black and Decker designed this versa stack case this way, because the nearly identical, compatible Dewalt cases open easily with 2 latches. The more I think about this set, the more I regret the purchase, even at the sale price. Almost every time I have started a job with this set, I have gone back to my workbench or out to my van to grab a better set.
Alternatively: I also own this Kobalt set, and think it's a much, much, MUCH better value -- more comprehensive, a much smoother, quieter ratchet with a higher tooth count, and deep sockets. Instead of 2 ratchets, it has an adapter for the 1/4" sockets, and the Allen keys are fold-out, which I prefer for sets like this - you can never just drop one on the ground and not be able to find it. This kit lives in my minivan under the passenger seat and covers most of what I ever need done. I use it all the time, even more than my Milwaukee sockets because those stay home:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1...5014441977
And it's also on sale! I paid $30 for this one about a year ago, but $40 is still a slick price.
They might not be the smoothest ratchets, but Craftsman is generally pretty reliable in my experience. I haven't seen a lot of comparable quality sets for under the $40 mark.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank blocky
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank hizzledizzle
They might not be the smoothest ratchets, but Craftsman is generally pretty reliable in my experience. I haven't seen a lot of comparable quality sets for under the $40 mark.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank blocky
They might not be the smoothest ratchets, but Craftsman is generally pretty reliable in my experience. I haven't seen a lot of comparable quality sets for under the $40 mark.
I should have mentioned that I own this exact Craftsman set. I've put it through its paces for a year. It's hard to understate just how bad the drag is on these ratchets. In most cases, I have to keep one hand on the socket while ratcheting with the other hand until the last couple threads. This is extremely frustrating when I'm setting pass-through bolts, and need to also use my off-hand for holding another wrench or nut. These ratchets are also uncomfortably loud. I know that's not a complaint for some. One other complaint -- the case has 4 latches that have to be opened to raise the lid. They're sort of always too tight, and I'm pretty sure that once they break in, they are going to be too loose. It's weird that Stanley Black and Decker designed this versa stack case this way, because the nearly identical, compatible Dewalt cases open easily with 2 latches. The more I think about this set, the more I regret the purchase, even at the sale price. Almost every time I have started a job with this set, I have gone back to my workbench or out to my van to grab a better set.
Alternatively: I also own this Kobalt set, and think it's a much, much, MUCH better value -- more comprehensive, a much smoother, quieter ratchet with a higher tooth count, and deep sockets. Instead of 2 ratchets, it has an adapter for the 1/4" sockets, and the Allen keys are fold-out, which I prefer for sets like this - you can never just drop one on the ground and not be able to find it. This kit lives in my minivan under the passenger seat and covers most of what I ever need done. I use it all the time, even more than my Milwaukee sockets because those stay home:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1...5014441977
And it's also on sale! I paid $30 for this one about a year ago, but $40 is still a slick price.
I should have mentioned that I own this exact Craftsman set. I've put it through its paces for a year. It's hard to understate just how bad the drag is on these ratchets. In most cases, I have to keep one hand on the socket while ratcheting with the other hand until the last couple threads. This is extremely frustrating when I'm setting pass-through bolts, and need to also use my off-hand for holding another wrench or nut. These ratchets are also uncomfortably loud. I know that's not a complaint for some. One other complaint -- the case has 4 latches that have to be opened to raise the lid. They're sort of always too tight, and I'm pretty sure that once they break in, they are going to be too loose. It's weird that Stanley Black and Decker designed this versa stack case this way, because the nearly identical, compatible Dewalt cases open easily with 2 latches. The more I think about this set, the more I regret the purchase, even at the sale price. Almost every time I have started a job with this set, I have gone back to my workbench or out to my van to grab a better set.
Alternatively: I also own this Kobalt set, and think it's a much, much, MUCH better value -- more comprehensive, a much smoother, quieter ratchet with a higher tooth count, and deep sockets. Instead of 2 ratchets, it has an adapter for the 1/4" sockets, and the Allen keys are fold-out, which I prefer for sets like this - you can never just drop one on the ground and not be able to find it. This kit lives in my minivan under the passenger seat and covers most of what I ever need done. I use it all the time, even more than my Milwaukee sockets because those stay home:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1...5014441977
And it's also on sale! I paid $30 for this one about a year ago, but $40 is still a slick price.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1...5014441977
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https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1...5014441977
Reason is that the gunmetal ratchets feel much better than the Craftsman 1xx piece ratchets. The backdrag of ratchets is an annoying problem in tight space.
Back to this 71-piece tool set, it's probably a good deal at $40. If I were to buy it as a home tool set, I would prefer this over the $40 Kobalt due to 1/4 ratchet and less junk bits. But if I do need those junk bits and hex keys as spare tools in cars, it might be a different story.
Kobalt: 59 sockets (incl 16 deep), 3" & 6" extension, bit driver, 3/8" ratchet only
Craftsman: 40 sockets (all shallow), 3/8" & 1/4" ratchet.
Not a fan of the brittle Kobalt clear plastic lid unless they find a way to toughen it up. I watched a guy fumble that Kobalt set and drop it from a chest height shelf in Lowes; predictably the clear top broke. I think a blow molded case would've survived. The Craftsman case could be more compact, it's wider than it needs to be due to its Versastack compatibility.
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