Best Mechanics Tool Set? Let’s Find Out!
Craftsman, GearWrench, Husky, Kobalt, Pittsburgh, DeWalt, Crescent, Starwork. Tool sets compared for durability, organization, tool performance including ratchet working arc swing, back drag, failure load, open and closed end combination wrench performance, socket adapter failure load, tool box ability to hold tools in the proper position during movement. Supplemental tool list provided below to round out your tool kit.
I purchased all of the tool kits to ensure an unbiased review. So, thank you for supporting the channel!
➡ Thank you for supporting the channel through memberships:
/ @projectfarm
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➡ An easy way to find past videos along with products tested: bit.ly/2FCrBpk A big thanks to Jim for putting this together.
➡ Merch: project-farm.com
➡ Click here if you'd like to subscribe: / @projectfarm
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
Tool Box Sets:
GearWrench: amzn.to/3MUe0cQ
Starwork: amzn.to/40O0wVQ
Craftsman: amzn.to/3ut7Gmt
Crescent: amzn.to/40Rqlob
DeWalt: amzn.to/3MS3suI
Pittsburgh: amzn.to/3sAbDoU and available at Harbor Freight
Husky: Available at Home Depot
Kobalt: Available at Lowes
Supplemental Tools to Complete Your Tool Kit:
GearWrench Tool Box: amzn.to/3R8dj2e
Combination Wrench Set: amzn.to/3FSoDcg
Adjustable Wrench: amzn.to/3stiznv
Wire Cutters: amzn.to/4778T0Y
Needle Nose Pliers: amzn.to/3SyXWB9
Slotted and Phillips Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3FQ90Cj
SAE and Metric Hex Key Set: amzn.to/3Qx1p0r
Universal Joint, Adapter, Extension Set: amzn.to/3SHNMOB
Electrical Tape: amzn.to/3svaY7Z
Razor Blade or Knife: amzn.to/478ILDc
Water Pump Pliers: amzn.to/473U7rL
Extra Tool Box for Extra Tools: amzn.to/3MBfoks
Telescopic Magnet: amzn.to/4755Rul
Hose Clamps: amzn.to/3svaVcj
Locking Pliers: amzn.to/3u8xDaK
JB Weld Quick Epoxy: amzn.to/47unVhj
Baling Wire (not tested): amzn.to/3QqYuWW
Duct Tape: amzn.to/47rXFUy
Hex Key Set: amzn.to/3upieTs
Jump Starter & Tire Inflator: amzn.to/3SvfbTT
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/3Ca0ZVN
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC
Respect to this guy for not having sponsors. Makes everything much more honest. Keep up the great work PF!
Thanks, will do!
@@ProjectFarm how is it all funded??
@@hiiipowerbass2337 I would guess KZhead revenue. He has 3 million subscribers now.
@@ProjectFarm Where is the review of both corded and cordless heat guns?
@@hiiipowerbass2337KZhead ads.
i love the fact you are just a youtuber. You have never asked me for money, youhave never told me your political beliefs, you have never taken any money. You just make videos. Cheers
Thanks!
I think it would be great to take the broken stuff and see who is best about honoring the warranty.
HF is easy, as long as it’s in stock. GearWrench is pretty pain free as well (online), I just found the communication a little lacking. K Tool was easy, just need to have the receipt. Napa is also very easy, just sometimes takes a day if it’s not in store. Those are a few of my experiences, for what it’s worth.
Husky, you just bring the broke tool in to a home depot and they'll just replace it, usually don't even need a receipt. Anything with the "lifetime warranty" they'll do it for.
@@NozomiShinobuCrestcraftsman, just bring it in to Lowe's, find the replacement, and they give it to you for free. Kobalt same thing
@@andreyangere3076not true if one tool breaks from a kit for Kobalt. Vise grips heads didnt line up up correctly in a three pack so I brought back the bad one and they gave me a very hard time since they wouldn’t break open a new set for one tool. They asked for me to bring the other two back with it and I said no, I’m here now. He just exchanged my one plier for the whole kit. Worked out in the end but pain the ass! Makes it worse that they print “any issues or if it breaks, please bring back to store for instant replacement.” The tool section guy (grumpy ol bastard) first said for me to mail it to Kobalt. lol WTF?! I told no, boss hog.
There is a larger HF tool kit he should have looked at.
Lesson number one....all these companies are completely ripping us off when buying an individual tool.
This is probably one of the most valuable channel’s on the internet, good job Project Farm.
Thanks so much!
He never disappoints and his testing metrics are better than any I've ever seen. He doesn't often have fancy equipment to test, but as long as its consistent, you get the comparison you need.
@@ProjectFarmThank you for your work.
*Channels
I'd say this channel is top 5. If not top 3
As someone whos in their 20s and trying to navigate through life and build up some good tools to take with me through life, your videos are fantastic. Thank you for all the effort you put in. Youve saved me plenty time and money over the years!
Thanks! Glad to hear!
an he is honest no phoney
@ProjectFarm could you please do socket organizers? As someone with a Mechanics set that always gets shuffled I'm dying for a permanent Solutions
i'm in my 60's a little on the lazy side when it come to do home work , so i've got so i check @ProjectFarm before most purchases !
@@ProjectFarmhonestly I love my craftsman box. Its box looks like the gear wrench box and things survive transit. Where my Pittsburg set of simular size always jumps slots if you sneeze by it. But I like the Pittsburg tool selection more since it has a few types of sockets the craftsman don't like star sockets and a few other things like a mini breaker bar.
About 30 years ago, I got a Craftsmen set (made in USA) from my grandfather. To this day, it has been the best present I ever received. Since then, I lost one 22mm, and cracked one 8mm.
New test idea-portable air compressors. There are so many on the market now, but it seems likely most are junk. That’d a super helpful video…
Thanks for the suggestion.
@@ProjectFarmSeconding the portable air compressor suggestion. Finding a compressor in the sweet spot of enough pressure for all my tools, big enough tank to keep the compressor from running the entire time, and not so big that it's a massive PITA to move from my van to the job site is a hard task on a limited budget.
Yes please
Searching KZhead for "portable air compressors," I see "Which Portable Tire Pump is Best? Let's find out!" "Best Tire Pump? Let's Settle This! Milwaukee vs DeWalt, Makita" and "Which Cordless Tire Inflator is Best? DeWalt, Milwaukee, Air Hawk, Ryobi, Bauer, Chicago Electric"--all by Project Farm. Do any of those fit your description? :D
@@drippingwaxnone of those are compressors, so no
My first mechanic set was gifted to me by my mother on my 16th birthday. It was Napa brand and I scoffed at it. Well, that set lasted 23 years. It brought a tear to my eye the day that ratchet finally broke.
I’d check and see if Napa is a lifetime warranty
@@rickdunn7585 what’s interesting is how our standards of quality have decreased. That set was made when cheap imported stuff had to compete with American tools.
You should check with NAPA as most of their tools have a lifetime warranty
Thanks for sharing.
I'm sorry that happened to you.. there are support groups if you need some emotional help..
I’ve been a professional Toyota technician since 1989 and being the largest manufacturer worldwide with Toyota and Lexus, it’s disappointing that some kits don’t have 12, 14, 17, or 19mm tools. But on the flip side, with automotive fastener tolerances, and the tool tolerances themselves, many SAE and metric sizes are interchangeable. 8=5/16, 11=7/16, 13=1/2, 14=9/16, 16=5/8, 17=11/16, and 19=3/4. They’re not exact but for automotive and most DIY projects, they will substitute without any problems.
Yeah, I get that a guy could convert, but missing 14 mm is like an instant DQ for me. Half the bolts on my Toyota are 14mm, gimme a break. Having to do quick mental math or look up a chart, etc is just a non starter.
Agreed, same story here. But why not, for the love of all things consistent, just throw the fractions away? Think about how long it took you to write that. It's silly, and ego is trumping logic. Who the heck wants to fish for a 19/64 or whatever drill bit? Why not just...I dunno, a 3? Or 12?
@stevege68 For years the 15mm was a far cry in sets. One set stopped at 14mm, the next set started at 16mm. Who even thinks like that. Also the 10mm might as well be made out of Plutonium, as it's a rare find for the everyday nut, bolt snap-off garage person. I am not the guy that suffers from a missing tool, or the wrong tool for the job. My tools have their own tools. Mine mechanic here.
Sure, only heavy scratched and the start of rounding of the bolts and nuts. Been there. Done that. Learned, not the best. Only for emergency.
A little blue tape inside the socket fills gaps nicely.
"The most expensive brand that we will be testing today, is this 350 piece Snap-On brand mechanic's set, coming in at just under $23,600."
😂so true
Man, I just love your channel. Real world tests, honest reviews... priceless. So far as missing Metric sizes it would also be good to let people know that often there are equivalent SAE sizes and these missing sizes are often left out on purpose to save money and space.
When my father in law passed away, his wife asked me to make up some tool boxes for his grandkids from his "extras." He had enough to fill all eight and I'm happy to say that most of what you suggested went into them. Not brand new and many not brand names, but hopefully will help in a pinch. Thanks for your testing and advice! Always solid!
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
Legacy tool sets are the best!!!
You can't buy tools of the same quality as his old tools still are today. Almost everything is massively inferior.
@@furyofbongosI can't agree there, but they are a lot more generic looking now compared to when they were made in little factories in each city. Like sidchrome.
I'm in my 50s and got a Craftsman kit when I was 18. All made in the USA. Served me well, the chrome cladding still holding, so many deep sockets. With two sons, I have a problem...
Suggested video: Best CAMPING LANTERN Lights - battery capacity, light output, water resistant, reverse charging and drop test.
Thank you for the video ideas!
O-light’s OLantern 2 Pro has been my go to lately with a 10,000 mah battery.
Olight has a couple id like to see tested
I vote Luci Lights as a backpacker myself...
Also outdoor brands like Black diamond, osprey solar luci model etc
I bought that same Pittsburgh set years ago on a BF sale for 100$ Not sure if it still goes on sale for that price. It's had pretty much everything I've ever needed for home use and car repair/maintenance and never failed me. Very happy with my buy 👍
Thanks for the feedback.
On sale again for 99 at Harbor Freight. I am getting one for my car bc though not the best tools but decent enough for the price and better than nothing sitting on the side of a road with no tools 😊
I just bought my daughter the Quinn mechanics set for 279 no frills, no blow molding, just a bunch of tools!!!! Amazing entry level set
Nice.
You know what man I can't even begin to describe to you how helpful your videos are. I've based so many of my purchases on the videos that you've provided over the years. Thank you so much for all the stuff that you've done over the years and I hope you continue to do
Thanks, will do! Glad to hear!
This has got to be one of the most useful videos ever posted on KZhead! I have a craftsman mechanic set and I’ve thought about getting the kobalt set for quite some time but now I think I’ll go after the gear wrench set next time I’m in need. Thanks a bunch!
Thanks!
I usually go to reddit to find unbiased opinions of various things. When it comes to looking for tools, I always go to your videos. You are doing a tremendous amount of people a huge favor and I truly appreciate it.
Thanks so much!
Reddit and unbiased... what an oxymoron.
@@TheRoadhammer379they’re not unbiased, but I trust the obsessed redditors on which vacuum to buy. They’re too psychotic to be bought off
@@TheRoadhammer379🤣🤣🤣
Reddit is trash.
10 year mechanic, I’ve always liked gearwrench tools as an economy hand tool option. Not everything has to be snap on or Mac, I would recommend Gearwrench over any of these manufacturers before watching this video and it’s nice to see they showed up and showed out!
Thanks for the feedback.
Except their gear wrenches, they're no built tough
I had a Mac dealer sell me a defective socket. Never did find him to get my money back.
I totally agree with you. With all this sets together you won't be able even to change a turning light on most of european cars, because most of their plastic parts are installed with torx screws,so you would need a good set of torx and hex bits premounted in 1/4 socket ,with a screwdriver handle adapter,wich are not present in those tool sets,otherwise the simple bits will fall in the engine compartment,or inside the car's door,etc,just to make a good test of your patience😄..... I have a set i bought 5 years ago from an unknown local european brand (i don't even remember it's name,it's of 3 letters or so),it's only 1/4 and 1/2,no 3/8,but with it i dismantled most of my Renault Megane,remade the engine and other repairs. The only tools i needed aside was the oil filter adapter and a torq wrench for the engine head.
GearWrench is a tool truck brand, they’re just as bad as Snap-Off and Mac. I only buy tool truck brands on emergency or special unique tools that help me work more faster or efficiently. Although I’d say GearWrench does have better deals with even being featured on Amazon, that’s where Snap-On and Mac fails because all they want is money at MSRP for their overpriced crap.
The toolbox recommendations were a nice garnish on the video. Please consider doing more like it in the future. You have lots of videos of one-off tool comparisons, but it would be nice to see a video bringing many of them together into another cohesive, thoughtful and purposeful tool kit.
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
I got a Craftsman tool kit for Christmas about 25 years ago, when I first started getting into cars. I still have it and use it all the time. I know Craftsman is rumored to not be as good nowadays as they used to be when they were owned by Sears, but I can guarantee I’ve gotten the money out of this tool kit. It was definitely a gift that has kept on giving over the years. And miraculously, I think I’ve only lost one or two sockets, and only had to warranty replace my 3/8 ratchet one time. Still have all my 10mm’s. (Knock on wood)😂
Same thing. I also inherited my dad and uncles craftsman tools. Gotta love the smell of those vintage screw driver handles :)
e.t.c. socket set, bought 1973. still good, still use it.. when men were men, & sheep were scared.. ausie.. what does a dingo have for breakfast......................... a pis & look around.. what you get when you cross a kangaroo & a sheep.................... wooly jumper. whats wrong with geof................................ ahhh, he,s couple sheep short in the top paddock..
The amount of work involved in all of your reviews is very impressive. There is nobody else on KZhead that does what you do. Thanks for all your hardwork and videos.
I actually despise cases that are "efficient", especially blow molded plastic. Everyone will need to add a socket, extension, etc, at some point and having no way to add it to the kits case is actually *less* efficient in my opinion. Thanks for all you do!
That and they won't hold tools in place after repeated removal and reinsertion, so you'll eventually wind up carrying it like the world's heaviest serving tray after a while.
You are welcome!
I had the Kobalt kit from a few years ago, and it was a bit different, what I liked most was the bottom tray was completely open and designed to loosely hold the included wrenches. Which left a lot of space for additional tools. I think that's what's missing with these kits, dedicated space for adding whatever you want.
Yup, a small toolbox or bag is superior.
@@adventureswithdavedavei own the same kit, bought it last year for around $200. zero complaints other than some of the smaller sockets tend to get out of place
I bought a Craftsman mechanics tool set when I was 16 and I'm still using it today, 38 years later. Everything is still original except for a socket to replace one I lost and all the ratchets (which were covered under warranty). I use these tools almost every day. Never skimp on a good set of tools!
Thanks for the feedback.
This guy does real life real world test thanks man
I remember the happiness and satisfaction of getting my first large tool kit. It's Mastercraft brand, sold by Canadian Tire. Decades of auto mechanic work later, I still have it stored under the floor for long road trips.
Nice!!
Yes, they are my choice. Lifetime Warranty without receipt!!
Mastercraft maximum is my go to now, it’s just rebranded gear wrench!
Usb c stuff only pls
@@ProjectFarmcan you do a review on Milwaukee hand tools
The Craftsman case might seem inefficient, but the great thing about that is it makes room to add additional tools over time-unlike the blown-mold cases of the other brands.
That's a great point!
i have one and i like it but that case.... if you EVER get a tool cocked funny and it keeps the drawer from opening you are hosed. the drawers cannot be removed to clear the obstruction and i had to resort to cutting out the back of the case. sad day.
Especially if you want a really nice tool you'll need a lot or will need another of, e.g. a 1/2 or 7/16.
I agree. And it's easier to find stuff.
Agreed and the tools are pretty good quality. I have a set like that in my car.
As a Husky fan, this is good to see. I have a box from when they started to sell them. It was a bigger set back then. Also many years before that they use to sell the socket wrench with a knob on top if you couldn't get to the socket below to keep it going. To bad they stopped that.
Thanks for the feedback.
Thank you so much for making such quality informational videos. I have been learning a lot from you and making more informed purchases! Kudos ✌️🏽
I have bought tools based on your tests and I really like my Gearwrench tools. Nice to see that they offer a nice quality toolkit as well.
Thank you very much!
Ok, my 2 cents :) Don't care what kind of tool manufacture my mechanic uses. Most IMPORTANT thing to me is having a mechanic who knows what he is doing and it really GOOD at it. Don't care if he uses a $100.00 wrench or a $10.00 wrench.
@@trvman1 This video is intended for mechanics or DIY people. It doesn't mean it is unimportant if you don't use it.
Sorry you missed my point. @@afifdotmy
@trvman1 It was a moot point. You were just spouting off on an unrelated topic.
Literally every time I look for a new tool or kit or anything really I search for if you've done it yet. I'd say your reviews are always "VERY IMPRESSIVE" keep up the amazing work! Your videos have always influenced a purchase for the best tool for the job!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I totally agree. To the point my wife says, "does 'that guy' have anthing on it?"
i dont know what i would do without your tool reviews, made my purchases so much easier and knowing im getting the best out of every tool i use.
Glad to hear!
Have the husky and was the base for my tool set. Really happy with it over 10 years later and 4 rebuilt cars and countless maintenance still love it.
Nice!
The amount of actual time and work to find out what is best at what price range and in a somewhat scientific manner is spectacular. And the fact that he doesn't accept sponsors and buys everything put of pocket is amazing as well. KUDOS!!
Thanks!
Agreed!
Still have my first Craftsman mechanics set from high school graduation 32 years ago. I use it every day...
Craftsman tools back in the day were pretty bulletproof. I have several that I inherited from my Dad.
Nice!
A am fortunate to have outfitted myself with several craftsman sets from when they were made well. I am unfortunate enough to have bought craftsman tools recently. Dismal is an understatement.
I love you and your content!! Teaching me stuff I never knew while going about it in realistic/mock-up situations and cost to performance ratio make this channel a one-stop-shop to avoid all the marketing BS! Keep up the great work man!
Thanks, will do! Glad to hear!
When I turned 16 in 1990 my dad got me a Craftsman Set. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm no novice. I still use that kit today. I've replaced the box by now. What that kit didn't come with was metric wrenches. That's about all I've had to add. I've picked up duplicates to fill task specific tool boxes like oil changes and such.
Nice!
I got the Husky brand on sale for $99 6 months ago, I ended up getting two, one for my truck one for the office. It's decent enough for an emergency.
Thanks for sharing.
Being a shop owner and experienced mechanic, I’ve been extremely pleased with my Gearwrench *243* piece sets. I have both the 6pt and 12pt set and they have almost everything I need. The main other thing I have in addition is the flex head Gearwrench ratchet set. I use sunex for impact sockets
Thanks for the feedback.
Always a treat when you upload a video like this. You do the world a big service sir, happy new year cheers to you
Excellent video! I really appreciate the last section where you offered some good ideas for a supplemental tool box.
Thanks!
That gear wrench set is extremely impressive. It’s what I will save up for.
Thanks for the feedback.
It is on sale for $199 right now at Home Depot. At that price point, it knocks everything out of the park.
@@MrHoosSpiffythey must have just recently started selling gear wrench. A few years back I had to go directly to them
Even with 9 tool kits it is rumored that Todd still has a hard time finding that 10mm socket. 😉
I literally went out the other day and bought spare 10mm sockets. I think a squirrel has a nest somewhere that is lined with my missing 10mm sockets.
$10 a piece, sir. 🐿️@NickFrom1228
💯 😂 Don't forget the 10mm combo wrench as well
just get a Red dog socket and youre all set, lol
My friend bought a snap-on set on ebay and the guy that was selling it wrote ''all original pieces EVEN the 10mm''. I said to him ''It's to good to be true''
I bought the craftman set for like $90 at lowes. I keep in truck and use for handyman jobs. Been great for the price nothing has failed yet after 3 years does most what i need. Just need to throw in some pliers with it and you can fix most vehicle and household problems.
I love how you included stuff that was previously reviewed for the emergency toolbox in the end.
Thanks!
I paid up for 3 Tekton sets. Each drive was its own set, a complete run of sizes. Excellent sets
I got their 40pc set, it's a dinky little kit, but man it's just about perfect and we have 6 crews on my jobsite and it's such an effective and clean kit at least one other team borrows it every week.
i also own a Tekton 3/8 Ratchet set, very impressed by them
Thanks for the feedback.
That’s my new favorite brand.
Same. I have all three and use all three. ❤🫡
I have a craftsman tool set that I’ve had for 20 years! I found one at Sears that has “Made in the USA” stamped on it. That’s as rare as hen’s teeth these days, but besides breaking the 1/4 inch drive, it’s been great. I carry it with me wherever I go, it’s gotten me out of a bind on many occasions. But in all honesty, it’s probably helped more random drivers along the way than it has helped me. I’m 43 now, and watching this got me nostalgic for the days when I could still purchase craftsman tools that were made here in the US. It would be great to see these companies bring manufacturing home. I know there are a lot of people that need jobs that would absolutely love to have the opportunity to manufacture tools in the US.
one of my first paychecks went to a craftsman tool set decades ago and its still going today.
I really wish they were still made here. I buy all Craftsman because the warranty is incredible with a Lowe's so close to me. I buy us made whenever possible, and all I have is a toolbox and tape measure. That's all I could find. Sad.
Well, l'm 72 and when I bought tools they were all made in the USA. Mostly Craftsman. You just need a time machine😁
@@gordonwedman3179 I wish. I'm 15 so no such luck aside from some tools I inherited from my grandpa.
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve bought husky tool set not knowing if it would fit in all the spaces but this video has showed me I made a great choice with. It is missing some essential sizes but it’s well worth the money. Haven’t had to buy the same tool twice thanks to it. I have broken the adapters on rusted nuts and bolts but have gotten impact adapters instead to prevent it from happening again. Great video as always. I’ve been watching you for over 8 years and have learned so much thanks to you
Thanks for watching! Glad to hear!
This channel once again comes in to save my behind. I had gotten out of the field due to DUI and job closing down. Shortly after 3k worth of tools was stolen from my car (snap on, matco etc) now i recently found a very good shop, but was panicking on re investing into the lost 3k worth of tools. This was a good starting point to get the most important tools
Harbor freight now sells 1/4 3/8& 1/2 inch socket sets now for a good price especially if you use the 20 percent off coupon. They're not Matco but they'll get you back in the game. Edit: They also come with a lifetime warranty as well.
Thanks!
thanks pf for putting in the work and taking the hits so we dont have to. having you putting in the hours and doing the work to allow us to make the best and most knowledgeable choices on our purchases is a life saver and especially in the current financial crisis, you save us so much money in preventing repeat purchases. you are invaluable and we are not worthy.
You are welcome!
Its amazing to me that they can sell these kits on sale for so little!!
Great point! All of these kits are worth the price in my opinion.
They're still making a lot of profit. The thing is they want new mechanics to buy these so they'll consider buying more of the same brand.
Glad to see GearWrench hold up, I started building cars a couple years ago and the first thing I bought from them was their rounded bolt removal sockets and have been sold on their products since.
Thanks for sharing!
My wife got me the DeWalt socket set -very similar to the one you're testing (but it was on sale for $99 so it was a GREAT price) and I have a GearWrench ratcheting combination set I picked up at the Orange big box store for $69 on sale - a very good price - 90 tooth, set that goes 5/16" - 7/8" and 8mm to 19mm. I lucked out with those 2 sets, they pretty much stay in my van at all times and I use them for most of the work I do. My 10mm ratcheting wrench broke and GearWrench replaced it with a photo of the broken ratcheting end, proof of purchase and an email - 10 days later they sent me a brand new 10mm ratcheting combination wrench AND it was the reversible version - an upgrade to the one in the set that I bought. I am a very happy customer! Thank you so much for buying all these tools and giving us your data!!
Dewalt is a nice socket selection, but no 12pt sockets. Those are needed on some cars. It does include torx and allen sockets.
Really appreciate the effort you put into these reviews. The more of these I watch, the more I enjoy them!
Thanks!
I work in the building trades and regularly use those all-thread couplings. Those couplers will always vary in size depending on where they are manufactured and what material they are manufactured from. The cheapy chinesium couplings do tend to be softer and will have several thousands variance in external size because of the galvanizing process or how long/short they sit in the deburring tumbler. I'm not surprised that some wrenches slipped easier than others.
Thanks for sharing!
Insightful, thank you.
This was an amazing amount of information stuffed into one video. This is probably the most useful video I've ever seen on KZhead. Valuable information here that cannot be found elsewhere. Thank you sir!
This guy deserves so much more subscribers, for our own good
Thanks so much!
@@maskedfisherman333"-for our own good." Honestly, I'm beginning to think that this guy has done more for us than most high profile members of government.
@iro6758 Can you imagine if he was president of the FDA and the rest of the departments that should be keeping an eye out for people
Well said! I just subscribed! I’m never going to miss another one of his videos!
I'm happy to see something I actually bought. I got the exact DeWalt set and it's a pain to get the sockets out. It's great for your backyard mechanic stuff.
Thanks for the feedback.
Awesome! Finally someone did a thorough review and comparison of the various tool sets. Thank you!!!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I used to rely on Consumer Reports for knowing what to buy, but these days, I always check Project Farm, first! You are a huge benefit to the consumer. Thank you for spending the money and especially the TIME you put into these videos. It is much appreciated and makes Christmas shopping a lot easier! :)
Thanks so much!
Happy Thanksgiving Todd! The continued existence of this channel is of the utmost importance to everyone. Todd's recommendations, including JB Weld (Fixed a broken plastic to metal hinge on my printer) and my new best buddy the Gooloo jump pack, have saved me so much money it's nuts not to give some back.
Thank you for supporting the channel!
@@ProjectFarmhey is it possible you could do a part 2 but with a British brand called Halfords too it would be interesting to see how the uk based tools compare to the US brands
I'm really hooked to this reviews. Keep going, one of the most useful channels and reviews. Really appreciate your effort and time to share this! Good job!!
Thanks, will do!
Master ASE Technician Gearwrench and husky are all I use. Gearwrench at work Husky at home for personal vehicle maintenance/hobbies and side work.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for making these videos, keeping these companies accountable.
My pleasure!
Accountable? How? They are a for-profit business. Nothing accountable about it.
@@clvrswine we spend money on the best value and therefore reward the people making the best products.
I bought one of the last US made Craftsman sets several years ago at one of those smaller Sears (I think it was called a Sears Home Center). That kit has been one of the best things I ever spent money on. Still use it regularly. The wrench selection isn't the best and it could use another deep well or two but still great though. I keep it on my tool cart along with a bunch of my other commonly used tools, and I have a small tool chest that houses everything else. I've never bought any other ratchets than the three in the kit.
Nice!
Been a mechanic for over 15 years gearwrench is amazing quality never broken anything from them
Thanks for sharing.
The test you came up with to test the back drag with fishing line was genius!
Thanks!
I have had the Pittsburgh (got on sale for 99) set behind the seat of my single cab truck for a few years, and it’s saved me a few times. We even rebuilt the engine with it. It’s nice to see that with so many great choices out there, even the cheaper set can get real work done.
Thanks for sharing!
Great review. I feel the most valuable thing you tell people in this is to make sure you own one and carry it with you in your vehicle, whichever one you buy. I can't tell you how many times I've stopped to help stranded motorists and was successful because I had a full set of tools with me. Thanks for the great video.
Thanks for sharing!
Its great to have all the cool tools, but they don't do you any good if they're not with you when you need them LOL. I don't carry fancy tools when I go get parts from pick a part yards I carry the cheaper stuff with me, occasionally while you are in or under a vehicle working on something, someone will walk by and swipe stuff out of your tool bag, or box....so having the cheap stuff tends to keep people with sticky fingers from walking away with your stuff. A well stocked tool box for travel is a must have....maybe you don't need it but you might get someone else going....out west there can be a hundred miles or more between towns, getting stranded along the highway is not good, and sometimes you don't have cell service either.
@@wildbill23c I live in the wide-open West. I've helped many a stranded person that no one else would stop for. I don't have a pre-packaged set and I carry a lot more than what is shown here but I did buy my daughter a nice packaged set and I've taught her the basics of what she needs to know to 'maybe' get out of trouble on her own.
I would love to hear a few stories. Helping strangers is does the world good, a kind act ripples outward, because happiness, relief, and kindness are all contagious. Look here, your very comment made me happy.
@@bansheedearg OK, why not? This isn't exactly on the on-the-road type story but for the people it was. I was headed home from work one Friday evening. It had been a long day and week and I was stopping at the store to pick up some food my wife had asked for. When I parked in the lot, there was an SUV with its hood up and three 30-ish-year-old women looking at the engine. I sat for a minute and thought about it. I was hungry and tired, but I just couldn't leave them broken down in the evening in a small town where there were very limited options for help. I approached them and asked what the trouble was and they said it would not start / no power. I told them I had tools and I'd see if I could help. First check was the battery cable connections and when I went to loosen the + cable, the whole side pole terminal came right out of the battery. Well, the problem was easy to diagnose. The grocery store had an auto parts section and batteries so I sent them in to get one. Nope, they didn't have one that fit but there was a parts store not far away. I told them I'd give them a lift to buy one, but they were wary of getting in a man's car (smart). I drove and one of them walked to buy a battery. I drove it back and she walked back. When I went to remove the terminal from the cable (vise grip on the terminal to hold it) it was welded solid to the battery cable end. Back to the parts store for a new cable end (the full cable would have taken a long time to change) and this time one of them trusted me enough to hitch a ride to buy it. I cut the end off the cable, put the new one on and they were running again. They tried to pay me, but I told them to pay it forward to someone that needed it. Besides, I got more than money. I felt good about spending an hour of my time that meant far more to them than it did to me. [edit: They were about 40 miles away from their destination, where their husbands had a rented beach house.]
I've had a husky kit for a few years and love it. I haven't found a need to buy more wrenches but I did buy an adjustable for the once in a while I need a duplicate. I do most of my work on my jeep so most bolts are within the sizes they give you. I did end up buying an impact socket set because I dont trust 12pt sockets on my breaker bar so I have a bunch of 1/2 in sockets. I also love the warranty. Lifetime no questions asked replacement in store. As long as Home Depot is in business I have a wrench set.
Thanks for the feedback.
Thank you for your honest reviews. I appreciate learning about the different products you test. Your information is valuable for those of us who want to make a wise purchase. I have spent lots of money on tools that I hardly ever use. So, thanks for your review.
You are so welcome!
Man, your attention to detail for testing is second to none. This was very informative. Thank you for doing what you do! Happy Holidays
My pleasure!
Brought back memories of my first mechanics socket/ratchet set. It was a Craftsman (1994 so it was still made in USA). It skipped more than a couple important sizes and I threw the black plastic folding box away, but I still have every single piece from it. Tool sets are going to be a matter of choice, anybody who uses tools will make good decisions as to what they want or need. Great video!
Same. I think mine was a 99 peice set I bought around 94/95. The case is long gone, but I bought socket rails for them and the whole set is still in my toolbox today.
I just got the craftsmen box featured in this vid and the case actually feels very sturdy. Especially the handle. It feels like its actually built to carry. Plus the versatech locking mech has me interested in adding some extra storage on top. I'm not how well that functions yet tho.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
thank you this really helped me out with picking a good tool kit out
You are welcome! Glad to hear!
As always, thank you so much for putting your time and effort into getting information us folks can use.
You are welcome!
As a maintenance mechanic for 35 years, before I retired, Craftsman were my go to hand tools and Kennedy my go to tool box. Loved the no questions asked tool exchange at Sears.
Craftsman is worse than Harbor Freight. Complete trash. At least with HF you expect junk and are pleasantly surprised when it's not, but Craftsman charges legitimate tool pricing for ratchets that don't even ratchet. Their tools are actual garage and a waste of metal. Craftsman is what happens when investors are given 100% decision making authority and they completely ignore all quality assurance and practicality measures.
Thanks for sharing!
You can now exchange broken craftsman tools at Lowes, almost no questions asjed
Very impressive. These tests not only show the tool quality, but are an interesting insight into the mindset of the manufacturers. Thanks for all you do for us, Todd, and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Test idea water pumps. Irrigation, transfer, shallow well pumps, jet pumps, deep well pump. Farmers and hard workers need to move water cheaply. Great job, sir. I have admired your work for a long time and that you try to reply to all comments. That's commitment.
Thanks! Thanks for the video idea.
Excellent review with straightforward and logical tests. Thank you. My road kit was recently stolen out of my Jeep. I should not have left it in the Jeep, even in my driveway. One cannot secure a softop. I now know which kit to get for the trail, again thank you.
Thanks and you are welcome!! Sorry to hear about the road kit being stolen!
I used Gear Wrench ratcheting wrenches at work and really liked that they were a slimmer design than other brands, which proves to be helpful in many applications when working in tight spaces.
Thanks for sharing!
I feel like they are pretty bad, they break pretty easily and the directional switch is always changing directions when trying to use it. It's annoying trying to loosen something then it gets tight again lol. I mostly used them on John Deere equipment with bigger sizes such as 24mm and 30mm locknuts being the most common so maybe the smaller sizes are better. We aren't allowed to use gearwrench impact sockets anymore because they have broken so many times and thrown shards across the shop to the point it's a safety issue.
I don’t need to buy another toolkit like this again, but this makes me want to! Always impressive reviews and breakdowns! Honestly, I wish I saw this many years ago. That GearWrench kit is pretty nice!
Amazing! I was requesting this (probably not the only one) and he made the video! Love this channel! Thanks for your work!
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for requesting this video idea.
I love your videos! All your hard work is appreciated, and has helped me buy better tools, shoes, batteries, etc. Thank you!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I love the extra input on supplemental tools and supplies to always keep with you in the toolbox. . This was a fantastic addition to go over as I often wonder what I have/would need if stuck in the middle of nowhere. Another few items to add are a good quality Flashlight that takes rechargeable batteries, and 2 or 4 slot rechargeable battery charger and a small foldable solar panel to use with it. Another thing to consider, while not a tool, some of the Firestarter mini kits that are no bigger than 2 fingers.
Firestarter kit is good but also keep a few bic lighters! They're cheap and easy.
better non-rechargeable batteries (problem with lithium and air-tight (waterproof) flashlights
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Instead of rechargeable batteries, a charger, and a solar panel, you could just buy a normal flashlight and a pack of double A/triple A batteries, lithium ones if you want to be fancy Now if you run out of charge you can just pop in new ones instead of waiting for the sun to come up so you can recharge your batteries lmao
Great review! I especially like you covering the box full of "extras" one might wish to augment their toolkit with. Torx drivers, an inexpensive multi-meter, and an ODB reader are good ideas for an on-the-road kit.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Torx drivers? You must drive a Chrysler product. LOL
Perfect video, I’ve been looking into a tool set to travel with and I was looking at the husky but you saved me a lot of work thank you
Thanks and you are welcome!
Another great video! Just in time for the Christmas shopping season, too! Nice job, as always!
Thanks and you are welcome!
It's interesting/sad that the newer Craftsman kit doesn't have as many tools as mine does from the 90's. Granted, the kits were more expensive back then (I can't remember if it was $200 or $250 back then). I had to buy my own tools for work, but this kit has helped me with a lot of home projects and work on several cars since then!
I bought a pretty decent size kit from Craftsman back in the 90's. I still have lots of them including all the ratchets. My wife bought me a new Craftsman kit couple yrs ago. Broke every ratchet in that kit. They are junk anymore.
The Craftsman kits from 20 years ago started at 6mm and ended at 22mm from 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. The 1/2 ratchet could remove axle nuts and crank bolts. The kits now are 😢😢😢
Craftsman has been coasting on name for a long while, especially after the sale to Stanley Black & Decjer
The old Craftsmen screwdriver handles smell amazing.
I thought the craftsman set did pretty well for the price
Just used my Husky set to replace a catalytic converter. It happened to be located in the rear part of the engine bay. I was pretty satisfied with how well the tools performed in a tight space and removed the rusty exhaust nuts. On one occasion it actually removed the nut and stud together when the nut was stuck!
Thanks for sharing!
This guys is absolutely awesome. I love him. Thank you so much. Whatever he recommends is in my garage.
Thanks!
Well advice and proper review on each tools. Thanks for this information. 😊
Thanks and you are welcome!
i need a set that comes with about fifteen or twenty 10mm sockets
lol. Me too! That size of socket seems to escape the toolbox all the time!
How hard would it be for ANY of these companies to gather some REAL mechanics during the design phase to get their input and skip these ridiculous errors like no tray locks, missing sizes, component securing in place and missing crucial components like extensions, universals joints and a useful allen key size assortment? GREAT review, btw, and the bonus end toolbox add-ins was valuable for general info.
AMEN!!
Thank you for the feedback!
I love my Pittsburgh 301 pice kit its great to keep in my truck
Thank you for making this video! I will definitely buy on of these tool box soon in the future.
another banger! my first kit was a 100 piece husky and it took me years to grow out of it. I have since built my own kit that fits my needs but these larger kits seem super nice
I use the Hart box from Walmart. It's pretty much perfect and it was 100 bucks. I run a mechanical service and it's good enough to pull transmissions
Thanks for sharing!
Dewalt makes a variant of the kit you reviewed but with a set of combo wrenches included, bringing the tool count to 204. I've been using that set for 4 years now and initially chose it because of the price, adapters, and extentions included. I've done multiple big jobs on my 22 year old bmw 7 series with this set and have yet to break a ratchet or bit. Really great set of tools.
Thanks for the feedback.
Loved this video! Great to watch right before Xmas. Great to watch these to get Xmas gift ideas (there’s a video suggestion! Top xmas gifts!)😊
I keep the 225 pittsburgh tool set in my Tahoe. Cant beat it. Its nice and slim and and can pick it up for 100 bucks on sale. Gets you out of a jam.
Great point!
Has your Tahoe been good? Thinking about getting a full size SUV while the getting is good and Tahoe/Yukon seems to be the best overall.
@HAL-dm1eh I have an 02 tahoe. Going on 180k miles. It's a great vehicle. The 06 and below I believe don't have the active fuel management system. If you can, I'd avoid 07 and up? I forgot the year it switched. But it's in that range. Easy to work on and parts are easy to get.
@@HAL-dm1eh I live in Wisconsin it's rusted out and still going strong.
@@HAL-dm1eh We have an 02 Tahoe bought brand new, still have it. The thing is a tank, 243,000 miles and still going. We also have a 22 Yukon SLT and love it, the thing is huge inside and camera is just crazy you can see every angle outside the vehicle.