I’m the kind of person that likes to build a tool kit from separate components, but not everyone is like that. Some guys (and gals) like the one and done approach where they buy an all-in-one set. This approach typically offers better bang for the buck and requires less research effort and fewer purchasing decision.
The Craftsman 250pc mechanics tool set, model 38250, is a set that will definitely appeal to one and done homeowners, hobbyists, and weekend warriors looking to quickly grow their tool kit. It comes with 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ ratchets, inch and metric sockets, drive accessories such as extensions, wrenches, and hex keys. All tools can fit inside the included tool box.
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The set includes some overlapping sizes, with 1/4″ and 3/8″ standard inch and metric sockets included in both 6pt and 12pt styles, but that’s not a big deal. I prefer 6pt sockets throughout (the 1/2″ sockets here are 12pt only), but 12pt sockets do come in handy at times, such as when you cannot quite get a 6pt socket seated properly.
Here’s what you get:
- 30 wrenches
- 149 sockets
- 3 quick release ratchets
- 4 extensions
- 1 adapter
- 40 hex keys
- 1 magnetic bit driver
- 22 screwdriver and nutdriver bits
For a full breakdown of what’s included, check out the list of tools (PDF).
This set is currently on sale for $150, which is greatly discounted from the regular price of $300, and using coupon code SAVE15 takes an extra $15 off.
250 tools for $135 is a great deal for anyone looking for a very thorough mechanics tool set to get started with. It’s not the path I would go – I started with a smaller Craftsman set – but it’s hard to you get a lot of bang for the buck.
Buy Now(via Sears)
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Dave L.
Not a bad deal for someone starting out as a mechanic.
Toolfreak
This is a deal because it is some of the last USA-made Craftsman tools in a set – not the newer China-made Craftsman tools.
This is a pretty good starter set or second tool set for the price, especially as a set with ratchets, sockets, extensions, wrenches, adapters, hex keys, and even the magnetic-bit screwdriver. Get a small screwdriver set, some pliers, and whatever other basic tools you need, throw them in the top compartment, and you’ve got a whole lot of tools in a pretty compact container.
I think I might spring for this one soon myself, just for a set to keep at a house.
Phil
The Craftsman tool sets have always been an easy way to get various levels of decent quality tools in a set for a reasonable price. This set is a bargain even at the $150 dollar level and the added discount makes it a steal. It also looks like the Danaher US stuff as well. Not snap-On, but this is an entire box of tools for the price of one SO ratchet, and with reasonable care, will last as long. Even pros can make use of these as second sets or as road kits.
Cole
I keep one of these sets in my pickup for a field box because it does a great job of organizing all of my sockets. If I’m rolling around on the ground and I lose a socket or extension it doesn’t hurt near as bad when I go to replace it. Spend the $150 you save on a couple of better ratchets and you are on the path to a professional set. Snapon sockets and craftsman sockets are virtually the same (minus the horrific price).
Joshua Latham
I have an older one of these that my wife got me for Christmas like 6 years ago. It has really been invaluable. It has just about all the regular sizes you need. If they still have some USA made sets that would be even better.
Hunt
Thanks for the information on the sale! I just purchased this USA made set and with the SAVE15 my taxes were skirted – which always makes me happy! 148.03 is what I paid (which includes free shipping).