Craftsman 80px Max Axess Socket Set

Craftsman’s 51pc Max Axess set, reviewed here a year ago, is a nice general purpose pass-thru socket set. But it’s missing something – screwdriver bit sockets. The new 80pc set comes with everything you see in the 51pc set and adds in 29 1/4″ and 3/8″ (equivalent) Torx and hex sockets.

Pass-thru? This feature allows you to place a socket straight over threaded rods and long bolts to reach fasteners. Even if you don’t need this feature, the sockets’ thin-wall design might occasionally come in handy, it has for me.

The set comes with an assortment of 6pt pass-thru sockets that work with the special included 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets.

The ratchets and spinner handle are the same as in Craftsman’s 51pc and smaller kits. They’re quite nice to use, as are the thin-profile ratchets that inspired these ratchets’ adapted designs.

If you need to use a standard 1/4″ or 3/8″ socket, no problem – just reach for the appropriate quick-release adapters that come with the set.

Screwdriver bit sockets tend to be on the tall side, but not these. Remember, part of these sockets go inside of the pass-thru ratchets, leading to a low-profile combination.

I put these to use a couple of times, and definitely feel that their inclusion makes the 80pc set an even better buy than the 51pc set.

When would you use these Torx and hex screwdriver sockets? For one example, image you are trying to loosen up the arbor bolt of a new mini circular saw. You pull out your trusty 4mm hex key, but the factory-tightened bolt refuses to budge. Your hex starts to bend and you fear it’s going to snap. So you reach for a longer hex key, and again, the bolt doesn’t budget/ That’s when it’s time to reach for a bit socket.

Bit sockets come in handy other times, such as in tight working quarters and odd angles, and not just when you need more torque than an ordinarily hex key can provide.

Buy Now(via Sears)

The set is priced at about $100, but if you’re patient you can find it for $80, or $75 after $5-off $50+ coupon SEARS2012, or maybe even less.

P.S. the Torx and hex bit sockets are compatible with pass-thru sockets and standard 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets. If you’re unsure as to whether you need them or not, you can always pick up the 51pc Max Axess set and then a complete pass-thru bit socket set later on.

Thank you to Craftsman for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for benchmark and comparison purposes.