I recently posted about a Gearwrench mechanics tool set that comes packaged in a precut foam tray (it’s also on sale right now at Home Depot), and have since discovered two new Husky tool sets.
I’ve actually known about the new Husky sets for a couple of weeks, and have been waiting for them to go on sale, and they have!
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I reviewed a Husky 3pc ratchet set a few months ago, and it arrived in a neat foam tray. It looks like the new sets feature the same type of foam tray, with a foam base that hugs your tools and a smooth top surface for easy cleaning (and presumably aesthetics – it looks great!).
Husky 70pc Mechanics Tool Set in EVA Foam Tray
First up, here’s the new Husky 70pc mechanics tool set, featuring 3/8″ and 1/4″ tools, sockets, and accessories.
This is more of a beginner’s tool set, as it comes with hex keys, and it has a sub-$50 price tag.
You get all-6pt sockets, with mostly shallow sockets and a couple of deep sockets as well.
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Here’s a full list of what you get – 2 ratchets, 42 sockets (22 1/4″, 20 3/8″), 14 hex keys, a single extension, a 1/4″ bit driver, and 10 screwdriver bits.
The set includes SAE socket sizes 5/32″ through 13/16″ and metric socket sizes 4mm through 19mm (with no skips). If you’d like specifics, refer to this PDF for a rundown of the sizes.
Price: $45
Husky 144 Position Ratchet and Drive Accessory Tool Set
If you’re all set on sockets, Husky also has a 22pc 144 position ratchet and drive accessory set, priced at $89.
The 144 position ratchets have an ultra-narrow minimum swing arc of just 2.5°. These appear to be the same ratchets I previously reviewed.
In addition to the 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ ratchets, you also get 2 bit adapter sockets, 10 different extension bars, 4 size adapters, and 3 universal joints.
Here’s the PDF with specifics.
According to the spec sheet, and from the product imagery, it appears that all of the 10 extensions are wobble extensions. I find this interesting because most starter sets give you straight extensions. Are all of these wobble-style extensions (which do come in handy!) to ensure minimal overlap if you’re upgrading from or adding to an all-in-one type of starter set?
You also get a flex extension, which seems like it could be handy. I don’t think I have one yet.
Price: $89
Here’s the thing… the 3pc ratchet set is typically $70 at Home Depot, which is a decent price for a set of 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ fine-tooth or fine-position ratchets. For $19 more, you get 2 bit adapters, 10 extensions, 4 size adapters, and the 3 universal joints.
This seems like a good deal.
Reminder: Husky has a lifetime no-questions-asked and no-receipt-needed warranty on hand tools.
Thoughts?
Quite a few readers expressed interest in mechanics tool sets that are bundled with foam trays instead of the traditional (and practically useless) blow-molded cases.
What do you think about these new Husky options?
What would you like to see in a different set or configuration?
Jared
I am very excited!
A foam tray is WAY more appealing than a plastic case. It’s a real value-add in my opinion. If you look at the cost of buying foam to DIY it – or especially if you pay for custom, it ends up being a significant portion of kits like these (not to mention the hassle).
It is very nice to work out of foam too, where everything has a place – easy to find what you need and keep track of everything for cleanup.
I hope this becomes commonplace for mechanics tools. I will pay more for it – and even consider buying tools I already own just to have them set up in foam.
“What would you like to see in a different set or configuration?”
Instead of “complete” sets, I really want separate components done up like this. E.g. sell me socket sets individually – e.g. a set that’s just 3/8ths metric shallow, 1/2″ metric deep 6-pt, etc. Perhaps a set of screwdrivers, a bit-socket assortment, locking pliers, etc. Make each of the smaller components a common length so I can line up 3-4 in a drawer.
I have a ridiculous number of premium ratchets. It makes no sense for me to buy more. I am also not interested in insert bits or hex keys… but if I can find “add ons” done up in foam? I am there!
Matt the Hoople
Plus one on the last two paragraphs. I think back to the plastic trays that snap on sockets used to come in. A rectangular tray containing sockets side by side. They were rectangles barely bigger than the sockets themselves with the sizes clearly labeled in a contrasting color. You could fit a bunch of those trays in a drawer in any configuration you’d like.
Give me rectangular foam trays in modular sizes that I can arrange any way I want and I would buy in.
I also like the Milwaukee 1/4 and 3/8 metric and SAE pack out set just because of the socket trays and the separate tray for the ratchets. They are rectangular with very little wasted space.
Matt the Hoople
One other thought… the other day I stumbled across a website for Teng Tools. ( https://tengtoolsusa.com/collections/foam-tool-organizer-tray-system ). I know absolutely nothing about them and have no idea if they are any good. They are a bit pricey in my opinion.
Their tools all come in modular foam organizers that I think sets a standard that all the big name brands should follow.
Again, I know nothing about them but would be interested in learning more like COO, quality and such if anyone has experience with them.
Mac
Check out You Tube channel Junkyard Digs. He hawks their tools. Looks like good stuff…just more than I would spend.
Jared
Those sets do look nice. Yikes that’s expensive though. I’d need to be convinced those tools were worth the premium. I’m more familiar with Proto, Williams, Bahco, and other industrial brands.
Teng’s satin chrome finish doesn’t really appeal to me either.
GML
I’m surprised you didn’t mention the lifetime warranty on Husky hand-tools. That makes them even more appealing. I love the foam tray.
Stuart
You mean the no-questions-asked and no-receipt lifetime warranty on hand tools? =)
It seems redundant to add it in with every post, but you’re right – I’ll add a note at the bottom. Thanks!
GML
There can never be too much redundancy Stuart? Right? Am I right?
Patrick
There can never be too much redundancy Stuart? Right? Am I right?
🙂
PETE
There can never be too much redundancy Stuart? Right? Am I right?
Kizzle
There can never be too much redundancy Stuart? Right? Am I right?
Joe Hanson
I’d rather they didn’t waste so much space with placing the hex keys in the middle of that corner. I get they are trying to make it look complete and visually appealing but even a cutout with a label that says “Extra Storage” with the hex keys in a more efficient spot would be nice.
Julian Tracy
I was just going to comment the same thing: the ridiculous amount of space dedicated to those two crappy Allen key sets…
Frank D
Not bad, apart from the throwaway hex keys and bits counting as 21 items.
James
This sort of thing has been growing massively in Australia for years.
Kincrome currently have a tool kit with 21 EVA trays:
https://www.kincrome.com.au/dominator
Les
Lowes also has a Kobalt Variant of just the trays and trays plus tools:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Eva-Foam-5pc-Tool-Storage-Drawer-Liner/1001035620
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-300-Piece-Standard-SAE-and-Metric-Polished-Chrome-Mechanics-Tool-Set/1000251051
Mike
I bought this set and I love it. But I am looking for a toolbox that will hold just the set, unsuccessfully. Anyone point me in the right direction?