Husky Tool Set vs Craftsman Tools
Today I will be diving into a review of two of the most common mechanical tool sets available on the market today. There are many brands out there and in the end they all do very similar things. But if you look closely there are some big differences and I will go into some depth about what these are.
The two brands I will be looking at are Husky Tools and Craftsman. These are both generally a bit cheaper than some of the very high end tool sets designed to be used constantly by professionals. But they get the job done the same way and will keep you going for 10+ years.
If you are going to be working on your own car, then a good tool set is an absolute necessity. It is better and more economical to buy a full set in the beginning. Waiting till the need for a certain size socket arises and having to head back to the hardware store yet again can become a real headache.
My review of the these products will focus on the most striking features and important key points that will help you buy the best mechanic tool set.
Here’s a breakdown.
Husky Tools has been a leading manufacturer of fine, well made and affordable mechanical tools for your workshop and businesses since its inception in 1924.
It is impressive how Husky products keep on improving quality while their prices remain affordable to the customers.
Currently, Home Depot is the exclusive seller of Husky products; All Husky handmade tools are exclusively manufactured by prime toolmakers in the industry such as Apex, Black and Decker, Western Forge and Iron Bridge.
Product Review
The Husky ¼ inch, 3/8 inch, and ½ inch mechanic tool set is as comprehensive as it comes, everything you need is there for the DIY mechanic or even professional.
This large profile will allow you to handle any fastening or repair project efficiently. You will also have large access to an array of durable and reliable tools that get the job done.
Set Configuration
When it comes to the set configuration, you will find:
- three ¼, 3/8 and ½ inch dr. Quick release ratchets,
- ten standard lengths ¼ dr. 12-pt. Socket,
- 22 standard lengths 3/8 dr. Spark plug socket,
- 23 standard length ¼ dr. 6-pt socket,
- 21 deep ¼ dr. 6-pt.socket,
- 20 combination wrenches,
- to 3/8 dr. spark plug socket,
- 22 standard length 1/3 dr. 12-pt. socket,
- 16 deep 3/8 dr. 6-pt. bit socket and
- 77 other accessories and dr. tools.
Design
Seventy-two of the tooth ratchets only need a 5ÌŠ arc swing to turn fasteners, and the ratchet comes with a quick release button which easily removes the drive tools and sockets from the ratchet.
Sockets and wrenches also feature chamfered lead-ins that aid to provide swift and simple placement into drives and fasteners and designed with off-corner loading.
The latter helps prevent unnecessary rounding of fasteners. Wrenches feature a 15 ÌŠ offset which increases clearance and a stellar 12-point box end design. An extra chrome finish provides extra durability and corrosion resistance.
Finally, special tools like the screwdriver, hex keys and nut driver bits are molded from heat-treated S2 tool steel for increased strength and wear protection.
- Reasonably priced for the set
- Offers durable and strong tools
- Large markings for easy tool identification
- Perfectly Organized
- Ergonomic design
- Sockets don’t slip/strip the fastener
- No batteries required
- Quick release button for easy detachment of sockets and drive tools
- Full polished chrome for enhanced visual appeal
- Lifetime guarantee on Husky products
- Wear and corrosion resistant
- Universal toolset application for home and businesses
- Polished chrome finish may scratch if misused
What are the customers saying?
The 268 piece Husky mechanics tool set is the best to go for if you are looking for durable, good-looking and affordable tools for home or businesses.
The fact that they come in a strong, durable plastic case makes it hard to lose any tool and organization is made easy.
The set is guaranteed to cater to just about any task that needs a speedy repair from the kitchen plumbing, installing a shower head to fixing the sprinklers in the garden.
Craftsman is an American brand currently controlled by Stanley Black and Decker and specializes in a line of hand tools, garden and lawn equipment.
Product Review
The Craftsman 230-piece mechanics Tools include a total of 116 sockets and six wrench combinations which offer both SAE and metric measurements.
The 1/2, ¼ and 3/8 inch drives come fitted with quick release ratchets and two universal joints and extension bars also come with the case.
These screwdrivers are enough to fit perfectly on JIS screws without obliterating them.
Design
The Craftsman tools are molded from durable alloy steel and given a glossy silver finish.
No batteries are needed to power up any tool, but the component grip on the case is poor. Some items may fall apart when opening or closing the case.
However, the Allen keys in the set come packaged in plastic bags that make it difficult to organize when you are in a time crunch.
Conclusively, this is the best starter pack kit for people who are getting into the DIY sector for the first time.
- Features quick release ratchets
- Durable tools
- Better value for money
- Have both SAE and metric measurements
- Rough ratcheting mechanism
- Poor quality case
- Many rotations needed for each click
What are the customers saying?
Craftsman offers a very extensive set and is suitable for anyone using it for outdoor work.
The sockets and wrenches are incredible, and there is a sufficient number of screwdrivers.
However, you will have an issue with arranging the Allen keys in the set and if you open the case the wrong way all the contents will spill out.
For that reason, it is not suitable for someone working under constant pressure.
What to Choose?
From the discussion above, we can tell that Husky has put their best foot forward in the production of high-quality tools.
The attention to detail is not only seen in the tools but also the case that is user-friendly and allows for organization.
Craftsman, on the other hand, fell short when it comes to the casing, and if you are into organization, then you will find the 230 toolset quite frustrating.
However, we can’t dull the shine of Craftsman products from one bad quality that can be improved. Craftsman also shares some similar features with Husky like the quick release button.
Also to consider
DeWalt is an American brand of hand tools and power tools suitable for manufacturing, construction and woodworking industries.
It is traded under the name of Black & Decker and constantly comes new designs for tools to enhance performance in the toughest job conditions.
Product Review
The DeWalt 204 piece tool set is not just an array of tools thrown in by the manufacturer just to wow you.
This tool weighs 26.6 pounds as it includes ¼ inch, 5/32 inch, 3/16 inch, 4 mm to 1 mm and 1/2-inch sockets. The set also comes with different extension bars, specialty bits, drive socket bits, hex keys, and wrenches.
You will be glad to know that the set also has Torx tools and the tools come craftily designed with non-slip knurls on the gripping surface.
You therefore no longer have to complain about a slipping tool when opening a nut.
When you need to remove bolts from an obstructed part, the slim head design on the tools allows them to get the obstructed bolts and loosen them easily.
- Slim head design for accessing obstructed parts
- Durable
- High-quality brand
- Lifetime warranty
- Rapid release button ensures fast attach or detach from a socket
- Non-slip knurls on the gripping surface
- A wide assortment of tools
- The ratchets are heavy
What are the customers saying?
The DeWalt DWMT72165 is a superb set of wrenches and has quite some features that can be found to be appealing to any mechanic.
You are guaranteed to enjoy using the tools for years on end. All the ratchets have a neatly shaped handle and exert fine gearing.
The only problem is how heavy the wrenches feel on the hand.
That may pose a problem for people working in tight clearance areas.
You also need to be careful when opening the case to avoid spilling out all the tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contents:
Do Husky tools have lifetime warranty?
Husky offers a lifetime warranty on their tools. Meaning that no matter what year you bought the mechanical set, if one breaks, you can go back to the shop and ask for a replacement.
Husky’s warranty information stipulates that at its option it will replace, repair or credit the purchase price of its products.
That is if upon examination the products are found to be defective and the product falls in the line of hand tools manufactured as of 2015.
The customer must also have the original receipt to redeem the warranty.
Where are Husky hand tools made?
Husky hand tools were originally made in the United States, but currently, they are made in Taiwan and China.
Leading brands like the western Forge, Apex Tool Group, iron Bridge Tools and Stanley Black & Decker pioneered the manufacturing of Husky tools.
The tools are famously known as the house brand for Home Depot.
Do Craftsman tools have a lifetime warranty?
You get a full lifetime warranty on hand tools, new tape measures (sold after September 2018) mechanical and non-electric automotive tools.
If the preceding products fail to perform for any reason, you can contact the retailer and get a replacement. You do not need to show the stocking retailer a proof of purchase.
Other hand tools like staplers and miter boxes, legacy tape, measures DigiClick Torque wrenches, metal too storage boxes, Versatrack Accessories, and Legacy Corded hand-held power tools only get a one-year limited warranty.
Where are Craftsman tools made?
Craftsman tools are made in New Britain, Connecticut.
A variety of manufacturers come together and collaborate to bring each unit of the products into existence.
They include Stanley, Danaher Corporation, Apex Tool Group, Pratt-Read, Western Forge, Moore Drop Forging and Easco Hand Tools.
Is DeWalt better than Craftsman?
DeWalt and Craftsman are similar when it comes to offering a large set of wrenches and other tools to choose from.
Both manufacturers also offer a lifetime guarantee on their toolboxes. DeWalt, however, beats Craftsman when it comes to offering slim head tools that are what you need to reach obstructed parts that would be otherwise frustrating to access.
DeWalt has also invested in non-slip knurls on gripping surfaces, and that’s what you need for utmost precision when doing your work.
It also saves on time. Where DeWalt falls short of Craftsman is how heavy the wrenches are.
No one wants to work all day with heavy tools that could tire them and potentially harm them if they dropped on their feet.
Where are DeWalt tools made?
DeWalt tools all manufactured in facilities in the United States.
DeWalt also outsources globally manufactured parts from the Czech Republic, China, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
That’s why the products are branded, ‘Built in the USA with global materials.’
Final Word
It is not just professional mechanics who might require the use of a good mechanical tool set. Every home needs a good set of tools to fix all the odd jobs which will inevitably pop up from time to time; fixing that leaking tap or tightening that loose nut on your bike.
Even if the thought of DIY makes you a little uncertain, it is never too late to learn. The internet is a near infinite resource of tutorials which which will show you how to put your new tools to work! There is nothing better than the feeling of accomplishment after fixing something in your house or car that has been bothering you.
My recommendation is to buy the Husky mechanical tool set, it simply gives the best banf for the buck. Alternatively DeWalt is also worth looking at if you do not mind the higher price point that accompanies the extra features.
However, whichever mechanical tool set you choose, all the best in your endeavours!
I have a set of Husky 12 point offset wrenches. They have such a sloppy fit that they are unusable.
I wish I could send them
directly to the factory, so
they could see how cheesy they are.