Posted: 5/8/2026 6:30:46 PM EDT
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I have the same small craftsman mechanic set I’ve had since I was a teenager and I’m looking to buy an all new set. I’ve got my boxes now it’s time to fill them. I’m torn between tekton and harbor freight icon for the sockets, ratchets, torx bit, and wrenches. I’m a bit more open on the screw drivers, pliers, and Allen wrenches. I’m a hobbiest but I want a complete set because why not. |
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OK, USA
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I have a 6' tall craftsman tool chest/cabinet full of craftman & snap-on sockets/wrenches etc. But I've got hf pittsburg 225 mech tool sets in my trucks & assorted stanley and husky. 130 tool set in my woman's vehicle. Figure they're lifetime warranty, fairly durable and so far gtg, plus priced cheap enough with sale & itc coupons. Got a few quinn & icon tools too. |
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Both good choices. Buy the best value and most convenient to purchase. I have all Wika sockets in my main box and Tekton ratchets I went all metric so I don't need any standard sockets. I retired my old mismatched high mileage things from the shop to the back yard tool box. |
Preferred pronoun: MARINE
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Crafstman were the go to at one point in time , they were decent tools with a great warrantee. That is all in the past. I like Husky (home Depot) . Actually pretty good tools with a true no BS warrantee. No paperwork or other BS , just bring any Husky hand tool that you don't like to any HD and they will hand you a new one and smile as you walk away, If they don`t have the exact replacement in stock they will give you a better one. Working out of your garage or on the road working you are likely closer to a HD than any other place. Tool sets usually go on sale for a pretty good discount for fathers day and black friday/Cristmass. I personally like the feel of the Husky Ratchets and wrenches also. I have a bunch of the Husky stuff and have not had to return much but it is nice to know HD stands behind their stuff in a way that is handy and easy to me. |
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I'm not a professional mechanic, but I do wrench on my cars, tractor, do shit around the house, etc. As much as I'd like to dump on them, I've never broken a HF tool - Icon, Pittsburgh or otherwise. Icon is good shit. |
Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it.---John Adams
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Originally Posted By nhsport: Crafstman were the go to at one point in time , they were decent tools with a great warrantee. That is all in the past. I like Husky (home Depot) . Actually pretty good tools with a true no BS warrantee. No paperwork or other BS , just bring any Husky hand tool that you don't like to any HD and they will hand you a new one and smile as you walk away, If they don`t have the exact replacement in stock they will give you a better one. Working out of your garage or on the road working you are likely closer to a HD than any other place. Tool sets usually go on sale for a pretty good discount for fathers day and black friday/Cristmass. I personally like the feel of the Husky Ratchets and wrenches also. I have a bunch of the Husky stuff and have not had to return much but it is nice to know HD stands behind their stuff in a way that is handy and easy to me. Even a tool from a set. I had a 3/8 ratchet from a set go bad. I took it to customer service and told them it was from a set. The lady told me to go get the closest length replacement. |
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I recently replaced all my sockets. I went with Tekton. I only use 6 point sockets unless I need a 12 point socket due to limited area to work or if it’s a 12 point bolt. Tekton sells a very complete 6 point socket set in 1/4-3/8-1/2 inch drive. I have standard and metric as I use both regularly. I like their trays that hold the socket rails. I also added a row of shallow 1/2 inch 12 point sockets and deep 3/8 inch 12 point sockets in standard and metric Quite happy with the Tekton sockets. I use mostly Gearwrench 90T ratchets. Very happy with Tekton and would comfortably recommend them for both homeowner or professional use. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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Originally Posted By ColtRifle: I recently replaced all my sockets. I went with Tekton. I only use 6 point sockets unless I need a 12 point socket due to limited area to work or if it's a 12 point bolt. Tekton sells a very complete 6 point socket set in 1/4-3/8-1/2 inch drive. I have standard and metric as I use both regularly. I like their trays that hold the socket rails. I also added a row of shallow 1/2 inch 12 point sockets and deep 3/8 inch 12 point sockets in standard and metric Quite happy with the Tekton sockets. I use mostly Gearwrench 90T ratchets. Very happy with Tekton and would comfortably recommend them for both homeowner or professional use. |
Tom Sawyer.
"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
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Newer Craftsman V-series tools are actually OEM'ed by Facom (French company) and most are made in Taiwan. Excellent tools and value. I bought some V-series combination wrenches (Made in Taiwan), and they are the exact same as my Facom combination wrenches except for the finish and markings. I'm extremely happy with them considering what they cost, and they come with a VERY nice wrench holder, so they now live in my truck kit. Going to get the SAE set too since they are so great and much cheaper than the Facom branded ones. There are some really nice looking Craftsman V-series socket sets as well. Maybe not ideal for building out a full set in a tool chest drawer, but a great option for a compact travel kit. They also appear to be the exact same as the Facom branded equivalent sets. Just a lot cheaper and available on Amazon or eBay. Again, a really smart Facom-designed case is included:  |
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Originally Posted By tortilla-flats: Yep. I really like Icon, but Tekton has a far more complete set of sockets. Honestly I think that’s why I bought Tekton. Both brands have a good reputation. But, I’m one of those weird people who like “no skipped sizes” sets. It’s weird and stupid. But, skipped sizes annoy me. And, once in a LONG while, I need one of those odd sizes. I bought mine through Lowe’s because they have the same price as Tekton on their website site but Lowe’s gives me 10% off and free shipping. The whole set was $605 when I bought it but has since gone up to $675. Here is the link to the one I have. I purchased the 12point sockets separately. I just bought what I have most commonly needed in 12 point sockets. I rarely use them but when you need 12 point sockets, nothing else will work. I’m very pleased with Tekton and would recommend them without reservation. Snap On makes great tools but that socket set from Snap On would be many thousands of dollars. Even a professional mechanic who works on equipment or vehicles full time probably can’t afford that size of a set from Snap On. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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I have Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. I started with a small set of Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches when Gearwrench was the main player in ratcheting wrenches. They aren’t any longer but since I already had them, I rounded out my collection with more Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. I don’t think they are the “best” but they work well for me. My non ratcheting wrenches are Husky from Home Depot. Again, I don’t think they are the “best” but I think they are an excellent value for the money. I like Craftsman screwdrivers. I just like the acetate handles. Maybe it’s sentimental. I like the color difference between phillips and flat and I like how they feel in my hands. Lots of people don’t like acetate handle screwdrivers so buy what you like. Icon makes some nice pliers and I have a few different ones they offer. Most of my ratchets are Gearwrench. I like them. I did have some issues with a 1/4 drive ratchet so I ordered a rebuild kit from Amazon and replaced all the internals. Works fine now so maybe I just had a defective one. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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Originally Posted By ColtRifle: Honestly I think that’s why I bought Tekton. Both brands have a good reputation. But, I’m one of those weird people who like “no skipped sizes” sets. It’s weird and stupid. But, skipped sizes annoy me. And, once in a LONG while, I need one of those odd sizes. I bought mine through Lowe’s because they have the same price as Tekton on their website site but Lowe’s gives me 10% off and free shipping. The whole set was $605 when I bought it but has since gone up to $675. Here is the link to the one I have. I purchased the 12point sockets separately. I just bought what I have most commonly needed in 12 point sockets. I rarely use them but when you need 12 point sockets, nothing else will work. I’m very pleased with Tekton and would recommend them without reservation. Snap On makes great tools but that socket set from Snap On would be many thousands of dollars. Even a professional mechanic who works on equipment or vehicles full time probably can’t afford that size of a set from Snap On. No skips was the reason I bought Tekton as well. We’ve used them fairly heavily over greatly last 3 years and so have no complaints. |
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Originally Posted By Handydave: No skips was the reason I bought Tekton as well. We’ve used them fairly heavily over greatly last 3 years and so have no complaints. I know some people will think that reason is silly….and it probably is. But, it annoys me. And every so often I need an unusual size. Had to use an impact recently on a nut. Size was large but not a common size and an impact socket wouldn’t fit due to thicker side walls. I also needed a deep socket for that nut. I try not to use non impact sockets on impact wrenches. But sometimes exceptions must be made. Worked great. I bought Tekton first because they have a good reputation and second because of the complete sets. I have a US General 54 inch gen 3 roll around and they fit perfectly inside the top drawer. Actually looks pretty impressive when you open the drawer. I wanted to put metric on the left and standard on the right with ratchets and extensions in the middle along with specialty sockets. With the additional 12 point sockets there isn’t enough room in the center for all my ratchets and extensions so I had to use a lower drawer to store the ratchets, extensions, and torque wrenches. The 18 inch Tekton socket trays fit snug but perfect in the toolbox drawer. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
| I use a mix of Icon and Pittsburg for impact sockets. I don’t think there is a substantial quality difference between Icon and Pittsburg impact sockets so just go with Pittsburg. I’ve used them fairly heavily and my most heavily used sockets are still working great. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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Originally Posted By tortilla-flats: Yep. I really like Icon, but Tekton has a far more complete set of sockets. Originally Posted By tortilla-flats: Originally Posted By ColtRifle: I recently replaced all my sockets. I went with Tekton. I only use 6 point sockets unless I need a 12 point socket due to limited area to work or if it's a 12 point bolt. Tekton sells a very complete 6 point socket set in 1/4-3/8-1/2 inch drive. I have standard and metric as I use both regularly. I like their trays that hold the socket rails. I also added a row of shallow 1/2 inch 12 point sockets and deep 3/8 inch 12 point sockets in standard and metric Quite happy with the Tekton sockets. I use mostly Gearwrench 90T ratchets. Very happy with Tekton and would comfortably recommend them for both homeowner or professional use. Icon: 5mm-14mm Tekton: 4mm-15mm In fact, it was the 1/4" drive, 15mm socket that got me looking at Tekton in the first place. Within the 1/4" & 3/8" drive sets, all the Tekton sets have a greater range than the Icons. I also prefer the Tekton 1/4" drive socket/bit handle. |
Tom Sawyer.
"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
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Originally Posted By tortilla-flats: I just want to clarify one thing here. Icons don't have skips either. Tekton has an expanded range for their sets. For example, in 1/4" drive, metric... Icon: 5mm-14mm Tekton: 4mm-15mm In fact, it was the 1/4" drive, 15mm socket that got me looking at Tekton in the first place. Within the 1/4" & 3/8" drive sets, all the Tekton sets have a greater range than the Icons. I also prefer the Tekton 1/4" drive socket/bit handle. Tekton definitely has expanded range of sizes for sure compared to most other brands. You can get those additional sizes in other brands but you typically have to order them separately. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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If you have a HF nearby, it’s hard not to go Ikon. I was in my local store yesterday. A female diesel mechanic was in line behind me. She was a roadside service tech replacing a big Ikon 1/2 drive ratchet because she left her last one in a truck she serviced. Something something about not having to wait on the tool truck to show up later this week and can get a replacement 7 days a week. And a hell of a lot cheaper with the same warranty. |
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I work on cars every week. My daily use socket set is still the same craftsman set that I got 35 years ago. For my impact sockets, I have a mix of Pittsburgh and Tekton. My ratchets are primarily gear wrench and the craftsman from the original set I use a harbor freight half inch ratchet that is extendable anytime I need a half inch socket and that thing is awesomeAttached File |
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When I set up my US General 5-drawer cart last year, I splurged and went full Tekton on sockets. I've got various ratchets from Snap-on, Icon, Quinn, Pittsburgh Pro, SK, Gearwrench, Koken, Tekton, Ace... A minor addiction, I guess. For wrenches, some people hate 'em, but I like Craftsman's older US-made stuff for general use. Already had some, so I filled out the collection with more in metric & SAE from Ebay. Screwdrivers are all over the place - Tekton, PB Swiss, Klein, Channellock, Felo, Wiha, Icon, Doyle, Craftsman.... Another minor addiction. Pliers and such are a mix of Knipex, Channellock, Vise Grip, Malco Eagle Grips, Knipex, Wilde/Proto/Tekton. I've got other various sets of sockets and wrenches and screwdrivers scattered around for the truck, junk drawers, etc. In the truck, I have a full metric set of Tekton wrenches and older US-made Craftsman metric sockets. The 5-Drawer Cart:       My other Sam's Club Seville misc/overflow cart:      |
BTW, Tekton is nice in that you can order individuals of everything. You also get monetary rewards you can apply to your next purchase. They also ship quick, and while I haven't needed it, I've heard nothing but good about their warranty. Granted, you're not running down to the store in the middle of a project to replace something with Tekton, but that's why we all have multiples of everything, right? 
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Originally Posted By CPshooter1: Newer Craftsman V-series tools are actually OEM'ed by Facom (French company) and most are made in Taiwan. Excellent tools and value. I haven't seen a craftsman clearances at Lowe's since then (they used to do it all the time), but keep an eye out and the prices can be too good to pass up. The v series ratchets are weird because they don't have a button to release the socket, the detent ball is simply spring loaded. Never seen that before and I don't like it, but so far it hasn't been a problem and they are otherwise very nice. If I were buying whole sets new I think it would be very difficult to beat Icon if you wait for a coupon/sale. My only complaint about them is that you can't buy individual wrenches/sockets. |
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Originally Posted By ColtRifle: I have Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. I started with a small set of Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches when Gearwrench was the main player in ratcheting wrenches. They aren’t any longer but since I already had them, I rounded out my collection with more Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. I don’t think they are the “best” but they work well for me. My non ratcheting wrenches are Husky from Home Depot. Again, I don’t think they are the “best” but I think they are an excellent value for the money. I like Craftsman screwdrivers. I just like the acetate handles. Maybe it’s sentimental. I like the color difference between phillips and flat and I like how they feel in my hands. Lots of people don’t like acetate handle screwdrivers so buy what you like. Icon makes some nice pliers and I have a few different ones they offer. Most of my ratchets are Gearwrench. I like them. I did have some issues with a 1/4 drive ratchet so I ordered a rebuild kit from Amazon and replaced all the internals. Works fine now so maybe I just had a defective one. I have been watching for Gear Wrench stuff to go on sale and getting some GOOD deals on good tools. As for small sets to keep in the cars & trucks, Amazon sells some sets that fit the bill NICELY and don't break the bank either. 
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I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them
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Originally Posted By Hillbilly69: I have been watching for Gear Wrench stuff to go on sale and getting some GOOD deals on good tools. As for small sets to keep in the cars & trucks, Amazon sells some sets that fit the bill NICELY and don't break the bank either. I agree. Some of the Amazon tools aren’t too bad. Not my first choice but for something to keep in a vehicle that you won’t cry about if they get stolen, they are pretty good. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
|
Originally Posted By ColtRifle: Honestly I think that’s why I bought Tekton. Both brands have a good reputation. But, I’m one of those weird people who like “no skipped sizes” sets. It’s weird and stupid. But, skipped sizes annoy me. And, once in a LONG while, I need one of those odd sizes. I bought mine through Lowe’s because they have the same price as Tekton on their website site but Lowe’s gives me 10% off and free shipping. The whole set was $605 when I bought it but has since gone up to $675. Here is the link to the one I have. I purchased the 12point sockets separately. I just bought what I have most commonly needed in 12 point sockets. I rarely use them but when you need 12 point sockets, nothing else will work. I’m very pleased with Tekton and would recommend them without reservation. Snap On makes great tools but that socket set from Snap On would be many thousands of dollars. Even a professional mechanic who works on equipment or vehicles full time probably can’t afford that size of a set from Snap On. I like no skips because I can glance at my socket holders and instantly see if any are missing. I don't care if I never use the odd size sockets. OTOH, I am not OCD at all. Between my 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4 deep, standard, impact, swivel and shallow sets, my socket holders probably contain over a dozen different brands, with many sets containing mixed sockets. I know I have Husky, Craftsman, Icon, Duralast, Tekton, Gear Wrench, Kobalt, Capri, Power Torque, SK, Snap-on, Wright, Bonney, Proto, a couple of odd Chinese letter-salad brands from Amazon, and of course some unbranded sockets. The only sockets I have ever cracked were late 1970's no-name imports that were complete shit. Even then, I broke them beating on breaker bars with a hammer. I am blessed to not live in the rust belt though. |
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Originally Posted By 545days: I like no skips because I can glance at my socket holders and instantly see if any are missing. I don't care if I never use the odd size sockets. OTOH, I am not OCD at all. Between my 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4 deep, standard, impact, swivel and shallow sets, my socket holders probably contain over a dozen different brands, with many sets containing mixed sockets. I know I have Husky, Craftsman, Icon, Duralast, Tekton, Gear Wrench, Kobalt, Capri, Power Torque, SK, Snap-on, Wright, Bonney, Proto, a couple of odd Chinese letter-salad brands from Amazon, and of course some unbranded sockets. The only sockets I have ever cracked were late 1970's no-name imports that were complete shit. Even then, I broke them beating on breaker bars with a hammer. I am blessed to not live in the rust belt though. The mix of sockets would annoy me. Doesn’t mean I do better work than you though! With my organization method I can spot missing tools at a glance too. I really like it. I got a Craftsman set from my parents in maybe 1990 or so. I did crack a few of the sockets, not abusing them either. I don’t think that generation of Craftsman was good quality. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt