Craftsman 1/4 and 3/8 in. drive Metric and SAE 6 Point Mechanic's Tool Set

As a long-time user of various mechanic's tool sets, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Craftsman 1/4 and 3/8 in. drive Metric and SAE 6 Point Mechanic's Tool Set (model CMMT12123). Craftsman has been a staple in the tool industry for years, often praised for its quality and durability. However, my experience with this particular set has been a mixed bag, and I'll break down the positives and negatives to give you a comprehensive look at what you can expect.

Design and Build Quality

First and foremost, the set comes in a durable blow-molded case, which is supposed to make it easy to store and organize the tools. The case itself is fairly robust and does a good job of keeping the tools in place. However, I did encounter some issues with the case's zipper, which unfortunately failed after a few uses. This was disappointing, especially considering the case is meant to protect the tools and keep them organized.

The tools themselves have a full polish chrome finish, which is designed to resist corrosion. This is a great feature, especially for someone who works in a variety of environments where tools can easily get exposed to moisture. The sockets and ratchets feel solid in hand, and the chrome finish adds a touch of professionalism to the set.

Functionality and Performance

One of the standout features of this set is the 72-tooth ratchets, which allow for minimal arc swing. This is particularly useful in tight spaces where you don't have the luxury of a wide swing. The ratchets performed well initially, providing good torque and ease of use.

However, I did encounter significant issues with the durability of the ratchets. Within a short period, the socket wrench failed, and I had to replace it. Unfortunately, this wasn't a one-time occurrence. The replacement also failed after a few uses, and I found myself going through multiple ratchets in a relatively short timeframe. This was highly frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of a project and need reliable tools.

The 6-point sockets are designed to increase torque and reduce the likelihood of slipping, which they do effectively. They fit snugly on bolts and nuts, providing a secure grip. The large markings on the sockets make it easy to quickly identify the size you need, saving time and reducing the hassle of trial and error.

Ease of Use

The set includes a variety of sockets, ranging from 5/32in to 1/2in in SAE measurements, which covers a good range of common sizes you'll encounter in automotive and mechanical applications. The blow-molded case, despite its zipper issues, does a good job of organizing the tools, making it easy to find what you need quickly.

One aspect that could be improved is the inclusion of more pieces. While the set covers the basics, having a few additional sizes or types of sockets would make it more versatile and useful for a wider range of tasks.

Warranty and Customer Service

Craftsman offers a full lifetime warranty on this set, which should provide peace of mind. However, my experience with getting replacements through the warranty process was less than stellar. The process was cumbersome and time-consuming, and I found myself jumping through hoops to get a simple replacement. This detracted significantly from the overall experience and left me questioning the value of the warranty.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Craftsman 1/4 and 3/8 in. drive Metric and SAE 6 Point Mechanic's Tool Set has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, the tools have a good design, with a corrosion-resistant chrome finish and 72-tooth ratchets that allow for minimal arc swing. The 6-point sockets provide excellent torque and a secure fit, and the large markings make size identification a breeze.

However, the durability of the ratchets is a significant concern, as I experienced multiple failures within a short period. The zipper on the case also failed, which was disappointing given that the case is meant to protect and organize the tools. The warranty process, while theoretically reassuring, proved to be more of a hassle than a help.

Given these mixed experiences, I would hesitate to recommend this tool set for professional use where reliability and durability are paramount. For occasional, light-duty use, it might suffice, but there are better options available that offer more consistent performance and reliability. If you're looking for a set that you can rely on for years to come, you might want to consider other brands or higher-end options within the Craftsman lineup.