Craftsman Mobile Mechanics Tool Set

In the realm of automotive and DIY repairs, having a reliable mechanics tool set can make all the difference. Recently, I had the chance to put the Craftsman Mobile Mechanics Tool Set, model CMMT12120, through its paces, and I've come away with quite a mixed bag of impressions.

Design and Portability

The first thing that caught my attention was the tool set’s soft zipper case. It’s designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to carry around, whether you’re working in your garage or heading out for an on-site repair. The case is lightweight, at just under 12 pounds, and has a sleek, low-profile design that theoretically should make it durable and user-friendly. However, in practice, the zipper on the case failed rather quickly, which was disappointing. Given that Craftsman does not offer replacement cases, this was a significant downside.

Components and Build Quality

The set includes 66 pieces, featuring a variety of sockets, ratchets, wrenches, and specialty bits. One of the standout features is the 72-tooth ratchet, which allows for a 5° arc swing. This feature is particularly useful in tight spaces where a full swing is not feasible. The ratchet also has a low-profile head, which is supposed to make it easier to access tight areas. The sockets and wrenches are made of steel and have a full polish chrome finish, which offers some level of corrosion resistance.

In terms of build quality, my experience was quite varied. While the tools initially feel robust and well-made, the socket wrench failed multiple times during use. This was alarming, especially considering the brand's reputation for durability. It’s worth noting that I had to replace the socket wrench not once, but twice, and each time, it failed again after a short period of use. This consistency in failure suggests a potential design or manufacturing flaw.

Performance and Usability

When the tools were functioning, they performed adequately for basic automotive and DIY tasks. The 5° arc swing on the ratchet indeed made working in tight spaces easier, and the assortment of sockets and wrenches covered most of the needs I encountered during my testing period.

However, the frequent failure of the socket wrench severely hampered my overall experience. It’s one thing for a tool to feel good in the hand and another for it to stand up to regular use. The recurring issues with the wrench left me questioning the long-term reliability of the entire set.

Warranty and Customer Service

Craftsman offers a full lifetime warranty on this tool set, which theoretically should provide peace of mind. However, my experience with the warranty process was less than stellar. Replacing the faulty wrench through the retailer was cumbersome, and the lack of support for replacing the failed zipper on the case was disheartening. A full lifetime warranty is only as good as the customer service backing it, and in this case, it fell short.

Value for Money

On paper, the Craftsman Mobile Mechanics Tool Set offers good value for money with its diverse range of tools and the promise of durability backed by a lifetime warranty. In practice, however, the repeated failure of critical components and the lack of adequate support from customer service diminish its overall value. I found myself spending more time dealing with broken tools and warranty claims than actually using the tools for their intended purpose.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the Craftsman Mobile Mechanics Tool Set, model CMMT12120? The answer is a cautious no. While the set has some promising features, such as the compact design and the assortment of tools, the recurring issues with the socket wrench and the unreliable zipper on the case overshadow these positives. Additionally, the cumbersome warranty process and lack of support for the case make it difficult to justify the investment.

For those who are considering this set, I would advise looking into alternatives that offer better reliability and customer support. There’s potential here, but until Craftsman addresses these critical issues, I can’t confidently recommend this tool set for serious automotive or DIY enthusiasts.