Craftsman is good value in their higher line. They are bringing in stuff from China that IMHO, is a complete waste of money. Rather than loading up on cheap tools, buy fewer of better quality and build your kit over time. It is more fun this way.

I agree. Go for the best even if it takes a little time to buy all of them. There's nothing worse than needing a tool that just broke because it wasn't made right.

I have been using craftsman for 25 years. I have had to have 3 ratchets rebuilt or replaced for free, but I dont think that is too bad. I would stay away from husky. I'm not sure about Kobalt.

At the very least, spring for the Snap-On end wrenches.
You'll find they get into places where others won't.
Actually, the same goes for sockets too, but the end
wrenches are the most important, (to me). They have
thinner walls and a chrome finish that won't flake
off and will last you a lifetime. But if you are just
an occasional tinkerer, I suppose the price can't be
justified, as they are super expensive, (the salesmen
have to pay for those fancy air conditioned big trucks
they ride around in). Watch for auctions and estate
sales, as sometimes you can find good tools there.

I would watch for craftman sales. You can get alot of tools at reasonable price. I worked with Snap-on, pronto, Blackhawk, craftman, husky, S & K, and others I can't recall for 35 years. When you remove and install about 1000 nuts and bolts a day with air power tools none of them last too long. Before air power tools was available speed handle was the tool of the time. They lasted longer but they still worn out.

As far as home use I dought you would ever wear any brand out Unless you use your racket as a hammer. So IMO it boils down to what you want to spend, fit and finish, and feel. Craftman use to have a good warranty for home use, I'm not familiar with their warranties now being Kmart and Sears is under the same owner.

Supposed to be lifetime - that hasn't changed. My mechanic neighbor next door advised me to just go w/ Craftsman. He said for around the house duties, for my JD tractor, etc. he said Craftsman would do just fine. And if it didn't, I can always return it and get a new part.

Craftsman tools are great for the homeowner. I have several including a 27 year old circular saw and a 24 year old table saw. Just change the blades. I also own several Makita and DeWalt tools.

Watch for sales at Sears, Home Depot and Lowes. Take your time and enjoy the process.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

Speaking of sales, I picked up a real nice DeWalt 12V XPR at Sears for 165 yesterday. The 12V XPR had the same torque as the 14.4V 'non XPR' varieties - Makita and DeWalt alike. I'm pretty happy with it. I got the weight, maneuverability, etc. of a 12V drill w/ the power of a 14.4. Oh, and the XPR includes the all metal high-end transmission. Should last me forever. :) Which, for me, is a good chunk of the purchase process.