I have been keeping my eyes open for a long-pattern flex ratchet for a while. I’m just a DIY’er, so I cannot justify spending big bucks for a brand like Snap-On or MATCO, but I still wanted something USA-made and good quality. I picked up this Armstrong Maxx 11-994 ⅜”-drive ratchet because it appeared to have the specs I was looking for. Plus, it was priced at around $60 (via Harry Epstein), placing it within my budget.

The first thing that struck me about this ratchet is its length; the ratchet is quite long at 11.5 inches.

Taking closer look at the ratchet head, you can see that the joint is held together with an adjustable machine screw. Some people prefer a screw to a pressed pin, as it allows you to tighten the joint if it starts to loosen up. You can also see the locking lever in this picture. You can lock the ratchet head in a total of nine different positions.

The handle has an hourglass shape that fits the contour of your hand. I found it to be quite comfortable.

This ratchet has a 60-tooth mechanism that is held in place with a snap ring. The ratchet head also has a seal around the gear which helps prevent dirt from entering the ratchet.

The mechanism features a single pawl that engages 11 teeth at a time. This is one of the designs used by Apex Tool Group, the parent company of Armstrong. You’ll find a nearly identical design used in other ratchets made by Apex, such as the Craftsman thin-profile ratchets and certain GearWrench ratchets.

The head of the Armstrong ratchet is pretty thin (left), especially compared to another one of my favorite ratchets, the Wright 3490 (right). The Armstrong is about 1 inch thick. At ~1.33 inches tall, the Wright is considerably thicker.

The longer length of the Armstrong ratchet provides extra leverage that allows you to apply a lot of torque when needed. I had no problem removing the lug nuts on my truck, which are torqued to 100 ft-lbs.

The flex-head mechanism comes in handy when you need to access fasteners in tight spaces. I’m not a huge fan of normal flex ratchets without locking mechanisms. I find such ratchets to be too hard to control when I’m really pulling on the handle – a sure recipe for busted knuckles. The locking mechanism on the Armstrong completely fixes that issue. It securely holds the head at the set angle, so you don’t have to worry about the ratchet flexing and slipping when you don’t want it to. You can also unlock the mechanism and use the ratchet like a standard free-flexing head if you prefer it that way.

I used the ratchet while replacing the serpentine belt tensioner on my girlfriend’s VW Beetle. The tensioner is located in a very cramped area in the engine bay of this vehicle, exactly the type of use I bought the ratchet for. The locking flex mechanism made it easy to remove the bolts holding the tensioner to the engine.

The locking mechanism seems quite strong. I was not able to overpower it and slip the joint to the next angle position. A few times I did bump the locking lever on something and unlock the head unexpectedly, but this was a pretty rare occurrence.

The locking mechanism does allow for a small amount of movement back and forth. I made a video to show the movement in the flex mechanism when it’s locked.

At around $60, this is the most expensive ratchet I’ve purchased to date. It has some impressive qualities, including a 60-tooth design, and a sturdy locking mechanism. I think the Armstrong offers a lot of value.  From what I can tell, you’ll likely have to spend considerably more money to find the same quality and features in another brand.

Buy Now (via Harry Epstein Co)
Buy Now (via Amazon)

Comparable locking flex head ratchets

• Matco 88-tooth – $136
• Snap-on FX80 – $133

Note: We searched for but couldn’t find locking flex head ratchets by Blackhawk, Cornwell, Proto, Wright, or Williams.

Ed. Note: Stephen noticed is a bit of play in the flex head, even when locked. We asked Armstrong about this, and they told us that the grooves are machined and that a bit of play is normal. There is a brief discussion about the movements, measurements included, over at the Garage Gazette forum, and it looks like some copies of the ratchet have less play in the joint than the one reviewed. Does a bit of play detract the quality or performance of the ratchet? In our opinion, absolutely not.

Gearwrench is coming out with a whole slew of new low-profile ratchets with 84-tooth gearing. The new models are said to be upgrades from their current 60-tooth ratchets, with the new tooth count providing a 4.3° return swing angle vs. 6°. A Gearwrench rep also makes mention of a 25% increase in strength. This sounds good to us, although we’ve already found Gearwrench ratchets to be quite strong and durable.

We wonder if these new ratchets will be built with the same mechanism as the Craftsman premium ratchets we tested last year. Possibly not, otherwise why take so long to come out with the Gearwrench redesigns?

This also possibly explains the recent fire-sale Sears seems to have had on Gearwrench ratchets, offering huge discounts of 70% and up. If the new ratchets are upgrades, it makes sense that Apex Tool Group/Gearwrench would want to clear out old stock in a hurry.

Also on the way to market are new ratcheting line wrenches and crowfoot wrenches.

Kobalt has come out with a new line of one-size-fits-all universal sockets and wrenches, called Xtreme Access. What’s so special about the Xtreme Access tools? To start, each wrench and socket size has a dual-functional spline profile that fits both SAE inch and metric fasteners. Add on the sockets’ low-profile and go-through design, and you’ve got extreme access capabilities.

There are two 7-piece Xtreme Access wrench sets – metric and SAE. Both wrench sets feature universal combination box ends and differ in that the metric set has metric-sized open-ends and the SAE has inch-sized open-ends.

Each socket and wrench box size fits the following fastener types:

• 6pt (mm)
• 6pt (inch)
• 12pt (mm)
• 12pt (inch)
• spline
• star
• square
• most rounded (damaged)

Plus, the sockets’ pass-through design gives them the reach of shallow and deep sockets. The range includes 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ sizes.

I plan to test one of the pass-through Xtreme Access socket sets in a week or two, and will report back with the results. It will be especially interesting to see how it fares compared to Craftsman’s Max Axess pass-thru socket set.

Buy Now(via Lowes)

Personal Bias and First Impressions

I typically stay away from “universal” type sockets and wrenches. During the winter 2011 holiday season I picked up a Craftsman universal wrench set and a Kobalt Multifit wrench set. The prices were great and I thought that reviews of both sets, and possibly a comparison, would be interesting. However, I never reach for any of these wrenches, and so the reviews have been back-burnered.

What about universal inch-metric combination tools? I absolutely loathe them. Tools like the Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench - which is currently marketed as the Kobalt 15-piece Wrench Multi-Tool - really soured me towards such designs.

First – how many DIYers and homeowners commonly come across 12pt fasteners? Spline? External Torx? Square?

Second – I still cannot see how a combination wrench or socket size can fit any inch or metric fastener all that well. True, paired sizes are not too dissimilar in dimensions, but separate inch and metric tools will always fit fasteners better.

That all said, the new tools do appear to be reasonably well built. Peeking into the 27pc Xtreme Access socket set that our friends at Lowes just sent over, I feel that the tools and accessories are very well designed. The geometries seem well thought out, and unlike other universal tools I’ve seen in the past few years (*cough* Husky Rotary Wrench *cough*), I don’t think that Lowes rushed to bring these tools to market.

I inherently believe that separate tools are best – 6pt sockets and 12pt wrenches in separate inch and metric flavors to be precise – but am surprisingly not as dismissive of the Xtreme Access tools as I expected to be. While I’m not a fan of the universal one-size-fits-all socket design, I’ll still give the set a fair review. I might even pick up or borrow one of the new wrench sets as well.

Update: Quick video review of the 27pc Xtreme Access socket set

Amazon dropped the prices of most Wera Zyklop and Koloss ratchets and ratchet sets over the weekend. We don’t recall ever seeing prices this low. Several extensions and other drive accessories have been discounted as well.

As with other Amazon price-drops, we have no idea if it is temporary unannounced sale or permanent adjustment. Going by the market price of most Wera Zyklop products, our guess is that this is a temporary sale.

Wera Zyklop Sets
Wera Zyklop 3/8″ Ratchet
Wera Zyklop 1/2″ Ratchet
Wera Koloss 1/2″ Ratchet
Wera Zyklop Extensions

We’re not the only ones watching these tool. One of the ratchets sold out a few hours after the initial price drop and is now only available with a 2-4 week backorder.

Felo is not brand I associate with ratchet and socket sets, but I am a pretty big fan of their ergonomic screwdrivers. Felo’s Ergonic screwdriver handles have a plastic core that is surrounded by a cushioning gel-like material, and the other material is soft and rubbery.

So when Felo announced their new R-Go socket sets with Ergonic ratchets, they definitely hooked my attention. It seems that they may have been inspired by the success of Wera’s Zyklop ratchet and socket sets, but it’s hard to say.

There will be four 1/4″ drive sets available in the initial offering.

• Allrounder, which comes with 13 sockets and 15 screwdriver bits
• Bits Universal, which features 30 screwdriver bits
• The Classic, with 13 sockets
• The Problem Solver, with two handles and 6 M-Tec nut drivers

The ratchet features 72-tooth gearing that provides a 5° ratcheting angle, and it is strong enough to handle up to 100Nm (885 lbs-inch) of torque. Felo will offer a 15-year warranty on these new tools.

Felo Ergonic via Amazon

It has not yet been confirmed whether Felo will be offering these in the US market.

Update: it looks like there’s another Felo socket set already on the market, but with the plain/hard style handles.

Wera is usually known for their screwdrivers, but they are no stranger to mechanics tools. In recent years they have come out with their Zyklop ratchets and sockets, Koloss hammer ratchet, and mini ratchet bit driver. Their recent release is a new line of ratcheting wrenches.

Wera’s Joker combination wrenches feature a unique open-end design and conventional uni-directional ratcheting box-end. The wrench design is named after the Joker playing card, given its tendency to increase a player’s chance of winning a card game.

The Wera Joker combination wrench is advertised as being vastly superior to ordinary wrenches. Wera says that the Joker is faster, better, more stylish, and can do a whole lot more.

Wera Joker Wrench Fastener Holding Function

The Joker’s open end features a fastener holding function that somewhat resembles the cap-stop function on some of Gearwrench’s ratcheting wrenches. The fastener holding function means that nuts and bolts can be held in the jaw with a stop-plate for easier positioning. This can potentially reduce the hassle sometimes associated with getting fasteners started.

If you don’t like the idea of a stop-plate, it looks to be removable via a small Torx-head machine screw.

Secure Fastener Grip

In addition to the stop-plate making bolt and fastener installation easier, it also serves to prevent slippage when turning longer fasteners. It is incredibly frustrating to use wrenches on such fasteners where there is no top or bottom reference to keep the wrench in contact.

A ratchet and socket will typically work even better for this type of application, but if you can only use a wrench, the Joker should perform better than traditional designs.

Anti-Slip Double-Hex Open-End Wrench

Instead of parallel jaws, the Wera Joker wrench has a double-hex design, similar to that of a  12pt line wrench, to provide an improved fastener fit. The replaceable stop-plate features hardened gripping jaws that bite into stubborn, rusted, or rounded fasteners.

Very Small Return Angle

The Joker, with its double-hex jaws, has a 30° return angle. This means that the Joker’s open end can be effectively used even in confined areas. A traditional open-end wrench, with jaws angled 15° to the side, has a 60° return angle if used in one direction, and 30° range of motion if you flip the wrench over.

Fine-Tooth Ratcheting Box-End Wrench

Oh yea, and the wrench has a ratcheting 12pt box-end as well. Wera’s product literature and demonstrations minimize this feature, but it’s still nice to see. The fine-tooth ratcheting mechanism features 80-tooth gearing.

Wera Joker wrenches are available in metric sizes 10mm, 13mm, 17mm, and 19mm, and will be sold individually or as part of a 4-piece set.

Thanks to Dana for the emailed tip!

Here’s a nice demonstration video showing the Wera Joker in action:

While Williams and Bahco tools were previously advertised as Snap-on Williams and Snap-on Bahco by many retailers and distributors, the official name change means that such branding has become even more widespread.

Michael Carr, director of sales for Snap-on Industrial, has said that ”by renaming our business unit Snap-on Industrial Brands we are strengthening the direct link between our distribution brands and Snap-on Incorporated, our parent company. Our intention is to accelerate the pace of innovation and new product introductions…”

We’re fans of Williams tools, especially their hard-handle screwdrivers, and own a couple of Bahco tools as well. But this move to rename the Williams and Bahco brands does not sit well with us. And we’re still not thrilled with the random licensed Snap-on tools that have appeared in recent years.

We’ve seen a number of complaints on the web already, where buyers of Snap-on Industrial products appear shocked that they didn’t receive bona fide Snap-on tools.

View “Snap-on Industrial” tools via Amazon

Our warning to watch out for Snap-on Industrial tools is not really a reflection of quality. Although they might not match up with Snap-on tools, their quality may still be quite good. Our concern is that retailers and resellers may accidentally (or “accidentally”) leave off the Williams or Bahco branding.

It is obvious that Snap-on is leveraging their name and reputation to further tap into the consumer tool market. It will be interesting to see what happens in a couple of years.

With Snap-on’s name appearing on professional tools, “industrial” tools seemingly aimed at consumers, and licensed tools and products, will they experience growth or will their reputation be diluted?

Compact Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil

The new compact impact wrench has a 5.7″ length and is fairly lightweight at 3.4 lbs. It’s designed to offer increased speed and extended durability in a compact and comfortable profile. The 3/8″ impact wrench is rated at 1560 in-lbs of torque and can deliver 2700 impacts per minute.

It also features a frameless motor, magnesium gear case, all-metal transmission, and heavy-duty impact mechanism. Three LEDs are arranged around the front of the tool for shadow-less illumination, and a 20-second delay keeps the light on after trigger release.

The release is scheduled for April 2012, and MSRP is $269 for the kit, which includes two 20V Max 3.0Ah batteries with fuel gauges, a fast charger, and kit box. The bare-tool add-on (DCF883B) will be priced at $129.

Premium Impact Wrenches with Pin Detent and Hog Ring Anvils

These premium 1/2″ drive models deliver 300 ft-lbs of torque, meeting the challenge of a wide range of heavy-duty fastening applications. Both wrenches feature a variable speed trigger with electric brakes, 1650 RPM and 2600 IPM motor, LED work light, magnesium gear case, and all-metal transmission.

Users who prefer easier impact socket changes will usually benefit most from the hog ring anvil, and users looking for a more secure socket grip will benefit most from the detent pin anvil.

The kits will be available in June 2012 through industrial distributors, and will include two 20V Max lithium ion batteries with fuel gauge, a fast charger, and kit box, for $329. Bare tools, DCF889B and DCF889HB, will be available separately for $169.

A couple of years ago Craftsman reintroduced the dog bone wrench. Late last year they introduced the universal dog bone wrench. And then there was the ratcheting rotary wrench. Now, Craftsman is introducing the Figure Eight Wrench.

The Craftsman Figure Eight Wrench is available in two versions – metric and inch, with each tool having four box-end sockets. Each end of the tool has two sockets, with each socket covering two sizes via a stepped-box end wrench design. The sockets fold in and swivel out for use.

These box end wrenches feature a universal tooth design, making them compatible with 6pt, 12pt, partially rounded, external Torx, square and spline fasteners.

(UPDATE!) Inch sizes include 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4-in, and metric sizes include 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm, 18mm.

MSRP is $25, model numbers are 32761 (inch) and 32762 (metric), and ETA is Q2 2012.

To be honest, I am not particularly fond of all-in-one wrench designs. But, some homeowners and DIYers seem to like them, and I believe that even some pros like using them for oil changes. To each their own.

While you could just buy one of those all-in-one home tool sets, you get better variety and usefulness if you customize and piece together your own kit. This also allows you to spend more on tools you plan to use frequently and to cheapen out on tools you don’t plan to use as often.

By no means is this an all-encompassing list, but I’ve narrowed it down to the 12 basic and essential tools homeowners and aspiring DIYers should have readily available. Think of it more as the first 12 tools (or tool types) a homeowner should buy. I could have easily expanded the list, but had to draw the line somewhere.

0. Safety Gear – Goggles, Hearing Protection, Gloves

PPE, or personal protective equipment is so essential that it’s number 0 on our list. At the bare minimum you’ll need safety glasses, but goggles offer added protection against chemical splashes. Pick up a box of latex or nitrile gloves to protect against potentially harmful or gross substances. Rugged work gloves are an inexpensive addition to consider, and ear muffs or earplugs protect your hearing when using power tools or noisier kitchen appliances.

Safety goggle recommendations; Hearing protection: Peltor ear muffs

Also worth picking up – a pack of disposable or semi-reusable respirators. Make sure they’re rated N95 or N100, or P95 or P100 for added protection against oil-based aerosols. You only have one pair of lungs!

1. Utility Knife

Utility knives are handy for a wide variety of cutting tasks, and are far better for opening boxes and clamshell packages than cheap paper-cutting scissors. There are plenty of brands and styles available, with basic models priced at $4-7. Tip: be sure to always keep a few replacement blades on-hand.

ToolGuyd Favorites: Stanley QuickSlide (~$12 via Amazon) and Dewalt Folding Utility Knife

2. Tape Measure

Tape measures are especially important for new homeowners and will be heavily utilized when planning out empty rooms. There are many brands, sizes, shapes, and styles available, and it’s okay to start off with a basic model. I recommend starting out with a 25-foot model for home use, and perhaps a small 10 or 12-foot pocketable model to carry when shopping for furniture or room accessories.

Inexpensive 25ft: Stanley PowerLock (~$11 via Amazon); Super-compact: Komelon 10′ ($7 via Amazon)

3. Multi-Bit Screwdrivers

Everyone’s screwdriver needs will be different, but a multi-bit screwdriver is usually a safe bet and can handle most basic tasks. Budget-permitting, a screwdriver set is also a solid investment and usually offers better ergonomics and comfort. There’s also the slightly above bare-minimum combo option: a multi-bit driver plus a quality #2 Phillips screwdriver.

$: Picquic multi-bit ($11 via Amazon); $$: Channellock ratcheting screwdriver; $$$: Wiha 12pc screwdriver set ($55 via Amazon)

Remember, one can never have too many screwdrivers!

3.5 Precision Screwdrivers

Most people neglect to buy precision/jewelers/mini screwdrivers until they really need them, at which point they run out and buy the cheap low-quality sets many retailers insist on pushing. For infrequent use, a 5 or 6-piece set for $5-10 set should suffice.

Trusted brands: Xcelite, Craftsman, Wiha, Wera, Felo, General Tools, Stanley (sometimes), PB Swiss, Moody.

4. Hex Key Set

Two words – IKEA furniture. Sure, a teeny tiny double-ended hex key is included with products that require it, but having full-size hex keys can make ready-to-assemble and knock-down furniture MUCH easier and quicker to assemble. It’s even better if you have T-handle drivers.

If you’re going all-out, ball hex drivers are better for accessing fasteners in tight spots, but straight-hex drivers can handle more torque. Consider buying an all-in-one hex key set for general purpose use and full-size 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm drivers for IKEA assembly and bicycle maintenance needs.

ToolGuyd Favorite: Bondhus ball hex (via Amazon), made in USA.

Tip: You’ll need both inch and metric sizes. Sometimes both sets are sold bundled together.

5. 16oz Claw Hammer + Dead Blow Hammer or Mallet

A 16oz claw hammer is great for driving in smaller nails here and there, and a dead blow hammer is useful for general pounding tasks. And yes, you’ll need both. For the claw hammer, there’s no need for anything fancy – a simple hickory-handled hammer should fit the bill. For the dead blow hammer, a 2 or 3lb model is a good choice, and at least one non-marring face is preferable.

Dead blow hammers can be expensive. If you’re unsure about needing one, consider a non-marring or rubber mallet instead.

Claw hammer: Vaughan or Craftsman; Non-marring: 24oz Vaughan ($20 via Amazon); Dead Blow: Nupla Power Drive ($37 via Amazon)

6. LED Flashlight

Think about a few of the times you may need a flashlight – when the lights go out unexpectedly, when an object rolls under a heavy piece of furniture, or when you hear a ruckus in your yard in the middle of the night. Do you really want to risk your flashlight failing during any of those times? For home use, a 2D or 3D Maglite is harder to lose.

Inexpensive and Trustworthy Favorite: Maglite LEDs ($15+ via Amazon)

7. Adjustable Wrench, Combination Wrenches, Ratchet and Socket Set

At the very least, you’ll need two adjustable wrenches – an 8-inch long model and maybe a 6-inch or 10-inch. Maybe even a 12-inch, but at that point you may be better off with a heavier duty pipe wrench. You can get away from needing longer versions by buying an extra-wide-capacity 8-inch or 10-inch wrench.

Two adjustable wrenches can accomplish a lot – one can hold a hex nut fixed while the other is used to tighten or loosen a hex-head bolt. Beyond adjustable wrenches, consider a adding combination wrenches, which offer greater versatility and improved clearance. A 9-piece metric and 9-piece inch/standard/SAE set should suffice until your needs grow more advanced.

You may not need one right away, but a ratchet and socket set offers even more accessibility options and a speed advantage. Prices range from $20 to $200+, and it’s okay to wait for a good sale to maximize the bang per buck.

Recommendations: Favorite adjustable wrenches; Combination wrenches: Craftsman; Inexpensive ratchet & socket set: Craftsman or Kobalt

8. Pliers and Cutters

This is another big category. To start off with, you’ll need long-nose pliers and either slip-joint pliers or combination pliers. Channellock or tongue-and-groove style pliers are also good to have. If pliers you choose feature built-in cutters, you won’t need a pair of diagonal cutters right away.

Mini bolt or heavy duty utility cutters and a wire stripper or general-purpose electrical multi-tool are also good choices if your budget allows for it.

Recommended brands: Stanley, Channellock and Klein

9. Saw – Hand, Hack, Corded or Cordless

At one point or another, you’re going to need to cut things. There are many, many tools that can handle the job, with new designs coming out every year. If you don’t know what you’ll need to cut, consider a jab saw that accepts reciprocating saw blades, and bundle it with a few general purpose metal, plastic and wood-cutting blades.

Eventually you’ll probably want to pick up a hand saw and hack saw, and possibly even a corded or 12V cordless mini reciprocating saw, like the Bosch pS60. Most basic projects, such as cutting shelves down to size, are best accomplished with a circular saw.

You can hold off on buying a circular saw if you ask the home center or lumber yard to cut your boards down to size before you pay. Most places offer 1-2 free cuts per board, with a marginal fee for additional cuts.

Recommendations: Hand saw: Stanley; Hack saw: Dewalt or Bahco

10. Tool Box

You will need a tool box to help keep everything together. Otherwise, some of your tools will end up in a junk drawer, others will be in the basement, and the rest will be scattered elsewhere. A tool box, even an inexpensive $15 plastic one, will help keep everything in one place. As your tool collection grows, so should the size of your tool box. Alternatively, tool bags often feature a number of pockets and compartments that can help with organization.

Recommendations: Stanley, Keter, Craftsman

11. Cordless Drill Driver + Drill and Screwdriver Bit Set

Cordless drill drivers can be pricey, so it’s okay to wait until you need one to go shopping. Selecting the right cordless drill driver for your needs is a whole discussion in itself, so all I’ll say for now is to stick to reputable brands. Stay away from NiCd if you can help it – you can often find a very good 12V Lithium ion model for the same price as a just-okay 18V NiCd model.

As for drill bits, screwdriver bits and accessories, you get what you pay for. Beware of cheap drill bit sets, especially those by unfamiliar brand names.

General recommendations: Bosch, Dewalt, Kobalt, Makita, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Craftsman Nextec.

12. Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

This is one of those things that you might not think you need until you NEED it. Shop vacuums are great for heavier messes, and when vacuuming up materials that household  vacs simply aren’t designed to handle.

Even an inexpensive shop vacuum will likely last for many years, stretching out its $50-$150 initial investment. As with most things, the more you spend the more you get. Higher-priced vacs come with larger capacity tanks, additional features (e.g. a built-in blower and water drainage valve), larger capacity and longer hoses, more attachments, and longer power cords.

Recommended brands: Shop Vac, Ridgid, Craftsman

PLUS

There are several other tools that, while not as absolutely essential as those listed above, can greatly improve project results or make certain tasks easier to accomplish. At the minimum, I would suggest the following layout tools: 12″ or 16″ combination square with detachable straightedge, 9″ torpedo level, 24″ level and a Speed Square (<$4 via Amazon). And if you’re going to be mounting anything to your walls, you’re going to need a stud finder.

I was going to make these layout tools #11 on the list, but technically you can get around not having them. But how are you going to drill anchor holes for new window shades without a drill?

I Disagree, I Disagree!

I don’t expect everyone to agree with my recommendations and welcome you to share your own opinions in a comment. If you’re a regular ToolGuyd reader, maybe you already have a fully-loaded toolbox. Or maybe it’s half-filled and you’re still building it up piece by piece. Think back – which were the first 12 or so tools that you purchased?

(Remember, our Craftsman Max Axess socket set giveaway ends this Friday. So if you haven’t entered yet, get on over there and do so!)

We’ve been casually testing one of Craftsman Max Axess pass-thru socket sets for a couple of weeks now, and have really grown to like it.

What’s HOT:

• High quality ratchets
• Great build quality all around, perfect finish
• All-in-one system fits in a low-profile carry/storage case that we actually want to keep!
• Ratchets come with adapters for regular 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ sockets
• Pass-thru sockets can take the place of deep sockets, wrenches, or specialty sockets in many cases
• Low-profile ratchet + shallow sockets = great for limited clearance applications
• Compatible with Gearwrench pass-thru sockets, screwdriver bits, and accessories (at least all the ones we tried)

What can be improved:

• What about a 11/32″ socket? (Yes, we’ve got unusual needs)
• Fit of spinner handle could be a little better
• How about a screwdriver bit adapter?

In all, there’s not much to complain about. As you can see, most of our criticisms are trivial. What we would really like to see come out is a smaller kit that includes the 1/4″ ratchet, a bit adapter, a few screwdriver bits and a storage case as nice as the one this set came with. The regular price of $70 is a little steep, but we feel that sale prices of $55-60 make this a great buy.

Buy Now(via Sears)

The Max Axess set is featured on page 5 of Sears’ 2011 Holiday Catalog.

Don’t forget to use coupon code SEARS2011.

Thank you to Craftsman for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.

Sears has dropped the price of this Craftsman 118pc dual-marked mechanics tool set to $70 from its regular price of $100. Today’s online-only 15%-off discount takes another $9.75 off the price. Follow-up with a SEARS2011 coupon code, and another $5 drops off the price. Final price is then $55.24 if you select in-store pickup.

Buy Now(via Sears)

This set was a $50 DoorBuster on Black Friday at Sears, and is still an incredible deal at $55. You get 10 metric ratcheting wrenches (6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18mm), and 10 inch sizes (1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16 and 3/4 in.)

These are not available for shipping, but if they’re still in stock in your area, you can opt for free in-store pickup.

Use coupon SEARS5OFF50 or SEARS2011 to drop the price from $60 to $55.

Buy Now(via Sears)

Sears has offered to give away a Craftsman MAX AXESS socket set to one lucky ToolGuyd reader! To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below. Your comment can be about what you would use it for, who you would give it to, or about your favorite hand tools.

To double your chance to win, peek into this year’s Sears holiday tool catalog, browse around, and tell us in a comment about any tool or tools that catch your interest.

You may combine your two entries into a single comment, or comment right away to submit your first entry and come back later to comment again after you browse through the catalog.

A winner will be selected at random on Dec. 9th. 2011. Only those with contiguous USA addresses will be eligible to win.

Thank you to Sears for sponsoring the giveaway! Here’s a summarized recap about how things went down:

Sears: Hey ToolGuyd, did you check out our holiday tool catalog?
ToolGuyd: Yea, it’s totally awesome! We told all our readers about it when it first came out!
Sears: Oh, cool! What did you like most?
ToolGuyd: Definitely the new Craftsman hand tools and Nextec 12V cordless tools, as well as a couple of the other brands’ new products.
Sears: Glad to hear it! We love your readers and really want to show it. How about a giveaway?!
ToolGuyd: Sounds good! We think that the Craftsman MAXX AXESS set would be a hit with our readers!

Tool/prize info via Sears

Kobalt’s new Crossform wrenches are ergonomic “twisted” style wrenches that bear a strong resemblance to Gearwrench’s X-Beam and Craftsman’s CrossForce designs. Compared to standard wrenches, these types offer wider, more comfortable areas to apply pressure with your palms.

The downside is that these wrenches tend to be a little larger and bulkier than conventional wrenches. Still, we can overlook a little extra bulk means an easier time tightening and breaking loose fasteners.

The SAE set includes 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, and 3/4″ wrench sizes, and the metric set includes 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, and 18mm wrench sizes. Both 8-wrench sets are now priced at $25 each, but they were previously priced at $80.

Buy Now(SAE via Lowes)
Buy Now(Metric via Lowes)