Craftsman’s MAX AXESS mechanics tool set features a versatile pass-thru ratchet and socket design. The 51-piece set features full-polish low-profile ratchets, a full set of socket sizes, extensions, and adapters that allow the ratchets to be used with 1/4″ and 3/8″ square drive sockets.
The MAX AXESS system is designed to eliminate the need for deep sockets, and can also be used in certain applications where no 6pt or 12pt sockets can fit, such as when working with threaded rod.
Craftsman MAX AXESS Screwdriver Handle
A hollow-shaft driver handle is also included, and can be used with the 1/4″ go-thru sockets and with or without the 3″ extension to function as a standard or stubby sized screwdriver.
Craftsman’s MAX AXESS ratchets are said to be up to 45% stronger that their most popular ratchets. When asked for clarification, Craftsman got back to us with the model numbers for their teardrop quick-release raised-panel ratchets.
Expect to see these sets on Craftsman.com and at Sears stores around May 2011, with a retail price of $70.
First Impression
I only had a short time to handle the tools, and not in a hands-on testing capacity. That being said, I really liked the design of the ratchets, which look to be heavily inspired by Craftsman’s thin-profile ratchets. The ratchets felt well balanced, and turned easily. The sockets have a nice finish to them, with the metric sockets featuring a ring of engraved lines to differentiate them from similar SAE sizes.
Craftsman MAX AXESS Grooved Metric Socket
Without a doubt, this set is closely modeled after Gearwrench’s Vortex and pass-thru ratchet and socket designs. That’s not a bad thing at all, as Gearwrench’s versions are often highly recommended.
I really think that this set will sell well across the board, and not just as a first mechanics tool set for homeowners and beginner DIYers. Although I already have a full set of sockets and more ratchets and accessories than I really need, I think that the MAX AXESS set would serve as a nice portable or auto tool kit. It definitely helps that the case felt well designed – far better than the junky blow-molded one that came with my Craftsman 94-pc mechanics tool set.
The 51-piece set’s $70 price point also makes it more affordable than Gearwrench’s comparable 46-piece set, which is priced at $85-90 on Amazon. You get a full selection of socket sizes, two ratchets with extensions, a screwdriver handle, square drive adapters, and what I think was a 1/4″ hex bit adapter a 1/4″ to 3/8″ pass-thru adapter (thanks, Brian!).
Check price or purchase via Sears (Normally ~$70, but often on sale)
Photo Gallery:
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- Craftsman MAX AXESS Ratchet Head Opposite Side
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- Craftsman MAX AXESS Screwdriver Handle
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- Craftsman MAX AXESS Grooved Metric Socket
I just curious on ware there made, and do you like the gear wrench version better?
What is the COO?
I can’t really say if I like these better than the Gearwrench until I have another chance to use them, but they should be comparable.
The set I had the opportunity to preview was not yet marked for retail, but I would be shocked if the COO was not Taiwan or China. There is no way that these could be made in the USA for $70 per set.
Those look interesting…
1) What’s the COO?
2) How many teeth?
3) Why would I want this over a ratcheting wrench?
Not sure about you auto mechanics – but plumbers use deep sockets to reach into spaces where a ratcheting box wrench or pass through socket can’t. We even have some extra-deeps (probably originally meant for spark plug wells) to fits some needs.
Picked up the 1/4″ GearWrench sets recently on sale with the intention of finally getting the entire line, this will match my toolbox better, if they can keep enough in stock for me to get one (new premium ratchets, I’m looking in your general direction with that comment).
I like the handle and reverse design from the thin-profile ratchets, that’s something I’ve heard was often disliked about the GearWrench sets.
Does this set cover sizes as well as GearWrench’s line (not just the comparable set, but their full line of pass-through sockets)? That’s a major problem I have with Craftsman’s combination wrench sets when compared with other brands. Left-out sizes, regardless of how rarely they might be found, make a big difference to me in deciding on a purchase.
I have had the gearwrench variety for several years. One of the advantages of the pass-through socket sets is that the thickness of the ratchet w/ socket attached is much less than that of a conventional ratchet, so they are very good for tight spaces. The craftsman design looks very similar to the Gearwrench design- the only big difference I see is that the Gear wrench ratchets have a plastic insert in the handle. The gearwrench ones are very light and the plastic insert makes me think that the handle is not actually solid metal but has some metal removed for cost/weight.
I think the real comparison is not to the amazon offering but to this set:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00930049000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
Which is cheaper and also sold in Sears
Eli, you’ve got a point there. I’ve seen that set a few times but forgot all about it. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sears stores kept both sets available in-store.
I really liked the Craftsman MAX AXESS ratchets, though, and as far as I could tell, they were as solid as their thin-profile ratchets. The original thin-profile ratchets are $75 for a set of three, or $58 for the individual 1/4″ and 3/8″ models. It’s reasonable to assume that the MAX AXESS versions are at least partially responsible for the price premium of the Craftsman set over the Gearwrench one.
Unfortunately, I could not determine the tooth count in the limited time I had with the ratchets, so I can’t say if they’re finer than the Gearwrench versions or not.
@fred, much of the rest of the world uses an extension if it is simply to reach. The pass-thru types do have extensions. (as seen in upper left corner of case)
If there is a long bolt/but combo that REQUIRES a deep well, the pass-thru’s “extensions” are hollow and act as a deep well. As a matter of fact, you could stack a few to create an extra extra deep socket if need be. There are a few times when it won’t work, not the end-all be-all tool for sure.
They appear to have the common danaher “spline” pattern as seen in gearwrench/matco/kobalt versions. Obviously no surprise, but note worthy if you want to interchange drive handles or use various sockets with the gearwrench/matco serpentine tool.
Why can’t I fond this set on sears’ website? Does anyone know if there are larger sockets available for purchase that fit these max axess handles?
The New craftsmen Max Axess ratchet sets will be on sale in the sears store in June 2011
Also they will be online from craftsman .com in June also for $69.99
John, I don’t know about those June dates.
I bought the max axess set in-store on 3/21. I recieved a mailer from craftsman club a week or so ago that said it was on sale for a member price of $59.99 from 3/21-28 in-store or online. Funny, I can’t even find the part number of the set I bought on sears’ web site.
On the other hand, yesterday I bought the gearwrench vortex set for $17 less and it has lerger sockets up to 19mm instead of only 13mm for the max axess set. Oredered online, store pickup an hour later, easy. I’ll return the max axess set unopened.
I was told that the Max Axess sets would be available in May, but it looks like a June release is becoming more likely.
I’m a bit surprised that you were able to find them in-store in late-March, but it seems that limited stock rolled out to stores ahead of time. It is strange that the tools would be available in-store but not online, although this has happened a few times with certain items especially when they’re just released.
The Gearwrench Vortex set is also a nice one, although I can’t help but think it’s never been too popular. Both of my local Sears have had the same 2-3 sets, marked by their torn cellophane wrappers, on their shelves for several years now.
Oh, sorry, It was May 21. The craftsman club said May 21-28 sale. Oops.
Isn’t the max axess just repackaged gearwrench vortex products? maybe sears is just doing a craftsman branded marketing push. The gearwrench vortex set may not have been popular because of limited expandability.
Does anyone know if there’s craftsman or gearwrench extra sockets available?
Gearwrench Pass-Thru sockets are available individually, but I’ve only seen them listed individually at Sears.com.
The Max Axess does look like repackaged Gearwrench, but the ratchets, screwdriver handle, and case are fresh designs. There could be differences with the sockets and accessories as well, but there’s no real way to tell for sure.
The Gearwrench Vortex 49pc kit is an excellent value when they have a half-off promotion. The ratchets in this Craftsman kit look much more comfortable though.
They are made in China. The 3/8″ ratchet is approx. 76 tooth. The 1/4″ ratchet is approx 72 tooth. There is no 1/4″ hex bit adapter, there is a 3/8″ to 1/4″ pass thru socket adapter in addition to 3 square drive adapters 1/4″ to 1/4″ square, 3/8″ to 1/4″ square, and 3/8″ to 3/8″ square.
Thank you Brian for those details!
I bought the Gearwrench Vortex 49pc kit with $24.99 and it works great.
The lowest price of this craftsman set is more than $55. With that price and quality, I prefer gearwrench.
I have this set as well as a similar 1/2 in drive Craftsman ratchet. It appears that these ratchets are built on the same platform as their top of the line ratchets. If you were purchasing the equivalent ratchets with standard 3/8 and 1/4 drives, those alone would exceed the cost of this set. The ratchets definitely exceed my expectations for something in a kit at this price. When wiped clean, they’re like jewelry. They are much nicer than the ratchets that come with the Craftsman standard sets.
Robert
I could have used these sooooo many times. Please pick me!
This would be a great tool set for my husband to add to the few that he has.
What range of sockets does this product have? I need a deep 5/16 socket regularly and am interested in this product.
I would give these to my children to allow them to be able to work with dad
Looks slick! Me want!
I just got the black pass-thru set for Christmas and my only complaint is that these tools are not made in the USA. one of the things I had loved about Craftsman tools is that they were made in the USA and now even Craftsman has outsourced to China.
I just got this set, and I really like it.
BUT, I have one complaint/question.
Can you use this set with an impact drill?
Basically I’m wondering if they make some sort of adapter that can make a standard 3/8′s (&/or 1/4 & 1/2) square head fit into these sockets?
These are hand sockets, and use with an impact driver is not recommended. At the very least it might damage the sockets, at worse it can lead to bodily harm if the sockets fail catastrophically.
In any case, I don’t know of any adapter that makes it so that these sockets can be used with standard square drive tools.
Needed a “special” wrench for adjusting headlights on my wife’s ’04 Grand Marquis. Would have cost $15.00 for a Lisle 14540 Headlight Adjusting Ratchet, or Kastar 5529A 4mm x 4.5mm Ford Headlight Adjusting Wrench. That’s what caused me to ultimately discover the GearWrench Pass-Thru system. Sears actually had them locally in a 49pc kit, item number 00930049000, on sale for $35.00.
The Sears “tool guy” offered to sell me Sears new similar Craftsman kit when I told him I was concerned about future warranty issues. When I told him I needed it to have a 4mm socket, the Craftsman set didn’t even come close. Bought the $35.00 GearWrench kit, which was only double the price of the specialty headlight wrenches, and it did the trick perfectly. Now, I have a full set of very useful Pass-Thru wrenches, SAE and metric, instead of one proprietary headlight adjusting wrench, or limited range Craftsman knock off set.
I’m a believer now. Already purchased a GearWrench 1/4″ (891400), and 3/8″ (893800) Flex Head ratchets to add to my kit. Will no doubt buy the 1/2″ (891226) set in the future.
i wrench on cars, trucks, snowmobiles, atv’s,tractors, ect. ect. more often then not i need a low profile tool for nuts and bolts. a standard rachet and socket won’t work. i could really use a set like this to get me out of a jam. my tool set is a craftsmen set i bought in 1980. thomas linjala
now i read other reviews and see the max access is made in china. not happy! t.l.