Best Mechanic's Tool Set Under $100? Part 1 2021 Craftsman VS Husky

[@projectkarr]

Part 2 now up which includes the kobalt 232 piece set and Pittsburgh 301 piece set.

[@dillonkoch72]

I still have my original craftsman 215pc tool set when sears was still around its us made I haven't broken anything in it in have added an additional 600pc. They are close to 10 years old

[@sethminskey]

Amen 🇺🇲

[@GK-xk6uo]

How much you want

[@ryanconway7745]

You have the Good tools made in the USA!! Modern crapsman suck !!

[@GK-xk6uo]

@@ryanconway7745 I have the 282 piece gunmetal chrome set by craftsman no complaints on the tools just the organizer they come with suck but the gunmetal chrome are made in Taiwan so that's better than china at least lol

[@ryanconway7745]

@@GK-xk6uo there definitely still good tools just not what they used to be .. guess I'm more upset they stopped making them here .. I've had a couple of there new ratchets poor casting quality compared to the good days .. also broke a bit easier but twain is definitely better then China!! I'm also talking the basic tools I can't say I've used any new pro products

[@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm]

I’m glad you called out the filler stuff. That’s something the average tends to miss, I know I used to do it: go to the store, see three sets priced at $100 and go with whichever had the highest count. That first Craftsman set should have filed down the bits and those stubby Allen wrenches, then replaced them with combination wrenches up to 19 and 3/4. This was very helpful since I’m wanting to get my brother a set. I’m tired of going to his house to help with something, asking for , and he doesn’t have it. Or he has the socket, but not the right drive size ratchet lol.

[@Luigiz28]

I have the Versastack Craftsman set. Got it last year BF for $99. I use it all the time and love convenience of being able to attach it to my Versastack rolling tool cart. Only downside if the drawers get stuck sometimes but that's not s big deal.

[@projectkarr]

Lowe’s now has the Craftsman 216 piece set on sale for $99. Also one correction, the husky set is boxed and shipped from mainland China using some materials from Taiwan. That’s according to that packaging.

[@2hotscottpro]

8-15 without 9 sucks,,,,bad deal

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Wish someone would just make sets without all the mixed up skipping of sizes

[@projectkarr]

@@STREETFIGHTER50 that’s one of the reasons I went with Tekton for all my hand tools at home. No skips in any of their sets.

[@pacientezero777]

True, recently I bought a husky set from HOMEDEPOT and it has more of 5 rusty sockets. Bad quality sockets

[@sethminskey]

@@pacientezero777 no shit? That sucks

[@gregblau8082]

That second craftsman set has more useful tools than bigger one does without the filler and a nice compact case

[@tryhardnation144]

I picked up the Husky 290 set last year during black Friday sales and It hasnt been a disappointed. The latches are poorly made but the sockets can take a beaten. I only have broken one socket and HD warranty it without any questions being asked. Plus the set carries basically everything you going need to do basic maintenances on your vehicle.

[@BURNETTWEALTHGROUP]

Believe it or not but I never lose that mat. When I take it out I always lay a tool on top of it so it doesn’t blow away.

[@Forged407]

I have the husky 250 peace set, i love it so far. Have done brake pads, oil change, transmission oil change, rear diff fluid change, removed bumper and intakes and installed dual cold air intakes, strut bar and other miscellaneous things. Ive had to maybe buy a few things but I think its a great kit. If i could go back I would get the 290 count box from husky. I believe that kit has clamps that hold the bottom drawers in. In addition the drawers on the husky are hard to pull out at first but after some use, i notice they got a lot easier to pull out.

[@projectkarr]

That’s awesome you’ve had good real world use with no issues. I believe you’re right about the 290 piece and the clamps for the drawers. Thanks for the info on your experience!

[@pdubsweir3]

Fantastic and thoughtful review. I finally got the 216 piece versastack kit based on your review, plus i love the idea that you can add extra drawers in the future by adding an additional 2 drawer versastack module. Thanks for making great content with great insights.

[@deathmine474]

Great review, i would really be interested in watching a break down of the more portable sets. Like the ones you keep in your truck or boat. Trying to decide which one to purchase but like you stated they have lots of fillers sometimes.

[@MasteringMayhem]

I appreciate the comparison. So many good deals on all the sets out there right now.

[@davidanderson6385]

Hey what's up MM

[@MasteringMayhem]

@@davidanderson6385 What’s going on? I’m relaxing with family today.

[@davidanderson6385]

@@MasteringMayhem nice we are with family as well. Mother inlaws b day and brother on laws to visit

[@davidanderson6385]

@@MasteringMayhem did you score on the lowes 12 v yesturday? I missed it no stock.

[@MasteringMayhem]

@@davidanderson6385 I didn’t. I’m trying in store tomorrow though. I’ll film it if I find it. I’ll buy a few of them for the giveaway if they have them. Talking about that $49 deal right?

[@TwistedRev]

Love to see another one of these at a 200$ limit! Also with the Kobalt video set you should add the Pittsburgh from Harbor Freight and the Jobsmart set from Tractor Supply!

[@hamiltoes]

That's easy. These are all $200 now, lmao.

[@gillafunk]

Good effort. Straight to the point, no useless yammering (which a lot of content providers throw in and is annoying). Thanks 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@toolinhand]

I have the Craftsman versastack set, and I like it. It's nice to use, and includes a lot someone needs to start out with tools.

[@aw8388]

Dude puts some heart in the shake up! Love it.

[@ibitaRaptor]

Great review. I got the Kobalt 232 piece set for $39 last holiday season. It is a great set since it has plenty of deep sockets which I needed. The case sucks and broke but the moldings fit on my tool box. So that is their permanent home now.

[@jcoolman2871]

How did you get it for 39??

[@projectkarr]

That’s a crazy good deal and yes the case is a total joke.

[@MrJustdust]

I just also picked up the 239 pc set for $49 at Lowes. I believe it is a closeout item for certain stores in my area. A few stores still have it for $99. I would prefer the versastack system if they were both 99, but I couldn't pass up the $49 price. This is a starter tool set for my son. I have enough tools to make 10 of these sets, but he needs his own.

[@Celexanomnom]

I have the Sears 450 piece set which resembles the 239 piece set with about 75 pieces of filler give or take. I got mine a couple years ago BF sale plus military discount and reward points, I paid $159.00 tax included. It’s an awesome diy set.

[@tidebounce9149]

Really appreciate the hands-on review and comparison. Thank you very much.

[@Brees1986]

Craftsman has a 243 piece kit at Lowe’s for $149, but on sale for $99. Instead of a carrying case, the set had four individual trays that you could put in your toolbox.

[@romance361]

Great video man, was looking at all three of these sets and looking to see which ones to buy, and this vid makes it nice to see each set

[@CaptainHookhatesBooks]

Picked up the Craftsman 216 piece today. It's now $200. Small, compact, has everything you need, no extra nonsense tools and very organized.

[@projectkarr]

Even at $200 it’s still a great find. Minimal filler compared to almost everything else.

[@tonyg7553]

Great review! My top tool brand list: Tekton, Klutch, Husky, Craftsman, Klein. But I don’t like the warranty with Gearwrench. I really don’t like Channellock pliers. I have pinched my hands with them so many times because of the way they are made. Unfortunately I have a ton of them. I bought the Husky 270 piece and love it. But I always go with Tekton for non-skip sets.😩

[@502deth]

first off, was waiting for you to read the mat that literally says on it that it is needed to keep the sockets in place, lol. just found the channel and see that you have a video up that includes the kobalt (going to watch next) but this year i chose the husky set, imo, its the winner of this years $100 tool cubes, but i did completely dismiss the versa stack one because i am not in the versa stack tool box system. seeing it laid out, im now giving serious thought to buying that one too.

[@projectkarr]

Totally missed that. Still a little annoying since that is probably not gonna last 10+ years like the tools will. At least they let you know though. The husky set really is great though especially for $99.

[@nkyryry]

Why is Husky not addressing this chroming issue? Every set I’ve ever seen from them has about 40% of its sockets missing interior chrome.

[@j.h.446]

Thanks man for the video. Been using husky for over 20 years. And craftsman had me sold. Definitely a great gift idea and like both. Alot if useful info.

[@projectkarr]

Thanks and I’m glad the video helped. Husky makes great tools but the craftsman definitely surprised me.

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Very nice review! I’ve been thinking of upgrading my 20+ year old Craftsman set.

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

At the beginning of the video still, but I have the smaller Craftsman 81 Piece Mechanic's tool set. The one thing that's hardly even worth keeping in there is the ratchets. They're HORRIBLE. they're incredibly slippery, and the selector lever's detent is so weak that even just using it at a slightly quick pace is enough to make the lever flip to the other direction. I ended up replacing the whole thing with the Kobalt 243 Piece set as my truck toolset.

[@skinnybuddha8988]

I stated a new job a month ago, I'm building industrial snow plows. I own the 192 piece Craftsman mechanic set and will definitely be putting it to the test.

[@ivanushka1646]

I got that husky set last year. I like almost everything that came in it except those euro sockets I'll never use. Don't really know what they are called but if you know you know. I ended up taking out everything and putting the sockets on rails and the wrench in a roll up mat. Way happier than have that gaint box taking up space.

[@justinlawley3520]

Love my husky tool set. I shop HF as well never had a problem with any tool yet.

[@xaphan8581]

I wish they wouldn’t include 1/4 drive stuff. Like I work on diesels for work and at home I work on my own cars and I’ve never thought I needed 1/4. It’s a waste. Why not have sockets that go up to 15/16 or more wrenches

[@claudbrown283]

Spend an extra $50 ($149) and get the Husky 290 set from homedepot . Maybe not the same quality of texton 1/4 , 3/8 ,1/2 socket bundle which run for $410 . There is not a lot of fluff . And easy lifetime warranty..

[@jameskennedy673]

With so many tool sets not having all of the metric wrench & socket sizes I bit the bullet & bought them from Snap-on, their sets didn’t skip sizes. Thanks for the information 👍👍.

[@regibson23]

19:52 man you know KZbin viewers. Haha. Where'd you get your multi color hex key set in the background? Love when tools are multi color.

[@projectkarr]

Those were actually a gift probably 15 years ago from my dad. I believe they were from harbor freight.

[@regibson23]

@@projectkarr I have the updated set from Harbor freight. All grey and red. Boo!

[@zbow1974]

i have been slinging wrenches for 20 years now and have never shaken my tool boxes to the point my tools did that, what are you planning on doing? working in a 9.9 earthquake? and yes that includes my craftsman box in my truck,

[@gregserna963]

Good video bud, I enjoy your content!! I've had the Craftsman black box with 4 red drawers, for over 20yrs now, best $214 buck's on tools 🔧 I've ever spent 4sure!! I've added more into it over the years, some Snap-On adjustable wrenches & thumb ratchets, Nothing like Craftsman U.S.A. gotta-luv-em‼️

[@lordrayden3045]

I have one of those, And a brand new one never opened in the basement

[@DeltaArxz]

I feel like getting the husky set but I'm not sure

[@kmrjeep]

I picked up a husky 270 kit two weeks ago but I'm still debating on returning it my first impression after opening it is mixed feelings after seeing the rust powder surrounding the spark plug socket and on the foam pad and also the hand wrenches open ends are the thickest I've ever seen on such small wrenches. I only used the 9/16 wrench and socket to double nut some fasteners I was working on and and that thick wrench couldn't fit on the back nut it overlapped onto the front nut I was trying to use to lock against the back nut I ended up using a Craftsman wrench to do the job. I think I might get a DeWalt socket set next or I may go back with another klutch kit from northern tool I had years ago. It''s a 189pc kit that goes for $150 and has about everything you need in it all the way up to 1" and 24mm plus quiet a few extensions including some pretty long ones and reducers and also a 3/8 universal joint it's not a bad kit definitely a good bang for your buck. I never broke any of them and have ran impacts on the 1/2" sockets and extensions but my only gripe I have about them is the hex's on the sockets have a bit of recession to them it's kinda like a bevel at the top of the sockets above the hex I'm guessing to help slip the socket over what you working on but if your not perfectly square on the head of a bolt it can round them. I tend to go through tool sets they always get scattered and I lose pieces throughout the years getting lost at different jobs and what not.

[@BilgemasterBill]

If you wanted abounding "socketry" and wrenches with minimal "fluff" or filler it was that $99 Craftsman sale at Ace Hardware last year on their 224-Piece Mechanic's Tool Kit (Model CMMT12038). For example, it had no fewer than 20 SAE and Metric combination wrenches. Now THAT was a great buy. Sadly, they now seem to be running well over $200 or more here and there, and may even now be a discontinued model. Don't know how it would do on your "Shake Test", but one thing I do like is a little free space up top for incidentals or additional tools.

[@red7fifty]

The Torx bits, are nice to have......looks like only the Husky set includes these.

[@projectkarr]

They are very nice and the husky for sure had a much larger range. I believe the other sets have t15-t25

[@red7fifty]

@@projectkarr Let's Go Brandon! F J B

[@red7fifty]

Picked up (4) of the Craftsman 10 piece Mini-sets from ACE....1/4 SAE set with ratchet, 1/4 Metric, plus 3/8 dr SAE and Metric......Returned BOTH of the 1/4 drive sets, because the Ratchets have a LOT of back drag...and one reversed direction while testing with a socket in my hand. Returned one of the 3/8 drive sets, because the "Craftsman" name stamping on the handle was way off center.....so, even on sale for $9.99 each (normal price $26.99), I returned 3 of the 4 sets. Comparing to the Husky 270 piece set, the Husky Ratchets are WAAAAY smoother. I bought a 2nd Husky 270 set.

[@ericgoldthrite4196]

I just purchased that craftsman versastack set and also picked up a craftsman 20v 4ah battery and charger ($100) and got the craftsman versastack bluetooth radio ($200) for free. Totally recommend grabbing that deal.

[@EricB.1]

The husky set last year came with about a 1 inch foam pad on top it seems to hold everything in place pretty well. From what I can see in this video the pad on this years doesn't look as thick.

[@projectkarr]

Ya it’s about 1/16” thick.

[@ryanconway7745]

New pad don't really hold but still a great deal

[@EricB.1]

@@ryanconway7745 upholstery foam looks like it would work pretty well if you have a problem with them falling out of holders

[@ryanconway7745]

@@EricB.1 I thought about cutting aluminum and glue the foam to it

[@sendmedics]

I'm just looking for a set that has what I need to work on my 2001 Ford Ranger. Any suggestions on what to go with?

[@projectkarr]

Harbor freight has the 301pc. Set on sale for $179 right now. That’s a great all around set and has a huge range of sockets. Also a great warranty assuming you live near a harbor freight.

[@beaugibson2951]

I have the craftsman versastack, pittsburgh 301, n husky 270. The best one is the Pittsburgh, 50lbs of high quality Taiwan made sockets n its very comprehensive. Versastack is #2 great quality sockets n good for putting in a truck toolbox covers everything you'll need. Husky #3 quality on sockets is lacking if he would of shown u the back of the husky socket by the craftsman you'd instantly see

[@projectkarr]

I’ll keep watching the price on the Pittsburgh set and add it to the next video if it goes on sale. Hoping it will because it seems like a great set. Thanks for the info on your experience.

[@beaugibson2951]

@@projectkarr went on sale today $160 if ur an inside track member

[@theiceman979]

Also a coupon for 15% off any Pittsburgh product at harbor freight

[@projectkarr]

@@beaugibson2951 haha actually picked up the set today. Gonna be putting together part 2 this weekend. Thanks!

[@erikkastning1770]

I am just wondering. Why you gave the 216 piece away and which set ended up in the back of the truck?

[@projectkarr]

I actually ended up buying a second of the 216 sets so I could give one away and keep one in my truck toolbox. I chose that one for the giveaway because I felt like it was one of the better value sets this year

[@brandon071194]

I went with husky but u wish I got that versa stack one 😭

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

Forgot the Harbor Freight 225-Piece kit that goes on sale for $99.00.

[@bradleyfuller6998]

If you have lowes by you the close a lowes is 250 miles away

[@milfordtrethowan2474]

The versastack is by far the best kit out of all the black Fri special's picked one up today disagree with the reviewer on the drawers being flimsy this sucker is solid !!

[@rrt08]

Thanks for taking about filler, people get hooked on the number on box, but when you look at them sometimes the lower number kits actually have more tools less fill. I just looked at a Craftsman Chrome set vs a Gunmetal both 105 pieces but the Chrome was a better value more tools less fill.

[@bloodsongsToolreviews]

It literally says on the mat do not remove

[@wolfhound1a]

Home depot has a gearwrench set for $99.00.

[@kenpope5701]

Thanks for the reviews brother. They seem about 15-20min too long or please add timelines😁 thank you and God Bless!

[@DarthNihilus863]

tooth count?

[@jimafton5659]

Isn't that name one of the reasons sea s went under along with paying mechanics a percentage of the total bill

[@Scoobawoo]

My gfs step dad got me the husky set. Nice set to keep on the road with you. Only thing it doesnt come wirh is pliers but i got a set at harbor freight along with other miscellaneous tools

[@Jebedia47]

Hmm, my husky torx/allen socket set does the same thing as the top lid in that socket set... Worse even. Sockets are fine, but the case is garbage.

[@davidanderson6385]

Thanks again for all the reviews have come at the perfect time for me. I'm looking for a set As a gift

[@fireyourrocketts]

Why in the hell Craftsman skips numbers is beyond me and a reason why I went with Husky, I have an old Craftsman set and love it but find them to be very incomplete

[@hostilityy]

grades of major brands taiwan tools tiers bracket I've noticed are Icon/capri/gearwrench tekton/neiko/quinn pittsburgh pro/crescent/everything in this video regular pittsburgh, some newer crescent, other random taiwan and china manufacturing I have tools from european, japan, canada, usa manufacturers and only a few snap on because I don't wrench professionally anymore and these definitely work for 4 hrs side jobs every weekend or the DIY......or an entry level tech that has common sense and hates lots of debt

[@mattorama]

The only reason to buy one of these kits is if it actually is going to be subject to impact shock. The problem with kits like this is they don't give you any space to add additional tools to them. You get what you get. The Craftsman kit does give you a little room, but you know what you can also get in that "Versastack" system? Completely empty drawers to piece together your set with whatever you want, however you want. Don't want 50 allen keys and 100 1/4 hex screwdriving bits? No problem. Want a metric socket set with no skips? No problem. Whatever you want.

[@toolinhand]

That Husky set would only be beneficial to someone looking for a 12 point set. I wouldn't suggest it for a normal use set.

[@JA-wp6cj]

did you say Crapsman?

[@chrisrcarraher8800]

Glad I built my tool collection back when craftsman was made in USA. All of this stuff he reviews is made in China, even many Snap On and Matco tools are from overseas.

[@SpeedDemon88X]

Snap On makes the vast majority of hardline tools in USA. Mac and Matco are the overseas culprits.

[@tonyg7553]

All of these sets are made in Taiwan.

[@jesusalejandrocruzcruz3843]

where can i buy someone?

[@kevinthompson8201]

Good vid dude..very informative

[@zombiehunter5923]

Thank you your reviews are spot on

[@koreandaddy_haha9550]

good job!! very informative!!

[@projectkarr]

Thanks!

[@adrianborinsky2989]

Bro the USA has it good... the husky set it 260$ CAD (190 USD equivalent)

[@jrcortez2426]

What do you think is the best tool set for around $200? The 216 piece set craftsman is at ace for $209.

[@projectkarr]

Lowes has a 230 piece set in the versa stack case this year for $120. I’ll be releasing a review on it soon.

[@jrcortez2426]

@@projectkarr more interested in the 262 piece, the 216 is 209$ and the 262 piece is $180 or so at lowes. The 230 piece seems like it doesnt have enough 1/2in sockets

[@projectkarr]

@@jrcortez2426 ya the 262 will definitely have more range. If you’re needing more 1/2” sockets, the Pittsburgh 301 piece set is really tough to beat for the price. Lifetime warrantee and I believe the only set with 1/2” deep sockets. It’s usually $180 on sale.

[@jrcortez2426]

@@projectkarr want a little bit of everything, just dont know what to go with, was looking at the Pittsburgh, but heard quality wasnt that great. But warrenty fixes that issue a bit

[@projectkarr]

@@jrcortez2426 the quality on the Pittsburgh sockets is great, ratchets are decent, combination wrenches and screwdrivers are very marginal quality but still better than nothing. Like you said, warrantee solves a lot of those issues.

[@desertclimber78]

Great comparison

[@BURNETTWEALTHGROUP]

I like how you really shake the Sh.. Out of these boxes. Theirs nothing I hate more than when the tools go all over in the box.

[@kornelijusgood8421]

nice biceps man! :D

[@jeffreypennington8012]

I liked metal craftsman tool boxes. I have two USA made tool boxes. Both are over 20 years old. Still look brand and work preferred.

[@kato2182]

i had many many of these from a few years back

[@iamgermane]

He should have had the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh 225-Piece set included, which goes on sale a couple times a year for $99.00. Not too much filler.

[@briansouth9325]

You mean people keep these cases?

[@LilasTools]

Excellent overview!

[@joshcossin8099]

Look I have old USA craftsman. The chrome vs chromally in the husky is on the most common sizes. Apex doesn’t like replacing your cheap tools. I will say craftsman has a lot of filler. The mat vs not mat doesn’t matter. It’s about piece count. As for craftsman the father of filler. The kalbolt vs husky would be better. But I would do husky, because you get the better bang for the buck. Bit sockets in my line of work is better then bit sets

[@m0357]

You did a great review

[@_Mailman]

I can't imagine buying any kit that skips 13mm skipped in any size

[@tdvgera8978]

I’m disappointed with craftsman had a ratchet brake on me first time I used it

[@lordrayden3045]

Have the versastack. Works great

[@mariom9694]

Craftsman is made in Taiwan now?

[@projectkarr]

Yes it is, at least the sockets and wrenches. Not sure when they switched to Taiwan.

[@mariom9694]

@@projectkarr what a shame 😔

[@kingfisher46]

Great job son, keep it up

[@chinolockd6183]

Thank you, very informative.

[@AtimatikArmy]

I agree with your winning pick.

[@sendmedics]

It's also crazy that the 216 craftsman is now $210 and last year you had it at $99.

[@projectkarr]

Ya that’s crazy. Should be interesting to see what sets go on sale this year.

[@bradleyfuller6998]

the craftsman are good but I have found that they sell they but if need a warranty you going have mail them in

[@doughuey8038]

Lowe’s will exchange broken tools for new all day long. That is the designated warranty center for craftsman!

[@lordrayden3045]

Then You’re talking to idiots. Just take it into lowes, they will swap it

[@bradleyfuller6998]

@@lordrayden3045 if your Lowe's store is 250 mile away ha i will just take a day to warranty a tool .

[@bradleyfuller6998]

@@doughuey8038 I have and have not seen it yet its been well over 5 mouths

[@Joedyna98]

Brought a busted torx bit to ACE. No problem. Grabbed one from the rack and signed a slip. That was just this summer.

[@scooterpickle8625]

Lets not forget that the case itself and the drawers are counted as "pieces"! Allen wrenches are always considered filler, since any piece of furniture that you need to assemble will come with the necessary Allen wrench to put it together! As well as anything past a #1, #2, #3 Philips and a #2 flat blade bit, for your electrical socket and switch wall plates, since flat blade bolts are virtually obsolete these days! I'm old enough to remember 4-Sided fasteners! They were the absolute best, because they NEVER stripped! Which is exactly why the manufacturers came out with all the new multi-sided fasteners! They could sell more, because they would become damaged, so you'd have to buy a new one! Follow the money!

[@qllshep]

Good review.

[@_Mailman]

I don't know why you would shake it without the mat provided lol. Kinda dumb. They include it for a reason. It's also by far the most complete kit under 100. Their 290 can't be beat when on sale for 149

[@nitrous07me]

Of course that foam piece keeps the sockets falling out 😅

[@antilaw9911]

I just bought gearwrench 232 pc set. $99. Its good!

[@projectkarr]

Dang where did you find it for $99?

[@tomycodd]

I wish these sets included Pliers,good screwdrivers and a ball peen hammer.

[@markpack9273]

I got the Craftsman set it was the biggest disappointment in tools I've ever seen the other two sets I checked them out as well as the Kobalt set they're not worth the money

[@moogletattoo1]

The husky set is a good set, the toolbox sucks. The fun of picking up the tools in the drawers from the stairs and from the ground due to the non locking ability is almost as enjoyable as a line ride for a root canal !!

[@pacientezero777]

Husky set has bad quality sockets, I bought one from Homedepot and I found more of 5 rusty sockets