Craftsman MAX AXESS - socket set

[Ryanmb21]

Hello -

This past year craftsman came out with a new product called Max Axess sockets and wrenches.



I found a good review here.

The take away is that with a new socket and ratchet design there is no need for deep and shallow sockets as long bolts will pass right through the socket and ratchet head.



I don't know much about tools but it seems as though it might be a good set for the truck as less sockets are necessary. I've read here that many are concerned with the quality of Craftsman. But for the $70 price tag for a 51 piece set, here. Maybe just pick up a spare ratchet.

So tool experts, what is your take?

 

[postalWagon]

I don't know, I looked at them for a few months and passed them over. I am the kind of guy that uses box-end wrenches and tries to carry as few tools as possiable.

Cheers,

 

[1leglance]

I am always looking for ways to reduce the vehicle load...so I can carry other stuff
Thanks for the alert on these, I will swing by a Sears and look them over
the idea sounds good and innovation is always interesting if nothing else

 

[4xdog]

Seems to me I once had an *ancient* socket set that was made exactly the same way. The sockets were externally hex-shaped and fit in a socket wrench that was sorta like a ratcheting box wrench. That was an old set when I used it thirty years ago...

It worked great, as I recall. I'd expect this to be a perfectly reasonable tool, and it'll probably work exactly as presented. In careful but consistent use for many years Craftsman has always done well by me.

Don

 

[AxeAngel]

Whats the max torque that can be applied? Based on the drive system is it as strong as the traditional square drive?

-Sam

 

[Saiyan66]

They actually look like a smart idea. Time will tell if they work as good as one would think. I hate having to carry deep sockets and don't like having to deal with box end wrenches. I was considering a full set of ratcheting box ends but this might be a good cheaper alternative. Torque rating should be as high as a square drive or better, although the weak spot will be in the ratchet mechanism since it has to be more low profile.

 

[4xdog]

Online discussion reports they're made in China. That's a no-go for me, and almost hurts to see the Craftsman name on Chinese hand tools. Because with China ya never know -- it may hold up beautifully, and may give up after one use. I take pride in my tools, but don't take pride in made-in-China tools.

If someone can confirm they're US made, hooray, and I'll take a look. Until then, my good old stuff will continue as my go-to tools.

Don

PS: Many decades ago Sears off-shored Craftsman combination wrenches to Japan, before enough hollering brought them home. I have a set in my rarely used drawer, and they're perfect. But they don't give me any pleasure to use. C'mon, Craftsman!

 

[Saiyan66]

Doing more research on this I do believe that these are actually a Craftsman branded version of the Gear Wrench pass thru socket sets. Gear Wrench does sell replacement ratchets and sockets separately as well. Gear Wrench does offer the equivalent of 1/2" drive whereas Craftsman does not.

 

[Ryanmb21]

I would imagine a 1/2 drive is in the works, hopefully. From the pictures of the ratchets, the craftsman appear to be of higher quality. I'm going to check these out this weekend.

 

[I Leak Oil]

So it doesn't look like the pass through feature works when you use an extension. So you would still need a deep socket.

 

[Saiyan66]

I have verified on Sear's website that the extensions are hollow allowing the pass through feature to work.

 

[Ryanmb21]

I checked out the set. It looks pretty nice but there sockets only go up to 19mm and there is currently no 1/2 drive option. I passed.

 

[I Leak Oil]

You're right, the extensions are hollow. Looks like the little shorties are adapters to allow for the use of standard sockets. Pretty neat little setup. But I have to agree that the lack of 1/2" drive would be a deal killer for me also.

 

[Saiyan66]

As posted earlier, Gear Wrench does make a 1/2" drive set.

 

[1leglance]

here is a link to the 1/2" setup
http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/xl_pass-thru_system/gearratchet/setdetails.jsp?part=891226

I really like them even if I would have to get 2 sets to cover the range I would want