A good cheap tool set from Amazon.......? SwanLake?

[burbguy82]

Recently in another thread, I asked about BITOGs thoughts on SK tools. I was looking for a complete set, both metric and standard, with wrenches, that skipped no sizes, and had basically every socket and extension for emergency repairs on the road.

Then I started to think about thrift, and if there was a nice set or combination of sets that I could find on the cheap.

After looking at several options, I settled on SwanLake. Weird name. From the reviews, the set was solid, the case was of good quality, and many had nothing bad to say about it. It is a brand under some chinese tool company that makes a bunch of other brands.

In a world of "buying for the sake of the name" and the ever present reduction in quality standards in this world we have made........there has not been much in the name of better ratchets in the last 50 years. Even top tier brand names make junk, depends on the day I suppose or the monkey that made your tool.

Anyway, these sets seem to be of good quality, are no missing any pieces, or sizes, both in metric and standard, from itty bitty to 22 mm and 1 inch.

6 point

Initial examination is good to excellent. Ratchets are smooth, and operate like they should. Socket retention and release is good. Case is pretty hard. With actual clasps. Canvas for the wrench rolls is pretty tough

For the money, as a backup set, I am impressed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C38FT43D?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C38GGBPY?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQLLH659?ref=fed_asin_title

Stupid name for a tool IMO, but who cares.

 

[skyactiv]

EDIT: I thought there was skip sizing and I was wrong. Doesn't look bad. Give it a go and report back for us.

 

[burbguy82]

The socket sets are okay, but I don't like the skip sizing on the combination wrench set. Give it a go and report back.

there is no skip sizing that I can see.

 

[skyactiv]

there is no skip sizing that I can see.

You are correct. I'm kinda intrigued by these sets.

 

[D60]

Duratech was another one that intrigued me for awhile, but I had one of their ratcheting wrenches die just sitting. Was fine one day, dead the next. Warranty came through but was a hassle.

With these bottom end Chinese tools you do tend to get what you pay for. Still, can be a good value for not-everyday-use options.

 

[burbguy82]

Still, can be a good value for not-everyday-use options.

Thats what I reckon. I failed to find any boxed set, for anywhere near the same $ that was not missing conveniently a size or three.

 

[JHZR2]

I have no interest in supporting the Chinese war machine more than I’m forced to with stuff that is made there with no choice.

SK has some nice NOS no skip sets you can find on eBay.

You can also make your own if so inclined. Or buy European/Taiwan at least. Maybe SwanLake is Taiwanese, but they don’t say so I’ll bet it isn’t.

In a world of "buying for the sake of the name" and the ever present reduction in quality standards in this world we have made........there has not been much in the name of better ratchets in the last 50 years. Even top tier brand names make junk, depends on the day I suppose or the monkey that made your tool.

Interesting that you call out ratchets. I’m not sure that the owners of reasonably recent Snap-on ratchets would agree 100%. And while I don’t mind my well used and smooth older ratchets, the smoothness of the snap on is worth it. We’ve all read trials and tribulations with brands like SK. That’s unfortunate. I have a lot of their NOS stuff and like it a lot.

 

[burbguy82]

Interesting that you call out ratchets

Well, the reason I called out ratchets is they are the part that are manufactured and assembled. The ratchet is the weak point where, IMO most would rate the feel of a set or a tool maker. There is a thing that spins, and reversing gear and catch mechanism, etc. They are all the same in their main parts, of course some do it better than others.

Sockets on the other hand are pretty much sockets. But made in the same dimensions, and stamped Snap on or Quan Shang Dong ,how we would know.

I have a few different ratchets, and beyond the increased ratios I really dont see much improvement.....and I also do see room for much improvement.

 

[JHZR2]

Well, the reason I called out ratchets is they are the part that are manufactured and assembled. The ratchet is the weak point where, IMO most would rate the feel of a set or a tool maker. There is a thing that spins, and reversing gear and catch mechanism, etc. They are all the same in their main parts, of course some do it better than others.

Sockets on the other hand are pretty much sockets. But made in the same dimensions, and stamped Snap on or Quan Shang Dong ,how we would know.

I have a few different ratchets, and beyond the increased ratios I really dont see much improvement.....and I also do see room for much improvement.

Have you run a snap on super 80 or similar? When used a bit they’re great.

Some Chinese ones may rip off well enough, but again, not interested in sending another penny than I have to there. At some point I fear there will be war and blood will be on everyone’s’ hands for enabling it via purchase of cheap junk

A lot of electronics and whatnot you can’t help anymore. It’s sad. But there still is some paths for tools at least.

 

[drtyler]

Made in Taiwan, $100, case is an improvement over many of the blow mold cases.
https://a.co/d/66H3Wye

 

[burbguy82]

Have you run a snap on super 80 or similar? When used a bit they’re great.

I agree. I had a snap on ratchet, it was nice, got it at a yard sale. Not sure if it was an 80, but it was nice. It broke.

not interested in sending another penny than I have to there

Me neither, wish there was a way to do that.

At some point I fear there will be war and blood will be on everyone’s’ hands for enabling it

It is the illusion of choice at fault, not you and me. And blood is on everyones hands anyway, IMO, once you bloody your hands, they cant get bloodier.

 

[D60]

Made in Taiwan, $100, case is an improvement over many of the blow mold cases.
https://a.co/d/66H3Wye

I've got a similar Husky (likely China COO, though) set for the house. For $100 that's a great deal right now! One of the most comprehensive "homeowner" sets for a very low price. The HOA might even hassle ya for having "tools not common to a residence" <----- it's funny 'cause it's true!

 

[JHZR2]

I agree. I had a snap on ratchet, it was nice, got it at a yard sale. Not sure if it was an 80, but it was nice. It broke.

Me neither, wish there was a way to do that.

It is the illusion of choice at fault, not you and me. And blood is on everyones hands anyway, IMO, once you bloody your hands, they cant get bloodier.

No idea if a used yard sale ratchet is a proxy for anything. Point is that some ratchets have continually improved over the years. In the end they are just mechanical things… but there have been improvements over time and they have been used the world over for far more precise things than wrenching on cars.

I hear ya on the rest. Unfortunately the illusion of choice was a choice, or was the option years ago. We let it slip away, potentially to our peril. Manufacturing and supply chain issues are a very real thing, particularly if a conflict occurs. It gets harder and worse everyday.

Merry Christmas!