Armstrong 15-299 Socket Set

Great US-made socket set for the price. I was going to buy a ratchet and metric sockets, then realized this set was cheaper than buying them separately and it comes with SAE sockets plus extensions and a u-joint. The case is nice too. Overall a quality set, especially the ratchet, which has a fine tooth count with a low profile. Noticeably better than my old US-made Craftsman stuff, and leaps beyond the new Craftsman tools that are made in China now. This is now my main garage set and my only 3/8 set to take on serious offroad trails like the Rubicon. A couple sockets had light rust specks inside them, but nothing a little WD-40 couldn't handle. Considering they are industrial grade and not meant to be eye candy, they have an excellent finish. Especially the ratchet. Did I mention the ratchet?

I really wanted a ratchet and socket set that was made in America and I didn't want to pay Snap-On prices. This set is really nice and made well metal wise. The Maxx ratchet fits nicely in my hand and it's pretty stout. The only gripe I have is that the chrome plating on the extensions and the sockets is pretty bad. Don't know If I got a bad batch so I'm wondering if anyone else experienced this with their set?

I use a lot of Snap On tools out of the garage but didn't want to shell out the cash to carry a set in the truck. Made in the USA was important to me. If I had to compare to Snap On I would say the ratchet is not as smooth as the new 80 tooth high-end ratchets. I'm not a huge fan of the laser etching but it is redundant to the casting markings. The biggest beef I have is the case allows the sockets to roll around enough to cause a lot of rattling while driving. It would have been nice if they form fit the case a bit tighter or used another material. Chrome quality is very good. Comparable to SK in quality.

Of course these cost more than Craftsman tools, but they are American made, and that is much more important to me. The wieght, balance, and feel of these tools are obviously well thought out, and the quality shows. If you make your living with tools, you owe it to yourself to use good ones, and Armstrong is it. I am a commercial and industrial electrician and use these tools in that capacity. Mechanics seem to like tools from a truck, but for my daily tasks it's hard to beat the industrial tool makers.

Every thing is beautiful to behold and for the most part, functional. The problem is that the 19mm, deep socket, will not attach to the ratchet wrench. That gets it a 3 rating.