This Husky vs. Craftsman review has been put together to assist any DIY enthusiast or professional in identifying the best toolset for auto repair work. Both brands represent a leading force in the market due to the quality of their products, but they are not exactly similar.
The Craftsman toolkit features 224 pieces, for instance, while its Husky alternative boasts 268 items.
Finding the right tools for your auto repair projects is crucial to the kind of success you can enjoy with the endeavor. If you’re seeking a more mobile option for your journeyman activities, then identifying a suitable toolkit might not be as straightforward as it seems.
You need to find an option that holds a majority of the tools you might use on the job and can be easily transported from one location to another. Husky and Craftsman are two of the major brands that cater to such demands, with both offering compact collections that can be implemented as traveling or emergency kits.
Though the primary purpose of both products is similar, there are a few particulars that vary from detail to detail.
This Husky vs. Craftsman review has been prepared as a means of helping you identify the various minute and major differences between the brands.
Difference between Husky and Craftsman Tool Sets – How do they compare?
| Model | Husky | Craftsman |
| Weight | 18 pounds | 36.9 pounds |
| No skip collection | No | Yes |
| Number of pieces | 268 | 224 |
| Universal Joint | No | Yes |
| Check on Amazon | Check price | Check price |
Husky vs. Craftsman: What is the Difference?
Size
The first thing that comes to mind with any compact product is the bulk involved with the item. The whole point of owning a tool collection in this category is being able to move it around without much hassle, or at least comfortably store it in small spaces such as the trunk of your vehicle.
Though the design and layout of the craftsman toolkit are impressive, the space involved with the arrangement results in a pretty hefty package. The entire product weighs in at over 36 pounds, which can be a problem when lugging it over significant distances.
The Husky set, on the other hand, boasts a more impressive 18 pounds – which is lower than many alternatives available in the market. The surface area of the Husky toolbox is also significantly smaller than its craftsman counterpart – featuring dimensions of 7.1 x 4.9 x 3.7.
Assortment
The next issue to consider is the collection of tools available with each set. It should be noted that the numbers are not the only element that should be studied, however, as they don’t always accurately display the variety available with a product.
For example, the assortment of midget wrenches and Allen keys available with the Craftsman’s collection might not offer a great deal of services with most repair work. The biggest standard wrench available with Craftsman also happens to be the 9/16”, which might not be very useful if you’re working on a variety of different vehicles.
These issues are not taken into account when displaying the final number on the package. However, this being said, opting for a higher number can only improve your chances of gaining a viable collection. As such, an alternative featuring 44 additional tools cannot be seen as a bad thing.
Design
One of the major issues that determine the quality of a particular tool is the manner in which it was designed. Craftsman products come with an ergonomic aspect in their products that make them more comfortable to hold and easier to handle.
Husky’s meanwhile focuses on more technical aspects, such as off-corner loading on their sockets and wrenches to avoid the rounding of fasteners. Both options apply a chrome finish with their tools, to enhance the final feel and prevent rusting. This finishing also makes it easier for you to wipe the tools off once you’re done with your work.
The two products come with a 72 tooth format that operates with a 5° arc swing. Husky’s tools, however, lead the race when it comes to strength and durability. Their products offer a sturdier nature as compared to their counterparts.
Warranty
One of the greatest features of Husky and Craftsman tools is the strong warranties that come with these sets. Mechanic tools are subjected to a great deal of pressure during use, and as such, weaker products might tend to get damaged over time.
Husky and Craftsman have backed their promise of strength and durability with a lifetime warranty that allows you to exchange any of the tools in their set with a new one – should it break or suffer similar types of disfiguration.
All you need to do is take the products to one of the outlets of their respective providers to have them exchanged. Husky tools can have their warranties redeemed at Home Depot, while Craftsman pieces are guaranteed by Lowes stores.
Identification and Layout
A primary issue that will have a significant impact on how fast you can potentially get your work done is the ability to locate the tools you need easily. Many sockets and extensions can look the same upon first glance, which means you have to take the time to ensure you have the right size for the job needed.
The best way to ensure easy identification of different alternatives is through clear and precise labeling. Both box sets provide labeling with their items, but the Craftsman alternative offers a much clearer view due to the size of the digits engraved within the case.
The smaller dimensions of the Husky toolbox, as well as its compact arrangement, means that the numbers within will be small as well, and therefore potentially harder to read.
Husky vs. Craftsman Toolset Review – Pros and Cons
Husky
Husky has long been recognized for their quality tools and reliable warranties, with the 268-piece collection serving as another feather to their cap. This kit comes equipped with an assortment of tools, including ¼”, 3/8”, and ½” drives, 20 combination wrenches, and 168 standard and deep sockets, to name a few.
This large collection is packaged in an impressively small toolbox that weighs just 18 pounds, including its contents. This is significantly lighter than many of its counterparts in the market. The chrome finishing makes for smoother handling during use, as well as enhances the durability of the tools.
Their ratchets feature a quick release option that ensures you can work with different bits without having to slow down the pace of your activities. Its driver also comes with a comfortable handle that enables a firmer grip.
The wrenches in this kit also entail a 12-point box-end format, with a 15° offset that increases clearance. The small size of the toolbox ensures that the product can easily fit into constricted areas without demanding too much space.
Apart from the implementation of vanadium steel, the hex keys and various bits are also developed from S2 tool steel that has been subjected to heat treatment – in a bid to enhance their potential longevity.
The chamfered lead-ins featured with their sockets and wrenches accommodate easy placement onto drive tools and fasteners, aiding you in maintaining the pace of your work during transitions.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight toolbox allowing for easy transportation and storage
- Offers a higher number of tools when compared to other alternatives in this category
- An attractive assortment of tools and bits
Cons
- No additional storage inside the toolbox
- The tight fit inside can make it difficult to locate different tools quickly
View price on Amazon
Craftsman
Craftsman has long been touted for its quality products and affordable prices. Its 224 piece kit comes with a variety of tools, including 16 combination wrenches, 15 drive tools, and 79 specialization items.
This wide collection ensures that you have all the tools you might need with most regular jobs. The no skip collection feature with some of the items available also reduces the chances of missing a particular size when working with specific requirements.
One of the major setbacks of this product deals with the size and bulk of the toolbox and contents, respectively. The collection weighs an astonishing 36.9 pounds, despite having fewer products than many of its counterparts in the market.
The larger space involved with the packaging, on the other hand, also allows for the adequate arrangement of the tools within. The casing features clearly stamped markings that indicate the place of different tools, allowing you to locate different items within a shorter span period.
You can also choose between the use of bits or driving portions when working on your project, thanks to the availability of both alternatives. The latching system on the sides of the toolbox also ensures that the drawers will not mistakenly slip out during transportation.
Pros
- Clear markings on the tools and within the case to indicate the placement of different tools inside the box
- Additional space on the backend of the top shelf to allow for the storage of any extra tools or bits
- The inclusion of a universal joint with the collection
Cons
- Bulky design in relation to the toolbox
- Smaller number of items when compared to most alternatives in the market
View price on Amazon
The Final Verdict
All in all, both Husky and Craftsman represent a great deal for those looking to handle some light DIY work in their garage or a reliable emergency kit. Husky is more compact than the Craftsman counterpart, and also features more items in its collection. As such, it can be argued that the former wins the race when it comes to choosing between these two options.
Craftsman still represents an excellent option for those looking to support their existing collection of tools with a portable variation for journeyman activities. However, I would put my money on Husky in terms of quality.
