Founded in 1843 by Frederick T. Stanley, the Stanley Works began originally as a door hardware and bolts manufacturing company, which was located in New Britain, Connecticut. STANLEY, which is a brand of Stanley Black and Decker Inc. has been in the business of developing hand tools for over 170 years now and over the years it has become a reputed name associated with the manufacturing of engineered solutions and innovative tools for industrial, professional, automotive repair, construction, organizational, woodworking and DIY use.
Some of the Stanley innovations include the Surform shaper, the Bailey plane, the PowerLock tape measure, the utility knife, also known as the “Stanley knife” and a multitool called Stanley #1 Odd Jobs.
Today, all the products in the Stanley product line are made in the USA with materials that are sourced from all over the globe. The Stanley product line includes a huge variety of hand tools such as blades, knives, tape rules, screwdrivers, hand saws, accessories and plastic storage units in many manufacturing locations across North America.
In-Depth Reviews of Some Stanley Products
| Image | Stanley Tool Set Reviews | Summary | Amazon Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | STMT73795 Mixed Tool Set, 210-Piece | The Best Mixed Toolset | Check Price |
  | STMT71654 201-Piece Mechanics Tool Set | The Best Mechanics’ Toolset | Check Price |
  | 92-839 Black Chrome and Laser Etched 99-piece Socket Set | The Best Budget Socket Set | Check Price |
  | 94-248 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit | The Best Basic Toolkit | Check Price |
Stanley STMT73795 Mixed Tool Set, 210-Piece – The Best Mixed Toolset
The tools in the Stanley STMT73795 Mixed Tool Set are made of chrome vanadium that makes them durable, sturdy and long-lasting. They have an anti-corrosion coating that prevents rusting and corrosion. The handles of the ratchet are easy to use with ergonomically designed handles and a reverse-switch feature that is thumb-operated. The tools come in a simple blow-molded carry case, which makes storage and carrying of the tools extremely convenient.
If you’re looking for quality tools for all your small and big mechanic jobs, then the Stanley STMT73795 Mixed Tool Set is definitely a good buy.
Features of the Stanley STMT73795 Mixed Tool Set, 210-piece
- Tools made of chrome vanadium that offers strength, durability, and torque.
- Full chrome finish polish that prevents corrosion and rusting.
- Tools meet or exceed ANSI standards.
- Comes along with a blow-molded case offering easy storage and portability.
- Comes along with a lifetime warranty.
- Tools are very durable.
- Tools are coated to resist corrosion.
- You get many tools at quite an affordable price.
- Users have found that sometimes the tools rust.
- The case is not very durable.
Stanley STMT71654 201-Piece Mechanics Tool Set – The Best Mechanics’ Toolset
The tools in the toolset are made of superior quality steel and have a nickel chrome finishing. The tools are very easy to use and come with a lifetime warranty. The tools come in a lightweight polycarbonate plastic storage case that allows you to carry the tools conveniently.
So, if you are a professional mechanic or a DIY kind of person, then the Stanley STMT71654 201-Piece Mechanics Tool Set is a fantastic way to begin fixing vehicles.
Features of the Stanley STMT71654 201-Piece Mechanics Toolset
- Made of steel with nickel chrome finish.
- Includes round head, quick-release ratchets (1/4”, 3/8” and ½”).
- Includes 8 combination wrenches.
- Includes 6-point standard and deep sockets.
- Available in variations: 40-piece, 50-piece, 60-piece, 85-piece, 123-piece, 145-piece and 201-piece toolsets.
- Made in the USA or imported.
- High-quality and durable tools that last long.
- Ratchet teeth are resettable.
- Tools may be tight initially.
Stanley 92-839 Black Chrome and Laser Etched 99-piece Socket Set – The Best Budget Socket Set
The socket set comprises sockets made of high-quality heat-treated alloy steel of various sizes that are laser-etched. The black chrome coating provides improved resistance to corrosion and long-lasting performance. The sockets feature the Max-Drive design and the radius corner of the sockets offer an additional torque of 15% which helps to tighten the fasteners easily and comfortably. This also helps to prevent the fasteners from being damaged and ensures their long life.
The tools come in a carry case that helps you to store and carry the tools around easily. The Stanley 92-839 Socket Set meets the ANSI standards. The socket set offers high quality at a very reasonable price, which makes it a value for money buy.
Features of the Stanley 92-839 Socket Set
- 99-piece black chrome and laser-etched socket set.
- Tools meet ANSI standards.
- The Max-Drive design of the sockets provides an additional 15% torque.
- Black chrome gives the tools aesthetic appearance and makes them resistant to corrosion.
- Comes along with a convenient carry case.
- Imported.
- Comes along with a lifetime warranty.
- High-quality tools at a reasonable price.
- Good warranty and exchange policy.
- Tools are easy to identify and use.
- Storage box very flimsy, does not hold the tools in place.
- Toolset does not include 15” and 16″ deep socket.
Stanley 94-248 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit – The Best Basic Toolkit
The 65-piece Stanley 94-248 Homeowner’s Tool Kit has all tools that you would require to complete your projects around your home. The tools in the toolkit i.e. the sockets, ratchets, and wrenches are very high-quality and are manufactured as per the global Stanley specifications and also meet the ANSI standards.
The tools are made of superior-quality steel that helps to maximize performance. The handles of the ratchet are ergonomically designed for comfortable grip and are equipped with a reverse-switch mechanism that is thumb-operated which makes it very easy to use. The sockets in the toolkit have the Max-Drive which provides improved torque up to 15% and also reduces fastener wear. It also helps to reduce slippage on rusted or frozen fasteners.
The tools of the Stanley 94-248 Homeowner’s Tool Kit come in a blow-molded case, which lets you store the tools and carry them around conveniently. This basic homeowner’s kit is a well-designed one and quite easy to use.
Features of the Stanley 94-248 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit
- The handles of the ratchet have an ergonomic design and have a thumb-operated reverse switch mechanism that makes it easy to use.
- Sockets with Max-Drive feature offering 15 percent more torque, which makes turning the rounded corners very easy.
- Sockets and ratchets are fully polished which facilitates easy cleaning.
- Extensions and sockets remain locked until they are released with quick release button.
- Tools meet ANSI standards.
- Comes along with an easy storage molded case.
- High-quality tools.
- Hard shell carrying case is quite durable.
- Bright yellow colored tools make it easy to locate them.
- May require you to pry open the carrying case.
Now that you know the various features and in-depth reviews of the various Stanley tools, you can go ahead and buy a set to add to your precious tool collection!
Stanley vs Craftsman
While consumers swear by their loyalty to either Stanley or Craftsman tools, it would come as a surprise to many that the conglomerate Stanley Black and Decker owns both Stanley as well as the Craftsman brand, since March 2017. Craftsman was acquired by Stanley Black and Decker from Sears Holdings. Soon Craftsman tools will be manufactured in the same facilities where Black and Decker, Stanley tools and DeWalt tools are manufactured.
However, this does not really make things very different for the end consumer. Both brands will maintain their positions as mid-range brands. When it actually comes to Stanley and Craftsman tools, Craftsman tools are slightly more expensive when compared to the offerings from Stanley.
In terms of the quality, Craftsman tools have a rock-solid quality which has recently plummeted in the last few years in terms of the material and construction of the tools. Stanley, on the other hand, has gained an excellent reputation over the years and when it comes to the quality of construction and performance, people seem to be opting for Stanley tools over Craftsman.
In terms of the warranty offered by Craftsman and Stanley, today, both brands offer lifetime warranties on their hand tools i.e. whatever happens to your hand tool, you can just take it or send it to the company or the retailer and the tool will be replaced free of cost, for life.
Stanley’s Warranty
Hand Tools
All the hand tools from Stanley come with a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship and material defects. Products that are covered by the warranty will be repaired or replaced.
Mechanics Tools
All Stanley Mechanics Tool come with a full lifetime manufacturer’s warranty and if any Stanley Mechanics tool fails, it will be replaced by the company and does not require a proof of purchase. The tools included are sockets, ratchets, wrenches and drive accessories. Additionally, there is no need to send the defective tool to the store. If you call the company, they will simply ship the replacement product out to you.
Other Stanley Products
- Laser and Laser Distance Measures: 30-day money back, 2-year limited warranty.
- Stud Sensors: 1-year limited warranty.
- Tape Rules: Limited lifetime warranty.
- Landscaping and Garden Tools: Limited lifetime warranty.
- Flashlights: 1-year limited warranty.