"I've used SnapOn tools for the past 40 yrs. With SnapOn you get a fine smooth surface finish that is easy on your hands and easy to clean up. This Cresent set of tools provides that same quality finish - even on close inspection. The Cresent sockets exhibit standard wall thicknesses of the tool body, that cheaply made tools don't have - and which often prevents the cheapies from being used in certain tight areas. These Cresent sockets are machined to securely lock onto the drive wrenches and provided extensions - extentions that also exhibit the same fine quality machining and finish. I also like that all of the sockets are six-point, as the six-points always grip better - and most nuts and bolts are of six-point design.
The ratchet drives are also of great quality - very possibly of higher quality than SnapOn by their look, weight, and feel. The ratchet actions are also light and smooth in operations, and two different switch settings are offered for each direction. This gives the ratchet a slightly louder or softer "click" according to the setting, and a just perceptable heavier feel to the action in the "loud" setting. Considering I've worn out SnapOn ratches in a little as a year, i'm almost confident these Cresent ratchets will outlast or at least be of comparable quality with reasonable care. The fractional ratchet mechanisms feel every bit as good as the comparable SnapOn models do when new. The only caveat I see is the ratchet mechanism is exposed to dirt by two open holes at the ratchet switches. Although these ratchets can be disassembled for cleaning and inspection, extra care will be needed to keep dirt out to prevent frequent cleaning disassembly. That's what pulls one star from my review.
The magnetic driver holds the nice selection of included bits very well with a strong magnet, and all the drivers, (screw and Phillips) have a black oxide tip coating that makes it harder for the tool tips to slip in a fastener.
The side cut needle nose pliers and side cutting pliers are of expected Cresent quality (made in China), but don't have the more standard black oxide finish - this means they will require oiling to prevent rust. From the look, they aren't of hardened heat-treated Rockwell hardness, but are of good quality for most uses. For example, my SnapOn side cutters can cut through hardened steel hose clamps that I'm sure would quickly dull or damage these.
As far as the combination wrenches, you won't find a better one from SnapOn to compare with these. They are excellent.
Overall, for the good Cresent price, guarantee (that SnapOn doesn't offer), and tool quality, this tool set is a great purchase anyone will be very pleased with - unless they are working the ratchets in heavy grime and will be frequently needing to clean the ratchet actions. I use this set at home and they are never subjected to dirt that could clog the ratchet actions. (The inexpensive answer to a ratchet better suited to heavy grime is also right here at Northern)"
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional