Something that I have noticed especially since Sears stores are disappearing faster than you can turn a ratchet...
The number of places where you can buy a single wrench/ screwdriver/ socket etc are slowly going away. Harbor freight sells sets. I tend to remember being able to buy single wrenches there. You want a 36mm wrench? you can buy the set of large metric wrenches (which do not even include the 36mm, but that is another aggravating topic)
Menards, Lowes, and Home Despot have some single tools but not a lot, with Menards and Lowes being the best bet, at least here in the NE Indy area. Generally when I break or need a tool I just go look for the single tool and add it to the collection when I am done. If you are lucky enough to find a store with the single tools, you pay a premium for the tool.
I guess Amazon/ online retailers are probably going to fill this niche, but shipping for a large chunk of iron is going to be expensive.
I really liked our Sears store here in Fishers, they only sold tools and appliances. the tool section was great, they even had a nice section of Lisle automotive specialty tools but they closed last year
So without hitting up a Snap on or Matco truck (being an IT guy I only use my tools on a limited basis, usually on the cars) where do you go to for a single tools? This is also puts a question on warrantying broken Craftsman tools, which was brought up in another section of this site, and if they only have "sets" how do they warranty the tool? break into the "set"? or do you give them the broken tool and they send it off for replacement and you have to wait however long that will take, nevermind that you probably need it right then.
anyways, just ranting a bit.
AJ