craftsman tools

[moribundman]

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Is there anyone in this love-fest besides me that has had outright bad quality Craftsman tools? Mine include a 3/8 wrench with a 5/16-ish opening, a 3/8 ratchet extension with less than a 3/8 square hole (makes it REAL tough to put on the ratchet), and some rather "spreadable" open end wrenches.

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I've seen poorly fitting Craftsman bits and sockets, cracking sockets (about 3 or four of those were enough) and bendy wrenches -- and I have not even owned that many Craftsman tools. The free replacement doesn't tickle me pink either, because I have to interrupt what I'm doing and I also don't want another piece that's likely not any better. It's akin to getting free Taco Bell for life after they give you food poisoning.

I have one Craftsman tool that is not bad and that has lasted over ten years with moderate use. It's one of their torque wrenches. It's the one I've been using on my last three cars' lugnuts and wheel bolts.

 

[1sttruck]

I started with Snap-On sockets and tool chest and Proto wrenches over 30 years ago, but have filled in with Craftsman over the years as Proto is hard to find (and they no longer make the pattern that I have), Snap-On is too expensive, and based on what I see in places that I go to Craftsman has a better selection than anything but Snap-On or Mac. I've given up even trying to find tools in other brands as it's been a waste of time for me. I generally pick up Craftsman tools when they're on sale, half price is common, unless I need something specific.

I've not broken any Craftsman tools, but did notice that when working around machine tools that Snap-On held up better, with less rounding of edges on the tools and such. If I made a living turning nuts and bolts or had lots of extra money I'd get Snap-On, but find Craftsman fine for home and auto use. I've had to return broken Snap-On ratchets, Sanp-On sockets that started peeling chrome, so there doesn't seem to be the 'promised tool company'. From what I've seen Craftsman has the most complaints as they probably sell the most domestic made tools.

 

[Pablo]

I've broken one small Craftsman socket (5/16") that I was driving with 1/2" air impact gun. I didn't take it back, because that would be unforthright of me, as I did ABUSE it.

With most sockets if you are trying to break old nuts and bolts loose, make sure you get 6 point sockets - not 12 points. 12 are OK for light stuff and convenience.

I have a mixture of tools. Craftman rat****s are a kinda clunky, but serviceable. I've never experienced what Mori has in 40+ years of Craftsman tools. Wow.

I know there are better tools out there - I own some. Use what you like. But for light home wrenching, you'll be fine with Craftsman.

 

[labman]

I bought a bunch of craftsman stuff in the 60's and wish I bought more. However, now they are my last resort. Price is up and quality down. I think the last thing I bought was a T-8 Torx. Only place that had it open stock. I already had a couple of sets covering the common sizes and didn't want to buy another.

I am mostly buying Ace Hardware for the good stuff and Harbor Freight for things I don't intend to use hard.

 

[Scott P]

I've had Craftsman tools for almost 20 years. I've used a 1/2" ratchet as a hammer, screwdrivers as chisels and pry bars and extensions as punches. I've only gone through two ratchets (1/4" and 3/8", both with stripped gears) a few screwdrivers and a few sockets.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. I'm just a garage hobbyist and not a professional. They are good enough for me and I only have to buy them once.

 

[road_rascal]

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Originally posted by labman:
I am mostly buying Ace Hardware for the good stuff and Harbor Freight for things I don't intend to use hard.

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Fill me in- what's the 'good stuff' at Ace? I go to the one near me all the time.

 

[moribundman]

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I've never experienced what Mori has in 40+ years of Craftsman tools.

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Uhm, just to clarify, I'm not the one with the 40+ years of Craftsman tools.

I may have had just bad luck -- it happens.

 

[Pablo]

mori - all the chicks know you are the younger of us two.....and well under 40!

 

[Mr Nice]

All I can say is that Craftsman are excellent tools for the money and my dad spent 27 years as a mechanic for National & Pan Am airlines working on the DC-8, DC-10, 727, 747.

He retired 15 years ago and I now have all his Craftsman tools that are at least 30-35 years old and they are still in excellent condition.

 

[XS650]

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Originally posted by LT4 Vette:
All I can say is that Craftsman are excellent tools for the money and my dad spent 27 years as a mechanic for National & Pan Am airlines working on the DC-8, DC-10, 727, 747.

He retired 15 years ago and I now have all his Craftsman tools that are atleast 30-35 years old and they are still in excellent condition.

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I wouldn't be surprised if they are in better shape than the new Craftsman tools being sold today.

 

[mechtech]

Craftsman tools are readily replaceable with a lifetime warranty. It is real handy to go exchange them, no questions asked.
They are also very reasonable in price.
Most of my hand tools in the shop are Craftsman.
One odd thing about Craftsman - thier pricing is screwy.
A set of common sockets may go $24.00, but a single socket may be $12.00.

 

[Clyde65]

therealdeal770,

I like the polished chrome Craftsman wrenches better. They will be easier on your hands and are a longer pattern for more leverage.

 

[JavaMan]

As many Craftsman's tools that are sold, I expect that there are more people that can say they have had a bad experience using them verses a brand they've never bought. I think Craftsman are very dependable that will meet the needs of most who use them; and, if used correctly will have a minimal failure rate. That's just my opinion.

 

[1sttruck]

"Craftsman are very dependable that will meet the needs of most who use them; and, if used correctly will have a minimal failure rate."

I couldn't find a 1 5/16in crowfoot wrench for replacing some tie rods so I bought a Craftsman combination wrench, placed the open end on what part of the large nut that I could grab, and used a cheater bar thru the box end to bust them loose. Worked fine, no damage that I could see, and I used the same technique to install the new ones. If it had broken I wouldn't have tried to have Sears replace it.