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Author
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Topic: The good thing about Craftsman tools...
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20669
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-20-2000 03:06 PM
   
...is their lifetime replacement. Saturday, I returned $50 bucks worth of tools. In the past few months, I've replaced probably a couple hundred bucks worth.I'm glad they can be returned, because their quality sure isn't what it used to be! ------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Webmaster -- MCA # 47773 Have rice for dinner, not transportation!
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Gary DelVecchio
Gearhead Posts: 167
From: Plano, TX, USA
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 11-20-2000 04:57 PM
Funny you should mention that. I just had to take back a brand new top of the line torque wrench, and a box wrench that snapped, but like you said they took it back - no questions asked....!!!!------------------
1965 Convertible - 289 2V
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20669
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-20-2000 05:31 PM
I found the people at Sears barely even look at the old tools you return. They could be Taiwan junk for all they know!In the distant past I've had them ask me how I broke the tool, and I would ask them if they knew what 'Unconditional' meant.  ------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Webmaster -- MCA # 47773 Have rice for dinner, not transportation!
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3201
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-20-2000 07:57 PM
Notice how long the Craftsman screwdrivers DON'T last?? I took back a rachet and they gave me a renewed one. It's ok. I too, broke a wrench that was NOT being abused. ANyone had the opportunity?? to buy one of their garage door openers, lately. My last one lasted 8 years. This one now is 1 year old and it is el crapo! They cannot be hooked up without the sensors, which is good but I do not have kids running around so I put the sensors way up high! Ceiling high!! If you hose out the garage and wet a sensor, it is dead on the spot. They gave me a ration about replacing it so I had a hoisting session with the sensors. Home Depot Husky brand hand tools are just as good and can be exchanged like Sears. Just remember, Sears and Home Depot charge 22% interest on revolving charges in Fl. Quality gets worse and cost of borrowing gets higher
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 2166
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-20-2000 09:32 PM
The problems I have with my openers are that they lose the codes on the remotes. Maybe I should turn the radio down in the truck?  ------------------
Y2K Explorer XLT 4X4 4.0 auto with maypops
1995 F150 XLT 4X4 302 auto with winter duty
1972 Torino 2 door 351C/C4 in hibernation
still looking for that "behind the barn"Boss 302 or Mach1
Need a bigger garage for all my toys
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fordfan
Gearhead Posts: 2450
From: Walla Walla, Wa, USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 12-01-2000 03:23 PM
We had a pair of Crapsmen "Mini Dikes"; wire cutters, a Paper Clip snapped one side clean off.------------------
*WARNING: RATED MA for Mature Audiences only!* Joseph J Shaffer IV
Walla Walla, WA
MustangsandMore Member# 37
'68 Mustang Coupe, 2.79 gears.
'64 Mercury Comet, 2.80 gears
'62 Ford Falcon 2dr Wagon
'43 Dodge WC-53,FACTORY 5.83 gears i belive!
'41 Chevy Pickup, No rear, no gear!
'70 Chevy Pickup Heh, and you think Sam needs Gears?!
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20669
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 12-01-2000 07:13 PM
The main problem I'm having is the chrome flaking off the sockets. I must have replaced 20 so far.------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Webmaster -- MCA # 47773
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3201
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-01-2000 11:19 PM
They had a socket set {on the tube tonite} for $48 with a case. Checking it out in AM
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cpmaverick
Moderator Posts: 1201
From: Auburn, AL.
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 12-03-2000 09:51 PM
The screwdrivers have turned to junk. My father has a set of Craftsmans that still work great after over 20 yrs (or more). But my Craftsman set is only 5 yrs old and all the phillips heads keep rounding off. It only takes about 3-4 months now until they start rounding. I finally bit the bullet and bought a set of Snap-On screwdrivers. ------------------
-Charlie Ping
1970 Maverick Grabber
-1987 5.0L B303 roller cam/rockers
-1968 Mustang Toploader
-1977 Lincoln Versailles 9 inch w/discs
-1980 Granada Front Discs
www.MAVERICKGRABBER.com
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cpmaverick
Moderator Posts: 1201
From: Auburn, AL.
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 12-03-2000 11:05 PM
Oh man I love screwdrivers. I use nutdrivers and screwdrivers a lot more than ratchets if I can. Not because I don't have good socket sets but just because I prefer it. -CP
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fordfan
Gearhead Posts: 2450
From: Walla Walla, Wa, USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 12-04-2000 08:30 PM
That reminds me, I need to return my six year old 1/2" ratchet as the button is comming out  ------------------
*WARNING: RATED MA for Mature Audiences only!* Joseph J Shaffer IV
Walla Walla, WA
MustangsandMore Member# 37
'68 Mustang Coupe, 2.79 gears.
'64 Mercury Comet, 2.80 gears
'62 Ford Falcon 2dr Wagon
'43 Dodge WC-53,FACTORY 5.83 gears i belive!
'41 Chevy Pickup, No rear, no gear!
'70 Chevy Pickup Heh, and you think Sam needs Gears?!
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capri man
Gearhead Posts: 1135
From: doerun, ga.
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 12-08-2000 05:56 PM
they sure aint what they used to be! i got a 1/2in rachet that i have had for 30 years with no problems. i bought a new set about a year ago and have already had to replace all 3 rachets and one of them is broke now. i do not use them evry day either, just on my race car. its good to get them replaced but is a big pain in tge a** to have to drive 30 mi to co it.
thanks mike r capri man
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20669
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 12-08-2000 06:38 PM
That's right, Mike.I have sockets that are 28 years old that are in better shape than the ones I got a couple weeks ago. ------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Webmaster -- MCA # 47773
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kcode
Gearhead Posts: 1939
From: alvaton,ky,usa Suburb of Bowling Green, M&M #79, MCA #29208
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 12-08-2000 11:39 PM
I just returned a 3/8 rachet after busting my knuckles when the gears slipped. No questions asked when I returned it as long as I accepted the beat up one with the "reconditioned" label on the handle. After a ten minute discussion on ethics, anatomy, and bodily functions with the Hardware manager, I did walk out with a brand new one.Mike
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3201
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-09-2000 04:48 PM
Bodily functions??? LOL! years ago, took back a batt. charger. ALL the insulation came OFF the cord!! Sure it would work with BARE copper. Not today, thanks! The manager was hesitant upon hearing my tale so I raised my voice up a tad, saying I should think they would have UL cord ratings to protect the consumer..yah de yah. He called over to another guy. Bring over one of those battery chargers -probably wanting to say.. Get this guy out of here! Just give him a f*****g charger and GET HIM OUT OF HERE! I guess that sometimes working at Sears could be a drag!!
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jkilroy
Gearhead Posts: 1284
From: Austin, TX
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 12-09-2000 07:14 PM
Many years ago, when I was 13 or so, my best friends grandfather passed away. I purchased from him a bunch of craftsman tools that were his grandfathers. These things are the best! Most of my craftsman tools are many years old. I got my first 'large' set when I was in the 7th grade. I have noticed that Craftsman sells regular and 'professional' versions of lots of tools. The 'professional' stuff is a TON better. The professional stuff is much more like Snap-On and Mac tool quality, but it also costs just as much. Trivia question #1, who sold the craftsman tool line to Sears? #2 Where were Craftsman tools originally made? ------------------
Jay Kilroy
68' Fastback GT 390
"No such thing as a cam thats too big"
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speedy
Gearhead Posts: 135
From: Parkersburg WV
Registered: Nov 99
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posted 12-12-2000 02:12 AM
Whats good about Craftsman tools ?Nothing these days.The new tools are junk.They're not even made in the USA,they're made in Japan.In my opinion nothing beats a Snap On tool.They may cost more,but you get what you pay for.
Andy
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20669
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 12-12-2000 04:12 PM
I'd love to buy some Snap-On tools, actually. Can you call these guys and have them stop at your house?------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Webmaster -- MCA # 47773
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cpmaverick
Moderator Posts: 1201
From: Auburn, AL.
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 12-12-2000 07:19 PM
Uh, Andy, I agree that Snap-On tools are far superior to Craftsman, but ALL Craftsmans hand tools are made in the USA. Many Blue Point tools (Off the Snap-On tool truck) are imported and are still good tools. I have many Snap-On tools, mostly specialty stuff. (Like I said above I bought some screwdrivers, I also have some SO air tools, spark plug sockets, ratchets, prybars, trim tools, etc) If I could afford all Snap-On I would definitely do it. But my craftsman stuff does the job well. And I wonder if the price difference is worth it for stuff like combination wrenches and nutdrivers (compared to Craftsman Professional) Steve, most Snap-On stuff can be gotten on Ebay, I buy my stuff off the truck at work though. -Charlie
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speedy
Gearhead Posts: 135
From: Parkersburg WV
Registered: Nov 99
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posted 12-12-2000 08:15 PM
Charlie,I've heard and read from several sources that Craftman Tools are made in Japan.They said that they get away with putting made in USA on the tools is that some part of the tool is made here,but shipped to Japan for assembly.As for price versus quality,I'll pay that extra,because in my opinion Snap-On is far superior.(And you know what they say about opinions!)Steve,you can order from Snap_On direct at www.Snap-On.com or get the number of your local dealer. Andy
No,I dont sell tools for a living,I turn wrenches.HAHA
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3201
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-12-2000 11:14 PM
Another line of hand tools is SK, also Proto, Mack, Matco. Any comments?
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Dave95GT
Journeyman Posts: 17
From: Austin, Texas
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 12-13-2000 12:54 PM
Im a fan of Matco tools. They have always warrantied their stuff without any questions. The thing about Craftsman is now their power tools only have a 1 year warranty as do torque wrenches, Sometimes you can catch a pud at the counter that doesnt know any better. Thats when you go home and get all your tools and get them warrantied for the Professional Series.  
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20669
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 12-13-2000 01:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by mellowyellow:
Another line of hand tools is SK, also Proto, Mack, Matco. Any comments?
All great tools. I think I have some of each of those. Cornwall has some good stuff, too. The thing about the higher quality tools is that you usually don't have to use their return policy. Their stuff usually doesn't fail. ------------------
SteveLaRiviere/Webmaster -- MCA # 47773
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CRB
Gearhead Posts: 110
From: Raritan NJ
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 12-13-2000 01:21 PM
Mack is owned by Stanley if that is any indication of their quality, most of them are made overseas and by other companies and just branded
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cpmaverick
Moderator Posts: 1201
From: Auburn, AL.
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 12-13-2000 07:13 PM
Matco, Mac, and Cornwell are all good tool truck brands, I have them all in my box Most of these brands share sources for stuff like snap-ring pliers, air tools, (mostly I-R) and a lot of misc stuff. The thing I like about Snap-On is all the Snap-On branded stuff is MADE by Snap-On, and no one else sells it. If it is made by someone else it is labeled Blue Point. That makes it a lot easier to know what you're getting.S-K is one of my favorites, I have a bunch of SK stuff although its hard to find distributors. Andy, I admit I don't know for sure about Craftsman tool sources. If any of your sources are written or on the internet I'd like to see them, if not, no big deal. All my Craftsman stuff is sockets and wrenches, 'No assembly required' so I know its from the USA. ------------------
-Charlie Ping
1970 Maverick Grabber
-1987 5.0L B303 roller cam/rockers
-1968 Mustang Toploader
-1977 Lincoln Versailles 9 inch w/discs
-1980 Granada Front Discs
www.MAVERICKGRABBER.com
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3201
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-14-2000 08:04 AM
A source for S-K tools is A&I SUpply in Ill. Their toll free no. is 800-260-2647. They have a large tool line and sell name brand stuff along with a imported line. Their main focus is on quality tools.
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kid vishus
Gearhead Posts: 1801
From: between the end of the road, and the middleof no-where
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 12-15-2000 11:26 PM
I can't justify buying very expensive tools since everybody has the same replacement policy on "lost". I break my fair share of stuff but I lose a lot more, and try to explain that to the monkee behind the counter.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3201
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-16-2000 10:56 AM
Yeah, Quality has gone down hill. About 20 years ago, saw a 3/8 rachet, two long extensions, and a 1/2" deepwell lying on the highway. Stopped, got it, and still have those S-K tools. I wonder if their quality has slipped, also? Hope not.
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cpmaverick
Moderator Posts: 1201
From: Auburn, AL.
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 12-18-2000 07:45 PM
S-K is still great.As far as jusifying quality, I HATE using cheap tools. They are often much heavier and bulkier, won't fit in tight places (especially combination wrench box ends).
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ekbeanctr
Gearhead Posts: 158
From: Middlebury, IN USA
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 01-06-2001 07:25 AM
Anybody tried Kobalt from Lowe's. My wife got me a set of wrenches and screwdrivers for Christmas. In reading the literature with them, they are a division of Snap On. They LOOK real nice, but have not had a chance to test (torture) them yet. She also got me a torque wrench (Certified) that is Kobalt, It also looks first rate in fit and finish.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3201
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 01-07-2001 12:45 PM
Funny you should mention Lowe's! Home Depot has snapped up every piece of available real estate that could be bought or rented in Dade Co. Fl. to keep Lowe's from getting a foothold! To me, that says a mouthful about Lowes. I hear they have good product lines!
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wythors
Gearhead Posts: 2591
From: The cold, gray Pacific Northwest
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 01-10-2001 05:35 PM
I found an "antique mall" a few weeks ago that has a guy that sells tools in it. He had a box of "American Made Sockets, your choice: .25". It was full of Craftsman, Mac, SK, Snap-on, etc. Also a like box of wrenches, your choice .75. Screwdrivers .50! A Snap-On 3/8 speed handle for $12! I only had a few bucks on me and got 4 3/8" wobbly sockets for $3 each. I'm going back this weekend to load up!
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DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 603
From: Nashville, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 01-10-2001 08:36 PM
I bought a set of Craftsman wrenches a few years ago that actually said "JAPAN" on the side. A year later I took tham all back and said I wanted "Made in the USA" Craftsman wrenches and they traded! My brother kept his set - he thought they might be collectors items one day!Tracy
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3201
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 01-10-2001 10:45 PM
The Made In USA ones??? LOL!
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Tim
Journeyman Posts: 34
From:
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 01-11-2001 12:44 PM
Someone mentioned S K. I bought a nice set of SK scew drivers a year ago. Very good quality, need I say better than Crafstman?
Did break one, took it back, replaced no questions asked. I also like Proto tools.
Not as great as Snap-On, less expensive, far greater quality than Crafstman I'd say.Tim
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cpmaverick
Moderator Posts: 1201
From: Auburn, AL.
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 01-12-2001 12:17 AM
Craftsman did go through a period (in the early '80s I think) where thier tools were made in Japan. It was very, very unpopular and did not last long. I have a 13/16 spark plug socket made in japan, Craftsman. Found it under the carpet of a Mustang II. [This message has been edited by cpmaverick (edited 01-12-2001).]
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TomP
Moderator Posts: 3418
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 01-15-2001 08:08 PM
I think almost all the tools made since i was a boy have gotten worse,i have a WW2 vintage Black&Decker angle grinder that outlasted two others since. The "Made in USA" thing can be deceptive...Guam and many small islands way too close to Taiwan are US posessions. They dont put "Made in Midway Island" on them.
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