i needed a rachet to keep in my work truck. didnt want anything good because of the co workers. I got a harbor freight, its black, like a plastic handle that will extend. Its pretty nice, i have been known to use it instead of whats in the home box
Thinking about retiring my USA Craftsman tools
- Thread starter monster1
- Start date
Thanks for the responses. Guess I'll just keep using them. I've never been a collector of tools. They are just tools. Though I do have a nearly mint set of sk drive tools my grandpa left me. My dad recently passed and I kept all his vintage snap on tools. I don't have any plans to use them. They just sit in plastic tubs in my garage.
My original Craftsman wrenches and socket set were perhaps one of the very few nice things that I had in high school and paid for mowing lawns. Over time, more were purchased but almost nothing after 2000. Presently, they are my in-house tools and and will never get rid of them. The Wrights, SK's and others in the shop are what are used mostly but plumbing and fiddling on a household problem is the Craftsman's domain.
I shudder to think what will happen to my tools after I am gone. Neither boy has any real appreciation or affinity for tools, even though one is a mechanic. The Golden Rule applies. Use whichever tool you want as long as you use it properly, clean and return it where it belongs. The mechanic left sockets and wrenches on the gravel driveway in the rain that I discovered when stepping on them. Also, there were the missing sockets, extensions, etc. Now everything is locked up in the tool chest. The Mrs is worse than the kids were when they were here.
I shudder to think what will happen to my tools after I am gone. Neither boy has any real appreciation or affinity for tools, even though one is a mechanic. The Golden Rule applies. Use whichever tool you want as long as you use it properly, clean and return it where it belongs. The mechanic left sockets and wrenches on the gravel driveway in the rain that I discovered when stepping on them. Also, there were the missing sockets, extensions, etc. Now everything is locked up in the tool chest. The Mrs is worse than the kids were when they were here.
I use tools everyday. Why would you save decent quality tools and go buy and fight with using cheaper versions? I highly doubt they are going to be put in a display case in someones living room.My kids can have all mine, I told my son that a week ago. this headache is all his one day. Only ones that they are going to impress are the ones that break in and pawn them for to take a ride by chemicals. They can price them however expensive they want on ebay, I'm not buying unless i have a special need for it and I'll pay for my own retirement days. Kinda like the vise threads, No offense to anyone's hobby, and its great to be brought back to life, but there was a reason that special one off was found buried in a marsh pit.
finn
Well-known member
A couple of these posts bring me back thirty or more years ago to when the boys were in their early teens and I would have to go through the grass alongside the driveway in and in the back yard each spring to rescue the wrenches and sockets the kids sometimes left out over the winter.
I recall chuckling about it at the time, while trying to maintain a straight face during the annual *** chewing.
Secretly, I was glad they were using the tools.
I recall chuckling about it at the time, while trying to maintain a straight face during the annual *** chewing.
Secretly, I was glad they were using the tools.
I agree. I have wrenches that have been in daily use for nearly a century that are in pristine condition.
Now, that's an idea.
My wife's going to love it!
I used to keep my main tool box in my early/mid 20s in the kitchen. Moved into a smaller house and didn't have a place for it. So I told her my tools weren't going to storage...
Fixed any a broken car in out driveway with them and always grabbed a beer when I needed something I forgot to bring out hahaha
No disrespect, but bang their wife doesn't apply here, but letting quality tools sit and not enjoying them is like not banging your girlfriend to save it for the next guy...
I don't get it, you have nice SK tools and snap ons and you're worried about saving your craftsman...
I've considered donating some of my spare tools to the local job development school. At least the youngin's there have expressed and interest in learning a trade. Perhaps there's somethin g like it in your neighborhood?
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Sounds like you have plenty of options for using and passing down. Why bother with new unless you just want them.
NOTE: either move those tools out of solid base bins or drill holes in the bottom, if they every fill up with water (flood, fire sprinklers, etc...) they will marinate and be ruined.
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This is absolutely false. USA Craftsman worth more than China-made Craftsman and is actually more valuable than presumably better brands like SK, Wright, etc. I think it is on par as Proto as far as value goes on eBay. As to rate of appreciation, USA Craftsman has no equals. It beats Snap On, MAC and whatever names you can think of. OP's idea is right. Stop using those old Craftsman tools, esp. if they are in relatively good condition. Buy Icon from HF now and sell those Craftsman if the kids or grand kids are not into this kind of stuff.
Why the heck would you sell a set of USA Craftsman to buy Icon? I mean, they're probably in "Good/Used" condition now after a lot of years of use, and I'd guess they'll be similar later, during which time they'll hypothetically appreciate. I have no doubts about the Icon set, but I wouldn't sell a MiUSA Craftsman to get them.
At most, I'd have a "beater" set of wrenches I don't mind doing mean things to (and I do), but it sounds like he's been able to use them without meaningful damage for a long time.
As tools, Icon is better tool than USA craftsman. With respect to collectible value, craftsman is better. So if he doesn't care about collection, he might get a free upgrade.
I stopped using my craftsman long time ago. It took me a lot of money and hassle and luck to find an identical ratchet as the one failed. I'd rather let the whole set sits than going through that again. I can easily sell the set for way more than what I paid for when new
I stopped using my craftsman long time ago. It took me a lot of money and hassle and luck to find an identical ratchet as the one failed. I'd rather let the whole set sits than going through that again. I can easily sell the set for way more than what I paid for when new
Ton ton
Well-known member
I like the Craftsman sockets made in USA. But I prefer other brands of ratchets. I do have an ICON ratchet but I think there's better brands of ratchets out there than ICON. I am still looking for the perfect ratchet.
Motorman55
Well-known member
My Craftsman boxes are full of Craftsman USA tools that I've been using in multiple trades for over 50 years, and I'm still using them today. They've never failed to get the job done in all this time, so I see no reason to replace them. I may be retired but they aren't.
He's clearly been happy with and working just fine for a long time with what he's got. After eBay fees/etc. it doesn't seem worth it to me...
joel63
Well-known member
Well then, why don’t you throw all caution to the wind and get yourself a Snap on F80 for starters?
You won’t regret it.
Ton ton
Well-known member
I do have a Dual 80 snap on 1/2" drive ratchet. The head seems to be on the big side. Just my 2 cents. I'm leaning towards Carlyle @ this point. I have a decent Napa not too far away.
I think you've already been persuaded OP, but I'll throw in my 2 cents too.
Unless your USA Craftsman stuff is pristine, I don't think there's much point in preserving them now. Just use them. Should something break or wear out - sure, it would be nice to Ebay a matching replacement, but I wouldn't sweat it. If these are being handed-down as tools to be used, I think the value is in having a complete and functional set more than having something matching. What you DON'T want to do is pass along an incomplete set - that just tempts the grandkids to buy a 300pc Husky set so they aren't missing anything.
On the other hand... If you've got the money and desire for new tools - who are we to stop you!
I think the Williams USA line of sockets and ratchets is the perfect substitute for everything Craftsman USA used to be, if that's what tickles your fancy. No knocks against the many high-quality Taiwanese options these days, I'm just pointing to Williams as the best stand-in for USA Craftsman.
Unless your USA Craftsman stuff is pristine, I don't think there's much point in preserving them now. Just use them. Should something break or wear out - sure, it would be nice to Ebay a matching replacement, but I wouldn't sweat it. If these are being handed-down as tools to be used, I think the value is in having a complete and functional set more than having something matching. What you DON'T want to do is pass along an incomplete set - that just tempts the grandkids to buy a 300pc Husky set so they aren't missing anything.
On the other hand... If you've got the money and desire for new tools - who are we to stop you!
I think the Williams USA line of sockets and ratchets is the perfect substitute for everything Craftsman USA used to be, if that's what tickles your fancy. No knocks against the many high-quality Taiwanese options these days, I'm just pointing to Williams as the best stand-in for USA Craftsman. - obviously they are USA made,
- they are high quality - better quality than your old Craftsman,
- the price is very reasonable, about the same or just a little more than lots of the Taiwanese options,
- the ratchets will feel like a major upgrade compared to Craftsman, but they are very old-school compared to the high-polish stuff coming out of Taiwan.
I love Craftsman RHFT ratchets. I generally prefer Quick Release ratchets and the Craftsman RHFT are the best IMO. I like Snap On Dual 80, but I get annoyed when I have to pry off a socket.
You're a year behind brother...
Late to the party BUT, maybe if you used them and didnt preserve them , the chinese **** will still sit on the sales shelf and when they fiqure out they cant sell that ****, they will bring back half way decently made tools with quality steel.
The reason that doesn't work is because people buy what you are defining as ****. Until there is a viable market for domestically produced tools, we likely aren't going to see very many of them. We may think these large corporations are stupid and much of their activity does appear that way. But they pay big money for marketing studies and research. If they thought the market was there, I'm pretty certain that the products would appear. It's the same thing that's driving SK to produce overseas. We can whine, *****, bemoan, remember the good old days or whatever we want to do to expresss our dissatisfaction with it. But......until we pony up in sufficient numbers to support it.....it's not going to happen.
I don't see supply & demand as rocket science. Show a viable demand and someone will produce the product.
I don't see supply & demand as rocket science. Show a viable demand and someone will produce the product.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
That and also they do make quick release dual 80 ratchets, so the logic is flawed.
Defo recommend a FR80 to convert you to Dual 80. The standard size 1/2” is a bit heavy for its length imo, and with 1/2” stuff I generally find I want more leverage than a standard handle offers.
Rogue_Ryder
Member
When was that? 40+ years ago? I agree on cost & robustness they don't break and were cheap. They might have been effective working on a 74 Dodge Dart but in tight spaces they're atrocious with the coarseness huge arc swing and lots of back drag. CP does a good job of ranting on these old Craftsman tools:
I suffered for years using those craftsman ratchets and have slowly upgraded to better ones over the last 3 decades. As a teen in the 90s there weren't many options just Pro/Truck stuff, Craftsman and absolute import junk. Today we have nearly infinite choices and there's really good stuff out there. The long handle Gearwrench 84T and now 90T long handles are great and after I used it for the 1st time my Craftsmen were relegated to the basement. After I recently dropped the GW and the selector broke (I did get the rebuild kit and fixed) I upgraded my 3/8 to The MATCO 88 (already had a 1/4" for years) these are slightly smoother than the GW although 2x the cost. My newest favorite ratchet is a swivel head WERA 3/8, nice ergo handle and extremely smooth. If you really want to spoil yourself get a KOKEN!
I still use all my 20+ year old Chrome Craftsman Made in USA sockets they haven't let me down once. I plan on continuing to use them and will replace 1:1 if/when I ever break one.
The EASCO Made Raised Panel Wrenches are also bombproof but the length is short and have caused me many a ****** knuckle over the last 30 years of using them. I got a set of Ratcheting GWs when they first came out and when I need a wrench 99 out of 100 times I reach for those in the drawer. I kick myself in the @$$ every time I have to use one of those old Craftsman wrenches instead of buying a Set of Craftsman Professional Series back in the day (made by either S-K or Armstrong), I have the stubby set of Craftsman Pros and they're great on the rare occasion I need a stubby.
If you're doing projects often or going to dive into a Big One like a car restoration you'll enjoy it more using nice ratchets and wrenches. Upgrading from the Raised Panel Wrenches to a set of TEKTONs would be a night/day difference (I have set of TEKTON line wrenches than they're very nice). Even better (but 2x the cost) is a nice set of Made in USA Williams https://protoolwarehouse.com/williams-high-polish-chrome-black-combination-wrench-set-15-piece/ another PHENOMAL set of wrenches for not much $$$ is FACOM 440s 1/2 the cost of the as far as anyone cant tell MAC precision torque; however both FACOM & MAC are Taiwanese not US or French.
The Craftsman Screwdrivers always have been junk, but make good punches and chisels and paint can openers. I bought a set of Snap On Screwdrivers 20 years ago and those are still available today from Williams at 1/2 what I paid back in the day and are 80% cheaper than current Snappies. https://protoolwarehouse.com/williams-mixed-screwdriver-set-8-piece-100p-8md/
Ton ton
Well-known member
It's ok. At least it's not a 10 year old thread. Some threads are like fine wine or cheese. They get better with age.
It’s often entertaining when someone resurrects an old thread, especially during times when the only conversations being had are about vise’s, lathes and whichever fly by night import tool company has a new breaker bar to peddle.
rust in the eye
Well-known member
Keep 'em and use 'em.
I've never broken a tool that didn't give warning so if concerned about the quality of replacements switch to a stronger tool when needed.
If you do break one it's not like you can't find someone selling old Craftsman tools.
I've never broken a tool that didn't give warning so if concerned about the quality of replacements switch to a stronger tool when needed.
If you do break one it's not like you can't find someone selling old Craftsman tools.
seber
Well-known member
I know a lot of people think Craftsman tools are going to be huge collectables in the future, but I have a different take. The quality was always just acceptable and they are only sentimental to those who grew up with them. Just like Elvis memorabilia, they will become worthless to those who have no connection and only see the massive quantity and poor quality as something to be avoided in the future. Currently, they are cheap and for the most part the prices are actually falling. I have a full cabinet of Craftsman in my sales area. I can't even give most of it away. Ratchets are the worst. A few years ago they brought $10. Now, they just sit even at $5. People who like them for whatever reason already have all they want.
lbhsbz
Well-known member
Tools are meant to be used...if you're not going to use them because you're afraid of breaking them, might as well throw them in the trash or sell them and buy new ones. Your plan makes no sense. A tool so fragile you're afraid to use it is worthless.
WWheeler
Well-known member
My RHFTs have a LOT less back drag than my Snap-on dual 80s, and the swing arc is about the same or better also.
RHFTs have a dual integrated floating pawl design that doubles the number of clicks to the number of teeth so with that 1/2" you get the old-school strength and reliability of a 45 tooth ratchet but the 4 degrees of travel between clicks of a 90 tooth ratchet (less swing arc than a 1/2" dual 80 Snap-on) and the 3/8 has 41 teeth so 82 clicks (again. less swing arc thana dual 80 Snap-on) and the 1/4 is 35 tooth, so 70 clicks (which is negligibly more swing arc than a Dual-80 1/4" dr which is 72 tooth)
And craftsman's RHFTs were delivering this ratcheting performance back in 1968.
Lassen Forge
Well-known member
I'm lost, sorry... if you have tools, use them. If you want to hand them down to the kids, fine. If you want to build the a set to give them, great. But pulling your tools, polishing them, and storing them, then buying a second set to use because you don't want to "ruin the collectors value" of them... to me, that's just silly.
I have some of my dad's tools he left to us when he passed. I also have a few from the set he bought us when we were kids. But they're neither crown jewels or holy relics - they're work tools. Doesn't matter if they're small W Williams or Craftsman V or whatever, I use them because they're useful. Hell, I cut down a 1/2" raised panel V rachet (from that pile) to a 3 1/2" stubby because, well, I needed one (and still use it) and I couldn't find one otherwise... Sacrelege? No, because they were and are work tools, not some holy relic...
Spending money to buy tools you already have so you can polish your tools because someday, somewhere, some collector may give your grandkid a couple bucks for it instead of using it now, well... it's your money.
I have some of my dad's tools he left to us when he passed. I also have a few from the set he bought us when we were kids. But they're neither crown jewels or holy relics - they're work tools. Doesn't matter if they're small W Williams or Craftsman V or whatever, I use them because they're useful. Hell, I cut down a 1/2" raised panel V rachet (from that pile) to a 3 1/2" stubby because, well, I needed one (and still use it) and I couldn't find one otherwise... Sacrelege? No, because they were and are work tools, not some holy relic...
Spending money to buy tools you already have so you can polish your tools because someday, somewhere, some collector may give your grandkid a couple bucks for it instead of using it now, well... it's your money.
Kscardsfan
Well-known member
I got a Mac long handle 3/8" axis on eBay for $65-70 shipped to my door. The deals are out there, just keep an eye out for them. I see your point about saving them for the kids and grandkids, its basically what my in laws did for me with my wife's grandfathers tools. I use some of them, especially when I'm working on his restored Ferguson tractor or other old junk I seem to accumulate.
Rogue_Ryder
Member
Try eBay! I went on there recently to see if I could find a set of the Made in USA Craftsman Professionals and HOLY $%!T they are selling for insane prices more than their S-K or Armstrong Equivalents! Anything that's -V-, VV and less so VA are bringing decent money, not really sure about the Ratchets though. Someone paid over $100 for this basic set. I ended up buying a Taiwanese set of MAC Precision Torques which actually have a Craftsman Equivalent "V-Series", seriously one of the finest feeling wrenches in the hand (and I've used a lot of brands over the years).
I have to admit I have never used an RHFT! I was thinking more along the lines of the Flying V and their later replacements (I have a handful of the end of the line USA ones still). My first ratchet experience was using my Gramps Flying V from the late 50s or early 60s and I used that style for years before I knew anything better. If I ever come across one at an Estate sale or Flea Market I'll snag it!