Show us your *NEW* 2021+ Craftsman V Series tools and tool boxes!

[LanceMc]

Here's the place to show off your Craftsman V Series tools and tool boxes! Show us what you have and if you feel like it, where you got it and how much it cost.

I'm late to the V Series and guess the only thing that can explain that is I wasn't active on GJ the past few years. I was spending my money on gym equipment, which is just tools for strength and conditioning
I have plans to buy everything I can find and afford. I probably won't use them much but who knows
Here's my first V Series purchase-
Pliers Wrench Made in France purchased from Ace Hardware


Metric and SAE 12 piece Combination box/open end wrench sets
Purchased from an eBay seller Made in Taiwan


I was impressed so I decided to buy some more
I started on the sockets and ratchets with this cool 1/2" 21 piece SAE set
Purchased from an eBay seller Made in Taiwan

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Some of this is similar in parts to Facom.

How is the Craftsman brand and V range positioned there in the US?

My awareness isn't the best but Facom is quite "premium but reasonable and worth it" here, maybe like Knipex. Hazet and Stahlwille is more upmarket.

 

[terrific]

Some of this is similar in parts to Facom.

How is the Craftsman brand and V range positioned there in the US?

My awareness isn't the best but Facom is quite "premium but reasonable and worth it" here, maybe like Knipex. Hazet and Stahlwille is more upmarket.

SBD owns Facom and Craftsman, so they're free to borrow designs. The V series seems to have been a failed venture. It was around for two years or so, then went on clearance (in a big way) end of last year.

 

[terrific]

Here's the 1/2" flex compared to the Proto version. It's probably not possible to make a direct comparison because the Proto is ~2 inches longer, but you can see they were basing the new tools on designs from their other brands. Craftsman on left, Proto on right.


Handles.

Heads. Proto much wider, same height from the anvil to the back-plate.

 

[Steel_Rain]

It was around for two years or so, then went on clearance (in a big way) end of last year.

Last year from about September to December, it was a fire sale, and the prices dropped weekly. The stuff in my area still didn’t really move even with low prices:



I should have taken more pictures. They had dozens of the ratchets, screwdriver sets, pliers wrenches and side cutters in the cardboard crates in the aisles all at ridiculous prices, all v-series stuff.

 

[M.Jay]

My awareness isn't the best but Facom is quite "premium but reasonable and worth it" here, maybe like Knipex. Hazet and Stahlwille is more upmarket.

Facom is definitely in the upper range over here and well regarded, even though SBD has damaged the brand name through its outsourcing.
One weird thing about Facom is their pricing, which is all over the place. Some things can be had quite cheap, while other stuff is ridiculous overpriced.

 

[finn]

Bought a few items / small sets last year. By the time I decided it was pretty good stuff, it was all gone.

I look at it as a missed opportunity.

 

[LanceMc]

Wow! Some of these prices are just incredible. I'm disappointed I missed out, but glad there are a few people smart enough to hoard it up and resell on eBay. For instance, the combination wrench set in the picture for 39.98, I paid $64.34 on eBay. It's still out there to be had, just not at fire sale prices.
I see the 1/2" sets are $84.98. I paid $96.83 for mine so it's still reasonably priced for most things. The ratcheting wrenches on the other hand are pretty pricey. The XXL DBE Metric ratcheting wrench set goes for about $175

Last year from about September to December, it was a fire sale, and the prices dropped weekly. The stuff in my area still didn’t really move even with low prices:



I should have taken more pictures. They had dozens of the ratchets, screwdriver sets, pliers wrenches and side cutters in the cardboard crates in the aisles all at ridiculous prices, all v-series stuff.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

How is the Craftsman brand and V range positioned there in the US?

Found - https://toolguyd.com/craftsman-dewa...r-tool-brands-are-relatively-positioned-2019/

I guess the V series was meant to be the top end of Craftsman.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I guess the V series was meant to be the top end of Craftsman.

Right. When I researched this last year (because I had never heard of the "V-Series before than), I learned it wasn't the first but in fact, Craftsman had been making them for many decades.

Per Google:



I give them credit for trying to bring it back, I really do, but Lowes has terrible marketing campaigns for tool lines geared towards the real Pro's out there.

 

[four.cycle]

"famous for their fine-tooth, dual-pawl ratchets with distinctive "V"-shaped levers"

what nonsense.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

what nonsense.

It probably read this and is referring to the direction switch http://alloy-artifacts.org/craftsman-maker-v.html#v-shaped

 

[four.cycle]

^ I know exactly what it was referring to. It's "AI" generated nonsense. The academic term is "pap". (which has absolutely nothing to do with "pap smear")
It's just nonsense engineered to lull the reader into believing they are reading something of substance, when in fact it's just nonsense.

That "flying V" ratchet, for reasons which defy explanation, has/had something of a following, but it doesn't perform any differently than the one with the convential toggle lever, nor does it necessarily command a higher selling price in the second-hand market. There is nothing "special" about it other than it having a "V-shaped" lever.
It was popular enough that Japanese manufacturers copied it. (see below) But that really doesn't mean much of anything: they also copied the S-K 45170 and the Walden 3150.

Three-fourths of that section ("Quality Association", "Key Products", and "Legacy") is 100% fluff - just filler. Designed so you are led to believe you actually learned something - it's just unnecessary nonsensical palaver, also known in some circles as "sales pitch".

I'm puzzled as to why people continue to give it oxygen. Please: just ignore it and let it die.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

^ I know exactly what it was referring to. It's "AI" generated nonsense. The academic term is "pap". (which has absolutely nothing to do with "pap smear")
It's just nonsense engineered to lull the reader into believing they are reading something of substance, when in fact it's just nonsense.

I agree and it frustrates me in many scenarios.

My only point was that in this case, there was a source that inspired its nonsense.

 

[M.Jay]

Per Google:

Guys, please stop quoting this crappy AI slop. There are so many reliable sources to gather knowledge.

I'm puzzled as to why people continue to give it oxygen. Please: just ignore it and let it die.

Thanks! I thought I was the only one bothered by this ****.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Guys, please stop quoting this crappy AI slop. There are so many reliable sources to gather knowledge.


Thanks! I thought I was the only one bothered by this ****.

Well damnit, you sons of ***** are right. Maybe I'm putting to much faith in Google these days. I've spend lots of time on http://alloy-artifacts.org and I should have went there first.

 

[four.cycle]

Every time it is copy and pasted, it propagates more AI nonsense. The more it is repeated, the more people will come to accept it as being true. Best strategy: ignore it.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I tried at least one ratchet, I don't remember jow many ratchets I bought to try. The backdrag was really bad so I just got rid of it..

I got a really good deal on their reversible ratcheting wrenches. I like the feel of the Craftsman overdrive wrenches. I really like the feel of the wright tools wrenches... And when I use my Proto reversible ratcheting wrenches, I don't give much of a thought to the field. I just used them and think they're fine. I don't love these. I don't hate them. If all I want is a wrench, they're not the first thing I would reach for; based on the feel (so personal preference). These do work though, and I really like the packaging and the labeling on them. And if you don't need a huge set, these are a great set to grab. I can trivially carry SAE and metric in one hand. That's not something I can say about my big sets.



Then there are other screwdrivers that I paid full price for and they are still in the container.



When I first held them in my hand. I thought that handle's too big. I'm not sure. I still think that, but I have so many other options that I've never bothered to actually try them in a real world setting... Smart me would sell them... Garage journal me however...

 

[Steve_P]

^ are those the diamond coated tip ones that did very well in the PF test?

 

[KnurledNut]

For those that might have missed it, this was the first thread on GJ about the V-Series tools back in 2021:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/new-sb-d-craftsman-v-series-ratchet.484377/
@Jtels85 was the first known member to have one of the ratchets which was a stubby 1/4 flex comfort handle.
Shortly after, he graciously gifted and sent it to me and I still have it.

It seems a small percentage of the Lowes stores carried these tools IN-STORE and I feel like that was a huge detriment to the overall success of this line. I would have loved to see it expand.

 

[LanceMc]

I was searching for information on my Great Grandfather's midget socket set that that brought me to the thread you posted or maybe it was this one, the one that got closed. . I kinda got carried away with the V Series. Heck I'm way carried away. When I found out some of the tools were basically Facom, I was sold.
I really wish the new V Series had continued too but that's the way it goes I reckon.

N.B.
I changed the thread title so as not to be confused with the Vintage Craftsman =V= series. I'm also a fan and collector of them too.

For those that might have missed it, this was the first thread on GJ about the V-Series tools back in 2021:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/new-sb-d-craftsman-v-series-ratchet.484377/
@Jtels85 was the first known member to have one of the ratchets which was a stubby 1/4 flex comfort handle.
Shortly after, he graciously gifted and sent it to me and I still have it.

It seems a small percentage of the Lowes stores carried these tools IN-STORE and I feel like that was a huge detriment to the overall success of this line. I would have loved to see it expand.

 

[Ohio Andy]

^ are those the diamond coated tip ones that did very well in the PF test?

I bought a couple sets of those. I have one that I've used. I've given some away and I have a 14-piece set. I think it's 14 pieces that is unopened. Those are awesome

 

[LanceMc]

Look what just arrived!
Bought from Lowe's online for about $25 Made in France

 

[Ohio Andy]

Look what just arrived!
Bought from Lowe's online for about $25 Made in France

How do you like the handles

 

[LanceMc]

They feel high quality. Much like the Craftsman Professional screwdrivers I have mostly worn the hell out.
I look forward to using them to remove some screws in one of my Airstream restorations soon.

How do you like the handles

 

[Ohio Andy]

They feel high quality. Much like the Craftsman Professional screwdrivers I have mostly worn the hell out.
I look forward to using them to remove some screws in one of my Airstream restorations soon.

The Craftsman professional version 2. Meaning the ones with the red handles are one of my personal favorites... I had both And strongly preferred the red ones. I used those a lot.... So back in the day I had three sets, the professional red handle, the professional black handle and then the standard set with the hard handles.

 

[LanceMc]

Yes the ones I speak of are red handled. I bought them from Sears back when I first started my business. Must have been in '12-'14 I would guess. They are great screwdrivers. I think these V series will be just as good, if not better.

The Craftsman professional version 2. Meaning the ones with the red handles are one of my personal favorites... I had both And strongly preferred the red ones. I used those a lot.... So back in the day I had three sets, the professional red handle, the professional black handle and then the standard set with the hard handles.

 

[Steel_Rain]

The V-Series cases were great:



I feel like the nut drivers never got any love, these are good:



And how about those hex bit sockets? Quality!

 

[Ohio Andy]

I feel like the nut drivers never got any love, these are good:

Are these nut drivers available in SAE and metric or metric only? I think lately I've only seen the metric. I don't know if they ever had SAE

 

[Skellyii]

Just out of curiosity, has anyone bought or even seen the V series toolboxes? Are they similar to the old Craftsman Professional boxes in terms of quality?

I've seen them online, but like most of the V series stuff, I've never seen any at Lowes.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Are these nut drivers available in SAE and metric or metric only? I think lately I've only seen the metric. I don't know if they ever had SAE

Good question Andy…I’ve never seen an SAE version of these…but I’d probably buy it if you can post the link.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Good question Andy…I’ve never seen an SAE version of these…but I’d probably buy it if you can post the link.

I was asking because I've only ever seen the metric, never the SAE...

 

[KnurledNut]

They feel high quality. Much like the Craftsman Professional screwdrivers I have mostly worn the hell out.
I look forward to using them to remove some screws in one of my Airstream restorations soon.

Over a year ago, I mentioned wondering why they didn’t just call this line Craftsman Professional. It was an established name many were familiar with and associated with a higher grade of tools. IMO, the V Series name had much less influence and was another nail in the coffin.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...rench-made-pliers.535210/page-2#post-10769415

 

[LanceMc]

I've only seen one thread where a member here of GJ has posted about it. I'm very interested in them but, since they aren't cheap, I'm hesitant to buy one without seeing it in person first. It would need to be significantly better than the Cman 2000 series for the price difference. There are a few decent reviews of the V Series tool boxes on youtube.

Just out of curiosity, has anyone bought or even seen the V series toolboxes? Are they similar to the old Craftsman Professional boxes in terms of quality?

I've seen them online, but like most of the V series stuff, I've never seen any at Lowes.

 

[Skellyii]

Over a year ago, I mentioned wondering why they didn’t just call this line Craftsman Professional. It was an established name many were familiar with and associated with a higher grade of tools. IMO, the V Series name had much less influence and was another nail in the coffin.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...rench-made-pliers.535210/page-2#post-10769415

Just a guess, but since their "preferred" target retailers were Ace Hardware and Lowes (I got most of my V series stuff at NAPA), the "Professional" title might have been off-putting to the DIYers that frequent those stores.

While the average GJ member and/or people who wrench for a living know what Craftsman Professional is/was, the average DIYer has probably never heard of that line.

But to your point, between Sears and SBD, there are a LOT of nails in that coffin.

 

[LanceMc]

Yeah, I can see your point. I'm not a marketing expert and I only see things through my eyes. I don't have marketing data or any information on whose idea it was to call it "V Series" over "Professional" I would guess that the MAC and PROTO people might not want any of their market taken away. It's fun to speculate and armchair quarterback it, but, in the end, it doesn't really matter. It's a done deal now.

As far as the coffin being closed on Craftsman, I went to a brand new Lowe's yesterday and the Craftsman display was pretty impressive. There were two aisles of neatly displayed Craftsman tools. Here's just the sockets and wrenches

Over a year ago, I mentioned wondering why they didn’t just call this line Craftsman Professional. It was an established name many were familiar with and associated with a higher grade of tools. IMO, the V Series name had much less influence and was another nail in the coffin.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...rench-made-pliers.535210/page-2#post-10769415

 

[Davefr]

I feel like the nut drivers never got any love, these are good:

I would never buy a nutdriver if the shank was not hollow all the way up to the handle.

 

[Steve_P]

Just a guess, but since their "preferred" target retailers were Ace Hardware and Lowes (I got most of my V series stuff at NAPA), the "Professional" title might have been off-putting to the DIYers that frequent those stores.

While the average GJ member and/or people who wrench for a living know what Craftsman Professional is/was, the average DIYer has probably never heard of that line.

But to your point, between Sears and SBD, there are a LOT of nails in that coffin.

Sure, but everyone knows what "professional" means; if you have a "Craftsman" item on the shelf, and also a "Craftsman Professional" item, people understand that the professional line is a step above. Outside of GJ, meaning 99.99% of consumers, people have no idea what "V series" means. I've used Craftsman for decades and "V series" meant nothing to me until I'd seen it mentioned here. Saying that, I don't think the name really mattered; people going to Lowes or Ace to buy hand tools aren't going to want the most expensive wrench set, just a wrench set.

And back a little closer to topic, my local Ace has a lot of Craftsman tools, including, surprisingly, single sockets.

 

[Fedwrench]

It seems odd to write about the V series after last year's liquidation sale. Now, those were some excellent Black Friday deals.
I think the recent V series could have been so much more than it ended up being. It was the worse product launch I've ever seen. It didn't help that at the time; SBD had hopes of reviving US production which later fizzled out. Couple this with the old school Craftsman users thinking they were getting new made in the USA Craftsman V series tools only to discover they were mostly made in Taiwan with a few French made items thrown in. The line only consisted of approximately 36 items. Not much of mechanics tool line but, I digress. Everyone points to the V series tools being FACOM rebrands and that's possible but, I think they're based on the lower cost USAG versions. Both FACOM and USAG are owned by SBD so, different branches of the same tree. How wonderful the Craftsman V series line could have been had they offered most of the USAG/FACOM catalogs. To me SBD should have used clones of the USAG/FACOM ratchets instead of creating those horrible V series ratchets. Don't get me wrong, the V series ratchets are built like a tank and make excellent hammers, but the heads are too thick, the back drag too high, and the comfort grip on the 1/4 versions were comical at best. Next to the ratchets the other grievous error SBD made was the omission of 15 & 18mm sizes in the ratcheting wrench sets. I get that if you're working on Asian made vehicles, you'll never need those sizes and that many Taiwan tool manufacturers skip those sizes but, the hodgepodge of vehicles here that seem to use whatever fasteners are on sale, need those sizes.
A casual warning, you peeps can spend your money as you see fit buying what you want and can afford but, I urge you not to drive the prices up on Craftsman V series items in the secondary market. I might not be able to resist the temptation and end up selling my items.

I noticed when picking up some AC filters at the Ace down the road that they had a large endcap of new Chinese made SK tools.
Lastly, when a manufacturer slaps the word professional on a tool it usually isn't. The only exception to this is Proto tools.
Have a wonderful day!!!

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

but everyone knows what "professional" means; if you have a "Craftsman" item on the shelf, and also a "Craftsman Professional" item, people understand that the professional line is a step above

This is the same company that gave us a value range called "Expert by Facom"