Well, i've almost given up on Craftsman...

[csmitty]

Been thoroughly disappointed twice this month. First was a 5 or 6 piece metric hex socket set. Needed the 6mm for some diff work and just taking it off the tray and looking a the hex faces it just looked horrible, not even flat, like it wasn't machined or something. Sure enough, wouldn't fit the SHCS. The 6mm hex key fit fine. So was kinda ticked and didn't want to go all the way back to swap them out as I wanted to get this done. So got out a flat file and it fixed it right up, took the coating off, but whatever. Maybe I'll take them back later.

Then tonight I got the 7 piece Professional torx screw drivers. Got em home, the T25 shank is visibly bent, but a straight edge on it, yeap. WTF. Inspect the others, they're straight, but the T40 I think had the tip coating chipped off. One of the others looked like it might have been used (which may not have been surprising given this sears location) the tip was not as nice looking as the others. So, i get to go take those back. Awesome, all stuff that has USA marked on it. Maybe i'm just spoiled with the snap on stuff I have but its starting to get ridiculous. Atleast I get free Gladiator stuff everytime I go so can't complain to much.

I'll get some pics tomorrow.

 

[pipsters]

I have spent upwards of $1,100 at Sears online in the past month buying tools. Some have been really good, and some like you experienced have been pretty disappointing and bad. I bought a crows foot set and one of them, shipped directly from the factory (Apex), had chrome cracked and rust coming out of it. Brand new. That was an expensive set too. It seems really hit or miss, because all the others were great and looked awesome (well, except for another one that had been ground down and horribly chromed). All were replaced and mailed to my door in -2- days though, good customer service. Horrible quality control.

I also ordered that 299 piece socket set, most were really good but some arrived looking like they had been thru a rock tumbler. I got 8 shipped to me, and that was just the ones that had bad chrome on them. I didn't even bother replacing the scratched up ones.

They are cutting so many corners trying to keep prices down that they are putting out a bad product. I'm pretty much not going to be buying from there anymore unless I can see the item in store first.

 

[dirtrider]

I have had problems with Craftsman/Sears as well. I still use Craftsman tools along with other truck brands and still think Craftsman represents a good value for the money .But with that said I was in Sears the other day and looking at some of the extensions on the wall and some of the 1/4 6" extensions were noticeably bent and were not straight. What was also weird was I recently bought a 1/2 metric shallow set of sockets with the new laser etching and a few of the sockets were missing the laser marking. But other than that I have not had any problems I just purchased a set of 1/4 metric and standard deep sockets on sale and I must say those look and feel really good especially considering I only paid 30 buck's or something like that. I own a lot of the Craftsman pro wrenches (Made in USA) and I feel they are very good quality.It seems many of Craftsman's standard line has been declining in price to possibly compete with imports but in doing that the quality of Craftsman goes down. I personally don't mind paying a decent price for a quality tool and wish Craftsman would step it up a little in quality and if necessary price. But we all know what Joe blow the average consumer wants unfortunately.

 

[Lomotil]

http://sadtrombone.com/

 

[diesel research]

With as many similar complaints these days, why do so many keep going back? Maybe a gamble addiction?

I wouldn't call most of their current line up a bargain or value. Take a few minutes to check out online and will likely find a higher quality USA tool at similar price, or a higher quality import at a lower price.

What about warranty? The goal is to never have to use it.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

http://sadtrombone.com/

classic

 

[tw33k2514]

My Sears is riddled with half *** looking chrome, and screwdriver tips. Makes me sad for the future of tools.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

My Sears is riddled with half *** looking chrome, and screwdriver tips. Makes me sad for the future of tools.

I don't care about the chrome myself, hadn't even noticed.. but their screwdriver tips are made out of butter.

 

[HandyManny]

Been thoroughly disappointed twice this month. First was a 5 or 6 piece metric hex socket set. Needed the 6mm for some diff work and just taking it off the tray and looking a the hex faces it just looked horrible, not even flat, like it wasn't machined or something. Sure enough, wouldn't fit the SHCS. The 6mm hex key fit fine. So was kinda ticked and didn't want to go all the way back to swap them out as I wanted to get this done. So got out a flat file and it fixed it right up, took the coating off, but whatever. Maybe I'll take them back later.

Then tonight I got the 7 piece Professional torx screw drivers. Got em home, the T25 shank is visibly bent, but a straight edge on it, yeap. WTF. Inspect the others, they're straight, but the T40 I think had the tip coating chipped off. One of the others looked like it might have been used (which may not have been surprising given this sears location) the tip was not as nice looking as the others. So, i get to go take those back. Awesome, all stuff that has USA marked on it. Maybe i'm just spoiled with the snap on stuff I have but its starting to get ridiculous. Atleast I get free Gladiator stuff everytime I go so can't complain to much.

I'll get some pics tomorrow.

Join the club I decided to be done with Sears and Cman for about a year now. Sure glad that most of my Cman stuff is the much older quality stuff you just can't get at Sears new anymore.

 

[Original Man]

Has the quality changed from say 3-4 years ago? Ive been pretty happy with my 250ish piece set.

 

[Skin]

I don't care about the chrome myself, hadn't even noticed.. but their screwdriver tips are made out of butter.

The Pro drivers are fine and cheap. If you're referring to the clear handles you can get for $1 a piece well then

 

[pipsters]

Has the quality changed from say 3-4 years ago? Ive been pretty happy with my 250ish piece set.

The sockets I got in 2006 or 2007 was stamped "G2", now they are stamped "G2D". I don't notice much difference with the sockets, maybe a little cheaper feeling chroming on the outside. The extensions are the same, haven't changed any, stamped "H". They are good. The wrenches are stamped V^, they are also good and haven't changed since mid-90's.

I just bought that 299 piece set, I was considering buying all socket sets in the store that are stamped G2 and swapping them out and then returning them...(OCD?). Way too much trouble, but it crossed my mind. I like my G2 sockets.

 

[Kirbot]

I've bought a few Craftsman tools lately, but not much.
There are many other brands who I would rather buy from.

I haven't completely given up on them, but the brand is just a shadow of it's former self.


As for the screwdrivers, atleast the cheapest ones, yeah they are garbage.
The screwdrivers from Harbor freight are stronger beyond a shadow of doubt.

And the flat head blades are actually flat. Not that pathetic rounded off, useless end they put on the Craftsmans.

 

[taylorboi]

ive pretty much gave up on craftsman i went to sears the other day and was looking around and i noticed alot of the tools had new packaging but i look at the tools and they now say MADE IN CHINA and MADE IN TAIWAN .

 

[Sterff]

I have gone through 5 16" Cman Pro screwdrivers all on the first use. The tips snap off way to easily, and I only use it on electronics and interior work. All of my older Cman Pro drivers are really nice.

 

[Butters]

I just got the 299 pc set and several of the sockets had very bad chrome. As a whole, I'm still satisfied given my lowered expectations of Craftsman but I haven't thoroughly checked out all the sockets. But I'm purchasing less and less Craftsman. In fact, of the couple grand of tools I recently ordered, the only Craftsman stuff was the 299 pc set and that was due to the convenience.

The only thing Sears has going for it is that it is one of the few readily available "tool stores" you can go to and see and touch a very wide variety of tools (much more so than HD or Lowes or other hardware stores). If I need a specific tool today, I can generally find what I want at Sears. But as the quality goes down to Harbor Freight level (and is already lower on many items), why would you pay a premium to go to Sears when you can get a **** tool (or better) at HF for less money with the same warranty?

I would guess over the last year or two I've spent more money at HF than I have at Sears - and I don't buy much at HF. I don't see that trend getting any better for Sears. And if it is something I can wait for, I buy a tool online that I trust more than Craftsman.

I don't say any of this to be a Craftsman hater. I really wish I could view Sears like I did when I was a teenager when it was like being a kid in the candy store.

 

[csmitty]

Bent

Chipped coating

Don't even know what this is

All 3 of those are different drivers in the set. It was a pain swapping them to since I got them online with all the coupons and such.

Hex sockets, shows how much I had to remove just to get them to work. While I was waiting tonight I was browsing and saw some that were alot better.

The Rally box seems ok though.

 

[csmitty]

The other two packages they had of the 7 piece torx all seemed to have similar tip coating chipping issues. also weren't held very well in the packaging which could have led to it. They seem to be mostly straight though. Have to see how well they hold up. I'll probably be migrating the Craftsman to more of a back up set and start procuring more snap on. I liked sears and craftsman for the pretty good quality and the easy returning of broken tools. But not even getting to use them or modifying so they do work is not sitting so well.

 

[diesel research]

There are plenty of other brands to fill every void created by not shopping at sears.

 

[pipsters]

There are plenty of other brands to fill every void created by not shopping at sears.

There sure is. Problem is I wanted USA made stuff, and Sears is/was the last affordable hold out. I'm basically condensing a lifetime of tool buying into the next few months, getting what I can while it is still of "ok" quality. No way will I ever buy Snap-On, just no reason to and the $$ is insane for a DIY guy.

So it's Sears while I can get it, and then HF or similar Taiwanese imports after that. It's pretty frustrating there isn't a "middle of the road" USA brand. Craftsman however even is expensive when bought in the store. Only reason I am buying is due to the online sales and coupons courtesy of Skin.

Apparently SK used to be middle of the road, but now their prices are obscene rivaling Snap On on ebay, and the new company I doubt will bring down prices.

 

[Skin]

There are plenty of other brands to fill every void created by not shopping at sears.

Plenty of bargains to be had in the Cman tool catalog. Quite a few are found rebranded under many under names for a lot more cash (re-threader sets/12pc snap ring pliers as two examples amongst many). Pry bars, wrenches, extensions, sockets, ratchets, crowfoot wrenches, pro pliers, pro screwdrivers, hose pinch pliers, hooks/picks, T-handle hex/torx, bit sockets, ratcheting wrenches, universal sockets, swivel impacts, deep & regular impacts in 3/8 and 1/2" etc etc.. Theres many key items to build the foundations of a nice set that they offer. You absolutely will not find another retail outlet that will beat their prices on USA tools if you use their liberal sales and coupons to your advantage.

If you want to include imports well then no kidding there are many other options. But i could apply that same logic and say why in the heck would anyone buy any domestic tool ever again? Imports, especially much of what comes out of Taiwan, is an incredible performance/dollar ratio. Its stating the obvious though.

Apparently SK used to be middle of the road

Over the last 10 years they were just a premium priced Cman. True middle of the road would be Proto or Wright but its a big step up, anywhere from 2-5x the price as Cman. Not as bad as truck tools but still heavy on the wallet.

 

[diesel research]

Made in the USA is only important if the product is not of inferior quality.

There are several US tool manufacturers who make a truly superb product.

Wright can in no way be considered middle of the road. Premium product, premium price tag.

CMAN professional would be more of a middle of the road, although SK did have more wrenches for slightly less $$$ and of same quality. Nothing against either.

Those rebrands are also sometimes found elsewhere for same/less if online searching is done.

Bondhus makes a nice USA allen set that can be had for around $20.

There are multiple plier makers out there (USA).

 

[YellowLakeWelding]

I have a lot of Craftsman, Matco, MAC, and Snap-On in my box. All of my Craftsman is older when I think SK was they're manufacturer then, not sure who is now. I have some SK professional in my other box and they look identical to the Craftsman Professionals I have. One thing that really turned me away from Craftsman is the stores, they try to weasel out of replacing my stuff as much as they can. The last time they said I needed to receipt for a ratchet and a snapped extension so I went to the manager and got it done which pissed off the floor salesman...a LOT. This is something that's becoming more and more common so I'm buying all my stuff of the Snap On truck now. The massive price I pay is worth the service they give me and the personal way they treat me, I live in Wisconsin so buying something made in my state is worth it to me. Besides my tools are how I make my living so having nice tools is essential. I won't buy Craftsman any longer, the tools appear to be more cheaply made than ever before.

 

[diesel research]

I live in Wisconsin so buying something made in my state is worth it to me.

I would expect that answer more from our tennessee iowa or north carolina members.

 

[Skin]

Made in the USA is only important if the product is not of inferior quality.

This is the funny part, Cman stuff isnt inferior because much of what you can get, at the prices you can get it, are far less than others. So when you say inferior. Inferior to what, that $5 or $10 per socket set? What kind of comparison is that? For example, please show me what retailer [not outlet, clearance, or ebay] where you can purchase a whole range of domestic sockets for $1 ea. Or wrenches for $4ea. Other than the occasional Amazon Williams deal there really isnt a close comparison. Then there is the types of items you can purchase. How about 5 pry bars for $40. Or 12pc snap ring plier set for $70. The selection is good, the prices are more than fair. The warranty [for me] is great. At those prices i'm not looking to buy into a tool beauty contest either.

Wright can in no way be considered middle of the road. Premium product, premium price tag.

Completely false, there are numerous online stores offering their products for substantially less than something like a truck tool. Same with Proto.

 

[diesel research]

Please show me an american tool company who makes something of lesser quality than craftsmen.

First it was COO, now it's price point, but still skating around the quality factor.

 

[Skin]

Please show me an american tool company who makes something of lesser quality than craftsmen.

First it was COO, now it's price point, but still skating around the quality factor.

On the contrary price is directly related to quality. Again would you expect a $1 socket, or driver, or wrench to match a $5 or $10 one in aesthetics? Is this question so hard to grasp? For me Cman's prices on their domestic products are entirely indicitive to the quality of the product i receive and then some. I'm not going to debate with anyone who thinks Cman should match [enter truck brand here] or the superb products that come out of Taiwan which really could be compared to truck tools in aesthetics and also function.

 

[diesel research]

On the contrary price is directly related to quality. Again would you expect a $1 socket, or driver, or wrench to match a $5 or $10 one in aesthetics? Is this question so hard to grasp? For me Cman's prices on their domestic products are entirely indicitive to the quality of the product i receive and then some. I'm not going to debate with anyone who thinks Cman should match [enter truck brand here] or the superb products that come out of Taiwan which really could be compared to truck tools in aesthetics and also function.

Again missing the point.

Point is each week there is a thread grumbling about declining quality/aesthetics/ect ect. If the quality or appearance is not satisfactory to the purchaser, it is time to either lower their COO standards or raise their price standards. Gotta change with the times and know when to bail. (if you feel there is a problem)

Craftsman isn't about to lower their price point while improving COO and quality both, so if there is a problem, move on to another brand. If there is not a problem, then there won't be threads like this. Unfortunately, some people feel there is a problem.

Continuing to do business with a provider you are not satisfied with, is no way to send a message other than "it's ok to keep doing what you are doing".

So for them, there are other choices out there. Some compromises to be made, but that is life.

 

[toolman1967]

I am pretty hard on my tools, Sears never questioned what I did or how I broke it. Most of my tools are from Sears with a good Portion from S.O. and I am overall pleased. If I find a bad one, I usually check over the replacement well before leaving the store. I dont buy any of their power tools though, I can never seem to keep a Craftsman power tool running for very long..

 

[Kev442]

My only trips for Cman in the last year since being grossed out by the evolv line and the crummy ratchets that self reverse for warranty exchange, has been to Kmart for the Cman cheapy shop vacs. I bought 2 little $35 ones and now don't have to lug my $80 monster back and forth all over the place. I can recommend those vacs, they are handy little buggers, one in the basement, one in the garage.

 

[YellowLakeWelding]

I would expect that answer more from our tennessee iowa or north carolina members.

I didn't know they made tools in others states.

 

[diesel research]

I didn't know they made tools in others states.

I'm not sure if ANY tools are made in kenosha or other parts of wisconsin. Think it was the ratchets in tennessee, cordless tools in north carolina? higher end tool boxes in iowa?

 

[YellowLakeWelding]

I'm not sure if ANY tools are made in kenosha or other parts of wisconsin. Think it was the ratchets in tennessee, cordless tools in north carolina? higher end tool boxes in iowa?

I have no clue, I never looked into it.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

Another craftsman bites the dust....I bought this two weeks ago and it looks like it has been out in the rain...I was pulling a cotter pin out with it and the tip snapped off. But hey for the price, no complaints haha

 

[bones23]

Snap-On has manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Tennessee, Iowa, North Carolina, as well as two other states that I can't remember. YellowLakeWelding, you can still feel good about supporting the great state of Wisconsin as the headquarters are also still in Kenosha as well.

 

[tatra]

gave up on craftsman as i started getting older and realized how much of their stuff was made by others that could be had for less and badged by the original manuf...........brand loyalty went out the window as i began to realize that it depended more on how much you bought from the seller than honouring the warranty.........

 

[chopper1]

I have a retired friend that works in a Sears 'hardware store' part time. He was telling me today about all the Made in China tools they are carrying and how the 'baby boomers' are bitching and refuse to buy them, and Sears has lost a lot of business over the last couple years because of the change. But, a lot of the younger generation don't have a problem with the COO.

 

[LawnDart79]

It does really irritate me that more and more of Craftsman's tool lineup is being made in China. I mean really, why would I buy chi-com Craftsman tools for a premium price when I can go to Harbor Freight and buy a similar product cheaper. At least with the HF product I'm going in head first knowing I'm likely buying a piece of **** but at least I didn't pay much for said piece of ****.