Looking at some Craftsman Ratchets and need input

[puttsy]

Hello all,

I've been through this forum many times in the past years and finally joined. Wow! Why did I wait soo long? First, let me start out by saying I am NOT one who uses tools for a living. I have a lot of Craftsman tools that get used once a week on average. I am not a mechanic so I don't want to shell out big bucks on amazing tools (Oh I dream of owning some Snap-On tools, but for all of you that utilize them, me owning them would be a waste)

I have come into a need for a few new ratchets and need some input from the ones who know. I fall firmly in the consumer category so I would prefer to stick with Craftsman because they seem a happy medium.(HF tools have let me down too often, but the professional/truck ones are not feasible for me financially or practically) I'm looking at some flex-head ratchets and have decided to seriously consider the Craftsman Flex head but, what do you all think?

My concern is that they head would be floppy and not support the socket and pressure of working underneath equipment. I do most work on lawn mowers/tractors and snow-blowers so odd and tight spaces happen fairly often. Will the Craftsman flex heads work well to get into those tight spaces and odd reach angles or should I look at fixed (?) head ratchets with long handles instead and hope I can make it work? Stubby ratchets are also a consideration but, the lack of leverage I can get on them often makes them not suitable. (I weigh a buck-fifteen and sometimes it takes all of that to get a bolt moving, not breaker bar force though)

I've gotten this far by using Craftsman breaker bars and deep sockets but that tends to be a lot of on-turn-off-adjust-on-turn..... and hence why I'm looking to flex heads!

I've got all the 'major' size craftsman ratchets:
1/4", 3/8" standard, 3/8" long (only about an inch longer though), and 1/2"
AND the matching breaker bars:
1/4"(used because I "think I should"), 3/8" (11 in), and 1/2" (15 in)

All of these are Craftsman and I like the feel and they haven't disappointed me. I don't fully "use" my tools though, again, I do what I can and leave the rest to professionals.

My fears, as I stated, are that the flex head will be floppy and loose much of it's practicality within a year. Any thoughts/suggestions? I may be trying to use a flex head for the wrong purpose too though.

Thanks all, hope to get some insight!

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I recommend:
http://www.tooltopia.com/armstrong-11-994.aspx

 

[njride]

Check out the armstrong maxx flex heads, they have a nice locking feature and are comparable to the matco 88's at a greatly reduced price, plus they are us made. They are also suppose to now come with the matco 88 tooth setup according to someone in another thread, instead of the previous 60 tooth that was upgradable to the 88 tooth setup. I just got mine and they are pretty nice, especially for the money, also the heads are really narrow. Tooltopia.com is the place with the best prices. I haven't checked to see if mine are 88 or 60 tooth, I'm assuming 60.

 

[HandyManny]

Welcome! There is plenty of reason to have a flex/head ratchet. For your needs Craftsman will be just fine. However I think you can find a much better ratchet for the money by considering some of the offerings from Duralast, Kobalt (newer stuff), and the like. I also think the Duralast has a smaller head for fitting into tight spaces (no pun intended). I don't like detent flex-heads, but prefere the flex-heads have a wide range of motion adjusting the tension by tightening the pivot bolt.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

IMO stay away from the craftsman flex head ratchets. They have gone the way of the craftsman RP ratchets (raised panel) They have a plastic selector leaver and the internal finish and parts is getting worse and worse every year.

I think you would be better off if you wanted craftsman to go with either there slimline ratchets http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933442000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

Or the new Premium grade ratchets http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00902548000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Obviously the premium grade ratchets cary a more substantial price tag but I use them at work and im impressed. Others have had some issues with them needing rework out of the package but mine have always worked great.

If you truly need flex head my advice is dont skimp. Get a locking flexhead or at least one that has indexed detents (IE this one http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1WG26/?tag=atomicindus08-20) Its the armstrong version of the ratchet I have currently and im very happy with it.

Look at used snappys and other brands for flex head, but my advice even if you dont use them professionally dont go cheep either. There are times when I was working on my car at home I know for a fact that if I didnt have the quality tools that I did that the job just would not get done.

Good Luck
Sean Scott

 

[billymade]

Williams and Snapon have heads that you can tighten; Williams are pretty reasonably priced:

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=gUXNTsjuMaiU2wXAuN2bDw&ved=0CIIBEPMCMAU

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1....,cf.osb&fp=9538c7120a988924&biw=1251&bih=899

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=gUXNTsjuMaiU2wXAuN2bDw&ved=0CIcBEPMCMAY

 

[njride]

Also if you want snap on quality ratchet brand new at a cheap price, checkout the williams b52eha flex head. Its identical to the previous generation snap on 900 series(the generation before the new dual 80 ratchets). Also made in the usa and they are all over ebay super cheap, I got the armstrong flexes in 1/4 and 3/8 and will get the williams in 1/2, they look really nice.

 

[porphyre]

IMO stay away from the craftsman flex head ratchets. They have gone the way of the craftsman RP ratchets (raised panel) They have a plastic selector leaver and the internal finish and parts is getting worse and worse every year.

I think you would be better off if you wanted craftsman to go with either there slimline ratchets http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933442000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

Or the new Premium grade ratchets http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00902548000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Obviously the premium grade ratchets cary a more substantial price tag but I use them at work and im impressed. Others have had some issues with them needing rework out of the package but mine have always worked great.

If you truly need flex head my advice is dont skimp. Get a locking flexhead or at least one that has indexed detents (IE this one http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1WG26/?tag=atomicindus08-20) Its the armstrong version of the ratchet I have currently and im very happy with it.

Look at used snappys and other brands for flex head, but my advice even if you dont use them professionally dont go cheep either. There are times when I was working on my car at home I know for a fact that if I didnt have the quality tools that I did that the job just would not get done.

Good Luck
Sean Scott

I agree with every single thing this man has said.

The only decent ratchets Craftsman is selling now are their 60-tooth Thin Profiles and their 84-tooth Premiums. Both are excellent ratchets. Both are only sold in a plain-Jane form factor. No long, no stubby, no flex, no comfort grip, etc.

If CMan started putting their 60-tooth head on all their form factors, I'd buy the hell out of them.

 

[blarf]

There are definitely companies that make an affordable, decent ratchet (Danaher/Craftsman is not one of them). S-K, Wright, Williams USA, and Cornwell come to mind. Mytoolstore.com has some S-K Tuff1 flex ratchets left. Might be worth checking out the GearWrench offerings. Three other options to think about:

1.) Go over to the McMaster-Carr site and check out their flex ratchets. They won't list a brand (but might tell you if you call them), but they're generally high quality. If you see one in your price range, buy it and feel confident knowing that it'll be better than a Craftsman ratchet.

2.) Buy a used tool truck brand.

3.) Buy a Craftsman (ugh) flex ratchet, warranty it, then sell it when it breaks.

 

[kythri]

My Craftsman raised panel flex head ratchets get a lot of use, are still tight and have had no issues.

Great product, great warranty.

 

[HandyManny]

My fears, as I stated, are that the flex head will be floppy and loose much of it's practicality within a year. Any thoughts/suggestions? I may be trying to use a flex head for the wrong purpose too though.

Thanks all, hope to get some insight!

I've seen so much variations in slop with the newer Craftsman (ball/detent) flex heads. Some come new very stiff, others seem pretty floppy when new, same for their breaker bars. Rest assured no matter how tight it is when new, it will get floppy with use and time, and no way to snug it up on the Craftsmans. At least the bolt on a non-detent flex head held by friction can be tightened with a hex or torx driver. Overall though I'd stay away from Craftsman when it comes to any of the Danaher made raised pannel ratchets, they really are a sad excuse for an American made tool. As I said, your money can be spent much better with the offerings from most auto parts stores.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

I agree with every single thing this man has said.

The only decent ratchets Craftsman is selling now are their 60-tooth Thin Profiles and their 84-tooth Premiums. Both are excellent ratchets. Both are only sold in a plain-Jane form factor. No long, no stubby, no flex, no comfort grip, etc.

If CMan started putting their 60-tooth head on all their form factors, I'd buy the hell out of them.

Thanks man!

Yes Like I said Craftsman is kinda going downhill, Makes me sad because I really like craftsman tools. I still have some US, made RP wrenches, there sockets are still good, pro screwdrivers are just fine and a few other little things. But they keep moving production overseas and charging top dollar prices. A sign of the end of the craftsman legend? Maybe but its bad business IMO So buy the good stuff while you can and enjoy it.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[HandyManny]

Thanks man!

Yes Like I said Craftsman is kinda going downhill, Makes me sad because I really like craftsman tools. I still have some US, made RP wrenches, there sockets are still good, pro screwdrivers are just fine and a few other little things. But they keep moving production overseas and charging top dollar prices. A sign of the end of the craftsman legend? Maybe but its bad business IMO So buy the good stuff while you can and enjoy it.

Thanks
Sean Scott

Craftsman built their well earned reputation by offereing a high quality professional grade hand tool under a retail brand for a reasonable price. It is true that they are no longer even a shadow of their former self. Though I agree that there are still a few select type of tools they still have made for them that are still pro grade quality. Sadly that number is diminishing every year that goes by. It bother me that they are importing tools, but it really bothers me way more that a lot of their USA made stuff is terrible in overall quality. It makes me ashamed. This country is better than that, or it used to be anyway.

 

[powertrip]

Same ****..different day...

 

[Flatintoone]

As a DIYer/hobbyist who also doesn't use his tools every day, I reached for my 3/8" flex-head Craftsman ratchet often. It was really versatile and the length was handy, if hard on the internals. Sure, I'd get them warrantied, but they weren't very durable-and this is 15 years ago, when they seemed to be made better. I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions, but others here do.
Bottom line: Take the flex-head plunge, but with a brand other than Craftsman.

 

[ajchien]

My post is the *** inside the the quote ...

Hello all,

I'm looking at some flex-head ratchets and have decided to seriously consider the Craftsman Flex head but, what do you all think?


***I have the 3/8 flex. Satisfied with the purchase. Does what I need it to do.

My concern is that they head would be floppy and not support the socket and pressure of working underneath equipment.

***the flex head has a spring ball detent which locks it into a few fixed angles. That has both positives and negatives.

I do most work on lawn mowers/tractors and snow-blowers so odd and tight spaces happen fairly often. Will the Craftsman flex heads work well to get into those tight spaces and odd reach angles

*** it's got an average size head. It's not thin profile. If you have a really tight space maybe you need either a flex ratcheting wrench, or a offset box end wrench, or a universal joint or swivel sockets. I don't work on mowers etc, so it depends on the job you're doing.


My fears, as I stated, are that the flex head will be floppy and loose much of it's practicality within a year. Any thoughts/suggestions? I may be trying to use a flex head for the wrong purpose too though.

***I've had mine for a year. No issues with the detent flex. I'm not hugely sentimentally attached to it. If the head gets floppy, I'll warranty it.


Thanks all, hope to get some insight!

 

[GoBlue]

My Craftsman raised panel flex head ratchets get a lot of use, are still tight and have had no issues.

Great product, great warranty.

ditto...i have all three sizes and use them professionally.

 

[camarotoolman]

I have a real nice MAC swivel ratchet, 4 sale on ebay, look under Camarotoolman. Also have a 1/2" craftsman.

 

[spongerich]

While it may seem extravagant, dropping $75 for a used Snap-On dual 80 flex head is IMO well worth it. You'll have it for the rest of your life. If you use it once a week for 10 years, that's about $.15 per weekend. I still have several Craftsman and SK ratchets in my toolbox... I almost never use them since I bought a couple of Snap-On's

 

[puttsy]

Wow!! Thanks for all the responses guys! I was out of town for the Holiday (expected WiFi at the relatives! Not so much. And 3G doesn't work up in the sticks either!)

I defiantly have some decisions to make. I'm VERY glad I asked about the flex heads though. As is abundantly clear, mechanics work (?) automotive work(?), you know what I mean, is FAR from my cup of tea. If I hadn't had all your input, I would have picked up the cheaper flexhead and though all flex-heads were "about the same"! Boy, seems I'd be far off on that one!

Once I finally establish a home and settle down, I'll probably take the advice that echoes these threads and buy a few Snap-On ratchets. While I'm still traveling around to find where I'm content at though, I'd rather get the cheaper tools and if I lose them or loan them and forget to get them back before the next town calls, I won't be out as much! I am surprised (but also a bit glad) to see other 'hobbiest' mention that Snap-On tools are worth it. I've heard all the mechanics say so but, that's a hard pill to swallow while I'm making ends meat and only turning a wrench on the weekends.

I think I may pick-up one of the cheaper, other brand flex-heads and see what it's about (I've never actually used one, and as @ajchien said, If it is a problem, I could warranty it, just have to find a brand I can take to a store for replacement.) I don't want to drop a bunch on a flex head to find out "Oh, that's not really as convenient/necessary as I thought" and be out the $ to get a nice, solid standard ratchet. I'll try and find a similar price-point the the Craftsman but, It seems unanimous that a Flex-head is great to have.

Again, Thank you all. I look forward to seeing what others say, and I'll post back with what I get! I think I'll still get the Craftsman long-handle ratchet but, Flex-head will take some looking and consideration of making it an investment. (And I may just have to start watching the Sale/Trade threads here!)

 

[fivespdcat]

I started with the craftsman polished flex head ratchet and ended with an Armstrong. In my opinion for an extra $20 you get a much nicer ratchet. I got the maxx long handle and it's really nice. Good balance of cost and function, plus I heard they're 88 tooth now.

 

[Jim85IROC]

My go-to ratchet is my angled handle flex-head craftsman 3/8 ratchet. I use the everloving hell out of it. I just find it to be exceptionally versitile. Mine is 12-14 years old, and still works like new. I have no idea if the new ones are still made as well. When this ratchet finally lets go, if I don't like the replacement, I'll get the gearwrench equivalent. I just got the 1/4" gearwrench flex head and the build quality seems very good.

 

[diesel research]

***Disclaimer, I am a armstrong maxx user***

Having said that, you didn't ask about armstrong maxx, so I will try to keep that to a minimum.

It looks like right now, you have 3 choices in 3/8 flex ratchets. None of them are really my cup of tea due to the 36teeth setup and non locking. I felt my older (not that old) 36T were not the most reliable out there, but opinions vary. If you are satisified with the way breaker bars flex and the way normal raised panel ratchets feel and operate, maybe they are "just fine" for you.

$20

$32

$32

If they don't lock, I don't buy them. That way I use less ratchets for more jobs. Maybe that is not your philosophy, and you can use a straight ratchet for the rest of your work.

The 60tooth setups regardless of cman/armstrong stamp seemed more robust for me, and that was a quality I needed. It's possible you do not need stronger and the 36T stuff already works ok.

 

[glockman]

I recommend you head over to sears, pick them up and play with it. Then head over to home depot and play with the husky. Then head over to lowes and play with a kobalt. I think you will find the craftsman to be subpar to many other "low price" ratchets. If you have a napa or car quest check out the gear wrench stuff too. New craftsman ratchets are my last choice.

 

[glockman]

Just read my post. Sounded kinda dirty.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Like I said go with the Armstrong 3/8" Drive MAX Ratchet
http://www.tooltopia.com/armstrong-11-994.aspx
It just like the Matco 88..
I have the Matco version, and the Armstrong Version

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

One word - SK. Still reasonably priced, USA made and will last you a lifetime or more.

The 3770 bent handle flex is a good starting point.

 

[bobcatdan]

Better hurry, all ratchets are made in CHINA, get there while there are USA made one still there.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I have a 1/4 SK flex ratchet, but its a bit floppy. It doesnt hold the weight of a socket anymore. Doesnt look like there is a way to tighten it up either. But i love it!

Also, really like my 3/8 flex head Mac ratchet, no idea on the year but its old. I think it has 45-50 teeth, it feels smooth and has detents so it holds its position. Really enjoy using this ratchet.

 

[kxxr]

One word - SK. Still reasonably priced, USA made and will last you a lifetime or more.

The 3770 bent handle flex is a good starting point.

The OP might consider a roto head too, as long as you're shopping.

 

[so2315]

This is very simple. Buy a used Snap On ratchet. I was inn the same boat, and the money spent on a ratchet that will last a lifetime is money well spent. I have bought almost new Dual 80 ratchets off of Flea Bay for the same price as the new Crapsman Ratchets.
I do not turn wrenches for a living, but I want the most bang for the oney I spend. So far I have purchased a Snappy 1/2 drive locking flex head (non-dual 80), a 1/4 drive flex head, and a new Dual 80 3/8 ratchet.
there are great deals to be had from the people that want to upgrade to dual 80 ratchets and they sell off the year old ratchet. My main go to ratchet is the standard 3/8 drive so I spent a little more and bought a dual 80. I love that thing!

 

[camarotoolman]

To fix the flopyness you can take a center punch and punch around the outside of the pin that hollds the head to the handle. Kind of spreads the out the metal pin and tightens it up.

 

[puttsy]

Thanks @glockman

I did exactly that! I was a bit skeptic that it would be 'Sub-par', I grew up with the Craftsman stuff in my Grandpa's shop and thought they would be at least equivalent. I picked up Craftsman the long handle standard ratchet (It was about even with the rest and for my general use, I'm used to the feel of them) but the flex-head just didn't feel "right". I have the Cman breaker bars and the flexing of the handle did concern me but figured it was normal (again, I don't have loads of experience with mechanics tools anyway) but, even with a bit of force, my 3/8" Cman breaker has quite a bit of flex.

I'm looking at the Armstrong offerings now to see if I can snag a good deal but am planning to wait a bit. I WAS impressed by the Kobalt one, it just felt nicer and more sturdy. I'll wait for a sale on that and probably pick one up before mowing season starts.

My main issue with a lot of the pricier tools though, I'm not sure I like the feel of them. The fully polished round handles do look nice but, I'm not sold on the feeling of them (yet). I'm sure a lot of this is because I don't use my tools daily so having that think, wide handle gives me more control/stability while holding it. I am probably one of the few who has this complaint but, I suppose that's why I'm just a hobbies. Simply holding the polished handle seems more comfortable but using them just doesn't have the feel I'm used to and have become comfortable with. I haven't spent loads of time turning a polished handle though and my first ratchet was the standard Cman.

 

[diesel research]

My main issue with a lot of the pricier tools though, I'm not sure I like the feel of them. The fully polished round handles do look nice but, I'm not sold on the feeling of them (yet). I'm sure a lot of this is because I don't use my tools daily so having that think, wide handle gives me more control/stability while holding it.

Most armstrongs don't have round handles.

I'm not saying don't get craftsman. If it feels right, go for it.

If you do want more, others recommendation of armstrong is pretty good. (make sure it is a maxx)

 

[puttsy]

Thanks diesel, I didn't realize there were non-polished, professional style ratchets! Got one of those Armstrong's on my wishlist now. Thanks!

I was greatly disappointed when I was in Sears and noticed the new ratchets felt like ****. Loose selector (I haven't had a problem with the plastic lever with the RP, Teardrop ratchets. I don't handle my tools daily though so It's not used considerably) I may pop back into sears to get that 1/4" ratchet I need while they still have Made in USA craftsman's and maybe another long handle 3/8" but, then I'm spending almost as much as an Armstrong and getting 2 lesser quality tools. I just don't want the one I have to break and be stuck with a foreign piece of junk!

On a different topic (I may be hijacking my own thread but, I'm looking for input in a similar area). I have a fair amount of odds and ends wrenches and sockets made by Proto, Easco, and S-K. Are these odds and ends items worth much of anything or should I just keep them sitting in the bottom drawer? If they are worth anything, I would love to sell them off and fund that flex-head Armstrong in that last post. I also have a Proto round head 1/2" ratchet, but I think I'll keep ahold of that guy if it's not a big seller. I know this may seem like sacrilege but, these nicer brand sockets/wrenches simply have no use in my tool set. They don't really fit in my tool box (or Cman mechanics tool case) and they've been sitting in an old metal box for years since I bought them at a yard sale. ($5 for a bunch of old Cman sockets and these other odds and ends. An the ratchet w/ them too. The Cman's paid for themselves as I needed some of those sizes anyway.)

Thanks!

 

[Jim85IROC]

$32

If they don't lock, I don't buy them. That way I use less ratchets for more jobs. Maybe that is not your philosophy, and you can use a straight ratchet for the rest of your work.

That last one you posted the pic of is the one I have, and I love the hell out of it. As I mentioned above, it's my go-to ratchet for almost everything. Previously I had a "benchtop" straight-handled flex ratchet, and resisted buying the angled-handled ratchet. Once I bought it, I never used the straight handled one again. The angled handle just seems to always be in the right spot, and also gets out of my way when I want to palm the head of the ratchet, or use it as a speed wrench.

I've also never missed having a lock. There's only so far you can get offset before the socket starts slipping off the bolt anyway, so I've never found myself at some extreme angle where it would be necessary to have a locking flex head.

 

[otis66]

I'd stay away from craftsman now. You can find a much better flex ratchet on the web. Try looking in the classifid on this web site. There are many flex ratchets to choose from in the classified section here. Or go to Advanced Auto Parts and buy an S-K flex ratchet.

 

[rj-oz]

Hi guys,
I was looking around for the Craftsman 3pc slim USA made ratchets, very hard to find on Ebay tho, so I went to Sear's and noticed 2 near identical sets-but as I'm in Australia I couldn't get your local prices but made this observation--

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00933442000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2-----China? this is the cheaper set (for me anyway)--noticed the 1/2" ratchet had some kind of rib running down the side. part no--33442

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944992000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6-----USA. this is the dearer set (to me not being a local), part no 44992.

I asked the online sheila to check if this set (44992) was USA made--it was, she said, so I bought that set, these may get hard to get sometime soon by the looks as you only see a few come up on Ebay etc. presently, and you don't see them down this way, all Taiwanese and Chinese stuff now.

 

[Michael T]

Thanks diesel, I didn't realize there were non-polished, professional style ratchets! Got one of those Armstrong's on my wishlist now. Thanks!

I was greatly disappointed when I was in Sears and noticed the new ratchets felt like ****. Loose selector (I haven't had a problem with the plastic lever with the RP, Teardrop ratchets. I don't handle my tools daily though so It's not used considerably) I may pop back into sears to get that 1/4" ratchet I need while they still have Made in USA craftsman's and maybe another long handle 3/8" but, then I'm spending almost as much as an Armstrong and getting 2 lesser quality tools. I just don't want the one I have to break and be stuck with a foreign piece of junk!

On a different topic (I may be hijacking my own thread but, I'm looking for input in a similar area). I have a fair amount of odds and ends wrenches and sockets made by Proto, Easco, and S-K. Are these odds and ends items worth much of anything or should I just keep them sitting in the bottom drawer? If they are worth anything, I would love to sell them off and fund that flex-head Armstrong in that last post. I also have a Proto round head 1/2" ratchet, but I think I'll keep ahold of that guy if it's not a big seller. I know this may seem like sacrilege but, these nicer brand sockets/wrenches simply have no use in my tool set. They don't really fit in my tool box (or Cman mechanics tool case) and they've been sitting in an old metal box for years since I bought them at a yard sale. ($5 for a bunch of old Cman sockets and these other odds and ends. An the ratchet w/ them too. The Cman's paid for themselves as I needed some of those sizes anyway.)

Thanks!

I'm interested in the Easco wrenches...not that I think they're great wrenches, just to fill in some missing ones in my wrench drawer....shoot me some sizes and prices...PayPal is my poison of choice.....

 

[puttsy]

Well all, I think I've got some interesting news. I went to Sears today to return one of the 3/8" ratchets I got (I bought 1 in store for ~$20 w/tax. Bought a 1/4" AND 3/8" long on eBay for ~$21 so I returned the original ratchet. If I wanted to drop 40 on ratchets, I'd spring for that Armstrong and count that extra 20 as an insure policy for not needing to warranty to tool ever!)

I had a few small things to get at Sears so I took a look at the ratchets again and only found 1 of the "Made in China" ratchets hanging on the shelf, and it was about 1/3 of the way back BEHIND several USA ones. I didn't snap a pic of the date code (didn't even think about it at the time) but, I can hope that the China switch was a very short occurance on this ******** line. Semester ends next week (finals) and after that, I should start posting some of those older tools I hinted at. It may be sacrilege but, for my needs, mid-range tools are great and any $ from those higher end tools can buy many more mid-range ones. I don't have much need for loose, odds and ends sockets and such.

I'm looking into a small set of combination wrenches but, after playing with the Cman ones, I think those will be sufficent for me.Just found an interesting article about hose too. It was comparing the CNC milled vs. the Hand forged ones. I've got 2 sets of SAE older hand forged ones and personally like them but, I'm hoping to get 2 sets of these new ones (1 of each) and toss them in my touring toolbox. Needed a few sizes the other day so I figure I might as well!