Craftsman raised panel versus Craftsman Professional wrenches
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HandyManny
Well-known member
Re: Craftsman raised panel versus Craftsman Professional
Raised pannel combos are standard length wrenches. The high polished professional wrenches are longer pattern allowing more leverage.
Raised pannel combos are standard length wrenches. The high polished professional wrenches are longer pattern allowing more leverage.
yjWrangler
Well-known member
I like the pros MUCH more than the raised panels. Longer length and they don't dig into my hand
slipjointed
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This will be a bit hard, considering Craftsman Professional doesn't exist any more. They are now called "Craftsman Full Polish" and are made in China.
If you want true Craftsman Professional wrenches, you'll need to search the second hand market. The RP wrenches are still USA made, for the time being. I'm 100% confident that they'll be China made soon as well though.
If you want true Craftsman Professional wrenches, you'll need to search the second hand market. The RP wrenches are still USA made, for the time being. I'm 100% confident that they'll be China made soon as well though.
These sets are all USA-made Craftsman Professional wrenches:
18 piece basic http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934273000P?sid=I0084400010000100600&aff=Y
10 piece large http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934274000P?prdNo=4&pickup=true&blockNo=4&blockType=G4
12 piece deep offset http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00946999000P
The website lists them as full polish, but those 3 sets are all still USA-made Cman Pros for now.
18 piece basic http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934273000P?sid=I0084400010000100600&aff=Y
10 piece large http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934274000P?prdNo=4&pickup=true&blockNo=4&blockType=G4
12 piece deep offset http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00946999000P
The website lists them as full polish, but those 3 sets are all still USA-made Cman Pros for now.
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dkobayashi
Active member
^^Did you order them and get USA made ones? As far as I know what they do on the website is show the picture of the old USA made, real pro wrenches. This isn't the case anymore- "Pro" does not exist anymore and is now all made in China.
dkobayashi
Active member
But either way, I do like the feel of the real pros. Polished feels good to me.
Yes.
The 12-piece deep offset set has always been a mail-order only item, and is still USA-made. There are posts in Hot Deals showing very recent purchases verifying that.
The 18 and 10 piece "module" sets contain the USA-made wrenches. I don't know if production of those sets has stopped, but those in stores and via mail order are all from the USA and all stamped "Professional".
These are the sets that are now made in China:
13-piece
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00945963000P?prdNo=6&pickup=true
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00945964000P?prdNo=7&pickup=true
deep offset 5-piece
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944350000P?prdNo=21&pickup=true
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944349000P?prdNo=22&pickup=true
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evildky
Well-known member
the raised panels hurt my hands (i have eczema), I won't use them, it's polished only for me
WRX/Z28
Well-known member
I use both, and haven't had any problems with either. Quick examination and measuring with a caliper shows identical opening sizes. I've yet to have any wrench of either kind spread the opening at all. Normally i'd be using the closed end for any high torque wrenching though.
My pro's were purchased last year btw. My RP's are a mix of 10-15 year old stuff, and more recent stuff. No problems with any of them. The RP's are great when a Pro won't fit...
My pro's were purchased last year btw. My RP's are a mix of 10-15 year old stuff, and more recent stuff. No problems with any of them. The RP's are great when a Pro won't fit...
I have both styles, both US made, no issues with either. My only complaint on the RPs is the larger sizes, maybe >1"/25mm, one side of the open end is just about razor sharp- they definitely should have been deburred some before plating.
toolmaker1
Well-known member
My newest set (2009 ish) is like this also. Pisses me off, but if I remove the burr the chrome will start flaking so I just live with it
W650Mike
Well-known member
The C-man Professionals (stamped Professional and USA) are great wrenches. Great heft. balance, fit and strength.
The full polished deep offset DBE are not stamped Professional but have also top been notch tools and are stamped USA. At least for now. I need to pick up a metric set before they move overseas.
The full polished deep offset DBE are not stamped Professional but have also top been notch tools and are stamped USA. At least for now. I need to pick up a metric set before they move overseas.
wornoutoldman
Well-known member
18 piece basic http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...00100600&aff=Y
10 piece large http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4
For aproximately $200 that's a super sweet SAE/METRIC wrenches deal! I'd buy those in a heartbeat if I needed them....
10 piece large http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4
For aproximately $200 that's a super sweet SAE/METRIC wrenches deal! I'd buy those in a heartbeat if I needed them....
WRX/Z28
Well-known member
I need the larger sizes myself, i'm half tempted to buy both just to have the trays too... lol
Soon2AdjustYou
Well-known member
I have RP only and would love to pick up the pros. I love the feel as well as the look but is that all that's different? Length and finish? Are they made from the same metal? Forged the same way? ect
As recommended on this board, I purchased the 9 piece full polish set with sizes up to 3/4 in. I also purchased the large raised panel set, 14 pieces, which contained the larger wrench sizes up to 1 1/8.
I saved a lot of money doing it this way and both wrench sets are great!
I saved a lot of money doing it this way and both wrench sets are great!
spity
Well-known member
When I found out they were stopping making Pros in the USA I bought extra sets, not because im afraid they will fail or break but incase I loose them.
USA Made raised panels are great wrenches, less frills and cheaper.
USA Made Pros are great wrenches, have more frills than raised panels, and are a few bucks more. I have full sets of raised panels, but I choose my Pros as my go to wrenches. I just prefer Pros.
Either set taken care of even if heavily used will probably out live their owner.
USA Made raised panels are great wrenches, less frills and cheaper.
USA Made Pros are great wrenches, have more frills than raised panels, and are a few bucks more. I have full sets of raised panels, but I choose my Pros as my go to wrenches. I just prefer Pros.
Either set taken care of even if heavily used will probably out live their owner.
wreckerman5357
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- Dec 2, 2011
- Messages
- 373
I have RPs that I have had since I was a kid. They followed me into my career as a bodyman. I don't use wrenches near as much as a mechanic otherwise they would be long gone. They are acceptable because they are strong and they don't round things out. That's about all I can say for them, they are hard on the hands and they aren't long enough. I just don't like them. When I have some extra money I'm getting a set of Snap-Ons or S-Ks.
I bought two different sets of the Craftsman Polished USA wrenches from two different stores. The first set I thought was a fluke. I put it on some bolts and they felt really lose. Pulled out the calipers and they measured about 0.2mm wider than my RPs. Bought another set and same thing. Tried to push them to their limits and they spread then switched to my RPs which did the job. Just not happy with them.
They were US and stamped "Professional" on the back.
GoBlue
Well-known member
I'll take the RP's every time and i use them for a living. Still made in the United States. They are strong as hell...i.e...they dont spread, the box end fits as tight as a drum and the size is perfect for me. Long enough but not too long that they are cumbersome. The finish is better than polished chrome imho when covered in oil or grease and they are available in both 6 and 12 point in an astonishing number of sizes. Dont forget the price...very reasonable. In the past 12 years i have only had to replace lost wrenches...i have never had to warranty one out for damage or wear. These are the wrenches that built America!
What i cant understand is people saying they are uncomfortable. I also own wrenches from Snappy and can honestly say that the RP is much more comfortable than the knife like Snappys. I understand this is subjective but still...RPs are comfortable compared to most major brands. The newer ones are profile milled and offer a square beam the like the Mac and Cornwell everyone gushes about. Whats not to like? Perhaps its because they say Craftsman?
What i cant understand is people saying they are uncomfortable. I also own wrenches from Snappy and can honestly say that the RP is much more comfortable than the knife like Snappys. I understand this is subjective but still...RPs are comfortable compared to most major brands. The newer ones are profile milled and offer a square beam the like the Mac and Cornwell everyone gushes about. Whats not to like? Perhaps its because they say Craftsman?
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WRX/Z28
Well-known member
Comfort has a little to do with the length of the wrench too. You don't have to pull as hard on a longer wrench, making the shorter ones seem less comfortable...
GoBlue
Well-known member
But a longer wrench wont always fit. When i need a lot of leverage i use a ratchet...just me i suppose. Honestly...i use my gearwrenches more than my combos though.
glockman
Well-known member
I managed to bend a 12mm RP. I had the box end on the opened end of another wrench and was using it as a cheater. I was standing on it pretty hard and noticed later it has a slight increase in the offset of the box end. Sears didn't even blink. Just gave me a new one. Can't compare to the Pro as I only have the RP but they have rebuild many two wheeled machines for me. Hard to beat an initial cost of under $20.
Get these:
18 piece basic http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...00100600&aff=Y
10 piece large http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4
Made in USA. If you call Sears they will tell you what STATE they were made in and by what company (these were APEX ie danaher if I remember correctly)
I have the metric set that I bought at retail about 5 years ago, the same package is now the china **** as I discovered a few months ago for when I tried to buy a SAE set.
I bought a used set of Snapon for SAE and can say that the CM pro are about %80 the quality for ~40% the cost. Don't bother with the raised panel unless you buy the Jumbo set which is a killer value:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944048000P?prdNo=15&blockNo=15&blockType=G15
This is a great set too if they are still made in USA. I would call to verify though.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934951000P?mv=rr
18 piece basic http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...00100600&aff=Y
10 piece large http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4
Made in USA. If you call Sears they will tell you what STATE they were made in and by what company (these were APEX ie danaher if I remember correctly)
I have the metric set that I bought at retail about 5 years ago, the same package is now the china **** as I discovered a few months ago for when I tried to buy a SAE set.
I bought a used set of Snapon for SAE and can say that the CM pro are about %80 the quality for ~40% the cost. Don't bother with the raised panel unless you buy the Jumbo set which is a killer value:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944048000P?prdNo=15&blockNo=15&blockType=G15
This is a great set too if they are still made in USA. I would call to verify though.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934951000P?mv=rr
GoBlue
Well-known member
The full polish are in deed china. If you get American made its old stock. The Rp's on the other hand ARE American made
diesel research
Well-known member
The ones listed above you (module sets) never switched to china production for some odd reason.
mrbreezeet1
Banned
Does that include this one? (USA Made ?)
Looks like it's shipping only
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944048000P?prdNo=15&blockNo=15&blockType=G15
relic7680
Well-known member
RP wrenches are quality pieces. I would be hesitant to replace a set of them w/ full polish "just because". I honestly don't wrench enough to "need" anything else. The fact that I now have 6 SAE and 2 metric combo sets from various manufacturers is a testament only to my wants. However, the extra length and smooth grip of the Pros is nice. I have a large set of Pros that I got new in '04 (USA). Shame they went to Asia...
lineman88
Well-known member
I just ordered these last week when they were on sale for $65. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...=0&redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL&prop17=00934273000 in the picture they are stamped USA. I hope this isn't an old picture and they are now made in China. They are supposed to arrive next Wednesday.
Those are the same sets I bought that I had horrible luck with.
Loved the feel and the "bling" look of them but that was where it ended unfortunately.
GoBlue
Well-known member
These are RP wrenches. These are definitely 100% made in the United States. They are made by Armstrong and ship directly from them. That set is far and away the best deal in wrenches anywhere imho
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mrbreezeet1
Banned
I Know, It is very tempting to me, even though I really do not "Need" them.
And who makes Armstrong? Danaher. Same people that make the polished wrenches and craptacular sockets.
GoBlue
Well-known member
Armstrong makes Armstrong. Dahaher owns them. My point is that the wrenches are made in the Armstrong plant in the United States.
mrbreezeet1
Banned
OK They are $134.99 right now.
Free shipping looks like through tomorrow, but I used the SEARS2011 for $5.00 off,so Looks like there is now nowhere to enter the shipping REALJOY code, Is this Correct,
It is one or the other?
OK Total cost $143.09 with Tax and Shipping. Customer service via "Chat" said either free shipping code, or $5.00 off $50.00, So I took the free shipping as it was $19.59.
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Here are my wrench sets. I got the them all in 2010 except the raised panels. I got my pros in the 2 module boxes plus the 3 little mm wrench singles.
Since buying the pros they are all I use. I don't use my raised panels anymore except for the 6mm because I can't find a 6mm pro. I'm only keeping them to use as loaners. The pros have better leverage and feel better in my hand.
I bought the Cross-Force because they seemed like a good idea, but don't care for the way they feel in my hand so I don't ever use them. The GearWrench flexibles only get used when I need a flex for a weird fastener location. Same for the deep offsets.
Since buying the pros they are all I use. I don't use my raised panels anymore except for the 6mm because I can't find a 6mm pro. I'm only keeping them to use as loaners. The pros have better leverage and feel better in my hand.
I bought the Cross-Force because they seemed like a good idea, but don't care for the way they feel in my hand so I don't ever use them. The GearWrench flexibles only get used when I need a flex for a weird fastener location. Same for the deep offsets.
