Craftsman sockets...sadly brand new.

[indyokie]

Last week I went online and ordered from Sears 10 missing or needed sockets to complete my sets. Sadly they arrived today with 3 of the 10 sockets dinged - that either got chromed over from the factory, or are shipping issues = a result of being put into a box loose, then two plastic pillows thrown on top the sockets and sealed shut. I know at the end of the day these are sockets. Some folks wouldn' care, or notice. I do ! Most of my sockets aren't thrown around and luckly 3 of these sockets have chrome like a Harley..the others.. not so impressive. All are American made and I'm stunned to the difference in the finish and final quality...other guys see the same things ?

Next time I'll order online for store pick-up.

 

[SMKS]

Those aren't too bad, IMO. They're just cosmetic. But, if they bother you, have them replaced.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

i have a few craftsman sockets that have these weird deformations in the chrome. i mean to get them warantied. they have these strange circles in a uniform pattern all the way down one side. and the crome is kind of sharp in that area and flaking up and allowing rust. but they work so i just havent gotten around to it even tho i should

 

[Matt018]

I really wouldnt worry about it. There just gonna get beat up using em under a car.

 

[Davefr]

Those look like divits vs. shipping rash.

I wouldn't trust them from a structural integrity standpoint.

 

[Link-Belt]

i have a few craftsman sockets that have these weird deformations in the chrome. i mean to get them warantied. they have these strange circles in a uniform pattern all the way down one side. and the crome is kind of sharp in that area and flaking up and allowing rust. but they work so i just havent gotten around to it even tho i should

I know this is an *** hat comment. A socket is round so it really only has one side unless we look at it as a cylender shape which is what it actually is and it has two sides an inside and an outside. I know worthless post bud add one to the post count.

Sent from my SCH-R720 using Tapatalk 2

 

[joedodge]

Do you not use these tools lol........never understood buyin tools to polish

 

[TwoInch]

just put them in your vehicle, and next time you drive past a sears, stop and swap them for new. no biggie.

on another note, i would definitely say that is not from shipping, and that its from the rough work before chroming. you can ship sockets totally loose in a box, and they dont ding up. i mean, look at 50 year old sockets, they usually only have swirls and scratches.... it takes serious force to put a divet in hardened, chromed(nickel..w/e) steel

i never understood why companies ship sockets like that, with stuffing in the box, instead of just taping them to the inside of the box, or a small piece of cardboard.

 

[RCStocker]

I know this is an *** hat comment. A socket is round so it really only has one side unless we look at it as a cylender shape which is what it actually is and it has two sides an inside and an outside. I know worthless post bud add one to the post count.

Sent from my SCH-R720 using Tapatalk 2

Round has one side and gravity in space can bend light. You might be looking at a star that is somewhere else. In theroy it can be in back of you but then the odds are not there.
Eve if the round has one side there are 3. If there is any thickness to the top and bottom of the circular object then there are 2 ends which are the other 2 sides. ??????


I guess you don't get around much. LOL

 

[TwoInch]

Round has one side and gravity in space can bend light. You might be looking at a star that is somewhere else. In theroy it can be in back of you but then the odds are not there.
Eve if the round has one side there are 3. If there is any thickness to the top and bottom of the circular object then there are 2 ends which are the other 2 sides. ??????


I guess you don't get around much. LOL

a circle(round?) has no sides. a picture of a circle(2D) has one side.

a cylinder, which you described, also has no sides, but a top and bottom.

in theory, a star can not be behind you, but appear to be in front of you. gravity does bend light, but not like that. not sure what that has to do with a circle or a socket tho....

 

[jjjrmx5]

Round has one side and gravity in space can bend light. You might be looking at a star that is somewhere else. In theroy it can be in back of you but then the odds are not there.
Eve if the round has one side there are 3. If there is any thickness to the top and bottom of the circular object then there are 2 ends which are the other 2 sides. ??????


I guess you don't get around much. LOL

Sounds like RCStocker forgot to take his "meds" this morning.

As for the sockets, I'd just slap them on my socket rails ans use as is. If the chrome is failing it will make itself known over time.

Then again, I'm not OCD, I use my tools, and I'm NOT on dissociative hallucinogenic "meds."
LOL

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

oh my. look what has happened! what i ment is on one paticular sector of the outside cuvature of the socket. it has this pattern of small 1/8" or so dots of damaged chrome. in a uniform pattern all the way from top to bottom. ill take a picture when i go to work if i can find it. i know its one of my 1/4" drive sockets.

 

[Matt018]

I know this is an *** hat comment. A socket is round so it really only has one side unless we look at it as a cylender shape which is what it actually is and it has two sides an inside and an outside. I know worthless post bud add one to the post count.

Sent from my SCH-R720 using Tapatalk 2

It really is an ****** comment who gives a damn about you technical explanation he got his point accross.

 

[Link-Belt]

It really is an ****** comment who gives a damn about you technical explanation he got his point accross.

That's fair. One *** hat comment deserves another *** hat comment. lol

Sent from my SCH-R720 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Fordman7795]

Should have posted a wanted ad in the classifieds. Then you can get pictures of the exact socket you are getting and get it for cheaper

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Oh, just great; another tool polisher in our mists....

What the hell; does no one buy tools to work with anymore or are they just stocking them in their nice shiny tool boxes in their garages; trying to impress their friends?

 

[joedodge]

impressing freinds...............

 

[TinKnocker]

i beat the **** out of my tools, so i wouldnt mind the chips. i wouldnt be happy that brand new sockets came like that... but thats the GREAT thing about sears. they are all over (around me atleast) and its no big deal to warranty craftsman.

 

[shoturtle]

If they are the etched ones, just bring them to sears and they will exchange them. If it is the older style, still bring them in and they will order you the others and ship free of charge.

 

[indyokie]

Let's look at this another way. I doubt many of us would buy a new car with a ding in the door. How about a chip in the glass. If I put the ding in it using it- that's on me, and I expect most of my tools have plenty of scars. Taking sockets right out of the box with these "flaws" - looks like Sears isn't holding quality together. It saddens me.

 

[Skin]

Let's look at this another way. I doubt many of us would buy a new car with a ding in the door. How about a chip in the glass. If I put the ding in it using it- that's on me, and I expect most of my tools have plenty of scars. Taking sockets right out of the box with these "flaws" - looks like Sears isn't holding quality together. It saddens me.

last time i checked damaged paint or windshields dont cost a few dollars to repair. Just use them.

As far as holding their quality together, these sockets are priced as low as $1 each in sets. What do you expect?

 

[Matt018]

Let's look at this another way. I doubt many of us would buy a new car with a ding in the door. How about a chip in the glass. If I put the ding in it using it- that's on me, and I expect most of my tools have plenty of scars. Taking sockets right out of the box with these "flaws" - looks like Sears isn't holding quality together. It saddens me.

A car costs much more than a socket........

 

[Brad54]

I missed the press release for the Craftsman Malibu Barbie Socket Set.
Thanks for posting it.

-Brad

 

[Jim C.]

Do you not use these tools lol........never understood buyin tools to polish

Right, but they shouldn't come from the manufacturer or the retailer with any damage or defects on them. I use my tools, and if they get dinged or scratched during use, then it's my own doing. I'd be annoyed if "new" tools were delivered in "used" condition for whatever reason, particularly if I paid new tool prices for them.

Jim C.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I understand why you want to for the principle of it. These are new sockets from the manf and they shouldn't be screwed up. If you want to make a point, return them and ask for a full refund instead of exchange and go buy another brand.


Use the socket until it needs replacing then replace it. The ding won't matter when you need that size to get a critical job done. Don't waste gas and time for cosmetics on a non top of the line item. You start doing that and you might as well start buying other brands from the beginning.


As for new Cman I don't/ wouldn't buy new Cman tools. Used and only used.

 

[sberry]

He probably paid single prices for this effort, personally I might have noticed but toss them in to service with the rest of the mix anyway. In the sets I wouldn't care or expect some flaws at the insane low prices they sell them for, Sears tools in general are cheap and considering this price are a fantastic bargain especially if you are buying them to get real work done. I will even use a rusty wrench.

If I had to start over in the morning and needed tools for work one of the Sears sets would be high on my list to get going. I might stress test sockets if they were being shipped to some critical application if no spares were available but they work. They are priced with the cheapest imports,,, which I really think is a mistake on Sears behalf. I am sure some of the tool line is a draw to stores but I think I might have taken a middle of the road approach instead of competing at the lowest level on the food chain where margins are so poor quality has to suffer some.

 

[Jim C.]

As for new Cman I don't/ wouldn't buy new Cman tools. Used and only used.

I subscribe to this way of thinking for the most part. There are tons of good, USA made, used Craftsman tools for sale on the Internet, at flea markets, garage sales, etc., and they can be had for very reasonable prices. On occasion, I'll still buy a new Craftsman tool, but I will look at it very carefully before I do, and ONLY if it was made in the USA. Craftsman is still capable of putting its name on good quality, USA made, tools. An example would be Craftsman's premium grade ratchets. I recently bought the 1/4" and 3/8" drive versions and I had a chance to use both in various applications. I like how they look, feel and perform. Still, I look for used Craftsman tools before I buy new ones.

Jim C.

 

[TwoInch]

He probably paid single prices for this effort, personally I might have noticed but toss them in to service with the rest of the mix anyway. In the sets I wouldn't care or expect some flaws at the insane low prices they sell them for, Sears tools in general are cheap and considering this price are a fantastic bargain especially if you are buying them to get real work done. I will even use a rusty wrench.

If I had to start over in the morning and needed tools for work one of the Sears sets would be high on my list to get going. I might stress test sockets if they were being shipped to some critical application if no spares were available but they work. They are priced with the cheapest imports,,, which I really think is a mistake on Sears behalf. I am sure some of the tool line is a draw to stores but I think I might have taken a middle of the road approach instead of competing at the lowest level on the food chain where margins are so poor quality has to suffer some.

i agree with this. good post.

i expect a decent tool for the prices paid. not perfect. if it was a fresh ordered snappy, id throw a fit, but not with a craftsman. especially when we all know the state of affairs with sears right now. expecting perfection is a pipe dream...

 

[sberry]

You are right on the small ratchets, its one thing that by the time it finds its way to the used market are pretty well beat. I am not really fussy but a lot of Cman ratchets are junk when they are new. I got a couple in my box now that need replaced, almost new. Seems the cost to improve this one area would be a pinch, got a 3/8 napa ratchet nothing to write home about. 1/2 not so bad. I bought a couple off the parts counter I like as good as any, fine teeth and rugged.

I liked the way the felt, just sturdy and clean, crisp, figured they were a hi end HF deal they had a good markup on, tried one and bought the baby. The offset on the long 3/8 side is good, finally lost the rubber handle the other day, worth fixing yet. They been in hard service a long time, I got some SK and a couple proto but seems these are grabbed up first out of all the rest about half the time.

As I recall at the time probably cringed at dropping a 20 on a Tiawan ratchet, kind of needed it I spose but a 100$ one wouldn't have worked any better or earned 5 cents more. The small one is getting a little wonky but suspect nothing a shot of oil wouldn't cure, never did a thing to them, 15, maybe 20 yrs, in a tool pool with multiple men. They ain't rode a tool box a day in their lives.

 

[sberry]

These things sit out on the benches, guys grab them all day long. Seen way more use than a typical tool even in a pro in a stall situation or dealer mechanic etc. They are hi use and in 20 yr time frame appear to be only half worn out. Considering the original price wouldnt be worth fixing if it dies tomorrow which at this point seems highly unlikely. Nothing ever went wrong, not even a loose screw, never needed service since they came off the shelf.

I consider most hand tools a commodity in some respect but usually bought to solve a problem with rate of return a very hi consideration as well as how subject to damage or loss. If a guy bought sockets in sets at Sears its got to be pretty hard to beat up on them. All that stuff isnt terrible, not as cheap as Sears but Allen, Kobalt, etc works good. I really don't care if the sets match etc, some I like different, have multiples of multiples anyway, dont store them by set but by size.

 

[Gary S]

Why order online? You are buying blind. Go to a local Sears store and pick out the ones you want.

 

[SMKS]

Some people here want a super cheap, USA made tool, but seem to also want Snap-on quality finish. You can't expect new USA made Snap-on tools for Craftsman prices.

I seriously doubt those small nicks compromise the integrity of the sockets.

For many members, GJ's official motto is "if you can't find cosmetic flaws on your tools to complain about on the internet, then you're not looking close enough."

To the OP-
How much did these three sockets cost you? If you're not happy, return them. I know you're relatively new, but I would encourage you to read the many, many threads about Craftsman tools. While many people here like to complain about them, many people also realize the USA made Craftsman tools can be a real bargain.

 

[Jim C.]

Some people here want a super cheap, USA made tool, but seem to also want Snap-on quality finish. You can't expect new Snap-on tools for Craftsman prices.

I seriously doubt those small nicks compromise the integrity of the sockets.

I do have a lot of older Craftsman tools from the 1980s and 1990s, and the quality is very good particularly for the price that was paid for them. I don't recall seeing new Craftsman sockets with dings or defects back then. That's probably why so many of us were buying them in those days. You got a lot for your money. I'd still be willing to pay a little bit more (not snap on prices) for a better, USA made tool. Even if the quality was as good as it was in the 1980s, I'd be willing to pay more for it. 3 out of 10 new sockets shouldn't be all dinged up straight from the manufacturer...... Even if they're Craftsman.

Jim C.

 

[SMKS]

I do have a lot of older Craftsman tools from the 1980s and 1990s, and the quality is very good particularly for the price that was paid for them. I don't recall seeing new Craftsman sockets with dings or defects back then. That's probably why so many of us were buying them in those days. You got a lot for your money. I'd still be willing to pay a little bit more (not snap on prices) for a better, USA made tool. Even if the quality was as good as it was in the 1980s, I'd be willing to pay more for it. 3 out of 10 new sockets shouldn't be all dinged up straight from the manufacturer...... Even if they're Craftsman.

Jim C.

You also have to remember that Craftsman tools were more expensive in their heyday when you adjust for inflation. Many people forget that or don't notice.

I have a few older Catalogs and the regular prices for many items are considerably higher than today when adjusted for inflation. If you look at catalogs from the 70s and 80s, you should be able to see what I mean.

Also, before GJ existed, how would you know to scrutinize your tools to look for minor cosmetic nicks that don't affect the tool's operation?

I'm not disagreeing that some of the older tools were better. But there's more to it than just saying "Craftsman was good, now they ****," which is what many people here do.

 

[Jim C.]

You also have to remember that Craftsman tools were more expensive in their heyday when you adjust for inflation. Many people forget that or don't notice.

I have a few older Catalogs and the regular prices for many items are considerably higher than today when adjusted for inflation. If you look at catalogs from the 70s and 80s, you should be able to see what I mean.

Also, before GJ existed, how would you know to scrutinize your tools to look for minor cosmetic nicks that don't affect the tool's operation?

I'm not disagreeing that some of the older tools were better. But there's more to it than just saying "Craftsman was good, now they ****," which is what many people here do.

Yes, I agree with your inflation argument. Sears/Craftsman seems to have generally decided to take the "low road" regarding the quality and cost of the tools they sell these days. But like I said earlier in this thread, Craftsman is also fully capable of putting its name on some relatively high quality tools that may cost a little bit more (not snap on more) were made in the USA, and are not new from the manufacturer with dings and defects (cosmetic or otherwise). I'm not sure why Sears decided to compete with HF instead of the higher level, non truck brands. Craftsman had great distribution, a top notch warranty, generations of loyal users, and a pretty good reputation. Even if Craftsman tools did cost more back in the day, people were certainly buying them......a lot of them! What happened? It seemed like Sears had a winning strategy for selling good quality tools, that were made in the USA, at a fair price. I wonder why Sears departed from that way of thinking?

Jim C.

 

[TwoInch]

Yes, I agree with your inflation argument. Sears/Craftsman seems to have generally decided to take the "low road" regarding the quality and cost of the tools they sell these days. But like I said earlier in this thread, Craftsman is also fully capable of putting its name on some relatively high quality tools that may cost a little bit more (not snap on more) were made in the USA, and are not new from the manufacturer with dings and defects (cosmetic or otherwise). I'm not sure why Sears decided to compete with HF instead of the higher level, non truck brands. Craftsman had great distribution, a top notch warranty, generations of loyal users, and a pretty good reputation. Even if Craftsman tools did cost more back in the day, people were certainly buying them......a lot of them! What happened? It seemed like Sears had a winning strategy for selling good quality tools, that were made in the USA, at a fair price. I wonder why Sears departed from that way of thinking?

Jim C.

its a far stretch to compare craftsman tools of today to HF... other than the coo relationship, there is not much more to compare.

i would say the reason sears has gone imported, is probably the same reason($$$) that pretty much every other tool maker or brand has gone imported(fully or partially)... and probably partially BECAUSE every other brand has gone imported...

"keepin up with the joneses"

they were the last man standing. kobalt was USA made, as was husky... menards is mostly all imported with exception to the allen/masterforce ratchets and sockets.

im not sure how anyone can be suprised anymore. its pretty well explained and understood.

i do not agree that the quality has dropped significantly tho.. the china wrenches are of less quality, but the rest seems to be pretty comparable, and available at better prices than in the past, as stated in above posts. the prices were/are rock bottom for USA made tools, plain and simple. they either had to raise the prices, or keep them the same, and source the tools cheaper. they chose the latter.