Craftman tools A good thing gone bad

[tmiller]

Does anyone else agree craftsman has ruined a once good name? I have alot of the good old USA -v- tools but as they break or i need more i go buy them or exchange them. Bought a screwdriver set says USA but the tips bent or chip the first day i brought them home, would be different if i was beating them with a hammer but i simply turn the things and they cant hold up! secondly had a -v- 9/16, little too much torque with a cheater bar (6ft pipe) and cracked it down the side, took it back, new busts again without the cheater bar, while i can put the cheater on the old ones and have never had a problem except for that one i just talked about and i put alot of force on it!

Is craftsman using a different metal? or are they just not what they used to be?

--taylor

 

[jeffmoss26]

Ibtl...

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

I have never seen a Craftsman thread like this.

Nope. Never.

 

[entryleveltech]

I have never seen a Craftsman thread like this.

Nope. Never.

^ Lol

 

[wornoutoldman]

They are going to start making them out of paper mache next.

 

[thesilverone]

9/16" wrench or socket and a 6 foot cheater bar?

 

[d.mcfarland]

9/16" wrench or socket and a 6 foot cheater bar?

Yeah I agree! Pick any brand and do that and I bet the same thing will happen. That's tool abuse and yet Sears still warrantied it, so I don't see the problem OP.

 

[justanengineer]

Recent studies have shown that the once endangered land troll population is rapidly increasing due to the rapid growth of their breeding ground the internet...

 

[Hootbro]

Let me guess, 1/4" drive setup?

 

[RCStocker]

Recent studies have shown that the once endangered land troll population is rapidly increasing due to the rapid growth of their breeding ground the internet...

I love your reply! I just about laughed my *** off of my chair. LOL

 

[Peoria Man]

I have alot of the good old USA -v- tools

Take a good look. Did you notice? All your tools became Chinese overnight. Yes, all of them, even the ones you've owned for years.

 

[Holt]

There have been 1 or 2 threads on this already
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=165552&highlight=sears+rant
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167143&highlight=sears+rant
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162942&highlight=sears+rant
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157558&highlight=sears+rant
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154729&highlight=sears+rant
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153828&highlight=sears+rant
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145611&highlight=sears+rant

 

[bobcatdan]

Sears pissed me off the other day, I needed a 3/8" drive, 13/16" deep 12 pt to fill out a set. I was getting my craftsman soket sets in order before the chicom sockets come. They do not stock it, the board skips right over it. The best the sales girl could do is order it. I said forget. The socket I have now is fine, I just ground on it a bit.

 

[NoFatChicks]

Sears pissed me off the other day, I needed a 3/8" drive, 13/16" deep 12 pt to fill out a set. I was getting my craftsman soket sets in order before the chicom sockets come. They do not stock it, the board skips right over it. The best the sales girl could do is order it. I said forget. The socket I have now is fine, I just ground on it a bit.

So what you're saying is they don't stock it and offered to order it and your pissed? Wow

 

[Peoria Man]

So what you're saying is they don't stock it and offered to order it and your pissed? Wow

Well, otherwise there'd be nothing to complain about. Priorities, you know!

 

[Big Gus]

The other day I was using a Craftsman socket as a bushing driver and mushroomed the end...what a *************! Now I'm pissed.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

......

 

[tkonetzke]

Does anyone else agree craftsman has ruined a once good name?

Is craftsman using a different metal? or are they just not what they used to be?

--taylor

I think its just you...you may be onto something though!

 

[Thumper]

Yeah....they ain't what they used to be........years ago it would take a 10 ft. cheater to break one.....

 

[Shadowdog500]

9/16" wrench or socket and a 6 foot cheater bar?

What's the problem? Pete does it all the time!

Actually, I'm not too happy with the new offering of tools, but luckily I've never broken any of my old v and vv stuff by using cheater bars. I was a little miffed when they wouldn't rebuild the ratchet my grandfather gave me years ago and would only exchange exchange it for a new one.

Chris

 

[IngyHere]

Troll Spray

That's very funny coming from a troll, themself. Don't I recall in another thread you threatening to kick some guy's *** for complaining in Sears. Then there are the many other times I see comments that center on off-topic personal insults toward the poster. The main goal is to get the thread off topic, deflect from the main point and then get a rise out of others. I think if you owned a significant stock portfolio in SHLD there would be little time to post off-topic things at Garage Journal. Which takes us full circle, again.

Now where were we at? Yeah, this thread is about Sears Craftsman failing its long-standing satisfaction warranty with crappy tools -- basically abandoning its loyal customer base.

 

[IngyHere]

Oh, yeah, and don't break your good tools. You can't get them again from Sears (Kmart owned now). Look on Ebay for used Craftsman sockets made pre-Kmart days.

 

[hondaman263]

i don't know tmills... either way they replace it for free so you shouldn't be complaining.

Lemme guess, you were trying to break free yet another seized bolt on your 8N when it cracked

 

[Armed Bear]

I know for a fact that their lawn mowers and other yard equipment is one of the shittiest.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

That's very funny coming from a troll, themself. Don't I recall in another thread you threatening to kick some guy's *** for complaining in Sears. Then there are the many other times I see comments that center on off-topic personal insults toward the poster. The main goal is to get the thread off topic, deflect from the main point and then get a rise out of others. I think if you owned a significant stock portfolio in SHLD there would be little time to post off-topic things at Garage Journal. Which takes us full circle, again.

Now where were we at? Yeah, this thread is about Sears Craftsman failing its long-standing satisfaction warranty with crappy tools -- basically abandoning its loyal customer base.

Um, no you do not recall that. You may have occurred a head injury in one of your many mishaps using tools. I suspect it might have been the one you described when falling to the floor. The resulting head trauma seems to have caused some dementia. Hopefully the shop in which you frequently injure yourself at has a good workmans comp policy.

I know I would be hating paying that premium if I owned for sure. Now where were we? Oh yea, This thread didn't contain an excerpt from the OP about satisfaction warranty concerning craftsman tools. Apparently the newer tools don't stand up as well when mis-used with a cheater bar. I do gather that the exchange portion went well as that is the emphasis of the satisfaction warranty.

Just to clarify that a bit in case you still a little fuzzy from the head trauma or still writhing in pain from a different injury, to put it simply if a craftsman tool breaks, bring it back for a new one.



Now as far as the stock portfolio thing. I really really really don't recall ever mentioning that one. Please seek medical attention

 

[85camaro]

I have two thoughts on this thread. The first thought is.....any tool, no matter the brand, can and will break if the correct drive isn't used, or is used improperly etc.

The second thought is.....let's get off of our collective high horses and quit acting "holier than thou" by not demonizing every OP who creates a thread that YOU know has been covered in detail before.

An even better idea......if you feel compelled to belittle those who are brave enough to create a thread and endure potential ridicule from a bunch of smart alec know-it-alls, then don't bother reading the thread.

 

[Jim C.]

I know for a fact that their lawn mowers and other yard equipment is one of the shittiest.

Really? I had my first Craftsman self propelled lawn mower for sixteen years and had ZERO problems with it. All I did to keep it running well was to perform some simple preventative maintenance procedures every Spring and Fall. I ended up giving it to a friend who still uses it. I've had my current Craftsman self propelled lawn mower for seven years, and again, ZERO problems. My Craftsman electric lawn edger is 23 years old and still working fine. I've had my Craftsman electric hedge clipper for 15 years. I've had a Craftsman leaf rake, garden rake, hoe, post hole digger and push broom for more than 20 years. They're original tools to me. I'm on my third Craftsman shovel. I very recently broke my second one which I had for about twelve years. I got that one after breaking my first one (it was about 11 years old). Of course since my first shovel was a Craftsman, the second one was free, and so was the third one. I guess I've just been really lucky.

Jim C.

 

[Armed Bear]

Really? I had my first Craftsman self propelled lawn mower for sixteen years and had ZERO problems with it. All I did to keep it running well was to perform some simple preventative maintenance procedures every Spring and Fall. I ended up giving it to a friend who still uses it. I've had my current Craftsman self propelled lawn mower for seven years, and again, ZERO problems. My Craftsman electric lawn edger is 23 years old and still working fine. I've had my Craftsman electric hedge clipper for 15 years. I've had a Craftsman leaf rake, garden rake, hoe, post hole digger and push broom for more than 20 years. They're original tools to me. I'm on my third Craftsman shovel. I very recently broke my second one which I had for about twelve years. I got that one after breaking my first one (it was about 11 years old). Of course since my first shovel was a Craftsman, the second one was free, and so was the third one. I guess I've just been really lucky.

Jim C.

well they do work fine for homeowner use, but I'm talking about professional use, and NO, Craftsman won't last as long as a Toro when your mowing 25 houses a day for a landscaping business.

I have seen a few Landscapers using craftsman lawn mowers because maybe they're just starting out, but after they start making profit they go and buy a real lawn mower.

 

[Jim C.]

well they do work fine for homeowner use, but I'm talking about professional use, and NO, Craftsman won't last as long as a Toro when your mowing 25 houses a day for a landscaping business.

I have seen a few Landscapers using craftsman lawn mowers because maybe they're just starting out, but after they start making profit they go and buy a real lawn mower.

You didn't really specify professional use versus homeowner use in your initial post. All you said was that Craftsman lawn mowers and garden tools were some of the worst. Based on my personal experience in a DIYer/homeowner setting, I don't necessarily agree with you. As for what professional landscapers use, I don't know. I've never employed any at my house or really taken the time to see what lawnmowers/garden tools they're using.

Jim C.

 

[Armed Bear]

You didn't really specify professional use versus homeowner use in your initial post. All you said was that Craftsman lawn mowers and garden tools were some of the worst. Based on my personal experience in a DIYer/homeowner setting, I don't necessarily agree with you. As for what professional landscapers use, I don't know. I've never employed any at my house or really taken the time to see what lawnmowers/garden tools they're using.

Jim C.

Maybe you had the older lawn mowers from craftsman, and that's probably why it worked good for you, but I know some people that have their new yard equipment and its junk.

Toro is the best lawn mower for professional and homeowner use.

 

[Jim C.]

Maybe you had the older lawn mowers from craftsman, and that's probably why it worked good for you, but I know some people that have their new yard equipment and its junk.

Toro is the best lawn mower for professional and homeowner use.

Okay, maybe you're right, but how old is old? Furthermore, what's your cut off date between good and junk as it pertains to Craftsman lawn mowers? As I mentioned earlier, I have a Craftsman lawn mower that's about seven years young and it works just fine. I don't do much more to it other than sharpening the blade and some basic maintenance every year. I cut a little over a half an acre with it every fourth or fifth day, starting in late March, and continuing through early November. That's about 45-50 uses per cutting season in the Midwest. Having been a homeowner for about 23 years now, and having had only two lawn mowers during that time period, both of which were Craftsman, that equates to roughly 1,100 total cuts. As I stated before, and based on my personal homeowner experience (1,100 cuts), neither machine has given me a single problem. That seems like a pretty reliable, well made lawn mower to me. I don't have any experience as professional landscaper so I can't really address that part of your statement.

I'm always interested in buying a better machine or tool, particularly if I'm going to use it a lot (like a lawn mower). Telling me that Toro makes the best lawn mower doesn't tell me why you have that opinion. In another ten years or so, and after another 450-500 cuts with my current Craftsman model, I'm probably going to buy another lawn mower. Tell me why I should purchase a Toro instead of a Craftsman.

Jim C.

 

[matt1977]

Anyone know who the oem is for the new craftsman tools made in china? pretty sure in canada they've been made by stanley for a while now. wondering how the two compare now.

 

[Armed Bear]

I'm always interested in buying a better machine or tool, particularly if I'm going to use it a lot (like a lawn mower). Telling me that Toro makes the best lawn mower doesn't tell me why you have that opinion. In another ten years or so, and after another 450-500 cuts with my current Craftsman model, I'm probably going to buy another lawn mower. Tell me why I should purchase a Toro instead of a Craftsman.

Jim C.

You get what you pay for. If you buy a Toro you most likely will never have to buy a new lawn mower for a VERY LONG time and it will probably last a lifetime if you are only using it for homeowner use. Your Toro will last so long that you will only have to replace the wheels on it after long use and the air filter, I estimate that homeowner use of a Toro you will need the wheels replaced after 15 years.

I've only owned the commercial grade Toros and they cost around $1000. I'm not sure how much the homeowner units cost. but definitely get a self propelled unit.

Anybody that knows what they're talking about when it comes to lawn mowers will tell you that Toro is in the top 3 lawn mowers you could get,there is other good top of the line mowers but I prefer Toro.

 

[Tebbiebear]

Um, no you do not recall that. You may have occurred a head injury in one of your many mishaps using tools. I suspect it might have been the one you described when falling to the floor. The resulting head trauma seems to have caused some dementia. Hopefully the shop in which you frequently injure yourself at has a good workmans comp policy.

I know I would be hating paying that premium if I owned for sure. Now where were we? Oh yea, This thread didn't contain an excerpt from the OP about satisfaction warranty concerning craftsman tools. Apparently the newer tools don't stand up as well when mis-used with a cheater bar. I do gather that the exchange portion went well as that is the emphasis of the satisfaction warranty.

Just to clarify that a bit in case you still a little fuzzy from the head trauma or still writhing in pain from a different injury, to put it simply if a craftsman tool breaks, bring it back for a new one.

Now as far as the stock portfolio thing. I really really really don't recall ever mentioning that one. Please seek medical attention

Actually the OP stated that the old one had held up for quite a while whilst using the 6ft cheater. The replacement broke without the cheater.

 

[Jim C.]

You get what you pay for. If you buy a Toro you most likely will never have to buy a new lawn mower for a VERY LONG time and it will probably last a lifetime if you are only using it for homeowner use. Your Toro will last so long that you will only have to replace the wheels on it after long use and the air filter, I estimate that homeowner use of a Toro you will need the wheels replaced after 15 years.

I've only owned the commercial grade Toros and they cost around $1000. I'm not sure how much the homeowner units cost. but definitely get a self propelled unit.

Anybody that knows what they're talking about when it comes to lawn mowers will tell you that Toro is in the top 3 lawn mowers you could get,there is other good top of the line mowers but I prefer Toro.

I guess we both have our opinions. I did have to replace the front drive wheels on my first Craftsman mower somewhere around the 13-15 year mark. I eventually gave it to a friend and he's still using it in a homeowner capacity every week. So that machine has been going strong for 23 years! That seems like a "VERY LONG" time to me. I'd have to say that he and I got much more out of the mower than I ever paid for it. My current Craftsman mower has been problem free for seven years. It's hard to argue with success. Well, if I end up buying another mower in the future, I'll do a little comparative shopping. Maybe I'll take a look at a Toro. Still, it's hard to give up on a brand that has been doing a great job for me for so long. I'll let you know how it goes in another ten years or so.

Jim C.

 

[tater]

well they do work fine for homeowner use, but I'm talking about professional use, and NO, Craftsman won't last as long as a Toro when your mowing 25 houses a day for a landscaping business.

I have seen a few Landscapers using craftsman lawn mowers because maybe they're just starting out, but after they start making profit they go and buy a real lawn mower.

All the lawnmowers we sell are for HOMEOWNER use ONLY. They are not designed to be ran 8 hours day strait. Go buy a professional mower like a honda or something. We do sell 2 mowers that are professional series one is a 31" walk behind and the other is a 21 inch push mower. Both have zero turn wheels on the front and both are yellow those are made to be used professionally.

Before you start knocking a brand read up and ask some questions

 

[gatewaysysop]

Anyone know who the oem is for the new craftsman tools made in china? pretty sure in canada they've been made by stanley for a while now. wondering how the two compare now.

FWIW I'm actually curious about this as well, if for no other reason than to know if it's the same OEM as other companies selling essentially the same tool for potentially different prices.

 

[Jim C.]

All the lawnmowers we sell are for HOMEOWNER use ONLY. They are not designed to be ran 8 hours day strait. Go buy a professional mower like a honda or something. We do sell 2 mowers that are professional series one is a 31" walk behind and the other is a 21 inch push mower. Both have zero turn wheels on the front and both are yellow those are made to be used professionally.

Before you start knocking a brand read up and ask some questions

Sorry if you think I knocked a particular brand. I actually think that I was complimentary of Craftsman mowers, particularly if they're to be used in a homeowner/DIYer setting. As for Toro lawn mowers, all I did was listen to Armed Bear's comments and then counter them with my own experience using Craftsman mowers. Looking back over my posts in this thread, I certainly don't think I knocked Craftsman or Toro mowers.

Jim C.

 

[Armed Bear]

If I couldn't afford a Toro I wouldn't have a problem with choosing a Craftsman lawn mower, they both cut the grass but Toro cuts it smoother and is just known to be a rugged machine that could take a beating all day.

I really don't have anything against Craftsman but when it comes to lawn mowers, weed eaters and blowers I'm only buying top of the line because I own a landscaping business.

I'm not a big fan of C-man going china-man, but I'm planning on stocking up on USA Made hand tools from Craftsman.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

That's very funny coming from a troll, themself. Don't I recall in another thread you threatening to kick some guy's *** for complaining in Sears. Then there are the many other times I see comments that center on off-topic personal insults toward the poster. The main goal is to get the thread off topic, deflect from the main point and then get a rise out of others. I think if you owned a significant stock portfolio in SHLD there would be little time to post off-topic things at Garage Journal. Which takes us full circle, again.

Now where were we at? Yeah, this thread is about Sears Craftsman failing its long-standing satisfaction warranty with crappy tools -- basically abandoning its loyal customer base.

He's not a troll - been here forever and provided gobs of good information. I was the potential recipient of the cyber *** kicking, I got over it, he got over it and life was good.

Honestly, if it weren't for the inevitable departure toward personal insults, I wouldn't even pay attention to this board. Any forum without some degree of drama isn't much of a forum.

That said, Sears *****, the current generation of Craftsman tools *****, I'm an assbag, and life continues.