question for my fellow Canadians

[young_buck]

How do Mastercraft ad Craftsman compare? I have been using mastercraft tools at the house and they have held up well so far. I have been looking at the Craftsman tools at sears and look to be about the same quality but I have never used any.

Which do you prefer for quality, warranty, value and durability?

 

[matt1977]

Mastercraft maximum and craftsman in Canada are both made by stanley. personally I think the taiwan made kobalt tools from lowes are higher quality than mastercraft or craftsman.

 

[Roland-5.0]

Depends what tools your looking to get. Some are better than the other. I personally don't own any craftsman because none of the sears around me sell the USA made stuff and the mastercraft tools always go on huge sales.

 

[young_buck]

Mastercraft maximum and craftsman in Canada are both made by stanley. personally I think the taiwan made kobalt tools from lowes are higher quality than mastercraft or craftsman.

Thats what I have heard but there are no lowes around me and the closest one is a 5-6 hour drive away

 

[greran]

Generally due to the pricing I use mainly Mastercraft (Maximum) when available. I do like the Craftsman screwdrivers though as the handles can really take a beating. No problems with warranty at either place - they've replaced the item with a new one off the shelf each time.

 

[young_buck]

Depends what tools your looking to get. Some are better than the other. I personally don't own any craftsman because none of the sears around me sell the USA made stuff and the mastercraft tools always go on huge sales.

that is the reason I have been buying mastercraft tools, the sales, I have at least 2 sets each type of combination sets because the go on for 10-20 a set

 

[young_buck]

Generally due to the pricing I use mainly Mastercraft (Maximum) when available. I do like the Craftsman screwdrivers though as the handles can really take a beating. No problems with warranty at either place - they've replaced the item with a new one off the shelf each time.

I like the prices of mastercraft but people around here generally do away with mastercraft tools and replace them with craftsman or better for home use, I like the screwdrivers but not the raised panel wrenches, they don't feel right in my hand. haven't used much for craftsman other than that

 

[young_buck]

also looking for air tool and toolbox quality comparisons

 

[greran]

but not the raised panel wrenches, they don't feel right in my hand. haven't used much for craftsman other than that[/QUOTE]


Check out the mastercraft maximum wrenches when they're on sale - nice smooth rounded handles with the full chrome treatment. Tough to beat for the price tag.

 

[Roland-5.0]

I've been rocking my maximum wrenches for 6 years used daily professionally and am just now replacing with snap on. I haven't even had to return one maximum for warranty as of yet.

 

[Dustin Echoes]

I have the maximum wrenches, a full set. Can't complain, they perform as well as my snap on. The only down side, is they don't sell as a full set. I had to buy a few singles to fill in the gaps.

Their ratchets aren't bad, as long as you stay away from the round head ones. They're terrible! The pear head ones are decent, but I'll put my money into quality ratchets.

The maximum sockets ****, but only because they have that laser etching. It wears off in no time. Get the regular line, they have really deep engraving, and will put up with a lot of abuse. I haven't broken one yet.

 

[Roland-5.0]

The big 30 PC (I think) set has all sizes without skipping sizes

 

[young_buck]

but not the raised panel wrenches, they don't feel right in my hand. haven't used much for craftsman other than that

Check out the mastercraft maximum wrenches when they're on sale - nice smooth rounded handles with the full chrome treatment. Tough to beat for the price tag.[/QUOTE]

I have about every mastercraft wrench (basic and maximum) that they sell, I love `em, been using my first set I got for a little over 4.5 years now and they still look like new even with the use and abuse

 

[young_buck]

I have the maximum wrenches, a full set. Can't complain, they perform as well as my snap on. The only down side, is they don't sell as a full set. I had to buy a few singles to fill in the gaps.

Their ratchets aren't bad, as long as you stay away from the round head ones. They're terrible! The pear head ones are decent, but I'll put my money into quality ratchets.

The maximum sockets ****, but only because they have that laser etching. It wears off in no time. Get the regular line, they have really deep engraving, and will put up with a lot of abuse. I haven't broken one yet.

AGREED on the round head ratchet point, mine have all been replaced and given to my brother, friends, etc. I have the extendable flex head 3/8" ratchet (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...rive+Extendable+Ratchet,+3+8-in.jsp?locale=en) and it is great, it is my go-to ratchet (even bought a 3/8 to 1/2 and 3/8 to 1/4 adapter so it can be used for all my sockets

I like my maximum wrenches, I have both metric and SAE regular and stubby wrenches.

Not a fan of the sockets, I was up until a few months ago when a 10mm socket and its replacement flexed on a bolt under the hood of my car (rounding off the 12 pt SOCKET not the bolt ) since then I have been using my Stanley professionals.

 

[bpankratz]

I dont know how you guys "love" your Mastercraft stuff. I have the wrenches, you can literally see them flex around bolt heads, their sockets are pretty good though, and their ratchets seize up right aways, their pliers arn't worth a ****, and their screwdrivers break right aways.... I just use them for home use....

 

[flippin]

Along the same subject line do you think there is any structural difference between the Maximums and the regular Mastercraft sockets. Not wanting to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but apart from the lazer etching (which *****) I think they are the same sockets. I haven't mic'd them yet (no Maximums to micrometer they were returned) but I would be curious to hear your thoughts. It wouldn't be the first time that a company which outsources products charged more for the "upscale" version maybe not even knowingly.

If someone has both a current Mastercraft and a Maximum of the same size, drive of course, could you measure wall thickness etc.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

AGREED on the round head ratchet point, mine have all been replaced and given to my brother, friends, etc. I have the extendable flex head 3/8" ratchet (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...rive+Extendable+Ratchet,+3+8-in.jsp?locale=en) and it is great, it is my go-to ratchet (even bought a 3/8 to 1/2 and 3/8 to 1/4 adapter so it can be used for all my sockets

I have two of those ratchets, when they're on for 15 bucks with sixteen 12 point sockets they're a steal of a deal.

As for their stuff, it's hit and miss depending on what you get...luckily their online ratings are relatively accurate so you can guess what is good/bad. Personally I'm good with their ratchets, all the combo wrenches (I have both ratcheting and none ratcheting), screwdrivers in maximum form are nice, impact sockets, most of their simple hand tools like clamps and hammers and such...on the down side, pliers from them ****, their ratcheting breaker bars are TERRIBLE and lock up on first use usually, power tools are iffy/cheap but generally work, wouldn't even touch any of the battery powered stuff.

All and all, craftsman vs. mastercraft is a complete toss up since they're both only made in china now. I choose mastercraft because the prices are way better on sale and when it comes to warranty, it's easier to find a canadian tire usually.

 

[96snma]

I've been rocking my maximum wrenches for 6 years used daily professionally and am just now replacing with snap on. I haven't even had to return one maximum for warranty as of yet.

Why are you changing them then. If you've used them for 6 years and non have broken why replace them

 

[Roland-5.0]

Because I do notice a difference with the snappy ones. I do allot of alignments and most times the inner tie rod needs a 13mm and if the jam nut is seized onto the inner then my maximum will spread a little and slip but the flank plus usually bites in and works. I'm only replacing my metric ones cause that's what I use 70% of the time. I'll probably take my mostly used maximums and get them replaced under warranty and bring that set home. Then the smaller set I'll keep in my truck toolbox.

Oh and also I've had the maximum sockets the same amount of time and only a few are starting to be hard to read the size. But again free replacement and for the use they've had I have nothing but good things to say about them.

 

[young_buck]

I dont know how you guys "love" your Mastercraft stuff. I have the wrenches, you can literally see them flex around bolt heads, their sockets are pretty good though, and their ratchets seize up right aways, their pliers arn't worth a ****, and their screwdrivers break right aways.... I just use them for home use....

I see what you mean and I agree on the pliers thats why I replaced them with channellocks. Most of their tools aren't very good in a professional and daily use and abuse situation but for occasional auto and home use they are great. I have exclusively used my mastercraft maximum on my 92 s10 which was pretty corroded everywhere and had no problems with removing fasteners, flexing, breaking etc. etc.

I am not a huge fan of screwdrivers either, though I have only broken one they seem to have destroying screw heads

as was said they are hit and miss, so far most of mine have been hits and are working great, I am working on replacing with Proto, Snap-on, Mac and other high end brands but for now they are doing just fine

 

[young_buck]

Because I do notice a difference with the snappy ones. I do allot of alignments and most times the inner tie rod needs a 13mm and if the jam nut is seized onto the inner then my maximum will spread a little and slip but the flank plus usually bites in and works. I'm only replacing my metric ones cause that's what I use 70% of the time. I'll probably take my mostly used maximums and get them replaced under warranty and bring that set home. Then the smaller set I'll keep in my truck toolbox.

Oh and also I've had the maximum sockets the same amount of time and only a few are starting to be hard to read the size. But again free replacement and for the use they've had I have nothing but good things to say about them.

The markings on some of my more commonly used sockets are worn from oil saturation and rubbing on rubberized glove palms and concrete, asphalt and cement. I bought an engraver so when checking sizes becomes an issue I just engrave the size on them and I'm good to go

 

[The Slurpee King]

I haven't purchased any of the "standard" Mastercraft sockets; any that I own were either finds or gifts. That said, I've had pretty good service from the items I do own. I have bought a number of Maximum and older Professional wrenches, and they've worked extremely satisfactorily. I also have the co-branded Maximum/Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches, and I'm quite happy with those.

Except for a few US-made Craftsman sockets, a number of which I acquired this fall from the surplus tools pile at work (from scrap cars), the only Craftsman tools I own are a set of metric raised-panel wrenches I found many years ago laying on the ground in the snow at a ski area parking lot.

I can't speak to too much else from C/T. I have a 4 1/2" angle grinder that works like a hot damn. It's the first one I've ever owned, so I have no basis for comparison, but it's done every single job I've asked of it so far, and isn't that the point? I'm pretty happy with their pliers, too. I have a Maximum tap & die set that's given me pretty good service, and I bought a Maximum bolt-remover set this fall that worked as advertised.

I only use my gear on a DIY basis, so it doesn't see heavy use, but so far, I'm quite happy with their stuff. I buy the best I can afford, for what I use it for, and right now I think I'm getting pretty good value. I will admit to shopping C/T when they have something I want on sale, or when I see something I can't pass up (the angle grinder was on for $20, regular $70).

 

[young_buck]

I have the same angle grinder, got it a year ago and has held up great (also paid $20). I like the gearwrench wrenches but wish they were reversible

 

[The Slurpee King]

Don't they sell flex-head reversibles now? I have no use for either, so I'm not really sure. Flex-heads may not be what you're after, of course. I've found it just as useful to flip the wrench over.

 

[young_buck]

Don't they sell flex-head reversibles now? I have no use for either, so I'm not really sure. Flex-heads may not be what you're after, of course. I've found it just as useful to flip the wrench over.

I got mine as a 28 pc combo of metric and SAE regular length and stubbys. as for me I have pretty much finished with buying mastercraft except when a crisis surfaces and I don't own a tool for the job, I'm working on upgrading

 

[Jmac00]

The big 30 PC (I think) set has all sizes without skipping sizes

These used to be sold as a 32pc set...i bought mine probably 10 or so yrs ago. Had up to 1-1/8 for std and the 24mm in metric....i think those two are missing from the 30pc set now....

Edit: just looked at their site..its the 9mm and 24mm missing from the 30pc set compared to the 32pc set i got.

 

[bpankratz]

Even though I do not like thos wrenches, I will have to give them credit for being inexpensive. I need tools in many different places and have 2 of those sets, (paid 30$ each) and they work well for MOST things. As said earlier though they DO flex.

 

[PowerGenGuy]

I have posted my opinions of CT in past, can't resist chiming in. I am mechanic/electrician. I will say that Maximum and old Professional series wrenches are good and good enough for wrenching for a living. I carry a set of Professional metric set and a Maximum SAE in my service truck, never ever let me down. When a bolt is frozen, use the box end. I have the mastercraft lower end wrenches, not great, good for the bicycles and such. The newer matercraft wrenches (not Maximum), seem quite a bit thinner, I don't think i would like em. I hate all MC and Max. screwdrivers (current). I hate all MC pliers and such, i have tried them in earlier years as mechanic. I buy Channelock from CT when those awesome sales come on. All three of my boys have set of Channelock, and set keeps growing. (I started a tool collection for each one at young age, and just add to collection when sales come on.) I also can say that the Maximum and Professional sockets are great, i use them daily, 6 point, never rounded out, never cracked. My 1/4 drive sockets are snappy, but wife got them as a gift for me. But i never had problem with sockets, many, many years service. Mine sockets are not the laser etched. I would not buy laser etch. I used Maximum rats, but I prefer snappy rats. My 1/2 drive rats are Gray brand, but i did use 1/2 drive maximum rat for years no problem, i purchased Gray 1/2 drive 15" rat to try out, and i love it.. I don't know about the current MC cheaper sockets for daily use! Everyone that knows me knows that I try out diff. brands all the time, again Maximum series sockets and wrenches, thumbs up!

 

[PowerGenGuy]

Good to see the Canadians chatting on the forum, for a while there i thought i was the only one, besides Racoon!
Cannot forget Etek!

 

[Jose G]

CT sutff are good enough, only buy when on sale is a must.
most of my tools are Maximum type and they hold to the task... i find their toolboxes too expensive to buy, i would prefer one of the costco (just wait, they always come up with a nice toolbox for 800$)

their set of pliers on sale can't be beat, I haven't broke one and im working on tractors and cars. (dont beat with a hammer on your plier and you wont break them with your bare hands)

the screwdrivers, i got a regular mastercraft set on sale and got a diamond maximum set on sale too (you can beat on them, metal handle), all depend on what I am doing... i also bought the really long one but they arent sold in set to i had to buy them separatly.

got 3 angle grinder for 15-20$ each... (hey for 20$... i dont have to change from a wire brush to a cutting disc anymore)

on the tape measure, i prefer the stanley one. can't beat the bigger one, its 35-40$ but can't be beat...

in my part of the country, sears is too expensive (used to make great stuff because my father have a lot of craftsman tooling and they are better than my maximum set)

the sad:

since a year, maybe two years... CT stuff seem to lower in quality, if i compare my maximum rachet that are ~ 10 years old with the new one made by stanley, it makes me wish i never break my maximum one because the stanley one dont have enough teeth inside the casing, i hear each click (look like the regular mastercraft brand), i didn't try them but my little brother received a set this christmas and i was disapointed by the quality.
Maybe CT is aiming to get as close to harbor freight on the US side for their tools.... who knows.
I would still buy from CT because their prices are hard to beat when on sale (and this is happenning really frequently)

 

[Hammell]

Ive got a set of Mastercraft wrenches, (they were my first set) upto 1 1/4 then up to 1 1/2. They work just fine, and you cant beat the price.

 

[Roland-5.0]

Also the older mastercraft screwdrivers were great. Still twisting mine 6 years later. The maximum ones were junk I say they seem too brittle maybe they screwed up the hardening process?

 

[trainer]

Mastercraft hand tools are the best value in Canada when they are on sale. (75% off sometimes)
But you still have to use them properly and take reasonable care of them. If you break a lot of tools then maybe the problem isnt with the tools.....

 

[#1SomeGuy]

Mastercraft hand tools are the best value in Canada when they are on sale. (75% off sometimes)
But you still have to use them properly and take reasonable care of them. If you break a lot of tools then maybe the problem isnt with the tools.....

+1 use the right tool for the job and your chances of breaking things go way down. Screwdrivers aren't prybars, pliers aren't hammers, and sockets aren't punches.

 

[PCO6]

I would buy Mastercraft over Craftsman any day. Over the past few years I have replaced several sets of wrenches and sockets I bought 30 to 40 years ago. They were old and with some exceptions were assorted low end brands. The exceptions were Grays which used to be available at CTC. I was not impressed with a Craftsman 1/2" drive shallow socket set I bought. One had flakey chrome straight out of the pack. Sears exchanged it but you shouldn't have to go through that.

I find the Maximum wrenches and sockets to be of great quality and value for the money and as mentioned they are often on sale. I've found them to be durable and I've never had to warranty any of them. I'm not interested in some of their house brand tools, mainly pliers, screw drivers, hammers, etc., but I wouldn't go to Sears for those either.

 

[bpankratz]

I'm starting to think Im nuts here or something. You guys seem to have a much different opinion on MC tools than me. It seems like you guys are all satisfied with them.

 

[Roland-5.0]

They work just fine but yes snap on is better in most cases but a fellow can load up his wrench drawer for 1/8 the price and the only time you'll be dissapointed is trying to break free a nut or bolt with the open end. I also like that if I were to break a tool I drive 30 seconds up the road and exchange it no questions asked.

 

[PCO6]

I'm starting to think Im nuts here or something. You guys seem to have a much different opinion on MC tools than me. It seems like you guys are all satisfied with them.

The OP's question was how do Mastercraft and Craftsman compare and which do we prefer for quality, warranty, value and durability? Are we all nuts or do you want us to discuss other brands too?

 

[Dustin Echoes]

I bought an engraver so when checking sizes becomes an issue I just engrave the size on them and I'm good to go

Don't use the engraver on your sockets, wrenches, or ratchets. The plating is there to prevent rust.