Sears Experience

[arbadacarba]

I rebuild old Motorcycle (Just starting out) and have the majority of tools I think I need, but recently I saw the Craftsman 6 point wrenches on here and thought maybe I should pick a set up.

My thought was that a 6 point wrench would preserve the finish on 40 year old bolts and nuts better than a 12 point.

So I went to see if I could find a USA made set and that had the 9 piece set in USA and the 12 piece set in China made. Wow what a difference. I really wasn't impressed with the finish on any of them, but the Chinese set was sharp edged and rough inside. Pretty much the opposite of my goal.

Sadly they did not have the single 17mm in stock so I didn't bother picking any of them up.

While I was there a guy brought in a dead ratchet and was handed a completely different one to replace it. When he asked about the difference, the saleman told him, "no, they're the same" ???

He took it. I would have made a serious stink. They had the right ones on the shelf. Just not in random drawer the salesman pulled it from.

 

[pipsters]

If you want US Craftsman check eBay, there are quite a few listings on there for sockets and wrenches.

 

[AmericanPreferred]

If you are looking for a good set of 6 pts you may wanna check Cripe. They have USA Armstrong for cheap. And you can buy them one at a time to check em out, or as needed. I bought the whole set and am liking them.

 

[ChevyEFI]

As for 6 and 12 point, yes the 6 point is better for your intent. But I'd consider Wright instead. http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57071

 

[joebachor]

sears is dead to me, they can keep their asian junk. menards still sells some american tools if you re into non-truck tools.

 

[Farmall450]

Their warranty is hard to beat though.

 

[Rarified27]

While I was there a guy brought in a dead ratchet and was handed a completely different one to replace it. When he asked about the difference, the saleman told him, "no, they're the same" ???

He took it. I would have made a serious stink. They had the right ones on the shelf. Just not in random drawer the salesman pulled it from.

Had a similar problem a few weeks ago- salesman stated they give out refurbs only now for warranty. I went back a few days later and came home with like-new refurbs which were fine, but they originally gave me one ratchet that was beat up and another that they hadn't made in over two decades.

 

[Danglerb]

I think a socket might be a better choice for preserving the finish, more contact area, but more important I think is that socket will tend to be better aligned to the fastener and a wrench much more easily slightly off angle. Off angle will cause the wrench to slide up and down as it turns.

We need pictures and more info on the old motorcycle to best advise.

 

[TwoInch]

Had a similar problem a few weeks ago- salesman stated they give out refurbs only now for warranty. I went back a few days later and came home with like-new refurbs which were fine, but they originally gave me one ratchet that was beat up and another that they hadn't made in over two decades.

much better ratchets twp decades ago. i would much prefer an older ratchet to the RP stuff of the last fifteen years

 

[kenfain]

The older the better. I say. Once they tried to give me some of that other junk they sell. Guy tried to tell me it was the same. No way am I gonna do that!

 

[tjmonsen5]

I wouldnt expect a brand new ratchet in return since it is a repairable item. If im turning in something used, i would be happy with a rebuilt ratchet.

 

[jakemac]

If they're going to offer a warranty repair - I want my same ratchet fixed and handed back to me. Otherwise, they'll have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. If they won't fix my ratchet, then give me the kit and I'll do the work myself.

When I take my mother to the hospital to get well, they don't offer me a new one (I wish they did !), they give the same one back.

My tools and I have a familial relationship (I like them better than my family), so I want someone to help me fix them, not toss them in a bin for the furnace and give me the "new and improved" POS.

 

[arbadacarba]

I wouldn't expect new, but this guy when from a 30$ ratchet to a 16$ one. He was unhappy about it not being a round handle.

Really I would rather just get a rebuild kit.

 

[jmm]

If you want to step around their policy of either handing you a beat to **** ratchet or a shiny new Chinese model in return for one you've had for 20 years, don't bring the ratchet to the store. Look up which kit you need (there is a chart somewhere here, I've used it before) and ask for it. I've gotten two like that, and haven't had to pay either time. In both instances the clerk happily gave the kits to me, free of charge, and seemed to be relieved at not having to do the work or deal with an irate customer. Everybody wins.

 

[pepi]

If you want to step around their policy of either handing you a beat to **** ratchet or a shiny new Chinese model in return for one you've had for 20 years, don't bring the ratchet to the store. Look up which kit you need (there is a chart somewhere here, I've used it before) and ask for it. I've gotten two like that, and haven't had to pay either time. In both instances the clerk happily gave the kits to me, free of charge, and seemed to be relieved at not having to do the work or deal with an irate customer. Everybody wins.

This is one I was not aware of thanks for the tip. I turned in a ratchet several years ago 3/8 drive. The replacement was an upgrade to the one I had, remarked how nice it was and wished my 1/4 & 1/2 were **** up. Tells me to bring em in and he would take them in trade... cool went back the next day all good.

 

[Hootbro]

This is one I was not aware of thanks for the tip. I turned in a ratchet several years ago 3/8 drive. The replacement was an upgrade to the one I had, remarked how nice it was and wished my 1/4 & 1/2 were **** up. Tells me to bring em in and he would take them in trade... cool went back the next day all good.

Just be advised that while some Sears will give or sell you a kit for like a penny or some such low costs, some will not and still require you to bring in the ratchet for repair or exchange.

I think policy wise, Sears does not have to give or sell you the kit.

 

[TwoInch]

I think policy wise, Sears does not have to give or sell you the kit.

this is true, and the kits are not "for sale"

they ring up the warranty tag inside the bag, which would normally go on the rebuilt ratchet. they are a penny. im assuming so that the warranty claims can be tracked in the system which requires a transaction to record it.

 

[pepi]

Just be advised that while some Sears will give or sell you a kit for like a penny or some such low costs, some will not and still require you to bring in the ratchet for repair or exchange.

I think policy wise, Sears does not have to give or sell you the kit.

I was just making a mental note of the possibility of such a kit. I certainly realize that could be a company only deal and my nose would not get pushed out of shape if that turns out to be so.

If there are repair kits I am quite sure, Sears would not be the only source for the same. Lots of things including tools are same source with a different name stamp, that's the real world.

 

[EdJack]

They also sell rebuild kits on ebay for 4 or 5 bucks a piece.

I bought one on ebay once, because when I went to the store they wanted to change my excellent looking ratchet for one that looks like it was beaten to death by a hammer. When I refused, they said they would give me a brand new one. When I asked if the brand new one was made in the USA or China, they said China. When I refused that, I asked for a rebuild kit. They said they don't give rebuild kits to customers, they said I would have to leave the ratchet and come back in a week after it was rebuilt.

I left and just bought one on ebay for about $4.25 shipped, and rebuilt it myself.