Seriously disheartened by Craftsman Quality

[JohnMcD348]

I bought the 106pc Mechanics set after seeing the SlickDeal notice here and picked it up today. I was taking the pieces out and placing them in their appropriate places and noticed how the quality was noticeably lower than the same sets that I bought years ago. So much so that one of the sockets didn't even have the size imprinted on it. These are not the newer style laser engraved sockets but the old style impressed style writing. A few were faint but readable. I planned on keeping the kit in the truck and perhaps getting another for the other vehicles I own for that Just in Case moment. I only paid about $40 for the set so I wasn't too upset with it. Had they been more, I would have definitely taken them back and spent the same $40 on a cheap Chinese set and felt like I got the same quality.

I will say that after all was sorted through, I discovered I did not have the driver bits in the kit. A quick call to the customer service number that was on the sheet and they are being shipped to me free of charge. No hassle, no argument. Just an apology and request for my address. I didn't mention to them about the socket that was missing the engraving.

I'm in the process of rebuilding my tool collection as it has dwindled over the years since I was in the military and moved from place to place and I never really had any real place to put anything. Now that I have my own home and my own Garage/workshop that is mine forever, I can finally have the collection I've always wanted.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

They have gone down hill, Try replacing the bad sockets/

 

[KCarGuy]

I got my very first Craftsman tool set in 1969 when I was in 8th grade. Just take a look at the quality of the "series" of Ratcheting box wrenches. What I mean by that is...every time one would fail, I would get it replaced...with (what I would think) a lesser quality.
So, I have some of the original ones...then one or two newer ones.
Dont get me wrong, the new tools are slicker looking, but not quite as strong and durable.
I have had quite a few newer deep well sockets "split" down the middle...my old ones don't.
Old and Rusty beat out new and shiney!

 

[Rockaholic555]

I've noticed the same decline is quality. I have a ton of older -v- series craftsmans and they are 100% better than the newer stuff out there.

 

[Merkava_4]

I was taking the pieces out and placing them in their appropriate places and noticed how the quality was noticeably lower than the same sets that I bought years ago.

You don't say...

 

[JohnMcD348]

You don't say...

I was tempted to take them back and get me a good quality Harbor Freight set.

 

[Shocker]

So, what specifically is lower in quality? I hear this from folks, but I would like to know what is worse. Different doesn't mean worse btw

Are you guys breaking them all the time? Is the chrome flaking off within a couple of weeks/months/years? Lets hear what you guys think.

I picked up the Craftsman Pro wrenches on sale and they looks great. Chrome is perfect, dimensions seem right on.

 

[mrb]

where was this $40 set?

 

[Rockaholic555]

In my experiences the newer ones are easier to break, making me feel less confident in them.

 

[GearJammer]

OK, for 40$ what were you expecting? Most ppl spend more than that on a single ratchet. I know Craftsman quality is in the crapper, along with the rest of the US economy, but its not like you are out a ton of money and you still get a lifetime warranty. All the new Craftsman sockets are double marked, and the latest batch I got were pretty decent for the price. No I dont use them day in day out, No I'm not comparing them in any fashion to a truck brand, but considering the price on most Craftsman sets they are still a hell of a deal.

 

[Rockaholic555]

I vote for buying older second hand craftsman.

 

[JohnMcD348]

So, what specifically is lower in quality? I hear this from folks, but I would like to know what is worse. Different doesn't mean worse btw

Are you guys breaking them all the time? Is the chrome flaking off within a couple of weeks/months/years? Lets hear what you guys think.

I picked up the Craftsman Pro wrenches on sale and they looks great. Chrome is perfect, dimensions seem right on.

The sockets that came in this set were the old style imprinted type chrome sockets. Compared to some of the sockets I have from 20 years ago, these newer ones are hard to read as the imprint is very shallow. 1 in particular had no real impression on it at all. I was only certain of which one it was after I placed all the other sockets in their place and the one hole left fit the socket. I didn't weight them but I can definitely feel a difference between the old and new. Perhaps with the improvements of metallurgy, they are able to produce the same strength of socket with lighter weight material, but I have my doubts.

 

[ImportTuner]

I have a few sockets from a set that has no marking. I tried to take it back to Sears and they said it was not a Craftsman because it has no marking .. I tried to explain .. finally gave up.

 

[The Muffin Man]

I wasn't too happy with the Craftsmen socket sets I picked up this winter. Majority of the sockets' sizes were not consistent when I checked them with a caliper. The chrome on many of them are also flaking off and inevitably rusting.

I'm in the process of replacing all of them with other brands .

 

[ATTappman]

Had the same experience with Craftsman sockets - several of them had some kind of corrosion on the inside, and the laser etching was inconsistent from piece to piece. They didn't seem worth what they cost, so I returned them. Brand new, the inside of most of the sockets looked worse than my 25-year old 12pt Craftsman set. The functionality wasn't affected but I didn't like them nonetheless.

 

[Shocker]

Alrighty then! Love that instant response. Thanks for stepping up with info. I have no new Craftsman sockets so I can't say. I do like my new Pro wrenches tho.

 

[petty4243]

i would take the complete set with me to sears and show them the poorley marked one, say replace it ... or refund me on the set... at same token, i have not had this type of problem... "so far".... however, i will avoid there raised panel ratchets(newer ones) unless they are dirt cheap...

as for the customer service end of things, so far only issue is not being able to get renew kits for older ratchets.... same token they always offer me a new one... i guess technically i can not ask for more than that... just have a hard time accepting the new ones with plastic reversing levers...

 

[chrislehr]

I have personally NEVER had a problem. Lifetime warranty FTW. Walk in, slap it down with the new piece you already found (this really helps it along) and no questions asked.

 

[RJP]

I've been buying Craftsman tools for 40+ years. Broke only one socket in all those years, a 3/4" 12 pt. deep socket using a breaker bar and a 3' extension on the B/B...yeah I know.... I'm not easy on tools as I do all maintainence and repairs on my Kenworth & F/B trailer, 3 boats and 8 cars so needless to say my tools have not had a easy life. Never have I spread a end wrench, broke a box wrench and had only one internal problem with a 18" 1/2" drive ratchet, Sears replaced the ratchet mechanisim only, would not give me a new ratchet. I prefer the Craftsman as the textured surface is easier to grip with greasy hands than Snap-On's polished surfaces. Screwdrivers are head and shoulders above Snap-On's Blue Point brand. I buy Snap-On when I have to such as their 600 ft/lb torque wrench but I hate having to travel 27 miles one way to the Snap-On regional dealer[thats only open normal business hours] as the S/O truck does not call on or service a residence and part time mechanic. Sears/OSH is open 7 days a week and is about 6 blocks from my house.

 

[Merkava_4]

Apparently we still have some pockets of resistance that think Craftsman is still a good product or are worth what they paid for them. Where's kythri at?

 

[olds394]

I believe I am able to comment on the quality of Craftsman sockets having purchased upwards of 400 pieces in the last few months from Sears. The truth is there are several sockets that are not perfect. I'd say 10 to 15 sockets. All the problems have been on the inside. I'm talking about excess chrome flakes, inside not chromed at all, and one I remember was just dirty. Is this an example of corner cutting? You decide. I'm pretty happy with them all in all.

 

[Spookrider]

1/2" breaker bar and try to fit a 1/2 socket on to the breaker bar none fit right, I tryed to fit many different ones and still go the same answer. No fit. the breaker barhead is to big for the socket. At lease at my sears.

 

[Merkava_4]

Photo Courtesy of Mezzanine

Craftsman oughta just give up.

 

[olds394]

Photo Courtesy of Mezzanine

Craftsman oughta just give up.

They look good. The only thing I can say is I don't like that shade of chrome. But they look flawless. It's all fun and games until most Snap-On is made in Taiwan though.

 

[Merkava_4]

They look good. The only thing I can say is I don't like that shade of chrome.

You're looking at the satin finished sockets ... they come in polished too if you want.

 

[olds394]

Well that's some darn nice looking satin. Really they look great. Nice attention to detail.

 

[Elroy]

I have personally NEVER had a problem. Lifetime warranty FTW. Walk in, slap it down with the new piece you already found (this really helps it along) and no questions asked.

And what do you do when they don't have the required replacement on the shelf?

 

[chrislehr]

And what do you do when they don't have the required replacement on the shelf?

ask them to make a suitable replacement recommendation per their lifetime warranty?

 

[Givl Reggin]

OK, for 40$ what were you expecting?

That's exactly what I was thinking!

If you want quality you have to pay for it!

Don't expect top of the line quality at discount prices!!!

 

[Merkava_4]

Don't expect top of the line quality at discount prices!!!

So far, from what I've seen, Toptul is doing just that...

 

[theWORLDSaNAIL]

Most of the slick deals stuff is factory second they got it for a reason how ever as the factory that product the various craftman produce are change of modernized quality slippage happens from time to time and it happens everywhere for every manufacture. Danher has just finish upgrading alot of plants that how come the laser sockets are cheaper now id say your set was made right at the end of the last tooling setup ups usable life and at the end of sears excepting non laser echt offerings so it is like a factory second over run piece pick up for cost were tool got moved or sent for reproduction/ re purposing. And please do tell me i don't know the quality of a tool I have do lab testing to facilitate my job and broke every brand from 2$ wrench to 20,000 cobalt titanium alloy wrench's. I believe you just got screwed in a deal on the internet happens to use all

 

[billymade]

If you can't get no satisfaction; you could always call or email the Sears Customer Relations Hotline... http://www.sears.com/shc/s/nb_10153_12608_NB_Customer+Relations?adCell=A4

I vote for used, pro quality or older craftsman stuff.... if you go to the store; you could pick out which set you wanted. Typically, the cheaper smaller sets "on sale" many times are the older imprinted, non laser etched style or newer lazer/imprinted style; its odd, I have seen some sets look great and others look horrible! Whether they have a huge backstock for the smaller "price leader" sets is interesting; I have seen the small 1/4" sets that go on sale for $9.99 for christmas; actually have better chrome on the sockets/ratchets... they almost looked like a different oem or foundry, then the "open stock" on the hooks.... go figure! Welcome to the "Danaherization" of the Craftsman brand! Its seems its all down hill from here; its a shame but there it is!

Some have blamed and Danaher reps; have aknowledged a QC problem with a new consoldated foundry/factory in Dallas, Tx.... I wonder if that is the stuff we got at the store! Because, before I left many tools had rough edges, peeling chrome, mismachined parts and just overall low quality finishing on the tools that were coming right out of the box!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16927&showall=1

 

[BB26]

I still think Craftsman quality is pretty good for the money, especially considering that they are domestically manufactured. IMO, QC has been weak with a number of tool manufacturers in recent years. I have received (purchased new) bent Snap-On, Proto, SK, Armstrong, Napa and Gearwrench wrenches and ratchets recently. If I'm not happy with the tool, I send/take it back until I get the one I want. QC issues aside, I have never had a problem with the durability of any of these brands, including Craftsman. Unless you are abusing them, I just don't believe that the sockets, wrenches and other hardline tools (except the cheap ratchets) break all that often.

 

[sgavin83]

Never had the chance to use them, but I kinda think the toptul satin finish looks fantastic.

 

[kythri]

Apparently we still have some pockets of resistance that think Craftsman is still a good product or are worth what they paid for them. Where's kythri at?

Sitting back, watching those that whined about me bashing Snap-On bash Craftsman...

My Craftsman stuff purchased in the last year still works just fine, and just fixed another car.

My buddy needed new front brakes on his '88 Acura Legend. Les Schwab (local tire chain) quoted him $350 for the job - one of the cheaper places to do so.

We bought the parts at CarQuest for $155, and did the brakes in about an hour and a half this past weekend - with Craftsman tools.

$200 saved by $50 in tools.

But, you know, Craftsman totally *****, and just looks horrible when I make 8x10 glossy prints of them posed on satin pillows.

I'm lucky to be alive after that brake job, I tell you, what with the risk of my Craftsman tools exploding like that antimatter bomb in Angels & Demons...

 

[rsanter]

I grew up using my dads cman stuff
when I started collecting my own I noticed quickly that the newer stuff is not as good as the older stuff. when I started wrenching as a job it really showed the difference. I have upgraded most of my stuff to snap on but now that the wrenching is just a hobby ( serious hobby) I dont break as many as I used to.
the current wrenches are not even as good as the 80s and 90s stuff

for what you paid keep them and use them. if you break one go get another.
if you are doing this for a hobby then just dont worry about it. if you are using them professionally then do what I did and use them as your 2nd set

bob

 

[petty4243]

I still think Craftsman quality is pretty good for the money, especially considering that they are domestically manufactured. IMO, QC has been weak with a number of tool manufacturers in recent years. I have received (purchased new) bent Snap-On, Proto, SK, Armstrong, Napa and Gearwrench wrenches and ratchets recently. If I'm not happy with the tool, I send/take it back until I get the one I want. QC issues aside, I have never had a problem with the durability of any of these brands, including Craftsman. Unless you are abusing them, I just don't believe that the sockets, wrenches and other hardline tools (except the cheap ratchets) break all that often.

your statment reinded me of a 3/4 drive snap on socket y snappy rep showed me last week... did not get the part number or size, but it made it to his truck as a part of a master set.... with not a speck of chrome on it....

 

[nate379]

Haha. I'm glad I'm not the only one that actually uses their tools vs taking pictures and polishing them all day.

Sitting back, watching those that whined about me bashing Snap-On bash Craftsman...

My Craftsman stuff purchased in the last year still works just fine, and just fixed another car.

My buddy needed new front brakes on his '88 Acura Legend. Les Schwab (local tire chain) quoted him $350 for the job - one of the cheaper places to do so.

We bought the parts at CarQuest for $155, and did the brakes in about an hour and a half this past weekend - with Craftsman tools.

$200 saved by $50 in tools.

But, you know, Craftsman totally *****, and just looks horrible when I make 8x10 glossy prints of them posed on satin pillows.

I'm lucky to be alive after that brake job, I tell you, what with the risk of my Craftsman tools exploding like that antimatter bomb in Angels & Demons...

 

[oldtools]

Craftsman has the worst quality breaker bar I have ever seen. Not only are they ugly, but their quality ****. I regret I bought all three sizes (1/4, 3/8, 1/2). I could have bought older but much higher quality CM breaker bars for 1/3 the price. Even my HF breaker bars has much much higher quality. I will try not to buy anymore new CM tools maybe except for their pros wrench when the deal is good. I will buy used tools from now on.

I also have their complete socket set. Quite a bit of flaking. I should have gotten those Toptul sockets.

 

[johnny1290]

Yeah they're not great, I got a 140 pc kit recently and none of it holds up worth a **** compared to snappy tools. Who cares though, it's dirt cheap and warranteed anywhere in the US. Plus when you break or lose a socket its no BFD.

When they're on sale I'm going to pick up another set for around $100.

I've got my snapon basic set of tools and I always need a set for junkyarding or in one car or another, and like I said I won't cry if I lose a socket plus I couldn't afford to go *near* snapon for all the variety of sockets you get in one of those cases.

I think they're great, FOR WHAT THEY COST.

I just don't expect a lot from them.

edit: those toptool sockets look nice!