Comments on this Craftsman Industrial Set?

[winlinmac]

Whatever happened to Craftsman Industrial? Their catalog is not at all welcoming, last updated a couple of years back.

Should I steer away from this set? Don't need the allen keys nor the screwdriver and included bits. What are your thoughts on this set? Overpriced? $249

Details / Sizes
1/4 Inch Drive:
1/4in. Quick Release Ratchet
3 and 6in Extension
1/4 - 3/8in Adapter
6in Spinner Handle
- SAE: 5/32 to 1/2in, Standard, 6pt
- Metric: 4 to 13mm, Standard, 6pt
- SAE: 3/16 to 1/2in, Standard, 12pt
3/8 Inch Drive:
- 3/8 Quick Release Ratchet
- 3in. and 6in Extension
- 13/16" Flex Spark Plug Socket
- 13/16" Standard Spark Plug Socket
- 5/8" Standard Spark Plug Socket
- SAE: 3/8 to 1in, Standard, 6pt
- Metric: 7 to 19mm, Standard, 6pt
- SAE: 5/16 to 7/8in, Standard, 12pt
- Metric: 9 to 19mm, Standard, 12pt
- Hex: 1/8 to 3/8in, Standard, Hex Bit
- Hex: 4 to 10mm, Metric, Hex Bit
- Torx: T40 and T55
Combination Wrenches:
SAE: 1/4 to 1in.
Metric: 6- 20mm
ETC:
Magnetich Bit Handle
10pc Screwdriver Bit Set
14pc Inch/SAE Hex Key Set
14pc Metric Hex Key Set
-
Chrome Finish
Stamped “Craftsman Industrial”, “USA”, Item Number
Manufacture Code: -K- VΛ- -G2- Stamped

 

[Brownsfan]

Looks nice. I just wish Sears would bring the Industrial tools in store. They would obviously be more than the China made stuff. Ideally prices on the China would lower to say Husky levels and the USA industrial would be priced above. I think if given the choice people would pay more for a better USA made tool. I think it's been proven at Sears already. The Evolv stuff has always been imported and significantly less and most still payed more for the USA made craftsman.

 

[Spdfreak91]

Global had a 167 ish piece set for 125 with 50 off free shipping

 

[winlinmac]

What's concerning is that warrantying in person would be a frustrating experience as an in-store associate would give the option of replacing an Industrial line tool with standard Craftsman (currently made overseas). Calling Apex would take you over to a Sears associate, from there you'd have to either go with Sears or directly with the dealer / distributor you purchased these Industrial Tools from. Warranty here is almost equated to YMMV (it seems).

What is also concerning is the fact that Apex (includes Armstrong) has closed most of the US plants consolidating US production in one South Carolina facility. I don't see how Craftsman Industrial will survive a few years from now. They will probably---eventually, move overseas.

Looks nice. I just wish Sears would bring the Industrial tools in store. They would obviously be more than the China made stuff. Ideally prices on the China would lower to say Husky levels and the USA industrial would be priced above. I think if given the choice people would pay more for a better USA made tool. I think it's been proven at Sears already. The Evolv stuff has always been imported and significantly less and most still payed more for the USA made craftsman.

 

[drink]

I own some Craftsman Industrial tools and still haven't finished assembling the set I have started to put together. So far I have not had to handle any warranty claims and don't know how things will go if, and when it will be needed. The last catalog I found was the 2014-2015 catalog and things at APEX appear to have come to a halt after the moving and flooding occurred.

http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/299205-tools-2014-2015/116

The set you have there has enough tools to do a limited amount of work. It does not have any deep sockets and the range of sizes only go so far. However, it does have a bunch of wrenches and it might be a good set to have when doing light jobs. In the past I have said the same thing about not needing some of the tools but no matter what it always seemed to be I would end up needing the tools I didn't think I would need.

When thinking about the possible $249 being spent I would try going through the catalog and put together a set of tools with what you want. Then compare costs. At the moment I would make sure the seller actually has the item(s) in stock rather than risk having them try to pull shipping the same stuff Sears sells as a substitute. The last time I ordered some Craftsman Industrial tools after the flood they either cancelled the order or shipped the regular Chinese made Sears Craftsman tools as a substitute without asking if I would accept them.

If I bought the set you have there I would consider adding some rails of deep sockets in both 1/4" & 3/8" drive. Adding some ratchet repair kits would be a good idea also (just so you'll have them).

Whatever happened to Craftsman Industrial? Their catalog is not at all welcoming, last updated a couple of years back.

Should I steer away from this set? Don't need the allen keys nor the screwdriver and included bits. What are your thoughts on this set? Overpriced? $249

Details / Sizes
1/4 Inch Drive:
1/4in. Quick Release Ratchet
3 and 6in Extension
1/4 - 3/8in Adapter
6in Spinner Handle
- SAE: 5/32 to 1/2in, Standard, 6pt
- Metric: 4 to 13mm, Standard, 6pt
- SAE: 3/16 to 1/2in, Standard, 12pt
3/8 Inch Drive:
- 3/8 Quick Release Ratchet
- 3in. and 6in Extension
- 13/16" Flex Spark Plug Socket
- 13/16" Standard Spark Plug Socket
- 5/8" Standard Spark Plug Socket
- SAE: 3/8 to 1in, Standard, 6pt
- Metric: 7 to 19mm, Standard, 6pt
- SAE: 5/16 to 7/8in, Standard, 12pt
- Metric: 9 to 19mm, Standard, 12pt
- Hex: 1/8 to 3/8in, Standard, Hex Bit
- Hex: 4 to 10mm, Metric, Hex Bit
- Torx: T40 and T55
Combination Wrenches:
SAE: 1/4 to 1in.
Metric: 6- 20mm
ETC:
Magnetich Bit Handle
10pc Screwdriver Bit Set
14pc Inch/SAE Hex Key Set
14pc Metric Hex Key Set
-
Chrome Finish
Stamped “Craftsman Industrial”, “USA”, Item Number
Manufacture Code: -K- VΛ- -G2- Stamped

 

[JoeFin]

Craftsman Industrial are on par with other major professional brands

That said my wrenches are not the "Raised Face" variety, only problem being they don't make them any more.

So if you have them - enjoy the professional fit and quality, but don't loan them out

 

[Davefr]

CM Industrial is a "******* child" with virtually no customer support. That stuff looks like the ordinary RP offering right before CM moved to China. (not exactly top shelf tools).

There were a few good CM Industrial tools like the full polished wrenches made by Armstrong that the Sears outlet sold super cheap.

I'd avoid CM Industrial unless prices reflected killer deals. $250 for that RP stuff with lots of filler doesn't seem too compelling to me.

 

[drink]

When I briefly compared some of the CI tools to other brands like Armstrong, Proto, Snap-On, etc. they cost less to purchase. So far I have not heard anyone tell stories about putting them through the test but I am thinking they were made better than or as good as a lot of tools that are out there.

I did a little shopping and it looks like Tool Barn has removed a lot of the CI tools from their website. Like I said earlier, it is probably because of the flood and the other reasons. The sockets look like the A-Line from Armstrong so I do not know if they are dropped from production or what.

Has anyone tried asking the factory or your local sales reps what the future of CI's tool line is?

 

[Fedwrench]

I honestly do not understand the obsession with Craftsman Industrial tools here

They are simply reincarnations of decent US Made tools only without the pennies on the piece set pricing and super easy warranty

I think if you're after US made Craftsman, just patiently assemble a set from the secondary market (ebay, swap meets, etc.).

I wouldn't try to buy Craftsman Industrial until there was a well established dealer network and prices were more realistic but, that's just me.

 

[Phantom552]

I'd stay away from craftsman industrial, only because warrantying would be a royal PITA. If you're using them occasionally at home, the standard Craftsman offerings at your local sears are cheaper, and easier to warranty. Same can be said for Husky & Kobalt. Sure, they are made in some part of asia, but they do get the job done.

If you're using tools in a professional setting, things get a bit more convoluted. Sears typically won't honor their warranty if you show up in a uniform. Not sure about HD/Lowes.

 

[Ghost11]

I bought that same set to keep on my boat. Its a well rounded set, lots of sockets. But nothing stays in its place, when i opened it, all the sockets would be in a pile. Ive since then put everything in a tool bag. I think i paid 200 for mine

 

[Ghost11]

The ratchets dont last very long by the way, i wouldnt be using them daily

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'm with fedwrench on this. There is nothing special about CI. It's the same as the last USA made craftsman stuff which means you get sockets with poor chrome (starts rusting within a year or two), uncomfortable and short wrenches, and 36T ratchets with poor action and lots of slop.

 

[winlinmac]

It's probably best then to get NOS USA Socket sets from Kobalt and Allen then, haven't heard of chrome flaking on those in the past.

Though, I do have all the sockets I possibly need for the time being, I'm trying to put together a portable toolbox for the car (rather than keeping bits and pieces); the goal is to keep everything USA Made. I just get that satisfying feeling to be having something at hand made here.

Would also like to own a set of 12-point metric sockets. Most of my sockets are 6-point, and definitely not useful in extreme conditions (rusty bolts, etc.)

I'm sure we all make purchasing mistakes once in a while. It's great I asked for feedback on the Craftsman Industrial. Not sure what plans they have for the remainder of this year. There was a comment on ToolGuyd which suggested that Sears may bring Craftsman Industrial stock in-stores. We shall see...

I'm with fedwrench on this. There is nothing special about CI. It's the same as the last USA made craftsman stuff which means you get sockets with poor chrome (starts rusting within a year or two), uncomfortable and short wrenches, and 36T ratchets with poor action and lots of slop.

 

[Strouty]

You had been doing so well.................

 

[Fedwrench]

Would also like to own a set of 12-point metric sockets. Most of my sockets are 6-point, and definitely not useful in extreme conditions (rusty bolts, etc.)

What? this comment makes absolutely no sense. Six point is the preferred choice when dealing with rounded, rusty, or nasty fasteners.

 

[winlinmac]

I retract my statement. Definitely does not make sense. You're absolutely right. What I meant to say was, 12-point sockets for the hard to reach restricted / confined areas (limited accessibility). I haven't given much thought to 12-point sockets until recently when I came across new old stock USA sets online.

There are several fasteners near the fuel filter area and down-pipes which are pretty darn rusty and are hard to reach unless you cut away the exhaust with a cut-off tool (not recommended) or saw.

What? this comment makes absolutely no sense. Six point is the preferred choice when dealing with rounded, rusty, or nasty fasteners.

 

[gdocktor3]

What's concerning is that warrantying in person would be a frustrating experience as an in-store associate would give the option of replacing an Industrial line tool with standard Craftsman (currently made overseas). Calling Apex would take you over to a Sears associate, from there you'd have to either go with Sears or directly with the dealer / distributor you purchased these Industrial Tools from. Warranty here is almost equated to YMMV (it seems).

What is also concerning is the fact that Apex (includes Armstrong) has closed most of the US plants consolidating US production in one South Carolina facility. I don't see how Craftsman Industrial will survive a few years from now. They will probably---eventually, move overseas.

If you're concerned with warrantying tools before buying them, why bother buying????

 

[gdocktor3]

I honestly do not understand the obsession with Craftsman Industrial tools here

I agree. Plus, I feel like this same question is asked over and over, with the same members commenting, with the same outcome every time.

 

[winlinmac]

Well, I was thinking of Craftsman Industrial from a quality perspective since they're pretty much all made in conjunction with Armstrong Industrial Tools.


Isn't chrome flaking covered in any general lifetime warranty by any tool company?

I think the obsession with Craftsman Industrial tools comes from the understanding they're made by Armstrong and sold way cheaper. Also, the history of Craftsman may play a role, in which all Craftsman tools were once Made in USA, then outsourced overseas. Some see the Craftsman Industrial as resurrection of Craftsman and the return to the USA COO. Many are not aware that Craftsman Industrial was always a separate entity and never was used interchangeably with standard Craftsman.

Craftsman well-established themselves long time ago. There are plenty of Craftsman Tool Collectors on this forum it seems and some might be having an emotional attachment. That's my observation. I have a mixed bag of tools, not confined to one company.

Is there any alternative? Williams Socket Sets (USA) still cost more than a basic Craftsman Industrial Socket Set (based on current pricing).

I think I'm looking forward to an upgrade here. Somewhere between the lines of Craftsman Industrial, SK, and Williams (being picky here, all USA-made).

I've had thoughts on Proto and Wright as well, but appear pricier.

If you're concerned with warrantying tools before buying them, why bother buying????

 

[dale500]

I've stored my craftsman industrial sets in my Florida Garage(high humidity). No signs of rusting or chrome issues in over 3 years. I do wipe them down when they are used. They are quality tools and if you use them as intended you want need to worry much about the warranty issues.

 

[Brownsfan]

If you're concerned with warrantying tools before buying them, why bother buying????

I have NEVER seen so many worried about tool warranty than on here. Buy a quality tool use it right and you will never have to worry about it.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have NEVER seen so many worried about tool warranty than on here. Buy a quality tool use it right and you will never have to worry about it.

Yea, but how often do you gather with 1/2 million tool junkies and talk about stuff like this??

In all seriousness, I would buy Chinese Craftsman sockets before I'd buy the 36 tooth USA ratchets. Craftsman, Armstrong, Matco, Allen, Menards. They're all the same and they stink. They do work though... I recently bought the Chinese 84t Craftsman low pro ratchet. Wow. I've been super impressed. Bottom line Craftsman Industrial is nothing special and those of us who know, don't even waste our time any more.

 

[Rustypigeon]

I'm trying to put together a portable toolbox for the car (rather than keeping bits and pieces); the goal is to keep everything USA Made. I just get that satisfying feeling to be having something at hand made here.

Are you putting together a portable toolbox for working on cars, or a multi-purpose bag for fixing other stuff? There are a lot of SAE tools in that Craftsman Industrial kit that will not be used for 99% of cars on the road today.

 

[winlinmac]

Are you putting together a portable toolbox for working on cars, or a multi-purpose bag for fixing other stuff? There are a lot of SAE tools in that Craftsman Industrial kit that will not be used for 99% of cars on the road today.

A little bit of both, most of the fasteners I come across are predominantly metric. Thought about owning SAE as well when I came across that set in my initial post

 

[gte718p]

The Craftsman Industrial line used to be nice. I have the industrial line in my 4x4 travel bag. The wrenches are with nice rounded edges, and the ratchets have huge solid handles. They had good balance and feel good in your hand. They really are comparable to tool truck brands.

Those look like the standard craftsman raised panel **** with an industrial stamp. I don't care where it is made. They are sufficient for occasional use, but they are not good tools. The RP line has always lacked the refinement and finesse of the higher end brands. The industrial line didn't sell. As I recall the line was never profitable, but it is a shame to see it replaced with ****.

 

[drink]

Well, I was thinking of Craftsman Industrial from a quality perspective since they're pretty much all made in conjunction with Armstrong Industrial Tools.


Isn't chrome flaking covered in any general lifetime warranty by any tool company?

I think the obsession with Craftsman Industrial tools comes from the understanding they're made by Armstrong and sold way cheaper. Also, the history of Craftsman may play a role, in which all Craftsman tools were once Made in USA, then outsourced overseas. Some see the Craftsman Industrial as resurrection of Craftsman and the return to the USA COO. Many are not aware that Craftsman Industrial was always a separate entity and never was used interchangeably with standard Craftsman.

Craftsman well-established themselves long time ago. There are plenty of Craftsman Tool Collectors on this forum it seems and some might be having an emotional attachment. That's my observation. I have a mixed bag of tools, not confined to one company.

Is there any alternative? Williams Socket Sets (USA) still cost more than a basic Craftsman Industrial Socket Set (based on current pricing).

I think I'm looking forward to an upgrade here. Somewhere between the lines of Craftsman Industrial, SK, and Williams (being picky here, all USA-made).

I've had thoughts on Proto and Wright as well, but appear pricier.

It sounds like you want to buy a set of made in USA tools and in turn support the national economy more than the global economy. Since the factory is either having difficulty from moving or being flooded and you want a set now I would give you the following suggestions.

How about SK, Wright, and Williams? Both of us have mentioned how the CI brand has been found on the market at lower prices. Sears still has some CI tools on their website under Professional Use.

Maybe some of the other guys would consider going to Northern Tool and picking up a couple of sets of offshore 1/4" drive sockets for about $21.99 each. You can even use a $5 off $15 coupon and get a set cheaper. The NT Clutch brand is made out of chrome vanadium and they have a limited lifetime warranty. I am wondering what all the guys who are so critical of USA CI tools think about the NT Clutch brand. Would they buy them? How long will they last? Would you keep on paying $22 a pop when they wear out and tell everyone how wonderful they are? These NT tools are cheaper than the HF tools aren't they?

 

[Farmall450]

Looks nice. I just wish Sears would bring the Industrial tools in store. They would obviously be more than the China made stuff. Ideally prices on the China would lower to say Husky levels and the USA industrial would be priced above. I think if given the choice people would pay more for a better USA made tool. I think it's been proven at Sears already. The Evolv stuff has always been imported and significantly less and most still payed more for the USA made craftsman.

Unfortunately, as nice as that would be 3 tiers of tools plus DeWalt and Gearwrench would be a bit much.

 

[Farmall450]

I also doubt they'll leave the US as they cater to the US Military. ^

 

[drink]

Yea, but how often do you gather with 1/2 million tool junkies and talk about stuff like this??

In all seriousness, I would buy Chinese Craftsman sockets before I'd buy the 36 tooth USA ratchets. Craftsman, Armstrong, Matco, Allen, Menards. They're all the same and they stink. They do work though... I recently bought the Chinese 84t Craftsman low pro ratchet. Wow. I've been super impressed. Bottom line Craftsman Industrial is nothing special and those of us who know, don't even waste our time any more.

In all seriousness, I would buy Chinese Craftsman sockets before I'd buy the 36 tooth USA ratchets. Craftsman, Armstrong, Matco, Allen, Menards. They're all the same and they stink.

They might be made by the same people but there is a difference. Armstrong is made out of high alloy steel, and to my knowledge none of the others are. The Allen brand line of tools was dropped sometime before late 2010 and the Craftsman Industrial line of tools started in about 2012. I currently do not know the actual type of steel the CI tools are made out of but they are made out of stronger steel than the regular offshore Craftsman tools that Sears sells. A lot of people don't know what their tools are made out of and think they are all made the same.

I cannot believe how long the factory has been shut down. I wonder how they are to remain in business if they don't get back up and running soon especially with so many hateful people giving them a hard time.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Personal pet peeve: I DESPISE 12 point sockets (except maybe above 1") and any set that includes them.



When I first joined up here I got the urge to fill out my 1/2" drive set (even though I rarely use it). Also a neighbor asked if I had 1-1/2 socket (Harley primary drive ?) and I did not. Well Craftsman stops at 1-1/4 so I filled in up to 1-1/2 by 1/8 with Armstrong sockets (singles are pricey ! ). I actually used the 1-1/2 on a 1" diameter nut the other day ! Nice to have the "right tool" on hand.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Well Craftsman stops at 1-1/4 so I filled in up to 1-1/2 by 1/8 with Armstrong sockets (singles are pricey ! ). I actually used the 1-1/2 on a 1" diameter nut the other day ! Nice to have the "right tool" on hand.

I'm not sure how you used the 1-1/2 on a 1" dia. nut, but here's to you explaining.

As for your 6 vs. 12pt., Ko-Ken has some sets with smaller 6 pt sockets and above about 12mm, 12pt sockets. That just seems to make sense to me.

 

[drink]

Personal pet peeve: I DESPISE 12 point sockets (except maybe above 1") and any set that includes them.



When I first joined up here I got the urge to fill out my 1/2" drive set (even though I rarely use it). Also a neighbor asked if I had 1-1/2 socket (Harley primary drive ?) and I did not. Well Craftsman stops at 1-1/4 so I filled in up to 1-1/2 by 1/8 with Armstrong sockets (singles are pricey ! ). I actually used the 1-1/2 on a 1" diameter nut the other day ! Nice to have the "right tool" on hand.

Sears actually does sell a Craftsman 1-1/2" standard depth socket. You will have to ask them if they have it in stock but I did find the set with one in it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'm not sure how you used the 1-1/2 on a 1" dia. nut, but here's to you explaining.

Yeah, that did not come out right ! The bolt diameter is 1".

Sears actually does sell a Craftsman 1-1/2" standard depth socket.

12 point. I wanted to avoid that.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Ask Tommy over at Callahan about their warranty!


Do: Buy a tool based over many factors....weight, metallurgy, good company, quality, fastener fitment, resistance to shearing wallowing and rusting out


Don't : Buy a tool because if it breaks it can be easily replaced.




Of course, you want to buy it once, buy it right and buy it for life.

You dont want a $10 where half goes to warranty...a five dollar tool with five dollars of customer support.

You do want a $10 tool where $10 goes into the materials and the people making that tool.

 

[drink]

Yeah, that did not come out right ! The bolt diameter is 1".



12 point. I wanted to avoid that.

Personal pet peeve: I DESPISE 12 point sockets (except maybe above 1") and any set that includes them.

Just thought you would make the exception being the 1.5" is above 1".

 

[mjoekingz28]

Good point. It is probably best to buy 12pt sockets one at a time as needed. Otherwise a waste to many of us.






Wait, are 12 points easier on the fastener than 6 pt?

Maybe they dont shear the bolt head or nut as readily. But of course, for stubborn fasteners 6 points may be best, but what about on oil plugs and other fasteners that may get used 100 times- where not damaging the bolt head, even a little, is important??

 

[the1nonlyjl]

Im too attached to craftsman usa. This craftsman chromosome runs in the family. Im the last man standing tall still owning them passed on from my grandpa ww2 veteran and nypd police officer.. Hopefully industrial style continues looping in and for my son when he grows up to be the next one owning them!


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[Sam'sAutoParts]

Sears actually does sell a Craftsman 1-1/2" standard depth socket. You will have to ask them if they have it in stock but I did find the set with one in it.

They do exist, I own one, but I don't think I ever used it. Usually reach for 3/4" drive for most sizes above 1-1/8".

 

[the1nonlyjl]

I wonder where to order industrial tools?


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