mikebaker1129
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Armstrong going away is no secret,so when will we see the leftovers on close out at Cripe?
When will we see Armstrong closeouts at Cripe?
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braidmeister
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Neil? Louis? Lance? Flooring? 
Cripe? Cripes?
Cripe? Cripes?
davethorik
Well-known member
They had the Armstrong 1/2 indexing head ratchets a couple years back at Cripe, and I bought one. Kinda glad I sold it, although it had the nice 72t SK Tuff1 mechanism.
braidmeister
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zakmartin
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Glad I'm not the only one who's been thinking about Cripe and Armstrong lately.
EOC_Jason
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You think they will hold onto some qty for warranty or other contracts? I'm sure they have been winding down production for a while now. Though excess always shows up sooner or later...
zakmartin
Well-known member
I totally doubt it. A "lifetime" warranty is only worth something while a company is still "alive." They're going to liquidate everything.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Everything about warranty says to contact Apex tool group, I would expect them to handle a warranty or at least exchange with another comparable brand product they carry.
Just my thoughts, I guess we will see what happens in the coming months...
FYI... I saw not too long ago they auctioned off all the production equipment at an Apex factory in town. It used to be the Danaher factory and before that Moore Drop Forge... Lots of tools made there, sad to see it all go....
Just my thoughts, I guess we will see what happens in the coming months...
FYI... I saw not too long ago they auctioned off all the production equipment at an Apex factory in town. It used to be the Danaher factory and before that Moore Drop Forge... Lots of tools made there, sad to see it all go....
Local
Well-known member
It will be interesting to see how apex handles Armstrong warranties when Armstrong does go under. Will they even honor the warranty with gearwrench replacements or just not even bother to warranty.
pendragon1998
Well-known member
I picture a single, forgotten, old man in a shed-sized warehouse who is the last of the Armstrong employees, charged with keeping the small supply of remaining NOS for warranty exchanges
Like this, but with ratchets:
My thinking is, for hand tools like ratchets, sockets, wrenches-You'll get a Gearwrench replacement for Armstrong.
Soooo... Chinese cheap in exchange for made in USA decent. Cool, huh?
drink
Well-known member
drink
Well-known member
I've seen some Armstrong tools listed at Cripe for several years and they do not appear to be selling. Cripe might have trailer loads of Armstrong tools stashed away somewhere. People at Armstrong have said they had two warehouses to get flooded when their tools stopped shipping. I spoke with a tool salesperson and they sounded like they had not even heard of the warehouses being flooded. I wonder what tools survived the flooding if it did in fact happen.
3baygarage
Well-known member
I picture a single, forgotten, old man in a shed-sized warehouse who is the last of the Armstrong employees, charged with keeping the small supply of remaining NOS for warranty exchanges
Like this, but with ratchets:
Haha good reference. What is the Holy Grail? The last rebuild kit?
justme-
Well-known member
They will offer a Gearwrench substitute. Been through it with an Allen branded ratchet. I declined swapping China made junk for us made to the cusr rep who sympathized but said that was all they could do.
pescados666
Well-known member
I recently picked up Armstrong 44-322A 1/4-Inch Drive 6 Point Metric Socket Set 10-Piece USA for $16.00 USD, Armstrong 37-183 1/4" Drive 5.5mm Socket 12pt. USA $1.50 USD, Armstrong 13/16 Spark Plug Socket 1/2 Drive 6pt USA 12-504 $2.75 USD and Allen 11695 11412 3/8 Drive 5/8" Spark Plug Socket USA $2.50 USD from cripe about a month ago.
Was a good deal compared to others by far.
Was a good deal compared to others by far.
pescados666
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drink
Well-known member
Cripe does appear to have some new Armstrong stuff added to their store. Some of it looks like it is selling fast.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I never really cared for Armstrong's modern day line of tools. I have loads of older sockets, extensions, wrenches, etc, that I like, but the new stuff is just Craftsman USA with a different logo. Let's say 10-15 years ago, when Craftsman was still USA, why would you pay Armstrong prices when you could just buy the Craftsman? As for their top of the line product, the Maxx 88 ratchets, I've read just as many negative reviews as positive on here and never opted to pick one up.
Why do you guys like Armstrong so much? Other than that ratchet, what do they offer that is better than the competition that can be had cheaper elsewhere? The pinless swivel impacts are the only other quality item I can think of, which were sold with the Craftsman name. So why buy from Armstrong? Is it the simple fact that they are an old fashioned American made company, or do you truly think their tools are better than others?
Why do you guys like Armstrong so much? Other than that ratchet, what do they offer that is better than the competition that can be had cheaper elsewhere? The pinless swivel impacts are the only other quality item I can think of, which were sold with the Craftsman name. So why buy from Armstrong? Is it the simple fact that they are an old fashioned American made company, or do you truly think their tools are better than others?
Curious to know, why did you sell it? Was it too bulky / cumbersome to use?
I tried out their 1/4" Maxx ratchet, it always feels like a tooth or two is going to slip. Hopefully, it lasts. Who's going to take over the warranty process for this? Gearwrench? nvm...
I tried out their 1/4" Maxx ratchet, it always feels like a tooth or two is going to slip. Hopefully, it lasts. Who's going to take over the warranty process for this? Gearwrench? nvm...
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OP
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
It is an industrial brand that is somewhat similar to Proto,American made and decent quality . I do not love any particular brand,but I do like good quality for the price and on closeouts at Cripe, some of the Armstrong stuff is a bargain.
Like the Armstrong SAE impact rated bit socket sets for $10.50 .
I liked them so well I picked up 2 more sets for my coworkers. I will say I do not care for Armstrong at full price .
No I do not think they do anything better than others,in fact the 36 tooth ratchets plain ****, they look nice,almost Snap onish,with nice chrome but are clunky and **** !
Agree with you on Craftsman ,KD,Allen, being pretty much the same at a lower price.
Like the Armstrong SAE impact rated bit socket sets for $10.50 .
I liked them so well I picked up 2 more sets for my coworkers. I will say I do not care for Armstrong at full price .
No I do not think they do anything better than others,in fact the 36 tooth ratchets plain ****, they look nice,almost Snap onish,with nice chrome but are clunky and **** !
Agree with you on Craftsman ,KD,Allen, being pretty much the same at a lower price.
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nieuport17
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It was made in the USA.
Thats the reason I bought it.
The ratchet itself is almost the same as Gearwrench, except for the handle and the 88 teeth vs the 84. And Gearwrench is quarter the price.
I bought it because it was American made, thought that will make a difference.... guess not, still close down anyway.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
I have a nice set of Armstrong SAE long pattern satin finish wrenches I got from a pawn shop cheap. I find myself going back & forth between my CMan RPs and the Armstrongs a lot, can't say I prefer one over the other, just depends on what I'm trying to do and the room I have to work.
drink
Well-known member
Hopefully I can help to understand what the differences are between some Craftsman and Armstrong tools. This explanation is based upon information they have provided from the Armstrong website and the Sears.com website. To quickly (this will take a while) sum things up the Craftsman socket specs say they are made with alloy steel, and Armstrong's socket specs say they are made with high alloy steel. In one example Sears Craftsman sockets are advertised with specs saying they are made out of Chrome vanadium steel. Some old Craftsman tools are advertised with chrome molybdenum steel. Knowing exactly what type of steel is in fact being used to make the tools in question is what to know. The application of the tools in question can make a difference also from what I understand. A previous discussion on a similar subject follows.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283781
Alloy steel is steel that is alloyed with a variety of elements in total amounts between 1.0% and 50% by weight to improve its mechanical properties. Alloy steels are broken down into two groups: low-alloy steels and high-alloy steels. ... Most commonly, the phrase "alloy steel" refers to low-alloy steels.
Chrome Vandium is the hardest, most ductile, and longest wearing steel that exists in the hex tool industry. Chrome Vanadium is about comparable in quality to 8650. It is used primarily in Europe. Chrome Moly is similar to Chrome Vanadium, but is somewhat stronger and harder.
Armstrong sockets were marketed with the following spec.
http://www.armstrongtools.com/hand-...-355-13-pc-3-8-drive-12-point-socket-set.html
ARMSTRONG 15-355 13 Pc. 3/8" Drive 12 Point Socket Set
13 Pc. 3/8" Drive 12 Point Socket Set
•Made in the USA - Quality and Availability
•Radius Corner Design Engages the Flats of the Fastener, Not the Corners, Providing Up to 15% -20% More Torque While Reducing Fastener Rounding, Enhancing the Turning of Worn Fasteners
•EYE-D™ Markings Optimize Size Visibility, Also Providing SAE / Metric Differentiation
•Unique Socket Retention Method, Cold Form Ball Recess, Provides Consistent Secure Retention of the Socket to the Drive Tool Eliminating the Possibility of Either a Loose Fit or Tight Fit
•Socket Wall Dimensions are Optimized to Provide Strength While Retaining Access to Restricted Fasteners
•Manufactured From High Alloy Steel Using the Most Up-To-Date Manufacturing Process and Heat Treat for Greater Strength and Durability
•Meets or Exceeds ASME B107.1-2002 and US Federal Spec. GGG-W-641E
Take note of how the Armstrong specs say they meet or exceed ASME and Federal specs. Some older Craftsman tools were advertised in the catalog saying the same thing but the newer Craftsman tools at Sears do not have the same advertisement. In the past I have asked people at Sears if they could provide the Craftsman specs and they had no way to provide the specs. Craftsman Industrial tools were advertised with testing procedures. I will have to find those ads to show you.
Craftsman 18 pc. 12 pt. Deep, 3/8 in. Socket Accessory Set
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-18-p...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6
If the typical Sears Craftsman tools do have the same testing procedures then they are skipping an additional cost of manufacturing and it might be a reason why they are sold at a lower price. Sometimes the quantity being made and sold makes a big difference in how low the price can go on an item.
From what I understand high alloy can withstand heat better. I have had sockets to heat up while using them and sometimes things like hot engines can cause tools to heat up also. Using a tool repeatedly for hours can make a big difference in its application compared to an occasional use.
drink
Well-known member
*** Low alloy steels have higher tensile and yield strengths than mild steel or carbon structural steel. Since they have high strength-to-weight ratios, they reduce dead weight in railroad cars, truck frames, heavy equipment, etc.
*** Ordinary carbon steels, that exhibit brittleness at low temperatures, are unreliable in critical applications. Therefore, low alloy steels with nickel additions are often used for low temperature situations.
*** Steels lose much of their strength at high temperatures. To provide for this loss of strength at elevated temperatures, small amounts of chromium or molybdenum are added.
*** High Alloy Steel - This group of expensive and specialized steels contain alloy levels in excess of 10%, giving them outstanding properties.
*** Ordinary carbon steels, that exhibit brittleness at low temperatures, are unreliable in critical applications. Therefore, low alloy steels with nickel additions are often used for low temperature situations.
*** Steels lose much of their strength at high temperatures. To provide for this loss of strength at elevated temperatures, small amounts of chromium or molybdenum are added.
*** High Alloy Steel - This group of expensive and specialized steels contain alloy levels in excess of 10%, giving them outstanding properties.
drink
Well-known member
I took a few pics of a Craftsman socket and an Armstrong socket. They look the same other than the eye-D and other markings. Maybe somebody will take samples from each and tell if they were made with the same steel.
Attachments
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
When they stopped making Craftsman Sockets & Wrenches at the plant in Springdale, AR, they switched over to making Armstrong wrenches (and probably sockets)... Probably used all the same tooling to keep production going. However changing the incoming material and other key processes can make all the difference.
They actually probably made Armstrong stuff while still making the Craftsman too... I have some Crescent screwdrivers from there. Not sure what all they made.
They actually probably made Armstrong stuff while still making the Craftsman too... I have some Crescent screwdrivers from there. Not sure what all they made.
That broach is way cleaner in the armstrong...
the broach...design & tool seems slightly different as well.
Also, the sound of the metal is usually a giveaway for differences in alloy and heat treatment...I know its probaly not scientific at all but its very recognizeble between brands and even date-codes and production lots in the same brand.
I wonder if a pile of armstrongs sound like a pile of cmans rattling around? Also maybe interestign to note if they fit any better on the square drive? this is sometimes hit or miss tho, some companies do a better job with QC on that.
the broach...design & tool seems slightly different as well.
Also, the sound of the metal is usually a giveaway for differences in alloy and heat treatment...I know its probaly not scientific at all but its very recognizeble between brands and even date-codes and production lots in the same brand.
I wonder if a pile of armstrongs sound like a pile of cmans rattling around? Also maybe interestign to note if they fit any better on the square drive? this is sometimes hit or miss tho, some companies do a better job with QC on that.
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reader2580
Well-known member
Based on the difficulty with finding Armstrong ratchets for the past year or so I would doubt they have a lot of product to liquidate.
drink
Well-known member
I am wondering if Cripe took off with most of it about a year or so ago.
CripeDistributing
Active member
Hey guys - Bree here
Thanks for tagging us so we can answer your questions. Ron wanted me to let you guys know we have actually about 4 semi's full of Armstrong product. You guys should be seeing them go up here in the next few month's. We'll try to keep you updated on it. Let me know if you have anymore questions. -Bree
Thanks for tagging us so we can answer your questions. Ron wanted me to let you guys know we have actually about 4 semi's full of Armstrong product. You guys should be seeing them go up here in the next few month's. We'll try to keep you updated on it. Let me know if you have anymore questions. -Bree
WWheeler
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LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Armstrong going away is no secret,so when will we see the leftovers on close out at Cripe?
1990 Grand Wag
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lightning02
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you guys should make kits for the armstrong 88t ratchets
1st kit all 3 drives non-flex
2nd kit all 3 drives flex head
3rd kit all 3 drives both flex and non flex
im sure alot of people would like something of the sort.
davethorik
Well-known member
Curious to know, why did you sell it? Was it too bulky / cumbersome to use?
It wasn't too bulky, on paper it was great. The index action even had a rebuild kit which was discontinued years ago. Having the Tuff1 mechanism was interesting as well, i dont believe other Armstrong ratchets ever got it.
I sold it because I didn't use it, because the index had a decent amount of front/back slop. And a guy i was selling some other extra tools to offered me what I had in it, $40 iirc, so it got a new home. I still also haven't used the Proto 3/8 index ratchet I have, but its nos so I just stuck it in a drawer.
OP
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
Awesome!