I'm trading in my craftsman stuff.

[sickytwisted]

I keep breaking my craftsman stuff. I was told by some good friends that being that I don't make a living with my tools, the craftsman stuff would be fine. I broke a few flare wrenches and split my thumb open when i tugged on a 1/4 inch ratchet which apparantly didn't engage.
I was thinking of going to all span on now but the prices are rediculous. I mean, yeah I have a lot of snap on but thats just because I know a guy from whom I get it rather cheap. I've checked out some sk stuff but don't know much about them. DO YOU HAVE SK TOOLS? Are they of comparable quality to snap on or mac. would you recomend them for what at this point I need to call "professional use.
YES! I'm calling myself a pro because that american made craftsman stuff just doesn't cut it for me!

By the way, I'll be posting some craftsman stuff for sale soon. NO JOKE! ITS GOT TO GO BEFORE I LOSE A FINGER!
Let me know what you suggest!

 

[car99r]

I suggest just sending me all the Craftsman stuff befor eyou hurt yourself again...lol

 

[Merkava_4]

The thing is though, you can't really trade in tools you don't want like you can a used car; you have to sell them or 86 them.

Snap-on prices get extremely reasonable when you're deep into a situation on a car and no other tool can do the job without ******* you off.

 

[Rickster]

I have several SK tools, my favorite ratchet is an SK 3/8 dr roto-head that has never let me down. Some here will argue the new stuffs finish and the fact that the socket flutes don't go all the way through the deepwell sockets are a downside. I've used them and abused them and they hold up well for me. I've cracked a few deep sockets over the years but no massive failures. I don't use them as part of my profession but I use them more than the avarage guy on my project cars.

FWIW the older Craftsman tools are better than the new stuff. If those Cman ratchets you're using are the ones with the plastic selectors then you need to paruse the classifieds here and pick up a few of the older RHFT ones.

 

[krusty the clown]

The thing is though, you can't really trade in tools you don't want like you can a used car; you have to sell them or 86 them.

tool trucks take trades....

 

[sickytwisted]

tool trucks take trades....

What do you mean? For my craftsman tools? Really? WHat has your experience with that been?

 

[expatriated]

I can't help you with the SK stuff, but I will say I think you're making the right decision. I was encouraged to buy Craftsman stuff myself from some friends when I started getting tools a year or so ago. While I believe the older Craftsman stuff is probably good since so much of it is still around and in good shape, the current crop doesn't seem to be of the same quality and I doubt that CMan tools bought in 2009 will be around in 2029. Unlike CMan of the 60's and 70's and 80's, which still seem to be fine.

So, go Snap-On. If it doesn't have to be Made in the USA, I would encourage you to take a look at Toptul. Good quality at very low prices. If it has to be USA, just go with Snap-On and be done with it.

 

[Fedwrench]

All tool brands will disappoint you sooner or later. There are many threads here discussing the lack of quality of certain products from most tool brands too include the tool truck brands.
SK makes good tools overall but, shop around online for the best bang for your buck. As for flare nut or line wrenches, there is only one real choice, Snap on. Shop Ebay for a used set.
You may also want to look at your technique to see if you're using the wrong drive size or tool for your application. Getting banged up sometimes is normal in the course of certain jobs but, it shouldn't be routine.
As for trading in your Craftsman, that depends on the dealer. Normally the dealer will do it if you work at one of his regular stops. It's fairly common. Keep in mind though that even if the dealer gave you what you paid for your Craftsman (half is more realistic), it may not go far towards the purchase of new truck brand tools. Again, at times Ebay can be your friend when building a tool collection.

 

[Daedalus]

Most of my tools are Craftsman (broken only a handful in 15 years) I do have a SK hex driver set. I was removing cam caps with the 5mm and it broke on about the 20th bolt. So I went to Sears, bought a 5mm driver, and it did the job. I didn't see a big difference there. Had I been using the Cman from the start, it may have broken too after 20 or so bolts, what with fatigue and all. But the big difference is I can drive to Sears and have a replacement in about an hour. The SK tool I would have had to send away for the warranty replacement. I still haven't sent it in.

Has anyone ever tested various tool brands to compare steel strength?

 

[sickytwisted]

In response to fedwrench, I was using the correct size. I had a bunk ratchet. When I went to return it, I was told that Cmans 1/4 inch ratchets are pretty much junk. DIdn't know that but I do now. I get busted up occasionally. To be perfectly honest, my main concern is having to go out and get a replacement tool mid job. I don't have doubles of everything yet. I will though. HEY FELLAS KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR MY CRAFTSMAN TOOL SALE COMING SOON!

 

[expatriated]

All tool brands will disappoint you sooner or later. There are many threads here discussing the lack of quality of certain products from most tool brands too include the tool truck brands.
SK makes good tools overall but, shop around online for the best bang for your buck. As for flare nut or line wrenches, there is only one real choice, Snap on. Shop Ebay for a used set.
You may also want to look at your technique to see if you're using the wrong drive size or tool for your application. Getting banged up sometimes is normal in the course of certain jobs but, it shouldn't be routine.
As for trading in your Craftsman, that depends on the dealer. Normally the dealer will do it if you work at one of his regular stops. It's fairly common. Keep in mind though that even if the dealer gave you what you paid for your Craftsman (half is more realistic), it may not go far towards the purchase of new truck brand tools. Again, at times Ebay can be your friend when building a tool collection.

is this true, Fedwrench? A Snap-On dealer may take Cman tools as credit toward Snap-On purchases? Why would they do this and what do they do with the Cman stuff once they have it? Don't tell me that the truck tool dealers all have secret collections of Cman at home that they use! That would ruin my day to hear that.

 

[daveblank]

I don't have doubles of everything yet. I will though.

Then don't sell or trade your Craftsman. Heep them as your back up set & build your new set over time.

 

[krusty the clown]

is this true, Fedwrench? A Snap-On dealer may take Cman tools as credit toward Snap-On purchases? Why would they do this and what do they do with the Cman stuff once they have it? Don't tell me that the truck tool dealers all have secret collections of Cman at home that they use! That would ruin my day to hear that.

of course they will...i had lots of customer that bought the used trade in's.

why? build a set for the car, a set for home, etc. and by taking and selling trades you turn your money quicker (two customers paying on the full price of the set).

 

[Merkava_4]

As soon as I tried Snap-on tools, I couldn't sell my Craftsman stuff fast enough; I kept the Craftsman nut drivers though.

 

[Skyline]

I can tell you from past experience that used Craftsman tools have little resale value. I generally sell the in large bulk lots on eBay. I accumulate them until I have enough to fill a flat rate box.

Busted knuckles, scrapes and cuts are part of wrenching. But the more wrenching you do, the less you will hurt yourself. Part of being a good mechanic is knowing what to do on a particular job; but there is an element of training you hands and body to perform the tasks efficiently to stay within the limits of your tools (and the fasteners you are working on,) to avoid injury. But even pros get hurt once in a while.

I would say that protective gear is more important for an amateur. Eye protection is the most important, but you might want to try some of those mechanics gloves. Actually, even rubber gloves will protect you somewhat. And don't forget ear protection when using loud tools. I buy tool collections from techs leaving the business, and it's really sad when it's due to an injury.

When you find that you can buy great used "truck brand" tools on eBay for close to the cost of new Craftsman, it becomes easier to swallow the cost of upgrading. Just pick a brand where you have a local truck tool dealer to help with warrantee issues and to buy the tools you can't find used, or need immediatly.

 

[speed bump]

So you broke a few flare wrenches and had a bad ratchet. Why are you getting rid of everything? Seriously buy either RHFT or the thin profile Craftsman or even the ****-on ones if it makes you happy and some good flare wrenches (Proto or Snap-on).

 

[fatfillup]

Then don't sell or trade your Craftsman. Heep them as your back up set & build your new set over time.

That is great advice. Build your sets up over time. Buy quality ratchets and screwdrivers first, then maybe pliers and cutters. fFlare nut wrenches need to be high quality.

As to your origional question, I like SK tools and they have served me well. I really like there ratchets.

Also look for used tools. There are out there, you just have to look hard and often and be prepared to buy when they become available. I always carry some tool money with me. Craigslist and auctionzip.com are your friends.

 

[Skyline]

Also, I have gotten great service (30 yrs+) from my S-K tools, so they are certainly good quality, but right now I would wait out the labor issues S-K is having before committing a bunch of money on their tools. What good is a lifetime warrantee on a good quality US made tool if the company is out of business, or sells its name to the Chinese? Personally, I would NOT buy S-K right now.

And whatever you do, do not pay list price for new S-K. I'm not sure I understnd why they allow so much product out the back door...completely undercutting what little is left of their dealer network, (not to mention their own web store). Check eBay and Amazon for new S-K stuff at 40% off list.

 

[wrenchr]

In response to fedwrench, I was using the correct size. I had a bunk ratchet. When I went to return it, I was told that Cmans 1/4 inch ratchets are pretty much junk. DIdn't know that but I do now. I get busted up occasionally. To be perfectly honest, my main concern is having to go out and get a replacement tool mid job. I don't have doubles of everything yet. I will though. HEY FELLAS KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR MY CRAFTSMAN TOOL SALE COMING SOON!

If you do not have doubles then I would say keep the craftsman and slowly build your pro tool collection up

 

[48548]

I will help you out with the best advice of all, I have craftsman stuff, and it is okay, but what I did was buy big craftsman sets for the sockets and use nice wera, proto, snap on ratchets. The crafty sockets are more then fine for me and I use them a lot and for impact I just use HF, can't see spending the money on snap on if the other stuff hasn't broke or works just fine. Now as for screwdrivers, I love my snap on older hard handle and for ratchet screw drivers they are the best, but to help you save money get the williams(made just like the snap on screw drivers and cheaper) and you will be happy. I say just replace what you don't like, but don't throw them out as you won't get anything for them and be upset at the loss you will take. Just go out and get a few dual 80 snap on ratchets and some nice line wrenches and you will be fine, and replace the screw drivers with some nice williams or wera, wiha or something of quality and you will be happy, and those crafty sockets will last years for you and save money for other tools you might need.

 

[a390st]

The CMan teardrop and new style round head ratchets are utter garbage! Get rid of them as fast as you can. I hurt myself on one once. The New Generation (or whatever they are called now) and the RHFT CMan ratchets are absolutely fine. You won't be unhappy with either of those. The CMan Pro wrenches aren't bad, either. You can pick those up used for very good prices. I have some CMan tools like those and the deep offset wrenches. They are also fine because they are only used occasionally and I bought them for almost nothing. The sockets can be alright, too, as they can be had for next to nothing and make great backups. The impact sockets are fine, as well as the swivel impacts. I would keep most of the CMan you have as backups and pick up some better tools for your main items. Combination wrenches, ratchets, most commonly used sockets, line wrenches, screwdrivers, and some of the specialty tools would be where I would focus my money.

 

[Major Ramifications]

If you keep breaking tools and hurting yourself, then you are doing something wrong. As Dirty Harry once said, "A man's got to know his limitations." Also, Craftsman does have a pro line for most of their hand tools, which are great tools for a good price.

 

[ckgdrums]

<snip>The New Generation (or whatever they are called now) and the RHFT CMan ratchets are absolutely fine. You won't be unhappy with either of those. <snip>

What does RHFT mean?

 

[tpolley]

If you keep breaking tools and hurting yourself, then you are doing something wrong.

+1. HTF do you guys keep breaking stuff?? i was building a trailer with w friend of mine. he was drilling some 1/2 inch holes in 1/4 inch steel. he kept breaking drill bits. he kept blaming it on the cheap a$$ drill bits. he must have went thru 3 drill bits before i stood back and watched what he was doing. first he was pusing the drill to one side, flexing the bit. i could see the damn bit flexing under the stress. second he had both hands on the grip so that when the drill bit started thru the other side and snagged the drill torqued and snapped the bit. i had him straighten the drill and hold one hand on the grip and one hand on the top of the drill so that if the drill bit snagged and tried to torque the drill it wouldn't snap the bit. problem solved.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

The CMan teardrop and new style round head ratchets are utter garbage! Get rid of them as fast as you can. I hurt myself on one once. The New Generation (or whatever they are called now) and the RHFT CMan ratchets are absolutely fine. You won't be unhappy with either of those. The CMan Pro wrenches aren't bad, either. You can pick those up used for very good prices. I have some CMan tools like those and the deep offset wrenches. They are also fine because they are only used occasionally and I bought them for almost nothing. The sockets can be alright, too, as they can be had for next to nothing and make great backups. The impact sockets are fine, as well as the swivel impacts. I would keep most of the CMan you have as backups and pick up some better tools for your main items. Combination wrenches, ratchets, most commonly used sockets, line wrenches, screwdrivers, and some of the specialty tools would be where I would focus my money.

What does RHFT mean?

RHFT, Round head fine tooth. The 1/4" one is model 43187 and these are sold as catalog/internet only (now leaning toward the later). I generally agree with the previous (quoted) poster. Mainly where I differ, is from personal experience. I start with the better ratchets (using Craftsman sockets), get good (Snap-on, Williams, or OLD Williams made Kobalt)flare nut/line wrenches. Fill in the specialty sockets with good ones (5.5mm deep well). Combination wrenches are the big difference. I see multiple sets as a good thing, but with the box ends I haven't had any issues with the ones I have used of various brands. The difference for me, is the open end (needed flank plus, once. Now I watch for them individually, in my most used sizes, as they no longer seem to sell flank plus open end only wrenches).

 

[ckgdrums]

Thanks WABG...

 

[Blwnsln]

is this true, Fedwrench? A Snap-On dealer may take Cman tools as credit toward Snap-On purchases? Why would they do this and what do they do with the Cman stuff once they have it? Don't tell me that the truck tool dealers all have secret collections of Cman at home that they use! That would ruin my day to hear that.

My snap on guy takes trades on craftsman stuff all the time, he used to give me $1 per socket!

 

[Old Donn]

Here we go again! How long before the next "My Ford/Chevy/Dodge/Import pickup is a piece of sh*t, what should I buy?" thread. OK. I'll play. IMHO, anyone who pays full price for SK is nuts. They're not that much better than Craftsman. Snap-on's the best, no question, but unless you're a pro or independently wealthy, (in which case, you'd pay somebody else to wrench for you), the cost is prohibitive. Same with the other tool truck brands. If you're set on dumping your C-man stuff, call Mike at Toptul. Good quality, selection and reasonably priced.

 

[wildman1]

I keep breaking my craftsman stuff. I was told by some good friends that being that I don't make a living with my tools, the craftsman stuff would be fine. I broke a few flare wrenches and split my thumb open when i tugged on a 1/4 inch ratchet which apparantly didn't engage.
I was thinking of going to all span on now but the prices are rediculous. I mean, yeah I have a lot of snap on but thats just because I know a guy from whom I get it rather cheap. I've checked out some sk stuff but don't know much about them. DO YOU HAVE SK TOOLS? Are they of comparable quality to snap on or mac. would you recomend them for what at this point I need to call "professional use.
YES! I'm calling myself a pro because that american made craftsman stuff just doesn't cut it for me!

By the way, I'll be posting some craftsman stuff for sale soon. NO JOKE! ITS GOT TO GO BEFORE I LOSE A FINGER!
Let me know what you suggest!

No offense, but why were you putting that much torque on a 1/4" ratchet?

I agree, your Craftsman stuff is junk - throw it all in a large flat rate priority box, tape it all up good, and send that junk to me - I'll even pay the postage & the cost of your tape!

 

[sickytwisted]

As soon as I tried Snap-on tools, I couldn't sell my Craftsman stuff fast enough; I kept the Craftsman nut drivers though.

I feel exactly that way.

 

[sickytwisted]

No offense, but whay were you putting that much torque on a 1/4" ratchet?

I agree, your Craftsman stuff is junk - throw it all in a large flat rate priority box, tape it all up good, and send that junk to me - I'll even pay the postage & the cost of your tape!

I was bleeding some brakes and one of the bleeder screws was pretty damned stuck. Even so, Like I said THE POS RATCHET DID'T ENGAGE PROPERLY!

I'll add you to my contacts and you can have dibs on em when I sell the craftsman farm!

 

[benjamming]

Don't forget to look at Armstrong & Wright for your pro tools. They really are good stuff but don't have the name per se.

 

[JohnFreeman]

If you keep breaking tools and hurting yourself, then you are doing something wrong.

I'd say this is generally true.

 

[Joe Mamma]

I recently had a broken Craftsman ratchet too. It wasn't engaging properly all the time.

I went to Sears and got a brand new one. It has the same problem.

If it was worth my time, I'd send it to one of you guys. But it's not worth my time to do that. It's also not worth my time to drive to Sears for another one.

I'll give it to my little nephew the next time I see him. It's got nice chrome plating and he'll like it.

Oh, and to the original poster, I do like S-K tools. From my experience, they are generally much better quality than Craftsman (although ironically, S-K made some Craftsman tools over the years). I'd put S-K one step below Snap-On for quality.

Joe Mamma

 

[BB26]

Craftsman standard ratchets and raised panel flare nut wrenches are junk. Anyone that has used them or spent any time on GJ knows this. Does that mean that all Craftsman tools stink...heck no. Just like any other brand, many of their tools are good, while others are not so good. You are taking your experience with two products to make a generalization about the entire tool line.

To answer your question about SK...I have a ton of their stuff (sockets, wrenches, ratchets). Old school designs, no fluff, but the tools are as durable as they come. Their chrome is top notch and wears very well. Their tools are a little bulkier than other brands like SO, Proto, or Armstrong. QC is a little suspect as well. I have exchanged a few new ratchets and wrenches that were bent, as well as a few sockets with off center broaching. I have had this issue with all of the other top brands as well (Proto, SO, Armstrong, Wright, etc.); however, a little more frequently with SK. But once you get a good one, you won't be disappointed.

 

[autoace]

I keep breaking my craftsman stuff. I was told by some good friends that being that I don't make a living with my tools, the craftsman stuff would be fine. I broke a few flare wrenches and split my thumb open when i tugged on a 1/4 inch ratchet which apparantly didn't engage.
I was thinking of going to all span on now but the prices are rediculous. I mean, yeah I have a lot of snap on but thats just because I know a guy from whom I get it rather cheap. I've checked out some sk stuff but don't know much about them. DO YOU HAVE SK TOOLS? Are they of comparable quality to snap on or mac. would you recomend them for what at this point I need to call "professional use.
YES! I'm calling myself a pro because that american made craftsman stuff just doesn't cut it for me!

By the way, I'll be posting some craftsman stuff for sale soon. NO JOKE! ITS GOT TO GO BEFORE I LOSE A FINGER!
Let me know what you suggest!

You broke a flare nut wrench? keep breaking tools, Cman is not the best, but some guys can break anything, maybe it is the user. Buying Pro tools does not mean they won't break if thet are used improperly. Maybe tool use is not in the cards for you, if you hurt yourself all the time.

 

[autoace]

What do you mean? For my craftsman tools? Really? WHat has your experience with that been?

Give the Snap-on guy all your Cman tools, and he will give you a 9/16 socket for trade.

 

[sickytwisted]

Okay now some of you guys seem to be calling me an idiot. WHat do you mean that it could be something I'm doing wrong. I mean, maybe our individual wrenching methods differ slightly but come one. YOU PUT THE SOCKET OVER THE NUT AND TURN THE RATCHET RIGHT?! Atleast thats what I do. WHats your method. Count from ten, two hail mary's and then turn the GD ratchet?
My whole point was and still is that craftsman *****, snap on is too expensive and I was wondering if any of you all regularly used sk and if it was woth a SH**!
From what I have gathered though, it seems like everyone would suggest to go with the SO being that the higher quality is worth the price.

 

[Danglerb]

If you assume a tool won't fail, eventually you get hurt. Sometimes you have no choice, but I was taught to assume the tool will break and to orient myself so that if it breaks, nut comes loose, part falls off, etc. none of my flesh is in the pinch area etc.

Gloves won't keep you from getting hurt, but it makes it easier to find your fingers.

 

[wildman1]

Hey Bud

I'm not calling you an idiot - I just would have not used a 1/4 drive ratchet on a fitting or fastener that is badly rusted / frozen or otherwise stubborn.

Personally, I only use 1/4 drive on interior / underdash stuff, or new fasteners. Anything else gets a 3/8 drive or larger. I always assumed that a 4 inch long ratchet was not intended as a torque monster

I understand that some wrenches feel better in your hand than others, but I have been using Craftsman tools for well over 30 years doing restorations of '50's (and earlier) automobiles and have never broken a tool that I was not misusing (doing something that my high school shop teacher would have kicked my *** for doing)