kctyphoon
Banned
I’m sure not what most people were hoping for.. maybe it’ll change in the future.
Lowes “craftsman” socket set review - (ehh)
- Thread starter kctyphoon
- Start date
Wamsutta
Well-known member
The ratchet can't be opened up.
Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
at least the numbers wont rub off the sockets.
Musicinabottle
Banned
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2016
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- 3,371
Looks good, but I still like my SK tools. That non serviceable ratchet would be a deal breaker for me.
Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
If it needs lube, maybe they give you a new one. maybe they even make you turn in the whole set to get a replacement. Hf sometimes do that.
anndel
Well-known member
I take a pass....for now.
Pretty much the reception I expected.
No matter what they offer, it will never be good enough and even if/when they offer American made tools, they will be ****-on, as well, because they won't be the same quality and build, as they were in 1968.
A $50 set of tools, that the ratchet is not rebuildable?
Stop the insanity!
The tool reviewer suggested buying something else, so that's exactly what people will do.
So long craftsman, nice knowing you.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
No matter what they offer, it will never be good enough and even if/when they offer American made tools, they will be ****-on, as well, because they won't be the same quality and build, as they were in 1968.
A $50 set of tools, that the ratchet is not rebuildable?
Stop the insanity!
The tool reviewer suggested buying something else, so that's exactly what people will do.
So long craftsman, nice knowing you.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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finn
Well-known member
$50 gets me two pieces of aluminum soffit, or pays 50% of a meal for two at an Italian restaurant.
It certainly isn’t 1968 anymore.
It certainly isn’t 1968 anymore.
3baygarage
Well-known member
The ratchet handle looks great. The removable hinge pins in the case seems smart and innovative. The different length deep well sockets will likely cause mass confusion for a while.
Good video.
Good video.
stonesg
Well-known member
Looks to me that you could drive out the selector pin to get it apart.
Most tools I've been seeing from Taiwan these days look like a good basic value for the money these included.
The only thing I see that they could do better is the finishing inside the sockets.
I'd have no problem with this set.
Most tools I've been seeing from Taiwan these days look like a good basic value for the money these included.
The only thing I see that they could do better is the finishing inside the sockets.
I'd have no problem with this set.
CM will be fine. Prices are down and quality is reasonable for Harry Homeowner. GJ folks can snob all they want but it won't hurt Lowes nor SBD much. In fact it may guide others to go look and maybe buy.
Back to the roots of the brand mass marketing is the safest route to recovering some respect for it. Professionals and high class weekend warriors can choose other stuff if they want.
Back to the roots of the brand mass marketing is the safest route to recovering some respect for it. Professionals and high class weekend warriors can choose other stuff if they want.
AceofSpad3s
Well-known member
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- Oct 1, 2014
- Messages
- 1,808
That isn't a raised panel ratchet so it's already a drastic improvement over anything sears has done in decades.
Just soak it in ATF if you want lubrication so bad. I got plenty of ratchets that were bone dry and they've seemed to run just fine for the half+ century they've been floating around before I got my hands on them and repacked them.
I don't really care for the idea of something non serviceable, but considering how garbage the 36 tooth raised panels are, I'd much rather have a decent ratchet that can't be opened than a crappy one that can.
This is Taiwanese craftsman sold at lowes, not Snap on we are talking about.
Just soak it in ATF if you want lubrication so bad. I got plenty of ratchets that were bone dry and they've seemed to run just fine for the half+ century they've been floating around before I got my hands on them and repacked them.
I don't really care for the idea of something non serviceable, but considering how garbage the 36 tooth raised panels are, I'd much rather have a decent ratchet that can't be opened than a crappy one that can.
This is Taiwanese craftsman sold at lowes, not Snap on we are talking about.
I tend to agree with this.
This Taiwan set had me thinking. Looks like some serious thought went into the set, and I think it's a nice set for the DIY/Home market. BUT SBD has been talking about bringing some Craftsman hand tool production back to the USA. If they are going to do this with socket sets, why spend all the time and effort developing this set that might be phased out soon?
Is it possible we're seeing the first signs of a two-tier Craftsman strategy? Sears did this for a short time with the Craftsman Professional line. Apparently they were well-received tools because some of the Professional stuff still commands a healthy premium in the used tool market. So perhaps the plan is to keep these Taiwan CM sets, then introduce a Pro USA line later.
If this is their strategy, I think it's pretty smart. SBD is filling a void right now by getting these CM to market. By later introducing a premium USA pro line, they're covering both bases and getting maximum mileage out of the CM acquisition. I don't think the Sears/HD/Lowes market niche will ever again fully support a one-size-fits-all USA-made line, which seems to have gone extinct sometime in the 1990s. The Asian stuff is here to stay for the lower tier market. So why even try to fill that niche with a USA tool, which we all know will turn out being neither fish nor fowl? Come out with an upper tier solid Pro line CM tool line that will serve the serious wrencher reasonably well or the pride-of-ownership buyer, both who are willing to pay a premium over the Chiwan stuff. Hmmm......
Is it possible we're seeing the first signs of a two-tier Craftsman strategy? Sears did this for a short time with the Craftsman Professional line. Apparently they were well-received tools because some of the Professional stuff still commands a healthy premium in the used tool market. So perhaps the plan is to keep these Taiwan CM sets, then introduce a Pro USA line later.
If this is their strategy, I think it's pretty smart. SBD is filling a void right now by getting these CM to market. By later introducing a premium USA pro line, they're covering both bases and getting maximum mileage out of the CM acquisition. I don't think the Sears/HD/Lowes market niche will ever again fully support a one-size-fits-all USA-made line, which seems to have gone extinct sometime in the 1990s. The Asian stuff is here to stay for the lower tier market. So why even try to fill that niche with a USA tool, which we all know will turn out being neither fish nor fowl? Come out with an upper tier solid Pro line CM tool line that will serve the serious wrencher reasonably well or the pride-of-ownership buyer, both who are willing to pay a premium over the Chiwan stuff. Hmmm......
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stonesg
Well-known member
Was just wondering at Wallmart and had a close look at a Stanley black chrome ratchet. It was the same mechanism as the CM with only the handle being different.
The forging was vary heavy and the action was smooth. I like the flush release button.
I've bean hating on my Kobolt ratchets because the way I hold them they often go into neutral or reverse and I think this style may not do that.
I'm not in the market but wouldn't be disappointed with one.
The forging was vary heavy and the action was smooth. I like the flush release button.
I've bean hating on my Kobolt ratchets because the way I hold them they often go into neutral or reverse and I think this style may not do that.
I'm not in the market but wouldn't be disappointed with one.
I'm personally hoping to see the USA label come back. Not for my own approval, but for the brand history and reputation associated with it.. mixed feelings on the chrome, not sure what's up with the semi deep sockets either.. I'm just glad the brand was saved and has a future.
One thing not mentioned about the ratchet being sealed, is at least you're guaranteed a replacement instead of rebuild that people were complaining about. If nothing else people can stop calling it Chinese junk. I would love to see this brand return to it's roots.
One thing not mentioned about the ratchet being sealed, is at least you're guaranteed a replacement instead of rebuild that people were complaining about. If nothing else people can stop calling it Chinese junk. I would love to see this brand return to it's roots.
Easy - return on investment from the brand purchase. At least they can start getting some money coming in. I dont think a whole lot went into this, and hopefully it's just something to get things moving in the right direction. I also think people are hoping to see a huge Craftsman section at Lowe's, but I personally don't see why Lowe's would do that since they seem to have placed koblat socket sets and wrenches as their best in store choice.
Craftsman has a much bigger name that Kobalt ever will. Time will tell but I would not be surprised if 5 years from now Kobalt has basically disappeared. With Sear's demise looking like it will be finally coming Lowe's will have a tool name that EVERYONE knows.
I didn't see anything that turned me off. Maybe the non serviceable ratchet, but I have an older C'man (USA) ratchet and the rebuild kits are now unobtanium anyway...
That is one of the nicest cases I've seen from any manufacturer.
$50 bucks, plus grab it when it goes on sale at 20% off. Why not?
Edit: Looks like it might skip some metric sizes?
That is one of the nicest cases I've seen from any manufacturer.
$50 bucks, plus grab it when it goes on sale at 20% off. Why not?
Edit: Looks like it might skip some metric sizes?
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rick carpenter
Well-known member
Yeah, I'm with ya on all that. I want them to come back too. Good point about a new replacement rather than a rebuilt return or a kit. I wonder what the history is on ratchet returns? When did kits become the thing to do? Seems like a lot of the bitching about Sears Craftsman going downhill was the future of the unlimited return policy. That indicates to me that people wanted to return/replace their CM stuff rather than repair it.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Maybe the 1/2" and 3/4" stuff will be in the second line.
WWheeler
Well-known member
FWIW the Craftsman easy-read are dual marked. They're etched (which, you're right, can wear off) and also engraved like the Stanley sockets.
That's the thing that matters to me. How exactly is Stanley going to play the warranty game? I can think of a gazillion questions. Can I take an old broken Sears Craftsman ratchet into Lowes and they'll fix it or hand me another new or rebuilt? If they do warranty Sears' Craftsman what tools will they warranty? Only ones they also carry?
Well, the guy's Youtube channel is called "Tool Teardowns" so it's a safe bet that he and all of his subscribers were wanting to see the guts of the thing. In that respect Mr Tool Teardowns was actually a whole lot nicer on them than I'd have expected.Pretty much the reception I expected.
No matter what they offer, it will never be good enough and even if/when they offer American made tools, they will be ****-on, as well, because they won't be the same quality and build, as they were in 1968.
A $50 set of tools, that the ratchet is not rebuildable?
Stop the insanity!
The tool reviewer suggested buying something else, so that's exactly what people will do.
So long craftsman, nice knowing you.
I don't think Joe Public is more likely to see that video than ones like this one:
After watching that, how could you not buy it?
How do you know? From what I can tell Lowes' site is worse than Sears for giving you enough details about the set, and that's saying something.
My too sense
: Stanley should hire a Craftsman rep to become a member on this board and others like it to respond to questions and perhaps some suggestions. They'd need to have thick skin though and an actual commitment from Stanley to make something good come from their brand purchase.
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If its anything like the DeWalt ratchets its a nice mechanism. I like serviceable things too but reality is hardly anyone who buys ratchets actually cleans and lubricates them. I know a lot of mechanics/techs that don't touch their ratchets unless they break them and then about 3/4 of them wait for the tool truck.
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Ji m
Well-known member
Case is great
tools look OK,
Taiwan is better than China....
non-servicable ratchet = is the deal-breaker tho.
Not sure what they're thinking with that.
tools look OK,
Taiwan is better than China....
non-servicable ratchet = is the deal-breaker tho.
Not sure what they're thinking with that.
I’m a diehard Craftsman guy who owns everything from the Professional line, USA made, China made... 95% of what’s in all four of my tools chests is Craftsman from 2005 - Present.
I’m happy to see SB&D purchase the brand. I’m happy to see Lowe’s as a major retailer. I’m happy to see them getting “new” product on the shelves already.
I still won’t buy this set for two reasons:
1. The non-serviceable ratchet. Unless it can be repaired if or when it does fail, I’m not wasting money on it.
2. Skipping/Leaving out socket sizes. Sears has done this for years and it pisses me off. Leave out the fluff pieces like hex keys and little nut drivers and instead put in a complete set of sockets. 1/4” 4-14mm, 3/8” 6-19mm, etc.. To me, an incomplete socket set is a turn off.
I’m happy to see SB&D purchase the brand. I’m happy to see Lowe’s as a major retailer. I’m happy to see them getting “new” product on the shelves already.
I still won’t buy this set for two reasons:
1. The non-serviceable ratchet. Unless it can be repaired if or when it does fail, I’m not wasting money on it.
2. Skipping/Leaving out socket sizes. Sears has done this for years and it pisses me off. Leave out the fluff pieces like hex keys and little nut drivers and instead put in a complete set of sockets. 1/4” 4-14mm, 3/8” 6-19mm, etc.. To me, an incomplete socket set is a turn off.
DonglordActual
Well-known member
God, I understand you're all happy about your new purchase and stuff but that is just the same as one of those marketing videos for an item on the Sears or Home Depot websites.
The Lowe's website is embarrassingly difficult to find things on compared to Home Depot, Harbor Freight, or even Sears. You are absolutely right about it. A lot of times you can't even find something by searching for the actual name on the packaging let alone figure out what is actually included in products.
Not all of them unfortunately
Bosses set has no numbers on half his sockets below 9/16th.to be fair they didn't really do much development
the ratchet is an existing Stanley product with a different handle
the sockets probably came from the same production lines as the dewalt sockets
get some product out to put in stores while getting the USA production sorted out
Htscheg
Well-known member
That dudes voice is anoying.... if I ever need a quick set for something id probably buy one... time will tell
WWheeler
Well-known member
You'd be a lot better off buying the made in China 118pc Craftsman set w/ the liked/hated but serviceable raised panel ratchets for $49 also on Lowes site.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...olished-Chrome-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/1000390903
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...olished-Chrome-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/1000390903
I would think Lowes makes more on a house brand than something from an outside vendor. I hear all this nostalgia over the Craftsman name. Neither Stanley nor Lowes share your feelings. They are both there to maximize profits, as they should. Stanley not only bought Craftsman for name recognition but to expand into new areas, like outdoor equipment. Lowes will carry whatever produces the most revenue. It remains to be seen where Stanley slots Craftsman into their many product lines. Craftsman was held in high esteem by many, long after it was in the toilet. That neans Stanley doesn't have to raise the bar very much to keep it going. They already have Proto for those that know the difference. I would not hold my breath waiting for a return to the Craftsman quality that came from SK and Danaher. It is no t in Stanley's best interest to supply top tier tools on the cheap.
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AceofSpad3s
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2014
- Messages
- 1,808
They can just take the mechanism from the bostitch sets they were selling and make a new handle for it. If you own a billion different brands operating in the same general market, sharing factory space and parts is in their best intrest
It's a taiwanese ratchets in a $50 set with a warranty, they probably figure it's easier just to make it non serviceable and warranty the whole thing, since nowaday's labor to rebuild costs more than materials.
Someone servicing their own ratchets is far from the norm.
rustbucket5
Well-known member
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- Apr 22, 2015
- Messages
- 252
id love to see a 2 tiered line up, in fact id love to see it from a lot of other companies. it allows you to pick and choose what you need in high quality because you use it a lot versus the tools you rarely use
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A well done, detail oriented review, thanks for sharing.
I think people are wanting too much from the SBD owned craftsman. I just don't see it going back to the days of old and there's a lot more competition today than was years ago. Time will tell.
I would like SBD to clone Dewalt mechanics tools as craftsman instead of their stanley series but, these are the first tools out of the gate.
Thanks again for sharing.
I think people are wanting too much from the SBD owned craftsman. I just don't see it going back to the days of old and there's a lot more competition today than was years ago. Time will tell.
I would like SBD to clone Dewalt mechanics tools as craftsman instead of their stanley series but, these are the first tools out of the gate.
Thanks again for sharing.
finn
Well-known member
Who the heck cares if a $20 ratchet is rebuildable? Your television is more expensive than a ratchet, and probably has a shorter service and it’s not serviceable for all practical purposes.
Even car engines are replaced with crate engines instead of being rebuilt in the field.
Being unserviceable is a Trojan horse for an inexpensive tool set, at this price point.
Even car engines are replaced with crate engines instead of being rebuilt in the field.
Being unserviceable is a Trojan horse for an inexpensive tool set, at this price point.
Fair enough, but really, look at the "expectations" being put (at least here) on a $50 set of imported sockets.
If/when SBD finally starts making them them here, they won't be be fifty bucks and they likely won't have the fit/finish of higher priced units, like S-K, so It won't be surprising to hear plenty of bitching about both the price and quality of them, including the "just buy something else" solutions.
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Trey T
Well-known member
Craftsman - Prior 2000
Craftsman China - prior 2018
Craftsman Stanley - 2018+
If nothing improve substantially, they may not have advantage over Husky brand. Brand is important but people are a lot smarter these days when shopping. I’m hopeful that the original Craftsman brand will come back in 10yrs
Craftsman China - prior 2018
Craftsman Stanley - 2018+
If nothing improve substantially, they may not have advantage over Husky brand. Brand is important but people are a lot smarter these days when shopping. I’m hopeful that the original Craftsman brand will come back in 10yrs