Armstrong sockets vs craftsman sockets?

[BWright]

I'm thinking about upgrading some of my most used sockets and I've been looking at some armstrong sets. I love their ratchets and wrenches, but I don't own any of their sockets yet. My biggest problem is they look almost identical to the craftsman sockets, obviously since they are both produced by danaher in the US. So are there really any obvious differences, or do you think they are the same sockets just different stampings? Anybody own any newer armstrong sockets and care to comment?

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[Fedwrench]

Try this thread. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50681

basically, the current Armstrong sockets are identical to current Craftsman sockets right down to the wierd double detent square drive end. However, Armstrongs cost more, are available in more sizes, and have slightly smaller engraved size markings.

 

[BWright]

Thanks Fedwrench. I remember that thread now. That just confirmed my suspicions.No need to pay a premium for the same sockets.

 

[bmxr4life87]

Agreed but IMHO there is nothing wrong with craftsman sockets especially for the price

 

[jeepnut24]

Agreed but IMHO there is nothing wrong with craftsman sockets especially for the price

Gotta watch out for the chrome work now. I bought a set last week and two were chipping and rusted on the inside. The single replacements were MUCH better than those in the set. I hope the rest don't start to rust out as well.

 

[jteck75]

I've gathered quite a few Armstrong sockets over the years and they have pulled their weight day in and day out. Oddly enough I used to hate Armstrong tools (I didn't like their ratchet handles) but they've grown on me in the last 10 years or so and now I look to Armstrong first when buying/replacing a tool.

 

[skeletonizer]

The thing that would make me choose the Craftsman's over the Armstrongs is that I can get a Craftsman warranted at a store about a mile from the house.

 

[Merkava_4]

Try this thread. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50681

basically, the current Armstrong sockets are identical to current Craftsman sockets right down to the weird double detent square drive end. However, Armstrongs cost more, are available in more sizes, and have slightly smaller engraved size markings.

That's your answer right there ... don't buy the SOB's.

Hopefully, Matco still has the regular detents.

 

[BWright]

Gotta watch out for the chrome work now. I bought a set last week and two were chipping and rusted on the inside. The single replacements were MUCH better than those in the set. I hope the rest don't start to rust out as well.

Yea I've had some of the same problems with their sockets that have come from sets.

 

[BWright]

That's your answer right there ... don't buy the SOB's.

Hopefully, Matco still has the regular detents.

Haha I knew that was coming.

 

[wrenchr]

Good sockets and they are priced right!!

 

[jeepnut24]

Yea I've had some of the same problems with their sockets that have come from sets.

I bought two sets of new CMAN sockets this holiday season. One large set for about half price to fill in some lost sockets, and one small set of 1/2" metrics. The large set had pretty good quality to it, and none of the weird etching. The smaller set had the dual marks and terrible chrome quality. But I can get service at a store so It still works for me. Oh and I haven't broken a CMAN socket so no reason to change. but I am not fond of the new detent system.