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New Craftsman Long Panel Wrenches...Actually Look Nice

Andres26tnt

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Very interesting. Yesterday, I clicked on the above link and found the following page in the "Related Items" area of the Lowe's webpage. It offered a full 11 piece metric set with no skips between 10 and 19. It also clearly showed a 6mm in the photo at the bottom of the page leading one to believe that individuals may soon be available. I can no longer find that page on Lowe's site today. :headscrat

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-11-Piece-12-point-Metric-Combination-Wrench-Set/1000595453

Dewalt does have a 10 piece no skip metric set, i wonder if their just picking what ever they can quickly re-brand.
 
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Jtels85

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like other said its not hate, wrenches and ratchets have improve tremendously in the past 20 years, i'm also amused by the nostalgia people get from Craftsman that prevents them from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I never expected tool truck quality at cheap prices from Craftsman.

Absolutely, the brand carries nostalgia and gives many people the warm fuzzy’s. So what? I grew watching my dad work on everything from cars, boats and household tasks using Craftsman tools. When I was in my 20’s and started purchasing my own tools, Sears was the first place I went. That was also during a time when Craftsman was still made in the USA and Harbor Frieght was in its infancy, known for selling ****** tools that would break. Which brand do you think most people went with? It wasn’t Pittsburgh.

Fast forward 15-20 years later and yeah, damn near everything sold at Harbor Frieght is lightyears better quality than the **** Sears is peddling.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel and that light is expensive. As a DIY’er, I don’t need Snap On, I don’t necessarily need longer wrenches, $100 a piece ratchets and Williams screwdriver sets. Are they better than my Craftsman? Sure. But I’d prefer to keep using my old acetate Craftsman screwdrivers rather than buy a $100 set of whoever’s, because at the end of the day, they get the job done and they’re what I’m familiar with. They were my first set and have served me well with many years of use left. That’s all that matters.
 

Andres26tnt

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Absolutely, the brand carries nostalgia and gives many people the warm fuzzy’s. So what? I grew watching my dad work on everything from cars, boats and household tasks using Craftsman tools. When I was in my 20’s and started purchasing my own tools, Sears was the first place I went. That was also during a time when Craftsman was still made in the USA and Harbor Frieght was in its infancy, known for selling ****** tools that would break. Which brand do you think most people went with? It wasn’t Pittsburgh.

Fast forward 15-20 years later and yeah, damn near everything sold at Harbor Frieght is lightyears better quality than the **** Sears is peddling.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel and that light is expensive. As a DIY’er, I don’t need Snap On, I don’t necessarily need longer wrenches, $100 a piece ratchets and Williams screwdriver sets. Are they better than my Craftsman? Sure. But I’d prefer to keep using my old acetate Craftsman screwdrivers rather than buy a $100 set of whoever’s, because at the end of the day, they get the job done and they’re what I’m familiar with. They were my first set and have served me well with many years of use left. That’s all that matters.

i apologize din't meant to insult. What i meant with the comment is that those warm and fuzzy feelings prevent people from ever moving on and accepting other better products. The Good old days will always be better, even tho current products are superior. Craftsman problems did not begin with them moving production to china, they made lots of crappy USA tools.
 

bubinga

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Serious question:
Why is there so much hate for the raised panel wrenches? The raised panel ratchets I was never a fan of, but I used sets of USA RP wrenches for years in a professional environment (towing equipment installation). They were nothing special, but I sure didn’t hate them.

I don't think there's a lot of hate directed at them. It's just that wrenches have improved so much over the years.
Back in the day if you wanted a combination wrench with off corner engagement or an anti slip open end, you had to visit the snap on truck.
Now days the market is flooded with sets containing those features.
The plain jane craftsman raised panel wrench was used my millions at work and on countless projects. It has a great warranty but, never was that refined. It will get the job done day in and day out but, there's just soo many other options available today.
IDK I always thought everyone liked the older (-V- series?) ratchets and wrenches.
Like the Ratchet shown below.
Im So Mad Still, And I'll Never let it go.
When I worked at the Highway dept, The boss and another fellow were working there on a Sunday, and I think it was the fellow, (not the boss)
but my 1/2" drive like that went missing, And It had sentimental value to me, as It was my grandfathers.
I would have rather he stole my Snap on ratchet.
But anyways, this style shown here.
craftsman_38dr_ratchet_vshift_v_f_cropped_inset2.jpg
 

Jtels85

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i apologize din't meant to insult. What i meant with the comment is that those warm and fuzzy feelings prevent people from ever moving on and accepting other better products. The Good old days will always be better, even tho current products are superior. Craftsman problems did not begin with them moving production to china, they made lots of crappy USA tools.

I should be the one to apologize. I tend to get a little defensive of Craftsman.

There are definitely crappy Craftsman tools, new and old. Raised panel ratchets, micro-click torque wrenches, the new pliers with exposed metal in the handles...

Speaking of that torque wrench.. after replacing two under warranty within a 6 month period, I finally bought an Icon model and haven’t had any issues.
 

The Fall

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The sockets were great. The wrenches were good, but short. The ratchets left a lot to be desired, outside of the RHFT. The Cman pro line by Armstrong and SK were excellent -- including the Mayhew breaker bars. Hammers were always solid. There was a lot to like about Cman's lineup just a decade ago. The COO was right too. Some of the rebrands were the same the trucks were peddling in the more specialized tools.
 

TwoInch

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I have to say, in my opinion, the 90s and early 00s raised panel wrenches were gone wrenches. The broaching was clean and accurate at both ends, the steel was great. They weren't pretty by any means, and certainly not long...

But I never, not once had one fail or spread. Never had one be out of spec. They always worked, and my sets still do. My only complaint is the length, but that's not really a flaw...

Never had one cause pain in my hand.... Never understood that claim. There are no sharp edges, and the panel is barely raised. I've felt some minor pain from wrenches with squared thin beams, but never CM raised panel.

The raised panel wrench was the low end of a completely serviceable wrench market.. They would always work, but no frills or pretty chrome. There were always wrenches that were a lot worse that performed poorly for the same money. Always much much nicer wrenches for more money.

IMO the CM raised panel was, for the money spent, probably the best wrench one could buy for a long time. Plain, no frills, reliably get the job done tool, and cheap enough for anyone.

I think it's a major shame that there is no current wrench that fills that spot.

Sent from my LGLS676 using Tapatalk
 

kctyphoon

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Dewalt heads on the ratcheting wrenches.. dont know if this helps. The anti slip design was borrowed from Proto if i recall. i have the long dewalt wrenches also.

image.jpg
 
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Skeptic68W

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I get it, CM raised panel wrenches aren’t the best out there, but they’re certainly not the worst, especially the USA made variants. They were my first wrenches (stamped VA) and are still my go-to’s sometimes. I have USA CM Professional’s, MAC Precision Torque’s and Carlyle long pattern’s. Each of them are fantastic wrenches.

What I will tell you is that I trust my CM raised panels more than I would anything from Husky, Kobalt, Gearwrench, Stanley, etc... They all look cheap, feel cheap and I don’t enjoy busting my knuckles up.

I’ve saved myself many thousands of dollars over the years using basic Craftsman hand tools and there isn’t anything wrong with those wrenches. As a matter of fact, we were using a couple of them last night doing a water pump job on my buddy’s ‘99 Neon race car. I was happy to see them when I opened the drawer.

I've also got the Carlyles, and love them, but I've gotta say I'm most envious that you were able to score a set of Cman Pros. I covet those, same with the screwdrivers.

As for the raised panel wrenches, I would honestly rather use the cheap chrome HF wrenches that cost 10 bucks a set. They're more comfortable.


I'm also in your camp of "Craftsman gives me the warm and fuzzies". I know there are better tools for the money in most cases, but they don't give me that feeling, and that feeling is worth something to me.
 
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Skeptic68W

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They surely not the worst(the usa made ones) but if their was a wrench that was know for busting knuckles it would be the CM raised panel, specially the Chinese variant and the Rachets.

the best CM wrench ever produced were the SK variants, this dewalt come close except the fit and finish. It deff a bummer they don't offer full sets.

They offer a full SAE set, so I assume a metric one is coming. Can be found on the Lowes website, but who knows if they will be regular stock in the stores. I'm sure Amazon will have them by the end of the year.
 

Jtels85

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I've also got the Carlyles, and love them, but I've gotta say I'm most envious that you were able to score a set of Cman Pros. I covet those, same with the screwdrivers.

I had to pony up a couple hundred bucks to get that set of Pro wrenches off eBay some years back. They are the Danahar sourced models, 7-19mm. The Pro screwdrivers I happened to find at the now defunct Sears Outlet on Thanksgiving night 2015 for $2.50 a piece. They had two huge boxes full and it was hit or miss whether the tips were blasted or not. I bought all the ones with blasted tips, built two complete sets and sold the rest. I spent somewhere around $200 that night on screwdrivers, but made my money back. :beer:
 

monster1

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I don't think there's a lot of hate directed at them. It's just that wrenches have improved so much over the years.
Back in the day if you wanted a combination wrench with off corner engagement or an anti slip open end, you had to visit the snap on truck.
Now days the market is flooded with sets containing those features.
The plain jane craftsman raised panel wrench was used my millions at work and on countless projects. It has a great warranty but, never was that refined. It will get the job done day in and day out but, there's just soo many other options available today.


I've always thought of the USA made craftsman raised panel wrenches as the Winchester 30-30 of wrenches. Nothing special, but reliable and gets the job done. Wish I never traded mine for the Husky long patterns back in the day at home depot.
 

Andres26tnt

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They offer a full SAE set, so I assume a metric one is coming. Can be found on the Lowes website, but who knows if they will be regular stock in the stores. I'm sure Amazon will have them by the end of the year.

Cool i searched for the metric on lowes and found them but for some reason i cant see them no more. This makes me think they will only be offer online only.
 

bonneyman

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The sockets were great. The wrenches were good, but short. The ratchets left a lot to be desired, outside of the RHFT. The Cman pro line by Armstrong and SK were excellent -- including the Mayhew breaker bars. Hammers were always solid. There was a lot to like about Cman's lineup just a decade ago. The COO was right too. Some of the rebrands were the same the trucks were peddling in the more specialized tools.

I have to say, in my opinion, the 90s and early 00s raised panel wrenches were gone wrenches. The broaching was clean and accurate at both ends, the steel was great. They weren't pretty by any means, and certainly not long...

But I never, not once had one fail or spread. Never had one be out of spec. They always worked, and my sets still do. My only complaint is the length, but that's not really a flaw...

Never had one cause pain in my hand.... Never understood that claim. There are no sharp edges, and the panel is barely raised. I've felt some minor pain from wrenches with squared thin beams, but never CM raised panel.

The raised panel wrench was the low end of a completely serviceable wrench market.. They would always work, but no frills or pretty chrome. There were always wrenches that were a lot worse that performed poorly for the same money. Always much much nicer wrenches for more money.

IMO the CM raised panel was, for the money spent, probably the best wrench one could buy for a long time. Plain, no frills, reliably get the job done tool, and cheap enough for anyone.

I think it's a major shame that there is no current wrench that fills that spot.

Sent from my LGLS676 using Tapatalk

I feel like you guys. :thumbup:

Craftsman sockets were always a great deal, but never liked their standard ratchets. (S-K ratchets were always my go-to).
Never tried many of their wrenches, though the ones S-K made for them looked really good. (If you could pry the Bonney wrenches out of my hand you might get me to try those). Though I did have a set of Sears-branded shorty DBE's that were good, and a similar combo set was in my work tools and never failed me.
The warranty was the main factor in purchasing from Sears, but when I realized their demise was inevitable I put together a set of G code sockets in SAE and metric from pawn shops as backups and vehicle sets. I think those were USA-made, and had the kinda gray-ish chrome. Solid users.
 

Fedwrench

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I swung by Lowes yesterday just to see what was up. they had the 7 piece wrench sets on an end cap. I have to say i wasn't impressed with them just looking at them in their packaging. First off, they're finished in "gunmetal chrome" which to me looks a little on the gray side. The second thing i noticed was the box end thickness seem to vary a bit between sizes. they could be great wrenches but, they didn't make a strong first impression on me. Perhaps if they sell open stock, i'll pick up a 13 or 15 mm for closer examination. :dunno:
Not to hijack the thread but, while at Lowes I looked at the other Craftsman tools displayed on end caps and found this compact 1/4 drive set:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...n-Drive-6-point-Shallow-Socket-Set/1000595045
What initially drew me to it was that the set was contained in a nice compact red plastic box. i thought it would be a nice travel kit. However as i looked closer at it though the clam shell packaging, i thought the ratchet seemed huge, kind of dull, and the set was missing 5.5 mm. I flipped the package over to see that the set was made in China. Probably still a decent set but, i'll pass. :beer:
 

Andres26tnt

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I swung by Lowes yesterday just to see what was up. they had the 7 piece wrench sets on an end cap. I have to say i wasn't impressed with them just looking at them in their packaging. First off, they're finished in "gunmetal chrome" which to me looks a little on the gray side. The second thing i noticed was the box end thickness seem to vary a bit between sizes. they could be great wrenches but, they didn't make a strong first impression on me. Perhaps if they sell open stock, i'll pick up a 13 or 15 mm for closer examination. :dunno:
Not to hijack the thread but, while at Lowes I looked at the other Craftsman tools displayed on end caps and found this compact 1/4 drive set:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...n-Drive-6-point-Shallow-Socket-Set/1000595045
What initially drew me to it was that the set was contained in a nice compact red plastic box. i thought it would be a nice travel kit. However as i looked closer at it though the clam shell packaging, i thought the ratchet seemed huge, kind of dull, and the set was missing 5.5 mm. I flipped the package over to see that the set was made in China. Probably still a decent set but, i'll pass. :beer:


That is the point of "gun metal" it just for the darker chrome finish.
 
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Skeptic68W

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Perhaps but, I don't care for it. I guess I would prefer a satin finish first followed by normal chrome but, that's just me. :beer:

The finish is personal preference, but I think the gunmetal is...fine. Don't much care either way.

I thought they looked pretty good. The open ends are low profile, no more lobster claws. :thumbup: and the wrench racks they come with could be quite nice for some folks because just like the Milwaukee sets, you can fit both sets into 1 toolbox drawer and have open wrench storage in there. They fit together, side by side.
 
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Skeptic68W

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Skeptic68W, which other brands of wrenches have you ever had in your hands?

Right now my main set is the Carlyle Long Patterns. I have them in combos and ratcheting. :thumbup:

Over the years, between my family/friend's tools and my own, off the top of my head I can remember using:

USA Bonney (John Deere rebrand)
Newer John Deere (Offshore taiwan, unsure of maker)
SK (couple different styles)
Mac (couple different styles)
RP Craftsman (US and Offshore)
Evolv Craftsman (Offshore, polished)
Chinese Craftsman Max Axcess
Harbor Freight Professional (Taiwan polished)
Lots of el cheapo Stanley and no-name brands. **** you buy at the dollar store to bend or beat on with hammers
I've used some Snappy ratchets and things, but don't think I've used their wrenches.

Of those, I thought the Bonney's had the best balance and hand feel, followed closely behind by the Craftsman Max Axcess. Worst of the bunch was a tie between RP Craftsman, and the RP Sk's, polished SK was better.

Fastener fit seems tightest on the Bonney's and the Carlyles.

I should also say, just FYI, I haven't handled these new Craftsman wrenches. I just looked at them on the shelf in the package, so I can't comment on anything other than their appearance. I was just happy to see a long pattern wrench, with what looked like a nice finish (for the price), and had the anti-slip open end similar to the Max Axcess ones which is kinda interesting.
 

sberry

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I own hundreds of cman wrenches and sockets. They were affordable but the sockets and ratchets been **** for a long time. I don't think I ever had a socket set didn't bust at least 1 right out of the gate. I buy my first big set in 1980. I was really worried when one of the first tools I use was a 15mm 1/2 dr with hand ratchet under a car, snapped. Must have replaced a couple dozen similar, none worked hard at the time. Never busted a cman wrench. Had some I pounded on and put cheaters on them.
 
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Skeptic68W

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I own hundreds of cman wrenches and sockets. They were affordable but the sockets and ratchets been **** for a long time. I don't think I ever had a socket set didn't bust at least 1 right out of the gate. I buy my first big set in 1980. I was really worried when one of the first tools I use was a 15mm 1/2 dr with hand ratchet under a car, snapped. Must have replaced a couple dozen similar, none worked hard at the time. Never busted a cman wrench. Had some I pounded on and put cheaters on them.

Same here, I've split several sockets over the years, and never once has it been a Craftsman. I've split SK's, Snap On's, Mac's, and some cheapies. No Craftsmans.

Never broken any wrenches I don't think haha.
 

Wamsutta

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Right now my main set is the Carlyle Long Patterns. I have them in combos and ratcheting. :thumbup:

Over the years, between my family/friend's tools and my own, off the top of my head I can remember using:

USA Bonney (John Deere rebrand)
Newer John Deere (Offshore taiwan, unsure of maker)
SK (couple different styles)
Mac (couple different styles)
RP Craftsman (US and Offshore)
Evolv Craftsman (Offshore, polished)
Chinese Craftsman Max Axcess
Harbor Freight Professional (Taiwan polished)
Lots of el cheapo Stanley and no-name brands. **** you buy at the dollar store to bend or beat on with hammers
I've used some Snappy ratchets and things, but don't think I've used their wrenches.

Of those, I thought the Bonney's had the best balance and hand feel, followed closely behind by the Craftsman Max Axcess. Worst of the bunch was a tie between RP Craftsman, and the RP Sk's, polished SK was better.

Fastener fit seems tightest on the Bonney's and the Carlyles.

I should also say, just FYI, I haven't handled these new Craftsman wrenches. I just looked at them on the shelf in the package, so I can't comment on anything other than their appearance. I was just happy to see a long pattern wrench, with what looked like a nice finish (for the price), and had the anti-slip open end similar to the Max Axcess ones which is kinda interesting.


Ah Ha! I knew it! You're missing out! :D
 

sk farmer

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I thought the Bonney's had the best balance and hand feel, followed closely behind by the Craftsman Max Axcess.
you are on the right track here. imop the bonney made wrenches ( bonney, matco, john deere, etc) no matter what name was stamped on them are some of the best wrenches ever made. i always meant to pick up a set of the cman max wrenches as the looked nice but i wanted to get them at a better deal and all of a sudden they were gone. never really heard anyone say anything bad about them but as usual with cman, anything good gets replaced with ****!:lol_hitti:lol_hitti:lol_hitti
 
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Skeptic68W

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you are on the right track here. imop the bonney made wrenches ( bonney, matco, john deere, etc) no matter what name was stamped on them are some of the best wrenches ever made. i always meant to pick up a set of the cman max wrenches as the looked nice but i wanted to get them at a better deal and all of a sudden they were gone. never really heard anyone say anything bad about them but as usual with cman, anything good gets replaced with ****!:lol_hitti:lol_hitti:lol_hitti

For sure. They just feel perfect in the hand. Any idea why that is? Balance is the only complaint I have about my Carlyles. I love the finish, they're nice and long, and they fit fasteners really well...but they don't have the same balance the Bonney's have. In most sizes, I can effortlessly spin the Bonneys between my fingers like you'd do with a pencil when you were bored in study hall or something. Feels like it's always in balance.


I've got a spare set of the SAE ones I'd sell ya for cheap if you wanna give them a go. No metric though, I've only got one set of those and I'm not forking them over haha. :beer:
 
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sk farmer

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For sure. They just feel perfect in the hand. Any idea why that is? Balance is the only complaint I have about my Carlyles. I love the finish, they're nice and long, and they fit fasteners really well...but they don't have the same balance the Bonney's have. In most sizes, I can effortlessly spin the Bonneys between my fingers like you'd do with a pencil when you were bored in study hall or something. Feels like it's always in balance.


I've got a spare set of the SAE ones I'd sell ya for cheap if you wanna give them a go. No metric though, I've only got one set of those and I'm not forking them over haha. :beer:

thanks but no thanks (unless they are the bonney made john deere). i have piles of v-cut bonney made wrenches in almost every length and size, standard and metric, many nos never used . my favorites are the long pattern but i have a few wxl matco that are really nice in the right place.
 
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Skeptic68W

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thanks but no thanks (unless they are the bonney made john deere). i have piles of v-cut bonney made wrenches in almost every length and size, standard and metric, many nos never used . my favorites are the long pattern but i have a few wxl matco that are really nice in the right place.

I was talking about the Craftsman Max Axcess ones.

I wish I had a Bonney set, but alas, I do not. My father's main wrench set is Bonney John Deere's, so that's my exposure to them.
 
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Skeptic68W

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Made a quick video comparing the Max Axcess wrenches to the Carlyle Long Patterns I have.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NVbgWVoPNR3ZJE8J9

I have no idea why I filmed this with a high definition camera and yet the version you see when you click the link looks like it was filmed with a potato....
 
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sk farmer

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I was talking about the Craftsman Max Axcess ones.

I wish I had a Bonney set, but alas, I do not. My father's main wrench set is Bonney John Deere's, so that's my exposure to them.
well that is a different story. i may be able to put a mixed brand set of bonney made sae if you were interested in a trade. pm me what you may need.
 

Andres26tnt

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Right now my main set is the Carlyle Long Patterns. I have them in combos and ratcheting. :thumbup:

Over the years, between my family/friend's tools and my own, off the top of my head I can remember using:

USA Bonney (John Deere rebrand)
Newer John Deere (Offshore taiwan, unsure of maker)
SK (couple different styles)
Mac (couple different styles)
RP Craftsman (US and Offshore)
Evolv Craftsman (Offshore, polished)
Chinese Craftsman Max Axcess
Harbor Freight Professional (Taiwan polished)
Lots of el cheapo Stanley and no-name brands. **** you buy at the dollar store to bend or beat on with hammers
I've used some Snappy ratchets and things, but don't think I've used their wrenches.

Of those, I thought the Bonney's had the best balance and hand feel, followed closely behind by the Craftsman Max Axcess. Worst of the bunch was a tie between RP Craftsman, and the RP Sk's, polished SK was better.

Fastener fit seems tightest on the Bonney's and the Carlyles.

I should also say, just FYI, I haven't handled these new Craftsman wrenches. I just looked at them on the shelf in the package, so I can't comment on anything other than their appearance. I was just happy to see a long pattern wrench, with what looked like a nice finish (for the price), and had the anti-slip open end similar to the Max Axcess ones which is kinda interesting.

Never hold a bonney wrenche, but if their anything like SO i might just going to have to look at them.

i was surprised by the quality and feel of Milwaukee wrenches, they feel really good in the hand. The dewalt version of the Craftsman also felt good, so it leads me to believe that they are good wrenches.
 
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Skeptic68W

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Do I take it that Lowe's will honor lifetime warranty on Craftsman tools but only via mail?

That is yet to be determined it seems. Some people report being able to warranty Craftsman stuff right there in store, but others have reported being told they have to contact SBD directly and deal with mail exchange.

Honestly, there is no way in hell there will be much in-store exchange. Lowes simply doesn't devote the floor space in their stores necessary to tools to have any of the **** in stock. Maybe a few basics like a ratchet or extension, but no way you're warranting anything remotely specific in store. You'll have to deal with mail exchange like every other brand.

Speaking of that, I emailed Craftsman last week about exchanging a busted 1/2 to 3/8 adapter...still haven't heard jack **** from them. :confused:
 

TwoInch

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Do I take it that Lowe's will honor lifetime warranty on Craftsman tools but only via mail?
Until they have open stock, they can only do by mail...

Sears does the exact same thing if they don't have it in stock...

Gotta give Lowe's and SBD time to fully roll out.

I think it was a little excessive for the guy to expect in-store warranty of something they store does not have in open stock.

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Skeptic68W

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Until they have open stock, they can only do by mail...

Sears does the exact same thing if they don't have it in stock...

Gotta give Lowe's and SBD time to fully roll out.

I think it was a little excessive for the guy to expect in-store warranty of something they store does not have in open stock.

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What makes you think they are going to have jack-**** available open stock? :headscrat

We are talking about Lowes here aren't we?...Lowes is awful.
 

Andres26tnt

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What makes you think they are going to have jack-**** available open stock? :headscrat

We are talking about Lowes here aren't we?...Lowes is awful.

true Lowes is awful lol. SBD doesn't even own Lowe's so i don't get how people expect lowes to be stock like sears was.
 

TwoInch

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What makes you think they are going to have jack-**** available open stock? :headscrat

We are talking about Lowes here aren't we?...Lowes is awful.

Because Lowe's carries a ton of open stock items..... Drawers and drawers of single packaged open stock items.

What makes you believe they won't? :headscrat Maybe they will, maybe they won't. Not the point. I don't think Lowes will be the new sears... I actually think it would be stupid to attempt that in the currently market.... Everything it's done online and shipped.... But not warranty... That's unacceptable right? Yea ok.

It really doesn't matter of it's Lowe's or whoever. SBD has to roll out the full tool line for retailers to actually have the ****... Again, expecting a store to warranty something they don't actually have or carry is excessive.... Lowes was just an example.

That was the actual point. Sears made/makes you warranty by mail too if they don't have the item... Again. What other option is there exactly?




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TwoInch

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true Lowes is awful lol. SBD doesn't even own Lowe's so i don't get how people expect lowes to be stock like sears was.
Again, not sure anyone is saying that.

But Lowes may Actually understand that the CRAFTSMAN name is more sought after than KOBALT...

And there may be more profit in taking CM from a dying Sears and make money in a company that is not dead.... I have no reason to say yay or nay either way. But I would bet... That Lowe's is market testing whether craftsman will sell, and whether they are going to ramp stock way up.... If those craftsman wrench sets sell 5x as much as the junk kobalts, they will act on that. There may be a potential deal with SBD to sell a full line exclusively.. Who knows.. Do you? The possibilities are near endless..

And i do know kobalt is known as junk, and CM is not, and they are in the same customer base, market, and price point. They would be foolish not to capitalize on it if it's profitable.... And foolish to jump in with both feet not knowing if it Will sell. These things take time.

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